1054 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Edith, Ada and Rosamond. The parents hold membership with the Presbyteran Church, and Mr. Trepanier belongs to Middleton Lodge No. 786, I. 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 Nancy McKee, who was of Irish lineage. They located on a farm of eighty acres which he had secured, and there the mother died in 1837. Some years later the father wedded Marietta 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 Western 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 sons Clarence, born in October, 1882, and Roy, born November 7, 1888. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Smith located upon his present farm of 100 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 and Ebenezer, deceased and S. O., 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. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1055 WILLIAM S. DUESLER is numbered among the worthy citizens that the Empire State has furnished to Ohio. He was born in Yates county, N. Y., June 5, 1843, and is a son of George and Ellen M. (Schenck) Duesler. The father learned the trades of wood turning and blacksmithing in early life, and for many years followed those pursuits. About fifteen years after his marriage he removed with his family to Michigan, locating on a farm which his sons operated, while he carried on his trade. After two years he came to Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land in Seneca county, where he remained for several years. There the mother died. The father has since married Rachel McEwen, and is now living retired in Republic, Ohio. The children of the first marriage are as follows: John J., now of Kansas, was a soldier in Company A, 55th O. V. I., and lost his right arm at the battle of Chancellorsville: Miles belonged to the same company, was wounded in the same battle, and was then taken to a Rebel hospital, was paroled, and returned to Annapolis, Md., where he died of his wounds; Jane A. is wife of F. C. Everett, of Crawford county, Ohio; William S. is the next younger: Sarah is the wife of J. A., Colwell, of Republic, Ohio. The children of the second marriage are Maria, wife of Jonathan Witter, of Republic; and George H., of Lafayette, Indiana. William S. Duesler spent the greater part of his boyhood days in Seneca county, and attended the common schools until the age of twenty. At that time he enlisted, September 20, 1861, as a member of Company I, 9th O. V. C., and in the spring went with his regiment to the front, participating in the battle of Waynesboro, the Atlanta campaign, and all the engagements of Sherman's command until the close of the war receiving an honorable discharge at Lexington, N. C., July 20, 1865. Mr. Duesler at once returned home, and was married November 28, 1865, to Mary E. Hoover, a native of Seneca county. Four years later they removed to Kansas where Mr. Duesler took up a soldier's homestead of 160 acres, on which he lived for two years. He then returned to Seneca county, and operated his father's farm until 1870, when he traded his property in Kansas for sixty acres of land in Henry township, Wood county, where he lived until 1880. He has since resided at his present home, where he owns forty acres of land that is now a well-improved tract. Here Mrs. Duesler died November 14, 1894. In the family were eight children - Alice I., born June 3, 1867, is the wife of John R. Bateson, of Six Points, Wood county; Miles U., born January 15, 1869, is the husband of Nina Walls, and lives in Liberty; Harry C., born March 27, 1871, is at home; Julia E., born June 16, 1874 is the wife of J. Bennard, of Liberty; Effie Pearl, born November 29, 1876, died March 12, 1878; Oliver W., born March 14, 1880, died October 18, 1882; Lloyd, and Floyd, twins, born September 1, 1883, are at home. Mr. Duesler was again married. May 9, 1895, this second union being with Miss Elizabeth (Caris) Drummond, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1853, a daughter of William and Catherine (Heckard) Caris. The father was born in Ohio, the mother in Pennsylvania, and in 1867 they came to Wood county; locating in Portage township, where they now reside on a farm of sixty-seven acres. Their children were Eliza; Daniel, deceased; Anna, who died. in infancy; Mrs. Duesler; Oliver, who died at the age of four years; Philip Susan, and Jennie. In politics, Mr. Duesler is a stalwart Prohibitionist, but takes no active part in politics aside from casting his ballot. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He started out in life a poor boy, but was steadily through his own efforts has acquired a comfortable competence. THOMAS J. HENRY is a native of Perry township, where he was born December 27, 1845. His father, Hosea Henry; was born in New Hampshire in 1809, and was the son of Benjamin, who moved to New York when a child. Hosea was reared a farmer's boy, and attended the district schools of his time. When a young man he came to Wood county, and located in Section 8, Perry township, which was then heavily wooded. Mr. Henry helped to cut the roads around West Millgrove, which was at that time covered with trees. He was married in Montgomery township May 16, 1840, by Guy Morgan, J. P., to Miss Nancy Smith, who was born in East Union township, Wayne county, August 13, 1821. She was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Witherspoon) Smith. Mr. Smith came from Pennsylvania in an early day to Wayne county, and in about 1836 settled in Montgomery township, where he had entered 160 acres of land the fall before, built a log house, with puncheon floor and clapboard roof. Mr. and Mrs. Henry went to housekeeping on his eighty acres of land in Section 8, Perry township, in a small log house, which was rudely 1056 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. furnished with primitive furniture. Their children were: Orrin, living at Bowling Green; Sarah J., died young; Charles A. a physician of Fostoria; Thomas J., our subject; Lorinda, the wife of James Lusk, and who died in Perry, Perry, a resident of West Millgrove; Silas, died in infancy; Winfield, died while young; and Alice, married to Dr. D. O. Fruth, of Chicago, Ill. Mr. Henry was a Whig and Republican, and although no office-seeker, was a stanch supporter of his party. He had always followed the occupation of a farmer, and his last farm, on which his widow now lives, was started in the woods, which was cleared away by him and his sons. He was a self-made man in the fullest sense of the word, spent an active, busy life, and died March 17, 1883, in the house now occupied by his family. Our subject spent his time in school and upon the farm until August 27, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, 111th Regiment, O. V. I., under Capt. Yeager. The regiment's first fight took place at Perryville, Ky., Mr. Henry stayed with the regiment, participating in all the fights until December, 1862, when he was taken ill with measles, and confined three months in the Louisville (Ky.) and New Albany (Ind. hospitals. He joined his regiment in the spring of 1863, at Bowling Green, and remained with it until January, 1863; was laid up with fever at Nashville, Jeffersonville, Ind., and Camp Dennison, Ohio, and was sent home on a furlough. He returned to Camp Dennison, but never got nearer the field of action, as the war closed. He was discharged June 26, 1865, and returned home. He was employed by his father on the home farm, and for nearly two years worked in a sawmill in the western part of Wood county. Two years more were spent in a grocery store in Fostoria, and then he again went to the home place, and has been living there continuously ever since. Being the eldest boy at home, and his father's health failing, he was given charge of the farm and has managed it in a most competent manner. Mr. Henry is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for Brough, for Governor of Ohio. He is one of the staunchest members of the party, and. was for nine years trustee of Perry township: and in the spring of 1895 was elected its justice of the peace. He is a charter member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 646, at Prairie Depot., and also of Conley Post G.A.R. at West Millgrove, and Lodge No. 446, K. of P, at the same at same place. On January 10, 1870, Mr. Henry was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Bosler, daughter of Tobias Bosler, and a native of Pennsylvania. She departed this life May 6, 1892, and is buried at West Millgrove. One son was born to this couple, John M., August 14, 1874; he attends school at Fostoria. Mr. Henry was married March 19, 1896, to Miss Alice Albert, daughter of John Albert, of Fostoria. Our subject is a popular, is a popular, well-to-do citizen of Perry, and has a host of friends. He is well posted on the current events of the day, being fond of reading, and is a pleasant and interesting companion. JAMES E. HUMMEL, proprietor of a general mercantile establishment at Wingston, has a well-equipped store containing large and carefully selected stock and the public accords him a liberal patronage. His earnest endeavor to please his patrons, and his honorable dealing have enabled him to build up a good business and he occupies an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Hunnel was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, August 30, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Ellsworth) Hummel, the latter of whom was born in Painsville, N. Y., in 1823. The father was born in Germany, in 1820, and came to the United States with his parents when seven years of age. They located first in Columbiana county, Ohio, subsequently removed to Jackson township, Sandusky county, where the grandfather died. John Hunnel was there reared and educated, and after his marriage located in Scott township, where his death occurred in 1886. His widow is still living. Their children were James E.; George W., a farmer of Arkansas; Lorenzo D., of Sandusky county; Matilda wife of Wesley Smith, of Seneca county; Margaret M., widow of John Michaels, Albert F., of Seneca county, Mary E., of Fostoria, Ohio, and Alonzo, of Seneca county. Mr. Hummel, the subject proper of this review was early inured to the arduous labor of developing a new farm, and at the age of seventeen he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand until he had attained his majority, after which he operated the old homestead for three years. Subsequently he rented a farm for a year, and then removed to Michigan, where he aided in laying out the town of Freeport. A. year later he returned to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he bought twenty acres of land, making his home thereon four years, and on April 12, 1876, he came to Liberty township, trading his farm for thirty acres here. In April, 1877, he went to Milton township, and two years later to Portage township, where he lived three years. In the WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1057 spring of 1882,he embarked in merchandising in Wingston, and in the spring of 1891, he erected his present store. He build his home in the spring of 1882, and in addition to this property he owns a forty-acre farm in Henry township, and 112 acres of land in Sandusky county. He has an eighty-acre oil farm in Section 33, Liberty township, containing seven oil wells, and twenty-two acres of land in Section 29, Liberty township, whereon stands his fine home. Mr. Hummel was married, September 12, 1869, in Sandusky county, to Christena Riegler, who was born December 25, 1851, a daughter of John G. and Mary (Stohl) Riegler, natives of Germany, who were married in Holmes county, Ohio, and died in Sandusky county. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel have three children: Laura, wife of George Brink, of Liberty township; Mary E., wife of John Gilger, of Liberty township; and Dolly M., at home. In politics Mr. Hummel is a Republican, and he served as justice of the peace for one term. He is a man of excellent business and executive ability, and has been the architect of his own fortunes. In manner he is genial and courteous, traits which make him very popular. Socially, he is a member of Subordinate Lodge No. 598, I. O. O. F., at Milton Center, with which he united in 1892, and also of the Encampment; and he is a most valuable and active member of Wingston Lodge No. 553, K. of P. which was instituted March 25, 1892, mainly through his instrumentality. He secured the first sixteen names to the charter list, which comprises thirty-five names, was first chancellor commander, and has filled nearly all the offices in the lodge, which now has more than seventy members in good standing. JOHN A. TODD, one of the industrious and enterprising farmers of Portage township, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 29, 1855, and is the ninth in order of birth in the family of thirteen children of Andrew and Mary (McCullough) Todd, both natives of Pennsylvania, but who departed this life in Columbiana county. As his parents were in limited circumstances, the educational advantages afforded our subject were quite limited, but his training at farm labor was not so meager. As soon as he was old enough he was put to work, and, until he reached the age of twenty-two, his earnings went toward the support of the family. In September, 1876, he left his native county, coming to Weston, Wood county, where his uncle, Michael B. Todd, was living. It was his intention, to make only a visit; but he began work as a farm hand for his uncle and later was employed by others in the same capacity. Returning to Columbiana county, he there remained for a few months, but since that time he has made his home in Wood county. In Portage township, in March, 1880, Mr. Todd married Miss Anna Miller, of Seneca county, Todd, Ohio., and a daughter of A. B. Miller, now of Jerry City, Ohio. He rented land in Portage township, and later in Center and Montgomery townships, where he also engaged in teaming then returning to Portage township. After renting a farm for five years in Liberty township, he removed to the Coffinberry farm, where he yet lives, owning forty acres of as good land as can be found in Portage township. When he came to this county he had but six dollars, and for the first three years was ill a great deal of the time with ague. Notwithstanding these difficulties he has succeeded in securing a good property, all the result of his own toil and energy. On February 4, 1893, Mr. Todd was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was laid to rest in Portage cemetery. To them had been born five children - Berdell, Charles and Elva, at home; Pearlie, who died August 18, 1889, and Elmer, who died in infancy. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Todd was, in her maidenhood, Miss Lizzie Sells, daughter of Jerry Sells. She has many friends in this community, and is a consistent member of the Disciples Church. Besides general farming, Mr. Todd is also extensively engaged in teaming, which business adds materially to his income. His straight-forward, honorable life has gained him the confidence of all. Socially, he belongs to Whitney Lodge No. 589, I. O. O. F., of Portage, and his political interests are with the Democratic party. DENNIS O'LEARY, a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county, resides in Section 29, Lake township, where his birth took place in 1846 at the home of his parents. John and Ellen (McCarty) O'Leary, both natives of Ireland. When about eighteen years of age, the father left the Emerald Isle on a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York after voyage of seven weeks. After remaining in that city for a short time, he went to Georgia, where he was employed on public works until 1835 when he secured a position with a railroad. The next year, however, he came to Maumee, Ohio, where he worked on the Maumee canal; but the following winter was again spent in railroading in Georgia, and on his return to Maumee, he resumed work on the canal. He was also employed on 1058 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. the National pike, until it was completed, during which time he was married at Detroit, Mich. He became one of the First settlers of Lake township, Wood county, where he secured eighty acres of government land, to which he later added another eighty-acre tract, covered with a dense growth of trees, and not even a road had been laid out to the place. It was about 1842 when he located upon his land, his first home being a log cabin, but he went earnestly to work, and soon acre after acre was placed under the plow. He became quite well and favorably know throughout the county, and was serving as trustee of his township (which office he filled for three years) at the time of his death. His political support was given the Democratic party, and religiously he was a member of the Roman Catholic Church at Maumee. He was an excellent walker, often going to church and back on foot, and in his youngest years would walk from near Perrysburg to Wilkinson, Ohio, where he would do a day's harvesting for fifty cents, and then return home at night. His death occurred 1883, upon the old home farm, where his widow still resides. Six of their nine children are yet living, namely: Mary, at home; Dennis, subject of this sketch; John, Johanna and Ellen, all at home: and Dan, a resident of Mercer county, Ohio. Dennis O'Leary was reared upon the old homestead and obtained his education in the district schools of Lake township. On leaving the parental roof, in 1868, he went to Iowa, locating in the city of Tama, Tama county, where he was employed for two years at the carpenter's trade, after which he returned to Wood county, and has since been numbered among its most energetic and progressive farmers. In 1873 Mr. O'Leary was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Ludington, a native of England, and a daughter of William F. and Susan (Cornwall) Ludington. Since the death of her father, her mother has become the wife of Dr. Buckland, of Stoney Ridge, Ohio. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife: Mary, wife of Sydney Weaver, of Lake township; John; William; and Edward. In politics Mr. O'Leary is a stalwart Democrat, has served as a member of the school board since April 1893, has been trustee of his township. He holds membership with the Roman Catholic Church of Perrysburg, Ohio, and is largely interested in any movement that is for improvement of the township and county or that will elevate and benefit the people among whom he lives. THOMAS SHINEW, one of the successful, progressive farmers of Portage township, was born October 2, 1851, in Montgomery township, and is the eldest son of Dennis and Catherine (Gunder) Shinew. Our subject was the son of poor parents, and he was obliged to spend his younger days hard at work on the farm. His schooling was greatly neglected, as he was able to attend only a few weeks each winter. He served an apprenticeship in farming under his father's instructions and remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years old, up to which time he had never had $2 at one time that he could call his own. He started to work for his uncle; receiving seventy-five cents a day. He earned: $9, with whick he bought a pair of boots and a pair of trousers. On April 3, 1876, he married in Center township, Miss Sarah Nelson, a native of Hancock county, and a daughter of William Nelson. At this time Mr: Shinew had saved $800 from his earnings, and with this he rented land in Portage, and lived there until he bought fifty-six acres in Section 3; of that township, from Noah Helm, for which he went heavily in debt. Later he sold this land and bought elsewhere. He took a contract for ditching, and made considerable money. About 1888 he moved to Section 8, Portage township, where he now resides, buying land at different times, until at present times, until at present he has 247 acres In 1891 he built one of the finest barns in the township. To. Mr. and Mrs. Shinew, have been born these children: Mary, William, Dennis, George, Isaac, Lester, Verna, and Thomas. All are living but Dennis. Our subject is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and has always been a hard working for its success. Although not an office seeker, he has been elected constable of Portage township. He is well posted on all the political issues, and his influence in this field has been keenly felt by both friend and foe. He is an active and devout member of the Christian Union, and belongs to the Clover Dale class. As a farmer Mr. Shinew has probably few equals in Portage township. for thrift and industry. An excellent manager and hard worker, his present position among the foremost of Portage township's farmers is secure. Dennis Shinew, father of our subject, was born in Canton Fribourg, Switzerland, about 1828. When he was seven years old he was brought by his parents to the United States, who located in Columbus, Ohio: about 1840 they came to Wood county, and Mr. Shinew bought eighty acres of land in Section 12, in Portage township. Here he erect a log house, with its WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1059 stick chimney and puncheon floor. He died after four years' residence in Wood county. Mrs. Shinew lived to be eighty years old. When sixteen years old Dennis left home, and went to work for a farmer for fifty cents a day. January 8, 1850, he has married to Miss Catherine Gunder; who was born in Harrisburg, Penn., September 16, 1834, and a daughter of Isaac Gunder. Mr. Dennis Shinew bought land in Montgomery township, for which he went in debt, and in March came to Section 9, Portage township, and bought seventy-seven acres, on which he lives at present. To him and his wife have been born these children: Thomas, our subject: Isaac, a farmer of Portage; George, also of Portage; Ellen, now Mrs. James Nelson, of Wood county; Eliza, who died in infancy; Susan, at home; Matilda, who married George Neirnberger, of Portage township; Frank D., living on a farm in Portage. Mr. Shinew is a Democrat, but is not an office seeker, and is not bound by party ties. He is a member of the German Baptist Church. He is a self-made man, and one whose success has been won by hard work. In 1877 he built one of the most substantial brick residences in the township, which has often been a rendezvous for travelers, who would make it a point to go there for meals and lodgings, with which they were always accommodated. Mr. Shinew has retired from active life, and is at present enjoying the fruits of his early labors. ELISHA M. HOLDEN, the pioneer blacksmith of Webster township, was born March 22, 1840, in Oneida county, N. Y. His father, Joseph Holden, a native of England, came to America at the age of. eighteen, and engaged in agriculture in Pennsylvania. He married Miss Catherine Dopp, of Pennsylvania, and had ten children: Elijah, a farmer in Michigan; Elisha M., our subject; Eliza, deceased; William, a farmer in Michigan; Thomas a resident of Findlay: Hattie, the wife George Chamberlain; Tressia, the wife of Edward Bonestell; Mary, now Mrs. Leroy Allen; Joseph, who died in the army; and one who died Our subject's parents moved to Lorain county, Ohio, some years after their marriage, and his father died there in 1854, his wife surviving him twenty-five years. him twenty-five years. Mr. Holden attended the schools of Columbia township, Lorain county, during boyhood and assisted his father upon the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, 124th O. V. I., (Col. O. H. Paine commanding). He served nine months as a blacksmith in the army; and took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, (where he was shot through the face), and many skirmishes. He received his discharge at Louisville, Ky., in 1864, and on returning home settled in Webster township, Wood county, and was for some years the only blacksmith in the township. In addition to carrying on his trade for the last thirty years, he has improved and cultivated a farm of ninety-four acres near Luckey, on which he has a fine modern barn, and house costing $1,000. He was married, in 1866, in Cleveland, Ohio to Miss Harriet Clague, who was born in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county, March 27, 1836. She died in 1867, and in December 1870, Mr. Holden married her sister, Miss Ellen Clague. Three children were born to this union: Irvin E., July 11, 1873; Mary E., May 11, 1877; and Frank, June 1, 1883. An energetic and enterprising business man, Mr: Holden still finds some time to give to the interests of the community, where his integrity and good judgement are highly appreciated. He has been school director, township trustee, and justice of the peace, and as an active worker in the M. E. Church he has held every office in the Church. He belongs to the G. A. R., Benedict Post, of Pemberville, of the I. O. G. T., and the P. of I., which he has been president and secretary. WILLIAM H. ROGERS is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Lake township, having a pleasant home in Section 22, where he located in 1868, purchasing at that time a wooded tract of thirty acres, which he has since cleared and place under a high state of cultivation. He was born in Cornwall, England, in 1848, and is the son of William and Margaret (Baker) Rogers, also natives of that county, where the mother died in 1862. The father brought his family to America two years later, and after living for a time in Lorain county, Ohio, came to Lake township, Wood county, Ohio, in 1866, where he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he and his present wife, wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Hancock, are still living. On coming to the New World he was accompanied by four children----William H., of this sketch; Maria, who died in Sylvania, Ohio, in 1893; Richard a resident of Bloomdale, Ohio; and Mrs. Ellen Tiplady, of Lake township. The education of our subject, which was begun in Cornwall, England, was completed in the schools of Pittsfield township, Lorain county, and he there followed agricultural pursuits until he became a permanent resident of Lake town- 1060 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ship in 1868. He was united in marriage in Lorain county with Miss Alice Ophelia Fauver, who was there born to Alonzo and Emeline R. (Kibby) Fauver natives of Vermont, who became early settlers of Eaton township, that county. Nine children born to this union -- Jesse, at home: Tillie, now Mrs. Adkins, of Toledo, Ohio; Edwin, Charles, Judson, Louisa, Ross and Roy (twins), and Flora. Politically, Mr. Rogers is a stanch Republican; socially, he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, Lodge No 244, at Millbury; and religiously, he holds membership with the Evangelical Association Church of that place. He has been prominently identified with the improvement and advancement of Lake township since his location here. CONRAD SIELING. Among the most worthy and substantial citizens of our country are to be found those of German birth or extraction, whose thrifty habits and untiring industry find, in this land of freedom and equality, a sure and speedy reward. and equality, a sure and speedy reward. The prosperous farmer, whose name opens this sketch, is the youngest of ten children born to his parents, Christopher and Elanora Sieling, and is a native of Prussia, where his birth took place August 16, 1838. His father was a farmer in the old country, and on coming to America in 1849, found his way to Wood county, Ohio, where he settled on a farm on the pike near Perrysburg. This was his home for the few remaining years of his life, he dying in 1855. The mother afterward resided with our subject until her death in August, 1869. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and most worthy people. They were the parents of the following children: Diederich, Frederick, Sophia, Sophia, Henry, Lazata Christie, Christopher, Caroline, Louise, and Conrad (our subject). Conrad Sieling was a lad of ten years when his parents emigrated to the United States, and was reared upon the home farm, attending school at Perrysburg, and assisting his father when not engaged in his studies. In 1862 he was married to Miss Mary Winters. who was born in Westphalia, Germany, March 5, 1840. Eleven children have Germany, March 5, 1840. Eleven children have come to bless this union, namely: (1) Louisa, who is the wife of Henry Schramm, and has three children, John, Emma and Clara: they reside in Perry township. (2) Mary, married John Schramm, and has two children, William and Louis; (3) Caroline married Jacob Schramm, and has three children, Oscar, Albert and Marten. (4) Christopher is a farmer and married Delia Limmer; they have one child named Merl. (5) Henry, (6) Dora, (7) Sarah, (8) Marguerite, (9) Fred, are all unmarried and at home, (10) Ella, died when an infant of seven months. (11) Conrad was drowned by falling into a cistern. Mr. Sieling has a good farm of 103 acres, where he carries on general farming. He is an industrious man, attends strictly to his business, and has been prospered accordingly. In politics he is a Republican, and is at preset a township trustee, to which office he was elected two years ago. He held the same position for two terms some twelve years ago, and is considered an excellent man for the place. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which they are active workers. THOMAS CLAGUE, a leading agriculturist of Webster township, was born near Brooklyn, Ohio, June 15, 1838. His father, James Clague, was born on the Isle of Man in 1802, and was married to Miss Mary Collister, also a native of the Isle of Man. Soon after their marriage, they settled on a farm in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and he died at his homestead in 1873. His widow still survives him. Mr. Clague was educated in the district schools near his early home, and later attended Berea College, in Berea, Ohio. He remained upon his father's farm until the age of twenty-two, when he enlisted in Company E, 65th O. V. I. (Capt. H. M. Whitbeck and Col. C. G. Harker, commanding). He spent four years and four months in the service, taking part in a number of battles, notably the engagements at Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Fall, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, and Spring Hill, receiving at the latter place a bullet wound in the head. In 1865 he was discharged at Victoria, Texas, and after his return home he came to Webster township, and in partnership with his brother Henry, erected a sawmill which they operated for eighteen years. In 1866 they bought 300 acres of wild land near Fenton, which they cleared and improved until it is now one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Clague was married in November, 1870, to Miss Eva Pugh, and has three children -- Edith is now teaching in Wood county. Ohio; and Clara and Herbert, are at home. Mrs. Clague was the daughter of the late David W. Pugh, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1810, a son of David and Jennie (Brown) Pugh. He came to Wood county in 1855, and bought 150 acres of land in Plain township, where he spent the remainder of his life. May 1, 1834; he was married in Perry county, to Miss WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1061 Jane Higgins, a native of Pennsylvania, born May 25, 1812. She was the daughter of James and Mary (McClellan) Higgins. Mrs. Clague, born July 14, 1851, is one of eight children. Mr. Pugh was a prominent citizen, a Whig in politics, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He died October 21, 1857, and his widow married William Gorrill, of Plain township, who died in 1877. Mrs. Gorrill now resides in Bowling Green. Mr. Clague is an enterprising and clear- headed business man, and his genial disposition wins and keeps for him the friendship of a wide circle of acquaintances. He votes the Republican ticket; belongs to the I. O. O. F., Centennial Lodge of Bowling Green, and to the G. A. R., Benedict Post, of Pemberville. He and his wife are prominent members of the M. E. Church of Luckey. M. H. ELLIOTT is an honored and well-known resident of Bloom township. A native of Ohio, he was born at Fostoria, Seneca county, March 15, 1855, to David M. and Lydia Ann Elliott; but when an infant his mother died, thus leaving leaving him destitute of the best friend on earth. So with no one to caress and cherish him, humor or pet him, he grew to be eleven years of age in Fostoria, where he enjoyed all the educational privileges accorded to any of the boys. Though he attended the old Stevens school, one mile southeast of Fostoria, he did not take the interest he would have taken, or that he was talented to take, had he had a mother to advise and aid him. He displayed remarkable tact in drawing, and has still some pen sketches of large animals. At the age of eleven years Mr. Elliott accompanied his father to Bloom township, Wood county, where the latter purchased forty acres of unimproved land in Section 21. Our subject then became a student in the old Baird Chapel School, where he remained until nineteen years of age. He continued to work on the home farm, or was employed at various occupations in the neighborhood. until 1879, when the effect of his younger life appeared, and he was consumed with a with a desire to see the world. He went first to Ionia, Mich., where he was employed in a saw and planing mill, after which he traveled through the West, the last winter of his stay being passed at Salina, Kans. In 1889, he returned to his native State, and has since made his home in Wood county. On March 13, of the same year, Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Jennings, of Putnam county, Ohio, and they have one child, Ollie Frances, born December 18, 1894. For one year Mr. Elliott lived upon the old homestead, and then purchased the A. Bailey farm at Bloom Center for an investment. After residing thereon for a short time, he sold the place at profit of $2,100 and purchased the G. R. Santemeyer farm, directly north of Bairdstown, with a view to finding oil. The first well drilled produced sixty barrels per day, and the second, five hundred. Notwithstanding this luck, he has not laid aside active labor, but is engaged in teaming, though the income derived there therefrom is insignificant compared to what he received from his oil. He has a comfortable home, supplied with every necessity and many of the luxuries of life. Though not taking an active part in political affairs, he loyally gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and socially he is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge at Bloomdale. ISAAC GIDDINGS, one of the numerous self-made men who are prominently identified with the farming interests of Wood county, resides in Troy township.. He comes from across the sea, his birth having occurred in March, Cambridgeshire, England on December 11, 1835, and is a son of Thomas and Ann (Setchfield) Giddings. The father engaged in farming and at general labor in England until his death, which occurred October 15, 1856, and there his wife also died about 1868. Of their family of nine children three are still living, namely: James, and Mrs. Sarah Ann Haile, both of London, England; and Isaac of this sketch. The last named was reared to manhood in Cambridgeshire, obtaining his education in the schools of March, and at the age of twenty-two went to London where he remarried until coming to America. Hearing of the splendid opportunities offered young men in the New World, he resolved to cast his lot on this side of the Atlantic, and on April 30, 1869, he landed at New York, whence he came direct to Wood county, arriving here on May 3. Mr. Giddings had, in the meantime, formed matrimonial ties, being married June 6, 1857, to Miss Frances Gainer, the wedding taking place in Ely, Cambridgeshire, where she was born. Her parents, James and Elizabeth (Muett) Gainer, were both natives of Ely, where their death occurred, the mother dying in 1867, and the father in 1875. They reared a family of five children, who still survive, all residents of Ely, England, with the exception of Mrs. Giddings, who is the third in order of birth. They are Amos, Charley, Mrs. Sarah Huckle and Mrs. Eliza Miller. On his arrival in Troy township, Mr. Giddings located on the Ridge, near the "Empire House." 1062 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. and was engaged at day labor, the first money he received being $5,: that he earned on the farm which is now his home. For two years he resided at that place in 1870 he began work for H. L. Wood, and April, 1873, took charge of the tollgate, being thus employed for six years. In March, 1879, he purchased his farm, which comprises thrity-five acres of fertile and highly cultivated land. For twenty-seven years, Mr. and Mrs .Gidings have made their home within the borders of Troy township, and they are numbered among its most highly respected citizens, taking an active interest in everything for the good of the community. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, John Thomas. They hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr Giddings is now serving as one of the trustees. Politically, he is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. JOHN RUDOLPH, one of the pioneer settlers of Washington township, was born in Germany, on May 21, 1827, a son of Conrad and Barbara Rudolph. In 1867 he decided to leave his native land with the hope of bettering his financial condition. He took passage at Bremen, and after a tedious voyage on the steamer "Bremen," landed safely at New York. He came at once to Hull Prairie, Wood county, where for a year he worked by the day. On the expriation of that time he purchased ten acres of wild land, entirely unimproved, and to which no roads had been cut. After clearing that tract he disposed of the same and bought twenty acres, to which he has since added a like amount. This he has tiled and ditched, and now has an arable and productive farm on which stands a good frame residence, erected at a cost of $1,200, and a barn built at a cost of $500. At the time of his arrival wild game was still found in abundance, including turkeys and deer, and most of the land was still in its primitive condition; but he has lived to witness a great transformation in this section, as the county now ranks among the most highly cultivated and improved in the State. On December 20, 1858, in his native land, Mr. Rudolph had married Anna Elizabeth Bikel, who was born in the little village of Hausen, Germany, and they became the parents' of nine children, but only one now survives--Gust, whose birth occurred August 10, 1864. He came with his parents to the New Word in 1867, and in the district schools of Wood county pursued his literary studies. He was married April 13, 1893, Anna Schutzberg becoming his wife, but she has now passed away, having died of consumption on June 2, 1895, aged twenty-seven years and twenty-seven days. Her remains rest in the Union Hill cemetery. The son, in connection with his father, operates their fine farm of sixty acres, and they are meeting with a well-deserved success. In politics they are stalwart Democrats, and in religious belief are Lutherans, attending the Church of that denomination in Haskins. They are worthy, respected members of society, and have many friends in the community who hold them in high regard. MOSES B. WALTERS has demonstrated in his life the fact that success is not the result of fortunate circumstances or the aid of influential friends, but may be achieved through earnest and persistent purpose, enterprise, and honorable dealing. The record of such a man is well perpetuation and we gladly give it a place in this volume. Mr. Walters was born in Montgomery township, August 25, 1848, and is a son of Joseph Walters, who was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, and afterward accompanied his parents to Wood county, locating in Montgomery township. The grandfather, Michael Walters, there entered from the government a tract of land which he improved and afterward sold. He then removed to Wyandot county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days in the home of his daughter: The father of our subject removed from Wood to Sandusky county, Ohio; but after two years returned to the old homestead in Montgomery township, where he continued for a similar period. Subsequently he spent two years in Wyandot county, and took up his residence; in Freeport, Wood county, where he made his home until his death in July, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Arnold, is now living in Fostoria, Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the widow of Hiram Pember. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Walters numbered the following named children--Michael, a carpenter of Fostoria. Ohio: Moses B., also a carpenter: Mary, who became the wife of Anthony Brockley, and died in Illinois; William. of Hatton, Ohio; Josiah, an express agent of Chicago, Ill.: Melita, wife of Dennis McCarthy; of Fostoria, Ohio.. Mr. Walters, of this review, began his education under the instruction of Charles Young in a district school, near Perrysburg, Ohio. He was about fifteen years of age when his parents removed to Freeport, where he completed his education by a three-terms' attendance at the public schools: Upon his father's death he went to live WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1063 with Rev. Dowling, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand for $20 per month and his board. Throughout his agricultural pursuits. After his marriage he lived on a farm near Jerry City for a year, then rented a forty-acre tract of land in Henry township. In 1884 he located on his present farm having here purchased forty acres on March 17, 1873. The place has all been cleared of timber, and has many excellent improvements upon it, including a comfortable two-story frame residence, while the well-tilled field yield to him a golden tribute. At West Millgrove, Wood county, in 1875, Mr. Walters married Sophia Henry, who was born near Jerry City, November 23, 1853. Their union has been blessed with five children, namely: Hattie, Orin, Irving, Jennie and Mary, all under the parental roof. The parents are active members of the Disciples Church at Mungen, Ohio, and socially Mr. Walters is connected with the Odd Fellows society there. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has served as supervisor, school director, and for three years as truant officer of Henry township. JASPER N. MOSIER, a well-known agriculturist of Grand Rapids township, was born in Fairfield county, November 29, 1838. Michael Mosier, his father, a tailor by occupation, married Miss Catherine Cooper, and reared a family of five children, of whom our subject was the eldest: Adeline married Philip Hineberger; Darius and Homer are residents of Fairfield county, and Sarah married John Lyons, of Fairfield county. Our subject's father died January 9, 1855, but his mother still survives, and resides at the old home. Jasper N. Mosier received his early education in the schools of his native county, and worked upon a farm until the age of twenty-two, when the Civil war breaking out, he enlisted in Company K. 17th O. V. I. (Col. J. M. Connell and Capt. Ray, commanding). He participated in a number of important engagements, among them the battles of Wild-cat, Somerset, Mill Springs, Nashville, Shiloh, Louisville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, and Missionary Ridge, and also took part in the Atlanta campaign; October 10, 1864 he received an honorable discharge and returned home. The next two years and a half were spent in traveling through the West, and after visiting every point of interest west of the Mississippi, he again returned to Fairfield county, where he remained three years. In 1872 he came to Wood county, and bought thirty acres of fine land near Grand Rapids, upon which he has made first-class improvements. Energetic and progressive, he conducts his farm on modern plans, and well deserves the success to which he has attained. He was married March 29. 1868, to Miss Clara Salts, a native of Fairfield county, born March 23, 1848. They have three children--Kittie, the wife of William Bates, of Bowling Green: and two younger daughters, Maude and Ethel, both of whom reside with their parents. Mr. Mosier is a Republican in politics and one of the leaders in local affairs. He was once elected school director, and is now serving a term as township trustee. He belongs to the G. A. R. the I. O. O. F., Turkey Foot Lodge No. 529, of Grand Rapids, and the Rebeckah Lodge. He and his wife are leading members of the U. B. Church. CHARLES SIMMONS a prorninent farmer of Weston, was born in London, England, November 11, 1848. He is a son of Reuben and Mary (Philpot) Simmons, who were married January 20, 1845, and to whom two children were born: Henry, who died when five years old, and our subject. Reuben Simmons followed the occupation of a tanner in England. and in 1850 emigrated to America, locating in Huron county, he remained but a short time, after which he moved to Wood county and settled in Weston, bought forty acres of land, improved it and remained there until his death, which occurred October 19, 1865. His wife died June 1, 1891. Our subject was educated in Weston township, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. His father dying when he was seventeen years old, he operated the homestead and supported his mother until her decease. He has added twenty acres to the land bought by his father, which he has greatly improved, bring it to fine state of cultivation. He annually raises a large crop of grain, fruit and vegetables. Mr. Simmons was married in Washington township, April 18, 1877, to Miss Mary I. Creps, who was born in that township June 26, 1851. She is the daughter of Joseph A. and Eliza (Coffinberry) Creps, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and a veteran of the Civil war. He is now deceased. His wife, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, survives him, and lives with our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have been born three children, namely: Katie E., January 16, 1878; George A., August 4, 1882: Rosseta J., Au- 1064 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. gust 26, 1886. Mr Simmons is a Republican in politics and served as supervisor for two terms. He is an industrious, progressive citizen, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with him. GEORGE W. NEEDLES, one of the honored pioneers of Wood county, has witnessed much of its growth and development, having also borne his part in the work of progress and improvement. He is now numbered among the extensive land owners of the community, and has been the architect of his own fortune, having gained all that he possesses through his own energy, perseverance and business ability. Mr. Needles is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, born September 23, 1849. His father, William C. Needles, was born in Maryland, October 10, 1822, and throughout his entire life carried on farming. In Fairfield country he wedded Mary Harris, a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (Needles) Harris, the former of whom was a prominent farmer and at one time the richest man in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Needles resided in Fairfield county until 1851, when they removed to Hancock county, Ohio, locating on an eighty-acre farm in Union township, to which further purchases were added until the farm was 200 acres in extent. There the mother died in November, 1886, and the father passed away October 12, 1894. Their children were: Rhoda Jane, wife of William I. Borough; Abram J., of Kentucky; Sarah Rebecca, who became the wife of Luther Kelly, and died in Hancock county; George W.; Mary Melissa, wife of James Monroe Radebaugh, of Indiana; Clinton W., of Wyandot county, Ohio: John, a farmer of Jackson township; Louisa E., wife of John Kelly, of Hancock county; Ella, wife of Joseph Hartman, also of Hancock county; Anne V., wife of Dr. Radebaugh, of New Bremen, Ohio. The first of the Needles family to locate in Ohio was James Needles, a native of New York, who served as a musician in the war of 1812. When a young man he located in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he reared a family of eight children, the father of our subject being the third. The Needles family originated in Ireland. Our subject was a year and a half old when his parents moved to Hancock county, where the father carried on a hotel west of Benton Ridge for a few years. George attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and worked on the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he went to Michigan and took a contract to grade three miles of the Canadian Southern railroad. After three years thus passed he went to Toledo for the same company, where he built a yard working some four months for $5 per day; he also graded a mile and a quarter of the Toledo & Ann Arbor railroad. He had previously purchased eighty acres of land in Monroe county, Michigan. On October 20, 1873, Mr. Needles was joined in wedlock with Sarah V. Reed, who was born near Van Buren, Hancock Co.. Ohio, March 13, 1854, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Wilson) Reed. They began their domestic life in Rawson, Hancock county, where our subject purchased and for two years operated a sawmill, which proved a profitable investment. He then came to Wood county in the fall of 1879, and purchased forty-acre, of improved land, on which he erected a good frame residence, which a few years later was burned. In 1889 he erected a large and beautiful home, which stands in the midst of well-kept grounds, and there with his family he is enjoying the fruits of his former toil. As his financial resources have increased, he has invested in realty, and now owns 672 acres in Jackson and Henry townships. By the failure of the People's Bank, of North Baltimore, he lost $1,000; but his energy and perseverance have overcome many obstacles, and he is to-day the possessor of a handsome property. To Mr and Mrs. Needles have been born four children, as follows: Pearl R., December 27, 1878; Chloe Dell, December 7, 1883: John W., September 27, 1885; and Frank W., December 3, 1887, all of whom are at home, The parents are active workers in and consistent members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Needles is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Hoytville, the Odd Fellows Lodge at. Rawson, and the Encampment at Findlay. A Republican in politics, he has served three years as trustee, and in all the relations of life he has been found true to the duties devolving upon him an upright man whom all respect. Mrs. Needles father was born in 1812, in Stark county, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He was of Irish descent, his father having come from Ireland with eight brothers, none of whom he ever saw or heard of after separating in New York. In early manhood Mr. Reed removed to Hancock county, where he built the first brick house; and he also made the first brick- manufactured in that county. He built the first hotel in Findlay, which has been consolidated into what is now known as "Marvin." He died in 1884. On March 19, 1833, he married Rebecca Wilson, who was born in 1816, and WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1065 thirty couples attended the wedding on horseback. To this union came nine children: Jane (Mrs. Milton Morehead). Caroline (Mrs. Henry Metzler); Etna. (Mrs. Henry Whitmore). Thomas Reed (deceased), Emeline (Mrs. Jacob Kempher), Violet, Eli Reed. Mrs. Needles, and J. M. Two sons and four daughters are living. GEORGE AMOS, a substantial farmer of Montgomery township, was born January 8, 1828, in Bavaria, Germany, and was a boy of eight years when his parents, Michael and Caroline. (Suntmiers) Amos, came to this county. Mr. Amos had attended school in his native country for a short time; but did not have much opportunity of extending his education, as his education as his father died a few weeks after locating in Portage township. He was only eleven years old when he started out for himself, working on various farms at from twenty-five to thirty-one cents a day. He was a strong, industrious boy, and was known as a "good hand." He gave almost all his wages to his widowed mother until he was eighteen years old, and was her main support For eight years he was employed as a fisherman on Lake Erie, for one year being a partner in the business with Daniel Shinew, and he received fair wages in this work, in this way securing his start in life. His first purchase of land was forty acres in Portage township, and his first payment on this was made from his wages for cradling wheat for twenty days near Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Amos was married, December 25, 1856, in Freedom township, to Miss Sarah A. Jackson, who bore him the following children: Caroline, now Mrs. Jacob Heckert, of Montgomery township; Emma M., who died when three and a half years old; George, living in Toledo; Ella and Lecta (twins), the former of whom married Harvey Ketzel, of Portage township, and the latter died when eighteen years old; Amanda, the wife of Andrew Harmon, of this township;. Ida J., Mrs. J. W. Buckingham, of Perry; and Hattie M., who died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1874, and was buried in Rochester cemetery. On January 17, 1875, Mr. Amos was married in Perry township to Mrs. Margaret Gobble, the widow of Jacob Gobble. She was born in Wood county November 20, 1849, and is the daughter of John and Barbara (Tyson) Echelberger. By her first marriage she was the mother of three children, namely Elsie M., the wife of Bert Hedge, of Montgomery township; Willie, who died in infancy; Jacob M., living in Montgomery township. Of her union with Mr. Amos the following children have been born: Charles R., Barbara A., Emily M., Bertha A., Edna M., Severno P., Mary A., Ada D. and Michael G. After our subject was first married he lived in Portage township until March, 1869, when he moved to Section 34, Montgomery township, and bought the 120 acres of land whereon he now reside, 100 acres which are under fine cultivation. He has built a good house, and in many other ways has improved his property. He has always been a hard worker, honest and upright in his character, devoted to his family, and an excellent citizen. He has made his own way in the world, and is deserving of the greatest credit for his success. In politics he has always been a Democrat, although he voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has never sought office, and takes no active interest in political affairs Mr. Amos and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, of which he has been a trustee ever since its organization, and in which he is a deacon. JOHN HUBER, who is one of the most straight-forward and reliable farmers of Montgomery township, is a native of Wood county, born in Section 12, Portage township, April 14, 1858, and is the son of John U. Huber, whose birth occurred at Diessenhofen, on the River Rhine, in Switzerland, July 4, 1830. When a young man the father came to the United States, leaving Europe after the death of his parents, who were people in ordinary circumstances. He first obtained employment as a farm hand in New York, and later in Ohio. In Hancock county, this State, he was married, September 27, 1854, to Miss Clarissa Foster, who was born in Milan township, Huron (now Sandusky) Co., Ohio, December 19, 1832, the daughter of William and Sybil (Butler) Foster, her father was a farmer of Hancock county; where his death occurred August 2, 1854, and his wife passed away eight days later. In their family were five children, two sons and three daughters. Upon his marriage Mr. Huber located upon his father-in-law's farm, in Hancock county; later rented land near Findlay, and made his home in that county until October, 1856, when he located upon a forty acre tract of partially-improved land, which he had purchased in Section 12, .Portage township, Wood county. There a continued to live until called from this life, September 28, 1878; in the meantime, he had extended the boundaries of his farm until they included 240 acres: Although small of stature, he was a very ambitious man and a hard worker. In early life he was a Democrat, but later he supported. 1066 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. the Republican party. To Mr. and Mrs. Huber were born children - Angeline who died in infancy; John, subject of this sketch: William, who died in childhood; Peter, of Portage township: Amanda, who died in infancy; Barbara. who became the wife of William Parmenton, and died in Portage township; Jane, who died at the age of eighteen years; Elijah, of Portage township; and Mary, who died when young. The mother, who is an ernest member of the German Baptist Church, still lives upon the home farm, a respected old lady. She was of great assistance to her husband, and is still very active and industrious for one who has done the hard work that she has.. Being the eldest son of the family, our subject was early called upon to aid in the work of the farm, and, therefore, his school privileges were limited. When he was twenty years of age his father died, and much of the responsibility of caring for the family and managing the farm fell upon his young shoulders. He was united in marriage, March 10, 1881, in Portage township with Miss Amelia Bollinger, who was born April 28, 1863, daughter of Williams and Lydia (Stump) Bollinger. They now have three children, all living, namely: Rosa, Samuel, and Estella M. At the time of his marriage Mr. Huber owned forty acres of land, of which ten had been cleared, and a small house erected thereon; but, in May, 1884, he removed to his present farm, in Section 7; Mongtomery township, then consisting of but thirty-five acres. When he purchased the land there were no buildings upon the place that were habitable; but he at once erected a frame house, 16 x 20 feet, and, in 1894, built his present elegant residence. His substantial barn 40 x 60 feet, was built in 1890. He now has sixty-eight land under a high state cultivation, which yield a ready return for the care and labor expended upon it. Politically he is a solid Republican, but has never cared to hold public office. OLIVER MEARS has long been identified with the interests of Wood county, and is an industrious farmer, having many friends throughout this locality. He was born in Plain township, August 19, 1856, and is a son of John and Ann Maria (Manville) Mears. The father was born in Erie county: January 23, 1825, where he worked upon a farm for a number of years. He then came to Wood county, where for a time he engaged in teaching school, and then purchased 160 acres of land in Plain township, upon which he erected buildings and made many substantial improvements. He was married in this county, February 23, 1855 to Miss Manville, who was born August 17, 1836. They became the parents of seven children - Oliver; Elizabeth, who was born November 7, 1858, and died October 31, 1862: Andrew, born July 1, 1861, an attorney at Law of Bowling Green; Annie B., born April 2, 1866; John B., who was born March 8, 1864, and died July 13, 1865; William H., who was born November 25, 1868, and died October 16, 1886; and John M, born March 9, 1872. The father of this family died July 1, 1887, and the mother February 1, 1873. He was a Republican in politics, and a valued citizen of the community. The gentleman whose name introduces this review was educated in the district schools of his native township, and aided in the work of the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he sought and secured employment as a farm hand, serving in that capacity until twenty-six years of age. He then rented the old homestead for a number of years and in 1885 purchased it, but sold before buying the Wilson farm on which he now resides. The lady who now hears the name of Mrs. Mears was in her maidenhood Henrietta Halbert, and was born in Rome,. N. Y., June 17, 1863. They were married March 22, 1883, and to them were born three children, but all died in infancy. Mr. Mears holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, and in his political views is a Republican. He is known all over the country for his generosity and benevolence, and no man is held in higher regard or is more worthy the esteem of his fellow townsmen than Oliver Mears. FREEMAN VOSBURG, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Section 15, Portage township is a native of Connecticut. born August 15, 1824, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Miner) Vosburg. He attended his first school in Trumbull county, Ohio, and his education was continued after the removal of the family to Wood county, this State, in June, 1836. The journey from Trumbull county required fourteen days, during which time it rained almost incessantly, and our subject walked the entire distance bare-footed. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-two years ln Norwalk; Ohio, May 3, 1833, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Vosburg and Miss Ora O. Sparks, who was born in New Haven township, Huron county, March 25, 1836, and is a a daughter of Asaph and Betsy (Fuller) Sparks, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1067 natives of the Nutmeg State, and early settlers of New Haven township, Mr. and Mrs. Vosburg are the parents of three children: Leander C., and John N., both farmers of Portage township; and Lucy A., wife of Gustavus Cox, of the same township. For nearly a year after his marriage our subject lived in Richmond township, Huron county, employed in the woods, cutting stave timber, and in the spring of 1836, came to Wood county, locating on the home farm in Montgomery township, where his father had died. He operated that place for his widowed mother for three years, and then and then rented land elsewhere until December 1864, when he came to Section 15, Portage township, where he had owned forty acres some years previously. He built a log house upon his farm, in the midst of the woods, the water was very high, game was plentiful, deer often coming clear up to his door; the roads were corduroy, which would float around much of the time. Only a small clearing had been made, made, and the remainder of the tract was covered with a dense forest; but our subject was robust and strong, and at once began its improvement. He felled the trees, and, as his resources increased. added to his land until he now has 120 acres, under a high state of cultivation, which has been brought about by industry and good management, with its attendant hard labor. In 1885 he removed to the portion of the farm where he still resides. He is a self-made man i the truest sense of that term, and his upright, honorable life has gained him many warm friends. He and his estimable wife are sincere members of the Congregational Church, of which he has been trustee, and in politics he was formerly a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party, has been one of its stanch supporters. EDWARD L. BLUE, the popular editor and proprietor of the Perrysburg Journal, of Perrysburg, Ohio, was born in that city, December 28, 1858. His education was acquired in the public schools, but, at the age of thirteen, circumstances arose which caused him to seek an occupation, where he could earn a livelihood for himself. He instinctively turned to the printing office of the Perrysburg Journal, where, after performing various menial duties for a short period, he was admitted to become an apprentice to the printer's trade, apprentice to the printer's trade, with sufficient salary to guarantee board and clothes. For eight long years he devoted himself closely to work in the Journal office. At the end of that time Mr. Blue went to Toledo where he found employment with the Blade where Printing & Paper Co., and subsequently with the Bee. He next worked in the job office of The B. F. Wade Co. It was there that his close application to the art of printing soon brought him into the notice of his employers, and the most artistic work required from the concern was given to him. This class of work required time and study, and he took care to improve his opportunity, and make himself as proficient in his trade as possible. Mr. Blue had judiciously husbanded his earnings, and in 1889 he returned to Perrysburg, where he found the Journal badly managed, and in a very poor condition financially, It was constantly running behind. He took advantage of a situation, purchased it, and found himself proprietor, where, as a boy, only a few years before, he had been an apprentice. The dilapidated condition of the paper's finance did not daunt his energies. He saw a field for effort where ability could win success. He proceeded to increase the capacity of the office, and the circulation of the paper, and soon had it on a paying basis. The Journal is now an eight-page weekly paper, well tilled with local and general news. The local columns are always up to date, and the typographical work is neat, and shows the influence of a master hand. In politics the paper, like its editor, is thoroughly Republican. On the 10th of July, 1883, Mr. Blue was united in marriage with Miss Mary Louise Wetmore, who was born at Perrysburg, September 19, 1860, and is the daughter of Capt. F. A. and Mary A. (Fraser) Wetmore. Her father is now living retired at Perrysburg, after forty-five years spent upon the lakes. Socially, Mr. Blue holds membership with Phoenix Lodge No. 123, F. & A. M. of Perrysburg, and Perrysburg Lodge No. 524. K. of P. In politics he is identified with the leaders of his party in the locality. He is genial and social by nature, making many acquaintances whom he readily retains as friends. J. W. BUCKINGHAM, a prominent and influential farmer, is still a resident of Perry township, his birth occurring in Section 7, April 3, 1864. and is a son of James D. and Elizabeth (Wooley) Buckingham. The father was born in Washington county, Penn., January 17, 1814, and in the fall of 1822 was taken to Ashland county, Ohio, by his parents, James and Mary (Bonnell) Buckingham. In Ruggles township, of that county, he married the mother of our subject on the 13th of November 1845. She was a native of Tompkins county, N.. Y., born January 23, 1823, and a daughter of Joel Wooley, who was born on Long Island, Island and served his country 1068 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in the war of 1812. At the age of eleven years she was taken by her parents to Bronson, Huron Co., Ohio, where they became early settlers. By her first marriage she became the wife of Thomas Brown, and they had one son, Daniel, who was born November 9, 1842, and is now a carpenter of Almena, Norton Co., Kans. By her union with Mr. Buckingham she became the mother of three children: George W., born October 27, 1847, makes his home in Montgomery township; Sarah E., born September 25, 1853, married Lewis Whitman, and died May 11, 1891; and J. W., of this sketch, is the youngest. In the spring of 1850 the parents located on eighty acres of land in Section 7, Perry township, which the father had bough of his uncle, John Bonnell. As it was still in its primitive condition, they were obliged to cut their way through the forest and clear the land before it could be cultivated. They have both passed to their reward in the other world, the mother dying November 18, 1887, and the father September 20, 1889, in the faith of the Congregational Church, of which they were consistent members. In July, 1889, Mr. Buckingham was kicked by a horse, which hastened his death. He was well posted on diseases of horses, and was often called upon to treat those animals. Although very social and genial in disposition, he was a man of few words and was identified with the Republican party. The first school which our subject attended was taught by De Soto Moffet, and his entire education was such as the district schools afforded.. Previous to his marriage he was engaged for the most part in work upon the home farm. That important event in his life occurred on April 7, 1887, in Findlay, Ohio, when Miss Elizabeth Rainsberger became his wife. She was a native of Bloom township, born August 27, 1863, and was a daughter of William Rainsberger. She died March 1, 1888, her remains being interred at West Millgrove, Ohio, and she left one son, Curt, born February 16, 1888. On August 25, 1889; Mr. Buckingham was again married, his second union being with Miss Ida J. Amos, who was born in Montgomery township, September 17, 1870, and is a daughter of George and Sarah A. (Jackson) Amos. Mr. Amos is a German by birth. Two children bless this union - Ralph A., born December 12, 1891; and Bertha E.; who was born February 10, 1895, and died on the 25th of July, following. Mr. Buckingham purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead, where he now resides, and is accounted one of the most reliable and popular agriculturists of the community. In his political affiliations he is a steadfast Republican, believing that the principles of that party are the best guarantees for the preservation of our popular form of government. Mrs. Buckingham is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. BENTON J. LEATHERS has spent nearly his entire life in Wood county, and the high regard in which he is universally held indicates an honorable record. He was born September 14, 1848, in Bloom township, son of Jacob Leathers, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he married Mary Ewing. Soon afterward he came to Wood county, and was one of the first settlers of Bloom township there being but two families living in the community at that time, the one being that of his brother, John Leathers, and the other that of his uncle, Jonathan Hay. Mr. Leathers attended the district school of Bloom township, and worked in the fields on the old home farm until his marriage, which occurred May 10, 1868, Miss Henrietta Hamman, of Henry township, becoming his wife. They located in Bloom township, Wood county, but in the fall of 1879 he moved to Kansas. Returning: to Wood county, he purchased the Shaffer farm of eighty acres in Henry township, and in 1891 he purchased his present place of fifty-two acres, improved with a good residence and barns, and other accessories of a model farm. He now owns 182 acres of valuable land, which yield him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. To Mr. and Mrs, Leathers have been born five children: Millard F., who wedded Mary Freyman, and resides in Henry township; Loring W., of Hammansburg, Ohio, who married Lillian Ackerman; Earl W., who married Cora Ayers. of Michigan; Emmet H., at home, who wedded Mary Madden; and Grover B. In politics Mr. Leathers is a stalwart Democrat, unswerving in his support of the principles of that party. For one term he served as justice of the peace, and for three years was assessor. He and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are honored and esteemed by all who know them. G. C. DAUTERMAN (deceased) was one of the substantial business men of Bowling Green. His birth occurred in Portage township, this county, May 2, 1851, the son of Jacob and Cath- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1069 erine (Amos) Dauterman. His parents were natives of Germany and were born on the banks of the river Rhine, famed in song and story. His father came to this country alone; and the mother, then a young girl, came with her parents, who settled on a farm in Portage township, which is now owned by her brother. Her mother lived until about three years ago, and at the time of her death was upward of eighty years old. The father of our subject died about nineteen years ago of fifty-seven years, and the mother is still living. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Caroline married Fred Numberger, and lives in Dakota; Adam was killed in battle during the Civil war, a member of Company C, 21st O. V. I.; Catherine married John Skinew, and lives in Centel township,: Lydia is the wife of Charles Lyendecker, of Montana: G. C.; is our subject; John resides in Montana; Maggie married W. Waugh, and lives in Tontogany. G. C. Dauterman remained upon his father's farm until after his marriage, when he settled upon a farm of his own, which he operated until April, 1893, when he removed to Bowling Green and opened livery stable. He had an excellent outfit of horses, carriages and all the accessories of a well-kept stable, and made a success of business, his well-known honesty and competency securing for him a large patronage. Besides hiring out his teams, Mr. Dauterman also had horses for sale, and dealt in fine stock. Among other good animals, he had one fast pacer, "Nomil," Up to the time of his death he still retained the ownership his farm of 140 acres, which is a valuable piece of property, as on it were fourteen oil wells, which is now under the management of his eldest son. On October 26, 1871, our subject was married to Miss Louisa Ratzel, who was born in Baden, Germany, May 28, 1853, and came to this country when sixteen years of age. Four sons have blessed this union, namely; John, Frank, Willie, and Robie J., who died when sixteen months old. Mr. Dauterman was a Republican in politics. He was identified with the Church of Christ, to which the family belong. He was a man of excellent character and good business ability, and made many friends in Bowling Green after taking up his residence there. On August 12, 1896, Mr. Dauterman lost his life in the Maumee river. He had gone to the river with the Baptist Sunday-school, and while on the river saw a little girl about to drown so he sprang to her rescue, and in the attempt to save her life gave up his own. The child was the daughter of Charles S. Ely. In his death there passed from this life an honest Christina man. The village council, of which the deceased was a member, passed appropriate resolutions on his death, and attended the funeral in a body. JOSIAH SMITH is a popular and highly esteemed citizen, whose genial manner and genine worth have gained him the regard of all with whom social or business relations have brought him in contact. He was born in Allegheny county, Penn., November 3, 1842, and is a son of Martin and Catherine (Rhodes) Smith, also natives of the Keystone State. The father was born in 1810, the mother April 5, 1811, and their marriage was celebrated January 31, 1828, while the following children graced their union; Nancy B.; who was born October 31, 1828, and is the widow of Frank Firman, of Crawford county, Ill.; Mary Elizabeth, who was born January 12, 1831, died in childhood: Sarah Jane, born February 4, 1834, died in childhood; Rebecca born June 17, 1836, died in Pennsylvania; Roxanna, born December 17, 1837, is the wife of William Bell, of Washington county, Penn.; Mary M.., born April 25, 1840, became the wife of Thomas Lockwood, and died in Pennsylvania; Josiah is next younger; Maria C., born October 23, 1845, died in childhood; Anna Eliza, born June 4, 1848, is the wife of Aaron Bell, of Pennsylvania; and John Wesley, born May 4, 1853, completes the family. At the time of their marriage the parents located in Fayette county, Penn. where the father worked as a farm hand. He died in Allegheny county, December 17, 1848; and his wife who after his death had married Samuel Culp, passed away March 24, 1872. Our subject spent his school days in Allegheny and Washington counties in his native State, and after father's death went to live. with an uncle, Solomon Swab, with whom he remained until the breaking out of the. war in 1861, when he enlisted. August 20, 1861, in Company D, 6th U. S. Cav., at Pittsburg. In the spring of 1862, the command went to the front and after a. short time spent in Virginia, went to Hampton Roads, and served with the army of the Potomac, participating in a number of important engagements. Mr. Smith was honorably discharged August 20, 1864, but re-enlisted in Company K, 1st. U. S. Vet. Vol. Regt., serving for a year, when he was finally discharged, on February 1, 1866: On August 23, of the same year, in North Baltimore, our subject was united in marriage with Mary Jane Dirk, who was born in: Hancock county, Ohio,. January 18, 1842. They located 1070 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in Williams county, this State. Mr. Smith conducting a general store in Pulaski for about five years. In the fall of 1871 they located on a farm near that place, but sold that property in the fall of 1872, and in the following spring went to Minnesota, where Mr. Smith took up a homestead in Nobles county, there residing for three and a half years. In the fall of 1876 he came to Wood county, and rented a farm in Liberty township, but after eighteen months purchased ninety acres of his present farm. He has since extended the boundaries of his land, by the additional purchase of thirty acres, and now has a highly-improved and valuable farm, with well tilled fields and excellent buildings, most of which he has erected. In politics he is a Republican, and for two terms has served as township trustee. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and take quite an active part in its work. They had a family of three children, but Jacob W., who was born October 23, 1873, died in Minnesota, at the age of nine months. Sarah Amanda was born in Nobles county, Minn., July 18, 1875, and Clark Vinton was born in Wood county, Ohio, March 3, 1878. S. F. LAMBRIGHT. The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson township, Seneca county, October 16, 1857, and is the son of Henry and Margaret A. Lambright. Mr. Lambright went to the common schools, and worked on the farm when a boy. He was quite young when his parents moved to Perry township, and his first ideas of farming were obtained on the farm which is his present home. He lived with his parents continuously, with the exception of eight months in Sully county, S. D., in 1883, where he took up government land, and lived one summer, and then returned home. He was married in Perry township, March 4, 1885, to Miss Carrie Steiner, who was born in Baltimore, Md. Her father, Jacob Steiner, was a farmer who came to Perry township when she was two years old. After his marriage Mr. Lambright located in Perry township, where he has continued to reside ever since, moving, in the spring of 1891, to the home farm of his father. Two children have been born to him and his wife, Hazel M., and Harvey H. Mr. Lambright is a Republican, and has always manifested a great deal of interest in the success of his party, for which he has worked hard, and is to-day one of its leading members in his portion of the township. He has filled various offices in the township, and in School District No. 6, serving two terms as constable, and at present holding the office of justice of the peace, to which he was elected in 1891. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has served two years as superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is at present one of the trustees. He is a first-class citizen, of undoubted of undoubted integrity, and is considerably above the average man in intelligence. FRANK HASKINS, who is engaged in market gardening and the raising of fine poultry, was born in Liberty township, February 19, 1855, and has always and has always lived in that locality. His parents were Henry and Hannah (Fearnside) Haskins, the former born in Portage, September 23, 1828. There they located at the time of their marriage, and the father carried on a general store. The mother died in Kendallville, Ind., May 12, 1858 and after her death Mr. Haskins married Esther Hutchinson. In 1860 he removed to Waterloo, Ind., subsequently to Corunna, Ind., and afterward conducted a livery stable in Butler, Ind., where he is now living a retired life. The children of his first marriage are George C.,: born July 29, 1850; Wellington, who was born March 7, 1853, and died August 11, 1854 and Frank. At the age of three years, on his mother's death; our subject went to live with his grandfather, Thomas Fearnside, who was born in England and married in Scotland, and with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Roberson, emigrated to the United States. On the grandfather's death he still made his home with his uncle, Henry Fearnside, in Liberty township, and there acquired a good English education. He was married in Greenwich, Huron county, January 9, 1879, to Emily J. Sizer, who was born in Liberty township, January 9, 1859, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Strimple) Sizer, the former a native of New York, and the latter of New Jersey. They were married in Huron county, but soon after removed to Wood county, where the father followed carpentering. He died in Lucas Co., Ohio, September 3, 1876, and his wife is now living in Greenwich. Their children are Mrs. Haskins, Selina E.. Abigail Eudora, Orrin W. and Albert F. After their marriage our subject and his wife made their home with his uncle, until Mr. Haskins had erected a house on his on land. He had previously purchased thirteen and a half acres in Liberty township and has since successfully given his attention to market gardening, and the breeding of fancy poultry. The first oil well on his place was completed September 2, 1896, and has proved a good one. To Mr. and Mrs. Has- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1071 kins have been born three children--Gertrude May, born January 19, 1881: Walter H., born August 13, 1882; and Frank Raymond, born November 1, 1893. In political belief, Mr. Haskins is a Populist, and for three terms has served as school director. He holds membership with the United Brethren Church, and takes an active part in its growth and upbuilding. ELI BROUGH, a general farmer living in Section 1, Troy township, is a leader among the agriculturists of Wood county. In 1870 he purchased his present farm of forty acres, then in its primitive condition, covered with woods, not a furrow turned; but by courageous industry, perseverance and wisdom in management, he has developed the land into a highly-improved farm, from which he obtains good harvests. Mr. Brough was born in Sandusky county, Ohio in 1838,. and is son of Simon and Sarah (Kerrick) Brough. The birth of the father occurred in Pennsylvania, whence at an early day he. came to the Buckeye State with his father, Michael Brough, and was married in Sandusky county. There he continued to live, making his home first in Riley township, but he died in Ballville township, in January, 1892. His wife passed away in the same county in 1887. In the family were fourteen children, namely: Jacob, a resident of Riley township, Sandusky county; Fremont, Ohio; George, who died in Pemberville, Wood county; Lewis, who makes his home in Troy township; Jonathan also of Troy township.; Levi, of Freedom township, this county; Eli and Frederick, twins, the latter a resident of Mercer county, Ohio; Charles, who lives in Ottawa county, this State; Dolly, who died in Fremont, in 1893; Lucinda, who died in Sandusky county; Betsy, who is married, and makes her home in Fremont and Mrs. Jane Steffe, who lives in Ottawa county. In the schools of his native county, Eli Brough acquired his education, and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits, assisting in the labor of the home farm until 1861, when he laid aside personal plans and interests, and joined the boys in blue in defense of the Union, He became a member of Company G, 111th O. V. I., being mustered in at Frankfort, Ky., and was six months in the service. In 1866, in Sandusky county, Mr. Brough led to the marriage altar Miss Caroline Myers, who was born in that county, where her parents, Christian and Margaret (Elhart) Myers, natives of Germany, located at an early day. Her mother died in Wood county, but her father is still living and makes his home in Henry county, Ohio. Eight children have been born to our subject and his wife Mrs. Clara Herman, of Troy township. Mrs. Hulda Behrend, of Troy township; and Etta Myrtie, Irving, Harry and Robert, all at home. Politically, the Democratic party, and he is a man of sound sense, highly respected by his neighbors. O. W. DIVER, one of the popular and wide-awake young agriculturists of Montgomery township, was there born, September 6, 1867, the son of Franklin and Matilda (Ostrander) Diver. The father's birth occurred in Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, March 29, 1826, and he was but an infant when brought to Wood county by his parents, Osman and Margaret (Kinnaman) Diver, who were numbered among the pioneer settlers of Montgomery township. During his boyhood and youth he experienced all the trials and privations incident life on the frontier. He early became familiar with farm work, and was a natural mechanic with a desire to work around machinery; but his father being adverse to this inclination, his plans in that direction were defeated. In Montgomery township was celebrated the marriage of Franklin Diver and Matilda Ostrander, a daughter of John and Sarah (Burke) Ostrander, who were also pioneers of that township. Soon after his marriage Mr. Diver located at Grand Rapids, Ohio, where he engaged in the sawmill business with August Pryor, at whose home Mrs. Diver had lived from girlhood. After a short residence, however, returned to Montgomery township, carrying on farming on his father's place in Section 3 until called from this life; on December 7, 1868, and his remains now rest in the cemetery at West Millgrove. In connection with farming he also engaged to some extent in threshing. His political support was ever given the Democratic party. In his family were three children - Harriet L., now the widow of C. A. McDonald, of North Platte, Neb.: Laura E., of Fostoria; Ohio; and O: W., whose name opens this sketch. The mother is now the wife of Philip Wammes, of Fostoria. In the common schools our subject secured a fair education, pursuing his studies for a time in Fostoria. At the age of twenty-two years he entered the service of the Nickel Plate railroad; as Brakeman, running between Bellevue, Ohio and Chicago, Ill., and was later with the Baltmore & Ohio railroad, his run being from Chicago junction, Ohio, to Garrett, Ind.. He was next in the employ of his stepfather, who was 1072 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. engaged in the horse business, taking horses to market in the East. At Findlay, Ohio, March 27, 1888, Mr. Diver was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Godfrey, who was born in Loudon township, Seneca Co., Ohio, January 7, 1869, daughter of John and Josephine (Clemens) Godfrey, the former of whom died January 16, 1889: the mother is still living, and makes her home in Fostoria. In the family were three daughters, the other two being Nora, who died at the age of five years; and Anna, of Fostoria. Two sons have come to our subject and wife - Harold G., born December 23, 1889; and Carl F., born October 29, 1893. On March 3, 1895, Mr. Diver removed to his present farm in Section 19, Montgomery township, which is a most productive tract, yielding a good supply of oil as well as crops, and is one of the very few farms where the owner operates the oil wells, Mr. Diver looking after that production personally. Though not strictly partisan he generally affiliates with the Republican party, but takes no very active part in political affairs. He belongs to Fostoria Lodge No. 86, K. of P., and while a railroad man was identified with various societies in that connection. "Walt," as he is called, is one of the most progressive and industrious farmers of the community, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place plainly indicates his thorough knowledge of the vocation which he is now following. In 1895 he completed a comfortable and pleasant dwelling, where he and his wife delight to entertain their many friends. FERGUS HUGHES is one of the leading and influential citizens of Wood county, having been prominent in official. Church and agricultural circles. He was born June 2, 1842, in Eagle township, Hancock Co., Ohio, a son of William W. and Margaret (McClellan) Hughes, the latter of whom was a relative of Gen. McClellan. The father was a native of Beaver county, Penn., county and a cooper by trade. In his native county he married Miss Margaret McClellan, whose birth occurred there in 1815. They came to Ohio, locating in Hancock county, where the father entered eighty acres of land from the government. Upon this he made many excellent improvements, and then sold, retiring in Mt. Blanchard, Hancock county. He afterward sold his property there, and took up his residence in Dunkirk, Ohio, where he died in September, 1883. His wife passed away in 1854. In their family were eight children, namely: Sarah, wife of Henry Vaughn, of Eagle township, Hancock county; Robert a painter of Missouri; Rebecca, wife of Joseph Steinman, of Hancock county; John, who died in childhood; Fergus; Nancy, who married Joseph Steinman, and died in Hancock county in 1885; James, a twin brother of Nancy, of Missouri; and David, who died at the age of five years. After the death of his first wife the father married Mrs. Sarah (Fahl) Hinchy. Under the parental roof, Fergus Hughes was reared to manhood, and to the district school he is indebted for his educational privileges. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand for a year in Hancock county. In February, 1866, he came to Wood county; and followed farming or any honest pursuit that would yield him a living until December, 1866, when with the capital he had acquired through his own labors he purchased eighty acres of wild land. On this he erected a log cabin, 18 x 26 feet, and at once began to clear and improve the property. On March 5. 1868, Mr. Hughes was married, in Henry township, to Miss Catherine Ackerman, who was born in that township May 24, 1840, daughter of David and Catherine (Auverter) Ackerman. The father was born in Switzerland May 15, 1798, and died October 31, 1877, at the age of seventy-nine years. His father died at sea. Mr. Ackerman was an early settler in Henry township having lived there forty years at the time of his death. His wife was born in Germany May 15, 1815, and died at 9 P. M., September 30, 1876, at Hammansburg, Henry township. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes; have one child. Fannie, who is the wife of Wilton R. Hastings, of North Baltimore, Wood county, and has one child, Derward, born July 28, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes began their domestic life upon the eighty-acre farm which he had purchased, and have since made it their place of abode. In 1891 he sunk the first oil well there, and now has six wells in good operation; adding not a little to his income in that way. He has also property in North Baltimore, owning two village lots and a house. He is entirely a self-made man, and deserves great credit for his success in life. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served for four terms as township trustee, and for three terms as assessor. He has also been trustee of the Evangelical Church, with which he holds membership, and is superintendent of the Sunday-school. JOHN F. SOASH is descended from German ancestry, and displays some of the best characteristics of that sturdy race. His grandfather came WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1073 from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, where John Soash, the father of our subject, was born. John Soash came to Ohio in 1834, and bought 120 acres of land in Washington township, this county, part of which he cleared and improved. He married Elizabeth Hineman, of Scotch descent, and they became parents of seven children --William, Isabel, wife of John G. McDonald, of Florida; Emily, deceased, who was first the wife of John Oswald, and after his death married Joel Foote; John F., of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased, who married George Bell, of Grand Rapids, Ohio: Lucretia, wife of Charles Hollis; and James, a farmer of Missouri, who served for three years in the Civil war in the 21st Regiment, O. V. I. The mother died in 1861, and the father in 1875. Our subject obtained his education in the district schools, to which he walked a distance of three miles, his path laying through the woods. for no roads were cut at the time. He was born in Washington township, December 19, 1836, and has, therefore, witnessed almost the entire development of the county. He has seen many deer and wolves near his home, and has watched the progress of civilization until the country ranks among the best in this commonwealth. In 1864 he joined the army under Capt. Black and Col. Miller, as a member of Company B, 144th O. V. I. He went from Columbus to Baltimore, thence to Annapolis, Md., thence to Frederick City, and for several months was held a prisoner at Danville, where he subsisted mostly on johnnycake. On the 12th of September, 1864, he returned home, and resumed work on the old farm. Mr. Soash was married in 1866 to Anna M. Gates, daughter of Lyman Gates, and a native of Connecticut, born in 1842, and coming to Ohio in 1860. They had three children, the youngest of whom, Bernie, died in childhood; Marcella is the wife of Elmer Long, of Plain township; and Eber, who learned the carpenter's trade at Cleveland, where he followed it for five years, and is now farming in Washington township. He married Rosa Long, and they have two children - Dean and Merle. Our subject and wife have also one adopted son, Ross, who is at home. JACOB KROMER, a farmer living in Plain township, was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, October 6, 1835. He is the son of Michael and Barbara (Klett) Kromer, both of whom were born in Germany, the former in 1804. Our subject came to America in 1854, landing at New York City. He was a butcher by trade, but not being able to speak the English language, he found it difficult to get employment in that business; so, going to Philadelphia, he procured a situation on a farm close to that city. He remained there two years learning something of the language in the meanwhile, and then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where, being out of money, he went to work on a farm in Cuyahoga county, staying there three years, and then coming farther west to Lime township, Huron. In 1861 he came to Wood county, and bought forty acres of land near Weston, which he subsequently sold, and, in the fourth year of his residence in the county, purchased his present eighty acres. This land, which is now in such a high state of cultivation, and so highly productive, was then covered with timber and underbrush, and was a veritable swamp. Through it bears wandered, the dismal howl of the wolf made the nights hideous, and bats infested the murky undergrowth and dark recesses, while the owls hooted at the apparently futile efforts of man to make it a habitable abode. But, with a strength of purpose that could not be shaken, Mr Kromer cut his way through the primeval forest, and clearing up a small patch of ground, erected a small log house. He commenced with almost no means, cleared land for others by day, and worked on his own by night. Midnight found him at work there, and at the first streak of dawn, he was away to put in a hard day's work for some more fortunate neighbor, who could pay him a few cents for his labor. Words cannot tell the hardships Mr. Kromer underwent during his first years in Wood county, nor can the present generation realize it, but, suffice it to say„ that he triumphed over all adversity, and is to-day a well-to-do farmer, with. an unencumbered estate, and is in great contrast to the time when he worked for four dollars a month on a farm. Mr. Kromer was married in Wood county, in 1863, to Miss Eva Todd, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio. She was not spared to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but was called to her re-ward nineteen, years ago. Mr. Kroner has preserved her memory sacred, and has not married since. Their children are: John, a pumper in the oil field: Mary, the wife of Moses Lane. a prosperous farmer of Plain township, and they have two children, Joseph and Cora: Sadie, the wife of Milo Porter of Wood county and they are the parents of three children, Archie, Claude and Ina; Rosa, unmarried and living at home: Fred, at home; and Bertha, who died when a baby. Michael. the father of our subject, was a land 1074 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. owner, farmer, and stock dealer. He died in 1848. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of the following children: Casper is now living in Stark county, Ohio; Catherine is married, and lives in Germany: Jacob is our subject; Julia came to America, and married a Mr. Haufenback (she died near New Philadelphia, Ohio); Henry joined, Company K, 21st O. V. I., in 1861, and was killed in battle at Stone River; Magdalena married P. Wetzel, and they live in Stark county, Ohio. CHARLES W. McCOLLEY, a leading hardware merchant at Tontogany, was born December 16, 1857, in Washington township, where his grandparents settled in the spring of 1839. Capt. John McColley; his grandfather, a Scotchman by birth, followed the ocean in early life, and was captain of a packet plying between New York and Savannah. He was a man of heroic mold, over six feet in height, and possessed remarkable strength. He died near Tontogany, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife was a Miss Hart, a lady of English descent, and for some years they lived at Derby, Conn., where R. L. McColley, our subject's father, was born in 1834. He was only five years old when his parents came to Wood county, and he was educated here, farming and married here to Miss Margaret Crom, a descendant of an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family, and for many years he was engaged in business here farming and acting as local agent for agricultural machinery, and other articles. He enlisted during the war in the hundred-day service, serving in the 144th Regiment, O. V. I. He and his wife now reside in Florida, where he is an extensive fruit grower. In Politics he is a Republican, and he belongs to the G. A. R. Our subject was the younger of two children. The other, Jennie, formerly Mrs. Louis Kuder, died in September, 1894. Charles W. McColley is a genuine "Wood county boy," reared on one of her fertile farms, educated in her schools, and he was married, in 1884, to one of her charming daughters, Miss Susie Walters, who was born in Weston township, in 1859. They have six children now living: Eva, Fern, Hope, Hazel, Herbert, and Ruth. A younger son, John, died when one year old.. Mr. McColley lived at the old farm and sold agricultural implements until eight years ago, when he moved into the village. Three years later he established his present prosperous business, dealing in hardware and all sorts farming tools and machinery. He is an earnest worker in religious and philanthropic lines; is a Good Templar; votes the Prohibition ticket; is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and the assistant superintendent in the Sunday-school. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. M. L. SEIPLE, Among the self-made men of Wood county, men who have accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods through their own energy and thrift --may be reckoned the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. He is a resident of Portage township, where he owns a fine farm of 127 aces in Section 6, and where he is engaged in general farming, meeting with great success in his chosen calling. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northampton county, July 29, 1857, and in the spring of 1865 accompanied his parents, Edward and Elizabeth (Lambert) Seiple, to Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. His paternal grandfather, John Seiple, was a man of considerable wealth, and bought land extensively in Scott township, where he died at he age of eighty-two years. The father of our subject was one of the four children who accompanied him to Sandusky county, and always lived thereafter in Scott township. To Edward Seiple and his wife were born five children: Quintus, a farmer of Scott township, Sandusky county; M. L.: of this review; Alice, wife of Frank Moses, of Washington township, Sandusky county: Susie, wife of Chauncey Schull, of Center township, Wood county; and Ida, now Mrs. Lee Henry, of Helena, Ohio, In early life the father operated a gristmill, but his last days were spent as a farmer. He has served as elder and deacon in the Reformed Church, to which he was a liberal contributor, and took considerable interest in politics, voting with the Republican party. He passed away at the age of fifty-seven years, and his remains were interred in Helena cemetery, Sandusky county. His widow now makes her home in Helena. Our subject obtained a fair education in the district schools learning rapidly, and the knowledge thus acquired has been greatly supplemented by reading and study in subsequent years. He remained at home almost continuously until his marriage, which was celebrated on Christmas Day of 1877, Miss Mary Oppermann becoming his wife. Her birth occurred in Washington township, Sandusky county, January 23, 1859, and she is a daughter of William and Ruth (Perrington) Oppermann (the former of whom, a native of Germany, has been a prominent farmer WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1075 of Sandusky county for forty years; his wife is a native of Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children - Geneva and Frank A. Until the fall of 1884, Mr. Seiple operated the home farm in Scott township, Sandusky county, and then removed to a farm in Webster township, Wood county, which he leased for seven years. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres in Section 15, Center township, where he lived until March 27, 1895, at which time he removed to the Jacob Eberly farm in Section 6, Portage township. There he owns 127 acres of rich and fertile land, well improved. The first vote of Mr. Seiple was cast for the Republican party, but since 1891 he has been a stalwart Prohibitionist on account of his views on the liquor question. He is an active and faithful member of the United Brethren Church, and is one of the trustees of Center Church, where he belongs. Ambitious, industrious and systematic, he has made a success of his life work and is destined to become one of the substantial agriculturists of the locality. He and his estimable wife are refined, intelligent people, who occupy a remarkably high position in social circles. CONRAD BOBEL, a representative agriculturist of Washington township, Wood county, is a native of Germany, born in Prussia, on March 10, 1817, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Schmidt) Bobel. The father was a farmer of Germany, and by his marriage had five children. The eldest, John, served for fourteen years as a soldier in the German army, after which he came to America, where his death occurred; Augustus is also deceased; and Minnie, Conrad, and John complete the family. The education of our subject was acquired in the Fatherland, where he followed farming until coming to the United States, in 1853, it requiring ten weeks to complete the voyage, which was made in a sailing vessel. Before leaving his native land, Mr. Bobel had wedded Ricka Pfluger, whose birth occurred there November 8, 1818, and in Germany seven of their ten children were born. John, who was a veteran of the Civil war, died in 1887; Christ, Augustus, and Martha have also passed away. CHRISTOPHER, born in October, 1846, is now in connection with his father, engaged in the operation of their fine farm of eighty acres: in 1872 he married Catherine Wey, who was born in the same place in Germany where her husband's birth occurred and they have three children - Minnie, Lizzie, and Lena; Christopher Bobel is quite prominent in the community where he makes his home, and has served his fellow-citizens for five years as supervisor, and for three years as school director. The next child of the family, Lena, was born in Germany, May 4, 1850, and on February 23, 1874, became the wife of John Hildebrand, by whom she has three children - Christina, Lewis, and Katie. Adam is next in order of birth, Christina, by her marriage with Christ Bower, has become the mother of three children. John is a carpenter and contractor of Chicago. Conrad completes the family. On corning to this country Mr. Bobel first located in Lorain county, Ohio, where for nine months he worked on the railroad, after which he bought months he worked on the railroad, after which he bought twelve acres of unimproved land in Wood county. In the winter of 1854 he made his home in Milan, Ohio, and then cleared his land which he later sold. For one year he then rented forty acres, and later leased eighty acres south of his present place, which he has since purchased. All of the improvements found thereon are the work of his own hands and he is accounted one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the county. He and his son are firm adherents of the principles of the Republican party, and the family are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. CHARLES W. BRANDENBERRY. Few people remain long in Wood county without becoming familiar with this name, which is borne by one of its most enterprising citizens, who has passed his entire life in Perry township. In Section 23 his birth occurred June 6, 1859, and he is a son of Isaac and Nancy (Fish) Brandeberry, His education was obtained in District No. 1. but the schools of that day were not as good as they are at the present time; his first lessons in farming were under the instruction of his father. In Seneca county, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1880, Mr. Brandeberry was united in marriage with Miss Nelia Cochard: who was born in Jackson township, that county, on the 22nd of October, 1860. Her parents Darnel and Mary A. (Shafer) Cochard. were natives of Pennsylvania, were married in Crawford county. Ohio, and to them were born thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters. The mother passed away at the age of fifty-five years, but the father is still living in Jackson township, Seneca county, at the age of sixty-four. In their family Mrs. Brandeberry was the third in order of birth, and in her childhood attended the district schools in the neighborhood of her home. Two children 1076 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. were born of her union with our subject - Charley, who died at the age of ten months; and Orlo who was born July 25, 1881. For a while after his marriage, Mr. Brandeberry operated the old homestead in Section 23, Perry township, and the first property he owned was his present farm in Section 22, where he removed in 1884 His place comprises 121 acres of valuable land, and by industry and good management he has brought it to a high state of cultivation. Besides general farming he also engages in threshing and teaming with success. In his political affiliations, he is an inflexible adherent cut to the doctrines and principles of the Republican party, but has no aspirations for popular preferment, as his time is fully taken up business affairs. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Church, and he belongs to the Maccabees of Fostoria, and the Fraternal Legion. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors to an unlimited degree. ANTON WILLIAMS, one of the popular and well-to-do farmers of Washington township, Wood county, was born in Nassau, Germany, on August 9, 1837, and is the only child of Lewis and Margaret (Danzer) Williams, both natives of the Fatherland, where the father followed the trade of weaving. There the mother died, and Lewis Williams wedded, for his second wife, Louisa Fisher, and to them was born a son, George, who now makes his home in Middleton township, this county. The father died in Germany in 1858, and two years later his widow, with her son, came to America, where her death has since occurred. Anton Williams received his education in the public schools of his native land, where he later worked for three or four years in the mines. At about the age of seventeen, however, he decided to try his fortunes in the New World, where he hoped that better opportunities were afforded young men. On his arrival in this country he located in Huron county, Ohio, where for four years he worked at farm labor, receiving from seven dollars to eight dollars per month for his services. In 1859 he came to Wood county, where he purchased fifty acres of land, which he at once began to improve and cultivate. On August 28, 1862, Mr. Williams enlisted at Tontogany for service in the Union army during the Civil war, becoming a member of Company K, 67th O. V. I., under Capt. Lewis and Col. A. C. Voris. He first proceeded to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, from there was sent to Suffolk, Va., and then stationed at Fort Wagner. He participated in many skirmishes, and at the end of two years, on account of rheumatism, he was sent to the hospital at Cleveland, Ohio, there remaining from May to September, after which he was transferred to the V. R. C. at Washington. He received an honorable discharge May 31, 1865, after three years of faithful service, aiding in the defense of the old flag, and the cause it represented. On leaving the army he was still suffering much from rheumatism. After his return home, Mr. Williams sold his fifty-acre tract of land, purchasing the forty acres of land he now owns to which he afterward added fifty acres, and in 1895, purchased eighty acres more, which has since been leased to the Air Line Oil Co. of Tontogany, and on which there is now one producing oil and gas well. He now has a farm of 183 acres, on which he is engaged in general farming. His labors have met with a well-deserved success and his place indicates the supervision of a careful and painstaking manager. At Haskins, in 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Williams and Elizabeth Asthmus, who was born in 1848. They have become the parents of nine children - Carrie M., born July 24, 1869, George J., born September 27, 1870, Charles T., born November 19, 1872, and died at the age of two years; Lewis E., born October 15, 1874; Anna C., born March 30, 1877; Frank M., born December 28, 1879, Liza F., born October 27, 1882; Marie M., born March 6, 1886; and Helena M., born September 6, 1890. Mr. Williams is a Democrat in politics, and for several years has served as school director. Religiously he holds membership with the Lutheran Church, and all moral and educational interests have in him a friend and supporter. JOHN D. FELLERS, deceased, who was numbered among the progressive and highly esteemed agriculturists of Wood county, was born April 13, 1847, in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, a son of Daniel and Mary (Donaldson) Fellers. The father, who was a farmer, died in Henry township in August, 1886. aged seventy-five years; the mother passed away February 12, 1886, in Hancock county. Mr. Fellers acquired his education in the district schools, and was reared on the old family homestead. His father had purchased 160 acres of land in Henry township and deeded it to him, with the understanding that he was to pay a small sum for it. This he commenced to improve about two years before his marriage, and erected thereon a small frame residence On November 9, 1873, in his native township, our subject was WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1077 joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Smith who was born in that locality November 3, 1850, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bishop) Smith, natives of Fairfield county, Ohio; where their marriage was celebrated. They afterward removed to Seneca county, Ohio, and subsequently to Hancock county, where Mr. Smith purchased 240 acres of land in Eagle township, making his home there until his death in August, 1865, when he was fifty-six years of age. His wife survived him about fifteen years, dying when about sixty-three years of age. They had ten children, namely: Eve, who died in childhood: Mrs. Catherine Himrod, of Indiana: George, who died at the age of seventeen; Mrs. Annie Lanning, of Hancock county; Jacob B., who was a farmer and minister in Hancock county, and died in June, 1896; John, who died, leaving a wife and three children: Henry, who has a family of seven children, and resides on the old homestead in Hancock county; Mrs. Fellers; Sidney Ann, who died in childhood; and Mrs. Emma Hartman of Hancock county. Mr. and Mrs. Fellers began their domestic life on a 160-acre tract of hearvily-timbered land in Henry township: but with characteristic energy our subject began to clear and improve this. He tilled and fenced the place transformed the raw land into richly cultivated fields, and in 1888 erected a large brick dwelling, the finest home in the township. He was a very energetic and progressive man, and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. At the time of his death he owned 400 acres of land, having purchased 240 acres after his marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Fellers were born eight children - Charles S., who died at the age of years; Daniel K., who died in childhood; Eliza Ann, who died in infancy; Oliver, Albert, Henry Edmund, Emma Jane and Virgie Evaline, all at home; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Fellers was an unswerving supporter of the Democratic party, and a public-spirited and progressive citizen. He passed away December 10, 1894, and his family mourned the loss of a loving husband and father, while his many warm friends shared with them in their grief. Mrs. Fellers and her children still reside on the old home place, but the land is now rented. JAMES JOHNSTON. a resident of Haskins, was born in Connecticut, November 5, 1843. His father, John Johnston, was a native of Damfrieshire, Scotland, born September 15, 1815. He came to America in 1834, and located first in New York State, where he met and March 5, 1841, married Margaret Anderson, who was born in Ireland February 9, 1816. Removing to Connecticut, they there remained until 1847, when they came to Wood county and settled in Middleton township upon some swamp land, out of which they developed, in the course time a fine farm. The were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics, Mr. Johnston, who took an interest in all public questions of the day, was originally a Whig , latter a Republican. He died November 3, 1891, his wife April 17, 1889. Of their four children; two are now living John R., who resides in Bowling Green, and James. The others were Thomas, who was a farmer by occupation, born August 5, 1846, and died April 11, 1889, and Margaret, born January 30, 1856, and died January 28, 1862. The subject proper of these lines was reared upon the old farm, attending neighboring schools during his boyhood. He was married September 4, 1869, to Miss Henrietta Crook, a native of Perrysburg, born March 28, 1844, and they have three children; Edith, at home: Grace, who married W. Garrett, and has four children - Hazel, Helen, Henry and Bliss. After his marriage, Mr. Johnston located in Haskins, and engaged in the general mercantile business, later opening a hardware store and making a success of both enterprises. In May, 1895, he disposed of his interest, and retired from active business. He was a soldier during the war, as member of Company B, 111th O. V. I., serving in Tennessee and Kentucky for about nine months, when he was discharged on account of disability. He is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and is one of the leading men of his community. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the G. A.. R., Henry Carter Post No. 56, Haskins. W. G. M. AVERY, one of the honored pioneers of this county, now residing; at Bowling Green, was born in Ellisburg; N. Y., February 10, 1820. He is of Welsh descent, and his ancestors were early settlers in New York State, where his father, W. R. H. Avery spent the greater part of his life. He married Miss Polly Towsler, also a native of New York, and came to Medina county, Ohio, in 1833, where he died in 1880, at the age of eighty-four. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension during his later years. An active, intelligent thinker, even in old age, he took great interest in public and was an ardent believer in the principles of the Democratic party. His wife died in Medina 1078 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. county in 1853, at fifty-seven years of age. They had twelve children: Betsey, who married A. Selkirk, of Wood county - both are deceased; Gilbert, a resident of Plain township, Wood county; Sallie, deceased. formerly Mrs. Shubal Stevens, of Orleans county, N. Y.; W. G. M., our subject; Eleanor, the wife the wife of Daniel Noyce, of Bowling Green, both deceased; Lucy, who married John Hardin, of Medina county, and died there; Melissa, the wife of John Shaw, of Medina county, both of whom died in Wood county; William and Thomas, now residents of Plain township, Wood county; Mary, deceased, formerly the wife of John Meeker, of this county; and John, who died at two years of age. Our subject was thirteen years old when his parents moved to Medina county, where he grew to manhood. In 1841 he began to make hunting trips to Wood county during the autumn and winter, and on one of these excursions he met Miss Narcissa Meeker, who was born in Hamilton county, March 5,1826. They were married November 16, 1844, and for two years following lived in Medina county. In 1846 they came to Center township, Wood county, and settled in the woods, far from any road, where Mr. Avery cleared over 200 acres of land. For a number of years he was engaged in stock raising upon a farm of 140 acres, but he retired from active business in 1892. He still owns two small farms. Mr. and Mrs. Avery's descendants number seven children and forty grandchildren, namely: (1) Alice A., born October 17, 1846, married John Dalley, and had seven children: Owen, Alena, Mina, Gertrude, Jennie, Cora, and George; (2) Albert, born November 22, 1848, lives in Plain township, and is married to Miss Rosa Hughes, by whom he had three sons: Harley, Homer, and Allen. (3) Evaline, born November 5, 1851, married Daniel Barr, of Center township, and had ten children: Narcissus, Arnold, Lebbie, May, Jennie, Nannie, Willis, Clarence, June, and Merrit. (4) Martha Adelaide, born February 9, 1854, married M. Witherow, of Plain township, and had nine children: Earnest, Walter, Mary, Lura, Washington, Sadie, Owen, Orlie, and John (5) Betsey Ann, born November 18, 1857, married James Franklin, and died March 18, 1886. Two children of this union are living - Lovenia and Charles - a third, Howard, died in infancy. (6) Ella, born July 29, 1869, married George Barr, of Center township, and had six children: Arthur, Allen, Alice, Ethel, Robert, and Rolly. (7) Washington G., born February 4, 1861, married Viola Snyder, of Bowling Green, and lives in Center township: they have three children: Claud, Ethel, and Sylva. There are also six great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Avery have brought up more than twenty children in their home, at different times. They are interested in all religious and philanthropical movements, and have been for many years leading members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Avery is a Democrat politically, and was at one time elected director of the county infirmary. THOMAS FORRESTER, deceased. The subject of this sketch, who until a few years ago, held an honored place among the fast-thinning ranks of Wood county's pioneers was born in Scotland, September 22, 1822. He was one of the nine children of Thomas and Ellen (Stein) Forrester, and came to America with his parents at the age of twelve years. They located in Webster township, where not long afterward, he entered eighty acres of land on his own account to which he added as his fortunes improved. A man of great industry and courage, he overcame the many hardships incident to pioneer life, and early established himself successfully in his chosen home. He was married, in 1848, to Miss Annie Davidson, of Webster township, who was born in Scotland, October 21, 1824. Six children were born of this union: Robert, a farmer, and trustee of Webster township; James M., a farmer, and trustee of Center township; Walter, a farmer of Webster township, and three who are now deceased - Thomas, Andrew and William. Mr. Forrester took an influential part in all local affairs and was school director and supervisor for many years. His death occurred. February 1, 1892. His wife survives him, and with her sister, Miss Margaret Davidson, resides at the old homestead. Mrs. Forrester can recount many interesting reminiscences of the early days, when wolves and Indians roamed near her home, and she recalls the time when Capt. Wilkison removed the remnant of the aborigines from Ohio to the Indian Territory. WALTER FORRESTER, the sixth, or youngest, son of this worthy pioneer couple, was born October 29, 1861, in Webster township. He was the "home boy," and being enterprising and industrious, he gradually came into the management of the old homestead, which he still conducts. Shortly after his marriage, in 1886, his father gave him the deed of forty acres of the old homestead, on which he built a small residence, where he still resides. He is prominent in all public movements in his vicinity, has been school director, filling the office to the satisfaction of the WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1079 people. His wife is the eldest daughter of Mrs. William Fletcher, a prominent resident of Wood county. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, of Scotch Ridge They have no children living. STEPHEN SCHALLER. In the beautiful and historic country of Switzerland, this gentleman was born in February, 1846. His father, Benjamin Schaller, was also a native of "the land of the Alps," and there followed the occupation of farming until 1851 when he came to Wood county, Ohio, accompanied by his family. Here he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1862. His wife bore the maiden name of Rosanna Hanning, and their family numbered nine children - Benjamin, Frederick, Simon and Alexandra, all farmers of Perrysburg township; Lewis, an agriculturist of Middleton township; Barbara, wife of John Mosier; Stephen; Augustus, a farmer of of Middleton township; and Rosie, the wife of. John Isch, of Lake township. Mr. Schaller, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, and attended schools in Middleton township. He early became familiar with farm labor on the old family homestead, where he continued until twenty-six years of age, and was then employed on neighboring farms for two years. With the capital thus acquired he purchased eighty acres of land, covered with timber and water. He drained the place, cleared it of the trees, and to-day possesses one of the best equipped farms in Middleton township. A good barn furnishes ample shelter for his grain and stock, the latest improved machinery facilitates his labors, and a pleasant residence stands as a monument to his diligence and enterprise. He is a self-made man in the best sense of that term, and the success that crowns his efforts is certainly well-merited. Mr. Schaller gives his political support to the Democratic party, and , though he has never been an office-seeker neglects no duty of citizenship, and gives a hearty support to those measures calculated to prove of public benefit. In 1879, at Whitehouse, Waterville township, Lucas county, he married Sarah Moser, daughter of Christ. Mosher, a native of Switzerland, living in Grand Rapids, Ohio. The children of this marriage are Louisa, Herman, Andrew, Ernest, Bertha, Cora, and Elmer. WILLIAM ROLLER is the owner of one of the most highly improved farms of the county, and his name stands among the first on the roll of Middleton township's agriculturists. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Biglick township, Hancock county, June 8, 1848, and is a son of Michael Roller, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, March 4, 1822. The grandfather, William Roller, was associate judge of Hancock county, and one of its honored pioneer settlers while his brother, L. Roller, was the first white man to locate in Scott township, Sandusky county. The father of our subject removed from .Ashland to Hancock county in 1835, and was one of the pioneers of that locality. his father entered 1,200 acres of land from the government giving to each of his children a farm of 160 acres. He married Elizabeth Swindler, a farm of Jefferson county, Ohio, and they became the parents of nine children: William, Mrs. Sarah Spar, widow of Allen spar, a farmer of Hancock county; Mary A., Philimena, wife of Jefferson Huffman, a farmer of Michigan; George W. and Henry, agriculturists of Hancock county: Ida, wife of Samuel Taylor, a Hancock county farmer; Lorana, wife of Edward Vicker; and one who died in infancy. The father of this family was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen, and died on the old homestead in 1883. In politics he was a Democrat, and for a number of years served as township trustee. His widow is still living on the old farm in Hancock county. William Roller was educated in the common schools, and worked on the home farm until twenty-four years of age; when he came to Wood county, and began farming for himself. Of the ninety-six acres of land which he purchased, and which are now situated in the center of a petroleum field, twenty were cleared, but the remainder was in its primitive condition. With characteristic energy he began to improve this, has drained it by ditching and tiling and now the once wild land yields to him a handsome, return for his care and labor, while-various improvements stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has a very pleasant country home, erected at a cost of $2,000, and a barn, the cost of which was $1,000, affords ample shelter for the stock, of which he raises good grades. He possesses an unfaltering perseverance that is not daunted by obstacles, and his resolute purpose and energy have been the essential factors in his success. In politics, Mr. Roller is a Democrat, and has served as trustee of Middleton township for one term and was the Democratic candidate for county commissioner on two occasions, which shows his high standing with his party. He is prominent faithful and active worker in the Methodist Church at Dowling, is serving as trus- 1080 -WOOD COUNTY, OHIO tee and steward, and has been both a teacher and the superintendent of the Sunday-school. His home life is pleasant and he has an interesting family. In 1871 he married Martha Ruckman, who was born in Hancock county, April 2, 1847, one of the eight children of James and Hannah (Huffman) Ruckman, Seven children grace their marriage: James T., a very intelligent young man, and a successful school teacher in Dowling: Elizabeth, widow of Charles Clark; Florence, Jay, Mary, Michael and William. HARRISON B. WOOD, one of the wide-awake and enterprising citizens of Liberty township, was born on October 16, 1852, in this State, and is one of the fourteen children of John J. and Ruhana (Severence) Wood. During his early boyhood his parents removed to Illinois, and he attended school in Astoria, that State; but completed his education in the district schools of North Manchester, Wabash Co. , Ind. When a youth of sixteen he began to earn his own living by carrying the United States mail from North Manchester to Lagro, Ind., Manchester to Lagro, following that pursuit for two years: He afterward worked as a farm hand and in sawmills, and in 1871, took up his residence in Fulton county, Ohio. Two years later, .Mr. Wood was there married to Elizabeth Crile, and to them has been born a daughter, Lillie, now the wife of Charles Bowen, of Jackson township They began their domestic life on an eighty-acre farm, which Mr. Wood purchased and operated for some years. He then removed to Henry county, where he carried on the sawmill business, four miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Ohio. In 1886 he brought his family to Wood county, and purchased a farm of forty acres near Bowling Green, which he conducted for about four years. He sold this and bought a sawmill in Center township. Afterward he purchased eighty acres of land in Liberty township, twenty acres of which he later disposed of. He has added to the farm, however, until it now comprises 160 acres, upon which he has erected a large and substantial dwelling and good barns. He has greatly improved the property, and now has one of the most desirable farms in the community. He operates a sawmill upon his place, and also owns one in Jackson township. Mr. Wood owes his prosperity entirely to his own efforts. A resolute purpose and enterprising perseverance have overcome the obstacles he has met, and his own industry has given him a place among the substantial citizens of his adopted county. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and, while serving as constable of Fulton county, for five years, he proved his efficiency as a public officer. LUTHER S. PUGH, a successful and enterprising farmer of Richfield township, Henry county, native of Weston township, Wood county, born February 3, 1848, son of John Pugh. February 3, 1848, son of John Pugh. Mr.. Pugh attended the district schools when a boy, and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years old. In 1871, however he had commenced life for himself with a capital of $200, purchasing eighty acres in Milton township, which he improved. In 1872, he bought the sixty-eight acres on which he now resides. In 1883 he secured eighty acres more, to which he added, in 1888, 109 acres, and in February, 1891, 104 acres, making a total of 441 acres, all of which are improved, and or which Mr. Pugh has erected barns, sheds, outhouses, etc. One hundred acres of this land is in timber. On April 13, 1875, our subject was united in marriage, in Weston township, with Miss Harriet Martin, a daughter of James Martin, and a sister of William Martin, of Weston township. To Mr. and Mrs. Pugh have been born five children, as follows: Rufo M., April 8, 1878; John J., June 12, 1880; William Otis, December 12, 1885; David R., December 30, 1888; Effie S., October 11, 1892. In connection with his farming; interests Mr. Pugh has one of the finest stone quarries in the county. Thousands of tons of stone have been used in many of the buildings in Weston, Custar and other towns, and the business brings him in from one to two thousand dollars a year. About forty loads of stone are taken from the quarry every day. He is also a breeder of cattle, and has an excellent stock of Aberdeens, some of which took first prize at the Wood County Fair. Mr. Pugh is one of the most practical farmers in the county, and is looked upon as the leading agriculturist in Richfield township. He is a hard worker, and cleared 125 acres of land, cutting the rails from the timber himself, making a record in one season of 6,000 rails. In this work he has often been seriously injured; his legs have been broken several times, and on two occasions he set the broken parts himself, At another time he had two of his ribs broken. Mr. Pugh is well known for his philanthropy, and is a liberal contributor to all worthy purposes. On every occasion he has donated twenty-five cents on every dollar's worth of stone purchased from him for church-building purposes. He is progressive, industrious, and one of the substantial citizens of Henry county; he is a WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1081 stanch member of the Republican party, but not an active politician; and takes a substantial interest in local educational affairs. WILLIAM SMITH, one of the most highly respected citizens of Bloomdale, was born December 29, 1829, on the island of Bermuda, of Scotch-Irish parents. His father, James Smith, a weaver by trade, served for twenty-six and one-half years in the British army, enlisting at the time of the battle of Waterloo, but he did not take part in any of the Napoleonic wars. While stationed in Canada, he married Martha Elder, a native of County Derry, Ireland, and sometime afterward was ordered to Bermuda, where our subject's birth occurred. In the family were five children; John and John W., both deceased in infancy; William; James, a carpenter, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Matilda, wife of James Caskey, of Montgomery township, Wood county. On leaving the British army, the father located in Scotland, where he followed weaving for the remainder of his active life. He died in April, 1879, at the age of eighty years, and his wife passed away two weeks before, at the age of eighty-two. They now he buried at Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, Scotland. William Smith was about nine years of age when his father left the army, being at that time a resident of Ireland, and his childhood days were passed in different places. For one year the family resided in Glasgow, and then went to Newton Steward. Our subject's educational privileges were limited, and at the age of sixteen he left the school-room, and began learning the shoemaker's trade, which required five years apprenticeship, before he was deemed a competent workman, so thorough are trades learned in the mother country. He then went to Glasgow, but after a years returned to Newton Stewart. Although economical and industrious, he was unable to save much money, and as he wished to launch on the sea of matrimony, and had not sufficient means, he determined to come to the New World, where better opportunities are offered for acquiring a competence. On May 26, 1853, Mr. Smith sailed from Glasgow, on the "Java," which arrived in New York seven weeks later. His destination was Slatington, fourteen miles from Allentown, Lehigh Co., Penn., where he had an aunt living, and on arriving at that place, had only ten cents remaining. Inspired by the hope of making a home in America for himself and his intended, whom he had left behind, he went earnestly to work at shoemaking; but after three months his trade became slack and for one month he was employed in a slate quarry. It was now, late in the fall of 1853, that he moved farther west with his uncle, Hugh Carr, to Logan county, Ohio, where he was employed the following winter driving a team. In April, 1854, he hired out as a farm hand with William McDowell, and during the following summer saved enough to send for his intended wife, Miss Margaret Clanachan, who was a daughter of William and Mary (Laurie) Clanachan, and was born in Wigtownshire, Scotland, March 17, 1833. She left Scotland, and June 15, 1854, sailed from Liverpool, arriving in Logan county, Ohio. August 21. On September 9, following they were married in Jefferson township, that county. They have become the parents of eight children, namely: James, a carpenter of Bloom township; Walter, a farmer of Perry township; J. F. ; Samuel, a carpenter of Bloomdale; Robert, a clerk of Bloomdale; Rosa, wife of Albert Stillwell, of Perry; Mattie, at home; and Mary J., who died in infancy. For a time after his marriage Mr. Smith and his wife lived with Mr. McDowell, and during the following winter he worked at his trade. In the spring of 1855, however, he rented twenty acres of land in Jefferson township, Logan county, near Zanesfield, and followed the occupation of farming until leaving that county. On May 8, 1864, he enlisted in the one hundred days' service, becoming a member under Capt. Porter, doing service mostly in Virginia, and on being discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, in September, 1864, he returned to Logan county. It was in January, 1865, that Mr. Smith brought his family to Wood county, locating on forty acres of land which he purchased in Montgomery township, and he there made his, home until 1871, when he bought eighty-seven and one-half acres in Section 30, Perry township, which he operated until November 1893. Since that time he has resided in Bloomdale, having erected a comfortable dwelling there, and is now living retired from active business cares. In politics he is a stanch Republican, though no politician, and filled the office of trustee Perry township, He holds membership with the United Brethren Church, to which he is a liberal contributor, has served as trustee, class-leader and superintendent of Sunday-school, and is now a teacher in the same. He is a devout Christian, and has ever taken a foremost and active part in the work of the Church. In April 1879 he was summoned to Scotland by the illness of his aged parents, but arrived too late to see them, as they had been 1082 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. buried two weeks before he reached the old home. He has crossed the Atlantic eight times, and revisited many of, the scenes of his youth. In 1882 his wife and daughters - Rosa and Mattie - visited Scotland, Mrs. Smith not having seen her mother for nearly thirty years. Although he has been a great worker, Mr. Smith is still well preserved, and he is a kind-hearted, conscientious gentleman, enjoying the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. JACOB HARTMAN. Among the citizens that Germany has furnished to Ohio, is this well-known: farmer of Wood county, who was born in Nassau, November 5, 1850. His parents, Peter and Christina (Dower) Hatman, were also natives of Germany, and had a family of four children namely: Jacob, Christ, a farmer of Middleton township; Emma, wife of George Williams; and Eliza, wife of John Snyder. In 1852, the father came with his family to America, and located in Huron county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1857. His wife afterward married Joseph Hofner, C, and they had three children Mary, wife of Henry Asmus; Katie, wife of Henry Stutzburg, a farmer, and Michael, an agriculturist of Middleton township. Mr. Hofner died in 1892; his widow now makes her home with George Williams. Jacob Hartman, of this sketch, obtained his education in the public schools, and worked upon his father's farm until nineteen years of age. In 1863 he came to Wood county with his mother, who purchased the farm on which he now resides, comprising fifty-five acres. This Mr. Hartman cleared, transforming the wild tract into well-developed fields. In 1876 he purchased the old homestead, and has since conducted the farm, on which he has erected a fine residence at a coat of $1,500. He has made it cultivable by tiling and ditching, and is today the owner of a very valuable farming property, which yields him a handsome return for this labor. On December 9, 1888, in Middleton township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hartman and Miss Eliza Hattonroth, who was born in Germany, November 27, 1855, and is a daughter. of Henry and Barbara (Elm) Hattonroth. They now have two interesting children: Albert born June 15, 1890; and Frederick, born December 18, 1892. Their home is a pleasant and hospitable one, Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have many friends in their locality. In his political adherence he is a Democrat, in religious faith he is a Lutheran, his membership being with the Church in Haskins, He, is a man of genuine worth and thorough reliability, and is popular with all who know him. ABRAHAM LOE, who is now living retired in Jerry City, was for a number of years engaged in farming in Bloom township, owning a fine farm of seventy acres. Mr Loe first saw the light December 14, 1823, in Philadelphia, Penn., where his father, Robert Loe, was born. When eight years of age Robert Loe was bound out to a farmer west of Philadelphia, remaining with him until he reached maturity, and he never saw his father, who was a seaman, after he was eight years old. Robert Loe enlisted in the war of 1812, and served some eighteen months, months, much to the displeasure of his "master." He was married, near Philadelphia, to Miss Catherine Seldenrick, and they commenced married life in that city, where two or three children were born to them. Mr. Loe drove teams, and did general work. They subsequently lived for a time in New Jersey, returning thence to Philadelphia, and there remaining until early in the winter of 1837, when they migrated to Ohio, making the long, tedious journey over the mountains in wagons. Locating in Belmont county, Mr. Loe was engaged in farming for about two years; at the end of that time, in connection with his son William, opening a brick yard. They engaged in the manufacture of brick for years, and built several brick houses in West Wheeling, Belmont county. Mr. Loe removed to Wood county six months after his son Abraham (our subject), and here his wife died about eighteen months later, September 10, 1848 and was laid to rest in Sugar Grove cemetery. The entire family then returned to Belmont county, whence, after a residence of nearly three years, during which time, in 1849, Mr. Loe re-married his choice this time being Miss Kizia (McCulick), Mr. Loe again came to Wood county. His remains now rest in Sugar Grove cemetery, he having died in 1864, his wife surviving him until 1872. He was originally a Whig in politics, later becoming a Republican. Abraham Loe received his primary education in the Philadelphia public schools of his time, and came with his parents to Belmont county, Ohio. in 1837. When his father opened the brick yard he worked in it, and learned the business, following it for some time. On September 5, 1844, he was married , in Belmont county, Ohio, to Miss Lucinda Baird, who was a native of Ohio county, W. Va., born about 1825, along Wheeling creek, daughter of James and Sylvena WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1083 (Wetzel) Baird; the latter was relative of Louis Wetzel, the pioneer Indian fighter, so well known in this locality. The young couple began housekeeping in West Wheeling, Belmont county, and Mr. Loe was engaged in various kinds of labor, making several trips to New Orleans on coal barges. There was a doctor living in West Wheeling who owned forty acres of land lying in Section 6, Bloom township, Wood county, which he offered for $50. Our subject, desiring to commence life independently, went out to investigate the land, borrowing a horse from his father, and also rode to Perrysburg, the county seat, to look up the title. After a ten days' trip he returned to West Wheeling, and in the following spring, 1846, having closed the purchase, he. came to his land and made a few improvements on it, building a log house, 18 x 20 feet in dimensions, and also having some clearing done. In August, same year, he removed his family hither, and they had two wagons for their household goods: but, by that time, "butter weeds" had sprung up within the cabin, which had no floor, and completely filled it. Here the family resided until November, 1848, when they returned to Belmont county, Mr. Loe's father and brothers having also returned thither, and he learned and followed the bricklayer's trade there for some time. He had not sold his Wood county tract, however, and in January, 1854, the family returned, making the trip by team, and, as the weather was cold, Mr. Loe had a stove in the wagon, which added greatly to their comfort. While in Belmont county Mr. Loe had bought thirty acres adjoining his original purchase, and before his return he had his log house moved to the new land, to the same site occupied by the present residence on the farm. Here Mr. Loe resumed farming, and continued to follow that vocation until his retirement, in 1886, from active life. As a result of his persevering industry and thorough attention to his affairs he met with gratifying success, and, in addition, to the farm of over eighty acres in the township, owns three houses and lots in Cygnet, Wood county, and his comfortable home in Jerry City, which he built at the time of his retirement from the farm. When our subject was married, he borrowed $40 from his brother John, with which to his present position, he well deserves the prosperity he now enjoys with his noble wife, who was never less ready to do her share in making a comfortable, happy home for the large family. In September, 1894, this honored couple celebrated their golden wedding, surrounded. by their family and numerous friends. A brief record of their children is as follows: Albert died in Bloom township, leaving a wife and one child; Mary J. is the wife of James H. Whitacre; James H. is a resident of North Baltimore; John W. died in infancy; Martin L. lives in Center township; Abraham resides in Bloom township, Isaac has his home in Liberty township; Hattie is the is the wife of Henry Parsons, of Cygnet; Neametta is the wife of Thomas Whitacre, of Liberty township. In religious connection Mr and Mrs. Loe are members of the Church of God. Since 1891 Loe has been a Prohibitionist and previous to that time he gave his political support to the Republican party. ROBERT P. WILLCOX. The calling of a farmer, while not so prominent in the estimation of the public generally as that of a lawyer or physician, or perhaps a merchant, is really the most necessary to the growth and material advancement of any county or State. The farmers are the bone and sinew of the country, and it is a vocation of which any man may be proud, especially when he has made a success of it as has been the case with the man whose name opens this sketch and who is recognized as one of the most progressive and prosperous agriculturists of Wood county. Mr. Willcox makes his home in Plain township, near Bowling Green, where he carries on general farming. raising and breeding stock, and, as a specialty, has devoted much time and attention to the culture of potatoes. Of these during the past year he has grown sixteen varieties, and has been most successful in his experiments with them. He sends all over the country to procure the newest varieties, which he tests, and those which have special merit he offers for seed purposes. The soil is naturally adapted to growing potatoes of splendid quality, and the yield averages from 70 to 225 bushels per acre. He plants and harvests the crop by machinery thereby saving much hard labor. Through his extensive advertising in the leading farm journals, he has become widely known in this branch of agriculture, and although one of the youngest farmers in the county; has already made a competence by good management and close application to business. Mr. Willcox, was born in Stark county; Ill, August 29. 1865, but spent his youth on a farm near Milan, Erie Co., Ohio, to which his father had removed. He was educated in the district school and the Western Reserve Normal School, at Milan, which latter institution he attended for two years, graduating in the Business course. 1084 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. He learned the trade of printer, which he followed for about three years, until poor health forced him to relinquish that calling. In 1887 he came to Wood county, to take charge of his fathers estate, and, as he is a man of advanced ideas, and one who employs the newest and most approved methods in everything, he has made, as has already been stated, a great success of his undertakings. Mr. Willcox is an extensive reader and is thoroughly well-informed, not only on the the general news of the day relating to agriculture. In politics he is a Democrat, but has, so far, been to busy with his own affairs to care for office holding or take a prominent part in party motives. He was married September 26, 1888, to Miss Rose Hart, who was born July 26, 1870, and died June 12, 1894, leaving one child, Sumner Hart. The parents of our subject are Robert N. and Elizabeth (Root) Willcox, the former born July 20, 1831, in Ledyard, Conn. When twenty years old he went to California where he remained nine years, and on his return located at Toulon, Ill., where he farmed two and one-half years. He then sold out and removed to Ohio, settling in Wood county where he purchased 320 acres of land. He subsequently went to Erie county, Ohio, where he and his wife are now living. He is a wealthy farmer, and a prominent man in his community. In religious belief is a Spiritualist. His father was Robert Willcox, who lived and died in Connecticut. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Perry Root, was born in Hebron, Conn. He removed to Erie county, Ohio, and was killed by the kick of a horse when he was nearly fifty-five years old. He was a man widely and favorably known, and by careful management became one. known, and by careful management became one of the most substantial business men of Erie county. PETER ZIEGLER, a venerable and resident of Bloomdale, was born October 11, 1806, in Chestnut Hill township, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania. He is of German descent, his grandfather, Peter Ziegler, having come from the Fatherland during the Revolutionary war to make his home in Bucks county,, Penn. He reared a large family, among whom was Jacob Ziegler, our subject's father, who married Elizabeth Savers, a native of Northampton county, and settled upon a farm there. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his son Peter, then a boy of six, has a distinct recollection of his return home on furlough from Philadelphia; where he was stationed. About the year 1817 the family remove to Columbia county, Penn., and in 1831 came to Ashland (then Richland) County, Ohio, settling in Orange township, on a tract of wild land, which they improved and resided upon during the rest of their lives, dying at a good old age. They were devout members of the Old-School Presbyterian Church, and the father, who took an interest in all public questions of the day, was a Democrat in politics. They had eight children: Ann, deceased wife of Jacob Shopbell, of Ashland county, Peter, our subject; David, who died in Fostoria; Catherine (deceased); formerly the wife of Andrew Johns; Elizabeth, the widow of Adam Baum, of Ashland; Mary, the wife of Levi McCanley, of Ashland; and Sarah (deceased), who married Michael Ohl, of Ashland county. Mr. Ziegler was reared upon a farm, and received such educational advantages as the neighboring schools afforded. Until he was twelve years old he attended a Dutch school, and, when the removal of the family to Columbia county placed him suddenly in a school where English was spoken exclusively, he was badly handicapped, as he could not then speak a word of that language. On January 1, 1830, he was married in Columbia county, Penn., to Miss Sarah Fullmer, who was born February 1, 1811, daughter of John and Hannah (Gardner) Fullmer, early settlers in that locality, who in later years removed to Ashland county, Ohio where they died well advanced in years. Mr. Ziegler had but little of this world 's goods at the time of his marriage, a horse, colt and $100 in money being the sum total of his gains so far. He rented a farm for a time and in April, 1834, he brought his wife and three children - Caroline, John, and Daniel to Orange township, Richland (now Ashland) Co., Ohio, traveling for fourteen days in a covered wagon. Tavern keepers in those times kept houses for the convenience of movers, who carried their bedding and cooked their own food. He traded one of his best horses for forty acres of new land, a cabin 16 x 16, and a small garden spot. In June, 1852, he bought eighty acres in Bloom township, to which he removed in September of that year, adding eighty acres a few months later. He now owns 192 acres of land, much of it being valuable oil property: In December, 1887, he moved to Bloomdale to enjoy in quiet the fruits of his previous years of toil, and here his wife, who had been a faithful helpmeet in all his efforts, passed to her long rest November 6, 1892, at WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1085 the age of eighty-two years, after sixty-two years, ten months and five days of married life. Both had been members of the Presbyterian Church from childhood. Mrs. Ziegler was robust and active up to a few weeks before her death from heart disease, doing all her own housework. They had eleven children, whose names and dates of birth, etc., are as follows: Caroline, September 23, 1830, married John A. Simon, and died in Bloom township; John, December 4, 1831 is a farmer in Kansas; Daniel, July 19, 1833, lives in Putnam county; Catherine, February 23, 1835, is the widow of William Leathers, who was killed May 7, 1872, in a gristmill at Eagleville, and she now lives with her father; Hannah February 3, 1837, is the widow of Isaac Fellers, of Findlay: Jacob, January 1, 1839, lives in Fulton county, Ill,; Elizabeth, March 21, 1845, is the widow of Samuel Heaten, and lives in Eagleville; Sarah, June 17, 1844, is now Mrs. George Brownheller, of Bloom township; Peter, January 4, 1847, lives in Lincoln Center, Kans.: Emanuel, October 6, 1850, is a prominent farmer of Bloom township; and Adaline, March 26, 1853, died at the age of twenty-two. These children have done credit to their parents, all having become good and prosperous citizens. "Uncle Peter" has worked hard for his success, and in early days, when other farmers were enjoying, the fireside in winter, he would be hauling merchandise to and from Fostoria, for the old pioneer merchant, James M. Bronson, of Eagleville, earning many dollars. this way. He is still in fine health, and retains his faculties wonderfully, his memory being remarkable, and as he is a great reader, he is well informed on the questions of the time. He has been a Democrat from the time of Andrew Jackson, casting a vote for his party at every election, township, county, State and National. He never aspired to office, preferring to give his attention to his own business, but he has held some minor township offices, and has taken especial interest in the improvement of the schools. W. G. CONKEY, a prominent and representative farmer of Liberty township, residing in Section 34, located thereon in 1880, at which time he came he came to the county from Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio. The place of his nativity is Van Buren county, Mich., where his birth took place on the 27th of March, 1853, and he is a son of George V. and Anna (Halstead) Conkey, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Michigan. They were married in Van Buren county, and there the father engaged in farming until his removal to Eagle Center, Hancock Co., Ohio in 1861, where he carried on a cooper shop for some years. The mother of our subject died in 1857, leaving the following named children; Mrs. Rosana King, of Berrien county, Mich.; Mrs. Betsy Ruggles, of Stark county, Ohio; Mrs.Chloe Hall, of Columbus, Ohio; Shepherd, of Tennessee; Leonard Conkey, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; W. G., of this review; and G. V., of Callhoun county, Mich. At Eagle Center, in 1858, the father was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Bender, by whom he had two had two children - Mrs. Anna Green, of Hancock county, Ohio; and John, who was accidentally killed at the age eight years. In 1869, Mr. Conkey took up his residence at Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio, where he departed this life in 1891, but his wife still makes her home there. The educational advantages which our subject received were such as were afforded by the common schools of Van Buren county, Mich., and at the age of sixteen he accompanied his father to Allen county, where he remained until becoming a resident of Wood county. In Liberty township, in 1877, he was united in marriage with Minerva Stockwell, who was born in Hancock county, and is a daughter of George and Nancy Stockwell, natives of New York. At a very early day they. they became residents of Hancock county, where their deaths occurred. As before mentioned, Mr. Conkey came to Liberty township in 1880, and two years later purchased his present farm, which was then but partially improved, but now yields to the owner bountiful returns for the care and labor he bestows upon it. He devotes his time and attention to general farming, and for nine successive years he has been teaming for the Ohio Oil Co.; he has two good oil wells upon his place, which add materially to his income. Seven children have come to brighten the home of our subject and his excellent wife, who, in order of birth. are Frank, Rosana. John, Sadie, Belle, William and Ella.. Mr. Conkey takes a leading and active part in the welfare of his adopted county; has been for six years one of the trustees of Liberty township: for eleven years has been a member of the school board, and has also held the office of constable. In his political views he is an ardent Democrat, while religiously he holds to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending services at South Liberty. He takes quite a prominent part in civic societies, belonging to Vitas Lodge No, 602, I. O. O. F., of Jerry City, Wood county; Enterprise Encampment No. 224 1086 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. of Milton Center; and the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 553, at Wingston, Ohio. DAVID GUNDER, who, for the past twenty years, has made his home in Portage township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born December 22, 1838, in Dauphin county, son of Isaac and Susan (Heller) Gunder, who were farming people of Dutch and Scotch ancestry. The parents of our subject removed from Dauphin county to Franklin county, Penn., and in 1849 came to Ohio, locating first in Crawford county; where Mrs. Gunder's parents lived. In the spring of 1850 they settled in Perry township, Wood county, where Gunder had purchased eighty acres of land, in its primitive condition, and there they made a permanent home. He became prosperous, but during his later years was unfortunate in losing his property through going bail for friends, and our subject provided a comfortable home for his parents during their declining years. They now rest in the cemetery at West Millgrove. They reared a large family, of whom, Sarah married Joshua Slorp, and died in Crawford county, Ohio; Eliza, who is unmarried, is living in Perrysburg; Daniel is a resident of East Tennessee; Catherine is the wife of Dennis Shinew, of Portage; Isaac lives in Michigan; David is the subject of these lines: John lives in Wood county; Solomon became a member of the 40th O. V. I. and was killed at the battle of Missionary Ridge; Rebecca died at the age of seventeen years; Susan is the wife of Mel Warren, of Richland county, Ohio; Samuel is a resident of West Millgrove, Ohio: Benjamin lives in Perrysburg. Our subject was about twelve years old when the family settled in Wood county, and he attended school only one winter here. In addition to the ordinary disadvantages which the youth of that day experienced in acquiring even an ordinary education, he was hampered by defective eyesight, and also suffered from the fever and, ague, so common in this section when the region was little more than a swamp. When fifteen years old he commenced to work for other farmers, and he also engaged in different lines of work, being employed in a shingle mill for a time working with the surveying corps on the Dayton & Michigan railway, between Perrysburg & Toledo, and was also employed at grading. In March, 1859, he was married, in Montgomery township, Wood county, to Miss Elizabeth Clemens, who was born in Loudon township, Seneca county, daughter of Daniel Clemens, a farmer. The young couple lived with his parents for a short time and after that lived on rented land in various places in Perry township, Wood county, and in Jackson township, Seneca county, in the latter place renting one farm of Dr. R. C. Caples, of Fostoria, Ohio. for twelve years. In February 1875, Mr. Gunder removed his family to their present home in Portage township, Wood county, which comprises eighty acres of good land in Section 24, but which at that time was in its primitive condition, not even a building standing on the place. But since he has conducted the place it has changed materially, buildings and fences have been erected, and he has made a fine home for himself and family by incessant hard work. He is a self-made man in the strictest sense of the word, and is respected by all who know him for his industry and integrity. Mr Gunder has witnessed the transformation of this entire section of Ohio, for when they came here the country was still a forest, and his father's family made the entire trip from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, Ohio, and from Crawford county to Wood county, in a large covered wagon drawn by four horses. Mr. and Mrs. Gunder are the parents of two children--John, who is a carpenter, and Harry S., both living at home. Our subject and his wife, are both members of the U. B. Church, and in politics he is a stanch Democrat. He is a regular voter, but aside from that takes no active part in public affairs. SAMUEL MOREHOUSE belongs to one of the pioneer families of Wood county, and was born in Milton township, August 7, 1857. His rather, Savenus Morehouse, was born in Paulding county. Ohio, but the grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania: the former married Cynthia Fuller, and they became parents of the following named children - Leonard, a leading farmer of Milton township; Mary, wife of George Brant, of Toledo, Ohio; Silas, of Milton township; S. Jane, wife of John Finney, of Jackson township: Samuel, a farmer of Milton township; Rosina, wife of Wert Williams, of Jackson township; Anna, who died at the age of four years; and Ira, who died while serving in the Union army as a member of Company I, 68th O. V. I. The father, who was born July 1, 1816, died April 11, 1895, and mother, who was born April 6, 1820, died February 22, 1894. Our subject was reared on the old home farm and at the age of eighteen started out to make his own living, being employed as a farm hand at $1 per day. In 1876 he began farming with his brother Leonard, and the business relations WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1087 between them still exist. He is a man of excellent business ability, enterprising and industrious, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his land indicates his careful supervision. Mr. Morehouse was married in Milton township, a native of this locality, born December 17, 1869. The children that grace this union are: Nellie May, born March 26, 1889: Pearl, born January 29, 1891; Earl Wayne, born January 7, 1893; and Hazel, born December 29, 1894, Mr. Morehouse is a Republican in politics, and is deeply interested in the growth and success of his party. Socially, he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge of Milton Center. It will be interesting in this connection to note something more of the brother with which Mr Morehouse is in business. Leonard Morehouse is also a native of Milton township, his birth having occurred December 18, 1846. He is indebted to the common schools for his educational privileges; at the age of fourteen years he began to earn his own living by working as a farm hand, a pursuit watch he followed until twenty-eight years of age. During the war he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting in Company I, 144th O. V. I., and continuing in the service until honorably discharged in September 1864. On his return he resumed work as a farm hand, being thus employed until 1875, when in connection with his brother, he owns and operates 120 acres, and the two gentlemen are numbered among the leading agriculturists of the community. His political support is also given, the Republican party. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the G. A. R. Post at Weston. ADAM BEIL, one of the leading citizens of Middleton township, was born March 6, 1845, in Germany. His father, Martin Beil, followed the occupation of a farmer, married Fraulein Lena Winter, and reared a family of four children: Lizzie, the wife of John Weihl; Adam, our subject: Rena, deceased, formerly the wife of Fred Brand: and Conrad, a farmer of Washington township. Mr. Beil came to America in 1860, having, at the age of fifteen, already acquired a fair education in the schools of his native place, and learned the details of farm work under his father's guidance. For four years he worked in Huron county as a farm laborer, and then rented a farm there, which he kept for three years. In 1868 he came to Wood county and bought forty acres of land near Haskins to which he has added as time passed, until he now owns 120 acres, all under improvement, with ditching, tiling, comfortable barns and a fine dwelling house. He is a man of good business judgement and great enterprise, and he gives much attention to the breeding of blooded stock. His success is due to hard work and take management, as he had to make his own way from the time he left the Fatherland. He was married in Middleton township in 1872 to his first wife, Miss Louisa Bishop, by whom he had six children: Lizzie, who married Fred Dower, a farmer in Middleton township; August, a farmer on the homestead; Julia, Frederick, and Edie, who are at home, and Louisa, who died in childhood. Mrs. Beil died in 1883, and our subject was married in 1884 to Miss Alice Heeter. One child was born of this union, Philipina. Mr. Biel's father died in Germany, and the widowed mother came to this country to reside with our subject, and died his home in 1884. In politics Mr. Bell is a Republican, and he possesses great influence local affairs. For six years he has been a school director, and member of the township board, and he is now serving his fourth term as township trustee. He gives to the discharge of every official duty the same faithful industry which has brought him success in other lines, and he enjoys-the complete confidence of the community. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, of which he is trustee and elder, and he has been for many years teacher in the Sunday school. ROBERT PICKERING. Of the worthy citizens that England has furnished to Wood county none are more deserving of representation in this history than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. A native of Yorkshire, England, he was born December 18, 1824, and is a son of Joseph and Jennie (Widdle) Pickering, natives of England, in which country they spent their entire lives. Their family numbered nine children. From early life our subject has been dependent upon his own resources, land whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. When a boy of only eight summers he began earning his living by caring for sheep on a farm. In return he received his board and clothing. After two years thus passed he worked as a laborer for small wages, but, believing he could better his financial condition in America, he in 1850, took passage on a sailing vessel, which weighed anchor at Liverpool, and six weeks later reached New York. There he worked for an uncle for 1088 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. four years. He afterward came to Ohio, locating in Monroeville, Huron county, in 1854;but, in a short time with two of his countrymen, he came to Wood county, locating in Middleton township, where together they purchased 160 acres of land. This they cleared and then divided, and upon his portion our subject erected a comfortable dwelling, good barns and other necessary buildings. He has also tiled the place, and now has a valuable and richly cultivated tract to which he has also added forty acres making this one of the most desirable farms of the neighborhood. In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pickering and Mrs. Polly A. Duncan, who was born in New York, in 1835. They have four children - Mary B., wife of Andrew Knauss, a farmer of Middleton township; Robert L., who farms a part of the homestead; Mertie, wife of Perry Pultz, an agriculturist; and Estella, who married J. Hires, laborer, and to them was born a daughter, and then the mother died of consumption at the age; of twenty-three years. The parents hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Pickering is a Republican, and has served as supervisor one term. He has led a busy and useful life, and his record is a most creditable one, for he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble position to one of affluence. Such a record is well worthy of emulation. JAMES GIBSON. Prominent among the more intelligent, active and enterprising citizens of Troy township, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biography. His reputation for integrity and industry is second to none in the county, and he is held in high regard by all who know him. He now owns the old homestead of the family, which comprises 162 acres of land, and thereon has made his home some forty-six years. The premises are kept in good order, and invariably attract the attention of the traveler through this region as the home of plenty. Our subject was born in Genesee county, Mich., county, in 1847, and is a son of David and Abigail (Dilly) Gibson. The father was born and reared near Dundee, Scotland, and when about thirty years of age left his native land for the New World. On arriving in New York he went to Michigan, and in Genesee county operated a farm until coming, in 1850, to Wood county, where he purchased a partially-improved farm of 122 acres, on which stood a log house. In Genesee county he had married, and on coming to this country he located upon this land, which he cleared and cultivated, erecting thereon a good frame dwelling. On that farm he made his home until 1875, when he removed to East Toledo, Ohio, where he departed this life in 1887, his wife died very suddenly in Jamestown, Penn., in 1882, In their family were the following children: Mrs. Sarah Dennison, of Toledo, Ohio; Stephen deceased; James, subject if this sketch; May, who makes her home in East Toledo, Ohio; and David, deceased. During his childhood, James Gibson attended the schools of Troy township, and contributed his share to the cultivation of the farm, In 1875 he was married in Sandusky county, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Miss Elmira Herman, a native of that county and a daughter of Henry and Clarinda (Webster) Herman, he of German nativity, and she of Ohio, but they early became residents of Sandusky county, where the father still lives. Five children have been born to our subject and his wife, namely: James E. (who is attending school at Ada, Ohio), Linda, Herman R., Florence and Margaret. In his political affiliations Mr. Gibson is an inflexible adherent to the doctrines and principles of the Republican party, and has served as county commissioner. He is a public-spirited and enterprising man, taking an active part and interest in everything which seems, to promise a benefit to the community, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. Socially he is connected with Maumee Valley Lodge No. 515, I. O. O. F.; Perrysburg Lodge No. 524, K. P. and belongs to the Knights of Honor No. 3490, of Stony Ridge. WILLIAM DIGBY. Among the reliable, intelligent and substantial farmers of Washington township, there is probably none who stands higher in the public estimation than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. He first. opened his eyes to the light of day in Erie county, Ohio, on December 29, 1854, and he remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, during winch time the public schools, of Washington township afforded him his educational privileges. His wife owned forty acres of land in Section 14, to which he bought forty more, fifteen of which he cleared and improved: but he has since sold forty acres of the amount. In addition to the cultivation of his own land, he also operates eighty-seven acres belonging to his father. On his place he has a good dwelling, which he erected at a cost of $600, and a general air of thrift pervades the entire tract. It was in Washington township, September 5, 1875, that Mr. Digby was married, the lady WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1089 of his choice being Martha Jane Burditt, and they have become the parents of four children, as follows: Myrtle Belle, who was born December 8, 1876, and is the wife of Charles H. Russel., of Plain township, a son of Albirtus Russell; Lottie Alice, born December 21, 1878; Lilly, born September 1, 1881; and Cora, born October 23, 1883. The three youngest are still at home. Mr. Digby, politically, is a Republican, and takes a genuine interest in the enterprises set on foot for the progress and welfare of his adopted county. For four years he served as supervisor, and the same length of time held the office of school director. He holds membership with the Patrons of Husbandry, in which order he has filled the chairs of master, chaplain and steward, all for two years each. Religious work, however, receives a great share of his attention, has been class-leader of the United Brethren Church; superintendent of the Sunday-school four years, circuit steward three years, and at present has six churches under his charge, namely: The Washington Chapel; the Centennial, two miles north of Tontogany; the one in Grand Rapids; the Custar Circuit; Old Beaver Creek and Liberal Branch. He was sent as a delegate to the conference of the United Brethren Church at Chicago Junction, and everything tending to advance his earnest support and co-operation; he is also a member of Tontogany Lodge No. 755, I. O. O. F. GEORGE UNKART (deceased) was a prominent farmer in Washington township, Wood county, and was numbered among the "boys in blue," who, through the long years of the Civil war, followed the old flag until it waved victoriously over the conquered South. His military record, and that of his private career, were alike honorable. He was born in Germany, December 17, 1843, a son of Martin and Rosa (Fox) Unkart, natives of the same country, and whose family numbered nine children. In 1866 the father came to Sandusky county, Ohio, and died near Fremont. In his native land our subject learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1858 came to America. When the Civil war was begun, he enlisted, October 17, 1861, in Company. H, 72d O. V. I., Col. Buckland, participating in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, and was also in Sherman's march to the sea. On March 31, 1865, he was severely wounded, a ball entering his shoulder, and coming out at his side, from which injury he never fully recovered. He was honorably discharged September 11, 1865, and his war record was marked by the strictest fidelity to duty. When his services were no longer needed, he returned to Fremont, Ohio, afterward spent three years in Sandusky, one year in Lime township, Huron county, and nine years at Weaver's Corners, Ohio, after which he came to Wood county. In 1879 he took up his residence in Weston, and in January, 1880, removed to Haskins, where he remained until 1893, when he purchased forty acres of land in Washington township, erected a blacksmith shop, and was there engaged both in blacksmithing and farming. engaged both in blacksmithing and farming. On February 17, 1870, Mr. Unkart was married to Anna Bollenbacher, daughter of Henry and Elica Bollenbacher. They had six children, as follows: William Charles, born August 24, 1871, now a farmer ;Joseph H., born November 23, 1873, also a farmer; Cora, born September 7, 1876, died in childhood Rosa, born August 18, 1878 also died in childhood, Charles William, born September 11, 1880; and John Edward born January 26, 1888. Mr. Unkart was in political affiliations; a Democrat; when boy he joined the German Lutheran Church, in Germania, and when he moved to Haskins he became a member of the Haskins Lutheran Church, and so remained until his death. Mr. Unkart having been in poor health for seven years, he, in January. 1896 succumbed to his illness, suffering until death came, at 5 P.M. May 13, 1896, being able to say: "Come, welcome death, all end of fears, I am prepared to go." He was aged fifty-two years, four months and two days. The funeral services were held, May 16, in the Christian Church at Dewese Corners, the Rev. Klochner of Waterville, officiating and he was laid to his final rest in the Weston cemetery. deeply mourned by a host of friends. Mrs. Unkart and four children survive him, also two brothers and three sisters. Benjamin, George, Lizzie (of Bowling Green), Mrs. Limestahl, and Mrs Rose, of Fremont. Rose, of Fremont. ALBERT L. KURRLEY, a leading oil-producer of Bowling Green, owes his present producer of Bowling Green, owes his present prosperity to a lucky investment, in 1883, in a half interest in seventy-seven and on-half acres of wild land in the northeast corner of Section 17, in Portage township. It was not taken thought to be of any great value and it lay idle until 1891, when the development of the oil fields in this region led Mr. Kurrley to believe that it could be made profitable. With his father as partner, he put his theories to the test, and opened several good- 1090 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. paying wells. Since that time he has been actively engaged in operating there, and on the leased and in the vicinity, and as he has the advantage of youth, with its energy and enterprise, the future may hold for him still greater success. He was born in Delaware, Ohio, March 8, 1863, the son of Frederick and Catherine (Auwarter), Kurrley, both of whom were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, the father July 5, 1831, the mother January 1, 1829. They came to America in 1853, and were married the same year, in Delaware, where Mr. Kurrley became engaged in a number of profitable enterprises, and accumulated a fortune. They were leading members of the German Lutheran Church. Our subject's mother died July 9, 1894, but his father still resides in Delaware, although no longer actively engaged in business. He takes an intelligent interest in all the issues of the day, and especially in political questions, being an adherent of the Democratic faith. Of the eleven children of this union five grew to maturity. (1) Caroline, deceased February 28,1896, was the widow of Philip Geoble, of Delaware county; (2) Mary is the wife of John Horn, an engineer on a passenger train of the Big Four railroad; (3) Katie is still at home; (4) A. L. is our subject:, and (5) Victor is a resident of Elyria, Ohio. For many years our subject's paternal grandmother was a member of the household, but she departed this life in 1892, at the age of ninety-one. A. L. Kurrley obtained his early education in the public schools of Delaware, and his subsequent reading has enabled him to keep thoroughly well-informed upon the topics of the times - scientific, literary, and political. At the age of twenty-six he began his notable career as an oil operator, and the success of his ventures may be indicated by one of the most peculiar freaks or fortune. He became interested in a well which had twice been abandoned as worthless, and the third attempt at pumping produced 3,200 barrels of oil in an incredibly short period. He was married in Delaware, to Miss Sarah Renner, a native of that place, born December 15, 1865, and has one daughter, Mildred, born at Delaware, Ohio, September 24, 1891. In November, 1892 he removed, with his family, to Bowling Green and has since made it his home. J. G. ARMSTRONG was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 23, 1844, and is the son of Robert and Ann (Ekey) Armstrong, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county, in 1802 where he grew to manhood. Some time after his marriage he went to Seneca county, in 1866 where he died ten years later. His wife was born in Ohio in 1811 , and died in 1883. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To this couple were born seven children, as follows: J. G., our subject; Mary J.. who is unmarried; Benjamin, who died when eighteen years old; Beaty, who lives in Kansas: Martha, who died while young; and two who died in infancy. Mr. Armstrong spent his boyhood days in Jefferson county, where he attended the district schools. While living in Seneca county he was married December 24, 1873, in Wood county, to Miss Celia M. Lenoard, who was born in Seneca county May 22, 1848. Two children were the result of this union, Leonard E., born May 11, 1877, and Xenepheon E., born September 29, 1881. Mr. Armstrong farmed in Seneca county until 1880, when he moved to Wood county, and located on a farm of eighty-seven acres in Plain township. on which he does general farming. When the war broke out he joined Company H, 157th O V. I. for the one-hundred days, service, and was at Camp Relay, Md., and on Delaware Island. In politics he is a Populist, and he is one of the industrious citizens of the county. The paternal grandfather, Charles Armstrong, was a shoemaker, and came to America from Ireland, settling in Jefferson county, Ohio, where he died at the age of ninety-three years. He was the father of seven children: Peggy, who died young; Margaret, George, William, John, Charley and Robert. EUGENE T. SLY. The Sly family is English and can be traced back as far as the grandfather of our subject. James Sly, who was a native of Wiltshire, England. and served in the British army for twenty-two years and eleven months He was married at an advanced age, and lived on his pension. Three children were born to him and his wife - William, James and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Sly and Thomas all died in England, James and William came to America, and the former died in Wood county. William, the father of our subject, was the eldest child, but, his parents dying while he was quite young, the exact record of his birth is not known. He died in Bowling Green. Ohio, June 17, 1894, and was supposed to have been about sixty-eight years old. He came to America when a young man, and located in Monroeville, Huron Co., Ohio, and on December 7, 1838, was united marriage with Miss Harriet Callin, who was born in Ashland county, March 2, 1838. At the WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.- 1091 age of thirteen she moved with her parents to Huron county, and there grew to womanhood. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sly went to Erie county and about 1860 came to Wood county, and located in Plain township, which with which with the exception of a short interval, was their home until they retired to Bowling Green in 1890. In late years they became members of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Sly survives her husband, and lives on her farm in Plain township, which contains nine good oil-producing wells. They became the parents of five children, namely: William James, born October 15, 1859, who resides in Tontogany (he married Ada Avery, and they have three children, Zaidas, Sanford and Fern); Elmer, born January 11, 1861, died June 11, 1890; Alice, born December 30, 1863, is the wife of Cyrus Young, of Bowling Green (they have six children, Ava, Albert and Myrtle, who are twins; Floyd; Clara., and an infant); Eugene; our subject; May, born August 12, 1877, unmarried, and lives with her mother in Bowling Green. Eugene T., our subject,. was born in Plain township, October 31, 1867, where he attended the common schools, meanwhile working on the farm. He was married December 25, 1890, to Anna Gayno, and two children were born of this union, Hattie Julia and Clarence Jefferson. After his marriage he bought a farm in Liberty township, with two oil wells on it but he lived on and operated the old homestead in Plain township, until October 13, 1895, when he was called upon to mourn the death of his devoted wife. Since that sad event he has changed his business, and is now at work in the oil fields. He is an enterprising success, and will no doubt be one of the leading men of the future in Wood county, as he is frugal, industrious, and full of vigor and energy. FINIS S. BURWELL, one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of Grand Rapids township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Columbiana county, November 2, 1840. Richard Burwell, his father, was a native of Tuscarawas county, and, when a young man, he moved to Columbiana county, where he engaged in farming, He married Miss Catherine Smith and reared a family of nine children, their names being; Phebean, Nancy Jane, Lewis Webster, Richard Smedley, Finis Sylvester, Daniel Icart, Mary Catherine, Santford Alonzo, and Sintha Alvina. The father died at the old homestead in Columbiana county in 1887, and his mother in Wood county in 1883. Finis S. Burwell spent the first seventeen years of his life at his native place, attending the district school and assisting with the farm work, and in 1857 he went to Crawford county and engaged in farming on his own account. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C. 101st O. V. I. ; (Col. Stem and Capt. B. B. McDonald commanding), and was appointed sergeant August 29, 1862. He took part in several important engagements, among them being the battles of Covington Height, and those in which the regiment participated while in pursuit of Bragg in West Virginia; Mr. Burwell was disabled at Stone River by a charge of artillery, and remained in the hospital at Murfreesboro, until June, 1863, when he was relieved from further service. Returning to Crawford county, he carried on his farm there for two years, and then came to Wood county, and bought fifty acres of land in what is now Grand Rapids township. This he improved and operated until 1886, when he traded for eighty acres belonging to the late John Walters. He had added substantial improvements, and made the farm one of the best of its size in that vicinity. On November 11, 1869, in Henry county, he was married to Miss Nancy J. McLain, who was born July 19,1843. She is a daughter of Robert McLain, a well-known resident of Henry and Wood counties. The only child of this union James H., born July 27, 1881 resides with his parents, attending the schools of the neighborhood. and taking part in the work of the homestead. . In. polities Mr. Burwell is a Republican, and he has been an active worker in local affairs, serving two terms as supervisor. and filling the office of school director for a number of year. He and his wife are leading members of the M. E. Church, of which he is steward and trustee. His progressive spirit and genial nature make him a leader in every movement for the public welfare. TIMOTHY OSBORN, the owner of a well-developed and highly-improved farm of 140 acres in Liberty township, was born in Bethlehem township, Stark Co.. Ohio, November 29, 1829. and is a son of John and Julia Ann (Buchtel) Osborn. The father was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., and was a physician. At the age of ten he accompanied his parents to New Lisbon, Ohio, where he worked for a time for Dr. Duffel. Later he took up the study of medicine with Dr. Neiz. In Stark county. Ohio, he was married, and later re-moved to Wood county. settling in Montgomery township. Two year, later he removed to Tuscarawas county, where he made his home until 1845 where he returned to Montgomery town- 1092 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ship. Up to this time he had engaged in the practice of medicine In 1847 he located on thefarm now owned by our subject, making his home there until 1864, when he removed to Noble county, Ohio, where he continued until the fall of 1885. He died on the home farm in Liberty township; Wood: county, in the spring of 1886, at the age of seventy-five years; his widow still survives; and is now living with our subject. In the family were the following named members-- Timothy, of this sketch; Precida, wife of Hector McMahan, of Portage, Ohio; Susan, wife of Dr. Whitehead, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Louisa, wife of T. M. Carr, of Portage; and Catherine, wife of Whitney McMahn, of Portage township. Our subject acquired his literary education in the common school, and under his father's direction he took up the study of medicine, and began the practice of the profession after passing his twenty-sixth birthday. In Liberty township, in 1872, he was united marriage with Miss Elizabeth Yarnall, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and upon the old homestead they began their domestic life. They have two children - Maggie U., wife of Frank Hodgeman, of Liberty township; and John Robert, at home. In politics, Mr. Osborn is a Republican, but has neither time nor inclination for public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, in which he has met with good success. THOMAS F. CONLEY, a rising young lawyer of Bowling Green, who also holds the position of official stenographer of the Common Pleas, and Circuit Courts, is a native of Maryland, his birth taking place in Baltimore, July 31, 1861. The Conley family is of Irish origin; the ancestors of our subject, however, emigrated to this country before the Revolutionary war. The great-grandfather was in the old Maryland Line Regiment, and fought on the side of the United States: in the war of 1812 with Great Britain. He married an Englishwoman, and died in Maryland. His son Felix, the grandfather of our subject, was a planter in Maryland, and owned a great number of slaves. Thomas E., father of Thomas F., was born in January, 1835, and married Miss Rebecca Venable, who died when her son was only a few months old. Two daughters comprised the rest of the family; Mary, who is married and lives in Baltimore, and Adele, a young lady, still at home. The father is yardmaster for B. & O. railroad at Baltimore. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native city, where he attended the public schools and business college, and obtained a good education. His start in life was as a messenger boy in the freight office of the B. & O. railroad, from which position, by the faithful performance of his duties, he worked his way up until he became private secretary to the general manager of the road. When the latter took charge of the Louisville & Nashville road, Mr: Conley went with him subsequently on the change of management returning to the B.& O. Another change taking place in this company, he left its employ, and in 1887 went to Bowling Green on a visit. While there he did some reporting for the court, which finally resulted in his appointment as official stenographer for the Common Pleas Court, in 1890. In the meantime, he studied law for two years with Cook & Troup, afterward attending the Law School of the Cincinnati College, took a full course and graduated with the degree of LL. B. He has a good practice, is popular with all classes of people, and has a brilliant future before him. Mr. Conley was married January 12, 1892, to Miss Minnie Belle Bentley, who was born in Newark, Ohio, October 13, 1868. Mrs. Conley is a woman of great personal attractions, and of refined culture, and is a great favorite in social circles: Their pleasant home is the resort of the best people of the city, and their hospitality is well-known. Socially, Mr. Conley is a Royal Arch Mason; and is secretary of the Chapter at Bowling Green; also a member of Toledo Commandery, Knights Templar. JEREMIAH CARTER. The eighty acres of land owned by our subject have been transformed into one of the most comfortable homesteads of Center township, the land of which has been brought to a fine state of cultivation, and is embellished by a handsome and substantial set of farming buildings, including a fine residence. A flourishing orchard; and, a choice assortment of the smaller fruit trees, serve to add to the. comfortable appearance of the premises, and supply the household with the luxuries of the season. Mr. Carter is a man of good education, well-informed and intelligent, and belongs to one of the pioneer families of Center township, where he first opened his eyes to the .light of day, on October 26, 1845. He is a son of John and Charity (Severe) Carter but his father died when he was about four years old, and his mother parted this life two years later. He then went to live with his eldest sister, where he remained until he had reached the age of eleven, during which time he received his elementary education in the district schools, and for the following six WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1093 years worked as a farm hand for his board and clothes. On the expiration of that time he started out to work for himself, being employed by the day, week, or month, but receiving very meager wages. On the inauguration of the Civil war, Mr. Carter resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union, and when not yet eighteen years of age, enlisted on June 30, 1863, in Company D; 86th O. V. I. under Col. Lemert and Capt. J. H. Reid, of Bowling Green. With his company he marched to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to Camp Chase, and from that place went South, where he was mostly engaged in guard duty: He was with his company at the capture of John Morgan, and remained with that command until his discharge February 18, 1864. Mr. Carter then returned to Wood county, and for one year attended the district schools, at the end of which time he entered Baldwin University, there continuing his studies for two years. For the same length of time he was then engaged in teaching school, and later became part owner in a lumber mill, the firm being Wright & Carter. He continued the manufacture of lumber for ten years, when he disposed of that business and purchased the eighty-acre farm on which he now resides. It was then all wild land, heavily timbered, but through his earnest, untiring labors, he has transformed the place until it is now one of the best farms in this section, and among the many improvements there seen is his pleasant and comfortable home, which was erected at a cost of $1,800. On October 2, 1877, Mr. Carter was united in marriage with Lillie Young, of Weston township, by whom he has three children - Everett, born November 9, 1878; Irving, born December 31, 1880, and Goldie May, born September 28, 1884. In political faith Mr. Carter is an uncompromising Republican, and has served his fellow-townsman as school director for eight years, having always taken a deep interest in the promotion of education. In disposition he is social and genial, and his honest, industrious and upright life has gained him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. JOHN Y. HERRINGSHAW is the owner of one of the finely developed farms of Liberty township, and the success of his business career is the reward of earnest and persistent labor, supplemented by sound judgment and executive ability. A native of England, he was born in Lincolnshire, June 9, 1849, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Lyon) Herringshaw, natives of the same country. After their marriage they resolved to seek a home in America, boarded a sailing vessel at Liverpool, and alter twenty-eight days landed at New York, whence they went direct to Niagara Falls. For a year they lived within seven miles of that phenomenon of nature, and then removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, locating on a rented farm. Shortly afterward they settled in Huron county, and in the spring of 1860 came to Wood county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land in Section 31, Liberty township. He built a log cabin, and in the course of time transformed the swampy tract, into richly cultivated fields. His death occurred in 1861, and he was laid to rest in Mercer cemetery. His wife is still living on the old homestead, in her eightieth year. The members of the Herringshaw family are Ann, wife of Thomas Harrison, of Portage township; Joseph, a farmer of Hoytville; Rebecca, who makes her home with her mother; John, who died in infancy; John Y., of this review; Samuel, a merchant of Hoytville; Frederick, a farmer of Liberty township; and William, who is farming in Jackson township. Our subject was a child of two years when his parents came to America. He received but limited educational privileges, for his services were needed in the farm work, and he remained. at home until 1873, when, in Fremont, Ohio, he led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza Ann Roush, who was born to Sandusky county. With his bride he located on what is known as the Jackson Prairie, having purchased a farm prior to his marriage. The following named children were born of their union. Joseph, who costs who was born on December 21, 1873 - the first white child born on Jackson Prairie married Louisa Heers, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, February 17, 1875 (a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Newman) Heers, natives of Germany, who came to America in early life), and to them have been born two children: Henry John, born July 5, 1893, and Dema Ellen. born July 22, 1896; Henry is now following farming in Henry township, Wood county. The other members of the family are Thomas, born October 29, 1875; Harriet Rebecca. March 28, 1878; Mary A., June 5, 1880; Ross April 24, 1883; Bertha Alice, October 17, 1885; Eliza Jane. March 24, 1888; John and George, twins, who were born July 17, 1890, and died in infancy; and Samuel, born September 15, 1892. To his original purchase. Mr. Herringshaw has added forty acres of land in Section 31, Liberty township, and twenty acres in Section 30. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)