(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 1094 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO He built a plank house on his original purchase and in 1891, replaced it by a substantial and pleasant frame residence. He is now actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. In politics he is a Republican, and for many years served as school director and supervisor, discharging his duties in a most capable and satisfactory manner. MILES MONTGOMERY, was born April 15, 1844, in Portage township. Hancock Co., Ohio. His father, George was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and with his grandfather removed to Hancock county, where he was reared on a farm. He there wedded Mary Chase, a native of New York, and after her death married Dorothy Culp, by whom he had three children Angeline, of Hancock county; Rachel, wife of Samuel Snively, of Nebraska; and Henry Wellington, a postal clerk, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. The parents of our subject had the following named children: Miles; Jane; wife of Martin Ensley, of Hancock county; Ben S., an oil man of Findlay, Ohio; Mrs. Elsie M. Archer, of Hancock county; David: a farmer of Hancock county: Susan Irene. wife of William Hicks, of Indiana; Mary S. wife of Henry Ferrall; Martha S., twin sister of Mary the wife of Philip Baucher, of Indiana: and George C., a farmer of Hancock county. The father who was born October 11, 1823, died October 5, 1895. His grandfather, Michael Helmica, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The mother, who was born April 30, 1826; died November 30, 1861. Mr. Montgomery of this review, was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools. At the age of fifteen he began work in a gristmill, where he was employed for two years. On March 16, 1862, at Lima, Ohio. He enlisted in Company H, 57th O V. I and going to the front participated in all the engagements from Lookout Mountain to the coast. At Atlanta he was captured, but escaped almost immediately thereafter, and was twice captured on the march to the sea. He was twice slightly wounded, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock Ark., July 8, 1865 For a year after his return. Mr. Montgomery follower farming, and then began work in a sawmill, at which business he was connected until 1891 when he was forced to abandon that work on account of health. He operated a mill in Liberty township, Wood county for twenty-four when it was destroyed by fire. He then removed to Stewartville, Hancock county, and in July, 1885, he took up his residence in Denver, Ohio. Two years later he established a grocery store in Denver, which he has since conducted, and now has a good business and comfortable home. In Hancock county, September 29, 1865, Mr. Montgomery married Arabel Jane Culp, who was born September 2, 1828, in McCombs, Hancock county, one of the two children of Samuel and Susan Jane (Todd) Culp. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have four children - Amanda E. wife of Grant Smith, of North Baltimore, Mary J., wife of W. H. Cook; Nellie V., wife of W. H. Ingram; and Bertie Arthur. In politics, Mr. Montgomery is an unfaltering Republican, has served as school director for six years. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army Post at North Baltimore. JAMES CARR. an agriculturist and owner of several oil wells in Bowling Green, is a native of Ashland county, Ohio where he was born March 25, 1847. The Rev. Joshuah Carr, our subject's father, was born in county January 27, 1800, and was married to Miss Mary Ingmund, who was born in Virginia, in 1803. They were married in Ashland county when twenty-eight and twenty-five years old respectively. He accepted religion at the age of seventeen, and bought a small Bible at than time, which is still in the possession of our subject. He joined the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ashland county and came to Wood county in April, 1848, settling on the Sand road in Plain township. What is now know as Carr's Church was named after him. He was one of the chief contributors to the Church, and his was the first funeral to take place in it. During his life he attended conference, and helped to preach in the circuit that included Bowling Green and Grand Rapids. He ceased preaching during the latter part of his life, as his health would not permit him to do so. He was a man of extensive learning, and a great reader, and was well known among his friends as a man with an earnest, conscientious purpose in life. He died in Wood county December 10, 1873 his wife followed him to their last resting place ten years later. To this couple nine children: were born namely: Edmund, who died in 1893; who served in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, now resides in Bowling Green; Thomas, who also was in the Civil war on the Union side, and now lives at Portage, Ohio, John was in the army, and is now deceased; James is our subject; Marie, who is the wife of Henry Thomas, lives in Dakota with her husband, Charlotte is deceased - she was WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1095 the wife of George Parsons, who was auditor of Wood county, and died while holding that office; Margaret is the wife of Andiel Whitehead, of Lucas county; and Mary is the wife of Richard Conklin, of Lucas county. Luke Ingmond, the maternal grandfather came from Virginia and settled in Ashland county, where he died at the age of ninety-two. At the age of eithty he was strong and hearty and could do many athletic feats. The subject of this sketch was an infant when his parents came to this county and he was educated in the common schools. He was married August 10, 1868, to Eliza who was born in England January 17, 1848, and is the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Limerick) Goodenough, who is mentioned the biography of Henry Goodenough this volume. Mr. Carr, and his wife are the parents of four children: Edmund, born October 10, 1871 (he married Miss Hattie Fox, who was born in Wood county February 20, 1879, and they have one Child, Dwight Cook); Dwight Cook, born October 23, 1873, died December 10, 1877; Joshua, born January 8, 1876, lives at home; and Emma, born July 4, 1882, also lives at home. Mr. Carr settled in Plain township after his marriage, and proceeded in a methodical manner to follow agricultural pursuits He bought his farm, seventy-five acres in 1889, which is in the oil belt and he leases the oil rights and gets a bonus and interest in the wells. So far they have returned him over $2,000. Mr. Carr is a Prohibitionist, belongs to the Disciples Church and is one of the moat respected men of his township, SAMUEL PRUDEN is one of the worthy citizens that England has furnished to Wood county. He was born in Cambridgeshire, May 11, 1825, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Carter) Pruden whose family numbered four children, Samuel being the youngest. He attended, the public schools until nine years of age and then worked on his father's farm until the ape of sixteen, when he began work as a farm hand at three pounds per year. At the age of nineteen he was made overseer of the farm in which capacity he served for two years, and during that time saved enough money to bring him to America. In 1852 Mr. Pruden crossed the Atlantic and took, up his residence in Monroeville. Huron County, Ohio, where he remained for fourteen being employed in the capacity of farm He then came to Wood county, and purchased 160 acres of land in land in Middleton township and twelve years later added forty acres to this. He has cleared and improved the entire amount and good buildings now stand in the midst of well-tilled fields, which the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and has diligence and resolute purpose. In 1849, in England, Mr. Pruden married Margaret Whaley, widow of William Sopp. To them; were born the following named children: William, a farmer of Van Wert county, Ohio; Thomas, an agriculturist of Middleton township; Mary A. wife of Daniel Thompson; John a farmer of Van Wert county; Sarah wife of William Diviet, a farmer Perrysburg township; Jane, wife of Henry Lloyd of Perrysburg: David who operates the homestead; Jane, Robert and Alvia, all of whom died in childhood. Mr. Pruden holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political faith Episcopal Church, and in his political faith is a Democrat. He is well known throughout the county, and held in high regard by all who know him. His is as words as good as his bond, and he is an upright man, who is all life's relations has merited the confidence universally given him. J. H. LINDOWER, Portage township, is a native of Ohio, born March 28, 1839, in Hancock county son of John and Annie (Bowers) Lindower. The father, of our subject entered; the army when the latter was a mere child and he does not remember him. Mrs. Lindower married, for her second husband, Jacob Esterly, and they roved to Wood county when J. H., was only six years old, settling on the farm in Section 23, Portage township, which now owns and occupies. Mr. Lindower received his education in the district schools, but he was always fond of agriculture, and cared more for his farm than for his books books. He has always made his home on his present farm (excepting for a year and a half, during which time he worked the place, but lived elsewhere), which consists of eighty acres of good land, in a fine state of cultivation, well improved with buildings etc. On August 8, 1880, he was in Portage township, to Miss Ida E. Kelsey, a native of New York; and they are the parents of six children, viz.; Edna born July 22, 1881; Ella, born December 21, 1883, died in 1893; Nettie, born July 12, 1896; Katie, born July 3, 1887; died July 12, 1896; Henry, born August 7, 1889; Winona Belle, born November 21, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Lindower are members 1096 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. of the German Baptist Church. In political affiliation he is a Republican, and he has served as supervisor of his township; but he is not an office attending strictly to his private affairs, which he has managed with great care. He is everywhere respected for his straightforwardness and and honesty, and his "word is as good as his bond." BENJAMIN F. SIMONS, one of West Millgrove's leading citizens and merchants, was born near Arcadia, Hancock Co., Ohio, March 15, 1846, and is a son of William and Mary (Bair) Simons. Our subject was reared beneath the parental roof, on a farm, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood, in which he acquired his education. He was early initiated into the mysteries of hard work attendant upon a life devoted to agriculture, and remained upon the farm until his enlistment in the Union service during the Rebellion. On May 16, 1863, he became a member of Company C, 86th O. V. I., with which he served eight months, and on March 19, 1864, joined Company E, 49th O.V.I. On May 27, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of the Pickett's Mills, where his brother, Lieut. Silas Simons, was killed and for three months was confined to hospital. At Chattanooga he rejoined the regiment; but November 25, 1864, at the battle of Columbia, Tenn., he received a gun-shot wound in the left thigh, so that on the 3d of June following, he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. On returning home Mr. Simons worked for his father for awhile, after which he went to Fostoria, Ohio, being employed by C. Johnson, a lumber dealer. Later the farmed one year, and then engaged work as a teamster on the construction, of a railroad. He was also employed on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad when it was being built near Bloomdale, Ohio The first property he owned was twenty-four acres of the home farm in Seneca county, on which he built a log house, and began the operation of the land. Later he traded this for property in Risingsun, Ohio, which he afterward disposed of. becoming owner of real estate in West Millgrove. There he opened a small store, his stock consisting of drugs and groceries: but from that beginning has grown his present business, and he now enjoys a liberal patronage. His goods are first-class in every particular, and, by his courteous treatment of customers, well merits a fine trade. At Fostoria, Ohio, in 1805. Mr. Simmons was united in marriage with Miss. Mary Vosburg, a natives of Montgomery township, Wood county, and a daughter of Theodore Vosburg. In politics our subject is a steadfast Republican; while a resident of Seneca county he served as constable of his township, which office he also filled for over six years in Perry township, and has been corporation treasurer and marshal of West Millgrove. He is a charter member of Conley Post, G. A. R. of the latter place. In disposition he is genial and social, is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, and a business man of more than ordinary ability. He is a lover of horses, and has owned some very fine, well-bred animals. JACOB MILLER, a farmer of good standing in Lake township, successful as a tiller of the soil, and one who has been prominently identified with local affairs; is the proprietor of a good farm in Section; 1. He was also one of the valiant defenders of the Union during the Civil War. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, in February, 1825; where his parents, Michael and Louisa (Burkler) Miller, were also born, lived and died, the former passing away in 1837, and the latter in 1844. In their family of seven children, two became residents of Ohio - George, who located in Sandusky county, and died there in 1894; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Miller was reared in Baden, where he received excellent school privileges, also for two years attending a seminary at Carlsruhe, and after completing his education he taught in his native land until 1849, when the revolution broke out, and he served in the army of revolutionists for a time. In the fall of that year, however, he went to Switzerland, and the same year embarked on a sailing vessel at Havre, France, for the United States, which he reached after a voyage of eight weeks. On landing at New York, he went direct to Philadelphia, whence he proceeded to Pittsburg, Penn., where he was employed for a time in a brewery. It was in 1851, that Mr. Miller came to the Buckeye State, first locating In Fremont, Sandusky county, where he remained until 1856, when he went to Toledo, and was there for a year. He then resided in Lucas county until . January 1, 1861, when he erected a house upon his farm in Lake township, this county, where two years previous years he had purchased eight acres of timber land, and has since made that place his home, devoting his time to its care and cultivation, with the exception of when he was in the Union army. At Toledo, he enlisted February 21, 1865, in Company B, 189th O.V.I., for one year, or WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1097 until the close of the war, and was mustered into service at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was stationed at Huntsville, Ala., and later at Bellefonte, where he did garrison duty until the close of hostilities when he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., September 25, 1865, after which he returned home. Mr. Miller was single on coming to Ohio, but in Sandusky county, in 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Korbler, a native of Fredericktown, Md., daughter of George and Catharine Korbler, who was born in Darmstadt, Germany, but removed to Maryland as early as 1823. Coming to Ohio, they located first in Seneca county, and in the early '40s became residents of Sandusky county, where the father died in 1863, and the wife in 1891. Mr. Miller has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the home farm in October, 1892. They were the parents of four children: (1) Franklin married Laura Scott, by whom he has three children - Eva, Harry and Clarence. He makes his home in Findlay, Ohio and is lineman on the T. O. & C. railroad. (2) Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Ottawa county, has three children - Stella, Charley and Milton, (3) Tena is the wife of George Ayres, of Toledo, and they have two children - Raymond and Edith. (4) Albert was married April, 1892, to Miss Maud Siglar, a native of Genoa, Ottawa county, and a daughter of Charles M. and Mary (Cheney) Siglar, the former born in Geneva, N. Y. and the latter in Macedonia, Ohio. At Genoa, this State, her father enlisted, in 1863, in the 14th O. V. I. under Gen. Sherman and served until the close of the war, and he had previously been a member of a New York regiment before his removal to the Buckeye State. He still makes his home at Genoa. In politics, Mr. Miller is identified with the Democratic party and for two-terms served as trustee of Lake township, while, socially, he is a member of George Douglas Post, G. A. R., at Millbury. He has identified himself with the welfare of the county since his arrival here, and has made many friends among the intelligent and hospitable people of Lake township. REV MICHAEL GEORGE VOLLMAYER is the esteemed pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church at Custar. He was born March 19, 1857, in Toledo, Ohio, son of Michael sons of Michael Vollmayer, a native of Germany, who on coming to America, in 1846, took up his residence in Cleveland, Ohio, whence in the following year, he removed to Toledo. He died on his farm, near that city in 1857. There his widow resided until 1889, and then removed into the city, where her death occurred in 1893. They had four children - John a merchant of Toledo, Mary, now Mrs. Glaockstein, of Baltimore, Md., George, notary public, and ticket agent for the foreign agency at Toledo, and Michael George, the subject of this review. The last named attended the German Catholic parochial and high schools of St. Mary's at Toledo, until sixteen years of age. Soon after he was engaged as clerk in the German Savings Bank at Toledo, and, in 1874, entered the Jesuit College, at Buffalo, N. Y. He pursued a five years classical course, as a preparation for the seminary course. His eyesight failing, he went to Baltimore for treatment. As soon as possible he re-entered college, and on the completion of his classical course entered the seminary in Cleveland, where he remained four years. He was ordained to the priesthood in July, 1885, and coming to Custar, assumed charge of St. Louis' Catholic Church. The home of worship was then a small frame structure, but through his instrumentality, a large brick church in Gothic style has been elected. He is a man of scholarly attainments, and enjoys the respect. not only of his parishioners, but also of the people of other denominations. WILLIAM HUFF - Quite a number of the leading and prominent citizens of Wood county are of alien birth and have transported to this land of fertility and plenty the thrifty habits of their native country. Among these there is no one better known or more widely respected than the gentleman whose name here appears. In England, beneath the roof of his parents, William and Ann (Hardy) Huff, who were natives of Lincolnshire, our subject: was born in 1833, one of a family of six children, namely : Mrs. Mary Alexander, who died at Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1853; Stephen, now a resident of Van Wert county, Ohio, who, during tie Civil War enlisted in Allen county Ohio, in the First Ohio Squadron and served three years in the Union army; Jane, a resident of Missouri; Mrs Ann Mills, of Perrysburg; William, subject of this review; and Mrs Hannah Liverton, of Bowling Green, Ohio. In 1837 the family came to America, first locating of Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1840, when they removed ,to Plain township, Wood county. There the mother died in 1866, after which the father married a Mrs. Clark. He was born in 1829, and died in 1877. 1098 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Our subject was about six years of age when he arrived in Wood county, and in Plain township he ws reared and educated. In 1862, he first located upon a farm in Lake township, which he continued to cultivate and improve until in August, 1862, he enlisted at Millbury, Ohio, in Company K, 111th O. V. I. At Toledo he was mustered in and assigned to the Western Armym with which he participated in the following engagements. Huff’s Ferry, Campbell;s Station, siege of Knoxville, Dalton, Smoke Creek Gap, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Pumpkin Vine Creek, and Kenesaw Mountain. On becoming ill, he was sent to the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., and , later, was placed on the Invalid Corps at Washington D. C., where he received an honorable discharge, June 26, 1865, after three years of arduous and faithful service. Returning to Wood county, he engaged in farming in Perrysburg township until 1880, when he removed to the farm in Lake township, which he now carries on. In 1859, in Perrysburg township, he married Miss Isabel Simons, a native of that township, and a daughter of Pearl and Cassina (McCarty) Simons. Her father was born in Connecticut, but at a very early day became a resident of Perrysburg township, where he was married in 1833, to Miss McCarty, a native of New York and to them were born children as follows: Mrs. Delia Cook; of Perrysburg; Arabel and Oscar who both died in childhood; Mrs. Huff; Byron who died while young; Lewis, who died at the age of thirty-five years; Celia, who died in childhood; and Frank, a resident of Lake township. By trade the father was a cooper, which occupation he followed in Perrysburg, where his death occurred in 1884, and his wife died three months later. He had served as county recorder one term. To Mr. and Mrs. William Huff were born eleven children, three of whom are no deceased, viz. Delia, who became the wife of Charles Pinniger, and died December 17, 1889; Ella, who was the wife of William Taylor, and died December 29, 1893, and Jennie, who died January 3, 1864. Those living are: Maggie and Mary (twins), the former being now the wife of Oscar Nicodemus, and the latter Mrs. Richard Fralic, of Perrysburg; Ernest, a resided of Cummings, Ohio; and Carrie, Charles, Grace, Mabel and Robert, all at home. Mr. Huff is a prominent member of George Douglas Post 183 G. A. R. Of Millbury, in which he has served as officer of the day and his wife belongs to the Woman’s Relief Corps. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the representative men of the county, and a credit to the land that gave him birth. JOSHUA H. DICKEY, deceased, was one of the brave volunteers who so gallently fought for the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion. He was a native of Ohio, born in Liberty township, Seneca County, December 28, 1838, and was a son of David and Anna (Luman) Dicken. The father was born at Bean’s Cove, Bedford Co., Penn., and was a son of Jonathan Dicken. When their eldest daughter, Sarah, was but an infant, the parents removed to Seneca county, when Tiffin was a small hamlet, containing only a few rude buildings. They were numbered among the earliest settlers, of Liberty township, and experienced all the trails and hardships of pioneer life, but succeeded in making a home of their wild-timbered tract. There the father died at the age of sixty-two; the mother survived him about two years and a half. In their family were the following children: Sarah, widow of Amos Overmyer, residing in Toledo, Ohio; John, who makes his home near Tiffin; Nancy now Mrs. Jacob Martin, of Jackson township, Seneca county; Joshua H.’ Jesse, of Fostoria, Ohio; Isaac, who died in Louisville, Ky., November 8, 1861, having enlisted September 3, of that year, in Company K, 49th O. V. I. ; and was buried in the citizen’s cemetery there; Henry, who in September 1863, became a member of the 9th Ohio Cav., and died in Nashville, Tenn.; Albert, who died in Liberty township, Seneca county, at the age of nineteen years; Egbert, of Kansas Station, Sprout county Seneca county and Geletta, now Mrs. George Sanders, of Fostoria. The opportunities of Joshua H. Dicken for securing an education were limited, and hardly had the echoes of Fort Sumter’s guns died away when on the first call for 75,000 volunteers, he enlisted in Company I, 21st O. V . I. For three months service. He re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company K, 49th O. V. I. After fourteen months of active service he was discharged November 17, 1862, on account of disability. In September, 1864 however he again joined the Union forces as a member of the 164th regiment, and served until the close of the war. Although never wounded, he contracted a disease from which he never recovered. In Jackson township, Seneca county, July 5, 1863. Mr. Dicken wedded Miss Sarah Elder, who was born December 3, 1840, near Centerville, Bedford Co., Penn., daughter of Achor and Eliza (Cessna) Elder, the former a native of Cumber- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1099 land Valley, Bedford county. The mother was a daughter of William Cessna, who died in Bedford county in 1828. In 1854 the parents moved from Pennsylvania to Mahoning county, Ohio, where the father died April 29, 1855, the mother later became the wife of Emanuel Ash, of Seneca county, whither she had removed in 1859. Since Mr Ash's death she has made her home with Mrs. Dicken, in Bloomdale. On his return from the war, Mr. Dicken bought a farm in Jackson township, Seneca county, and there made his home until 1870, when he brought his wife to Bloom township, Wood county, locating in Section 13. There he passed away November 5, 1874 and was laid to rest at the old homestead with his parents in Liberty township, Seneca county. At his death he left a good farmof eighty acres, on which his widow resided until the spring of 1893, when she came to Bloomdale, and, she now has a pleasant home on Harrison street, where she delights to entertain her many friends. She still owns the farm, which is rented. She is an earnest Christian woman, holding membership with the Disciples Church. Mr. Dicken was known by all as one of the most social men in his neighborhood, his hearty laugh being often heard, and he was held in the highest regard by, a large circle of friends and acquaintances, In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. and his loyalty to this country was manifested in times of peace as well as when he followed the old flag on Southern battlefields. GEORGE TYRRELL, a well-known resident of Bowling Green. was born in Berkshire, England. June 16, 1847. His father, John Tyrrell, was born in the same place, and is still living, at the age of ninety. He married Ann Andrews, a native of Oxfordshire, England, who died May 20, 1891, aged eighty-three. They were members of the Church of England, in which the father was for many years clerk of his parish. He was a butcher by occupation. They had ten children: John, born in 1832, died at Steventon, Berkshire, January 29, 1880; Catherine went to Africa as a missionary, and married there (our subject has never seen her, as she left home before his birth); Elizabeth (deceased), married Charles Day, of London, England. Henry Sarah and Anna (now Mrs. Isaac Gedding), all living in England. Charlotte married Edwin Farmer, superintendent of the Wood County Infirmary. Joseph T. is a resident of Sterling, Rice Co., Kans, Geprge, our subject, comes next. James resides in England, Our subject worked at various occupations in England during his youth. On April 17, 1869, he left his native land, arriving at New York thirteen days later came on to Wood has remained here since working as a laborer in woods and elsewhere. He was married December 23, 1875, to Miss Mary Catherine Bailey, who was born in Devonshire, England, March 7, 1849, the daughter of John and Mary Catharine Bailey, both natives of the same county. Her father was born in 1819, and died August 3, 1889; her mother was born January 26, 1820, and died April 11, 1881. They were married in England, and came to America landing at New York September 29, 1853, having spent two months on the voyage. They bought a farm in Lake township, Wood county, in the same year, and resided there the rest of their lives. In England they had been connected with the Established Church, but after coming here they joined the Evangelical Church. Their family comprised children as follows: William born December 8, 1843, was postmaster at Millbury; John, March 28, 1846, lives in Michigan; Richard, August 28, 1847, died at the age eighteen: Mary C. (Mrs. Tyrrell),. comes next; Philippa Ann, November 5, 1850 (now deceased), was the wife of James Pinegar, of Millbury; Albert April 25, 1853, lives in Bowling Green: Elizabeth Jane, January 4, 1861, married Albert Heymon; Edward Edwin, August 7, 1857, is a drayman at Bowling Green; Ellen, October 18, 1862, married William Durant, of Monroeville; and Sherman T., February 28, 1865, is a veterinary surgeon at Bowling Green, Mr and Mrs. Tyrrell have five children, whose names with dates of birth, are as follows: John CLay, August 31, 1877: Catherine Ann, June 28, 1879; Grace Bernice, August 31, 1881; Ernest Albert, May 24, 1883; Elizabeth Frances, August 6, 1884, deceased in infancy; and Lloyd Edwin, born June 29, 1886. ALBERT NEWTON PETTEYS, Among the prominent farmers of Washington township, few names are better know than that of the subject of this sketch who, was born on his father's farm, in Weston township, this county, on the 25th of September, 1857. Until the age of eighteen years he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a practical education and then removed to Tontogany. He was crippled by an elder snag penetrating his foot, where it remained for over thirteen years. After attending school in Tontogany: he could have secured a teacher's certificate, but he preferred to follow agricultural pursuits rather than teaching. 0n the 22d of September, 1886, Mr. Petteys 1100 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Burditt, a daughter of Greenbury and a sister of Andrew Burditt. Four children have come to bless this union: Albert Lee, who was born August 20, 1888, and died June 9, 1889; David Newton, who was born July 8, 1890, Charles Edward who was born November 25, 1892, and Margaret Belle, who was born May 9, 1895. In 1887 Mr. Petteys purchased his present farm of forty acres of partially-improved land which he has since further developed, adding greatly to its value by tiling and ditching, and now has a highly cultivated tract, which yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he expends upon it. His religious belief is in accordance with the United Brethren Church. and he now belongs to Washington Chapel. WILLIAM MARTIN one of the most prominent agriculturists in Wood county, whose fine farm is situated in Weston township, is a native of that township, his birth having taken place March 24, 1847. The Martin family is of Irish and German ancestry, ancestry, and the predominating traits of these nations are to be seen in the thrift, perseverance and enterprise of the descendants. The great -grandfather of our subject, William Martin was born in Ireland, in 154, and was married August 12, 1782, to Hannah Chapman, who was born June 30, 1765, Nine children were born of this union, namely, William, Nathan, Janette, David, Agnes, Samuel, John C., James T. and Matthew. The father of this family was a furniture manufacturer and came at a very early day to the United States, settling first in Pennsylvania. His eldest son William, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, August 8, 1783. On September 26, 1805, he was married Jane Taylor, and to them were born two children - James T. and Loucindia. In 1814 he came to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there followed his trade of cabinet maker until 1832, when he removed to Wood county, and took up 160 acres of land, the same composing a portion of the farm on which our subject now resides. On the death of his wife, which occurred two years after his arrival in Wood county he returned to Fairfield county, and remained there for two years then again came to Wood county, where he lived with his son until his death in 1861, at the age of seventy eight years. Mr. Martin was justice of the peace in Weston township for sixteen years, and married most of the pioneers in that section;— in all over hundred and sixty couples. James T. Martin, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, March 17, 1808 He came to Ohio in 1814, with his parents, settling in Fairfield county, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After the removal of the family to Weston township he took up eighty acres of land and improved it, at the same time working on the 160 acres owned by his father. He was also the principal undertaker in his section of the country. He was married January 1, 1834, to Miss Matilda Smith by whom he had the following children: Elinor, born August 2, 1836, died while young, Robert A. born February 8, 1838, died in infancy; Jane, born January 9, 1840, died September 22, 1868; Elizabeth, born October 14, 1841 married E. C. Whitney, a farmer, and lives in Nebraska; Harriet, born, April 22, 1844, is the wife of L. S. Pugh, of Henry county, Ohio; William, born March 24, 1847, is the subject of this sketch; James T., born March 28, 1849, died in childhood and John L., born September 19, 1854, also died in youth. The mother died September 21, 1868, the father and Jane on the next day, all of typhus fever and, on September 25, 1868, they were all buried in the Beaver Creek cemetery, William Martin obtained a fair education in the district school of his locality, which he attended three months in the year; the remainder of the time being given to farm duties. When he arrived at manhood he took up farming on his father's farm, and has been very successful in his enterprises. He owns 225 acres of some of the finest land in Wood county, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and on which he has placed some twenty miles of tiling. In 1883 he erected a handsome brick dwelling, one of the best in the township, at a cost of $3,000, and in 1895 he built a commodious barn which cost him $2,000 and in which he has four silo bins. In addition to general farming he is quite an extensive stockraiser, breeding fine registered Aberdeen and Jersey cattle, and some good draft horses. He is also interested in the Weston creamery. As may be inferred from the above facts Mr. Martin is a progressive, wide-awake farmer, a man who undertakes his business, and gives it the time and attention necessary to success. He stands well in his community and is deserving of the esteem and respect which is accorded him. In politics he is a Republican, and a school director and also clerk of the board. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Home and Foreign Missionary Society, the Aid Society and the Daughters of Rebekah, Lodge No. 303. Mr. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1101 Martin belongs to the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 681, and also to Columbia Encampment. The marriage of our subject took place March 19, 1872, when he was united to Miss Lucretia J., daughter of John Pugh, a prominent farmer of Weston township, now deceased. Four children have blessed this union, namely Guy T., born March 17, 1878, is assisting his father upon the farm; Glen J., born December 13, 1885; Ruby C. born April 13, 1890, and Ruth E. March 18, 1894. A curious coincidence in connection with these births is the fact that all occurred on the Sabbath day, and that the eldest occurred on the Sabbath day and that the eldest occurred on his grandfather's birthday. VINCENT FISHER, engaged in the clover-seed and wool businesses in Bloomdale, is one of the prominent and representative business men of Wood county. He was born in Cass township, Hancock Co., Ohio, July 19, 1845, and is a son of John and Catherine (Dunlap) Fisher. The father was a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and, as he was but three years old at the time of the time of his father's death, he was reared by others. He was married in his native State, and, on coming to Ohio, located; first in Ashland county, where he remained a couple of years and then went to Washington township, Hancock county. There he remained a short time, when he went to Cass township. The land was all new, Indians still visited the neighborhood, and his first home was a rude log cabin. The children of the family were as follows: Samuel, born in Pennsylvania, died in Cass township, Hancock county:, Mary Ann, also born in the Keystone State, married David Manning, and died in Washington township, Hancock county: Catherine, who became the wife of Joseph Smart, died in Fostoria, Ohio Abraham broke his leg in a threshing machine, after which he took typhoid fever, and passed away in Cass township. Hancock county; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Edson Foster, a florist of Findlay, Ohio; James resides in Allen township. Hancock county; Vincent, our subject, is next in order of birth: Joseph lives in Putnam county, Ohio; Jackson makes his horse in Findlay and Alice died from injuries sustained by being thrown from a buggy. The father's death occurred in Cass township, in May, 1865, at the age of fifty-six years, while at the same place his wife died five years later, and both were laid to rest in Fostoria cemetery. Being the oldest son at home at the time his father's death, Vincent Fisher assumed charge of the farm, though but eighteen years of age and operated the same for two years. In Bloom township, Wood county, on Christmas Day of 1866, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Prudence Louisa, a daughter of Thomas Loman. He then rented a house in Cass township while he worked as a laboring man, but in 1868, he leased his father-in-law's farm, which he conducted for two years when he purchased eighty acres of timber land in Bloom township there erecting a log house, 18 x 28 feet, and began the improvement of his place. In 1874, however, he returned to Hancock county, where he rented land for a year, and then, in partnership with his brother James, embarked in the clothing business in Columbus Grove, but, at the end of a year, removed the business to Arcadia, Ohio. Later he conducted that enterprise alone for two years, after which he sold out at a great loss. On first coming to Bloomfield, in 1878, Mr. Fisher worked in the lumber yard of Bryant & Linhart - first as fireman, then head sawyer, and later as foreman; but, at the end of two years, he purchased, eighty acres of land in Section 26, Bloom township, forty-five of which had been improved. His means were such, however, that however, that he had to go in, debt $2,200 for his place. He continued the improvement and cultivation of his cultivation of his place until the spring of 1891, when he again came to Bloomdale, and now rents his land. For two years he engaged in the sale of farm implements, but is now extensively interested in buying and selling clover and wool, at the Bloomdale elevators, in which he has been very successful. For about fifteen years, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, he also operated a threshing machine, his first experience in that line dating back to the days of crude machinery, while his father was first to introduce a separator into the northern part of Hancock county, and the southern part of Wood county. Two children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, namely: Cora, now Mrs. William W. Wineland of Bloom township; and Addie, now Mrs. Ned Rosendale, of the same township. The father has ever taken a prominent part in the promotion of every enterprise for the welfare of his town and county, and was one of the party of citizens who helped to secure the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. By contribution of labor, in putting in the railroad switch. He is an earnest worker in the Democratic party, though no office seeker, and was five years Democratic township committeeman. He served an unexpired term both as marshal and alderman of Bloomdale, being chairman of the gas committee when the Northwestern Gas Company undertook 1102 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. to charge exorbitant prices for gas, and other companies were secured to start a competing line, which would save Bloomdale citizens many thousands of dollars. He is a stockholder; director of the Northeastern Fair Association of Fostoria, Ohio, and director in the Bllomdale Citizens Gas Company; socially, he is a member of Bloomdale Lodge No 406, I. O. O. F., while his wife has held membership with the Methodist Espiscopal Church since the age of fourteen years. They have many friends throughout the community, and justly deserve the high regard in which they are held. Although starting out with meager advantages, Mr. Fisher has by his own labor and good management, as well as by skillful, but fair manipulation, gathered a comfortable competence. DANIEL STOCKER, deceased. The subject of this sketch, formerly a prominent real-estate holder in Wood and Holmes counties, Ohio, was born February 1, 1839, in Oxford township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, the son of John and Elizabeth Stocker. He attended school in his native place until the death of his father, when he engaged in agriculture in Holmes county, renting a farm for a time. In 1883, he came to Wood county and bought a tract of land lying on the boundary between Weston and Grand Rapids townships, being the W ½ of the S. W,1/4 of Sec. 31, Weston township, upon which he made some improvements. He returned to Holmes county, however and carried on his business there until his death which occurred March 28, 1889. A man of sound judgment and fine abilities, he enjoyed the esteem and friendship of all who knew him well. He was a prominent member of the Disciples Church, and took an interest in all religious movements. Politically he was a Democrat, but held broad views on all leading questions of the day. On December 31, 1854, he was married to Miss Elmira Willhouer, who was born October 9, 1835, at Port Washington, Ohio, the daughter of Johnnes Willhouer. To this union were born nine children as follows: (1) Christian F., born December 7, 1853; was married on December 10, 1887, to Miss Lettie Watson, and has two children: Bessie and Hazel. (2) James W., born May 30, 1857, was married on March 14, 1882, to Miss Laura E. Wheaton (who was born April 6, 1864), and has six children - Daniel born October 8, 1882; Elmira, born September 15, 1884; Mitte born January 11, 1887, George W., born March 15, 1890; Ollie, born August 29,1894; and Ellen, born June 18, 1896; (3) Hiram J., born April 1, 1859. (4) Elizabeth L., born January 15, 1861, was married October 5, 1882, to Nelson Sharp, of Holmes county, and has two children - Mabel, born August 1, 1888, and Walter born July 11, 1890, (5) Daniel H. born February 4, 1863, is an oil operator in Indiana. (6) John S ., born October 1, 1863, was married March 11, 1891 to Miss Bell Ferderick, (who was born November 30, 1871) and has one son, Roy, born February 12, 1892; (7) Joseph, born February 18, 1867, died February 22, 1875, (8) Mary E., born May 28, 1870, was married June 11, 1895, to Frank Nafus, and has one child - Harvey, (9) Mitte, born March 15, 1873, died February 28, 1875. Mrs. Stocker came with her family to Wood county shortly after the death of her husband and settled upon the property here, improving and developing it into a fine farm. She now resides there with her second son, sustained by the love and affection of her children, and the esteem of a large circle of friends. SAMUEL J. HARPER is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, where he was born September 22, 1829. His parents were Thomas and Mary (White) Harper, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1816, and the latter in Washington county, Penn. They were married in Jefferson county, and moved to DeKalb county, Ind., in 1852, and Mrs. Harper died there in 1853. Mr.. Harper returned to Ohio in 1858 and settled in Wood county, where he married Mrs. Nancy (Barton) Jamison. He died the at the home of our subject in 1880. He was the father of the following children: William a farmer in Weston: Jane married George McKeg, and died in Cincinnati; Samuel J. is our subject; George P. resides in DeKalb county, Ind., on a farm: Elizabeth died unmarried: James H. is a railroad man of Bellevue. William Harper, grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, where he married a Miss Johnston, a native of the same county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was accidentally drowned in the Ohio river. Our subject remained in Holmes county, Ohio, until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he went to DeKalb county, Ind., where he stayed until 1856, when he came to Wood county. He was married in Perrysburg, October 23, 1856 to Miss Mary J. Barton, who was born in Holmes county, April 11, 1835. They have one child, Thomas, a railroad conductor residing at Leipsic. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1103 Junction, Putnam Co., Ohio. He was born February 27, 1858, and married Miss Addie Boggs, who was born in Weston township. Three children have been born to them: Henry, Harvey, and Bessie. After his marriage our subject lived in DeKalb county for a year, then came to Wood county and from here went to Tontogany, where he accepted an appointment; on the C. H. & D. Railroad as brakeman, and in two years was promoted to the position of conductor. From 1860 to 1865, he ran an accommodation train from Toledo to Lima, after which time he entered the mercantile business at Milton Center. In 1871 he sold out and entered the railway mail service, running between Toledo and Cincinnati for two years, when he was transferred to the fast mail on the L. S. & M. R. R., and ran from Cleveland to Syracuse for fifteen and a half years. He then quit the mail service to enter the egg and poultry business in Weston, where he remained for three and a half years. Becoming tired of that, he moved to the farm on which he now lives. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He cast his first vote for Winfield Scott. Mrs. Harper was in the millinery and dress making business in Weston for nine years, while he was engaged in the mail service. Mrs. Harper is the daughter of James and Charlotte (Johnson) Barton, the former of whom was born in Mifflin county, Penn., February 27, 1807, and the latter in Jefferson county, Ohio, December 17, 1811. They were married December 18, 1826. She died April 23, 1896, but Mr. Harper is still in the enjoyment of good health. The following children blessed their union: Ann, the wife of George Bell, of Holmes county, Ohio, died in Wood county in 1855; John died at the age of two and a half years; Mary Jane is wife of our subject. Henry J. Died December 7, 1894; Samuel J. Lives in Weston township; Harriet E. married Ellis Williams; Stephen Taylor lives in Weston township; one other died in infancy. Mrs. Harper grew to womanhood in Holmes county; and came with her parents to Wood county in 1852, and they later settled in Grand Rapids township. Mr and Mrs. Barton were both members of the Disciples Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. SAMUEL BROWN, a prominent manufacturer and stock breeder, of Grand Rapids township, and a son of one of the earliest settlers of this county was born at Beaver Creek, April 18, 1841. Alexander Brown, his father was born in Perry county, Ohio, November 23, 1802, and settled in Wood county about 1828, he followed the occupation of farmer and veterinary surgeon, and was one of the first settlers to go back from the Maumee. In Perry county, he was married to Miss Anna North, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., September 30, 18, 1804. Twelve children were born to this worthy pioneer couple, namely; Caroline, born in Perry county, March10, 1823, became the wife of John McKee and died December 26, 1856; James born in Fairfield county, October 26, 1824, died September 11, 1860; Mary, born January 11, 1827, died January 6, 1842; Morgan born March 10, 1829, the first white child born on the Maumee, south of Perrysburg, died June20, 1888; Sarah born January 15, 1833, is the wife of S. Condit, a farmer of Oregon; William born September 17, 1834, a prominent stock raiser and veterinary surgeon of Weston; Isaac Newton, born August 15, 1836, died May 31, 1896; Eliza Jane, born November 25, 1838, became the wife of John McLain, and died January 17, 1884; Samuel, our subject; Margaret E. Born November 17, 1843, became the wife of Elliot Warner, November 29, 1871; Joseph born May 31, 1846, died October 4, 1847; and Anna, born September 15, 1848, became the wife of W. L. Rowland, and died April 27, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were noted for their hospitality, and the weary stranger ever found “their latch-string out.” He passed to his final rest September 15, 1870, and his estimable wife survived until June 30, 1881. Samuel Brown, our subject, attended the district school near his birthplace, and assisted his father upon the farm, until the breaking out of war, when he enlisted in Company H, 68th O. V. I. With Col. Steadman and Capt. Voris. He took part in most of the important battles of the war, including those of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Bolivar, Metamora, Iuka, the siege of Vicksburg, and the engagements of the famous Atlanta campaign, his regiment being among the host, that went “marching through Georgia” with Sherman. At the battles of Metamora, the 12th Mich. V. I. The 68th O. V. I. And the 46th Ill. V. I. Fought with unusual determination the 68th taking the lead in the desperate charge on the Rebels, compelling the surrender of 555 men. Three companies of the 68th of which Company H. was one, acted as guard for these prisoners as far as Bolivar, Tenn., where they were turned over the United States Government. During the march to Bolivar, the Union soldiers were often amused by the stories of the Confederates. 1104 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Once in a while one of the " wearers of the gray " would undertake to make a speech; one of them gave in substance, much to the chagrin of his comrades, the following: " We enlisted because we were told it was the best thing to do; that it would be only a little 'breakfast job' to fight the Northerners. A Yankee might go out and kill a squirrel in cold blood, but when it came to fighting men, they would be sure to run. Then we of the Sunny South can go up in Ohio, take 160 acres of land, and it will be the best pay we ever had for so little work. Now we are marching toward the North, but I don't believe we will get the land. Boys, the only thing that seems clear to me now, is that our cause is unjust, and that we have rebelled against the best government on earth. We are treated as we ought to be, whipped and chased from every nook and corner; even when we have fought against equal numbers, we have been whipped. It is the height of folly to hold out longer, and the sooner the whole army surrenders and stops the shedding of blood, the better." It is not to be supposed that a man could utter such sentiments in the presence of his Rebel comrades without being frequently interrupted; but the applause that greeted him from the loyal Union soldiers was sufficient compensation. Although our subject suffered all the hardships incident to the life of a soldier in active service, he heartily enjoyed the excitement, and served as long as there was any fighting to be done, receiving his discharge at Cleveland, Ohio, on July 15, 1865. At the close of his term of service, he returned home, and on October 3, 1865, was married to Miss Maggie J. Ross, who was born November 12, 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Polly Ross, well-known and respected residents of Weston, now Grand Rapids, township. She had been a prominent school teacher for a number of years, having begun that work at the age of sixteen, and her entire life was spent in labor tending to the upbuilding of humanity, and in caring for the welfare of others. She was one of the very patriotic ladies of this county during the Rebellion, counting no sacrifice too great, no toil too severe for endurance, if aid could thereby be given to the Union cause, or comfort to the " Boys in Blue." On many occasions she denounced those who were disloyal to the Federal government. She was a devoted Christian, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and tireless in her work for the Church; nothing but sickness prevented her attendance both at Sabbath-school and Church services. She died April 8, 1886, after nearly a quarter of a century of happy wed ded life.    To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown was born one son, Orlo, C., July 17, 1866, now a farmer of Grand Rapids township (on March 15, 1889, he was married to Miss Nellie Bortle, of Henry county, who was born December 1, 1870, and they have two children—Meril A., born June 18, 1891, and Kyle L., born May 19, 1893). In the fall of 1889 our subject went to Oregon for rest and recreation, and remained three years. Since his return he has given his attention to the breeding of Jersey cattle, and fine horses. He has a handsome brick residence, one of finest in the township. He is interested in the manfacture of brick and tile. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church; in politics, a Republican, and has served the community in various official positions, having been supervisor and clerk of the board of education, and school director for a number of years. A man of kindly nature and progressive mind, he is at the front in any movement which tends to benefit the community. GEORGE W. SMITH, a leading and prosperous farmer residing in Section 28, Troy township, has witnessed almost the entire development of this region, as he was born in that township in 1837 and has always made his home there. there. His father, Daniel Smith, was a native of the eastern part of Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood, and, on going to the western part of the State, there wedded Mary Mixter, by whom he had seven children, who in order of birth were as follows: Eliza died in Troy township, in Troy township, in 1891; John makes his home there, now at the age of seventy-four years; Aaron is married, and lives in Webster township, Wood county; and Mrs. Sarah Chamberlain, Mrs. Catherine Chamberlain, Mrs. Amanda Dennis and George S., are all of Troy township. In Pennsylvania the father owned a small farm of twenty acres, which he operated in connection with work at blacksmith's trade; but in 1834 he came to Ohio and located in Troy township, Wood county, on a tract of government land. To clearing and improving his place he then devoted his time and attention, until his death, in 1848. His wife who survived him several years, also died in Troy township, on the old homestead, in 1863. George W. Smith obtained such an education as the district schools of Troy township afforded at that early date, and was rear on a farm. Agriculture has been his life work, and he now owns a highly cultivated tract of 160 acres, which yield to him a ready return for the care WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1105 and labor expanded upon it. He is entirely independent of party lines in politics, his only criterion in such matters being whether any measure is for the benefit of the county in which he lives, or calculated to elevate society at large. JAMES STOUFFER, one of the representative, substantial, self-made men of Bloomdale, affords in his careet an example of the success which may be attained may be attained by industry and good management, combined with fair dealing. Joseph Stouffer, his father, was born June 9, 1812, in Northampton county, Penn. He followed the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker for many years, and most of his tools are now in the possession of our subject. He was at onetime engaged in time engaged in making coffins, and he also built many houses, among these being a handsome residence on the Monongahela river, in Fayette county, for Abraham Overholt, the pioneer distiller, In those days great quantities of timber were rafted down the Monongahela, and he found employment at that for a time. On September 12, 1839, he was married to Miss Nancy Dobler, who was born in the same State April 9, 1817. J. C. Dobler, her father, was a native of Shondorf, Wurtemberg, Germany, born August 1, 1776, and was a teacher by occupation. On July 27, 1802, he married Ann Moria Ann Moria Erbse, February 14, who was born February 14, 1780, and by whom he had thirteen children. They came to America March 6, 1805. In 1855 Mr. Stouffer decided to move to Ohio, where land was cheaper, and his growing family could have a better chance in life. He came by the old "strap railroad " to Findlay, and purchased eighty acres of land in Washington township, Hancock county, paying for it in part from of his property in Pennsylvania. After this de devoted his attention to farming, giving but little time to his trade, even hiring help on own buildings. He had attended school only six months in all, but had acquired a good practical education. His judgment was excellent, and by industry he gained a competence, his 120 acre farm being one of the best in the locality. On September 12, 1889, he and his good wife, to he wife, to whom he always attributes a large share of his success, celebrated their “golden wedding," with many friends and relatives present. Just two years later, on September 11, 1891, he departed this life, his wife surviving until January 29, 1895. The remains of both now lie in the cemetery at Fostoria. They were members of the U. B. Church, to which they contributed liberally. They had ten children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Mary A., February 21, 1841 (she married Cyrus Eckels, and died in Hancock county, September 1T, 1866); Levi, April 14, 1842 (died October 4, 1842); Henry D., July 26, 1843 (he married Mary J. Linhart, and is a merchant of North Baltimore); Samuel, March 9, 1846 (he married Sarah J. Stoner, and is a farmer in Hancock county); Sarah, June 12, 1848 (married James H. Slosser, of Hancock county); Susanna, October 14, 1850 (married John Stoner, of Tarr Station, Penn.); Josiah, November 2, 1852 (our subject); Catherine E., January 2, 1854 (living on the old farm in Hancock county); Magdalena,, July 19, 1855 (died August 22, of the same year); and Jacob W., February 28, 1858 (a farmer in Hancock county; he married Miss Carrie McConnell). Josiah Stouffer was born November 2, 1852, near Mt. Pleasant, Fayette county, and was three years old at the time of the family's removal from Pennsylvania. His education was obtained in the district schools of Hancock county. He remained at home, helping upon the farm, until the age of nineteen, when he began to learn the tinner's trade with F. R. Stewart, of Fostoria. After a three-years' apprenticeship he and his brother Henry opened a store (the pioneer tin store of North Baltimore), dealing in tinware, stoves, hardware and implements, under the firm name of H. D. Stouffer & Bro., which was later changed to Stouffer Bros. In 1878 our subject withdrew as a partner, but remained in the store as an employe. On August 4, 1878, Mr. Stouffer was married in Findlay to Miss Almeda Osborn, a native of Sandusky county„ born August 17, 1856, daughter of Rev. L. J. and Susan (Short) Osborn. Her father was born July 9, 1826, in Cayuga county, N. Y., and died August 13, 1895, in Wood county; he had been a member of the U. B. Church forty-two years, and a minister in the Sandusky Conference. Her mother was born December 24, 1828, in Richland county, Ohio, and died August 17, 1894, in Wood county. Seven children lived to maturity out of the family of eleven born to them; viz. : Tryphena, Harriet, Sarah, John R., Lizetta, Mrs. Stouffer, Lurory, Anna, Ida, Oren and George. Mrs. Stouffer received a good common-school education, and. taught for three terms before her marriage. She is now a member of the school board of Bloomdale, the first lady in Bloom township elected to that position. Their home shows the influence of her refinement and culture and their four children enjoy good educational advantages, and are lov- 1106 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ers of books and music. They are as follows: Jennie Grace, born March 22, 1888; Zoe Dott, born October 17, 1882; Karl J., born June 19, 1884, and Myrth M., born October 6, 1886. In October, 1889, Mr. Stouffer bought a hardware and grocery store in Bloomdale from E. P. Emerson, added tinware and stoves, and also opened a tin shop, the first in the town. Later he laid in a stock of boots, shoes, clothing and agricultural implements, and his expanding business compelled him to build an additional store room in 1894. His trade in the various departments is now the largest in Bloomdale, his reputation for integrity is of the highest, and to judge the future by the past we may hope to see him win still further triumphs in his chosen line. He owns a residence in North Baltimore, in addition to his business property, and has an interest in the homestead in Hancock county. His reading has been extended, and he has improved upon his somewhat limited advantages in early life, taking an intelligent interest in all the questions of the time. In politics he is a Republican, as was his father in the later years of his life; but he does no active party work, his business requiring his attention.' He and his wife are leading members of the Liberal U. B. Church, at Bloomdale, to which he is one of the most generous contributors. GEORGE COOPER, a prominent resident of Bloomdale, well-known throughout that vicinity as a business man of great ability and absolute integrity, was born in Warwickshire, England, October 4, 1824. William Cooper, his father, was a blacksmith and veterinary surgeon there. He married Sarah Shirley, who was one of the children of William Shirley, all of whom lived to an advanced age— William dying at eighty-eight, Parson at sixty-four, Thomas at eighty, John at eighty, Richard at eighty, Ann (Mrs. Walker) at ninety, Hannah at eighty, James at eighty, and Sarah (Mrs. Cooper) at eighty-four. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born eleven children. He died in 1829, leaving the four youngest children unprovided for, the others being already settled in life. Mrs. Cooper for some time after her husband's .death supported her little ones by nursing, giving them a good education for the time. Her children have all done well in life. One son is a general manufacturer. of leather furnishings for military service, foreman of a large plant at Birmingham, England, with which he has been connected for at least fifty years. Our subject at the age of eleven years went to reside with his mother’s brothers, who were farmers, and from them leaned that business. In 1849 he came to America, spending four weeks on the voyage on the sailing vessel “Elizabeth,” and landed in New York May 1, 1849. He had only $15 left, but he soon secured employment at Palmyra, N. Y., at $8. Per month. After two months he became the driver of a team for a large flour-mill there, and the next year began to learn the miller's trade, but, not liking it, gave it up shortly. On November 21, 1851, he was married at Palmyra, to Miss Emma Jaques, who was born September 29, 1832, three miles from his own early home. Her father, William Jaques, was of French descent and followed farming as an occupation. He married Miss Dina French, and reared a family of nine children, some of whom came to America early in life. In 1836 the father, who was feeble in health, sold his farm intending to bring his family to this country, and a son, William, was on his way home from America to accompany them on the voyage, when Mr. Jaques died. The widow with six children came in 1837, on the vessel “Splendid” (Capt. Leonard), landing in New York after one month at sea. She remained at Syracuse with two married daughters for some time, and then bought a farm near Palmyra, later moving into the village. When Mrs. Cooper was eight years old her mother returned to England, where she was married to John Greenhill, coming back to Palmyra in the spring of 1846. She was a lady of great intelligence, the author of poems and other writings of a high order. He family inherited much of her ability, and one son, Rev. Jabez R. Jaques, was a distinguished instructor of languages in some of the best colleges in this country and Canada. She died in Bedford, Mich., December 27, 1865. In 1835 Mr. Cooper brought his wife, and baby to Hanoook county, and with $400 of his savings, and $300 belonging to his wife, he bought a farm of forty-nine acres, upon which there was a log house of two rooms. Two years later he sold it, doubling his to Wood county he bought 120 acres in Perry township, afterward selling forty acres for half the cost of the whole. He then bought eighty acres more and made of it a fine farm, and in 1866 he traded for 208 acres in Perry township, well improved, by paying $4,800 bonus. Here he lived until 188I, when he retired to Fostoria for over three years, returning then to he farm. In May, 1892, he moved to Bloomdale, leaving the active work of his estate to other hands. He owns two dwelling houses in Bloomdale, and one WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1107 in Forstoria. In his younger days he possessed great strength, and his prosperity is based upon ed to judicious management, his estimable wife being a true helpmeet in his efforts. Seven children were born to them: Ruth A., November 12, 1852, died April 29, 1867; Florence, January 1, 1865 (married H. M. Marvin, and died May 10, 1880, in Augusta, Mich.); Alice, August 31, 1857, (married Wellington Welch, of Bloom township); George M., September 19, 1859, lives in Perry township; Fannie, October 9,1861, married Dr. E. H. Chilcote; of Bloomdale; Louella, October 9, 1870, is at home, and Robert S. November 11, 1874, died August 18, 1875. Mr and Mrs. Cooper are leading members of the M. E. Church, with which Mrs. Cooper untied 1848, Mr. Cooper in 1851. He has been a class-leader for many years, and was superintendent of the Sunday-school for a long time His contributions to all philanthropic movements are liberal, and he has helped to build churches for several denominations. In politics he was a Republican until 1881, when he became a Prohibitionist, but he has never allowed his name to be presented as a candidate , for official position. DAVID L. LESLIE is a citizen of worth; and one of the most progressive agriculturists of Bloom township, which is the place of his nativity. He was born January 22, 1851, a son of David and Mary (Brandeberry) Leslie. The father of our subject was born August 30, 1813, in Columbiana county, Ohio, where the , grandfather, Joseph Leslie, followed. farming for many years. David was married in Carroll county, Ohio, August 29, 1833, to Miss Brandeberry, who was born in Carroll county, April 13, 1814, a daughter of Conrad Brandeberry. They lived in Carroll county until the fall of 1848, when they took up their residence upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. A cabin of logs and bark was built in the midst of the woods, and wild game could be secured only a short distance from their home, such was the primitive condition of the country. The father died in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1875, and the mother died in Gratiot county, - Mich., .about 1883. Their children were Joseph, who was born May 26, 1834, and died at the age of three years: Conrad, born October 31, 1836, who died March 19, 1864, while going from Libby to Andersonville prison, having been made a prisoner while serving in the 111th 0, V. I. ; Susan, born Decemer 30, 1838, now Mrs. John Alexander, of Bloonidale; William, who was born April 13, 1841, and died in Pekin, Ohio, in June, 1892; Elizabeth, born August to, 1844, now Mrs. James Valanc, of Ithaca, Mich.; Mary, born November to, 1846, wife of Levi Fowler, of Berrien county, Mich.; John, born March to, 1848, of Gratiot county, Mich. ; David L., subject of this sketch; Stephen, born September 3o, 1853, of Jackson, Mich.; and Matilda, born March 9, 1857, wife of Frank Dell, of Ashland county, Ohio. Mr. Leslie received but limited educational privileges, for from the age of thirteen years he has not only provided for his own maintenance, but also aided in the support of the family. At the age of twenty-one, he went with his father to Calhoun county, Mich., and there earned the first money which he was allowed to retain, his other earnings having been given to his parents. He was married January 21, 1875, in Eagleville, Ohio, to Alice Leathers, the ceremony being performed by W. S. Richard. Mrs. Leslie was born in Bloom township, June 9, 1855, a daughter of William and Catherine (Ziegler) Leathers. Her father was the first native white child of Bloom township, born March 6, 1834, and was killed in a gristmill in Eagleville. Our subject and his bride began housekeeping on the old home farm, living in a log cabin. He operated forty acres of land for his mother, and subsequently he bought the home farm at sheriff's sale, his father having in the meantime sold it to Patrick McManus, who could not pay for it. It became Mr. Leslie's property in August, 1880. He now has forty acres cleared and under cultivation, drained by five and a half miles of tiling, and it is one of the neatest and most thrifty looking farms in the county. In 1893 he built a large barn, and the community recognizes in him one of its most progressive agriculturists. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie have had five children- Nettie L., who died at the age of one year and nine months; Dessie F. ; Frank B. ; Charles W., and Don H. The parents are members of the Liberal United Brethren Church, of Pleasant Grove, of which he has served as trustee. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but he is now identified with the Prohibition party. He is a self-made man in the best sense of the term. CHARLES J. NIEMAN, a member of the well- known firm of Nieman Bros., of Pemberville, undertakers and dealers in furniture, is one of the most popular men of his age in that locality, his ability in business and public affairs winning for him the confidence and regard of the entire com- 1108 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. munity. He was born September 29, 1869, in Sandusky county, where his grandfather, John Nieman, a native of Germany, located, and died near _Woodville, Ohio. Louis Nieman, our subject's father, was born in Sandusky county, and lived there until about two years ago, when he moved to Woodville. He married Louisa Meyers, a daughter of the late Garrett Meyers, who spent his last years near Woodville. To their union two children were born: Henry, born 1867, is a partner in the business at Pemberville; and Charles J., our subject. Charles J. Nieman received his early education principally in the district schools at Woodville, where he grew to manhood. His first employment was as agent for the Wpodville Creamery Company, and, after spending four years "on the road " for them, he became a traveling salesman for Waldcutter, Stein & Co., chair manufacturers at Toledo, Ohio. In 1892 he resigned this position, and, in partnership with his brother Henry, bought the furniture and undertaking business at Pemberville, which they have since conducted with gr.eat success. Mr. Nieman is a member of the Lutheran Church, of which his ancestors have been adher- ents for many generations. Politically he is a Democrat, and his influence and activity in local affairs promise to make him a prominent figure in wider circles in the near future. In the spring of 1894, he was elected clerk of Freedom township, leading the ticket, and his faithful and judicious discharge of his duties has gained him hearty commendation from all classes, as is shown by hiS re-election to the same office in the spring of 1896. Mr. Nieman is a stockholder in the Curtis Oil ,Co., operating at Curtis, Ohio; w the company was recently organized, and has one well completed, which proves a good one. DANIEL STREETER. The name of this gentleman is well and favorably known throught Washington township, where he is prosperously engaged in general farming. He is a native of the Empire State, born in the town of Alabama, Genesee county., June 6, 1830, and is a son of Solomon and Sallie (Arnold) Streeter, both natives of Vermont, in which State they were married. They later removed to New York, and the year 1838 witnessed their arrival in Ohio, coming by steamboat to Sandusky City, then by the Huron river to Huron county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits for two years. In 1840 he located in Ottawa county, where he bought a farm and there spent his remaining days, dying in 1856. The mother died in that county the year of their arrival there. In their family were ten children—Maria, Fannie, Helen, Maranda, Filah, Caroline, Julia Ann, David, Benjamin and Daniel. The last named attended the district schools of Ottawa oounty, pursuing his studies in an old log school house, with primitive furniture, and at the age of sixteen years laid aside his text books to take up the sterner duties of live, as he then started out to make his own livelihood, working by the month as a farm hand until his marriage. In 1865 we find him in Wood county, where he bought ninety-five acres of good land, but has since disposed of forty acres of that amount. The remainder he still cultivates, converting it into one of the best farms of the locality, whereon are seen all modern improvements which stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. Mr. Streeter gives his cordial support to the Democratic party, served as trustee in Ottawa county for a couple of years, and has also been a school director. For a time he was a member of the Grange, and his religious connection is with the United Brethren Church. He is a man in whom his neighbors have entire confidence and, who will hold his name in kindly remembrance long after he has departed hence, In 1854 was performed the marriage ceremony which united the destinies of Mr. Streeter and Miss Mary Jane Hollingshead, of Bay township, Ottawa Co., Ohio. Her birth occurred on the 20th of August, 1827. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children, only four of whom now survive; Samuel George, a butcher of Tontogany; Mary Irene; Robert B.: and Eva Estella. Samuel Hollingshead, the father of Mrs. Streeter, was born in Huntingdon county, Penn.,: January 19, 1789, and was a son of John Hollingshead, of Irish and German descent. For nine months he served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and later re-enlisted, aiding the States until the close of that struggle. It was in 1812 that he first came to Ohio, where he ever afterward made his home. On June 25, 1822, at Fremont, this State, he wedded Mary Whitinger, who was born here, though of Pennsylvania parentage; her ancestors had lived where the battle of Lundy's Lane was fought. She died at Port Clinton, Ohio, June 23, 1862, and her husband, who survived her, passed away at the same place in March, 1875, In their family were the children: John, who died in infancy; Elizabeth widow of James H. McGrudc, of Port Clinton: Mary Jane, wife of our subject: William C., who resides on the old homestead in Ottawa countu, James, deceased, who wedded Elizabeth Atkin- 1109 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Son, of Port Clinton ; Margaret D., deceased wife of Absalom Shook, of Illinois; Robert M., who married Lucy Dickens, by whom he had seven children after her death wedded Louisa Goda; Statire, wife of Wesley Belknap, of Iowa; Josephine, deceased wife of Clouse Harmes, of Fremont, Ohio; and Samuel, who was a member of the home guards from Ottawa county, and died in the South during the Civil war. During his father’s service in the war of 1812, he saw the great battle between Perry and the English troops, and assisted the soldiers in removing stores from Put-in Bay to Toledo. From the latter place he walked to Port Clinton., having nothing to eat upon the entire trip. He was also on the lakes for four days without food, so that he experienced all the privations and hardships of war in those early days. By trade he was a gunsmith, but in later life gave his entire attention to farming. He served as justice of the peace during the early days and although without a knowledge of law, his own judgment and wisdom guided him in almost unerring decisions, he also served as commissioner of Sandusky county for eighteen years; was associate judge and treasurer of Ottawa county, and lastly, was representative of that District. In politics he was an earnest Democrat, and both he and his estimable wife were members of the United Brethren Church. GEORGE W. BLACK, a prominent and well-to-do agriculturist of Bloom township, was born August 8, 1854, in Wyandot county,. Ohio. John Black, his father, was a native of Maryland, but when a boy, came to—Ohio with his parents, who settled in Wyandot county. He married Miss Mary Jacoby, a native of Pennsylvania whose parents had moved to Wyandot county during her girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Black are still living on a farm two miles east of a place which he and two of his brothers bought and cleared a few years after his marriage. John Black is a leading citizen of his locality, a stanch Republican, and, while he is not an office seeker, he has always taken an .influential part in any movements for the public welfare. He is a member of the Church of Christ, and his wife belongs to the U. B. Church. They had six children, of whom, our subject, George W., is the eldest; Lafayette died July 10, 1880, in Wyandot county; Leander lives in Tiffin, Ohio; John A. is a resident of Wyandot county; Noah is a farmer in the same county: Elnora is the wife of Edward Bear, of Wyandot county. George T. Black received his first instruction in the district schools of Wyandot county. He was very ambitious and possessed unusual mental ability, and later he attended the schools of Republic and Fostoria. At the age of twenty he began teaching in District No. 8, Bloom township, having been selected for the position by the principal of the Fostoria schools, who had been requested to recommend a teacher. He also taught one term at Bloom Center, giving entire satisfaction. On September 21, 1875, he was married, in Bloom township, to Miss Charlotte E. Fast, who was born there July 3, 1849, a daughter of John and Sarah (Hess) Fast. She is a lady of fine mental gifts and culture, had been a student at Hiram College, and later had taught successfully for thirteen terms in Wood and Henry counties. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled upon a farm of thirty-four acres in Tymochtee township, Wyandot county, for which he paid $2, 55o. Mr. Black's health began to fail, and, as he was threatened with consumption, he sold his farm, and on May 26, 1883, moved to Bloom township, where they rented rooms for the summer. In October of that year he bought fifty acres of what was known as the " John Baird farm," and for several years, on account of poor health, he did little more than look after the work of the farm. He now has a comfortable home, and although he is unable to do much active work, he has, by shrewd management, become a very successful farmer. He and his estimable wife are leading members of the Church of Christ at Eagleville, in which he is an elder. They have one son, Frank F., born December 3o. 1877, in Tymochtee township, Wyandot county, who was graduated from the High School of Bloomdale May 22, 1896. In politics Mr. Black is a Republican, one of the most earnest supporters of the principles of his party, but he has never aspired to office. He was elected justice of the peace in 1890, and served one term, declining a renomination. ABRAHAM STILWELL, one of Perry township's best citizens and well-to-do farmers, is a native of Knox township, Jefferson Co., Ohio, born October 8, 1845, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Elliott) Stilwell. When only six years of age his parents removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood in Washington township as a pioneer farmer boy, and attended the district schools of his time, rude as they were. He remained under the parental roof during the lifetime of his parents. In Washington township, Hancock county, on November 25, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stilwell and Miss Mary J. Stahl, whose birth occurred in Washington township, Carroll Co., 1110 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Ohio, November 15, 1846. When about six years of age she was taken to Hancock county by her parents, George and Mary (Fishel) Stahl, who died when well advanced in life, and were buried at Arcadia, Ohio, By trade the father wa.¢ a blacksmith, and also followed farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Stilwell were born five children, namely: Sarah A., now Mrs. Alvin Loucks, of Bloomdale, Ohio; Joseph M., who follows farming; James A., an oil pumper, of Bloorndale; William E., who died in infancy; and Minnie B., at hone. After leaving the old homestead, Mr. Stilwell rented land for a time in Washington township, Hancock county; but March 18, 1886, witnessed his arrival in Perry township, Wood county, where he purchased the forty-acre-farm wIlich he yet owns in Section 3o. He is an intelligent, keen-sighted man, of good business ability, and merits the confidence of his many friends. He and his wife hold membership with the Lutheran Church of Bloomdale, and politically he has always been a Democrat. WILLIAM H. CHAPMAN, deceased, a pioneer of this county, was a native of Connecticut, born August 11, 1820, in Groton township, New Lon don county, one of the ten children of William and Fannie (Bailey) Chapman. Our subject received his early education at the public schools of his native place, and when eighteen years old shipped before the mast, and followed a seafaring life some ten years. He then carrie to Ohio, and located in Huron county, where, in October, 1848, he married Miss Sylvia Ann Avery, who was born August 31, 1830, a daughter of Dudley and Prudence Avery, and a 'sister of Joshua O. Avery, whose sketch appear,s elsewhere. Some eighteen months after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chapman came to Wood county, settling in Weston township, where, he bought eighty acres of land, all of which was heavily timbered. He cleared a portion of it, ann sold it; then bought 120 acres on Keeler's Prairie, eighty of which he improved, erecting thereon a fine residence, commodious barns and outhouses. To him and his wife were born ten children, as follows: Oliver W., November 18, 1849, in Huron county, is a farmer in Milton township, Wood county; Zachary Taylor, August 1I, 1851, in Wood county, is deceased; Lucy A., October 17, 1853, is the wife of Charles Lewis, and resides in Milton township; Avery 0., June 25, 1855, is a farmer in Liberty township; Isranda, November 24, 1856, is the wife of Clarence Palmer, and resides in Weston township; Frances P., April 13, 1860, married J. H. Lathrop, M. D., of Deshler; Charles F., August 20, 1862, resides in Weston; Eulalia C., January 3, 1868, married James Hutchison, a farmer of Liberty township; Fred T., June 25, 1870; Amasa E., December 27, 1873, is married and lives in Liberty township; of these Fred is farming the old homestead for his mother, who lives with him. William H. Chapman passed from earth July 19, 1890. He was a well-known man of high principles and moral character, and was a much respected citizen of Weston. In politics he was a Republican, and held the office of trustee, supervisor, and director of schools. He was a member of the Grange. His family are identified with the Presbyterian Church, in the support of which they give substantial aid, as did Mr. Chapman, who, though not a member of any denomination, gave liberally of his means for Church work. ALBERT BRANDEBERRY is one of the enterprising, energetic and industrious citizens of Bloom township, where he owns and operates the farm on whioh his birth occurred o Aug 2, 1852, and in that township he has spent his entire life, being educated in the old Brandeberry school, District No. 8. One of was early teachers W. S. Richard, and he completed his studies at the age of eighteen years. On December 15, 1877, Mr. Brandsberry was united in marriage with Amanda Blair, who was born in Maryland, but has made her home in Wood county since the early age of eight years. This worthy couple have become the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter-Irvin, born October 2, 1879; Ira, born May 27, 1888; Clinton, who died December 8, 1894, at the age of three and one half years; and Gertie Ethel, born April 21, 1894. Mr. Brandleberry has a comfortable and commodious residence upon his fine farm, and his labors have been repaid by the fine crops produced in his rich and fertile fields. Like his father, Thomas C. Brandeberry, he is an unswerving Republican, and he has been called upon by his fellow citizens to serve in several township offices. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and for held membership with the congregation, of Bloom Chapel. JOHN G. WEBB, an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist of Bloom township, residing near Bairdstown, was born December 17, 1848, in Sullivan township, Ashland county, Ohio. He is of an old English family and his father, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1111 George Webb, was born in the County of Kent, near North Lane, in 1811, and married Miss Jane Hastings, also a native of England, who was born in 1809. Soon after their marriage they came to America, arriving on March 28, 1837. They settled first in Ashland county, Ohio, where they remained until 1853, when they moved to Bloom township and brought eighty acres of land in Section 27, which our subject still owns. It cost $800, although it was at that time a swamp, and in the spring was entirely covered with water. The roads over which the settlers came to their new abode were for considerable distances hidden by a foot or more of water. “Johnny-cake" formed their staple article of food in those days. Our subject’s parents were earnest, hardworking people, highly respected among their neighbors. His father had but a few cents in his pocket when he landed at New York, and owed a debt of #50, and the success to which they attained was due to unceasing industry and close economy. He was a Republican in politics, and a regular voter, but never sought office. He died March 20, 1880, and his wife on September 17, of the same year, and both were buried in Bloom Chapel cemetery. Their eighteen children were born in America, and all but two died before reaching the age of three years. Margaret, the only surviving daughter, is now the wife of Washington Laney, of Brice, Michigan. As the only son and eldest living child of his parents, Mr. Webb was early trained to industrious habits. He attended the district schools near by and made the most of their somewhat limited opportunities, and he is now one of the heartiest supporters of any measure for increasing the efficiency of our modern public schools. He was married, January 22, 1,874, in Newton Falls, Ohio, to Miss Mary Kistler, a native of Newton township, Trumbull county, born September 16, 1848. She is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Fiester) Kistler, the former of whom was born October 22,, 1825, the latter June 22, 1827; she died December 24, 1891, and is buried at Newton Falls. As the eldest of a family of five daughters and three sons, Mrs. Webb had taken an active share in all the labors of her father's farm during her youth, and she has been a true helpmate to her husband, cheerful and willing to bear her full share of their mutual burdens, and he delights in acknowledging her helpful influence. Mr. Webb brought his bride to the homestead, where they have ever since resided. After the death of his parents he became the owner of the farm.; but previous to that he and his wife had relieved the old people from all care and work, the father having been an invalid for many years. Five children were born of their union: Wilber M. and Edward, who are both at home; Ashie, who died when eight years of age of membranous croup; Eva, who died when three years old, and Frank, who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Webb is a Republican; but, while taking a deep and intelligent interest in all the questions of the time, he is no office-seeker, although he has held the office of supervisor for a number of years. An honest and upright citizen, a good neighbor, and a generous helper according to his ability in every case of need, there are but few who will fill better the sphere of life in which they have been placed than does John G. Webb. JOSEPH A. LOW. Among the well-to-do and successful farmers of Wood county, who have accumulated a competency through their own exertions and economy, and who are carrying on the business of farming and fruit growing in a manner which draws forth praise from every one, is the subject of this biographical sketch, who resides in Plain township. His birth occurred in Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., April 6, 1826, and he is a son of Joseph and 'Catherine (Battles) Low. The father was a native of England, and was drowned before our subject was born. The mother later became house-keeper for a gentleman who adopted Joseph, giving him fair educational advantages; but when he was fourteen years of age his foster-father died, leaving no will, and our subject had to start out in the world without friends or means of support. His first employment was as a farm laborer, for which he received $7 per month, and he would work at almost anything by which he could earn an honest living. Later he rented a farm for a time, after which he purchased land in Pennsylvania, and on selling out came to Ohio, locating in Plain township, Wood county, where he purchased forty acres, the nucleus of his present farm. To this he has added from time to time, as his resources have permitted, until now he has a fine tract of 220 acres, cleared and developed with the help of his sons and hired hands. Besides general farming, he has given considerable attention to fruit raising, having one of the largest orchards in the township, in which he planted 5,00o peach trees, 3,00o apple trees, and 1,000 trees of other varieties of fruits. In Pennsylvania, February 14, 185o, Mr. Low was united in marriage with Laura Phillips, of 1112 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Trumbull county, Ohio, and nine children blessed this union, namely: Nelson, an artist of Bowling Green, born in Pennsylvania, December 5, 185o; Joseph N., deceased, born January 3, 1852; Daniel Albert, deceased, born May 5, 1854; Charles H., deceased, born July 25, 1856; Sanfo-rd P., a farmer of Plain township, born June 10, 1858; Lucy C., who was born October 14, 1860, is the wife of D. B. Smith, a farmer of Huron county, Ohio; Laura R., who was born November 7, 1862, is the wife of Mark Chapman, of Connecticut; Ezekiel L., deceased, born April 11, 1864; Abraham L., a farmer of Wood county, born September 13, 1867; and George E., at home, born January 22, 1870. The mother of these children died October 1, 1887, at the age of fifty-five years. At Haskins, Wood county, February 17, 1889, Mr. Low was again married, his second union being with Eliza Miller, widow of Albert H. Perry, a farmer of Middleton township. She was born in the Empire State, August 12, 1827, and is a daughter of George G. Miller, to whom four children were born, named as follows: Almira, wife of A. B. Johnson, a merchant; Eliza, wife of our subject; Roxanna, wife of Arthur B. Perry; and George C., a farmer of Nebraska. By her first husband, Mrs. Low became the mother of three children—Emma, wife of Joseph Watts, of Oak Harbor, Ottawa Co., Ohio; Mary Etta, who was born in 185 1, and died in 1871; and Lester F., a cigar maker of Bowling Green. Socially Mr. Low is a member of the Sons of Temperance, and, on account of his views on the liquor traffic, casts his ballot with the Prohibition party. He served his township as supervisor for five years, and for several years has been school director. His sterling integrity, inflexible honesty, and general high principles, have won him the respect of every community in which he has resided, and he is to-day one of the most es' teemed and valued citizens of this portion of the county. HENRY C. UHLMAN, the president of the Citizens Banking Company, of Weston, and a leading merchant of that town, was born June 3, 1842, in Hanover, Germany, which has been for many generations the home of his family. His parents, Casper H. and Catherine M. (Hacke) Uhlman, were both born there, his father in 1810, and his mother in 1812. They were married in 1833, and ten years later came to Ohio, locating near Woodville, Sandusky county. They had American neighbors, and their children spoke English from childhood. They were members of the German Lutheran Church, and the father adhered to the principles, of the Democratic party. Seven children were born to them: Mary, the wife of John Schumaker; Louise, who married C. Habbeler; Caroline, who married William Bruns, of Woodville, Charles, who died in Germany; Henry C., our subject; Annie, who died in childhood; and one child unnamed, who died in infancy. Mr. Uhlman remained upon the farm until he was fifteen years of age, and then began clerking in the general store of Ira B. Banks, at Pemberville. After three years there he went to Toledo and worked in the same capacity in a dry-goods store until the spring of 1867, when he went into partnership with Mr. Banks, his former employer, who had transferred his stock to Weston some time previous. They continued in business under the firm name of Banks & Uhlman until 1878, when Mr. Uhlman bought his partner’s interest. Under his able management the enterprise has prospered, and in 1885 he built a fine brick block in which his handsome store 40 X 90 feet, is located. He has also been a leading grain buyer since he came to Weston, and was one of the chief organizers of the Citizen Banking Co. there, and its first president, which position he still holds. He was married in 1870 to Miss Lizzie Hill, who was born August 20, 1844, in New York State. They have three children: Fannie A., Grace M., and Fred W., all of whom are at home. Mr. Uhlman and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church and sympathize with every movement which concerns the public welfare. In politics Mr. Uhlman is quietly influential, as in other lines of activity, and gives support to the Republican party; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. W. H. FIFE, deceased, was for a third of a century prominently identified with the agricultural interest of Bloom township, Wood county, where he made his home from the age of two years up to his death, which occurred September 26, 1889. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Cecil township, Washington county, June 2, 1852, and was a son of Nathaniel and Letita (Harsha) Fife, honored pioneers of this community. Mr. Fife was reared on his father's farm which adjoined the one where he spent his last days, receiving the advantages and privileges that were afforded the boys of the neighborhood. At Hammansburg, Wood county, on November 28, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1113 Wilson, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, and when about eight years old was brought by he parents, Samuel and Anna Wilson, to Henry township,Wood county. The father's birth occurred August 1, 1828, in Belmont county, Ohio, the mother’s on January 23, 1825, in Harrison county, this State. In their family were nine children - seven sons and two daughters. Mrs. Wilson died September 23, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Fife had no children of their own, but adopted Frank Fisher, when he was seven years old, and he still finds a pleasant home with Mrs. Fife, as does also her aged father. The entire married life of our subject was passed on the farm where his widow still resides, and which she now manages in a business-like manner, being a woman of good executive ability. In 1890 a substantial barn was built upon the place, and three years later the fine residence was erected. In politics Mr. Fife was an ardent Republican though no politician in the sense of office-seeking, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he was quite successful. In addition to his agricultural interests he was for a time engaged in the furniture business in McComb, Hancock county. He passed away after a lingering illness, from a complication of diseases, and his early death was widely mourned. He was laid to rest in the cemtery at Van Buren, Hancock county. HENRY C. STROW is the owner of a fine farm in Milton township, comprising 310 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation, and yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. He is recognized as one of the most progressive and enterprising agriculturists community, and, in the history of Wood county, well deserves mention.. Mr. Stow was born in Bloom township, Seneca county, February 12, 1827. His father, John Strow, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., October 24, 1790, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Margaret McMuller, who was born in Dauphin county, April 2, 1801, and subsequently removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father died inl 1866. He was descended from German ancestry, and his wife is of Irish lineage. Her death occurred at the home of our subject, October 9, 1878. She was a second time married, becoming the wife of Chris McClung. Mr. Strow, of this sketch, was one of a family eight children - Daniel, who was born in 1816, and is now deceased; John A., who was born June 16, 1818, and died July 3, 1863; Mary, born December 24, 1824, deceased wife of Mr. McMillan; Henry C., of this review; Phoebe, born October 13, 1830, wife of Adam Carpenter, of Seneca county; Hannah, born August 28, 1832, wife of Albert Stanard; Sarah and Nancy, twins, born June 6, 1836, both deceased, the former dying in July, 1854, the latter, who became the wife of Morrison McMillan, dying in December, 1853. Our subject attended the district schools of Bloom township, and was a student in the Delaware Wesleyan University during its first year. At the age of sixteen he came with his mother to Wood county, and began teaching school, which profession he followed through the winter season for nineteen years. His summers have always been spent at farm work, which has been his chief occupation. Mr. Strow was married in Washington township, Wood county, November 19, 1852, to Celia Amanda, daughter of Edmund and Priscilla (Feagles) Buttles. She was born in Washington township, November I 1, 1832, and was one of five children: Mortimer, Henry A., John, Celia, Amanda and Edmund Miner (who, in 1867, was killed by the Indians on the present site of Denver, Colo.). The children of Mr. and Mrs. Strow are: Le Grand, who was born' July 19, 1853', died January 29, 1859; Helen Melissa, born August 17, 1854, was thrown from a horse and killed, September 27, 1867; Fannie Lillian, born September 18, 1858,-died July 27, 1867; Florence O., born March 28, 1861, is the wife of George Bradshaw, of Milton township, by whom she has three daughters; Alice May, born June 12, 1865, is the wife of Henry Dubbs; Henry Lee, born June 6, 1869, married Florence Starr, and lives in Milton; and Raymond, born February 22, 1876, is at home. On coming to Wood county,. Mr. Strow secured eighty acres of land, constituting the nucleus of his present extensive farm, and in 1870 their log cabin home was replaced with a commodious and pleasant residence. He gives the greater part of his attention to his business interests, but has found time to serve his fellow townsmen in the capacity of treasurer and town clerk for a number of years. His political support is given to the Democratic party and interests. PERRY HEETER, a well-known resident of Grand Rapids township, and one of the most progressive farmers of that vicinity, was born November 9, 1844, in Seneca county, Ohio. His family is of English and German origin, and the 1114 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. first of the American line settled in Union county, Pennsylvania. John Heeter, our subject's father, was born in 1811, in Union county, Penn., and in early life moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where he engaged in clearing and cultivating his farm of 16o acres. He was married there to Miss Elizabeth Clay, and reared a family of nine children: Isaac, a farmer in. Nebraska; Sarah, the wife of James South, of Henry county, Ohio; John, a veteran of the Civil war, 'now a resident of Henry county; David and Jacob, deceased; William, a soldier in the Civil war, now deceased; Perry, our subject; Lovina, the wife of Isaac T. Bisher, a veteran of the war; and Lizzie, who married S. R. Barton, of Grand Rapids township. Our subject's father moved to Williams county, Ohio, in 1850, and bought 160 acres of timber land, improved and cultivated it until 1857, when he went to Iowa, and purchased 240 acres; this he lost through some defect in the title, and in 1859 he came to Wood county, a poor man. He rented a farm, and, by careful management, in a few years was able to buy a good eighty-acre farm in Wood county, near Grand Rapids, Ohio. In 1871, he sold this farm, and returned to Iowa, where he died in 1879, followed January 12, 1881, by his wife. Perry Heeter attended the country schools of Seneca and Wood counties during his boyhood, and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old. On October 7, 1869, he was married to Miss Mary M. Kerr, a lady of fine mental powers and generous culture, who had been for four years a teacher in Grand Rapids and Weston townships. She was a daughter of Jesse Kerr, a prominent resident of Weston township, and a sister of William B., Rev. James E., and Rev. Joseph W. Kerr. Two children were born of this marriage: (I) J. Eldon, 'February 28, 1872, who attended the district schools of Grand Rapids township when a boy, and at the age of thirteen entered the High School of Grand Rapids, where he graduated with honor, after which he taught school for two years. He then entered college at Monmouth, Ill., striving earnestly for the education he so much desired. He afterward went to Ada, Ohio, and attended the Students Normal Music School, of which he was business manager, for one year; and then completed both scientific and classical courses. He is at present a student of theology at Xenia, Ohio. (2) A younger child —Lura M. —born January 15, 1876, died in 1878. Mr. Heeter and his wife began their married life with but little worldly wealth; but, by hard work and careful management, saved enough to buy timber land, which he traded forty acres of improved land, on which he lived some years. He sold this and bought eighty acres near Grand Rapids, known as the J. M. Carter farm, which he has brought to a high state of improvement. Aside from providing a comfortable home for old-age, they have been able to educate their son, J. Eldon, thus proving that industry can still win prizes in the business arena. Mr. Heeter and wife have been members of the United Presbyterian Church for over a quarter of a century. He is Republican in politics, and holds an influential place among the local leader, takes especial interest in educational movements; has been member of the township board of education of which he has been president; and he is good citizen and neighbor. WILBUR D. MUDGE conducts on of the largest and best appointed drug stores in Wood county. He was born February 7, 1860, in Tiffin, Ohio, and, his mother dying when he was eighteen months old, he went to live with his maternal grandparents at Milan, who were retired farming people. Here he passed his youth, and early manhood, attending the district schools in his earlier years, and later taking a two-years’ course at the Delaware (Ohio) University, which he completed in 1879. He thn came to Weston and engaged in the drug business, accepting a position as clerk with the firm of Beverstock & Smith. After remaining with them one year, he was appointed deputy postmaster, in which capacity he served one year. He then bought out Mr. Beverstock, and for two years thereafter the store was conducted under firm name of Smith & Mudge, the latter continuing the business alone from that time until 1890. In April, 1890, Mr. Mudg, sold the store and accepted the position of assistant cashier with the Exchange Banking Company, in which he was a stockholder and director. This position he hald some three years, and then again entered the drug business, in which he has since continued. He bought the property which he now occupies in 1890, and has fitted it up until it now is one of the finest drug stores in the county. On January 4, 1892, Mr. Mudge was married to Miss Ida B. Roscoe, and they have one child, Wilbur D., Jr. Mrs. Mudge is the daughter of Levi and Julia (Gibbs) Roscoe, of Milan, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the mother born in Milan, where the father is a farmer and fruit grower. He served as a soldier in the Civil War. They had three children: Ida B. born March 26, 1861; Cora M., now Mrs. M. H. Bassett, of WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1115 Milan, and Emma, who died when twelve years old. Mr. Mudge holds a prominent position in fraternal circles. He is an active the member of the F. & A. M. of Weston; is affiliated with Kenilworth Lodge No. 340, K. of P., Weston, in which he has passed all the chairs (he was a representative to the the Grand Lodge in 1895 and 1896); with the I. O. O. F. in all its branches, in which he has also passed all the chairs (he is a representative to the Grand Encampment at Marion, Ohio this year); and with the, K. O. T. M., Weston. He has held various local positions of trust, having served two years as member of the village council, and two years as township treasurer. In political sentiment he is a Republican, and in religious connection a member of the Prebyterian Church. Rev. John A. Mudge, father of our subject, was a prominent M. E. divine in his day, being on the circuit for many years. , He preached in Cleveland, Norwalk, Sandusky, Mansfield, Elyria, and many other cities in northern Ohio, and was secretary of the Northern Ohio Conference for many years.. He was born October 27, 1829, in New Hampshire, of old Yankee. stock, and died on his forty-fourth birthday: He located in Green Springs, Ohio. Like his ancestors, he was a Republican. On September.7, 1858, he married Miss Hannah D. Beverstock, who was born in Ridgefield township, Huron Co., Ohio, September 26, 1835, and died September 26, 1861, at Monroeville. Wilbur D. was their only child. Mrs. Mudge was a daughter of Volney L. and Mary L. Beverstock, whose other children were: Barney S.; Harriet L., who died November 28, 1880; Edwin J.; Mary U., Harriet L. was married to Henry C. Shattuck November 5, 1868, and had three children: Harry, Ralph, and Charlie, Mary U., born January 9, 1850, was married November 26, 1873, to George A. Dimon; they have had five children-- James V., Thomas B., Harry, Ralph, and Mary U.: deceased. The first child, Barney S., born February 4, 1839, was married December 26, 1860; to Miss Eliza A. Husted, of Monroeville; their children were John V., Kate E., Bertha, Frank, and an infant, who died at Weston April 20, 1894. Edwin J., a real-estate dealer in Washington, D. C., was born July 4, 1841, and in '1867 was united in marriage with Miss Maggie F. Bell, of Piedmont, W. Va., they have one daughter, Pearl. J. S. FREDERICK (deceased), who in his life-time was a well-known citizen of Bowling Green, was born in Ross county, Ohio, February 22, 1818. His grandfather, who was of German descent, was born in New Jersey, and for some years lived in Berks county, Penn., coming from there to Ross county, Ohio, where he carried on farming the remainder of his life. The following record is given of the children of this early pioneer: Peter, was a farmer in Ross county, Ohio, where he served many years as justice of the peace, and where he died; Daniel died in or near Ada, Ohio, on a farm; George was a farmer in the eastern part of Ohio, and died there; Henry was a farmer in Ross county, and died there; Jacob was the father of our subject. All these children were born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ross county at an early day, when Chillicothe was the State capital. Jacob Frederick was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Elizabeth Betzer, a native of that State, and of Dutch extraction. After removing to Ross county, he carried on farming there until 1837, when he took up his residence in Seneca county, where his death occurred in 1840, when he was about sixty-two years of age; his wife died in 1869, aged eighty years. This estimable couple were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected by all who knew them. Their children were as follows: William died in Seneca county; Peter died in Piqua, Ohio; John died early in life; Jacob died in Ross county; Solomon died in Wood county, in 1895; Anthony lives in Bloom township, Wood county; J. S. is the subject of this sketch; Daniel was a member of the 49th O. V. I. , during the Civil war, and died at Washington City; Amos died in Ross county; Susan married Samuel Pontius, and died in Ross county; Maria married J. W. Lawhead, and died in Seneca county. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood in Ross county, being seventeen years old when his parents removed to Seneca county, settling on a tract of land in the woods. Here the boy worked hard, assisting his father in clearing off the timber and cultivating the land, and learning by experience the toils and hardships of a pioneer's life. When twenty-one years old he returned to Ross county, and for a time attended school; then went to work at the carpenter's trade, remaining in Ross county two years. In 1843 he was married in Seneca county to MisS Mary M. Lawhead, a native of Gettysburg, Penn., born December 25, 1827. After his marriage Mr. Frederick settled on a farm in Seneca county, where he lived until coming to Bowling Green in 1868. After taking up his residence in the latter city, he followed the occupation of a contractor and builder, and carried on an exten- 1116 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. sive business. His estimable wife passed away in 1884, after which event Mr. Frederick took little interest in business affairs. He died January 29, 1896. In politics he was always a stanch Republican, held a prominent place in his party land in the community, and did considerable work as assistant county treasurer. For fifty years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in all the relations of life proved himself a man of high principles and strict integrity. To Mr. Frederick and his worthy helpmate seven children were born as follows: Jennie is now the widow of R. C. Kinney, and has one child—Wells; Melissa married E. H. Selkirk, and lives in Bowling Green (they have two, children— Clyde and Robert); Howard, a boot and shoe merchant of Sandusky, married Miss Hattie Massey, of Sandusky City, and they have four sons —Howard, Samuel, Paul and Fred; Florence is the wife of A. S. Kinney, and lives in Wyandot county, Ohio (they have one child Ralph); Homer Married Nettie Bloomfield, and they live in Toledo (they are the parents of four children— Beulah, Maggie, Robert and Charles); Emma is the wife of N. S. Palmer, of Bowling Green (they have four children Fred, Frank, Floyd and Howard); William married Miss Nettie Dunbar, and has two children—Mary and Beulah. JOHN DULL, a pioneer farmer of Damascus township, Henry county; was born in Perry county, Ohio, July 19, 1822, and is one of a family of eleven children. Samuel Dull, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Catherine Koester, and afterward moved to Perry county, Ohio, and later, in the year 1831, located in Weston township, Wood county, trading a homestead in Perry county for a one-quarter section in Weston, a part of which he sold to his son Jacob. The remainder he cultivated and lived on until his death, which took place in 1864. His wife departed this life in 1850. John, the subject of this sketch, came to Weston township in 1831, and attended the log school on Beaver creek, after which he worked on the homestead with his father, clearing the farm of underbrush and trees, and at times securing employment on some of the neighboring farms—chopping wood, clearing the land, etc.. Later he moved to Damascus, Henry county, where he bought some land, cleared it, and continued to add to it, until to-day he possesses 320 acres, all of which is under improvement, and on which is a fine dwelling, barns and cribs, and an orchard where several varieties of fruit are grown. He has also been a stockraiser to some extent and altogether may be considered one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Henry county. In 1843 Mr. Dull was united in marriage with Miss Delilah Kimberlin, a daughter of Henry Kimberlin, a pioneer farmer of Weston township. Five children have been born to Mr and Mrs. Dull, as follows: Jane is the wife of Mather Brown; George is a farmer of Henry county, and married Miss Rebecca --; Henry T. looks after the home farm; Sarah is the deceased wife of Albert Heyman; John died aged twelve years. Mr. Dull in politics is a Republican, and has been school director, and supervisor of Weston township for several terms, and held the same offices in Damascus, besides being trustee of the latter township. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, to which they are liberal contributors. Mr. Dull is industrious, highly respected, and, although verging on to four-score years, is hale and hearty, and is enjoying the fruits of his early toil. PHILO S. PELTON. His entire life having been passed in Perry township has rendered this worthy citizen familiar to the majority of its people, with whom he is considered an important factor in its growth and development. He is a man who has made the most of his opportunities in life, and has kept his eyes open to what was going on in the world around him. These qualities, in connection with his natural industry and perseverance, have served to make him, wherever known, an object of uniform regard. Mr. Pelton was born in Section 21, Perry township, October 13, 1853, and is a son of Daniel and Eleanor (Helm) Pelton. He attended school in District No. 4, and in farm work was an apt pupil of his father's. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated in Perry township, on March 20, 1878, Miss Josephine Patterson becoming his wife. She is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, born March 8, 186o, and is the daughter of William and Matilda (Post) Patterson, farming people, who only had two children, the son being Andrew, a resident of Chioago, Ill. Mrs. Pelton’s education was such as the common schools afforded. For a short time our subject rented land in Section 16, Perry township, after which he conducted the old homestead in Section 17, until his removal to his present farm of eighty-two acres that he had previously purchase. An old log 1117 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. House and log barn were the only buildings upon the place, but the former was replaced by his present Comfortable dwelling in 1885, and in 1893, a good barn was built, while his fine farm is principally the result of his own efforts and management, Mrs. Pelton have become the parents of nine children, namely: Maud D., born January 30, 1879; Pearl M., who was born November 14, 1880, and died at the age of eight years; William Wade, born December 26, 1882; Bessie M., born January 2, 1885; Henry D., born March 17, 1887; Grace M., born April 17, 1889; Lee D. born December '21, 1891; Guy A., born December 11, 1893; and Lenah L., born January 18, 1896. In religious belief the parents are Methodist, attending Union Church; and, politically, Mr. Felton is a strong supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party. JOHN GUNDER was born in Franklin county, Penn., August 13, 1840, and is a representative of one of the old families of that State. His father, Isaac Gunder, was born near Harrisburg, Penn, and, having reached man's estate, married Susan Heller, a native of Harrisburg. They lived on a farm, and had a family of twelve children, namely: Daniel and Elizabeth, residents of Franklin county, Penn: ; George, a farmer of Michigan; Catherine, wife lof Daniel Shinew; David a farmer of Portage township; John; Mrs. Susanna Warren; Benjamin F., a farmer of Middleton township; and Sarah, Rebecca, Solomon, and Manuel B., all deceased. The father of this family removed to Wood county, in 1848, locating near West Millgrove, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his, death. His wife died in 1895. Our subject was quite young at the time of the removal. During his youth he attended the district school, and worked on hi's father's farm, and at an early age was employed as a farm hand in the neighborhood. In L86,2 he enlisted at Haskins, in Company B, 111th O. V. I. , under Capt. Norris and Col. Bond, .and during his three-years service participated in a number of important engagements. He was honorably discharged in North Carolina, in July, 1865, after which he immediately returned home, locating in Middleton township, where he worked on the farm of W. H. Ewing. For five years he operated that eighty-acre tract on shares, and then purchased eighty-four acres of land, which he still owns, and on which he has made many excellent improvements. In 1888 he bought eighty acres, where he now resides, and, altogether, owns 164 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation, and yields to him a handsome tribute in return for his care and attention. JOHN TELFER, deceased, represented in his life a splendid example of what downright hard labor, perseverance and close application to business can accomplish. He commenced life at the foot of the ladder, but blessed with a prudent and sensible wife as a helpmeet, not too proud to labor, he had secured at the time of his death a comfortable competence. A native of Scotland, Mr. Telfer was born at Pettinain, Lanarkshire, in June, 1822, the son of John Telfer, who there spent his entire life. He was reared as a farmer boy, and was quite poor when he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, being the only one of the family to become a resident of the United States. He had secured, through his own efforts, a few dollars with which to pay his passage; but he carried with him a recommendation from the minister of the Church which he attended, as to his integrity, honesty and character, such as any young man would feel proud to possess. He had spent much of his time as a forester on the Carmichael estate in Lanarkshire; but in June, 1850, boarded a sailing vessel bound for America. The long journey, occupying nine weeks, he thoroughly enjoyed, as he was used to the water, having lived along the Clyde, and he had often run the ferry boat which his father owned. On his arrival Mr. Telfer worked at anything that he could find to do, at last becoming steward in an insane asylum at Harrisburg, Penn., where he met the lady who afterward became his wife— Miss Martha Craig. She was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1827, the daughter of Seth and Mary (Patton) Craig, who in later years came to the United States, and died at Philadelphia, Penn. Mrs. Telfer, when twenty years of age, crossed from Londonderry, Ireland, on a sailing vessel—the " North Star "—which arrived safely at Philadelphia after a voyage of seven weeks and three days. There she happened to meet a gentleman from Ireland, Thomas Buchanan, who was an acquaintance of her father, and with whom she made her temporary home. She was then employed as a domestic at different places until securing a position as attendant in the insane asylum at Harrisburg, Penn., where her marriage was celebrated on January 3, 1856. With the combined savings of himself and wife, Mr. Telfer began life upon a rented farm near Harrisburg; but one misfortune after another soon exhausted their means, though it did not wholly 1118 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. discourage him. Coming to Mt. Union, Ohio, in 1$59, he worked for five years on the farm of William Nixon, and then purchased seventeen acres of land near Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, for which he went in debt. After living upon that place for seven years he sold out and bought another farm of forty acres in the same vicinity, on which he erected all the buildings; but in March, 1882, he came to Wood county, here buying eighty acres in Section 13, Montgomery township, where be made his home until his death, May 10, 1895. His remains were interred at Prairie Depot, Wood county. A faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr, Teller was a devout, conscientious man,' avoiding notoriety and preferring the company of his family to the turmoil and excitement of political life. His political support was always given to the Republican party, in whose policy he placed the utmost reliance. In the family were seven children: Mary P. is now the widow of Jonathan W. Hoiles, and lives in Montgomery township: Agnes W. is the wife of George Palmer, of the same township; William C.. died at the age of three years; John A. is next in order of birth; Jeanette is the wife of Theodore E. Frisbie, of Montgomery township; Margaret E. died when nearly fifteen years old; and Thomas died at the age of twenty-two years. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Telfer has lived on the old home farm, which is operated by her son, John A., who is one of the most highly respected and prosperous young farmers of the community. EMANUEL ZIEGLER, one of the most enterprising and prosperous of Bloom township's agriculturists, was born October 6, 1850, in Ashland county, Ohio, and came to Wood county with his parents, Peter and Sarah (Fulmer) Ziegler, in the spring of 1855. This family stands high. in the esteem of the community, and an interesting history of our subject's ancestors is given in the biography of his father, which appears elsewhere. Being only five years old at the time of the removal to Wood county, Mr. Ziegler was reared here, attending the district schools in boyhood, and learning the details of farm management by practical work. His first home here was in a hewed-log cabin 18 x 20 feet, and game abounded in the surrounding woods. As times improved his father built a more commodious and tasteful dwelling, however. On August 27, 1872, Mr. Ziegler was married to Miss Emma Blair, a native of Washington county, Md., born July 28, 1851, the daughter of Jackson Blair, a prominent farmer, who came to Bloom township in 1864. After his marriage, Mr. Ziegler took charge of his father's farm, and, for his home; fitted up an old house that had been built as a temporary home for the family, when their dwelling was destroyed by fire. This had been used as a store house for time; but with some labor it was transformed into a comfortable abode, and Mr. Ziegler, and his wife occupied it for eleven years. In 1883 he bought eighty acres in Section 15, of Bloom township, near Ted, going in debt $1,400. Only forty acres were cleared, and the buildings were poor, but Mr. Ziegler has now seventy acres under cultivation, and has made many substantial improvements, including a fine barn built in 1891. He has made his own way, working hard, and never resorting to trickery in order to make larger gains. His straightforward methods have won for him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and his success demonstrates the truth of old adage, " honesty is the best policy.” He has a comfortable home, and a family of bright children: Charles, born March 12, 1874, is at home; Elmer, August 8, 1875, is a farmer of Bloom township; Lyman, August 25, 1880, died at the age of one year, nine in seventeen days; Harley, May 21, 1884, and Milo, November 1, 1888, are at home. Mr. Ziegler is a believer in the doctrines of the Democratic party, but takes no active interest in politics, and seldom votes. C. KEEFER, one of Perry township’s best farmers and most well-to-do citizen, is a native of Orange township, Ashland county, where he was born November 15, 1834, and v time was a part of Richland county. Mr. Keefer was but a lad of five years when his parents, William and Barbara (Kreps) Keeler, came to Perry township, and located in the to woods on the same farm on which he now lives and owns, in Section 28. Our subject received meager schooling in the district schools, which institutions he has seen greatly improved and heartily endorses the improvement. Reared in a new, undeveloped country, as Perry township was in his youth, he in early days becam thoroughly initiated into the hardships and trials of a pioneer farmer boy's life. On May 1, 1856, our subject ws married in Perry township to Miss Mahala McCrill, who was born in Ashland county, October 18, 1837. In the fall of 1856 he and his wife began housekeeping in a log house, then on a portion of the home farm, one acre, which he purchased from WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1119 his father. There our subject remained until 1861, in the meantime working his father's farm. In that year he bought thirty acres more of the home place, and began farming for himself. In the spring of 1865 he bought the remaining acreage of the home place, and moved into the old home, where he has since lived. He has added to the land from time to time until he now has 140 acres. In 1872 he built a most substantial residence of brick, which is to-day one of the best and most comfortable homes in the township. To Mr and Mrs. Keefer have been born the following children: W. R. at home; Maggie, married to Cassius Lenhart, of Cass township, Hancock Co., Ohio; Nettie, now the wife of C. C. Kelley, of Fostoria; Mollie, at home; Rena, married to Charles Shirk, of Bloorndale, Ohio; Ella, now Mrs. Lambright, of Jackson township; and Ruie and Corwin C. , at home. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer are . members of the Methodist Church, with which he united in 1855. He is at present one of the trustees, and has always been a liberal contributor. He is a stanch Republican, and has served as trustee of Perry township for several years at different times. On May 2, 1864, Mr. Keefer enlisted in Company E, 144 Regiment, O. V. I., and served until August 24, 1864, doing guard duty, a great part of the time in Wilmington, Del. Mr. Keefer is a strictly self-made man, of a peaceable nature, and is highly respected in his community. J. O. CALDWELL, a prominent citizen of Perrysburg, was born in Montour county, Penn., September 24, 1848, the son of John W. and Susan (Folmer) Caldwell. The father of our subject was born in Montour county, Penn., where he carried on farming during his entire life, dying at the age of sixty- and seven months. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. The mother was also. born in Montour county, and lived to be sixty-five years old, her death occurring one year after that of her husband. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter, as follows: Mary E. is wife of Joseph R. Schmoker; James H. is a wealthy oil operator, owning a refinery in Titusville, Penn.; Robert is deceased; J. O. is our subject; Lazarus P. has a large lumber business in Alabama, but resides in Winchester, Va.; John F. is in the oil business in Titusville, Penn.; William D. lives in Northumberland county, Penn. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Scotland. His parents is came to America when he was two years old and settled in Montour county, where he spent his life, engaged in farming. His maternal grandfather was of German descent, and lived and died in Pennsylvania. He was a colonel in the war of 1812. J. O. Caldwell was reared in Montour county, Penn., and acquired his education in the high school and academy of Northumberland county. In 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 5th P. V. I., and served under McClellan in his various campaigns. For three years and two months he was under Gen. Grant, and among other noted battles took part in those of the West Virginia campaign; the seven-days' fight at Antietam; South Mountain; Fair Oaks; and Fredericksburg. He was in active service all the time he was in the army, until he was taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to the hospital at Alexandria, Va. He received his discharge at Alexandria, in 0864. On his return home Mr. Caldwell began operating in the oil fields in Crawford county, Penn., where he remained for four years, meeting with excellent success. He then began farming in Montour county, which he carried on for several years, after which he kept a hotel at Danville, in the same county, and later again engaged in the oil business, in Allegheny county. In 1888 Mr. Caldwell came to Ohio, locating in Liberty township, 'Wood county, where he resided for four years. In March, 1892, he removed to Perrysburg, and built a handsome brick residence on the Maumee river, near the Belt Line railroad. This is one of the most delightful sites in the county, and in his pleasant home Mr. Caldwell enjoys all the comforts of life, his only drawback being the loss of his estimable wife, whose death took place in Montour county, Penn., in 1878. Mrs. Caldwell's maiden name was Almira Moathart, and she was united in marriage with our subject, in Montour county, Penn., in 1866. Two children were born to them: John W., who was educated in McConnellsburg, Penn., and is a merchant and justice of the peace at Webster,_ Mills, in that State; and Lois, who is attending school at McConnellsburg. Mr. Caldwell is a strong Democrat, a public-spirited citizen, and a man of influence in his community. F. M. SNYDER. Wood county, has many well- to-do and successful farmers, men who have accumulated what they have of this world's goods through individual effort. Among this class the name of the subject of this notice is entitled to a place. He is residing in Section 4, Montgomery township, where he is industriously engaged in the prosecution of his noble calling, and is meeting with far more than ordinary success. 1120 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Snyder is a native of Ohio, born in Erie township, Ottawa county, on the peninsula, January 16, 1850, and is the eldest of the six children of S. K. and Malinda (St. Clair) Snyder, who now make their home in Sandusky county, Ohio. The father is a native of Somerset county. Penn., and by trade is a tanner. The educational advantages of our subject were very limited, but he made the best of his opportunities in that direction, and was naturally intelligent and learned rapidly. His parents lived much of the time in tOWn, and remain there; but at the early age of ten years our subject started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand. He was quite large for his age, weighing 140 pounds when only fourteen. At the age of nineteen years he secured work at grading on the Lake Shore railroad, and was soon made foreman of a gang of sixteen men employed in laying track on the Northern Division of that road, between East Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio. Later, he was brakeman on a through freight train running between Toledo and Cleveland. At the age of twenty-three years, he was married at Sandusky, to Miss Mary E. Down's, a native of Madison township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Annie (Burkitt) Downs. Six children grace this union: Rose E., now the wife of Frank Powell, of Cleveland, by whom she has one child; Hatti E., now Mrs. Joseph Burns, of Jamestown, N. Y.; Emma B., now Mrs. Forsyth, of East Toledo; and Annie, George G. and Alfred 0., all at home. After his marriage Mr. Snyder located at Gibsenburg, where he worked at the cooper's trade, which he had learned at Genoa, Ohio, under' S. Kiser. Later he traded his property in the former place for ten acres of land in Madison township, Sandusky county, where he worked at coopering and farming. In April, 1885, he purchased forty acres of land in Section 4, Montgomery township, Wood county, going in debt for the same, and many predicted his failure; as the land was in such a poor condition Only five acres had ever been chopped over, and a small house, 22 x 28 feet, stood upon the place; but he at once began the improvement and cultivation of his land, succeeding so well in this enterprise that he now has a fine farm of 160 acres under a high state of cultivation. After locating upon this place, he took contracts, and constructed ditches in the neighborhood, thus adding to his income. Politically, he cast his first vote in support of the Democratic party, but at present is not bound by party ties, and he has never been a seeker after political preferment. He is a strong believer in the system of public schools in the State, and, if his own education had been of a higher order, he would have probably entered professional life, and would have undoubtedly made a successful lawyer. He is an interesting conversationalist, well-informed on the current events of the day. ROBERT PLACE, one of the progressive farmers of Wood county, now owns and operates 560 acres of valuable land-240 in Wood county, and 320 in Putnam county, Ohio. By his career he has demonstrated the fact that success can be achieved by diligence, enterprise and capable management. These qualities, which are numbered among his leading characteristics, have brought to him prosperity, and he may well be called a self-made man. Mr. Place was born in Webster township, August 22, 1852. His father, Robert Place, Sr., was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1815, and at the age of twenty-six married Sarah Easly, who was born in the same county in 1814, About 1850 he emigrated with his family to America, engaging passage at London on the sailing vessel, " Henry," which, after a voyage of five weeks landed at New York. Their destination was Medina county, Ohio; but, Mr. Place having no money, he took a chance that offered to work his passage on a canal boat to Buffalo, while his wife served as cook. He then followed railroading for a year, when, with the money he had saved he took his family to Medina county, and for four years worked for William Pitchard. In 1855 he purchased forty acres of wild land in Webster township, Wood county, erected a log cabin, and began at once to clear his farm, transforming it into richly developed fields. He afterward erected thereon a substantial residence, and made it his home until 1873, when he removed to Plan township, and purchased fifty acres of partially improved land, on which stood an old log house. In 1884 he sold forty acres, retaining possession of the ten-acre tract on which stood his house. In March, 1893, he disposed of that property, and purchased a residence and five acres of land in Rudolph, where he is now living a retired life. A brief record of the members of the family is as follows: James was born in England, served as a soldier in the loth Ohio Cavalry, and is now living retired in Perrysburg; John, also born in England, makes his home in the State of Washington; Robert is the subject of this sketch; Charles lives in Pemberville, Ohio: Thomas was accidentally drowned at Bowling Green; Sarah Ann died at the ageof nine years; and Lydia died in infancy. 1121 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Robert Place, of whom we write, spent his boyhood days in his native township, and, at the age of twenty years, completed his education in the Methodist Seminary, at Maumee. He then fbegan school-teaching, which he followed for nine terms, afterward establishing a general store in the village of Mercer, which he successfully conducted for five years. On October 8, 1875, he was married in Liberty township, to Elmira Mercer, who was born in Portage township, in 1854, daughter of Daniel and . Susanna (Roberts) Mercer. They began their domestic life upon their present farm, which Mr. Place rented until 1891, and then purchased. He traded his store for the Haley farm of eighty acres, in Liberty township, on which he lived for a year, ;.and then removed to Lucas county, where he purchased forty acres of land, continuing its cultivation some eight years. Subsequently he bought his father's old home, but since 1891 has ,resided continuously upon his present farm, which now comprises 240 acres of valuable land, that yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. Here he has one of the finest residence in the township, and, in addition, he owns a 320-acre farm in Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Place have two children: Alfred W., born, May 8, 1877; and Alta Matilda, born October 8, 1885. Our subject and his wife are members of the Disciples Church; in politics he is a stalwart Prohibitionist. His life has been well spent, his career is an honorable and upright one, and his many excellencies of character have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he lhas been brought in contact. JOHN H. BUCHER, whose death on May 26, 1885, caused deep regret throughout the community, was one of the prominent and honored agriculturists of Perry township. He was a native of Virginia, born April 15, 1814, a son of Jacob Bucher, and when thirteen years of age was taken by his parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, where his father's death occurred. His mother passed away at the home of her daughter in Illinois, In early life Mr. Bucher learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for some time in Fairfield county. There he wedded Margaret Kiger, a daughter of William Kiger, She was born June 21,1818, and in the fall of 1845, came with her husband to Wood county, locating on land which her father had entered in Section 6, Wood county. Four children graced that union - Josiah who was born in Fairfield county, February 4, 1844, and died in Perry township when a young man; William, who was born in Wood county, December 4, 1845, and died in Perry township, in January, 1863; Christy W., who was born February 5, 1848, and died in Septerat ber, 1854; and George S., who was born December 29, 1849, and now makes his home in Defiance county, Ohio. The mother of the family died in September, 1854, and was laid to rest in Millgrove cemetery. In January, 1857, Mr. Bucher was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary J. Kelley, widow of Lorenzo D. Kelley, by whom she hacl two children--John A. and Eleanor W., both of whom died while young. Mrs. Bucher was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 28, 1833, and is the eldest child of Justus and Sarah (Davis) Stearns, who were married March 1832, and in the spring of 1834, became early settlers of Montgomery township, Wood county. Her father, who was born July 8, 1810, was twice married, Mrs. Bucher being a child of the first union. He was a successful farmer, extensively known throughout Wood county. In the fall of 1850, he removed to Perry township, and he died in Bowling Green, September 8, 1888. By his second marriage, Mr. Bucher became the father of four children, as follows: Camillus, who was born December 8, 1860, and died in infancy; Anna M., who was born February 22, 1866, and is now Mrs. W. P. Hall, of Perry township; and Orrin L., born March 18, 1868, and Ella J., born October 16, 1877, both at home. In politics the father was an unswerving Republican; and was honored with several local offices in the school district, and also served as township clerk, He left a good farm of eighty-six acres, which he had cleared, and by the management of that place Mrs. Bucher has proven herself a good business woman. She has many friends and acquaintances throughout Perry township, where she has made her home for so many years, and by all who know her she is held in the highest esteem. CHARLES ZINGG, one of the enterprising young farmers of Perrysburg township, and a successful educator of Wood county, was born February 14, 1869. His parents were Nicholas and Catherine (Wolfsberger) Zingg. The family is of Swiss origin, and the grandfather, John Zingg, native of Switzerland, came to Perrysburg township in 185o. He was married previously to Miss Annie Stampfla, and they had eight children, namely: Barbara, who is living in Switzerland; John, who died in this country in 1886; 1122 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Nicholas; Rudolph, of Perrysburg, Ohio; Benjamin, of Perrysburg; Elizabeth and Mary, both in Switzerland; and Samuel, who died in this country at the age of nine years. Nicholas Zingg was born in Switzerland, March 6, 1834, and in that land secured his education. When sixteen years of age, he accompanied his parents to the United States, and for, a few years thereafter, was employed as a cobbler, in Perrysburg and Maumee, Ohio. He then entered the mercantile business, which he followed until 1857. On August 7, of that year, he married Miss Catherine Wolfsberger, a native of Germany, and they became parents of five children, namely: John, who was born June 3o, 1858, and resides in Perrysburg township, married Caroline Reitzel, and has four children; William, of Perrysburg township, born in 1859, married Maggie Dotter, and has two children; Julia, born August 4, 1862, is the wife of Lewis Emch, by whom she has four children; Amelia, born October 24, 1864, is the wife of Thomas Tinney, of Perrysburg township, by whom she has four children; Charles completes the family. Upon his marriage, Nicholas Zingg rented land for seven years, and then purchased forty acres, five miles southeast of Perrysburg, to which he removed in 1864, since which time the has made that farm his home. He now owns eighty acres of valuable land, and has erected thereon a fine brick residence, and made many excellent improvements. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, of Perrysburg, and is one of the esteemed citizens of the community. The gentleman whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the Ault school, in Perrysburg township, and at_the age of seventeen laid aside his text books to aid his father in the cultivation of the home farm. When a young man of twenty-four, he was, united in marriage with Miss Ida _Whitson, the wedding being celebrated March 29, 1893. They reside in a pleasant little home in Perrysburg township, where Mr. Zingg owns twenty acres of land, which he cultivates through the summer months, while in the winter season he engages in teaching school. He is an able instructor, and his reputation as a teacher is well merited. His political support is given the. Democracy, but he has never sought or desired political preferment. SIMON CROUS BAILEY, a prosperous farmer, to whom success has come as the result of watchfulness and care in his business dealings, combined with energy and honorable effort, was born in Bloom township, April 17, 1856, the second son and seventh child of Jacob and Elizabeth (Simon) Bailey. He was educated in the district schools, and reared to manhood under the parental roof, remaining at home until his marriage. In May, 1877, in Bloom township, Mr. Bailey, wedded Caroline Dennis, who was born July 8,. 1857, in Hancock county, Ohio, a daughter of Marvel and Eliza (Smeltzer) Dennis, who came to Bloom township when Mrs Bailey was nine years of age. It was for the father that Marvel post office was named. Our subject and his wife located on a portion of the home farm, and he became owner of eighty acres of the land when only twenty-five acres were cleared. He now has sixty acres cleared and under a high state of cultivation. He has been an earnest, engeretic worker, and in this way has accumulated a comfortable competence. He is also an ardent admirer of fine horses, and for several years has been extensively engaged in teaming. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have two children - Grace M., wife of Elmer Ziegler, of Bloom township, by whom she has one child; and Jacob W., at home. The parents are members of the Church of God, in whioh Mr. Bailey is serving as trustee. He was also one of the building committee that had in charge the erection of the house of worship. He advocates the principles of the Republican party, but is not strictly partisan, nor has he ever been an office seeker, preferring to give his attention exclusively to his, business interests. WILLIAM E. DIEBLEY, one of the live business men of North Baltimore, was born in Iowa county, Iowa, July 3, 1864, a son of William and Amelia (Sweet) Diebley, the former of whom. was born in Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, June 14, 1831. The mother is a native of New State, where she was born February 21, 1828. William Diebley went west when he was a young man of twenty-one years, and located in Iowa county, Iowa, where for a time he worked at the milling business. He was there married, in 1857, and when our subject was a year old returned with his family to Ohio a and located in Biglick township, Hancock county, where he and his wife still reside. He has been a farmer for many years. In politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of United Brethren Church; they are most estimable people. Our subject's paternal grandfather, who was of German birth, died in Stark county, Ohio, when his children were all small, his death being caused by blood poisoning, the result of an acci- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1123 dent. Six children were born to our subject's parents, as follows: Lewis is a physician in Miller City, Putnam Co., Ohio; Carrie married Rev. Mr. White, and lives at West Independence, Ohio; : William E. is the subject of this sketch; Ida is the wife of Charles Moore, and lives in Washington township, Hancock Co., Ohio; John and Minnie reside with their parents. William E. Diebley spent his boyhood days in Hancock county, and attended school at West Independence. When he was twenty-one years old he came to Wood. county, and located in Liberty township, where he bought a farm which he operated some three years, at the end of that time removin to North Baltimore and opening up livery stable, which he has since conducted in connection with an undertaking establishment. On February 21, 1896, he had the misfortune to be burned out, losing his entire livery stock. However, he immediately put in a full line of horses and carriages, together with hacks and other funeral equipments, and he is now erecting a barn complete in all its appointments for his rapidly growing business. His establishment is probably the most thoroughly equipped in southern Wood county. Mr. Diebley is a man of enterprise and progressive ideas, genial in manners and courteous in his dealings, is popular with all classes of society, and is well patronized. His business is constantly increasing under his energetic management, and he is classed among the prosperous and substantial citizens of North Baltimore. On October. I 1, 1885, he was married, in Hancock county, Ohio, to Miss Jessie I. Henderson, who was born in .that county December 27, 1864. Two children have come to bless their pleasant home: Ethel and Hazel. In politics, Mr. Diebley is a stanch Republican; in 1896 he was elected a trustee of Henry township, and he is now serving as such is a member of the North Baltimore city gas board, etc. Socially he is a eminent member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 333, North Baltimore, and of North Baltimore Lodge, F. & A. M. SAMUEL WARNER was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, August 15, 1839, and is the on of Jacob and Hannah (Disler), Warner, the former of whom was born in Berks county, Penn., and the latter in York, 'Penn., coming to Ohio with her parents. Jacob Warner, the father, came to Ohio at an early day and with his brothers located in Wayne county, where he lived for a time, and where he was married. In the early part of the '30s he moved to Jackson township, Sandusky county. Those were the pioneer days, when it was necessary to cut a road to their new home, which was located in the woods. But the prevailing epidemic, fever and ague, induced them to return to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and later, in 1857, to Sandusky county, where Mr. Warner died at the age of sixty-four, and his wife when sixty-six. He was a Whig, and later a Republican, and voted regularly at every election. The children of this estimable couple were: John died when eighteen years old; Peter died in California; Solomon is a farmer of Sandusky county; Samuel is our subject ; Daniel is an expert machinist living at Cleveland, Ohio; Sarah is the widow of William Fought, of Cleveland, Ohio; David resides in Seneca county. Our subject obtained what education he could in Sandusky county, where he attended school in a log school house, the floor of which was of puncheon, and the writing desks were set against the wall. When still a boy he went to work on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, in Jackson township, May 6, 1860, to Miss Sarah Henry, of Sandusky county, who was born January 25, 1841 , a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Mowry) Henry. She received a limited education in the common schools. She owned forty acres of timber land, which was wet and swampy, being under water several months in the year. Four years after their marriage our subject built a log house, sixteen by twenty-six feet, and began to clear the land, cutting down huge trees and burning them, as there was no market for timber in those days. He bought forty acres of land adjoining that of his wife, paying for it $600, which he borrowed. It took him fourteen years to get out of debt, as he had many improvements to make. He moved, in the spring of 1871, to Montgomery township, where he bought eighty acres of land, and, later on, added forty acres more. He sold this in August, 1881, and came to his present farm of 177 acres in Section 6, Perry township, where he now resides. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Warner: Franklin L., now living in Harrison township, Henry county; Wilson E., a farmer of Perry township; Minnie L., at home; and Bertha M., at home. Our subject has always been a stanch Republican, but has never been an office seeker. With his wife, he is a member of the United Brethren Church. He is one of the upright, honest farmers of Perry township, and possesses those grand traits of a good old Pennsylvania German. He is kindo pleasant, and hospitable, an excellent citizen, and always, ready and willing to help the needy. He has an excellent home, 1124 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. where he always welcomes his friends with hearty good cheer. He can boast of never having had the toothache, nor a tooth extracted, but possesses all of his second teeth intact. A. A. SIMMONS, a well-known liquor dealer of Prairie Depot, was born in Elk county, Penn., January 3, 1842, and came to Prairie Depot in 1875.. He is the son of Anthony and Eliza (Gross) Simmons. Anthony Simmons was a minister in the Lutheran, and, later, in the Christian Church. He was reared between Albany and Schenectady. When our subject was fifteen years old, Mr. Simmons moved to Berlinville, Erie Co., Ohio, where he preached the Gospel. He was blind for five years, on account of a cataract, but an operation restored his eyesight. To him and his wife these children were born: Ann, who is the wife of Nathan Vining, of Berlinville; Lorania, now Mrs. John Allen, of Horton, Kans. ; Thomas, a carpenter in Adrian, Mich. ; Moriah, the wife of L. W. Drake, of Elyria; A. A., our subject; and Jane, now Mrs. Schroeder, of Jamestown, N. Y. In politics Mr. Simmons was originally a Democrat, but, later, became a Republican, although he only took a voting interest in such matters. He died in Berlinville at the age of sixty-five years, and his wife in Toledo, aged seventy-five. Both are buried in Berlinville. Our subject attended the common schools, and lived at home until a young man, When only fifteen years old he was obliged to go to work, as his father had but limited means. Mr. Simmons first bought a small farm in Erie county, for which he was obliged to go in debt. It was at this time that his father was stricken with blindness, and dependent upon_for support, and he supplied him with a home, and, by industry succeeded in paying for the little farm, supporting his parents until their death. -At the age of twenty-two he was Married in Erie county to Miss Mary Roberts, a native of that county, and a daughter of John Roberts, a,farmer. In April, 1861, Mr. Simmons enlisted at Huron for three months' service in Company E, 7th 0. V. I., under Capt. Sprague. After serving his term, without leaving the State, he was discharged at Camp Dennison and returned to Erie county. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted under Capt. Shipman, in Company C, 55th 0. V. I., which went into camp at Camp McClellan, Norwalk, Huron county, and then proceeded to Grafton, W. Va., where their first fight was a skirmish at Moorefield. Mr. Simmons continued with his regiment, and fought all through the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, Cross Keys, and the second battle of Bull Run. After the latter fight he was stationed at brigade headquarters most of the time, serving as forage master, and in this capacity was with Sherman on his march to Atlanta and the sea. He was presented at the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and on July 20, 1865, was finally discharged at Cleveland, Ohio. He was never wounded, and was only in the hospital during his first enlistment, when he had the measles. After the war Mr. Simmons returned to Erie county, and bought a hotel, the "Berlinville House," for which he went in debt $1,300, which he subsequently paid. He was eight years in the hotel business,' and then sold out and moved to Prairie Depot, where he was acquainted. He bought out a liquor store, which he conducted for six years, and then converted it into a drug and grocery store, taking J. W. Graham as a partner, to whom he sold out after a of two and a half years. Mr. Simmons retired for several years, and then bought staves and ship timber in Ohio. In January, 1894, he again engaged in the liquor business, with John Fuher as a partner, buying him out January 1, 1896. He also purchased the building, and is now sole owner. One child has been born to out subject and his wife, Cora M., who is now Mrs. Eugene west of Prairie Depot. Mrs. Simmons died in 1879, and was buried in Berlinville. Our subject is a Republican in political sentiment, and a stanch member of the party. He has been a member of the city council in Prairie Depot and while in Berlinville was elected justice of peace, but declined to accept the office. He joined the Masons at East Townsend, Ohio. He is self-made man, a well-to-do citizen', and a kind hearted and benevolent man. He owns sixteen and a half acres in the corporation of Prairie Depot, out of which he has platter an addition to the town, has a good home, and is one of the respected residents of the place. EDWARD W. HICKS, who is now serving as trustee of Ross township, to which office he was elected in 1895, was born in that township, in 1859, though it was then know as Perrysburg, and he is a son of William W. And Elizabeth (Brockbent) Hicks, the former a native of Lockport, N. Y., and the latter of England. Lawson Hicks, his paternal grandfather, was also born in the Empire State, and at an early day brought his family to Lucas county, Ohio where his last day were spent. There the parents of our subject were married, the mother's people having WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1125 also been pioneers of that county. On corning to Wood county they located upon a farm in Ross township, where they still reside, and there the father has served as treasurer and justice of peace. Four children were born to them, but only two are now living. Edward W. ; and Olive, wife of Thomas Rideout, of Ross township. Our subject spent his early, life in the usual manner of farmer boys, acquired his education in the district schools near his home, and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits, to which he has devoted his attention in later years. He now owns a good farm of twenty-five acres, which is highly cultivated, and besides general farming is also engaged in fruit raising. In 1884 in Lucas county, Mr. Hicks was married to Miss Mary Rideout, who was born in that county, where her parents, James and Julia (Brown) Rideout, located at an early day. There her father died, and her mother now makes her home at Toledo. Around the hearthstone of our subject are gathered four children—Lilah, Raymond, Clyde and June. He is one of the representative men of his township, and an important factor of the farming and business community, being a wide-awake, energetic man, willing to aid in any work that will assist in developing the resources of the. township. He affiliates with the Republican party, and, besides the office of trustee, he has also been supervisor of his township. FRANK O. BARNETT. Farming in Wood county would be a very unprofitable business were it not for the progressive methods of tiling and ditching; and there is probably no man in the county who has done more to make the land cultivable and richly productive through the means of ditching than the subject of this review. His life record is as follows: He was born on a farm in Medina county, Ohio, April 12, 1854, and is a son of James Barnelt, a native of England, who emigrated to America in 1836, and took up his residence in Medina county, where he purchased a farm of fifty acres. This he cleared and cultivated for six years, then returned to England in 1842, and worked in a brewery in Shropshire. In 1851 he married Eliza Collins, and soon after sailed with his bride from Liverpool, New York, and again located on his farm in Medina county, Ohio. In addition to this purchase he also operated an old sawmill on Rocky river for a few years. In 1865 he sold his interests in Medina county, and removed to Lucas county, Ohio, where he purchased 16o acres of land, to which he afterward added eighty acres, continuing to operate that place until his death. He lost one finger in a shingle machine, and this incapacitated him for service in the Civil war. His death occurred in 1890, and his wife passed away in 1873. Their children were Mary and Frank O.,twins, the former now the wife of James Pollock, of Lucas county, Ohio; Henry, a farmer of Lucas county; Arthur, who follows farming there; and Emma, wife of Thomas Pollock, of Lucas county. Mr. Barnett, of this sketch, was educated in Medina and Lucas counties, and in 1871 entered the seminary at South Toledo, where he remained for a year. He was reared as a farm boy, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, assisting in clearing 24o acres of land. In the winter of 1878 he went to Kansas, accompanied by William Hodgman, making the journey by team as far as Galesburg, Ill. In the West he first operated a farm for one-fourth the crop. After two years he went to Silver Cliff, Colo., where he was employed in a silver stamp-mill at $3 per day. He remained there nearly a year, living in a shanty and cooking his own meals. With several others he then started for Arizona; but after going a short distance the weather became so bad that they returned to Kansas, and soon after Mr. Barnett made his way home to Lucas county. For four months he was employed on a narrow guage railroad, and for three months on the Continental railroad. He afterward went to Bairdstown, Ohio, and purchased a butcher shop; but after ten days sold at a loss of $200. His next purchase made him, in connection with his brother, the owner of thirty acres of timber land, on which they lived for a year, cutting all kinds of timber, including saw- logs, railroad ties and cord wood. Frank Barnett then moved to Jackson township, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he built a shanty, and commenced to clear his property, which was then an unbroken wilderness. He has not only developed this, but has added to it eighty acres, and the entire quarter-section is now under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Barnett was married in Waterville township, Lucas Co., Ohio, April ro, 1883, to Miss Lucinda Hartman, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., August 22, 1853. They lived with her parents until the following December, and then removed to their own home; but the water was so high upon the land that it almost seemed that they would be forced to abandon the property. However, by ditching, he has transformed this into a valuable property, which is now highly cultivated. The home is blessed by 1126 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. the presence of two children-- Guy Etta, born August 5, 1884; and Leah, born May 31, 1895. Mr. Barnett is a stanch Republican, and takes quite an active interest in political affairs. DAVID L. DULL is one of the most enterprising and substantial agriculturists of Wood county, and his fine farm, situated in Weston township, gives evidence of his excellent management and progressive ideas. Peter Dull, the father of our subject, was born in 1813, in Perry county, Ohio, son of Samuel Dull, and came with his parents to Wood county in 1837. He purchased 214 acres of land in Weston township, and eighty acres in Washington township, which he cleared and otherwise improved, and which became valuable property. In 1837 he was married to Miss Susanna Groin, who was born December 4, 1816, in Harrison county, Ohio, daughter of Rev. John Crom, who moved to Wood county, about 1829. Six children were born of this union, four of whom are living: Hiram is a farmer in Huron county, Ohio; Mary C., wife of Levi Bassett, of Pottertown, Wood Co. , Ohio, who died in 1868; Ephraim Wesley died while serving his country in the Civil war; John L. resides in Weston; David L. is our subject; and one died in infancy. The mother passed away January 15, 1884. David L. Dull was born in Weston township, December 5, 1851, and when a boy attended the McKee District School in the winter season, the rest of his time being employed in the various duties which fall to the lot of a farmer's son. His school days were cut short, however, by the death of his father, which event occurred in 1870. From that time he was obliged to give his whole time and attention to the management of the farm, and the care of his widowed mother. That he has fulfilled both these trusts faithfully and well, is well-known in the community. Mr. Dull's farm at present comprises 191-1- acres, eighty being purchased by himself, the remainder being a part of the old home bought by his father, who at his death divided the farm between his two sons. Of this, 16o acres are under cultivation, and the place is supplied with substantial barns, windmills, and the most improved appliances for tilling the soil and taking care of the crops. He has been a progressive farmer, and for five yea.rs gave his attention to raising Berkshire hogs, with such success that he has carried off premiums at various county fairs.. A fine dwelling, which cost $3,000, and one of the best in the township, is pleasantly situated on the estate, and here Mr. Dull and his family enjoy the result of their labors, and dispenxe a gracious hospitality to their large circle of friends. Mr. Dull was united in marriage, March 9, 1875, with Miss Alice L., daughter of the late Jacob Walters, of Weston, and four children have come to bless their home, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Pear M., October 4, 1876; Charles E., January 13, 1878; Myrtle L., November 22, l879; Gertrude R., November 29, 1881. In politics Mr. Dull is a Prohibitionist. He gives his best endeavors to promoting the interests of that party which he believes to be the best for the welfare of the country. He has been assessor in his township for three terms, and was school director several terms for Sub-District No. 4, always doing all in his power to advance the cause of education. He has also held the office of supervisor for a number years, In religious belief he and his family are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been a trustee about fifteen years, and they take active part in Church work, he , leader, and steward, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is also secretary and one of the five trustees of the Sandusky District of the United Brethren Church, which has the general superintendency of the district. For five successive years he has been elected and served as delegate to the Sandusky Annual Conference. He is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises, and is justly esteemed as an upright man, a devoted son, a kind husband and father, and a good citizen.      Mrs. Dull is a most estimable woman, beloved by all who know her. She also is much interested in Church wotk, and has been an active member of the Sandusky Branch of the Woman’s Foreign and Home Missionary Society for five years, now serving as treasurer of her branch. JACOB SPACKEY, an industrious, respected farmer of Portage township, is one of the substantial thrifty German citizens who have settled in Ohio, and by hard work have made comfortable homes for themselves and families. He was born April 19, 1849, in Bavaria, Germany, son of Henry and Margreta (Glickner) Spackey, farming people, who came to the United States when Jacob was a boy of six years. The ocean voyage lasted twenty-six days, being a remarkably short time for those days, and, after landing the family came west to Ohio, settling in Seneca county. Here he rented land for a time, later moving to Portage township, Wood county, where he bought forty acres, and here he passed the remainder of his days, dying at the age of WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1127 fifty-one years; he was laid to rest in Perry township. The mother now makes her home with our subject. Their family .consisted of three sons: Philip, of Webster township; Jacob; and Adam, of Jerry City. Our subject attended the district schools during the winter months until he was about sixteen years of age, when his father, died, since which time he has earned his own living. He was reared to farming, and when about nineteen years of age he began to work for others, also following the shoemaker's trade, which he had learned from his brother Adam. He also spent three years in Dell, Oregon, employed about steamboat docks. On January 19, 1882, he was married, in Bloom township, to Miss Lucy Rebecca Smalley, who was born October 1, 1863, in Portage township, daughter of John W. and Rebecca (Snyder) Smalley, and to this marriage have been born seven children, namely: Laura M. ; Myron J.; Theresa E. ; Bertha' M. ; Lucy A. ; and Eliza R. and Elsie F., twins, all living. At the time of his marriage our subject owned a twenty-acre tract in Bloom township, where he resided five years, removing thence to his present home in Portage township, which comprises forty acres of good land in Section 23. He carries on a profitable general farming business, and is well and favorably known in his section. At present he is serving as trustee in Portage township, but he is no office seeker, and beyond taking a loyal interest in local affairs, devotes his time to his agricultural interests. Politically he is a stanch Republican. CHRISTIAN STOUDINGER, an agriculturist of Montgomery township, whose straightforward methods of doing business have gained him a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 24, 1833, son of John Stoudinger, who was also a farmer by occupation. Of the family of nine children, five grew to adult age four sons and one daughter subject being the eldest son. He secured his education in his native land, and in the spring of 1854 bade farewell to the friends of his youth, and on the " Satellite " sailed from Havre, France. After forty-two days spent upon the ocean he arrived in the New World, and at once proceeded to York county, Penn., where he had friends living. In that county he worked until the spring of 1861, when he came to Wood county, an old schoolmate in Germany, Frederick Bower, having induced him to locate here. He had at that time a few dollars, which he had saved his earnings. On August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 111th O. V. I., and remained with his regiment until March 1, 1865, at which date, in North Carolina, he was seized with typhoid fever. From the hospital a Kinston, in that State, he was sent to Goldsboro, and afterward was in other hospitals, being in Newberne, N. C., at the time of his recovery. Rejoining the regiment at Salisbury, that State, he remained with the command until honorably discharged on June 27, 1865, when he returned to Wood county. On October 25, 1865, Mr. Stoudinger was married to Miss Elizabeth Myers, a native of Switzerland, who was born June 9, 1849, in Canton Schaffhausen, daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Switzer) Myers, who set sail for the United States in 1855, arriving after a long passage. They made their first location at Canton, Ohio, thence removing to Scott township, Sandusky county, where the father still lives. The mother's death occurred in August, 1895, when she was seventy-five years of age. She was a well-preserved old lady, not having a gray hair in her head at the time of her death. They had three children: Albert, a farmer of Scott township, Sandusky county; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; and Wilhelm, also of Scott township. The first property owned by Mr. Stoudinger consisted of twenty acres in Section 27, Montgomery township, a timbered tract, which he purchased of Frederick Bower, and thereon built a hewed log-house, which, although a rude affair, was the first home he could call his own since leaving Germany. In 1881, he purchased twenty acres more, adjoining, and upon that farm he has since resided, now having a substantial and pleasant dwelling. The eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoudinger are: Christina, now Mrs. George Hengsteler, of Risingsun, Wood county; Conrad W., a farmer of Montgomery township, married to Clara Keefer, of Perry township, this county; Rosa B., wife of C. P. Bigley, of Risingsun; Christian H., an agriculturist of Montgomery township; and Jacob F., Lewis F., Magdalena and Wilbur, all four at home. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Stoudinger is connected with the G. A. R. at Prairie Depot. Though not bound by party ties, he usually supports the principles of the Democratic party. His life has been an honorable one, and is well worthy of emulation. On arriving in America he was a stranger in a strange land, with neither capital nor influential friends; he valiantly served his adopted country during the dark days of the Rebellion, has reared an ex- 1128 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. cellent family, of which he may be justly proud, and now ranks among the most reliable and in- fluential citizens of Montgomery township. JOHN C. BOWER. There are few men more worthy of representation in a work of this kind than the subject of this biography, who is passing the later years of his life on a comfortable homestead in Montgomery township. His has been a long and busy career, rich with experience, and he has established himself in the esteem and confidence of all who know him. His family history is of more than ordinary interest. Mr. Bower is a native of Germany, his birth .having occurred in Wittenberg, September 16, 1825., and he is a son of J. C. Bower, a wagon-maker of that country. His education was there obtained, and, at the legal age, he entered the army, remaining in the service for six years. He learned the baker's trade, at which he worked in his native land, and saved some capital, knowing that if he Secured a home of his own it must come through his own efforts. Some friends, who had come to the United States, wrote him of the excellent chances for securing a competence here, and, in April, 1853, he bade good-bye to the Fatherland, and the friends and scenes of his early life, sailing for America. After a voyage of sixty-three days he landed at New York, whence he came to Sandusky county, Ohio, and at Tiffin was ill with bilious fever, which seemed quite strange, for- while crossing the ocean he had not been seasick.. His ticket was for New Orleans, where a cousin and former army comrade was located; but, an account of his illness and a lack of funds, he a compelled to remain at Tiffin—a stranger in a strange land, with no money, but willing to work, when his strength would permit. His first employment here was as a laborer on the railroad. In the fall of 1853, at Tiffin, Mr. Bower was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Hemminger, who was a native of the same province in Germany as himself. Soon after their marriage they removed to Fostoria, Ohio, where our subject worked as a laborer for several of the prominent citizens, including the father of ex-Gov. Charles Foster. By strict economy he was enabled to save something, and, going to Liberty township, Seneca Co., Ohio, he there rented a farm for sixteen years. At the end of that time he purchased 139 acres in Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, at a cost of $4,200, of which amount he paid down $1,000. He had a rather liberal supply of stock and tools, and the chances for him to realize what he had come to America for seemed good; but misfortune overtook him in the death of his excellent wife. To them had been born seven children—John C., Sophia, Frederick, Louisa, William, Amos, and Ella- all of whom are still living. After the death of his wife, Mr. Bower sold his farm, with all his stock, etc., and after paying all his debts, had left $3,000. He then purchased the old Dieter homestead, in Section 27, Montgomery township, where he now makes his home, and has the place entirely free from debt. He has practically laid aside active business cares, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He has ever been straightforward and honorable in all his dealings, has made the most of his advantages, and has fought life’s battle unaided, so that he well deserves the success that has come to him, and the regard and confidence which are so freely accorded him by all. Politically he is an earnest Democrat, and religiously he is a faithful member of the Evangelical Church. W. O. KING, the leading liveryman of Pemberville, was born in Jackson township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, October 2, 1854, and is the youngest son and child of William and Susan (Lesher) King. His father died during the infancy of our subject, and the mother afterward Our subject remained with his stepfather until eighteen years of age, and worked on the home farm, where he early displayed the habits of industry and steady application that have characterized his entire life. He then left home his capital consisting of a scanty wardrobe; began cutting cordwood, and in the spring of 1873 he went to Vienna, Mich., where he spent the summer. In the fall he returned home, and attended school through the winter, after which he spent one summer in Toledo in the livery barn of his uncle, Joe Lesher. He next learned the tinner's trade at Fostoria, Ohio, under Mr. Alcott, and, after his term of apprenticeship, conducted a tinshop at Prairie Depot. In December, 1878, at that place, Mr. King, married Miss Phila Gould, daughter of Timothy Gould, a soldier of the Civil war. They there began their domestic life, and in the spring of 1879, Mr. King rented a farm of 120 acres in Section 19, Montgomery township, where he continued to make his home until January, 1896, when he came to Pemberville, having previously purchased the livery business of Emery Pember. He has here a large number of excellent house and vehicles of various kinds, and has largely increased his business, so that it yields to him a 1129 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. good income. All his life he has manifested a great fondness for horses, and, from the time when his financial resources would permit, he has always owned one or more good animals. He now has in his barn, General Macey," one of the finest horses in the State, record 2:25 ½. Also, a fine roadster, “St. Hontas," by "Pocohontas Boy.” Mr. and Mrs. King have one son, Sage, born in November, 1880. In politics our subject is a stalwart Republican, and is a public-spirited citizen who gives commendable support to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. His barn is neat and thrifty in appearance, his work conducted systematically, and his honorable dealing has won him the public confidence. JOHN J. LEATHERS. Among the young and enterprising farmers of Bloom township there is probably none more energetic or thorough-going than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. He and his brother, Benton, are now conducting the 320-acre farm owned by their father, which has equally upon Sections 33 and 34. He is a native of Bloom township, where his birth occurred May 9, 1866, and is a son of Wesley and Minerva (Dustman) Leathers, the former now a prominent banker, of McComb, Ohio School No. 8 John J. Leathers received the major portion of his education, which he has greatly supplemented by reading and observation, and he was early inured to farm labor. On October 2, 1887, in Cass township, Hancock Co., Ohio he wedded Miss Mary 0. Barringer, who was born in Bloom township, February 5, 1867, and is a daughter of Jehu and Louisa (Billingsley) Barringer. They have become the parents of three children, namely: Burnie, born Oct 13, 1888, met his death by scalding in a pan of maple syrup, March I 1, 1892, and was buried in Bloom Chapel cemetery; he was an exceedingly bright child, and his 'death caused great gloom in the household. Seba was born March 14, 1893. Bethel was born July 27, 1896. Mr Leathers has made most bf the improvements found upon his place, and has as fine a location as any in the township, while, in connection with general farming, he also deals in stock; shipping to Buffalo. He has been very prosperous in his undertakings, and from present indications there can be no doubt that a bright future awaits him. He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and the spring of 1802 was elected assessor of his township. His excellent wife is a Methodist in religious belief, attending Bloom Chapel. WILLIAM H. PUGH, a pioneer farmer and stock-raiser of Weston township, where he has resided since he was four years of age, was born October 12, 1836, in Perrysburg, Ohio. The father of our subject, John Pugh, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1808, and after his marriage to Miss May Evans he emigrated to this country, in 1830, settling first in Perrysburg, Ohio, where he carried on his trade of a carpenter. He often related stories of those early days, and remembered working for Commodore Perry, who made himself a name in history. In 1840 Mr. Pugh removed to Weston township, and rented a farm, which he operated for a short time, and then entered 160 acres in Henry county, on which he .built a log cabin, and made it his home until he bought 160 acres in Milton township, adjoining; this he also cleared and improved. He was a haid-working, enterprising man, and lived to a good old age, his death taking place in 1891. He voted for both the Harrisons, grandfather and grandson, for the Presidency. By•his first wife Mr. Pugh had five children, namely: Two who died in infancy; William H. ; Sarah, residing in Utica, N. Y.; and Mary, who married John Pugh, and is deceased. . The mother of these children died July 4,1842, and the father took, for his second wife, Miss Clarissa Junkins, a sister of Thomas Junkins. Five children were born of this union: Anna M. is the wife of Lenza McKee, of Fostoria, Ohio; Samuel L. resides in Henry county, Ohio; Lacrisa J. is the wife of William Martin; Celestra E. is the widow of C. L. "Powell, also represented in this work; John A. died when twenty-five years of age. Mrs. Pugh makes' her home with her daughter, Mrs. Powell. William H. Pugh received his early education in the district school at Beaver Creek, and assisted his father upon the farm until lie was twenty years old, 'when, in 1857, he went out West, and for three years was driving team from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe, N. M. He returned home in 1860, and worked for McKee on a farm. In 1863 he entered the government employ in the quartermaster's department, serving under Gen. Thomas. For three years he was in business at Buckland Lock, at the end of that time removing to Weston township and purchasing 175 acres of land, on which he placed many valuable improvements, and which is to-day one of the finest and best equipped farms in the township. He has built a comfortable house, and large barn at a 1130 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. cost of $2,500.00, and has a fine cider press; also manufactures wine. He has progressive ideas, and has always kept abreast of the times, while his good judgment and excellent management have brought him success in all his enterprises. He may be truly called a sell-made man, for his present comfortable position is due to his own efforts. Mr. Pugh was married, May 12, 1863, at Grand Rapids, to Miss Louisa S., daughter of Ruthman Howard, who was born September 6, 1842. Their children were as follows: (i) Newbery H., born September 8; 1864, died in February, 1868. (2) John Edwrd, born December 6, 1866, completed his education at the Toledo Business College, which he attended for two years, and is vow keeping store at Mark Center, Defiance county; he married Miss Lucy A. Ames, of Portage, Ohio, and -has two children Preston A., and William Howard. (3) Thomas J., the third son, is ' a merchant at Weston. The mother of these children died August 14, 1878, and Mr. Pugh was married, in 188o, to Miss Sarah A. Jones, who was born in Crawford county, May 31, 1844. No children have been born of this union. Mr. Pugh, for some twenty-five years, was a member of the Greenback party; but he is now a Populist, and, in 1892, received a nomination on that ticket for county commissioner. He has served as school director for nine years, was president of the school board for three years, and clerk of the same for twelve years. He was supervisor of the township one term, and trustee three terms. In all these positions of trust and responsibility, Mr. Pugh has fulfilled his duties with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his constituents, and has, at all times, commanded the respect and esteem of his associates. Socially, he belongs to the K. of P., and the I. O. O. F., and Rebekah Lodge No. 681, his wife being a Daughter of Rebekah, and a member of Lodge No. 303. ANDREW DIETER, a retired farmer of Prairie Depot, was born November 30, 1826, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and in 1841 came to the United States. His parents were Andrew and Barbara Dieter, the'former of whom was a tailor' in Germany. They.. embarked at Havre on a sailing vessel, and, after a four-weeks' voyage, landed in New York City. Their first location in Ohio was in Wayne county, twelve miles north of Wooster. The father had $200 left after arriving in America, and he bought a little farm for $400, for which he went in debt. After a four- years' stay in Wayne county he sold this farm and moved to Homer township, Madina county. In 1849 he came to Montgomery township and bought a farm in Section 27, only a few acres og which were cleared. He died at the age of sixty-two years, and his wife when eighty-four years old. Both are buried in Montgomery township. Their children were as follows: Christine who married, and died in Iowa; Jacob, who lives in Risingsun; Andrew, our subject George a resident of Michigan; Barbara, now Mrs. Samuel St. Clair, of Freedom township; John, who died in Montgomery township; and J. C., a farmer of Montgomery township. Our subject went to school in Germany, and later in America. After arriving in this country he was obliged to attend school, where he was the only German boy, and, not being able to speak the English language very well, was made fun of and called " Dutchy” by his schoolmates. The Germans were often the target for the unprincipled boys, and were imposed upon in various ways. Our subject was picked out by his schoolmates, and especially by one, a brother of the teacher, as an object to be tantalized with impunity. 'Though not naturally quarrelsome, he would not submit to any unjust imposition. This brother of the teacher of about the same age, and his repeated taunts and mean tricks could no longer be endured by our subject, so one day he administered a sound thrashing, in true school-boy style, which seemed to be n intimation of what was in store for future offenders, and, needless to say, he was respected by all from that time on. Mr. Dieter worked on various farms in the neighborhood as a hand for $4 per month. When twenty-one years old he was able to earn $8 per month. He came to Wood county in advance of his father's family to look up a home, the parents joining him in 1849. Mr. Dieter was married, March 28, 1850, in Montgomery township, to Miss Hannah Dunkel who was born in Center county, Penn., a daughter of Malachi Dunkel. Up to this time he had never owned land, and at his marriage he had but a few dollars. His first real estate was ten acres of land, on which stood a log cabin, with puncheon floor and mud and stick chimney, the furniture of the house consisting of three stools, and a table, and a home-made bedstead. Mr. Dieter followed farming until 1894, when he bought the fine house in Prairie Depot where he lives in retirement. The following children were born to him and his wife: John, residing in Prairie Depot;. Jacob, a farmer of Montgomery township; Sarah, now Mrs. John Wisner, of WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1131 Montgomery: Lavina, who became the wife of Nelson Graham, a resident of Montgomery; Caroline, who married John Smith, and died in Michigan; Barbara, now the wife of Jack Dicken, of Montgomery; Adaline, Mrs, Edwin Gris, of Sandusky county; George, a farmer of Montgomery township. and James, also a farmer in that township, Mr. Dieter was at one time a Democrat, but became a stanch Republican. In religious connections he is a member of the Evangelical Church, and is one of its main supporters; has most in all offices in the Church, and is foremost in all matters pertaining to its work. He gave the land on which to build Mt. Zion church, in Montgomery township, and gave the church its name. He is a self-made man, has been a hard worker, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens. JOHN O'LEARY, is a farmer of Lake township, residing in Section 32, the farm being the same on which he was born August 24, 1848. He can justly be considered a pioneer of this section, having watched the development of the township and county in which he resided,: from his infancy. Scarcely a farm house had been built, and the timbered land was the home of deer and other wild game. He has seen villages spring up, and small hamlets transformed into prosperous cities and thriving villages, and populous townships filling the places once occupied by forests. In all the wondrous growth he has lent material assistance, and all efforts put forth by him and his coadjutors in that direction have been faithfully aided by nature, whose, resources here are unbounded. His parents, John and Ellen (McCarthy) O’Leary,were natives of County Cork, Ireland. At an early age they came fo. America, to seek a home in the New World, and with that tide of humanity that was then rushing westward, they cast their lot, landing, in 1837, in the Maumee Valley. In 1842 they located on 140 acres of land in Lake township, on which the father passed the rest of his days, dying in 1883; the mother is still living at the old homestead. There are six children living: Mary, Dennis, Johanna, John, Daniel (of Mercer county), iand Ellen, The father was an ardent Democrat in politics, and a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. WILLIAM ROBINSON, of Liberty township, belonged to one of the old families of Ohio. He was born March 1, 1845, in Huron county, Ohio, and was a son of William Jordan Robinson, also a native of Huron county, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Nancy Wheaton. He was a prominent and well-known citizen, and locating in Liberty township, Wood county, at an early day, became an honored resident of this community. His death occurred in the spring of 1867, at the age of fifty years, and his wife passed away a few years later. Their children were Mary E., widow of Pierce Mercer, of Liberty township; William; George Washington, a farmer residing near Dunbridge; Nelson, deceased; Eliza Jane, now a widow; Martha, who died at the age of twenty-two; Lotishia, who died at the age of twenty; Henry, a farmer of Hoytville; Ellen, wife of Lewis C. McCrory, of Liberty township; Emma, deceased wife of Allen Curtis; and Joseph, who died in young manhood. When a boy our subject came to Wood county with his parents, and was educated in the district scbools of Liberty township. In early manhood he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed in connection with farming. He was married in Liberty township, December 16, 1866, to Hannah M. McCrory, who was born in Bloom township, January 23, 1845, and is a daughter of James McCrory, a native of Pennsylvania, who in that State married Nancy Setchler, and afterward came to Bloom township. Here Mrs. McCrory died about 1848, leaving but one child, Mrs. Robinson. The father afterward married Mary Ann Mercer, and their children were William P., who died when a young man; Samuel J., of Bowling Green; Mrs. Jennie Ferguson, of Cygnet, Ohio; James A., a liveryman of Cygnet; Mary Ann, at home; Harris A., a farmer of Henry county, Ohio; and Albert O., who operates the old homestead in Liberty township. Mr. McCrory was a very prominent citizen, and a stalwart Democrat in politics. He served as justice of the peace for many years, was also school director, and was a member of the Disciples Church. He died October 18, 1885, and was buried in Mercer cemetery. His widow now resides in Bowling Green. For five years after his marriage our subject resided on the old Robinson homestead, and then rented a farm in Liberty township for a year, after which he purchased forty acres, later selling one-half of it. He made all of the improvements upon the place and erected a fine residence; also had three oil wells upon the farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born five children: Mary A., wife of Bertsell Mercer, of Liberty township; James W., at home; Clara C., wife of William Henton of Liberty township; Sarah C. and William J., at home. Mr. Robin- 1132 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. son was a highly esteemed citizen, well liked wherever he went, and his friends throughout the county were many. He died September 18, 1885, and his death was deeply mourned. His widow, with her children, still reside on the old family homestead. She is a member of the Disciples Church, and takes a deep interest in its growth and upbuilding. Her many excellencies of character have made her highly esteemed, and the family is one of genuine worth. JAMES A. GRAHAM is pleasantly located upon a farm of 1oo acres, in Section 22, Montgomery township, and the home with its surroundings displays the supervision of an intelligent farmer and capable business man, who has proved a useful member of society, and deserves the esteem and confidence of the people around him. His father, John Graham, was a native of Ireland, born August 9, 1808, six miles from Belfast, and when thirteen years of age was brought by his parents, Thomas Graham and wife, to America, the family first locating at Pittsburg, Penn. They later made their home in Marion county, a mile and a half east of the county seat, where both parents died. In that county, on November 13, 1831, John Graham married Melita Anderson, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, May 12, 1811, of Irish and English parentage. Mr. Graham continued to live in Marion county until the fall of 1836, when he removed to Montgomery township, Wood county, and there built his cabin upon a little knoll, the site of the present home of our subject, it being the only dry spot upon the place at that time. He purchased 200 acres of wild land, on which he made his home until his death, which occurred January 4, 1854; he was laid to rest in the Graham cemetery, upon his farm. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, naturally very intelligent, and had obtained a fair education for those days. He became a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was one of the founders of the Church of that denomination at Prairie Depot. Possessing excellent judgment and sound common sense, he was looked up to and consulted on various questions.. His political support was first given to the Whig party, and later he became a strong Abolitionist, always a friend of the negro. Although he died at the comparatively early age of forty-five, he left a comfortable competence, having been a good manager and shrewd dealer, and at that time had 32o acres, of which eighty belonged to his wife. After his death she resided upon the home farm, until 1872, when she removed to Prairie Depot, living there until 1890, after which she made her home with her children, until called from this life, on April 14, 1894. She was an earnest Christian woman, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ours. Subject is the fifth, in order of birth, in the family of seven children, who are as follows: John W., born September 28, 1832, is a resident of Prairie Depot; William B., born February 18, 1834, died in 1856; Thomas A., born April 18, 1836, lives in Montgomery township; Mary A., born January 4, 1840, is the wife of E. Young, of Illinois;. James A. was born on the farm on which he now resides, May 8, 1843; Russell N., born February 5, 1848, makes his home in Montgomery township; and Melita A. C., born January 8, 1852, is the wife of G. W. Hedge, of the same township. The early life of James A. Graham was spent upon the home farm and in attending the district schools. The first school which he attended was held in his father's house, as there was no school building in the district, his teacher being Phoebe Vosburg. He heartily endorses the improvements made in the educational institutions of today and was for fourteen years an efficient member of the school board of Prairie Depot. As a farmer boy he used to ride a horse on the barn floor to thresh the grain. He remained a member of the parental household until his married, which important event in his life was celebrated at Maumee, Ohio, December 31, 1867, Miss Margaret Hoffman becoming his wife. She was born near Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio, May 25, 1847, daughter of James and Mary (Halfhill) Hoffman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Wayne county, Ohio. Her parents came to Wood county in 1855, but later went to Lucas county, this State, where they died. She was the eldest daughter and second child in their family of five children, and after completing he education taught two terms of school in Montgomery township, when only seventeen years of age. To our subject and his wife have come three children —J. Frank, who was born July 24, 1873: and was admitted to the Ohio bar in March, 1896, at the age of twenty-two; William A., born August 18, 1878; and Carrie A., born December 29, 1883. For one year after his marriage Mt. Graham rented land in Section 16, Montgomery township and then returned to the home farm, where he now lives. Five acres had been sold, but he purchased this, and now has 100 acres of rich and valuable land. He has always devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and has been very successful in his chosen calling. His first Presidential vote was cast for Lincoln when WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1133 that gentleman ran for his second term, and later he was a Democrat until the fall of 1880, since which time he has been a stalwart Prohibitionist. Though no office seeker, he has served in minor township offices. Socially, he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 646, at Prairie Depot Crystal Encampment, of the same Order, and both he and his wife belong to the Rebekah Lodge at Prairie Depot. Religiously they are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he serves as recording steward, and she belongs to the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. The family is one of prominence in the community, its members being intelligent and well-read, and they hold an enviable position in social circles. SAMUEL LEVERTON. In the career of this gentleman we find an excellent example for wen just embarking in the field of active life; of what may be accomplished by a man be- poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. A native of another hemisphere, Mr. Leverton was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in October, 1848, and is a son of John Leverton. His parents were both natives of England, where their deaths occurred. In their family were ten children :a, a, namely: Mary, Naomi, John M., Elizabeth, Fisher, Cecelia, Hannah, Samuel, Daniel and James. As his parents were in limited circumstances, the educational advantages which our subject received were very meager, and from a very early age he has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. When sixteen years of age, at the solicitation of his brother, who was living in Ohio, Mr. Leverton left the shores of the Old World, resolved to try his fortune in this country, where better opportunities are afforded young men. He first located in Erie county, this State, where he worked on a farm, receiving $13 per month for his services, and there he remained for four years, when he came to Wood county. After working as a farm hand for three years in Plain township, he took charge of the farm of Major Lawrence in Perrysburg township, and continued its operation for four years, when he returned to Plain township, renting land which he cultivated for nine years. Through industry and careful management, he succeeded in saving a few a few hundred dollars, with which he purchased sixty acres of partially improved land. His place is now under a high state of cultivation, with suitable buildings, and all the appointments of the model country home. Mr. Leverton has been twice married, his first union being with Hannah Huff, who died on the 11th of July, 1875. Six children blessed this union, but the youngest died while small. They are William, Henry, Mary, George, Frank, and Emma. In 1876 Mr. Leverton wedded Catherine, widow of S. Martindale, and she was called to her final rest June I 1, 1895. Our subject upholds the principles of the Republican party, and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. He gives his encouragement to the enterprises tending to the general welfare of the people around him, and endeavors by a life of kindness and charity to set an example worthy of imitation. L. O. BROYLES, a wide-awake and enterprising farmer residing in Section 2, Montgomery township, was born April 20, 1862, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is a son of James Broyles, also a native of the same county. In Licking county, Ohio, the father was married November 29, 186o, to Miss Rebecca Bryan, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, May 18, 1838. She was the daughter of Enoch and Rebecca (Myers) Bryan, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Lancaster, Penn. ; in the family were six children, as follows: Hannah J., now the widow of A. Hashbarger, of Montgomery township; Mary, who wedded Stewart Plummer, and died in Licking county; Cornelius, of Bradner, Ohio; Jacob, of San Francisco, Cal.; George, of Bradner; and Rebecca, mother of our subject. After their marriage the parents located in Licking county, where the father engaged in farming, and also made many thousand shingles by hand; but when our subject was quite small, the mother was left with herself and two children to support. In the .fall of 1881 she came to Wood county, and has since lived in Montgomery townshipo on the farm where our subject now resides. She is a most estimable woman, a faithful member of the Protestant Methodist Church. The brother of our subject is Clement Broyles, of Bradner, Ohio. The education of L. O. Broyles was obtained principally in the district schools of his native county. Coming to Wood county, his first location was upon Section 2, Montgomery township, where he still owns forty acres; but he has added to his property until his landed possessions comprise 115 acres of valuable land. Since his arrival here, in connection with his farming operations, for two years he followed rig-building for others, and for three years worked as a section hand on the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo railroad. He is a steady-going, industrious 1134 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. farmer, who has made his way in the world unaided, and has won the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. On October 30, 1890, in Montgomery township, Mr. Broyles was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Brown, who was born in Section 2, of that township, March 23, 1.868, and is a daughter of William T. and Roena (Stahl) Brown, and they have become the parents of three childrep—William E., Alice B., and Ralph M. In religious belief both Mr. and Mrs. Broyles are Methodist Protestants, and he casts his ballot in support of Democratic principles. ADAM DICKEN, a prosperous farmer of Montgomery .township, was born in Bedford county, Penn. , April 9, 183o. His parents, Charles and Keziah (Purdue) Dicken, moved to Crawford county when he, was a child, lived there a while, and then went to Liberty township, Seneca county, where the-father died. The motber died later in Jackson township, Seneca county. Mr. Dicken was a successful farmer, and left considerable property, being considered well-to-do for those days. To him and his wife nine children were born, four of whom are yet living, namely: Adam, our subject; Jonathan, of Jackson township, Seneca county; William, of the same place; and Eliza J., the widow of William Valance. Adam Dicken attended school in Liberty township but, being the eldest boy, he was the first to be of use to his father on the farm, so his schooling was somewhat limited. He lived at home continuously until June 9, 1854, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Stahl, who was born in Perry county, November 17, 1837, the daughter of Jacob and Tena (Smith) Stahl. Mr. and Mrs.'Stahl were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Seneca county in the spring of 1838, locating in Jackson township. They had seven children, as follows: Maria, now Mrs. Thomas Pennel, of Fostoria; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Sarah, who married Emmanuel Hampshire, of Ana,erson county, Kans. ; Andrew, living in Gibsonburg, Ohio; William, a native of Gratiot county, Mich.; Levi, residing in Sandusky county; and Jacob, who died in Burgoon. Mrs. Stahl died at the age of thirty-two, and Mr. Stahl took, for his second wife Miss Eva Smith, by whom he had one child, Tena, who married Curt Elder, and died in Defiance, Ohio. Mr. Dicken lived one year with his father after his marriage, and later went to housekeeping on his 160 acres of new land, where he built a log cabin 18 x 20 feet square, living there nearly three years. Then, his father having died, he sold his land and bought the home farm, subsequently selling half of it, as it was too great an expense. He lived there until the fall of 1869, when he sold out and came to Wood county locating in Section 29, Montgomery township, and purchasing 160 acres, on which he has continued to live. On this farm are nine producing oil wells, with five locations which promise fine additional profits. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dick, Mary E., nowMrs, Frank Wollam, of Montgomery township, Jacob, of Jerry City; Jackson, in Montgomery township; William, a farmer in sane township Sherman, who died when five years old; Curtis, at home; Estelle, now Mrs. Clarence E. Dowling, also in Montgomery; and Charles F., who also resides there. Our subject is a member of the Evangelical Church, and formerly was very active in Church work contributing liberally and holding various offices. He has always been fair and honest in all his dealings; and no citizen of Montgomery township is more highly respected. We may add that Mr. Dicken has never engaged in litigation either as plaintiff or defendant. M. E. DIRK, member of the furniture firm of Dirk & Hough; was born September 7, 1862, in Henry township, Wood county. He spent his early life in North Baltimore, attending the public school there for several years, and then went to the Ada Normal School, at Ada. Ohio. After leaving school Mr. Dirk went to work on a farm, following that occupation until his marriage to Miss Libbie Beatty, which took place February 18, 1884. One child, Glenn, was born to them, Mrs. Dirk died November 19, 1891, and Mr. Dirk afterward married Miss Mary Dayringer. In 1888 our subject entered the furniture business with Mr. Hough, who were reared on a farm was adjoining that of Mr. Dirk, and the friendly relations begun in boyhood have been maintained in their business careers. They have established an extensive trade, and in their well-stocked store may be found everything in the way of furniture that could be desired for the fitting out of a beautiful home. Mr. Dirk has demonstrated his ability as a business manner by the successful manner in which he has conducted his store. He is genial in disposition, upright in character, and holds the confidence and esteem of all who known him. Jacob Dirk, the father of our subject, was born in 1819, in Pennsylvania. His wife, Sarah (Povenmier), was born in 1825. They were married at Sugar Ridge, Hancock county, living there until 1859, when they came to the present site of North Baltimore, and Mr. Dirk bought WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1135 land, on which the present city has been built. In 1887 he erected a brick black, two stories in height, and 75 x 100 feet. Mr. Dirk is. a Republican, and a member of the United Brethren Church. Both he and his wife enjoy the distinction of being among the pioneers of the county. To them were born five children, as follows: Jennie, the wife of Joseph Smith, of Liberty township; John, living in North Baltimore; William M., a retired farmer in Weston, Ohio; Amanda, who was married to George A. Smith, a clerk in Bowling Green; and M. E., our subject. M. D. SMITH. Among the leading and representative agriculturists of Perry township, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil; there is none who stands a more prominent figure than the gentleman of whom this notice is written. His birth occurred in the Empire State, on April 10, 1850. His parents, Martin D. and Mary J. (Elvert) Smith, were natives of Ireland, and immigrated to the United States about 1849, locating in New York, where the father followed farming, and there died when our subject was but a child. He was then taken by his mother to Lorain county Ohio, where they remained until 1856, when they came to Wood county. In Ionia county, Mich., the mother was again married, becoming the wife of, E. A. Pelton, and now makes her home in Eagleville, Ohio. On reaching a sufficient age our subject entered the common schools of Lorain county, which were much inferior to the schools of the present day, and there he pursued his literary studies. To rural pursuits he was reared, being employed on farms .when quite young, and in 1866 went to Bowling Green, Ohio, near which place he obtained work as a farm hand, there remaining until 1873, when he returned to Perry township. On May 23, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Sarah J. Hall, a native of Perry township, born in Section 17, March 5, 1859, and a daughter of A. J. and Mary M. (Patterson) Her education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood. By her marriage she has become the mother six children: Bertie E., born August 16, 1876; Harry W., born April 1, 1879; Charles N., born August 16, . 1881; Andrew M., born July 29, 1883; Mary M., born August 4, 1886; and Ray D., born September 26, 1890. For about ten years after his marriage, Mr. Smith lived with his wife's people, and in the fall of 1884 removed to his present farm of forty acres in Section 17, Perry township, which he had purchased three years previously. In 1887 he replaced their first home, which was of logs, with a very comfortable and modern residence. All that he now possesses has been secured through his industry and perseverance, as he received no outside aid from any source. In business transactions he is perfectly honorable and straightforward, is progressive in his methods of farming, and justly ranks among the prominent citizens of the community. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. J. D. CONKLIN, one of the well-known and successful business men of Weston, was born in Huron county, Ohio, May 25, 1855, and is the son of James and Eliza (Davenport) Conklin. Our subject was educated in the district schools of Plain township, Wood county, and assisted his father upon the home farm until he was twenty years of age, when he rented a farm for himself in the same township. This he operated for six years, when he came to Weston, and was in the employ of H. H. Keel for eight years. He then went into the drug business, in connection with D. L. Aldrich, subsequently selling out his interest to his partner. In 1888 he was made postmaster, receiving bis appointment under John Wanamaker, who was then Postmaster-General. This office he held for four years, and then engaged in the grocery business in 1893. He has since built a handsome brick business-block, two stories in height, and 20 x 8o feet, in which he now has his store. He carries a complete stock of fine goods, which he selects with great care, and with an eye to the wants of his customers. His well-known business ability and pleasant, genial manners, have secured him a large trade, which is constantly increasing, and he has a host of personal friends. In politics Mr. Conklin is a stanch Republican, and works for the interests of his party. He belongs to the Congregational Church, and to the F. & A. M., at Weston. Mr. Conklin was married May 19, 1886, to Miss Ella R., daughter of William Malley, and they have one child—Archie—born May 14, 1889. Mrs. Conklin was born September 18, 1864. She is a lady of refinement, and an active worker in all good causes. She is a member Of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Home Mission Aid Society. HARLAND W. HEDGE, a representative farmer and well-known business. man of Montgomery township, was born in Section 17, that township, February 23, 1862, the fifth child and fourth son 1136 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. of George B. and Catherine (Crawfoot) Hedge, who have taken a prominent part in the upbuilding and welfare of the community. The education of our subject was acquired in the district schools, and, when not busy with his text books he aided in the work of the home farm, and in hauling logS to his father's mill. He much prpferred agricultural pursuits, however, and as a result became more skillful along that line than at tbe other occupation. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated at Bowling Green, Ohio, October 1, 1883, Miss Annie E. Carr becoming his wife. Her birth occurred in Eden township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, January 25, 1861, and she is a daughter of Richard and Mary (Alexander) Carr, farming people. To Mr. and Mrs. Hedge have come two interesting children—Foil D., born February 15, 1888; and Earl S.; born March 14,. 1893. The young couple began their domestic life upon a good farm or forty acreS in Section 18, Montgomery township, where they still continue to liVe. In Avgust, 1892, Mr. Hedge purchased his father's interest in the extensive tile manufacturing plant of F. T. Hedge & Co., the members of the firm being himself and brother F. T. This is the largest factory of the kind in Wood 'county, and the .product turned out is first-class in every particular.. Our subject gives much of his attention to the business, but also operates his farm, on which he erected an excellent barn in 1894.. Though a faithful Democrat, Mr. Hedge manifests but a voting interest in politics; he strongly sympathizes with his party, but is not radical, and cares nothing for political preferment. He is a genial, large-hearted, jolly good fellow, honest and upright in all his dealings, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the township, in which he has made many warm friends. L. J. LEFLER, one of the most progressive and substantial agriculturists of Bloom township, and a leading resident of Jerry City, was born October 8, 1851, in Brush Creek township, Muskingum Co., Ohio. His father, Adam Lefler, was a cooper by trade, and filled large orders for salt barrels, which were much hi, demand in his day, cutting down, the trees and making them by hand from the very beginning. He married Miss Mary Fetzer, and, of their family of eight children, five sons lived to adult age: John, who died in Zanesville in 1875; George, formerly a teacher, who is now farming in Bloom township; Noah, who died in Jerry City in 1882; L. J., our subject; and Alva, who was once a teacher, and is now an employe in a wholesale house in Toledo. Of the three daughters, Angeline died at the age of four years; Lorena, when two years of age; and Mary in infancy. Mrs. Lefler was born in Stuttgart, Germany, March 5, 1820, who, with a poor widowed mother and large family embarked at Amsterdam, in May 1833, on a sailing vessel for becoming disabled, lost her reckoning, and wandered about at sea until provisions, especially water supplies, became very low. In fact, the family and others, would almost have perished for lack of water, had not Mrs. Lefler’s mother fortunately had a keg of vinegar which she had taken on board with her, and which they diluted with the very scanty allowance of stale water that was portioned out to them. They finally landed at New York after a voyage of 108 days, during which dire experience nine persons died and were buried at sea. Mr. Lefler's parents were wealthy, but they owned a farm of forty acres, and managed to give their boys as good an education as the schools of the vicinity furnish; several of them became successful teachers. At the age of twenty-one our-subject entered this profession, which he followed in his native county for some years, at a time when teachers built their own fires and swept the school house. On September 30 , 1875, he was married to Miss Mattie Fulkeson, who was born September 7, 1851, the daughter of Gabriel Fulkerson, a pioneer farmer of Muskingum county. They "kept house” during the following winter in a rented dwelling and Mr. Lefler continued teaching; but, desiring to better his prospects, he moved to Wood county in the spring, traveling on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad to Fostoria, and taking a handcar on the Coldwater railroad from that point to Jerry City, landing at Jerry City April 11, 1876. When their goods were moved Mr. Lefler drove a team from Fostoria, while his wife came by car. With $200, saved from his earnings, he made a start, he and his brother Alva renting a farm for four years in what is now Jerry City. For two years he was the proprietor of the "Union Hotel " there, after which he joined his brother Alva and Peter Gobble in the purchase of 104 acres of land near the town, since cultivated his portion of it; there are four oil wells on the place. He has tasteful and substantial improvements, including one of the best houses in town. His barn, which was burned July 17, 1895, entailing a loss of $1,000, was a good modern structure. For some years after WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1137 coming to Wood county he Continued teaching, and his work in Bloom, Portage and Montgomery townships was deserving of high praise, affording an improvement upon the ordinary district school of the day. He is a good business man, ranking among the first in his locality, and in spite of losses, including that of a deposit of $600 in a bank at Fostoria, he has done well in life. In 1885 his parents came to Wood county to be near "their boys," and the mother now lives in Section 16, Bloom township, the father having died April 21, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Lefler have always been in hearty sympathy with the progressive element of their community, taking part, as they had opportunity, in philanthropic movements. They have had three children: Carrie A. (a teacher at the present time), born September 26, 1876, who was married August 21, 1895, to Charles Conner, of Jersey City; Omar F., who died in infancy; and Vernie M., hem April 26, 1890, at home. In politics Mr. Lefler is a Democrat, and he is an active worker in local affairs. He served two terms as township assessor, two as village clerk, and two as member of the city council, and is now the president of the board of education. J. E. SMITH. The gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this sketch is a general farmer, pursuing his pleasant and profitable occupation in Section 31, Ross township, and is the efficient town clerk, to which office he was elected in 1891, succeeding C. L. Hicks. He has continuously served in that position to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Smith was born in Ross township, in 1867, and is the son of Jerome B. and Rachel (Eggleston) Smith. The father, who was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., became a resident of Oregon township, Lucas Co., Ohio, as early as 1830, and there opened up a farm in the midst of the wilderness, which is now within the corporation limits of Toledo. In 1846 he was married to Miss Mary Cobb; who died in 1864; and, in Ross township, in 1866, his marriage with Mrs. Rachel (Eggleston) Lake was celebrated. She was also a native of New York, and a daughter of Truman and Lorinda (Paine) Eggleston, who were born in Dutchess county, that State, and, in 1858, came to what is now Ross Township, locating in the midst of the woods. There the death of her father occurred, in 1863, and that of her mother in 1891 . In their family were three children, who are still living: Ambrose P., who resides in Kansas; Mrs. Sarah Ann Gleason, of Chicago, Ill. ; and Mrs. Smith. The father of our subject purchased an eighty-acre tract of timber land in Ross township, which he cleared and developed, and thereon made his home until his death, in 1888. He was an ardent Democrat in politics, and served as a member of the school board. His wife is still living upon the old home farm. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children, three of whom are living, the eldest being the subject of this sketch; the others are Addie B. and Hattie L. Mr. Smith, whose name introduces this narrative, was reared to farm life, having aided his father in the work of the fields as soon as he was large enough, and obtained his education in the district schools of the neighborhood during the winter months, and is now engaged in general farming. He is one of the most progressive and public-spirited young men of Ross township, and delights in noting its growth and progress, with which he has been prominently identified. Politically he follows in the footsteps of his father, giving his unfaltering support to the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for the past five years has capably filled his present office. JAMES L. SPINK is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Wood county, his grandfather, Buckley Spink, having located in Montgomery township at an early day. The latter was born April 11, 1793, at Rome, N. Y., and in that State was married, October 4, 1820, to Amy Moshier, who was born on January 14, 1796, at Attleboro, Mass., a daughter of Jonathan Moshier. The young couple located upon a farm in Hanover township, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where were born to them three children-James R., born December 8, 1821, died March 3, 1852, in Montgomery township, Wood Co., Ohio; Tenetta, born February 22, 1824, died in the same township September 1, 1874; and Adelia, born June 26, 1827, now the widow of Charles Brooke, of Prairie Depot, Ohio. After their removal to Colhns, Erie Co., N. Y., in 1828, the family circle was increased by the following children: Solon, born March 27, 1829, the father of our subject; Emeline, born November 24, 1831, the wife of Levi Halcomb, died in Montgomery township February 17, 1855; Volney, born January 26, 1834, died in the same township November 13, 1856; and Amy A., born November 8, 1836, now Mrs. Samuel Hemrninger, of Montgomery township. After settling upon his farm in Erie county, N. Y., the grandfather heard rumors about the title being imperfect, and, with many others of 1138 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. that locality, sold his land and began looking for another home. He had two brothers, who were prominent citizens of Perrysburg, Ohio—John, a well-knowti attorney, and Shibnah, a successful merchant. They each owned eighty acres of new land in Section 21, Montgomery township, which they gave to Buckley Spink in order to induce him. to locate there. In a covered wagon drawn by three horses, he started with his family for Wood county, in the spring of 1837, and they were eleven. days on the road, two and a half days being required to travel the last twenty-one miles frorri Fremont, Ohio, to their farm, and they were often compelled to seek help from owners of oxen to pull them out of the mud. Their !first home was of logs, with a puncheon floor, and they endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Upon that farm the grandfather died, May 26, 1877, and his wife August 2o, 1874. They now rest side by side in the cemetery at Prairie Depot. His political' supportwas given to the Republican party. On reaching man's estate Solon Spink was married, March 6, 1859, in Wood county, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Burns, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 18, 1836, daughter of Jacob Burns, and they became the parents Of three children--James L., subject of this review; Albert W., a prominent farmer of Montgomery township; and Minerva F., now Mrs. John J. Dicken, of Jerry City, Ohio. The father was engaged in operating the home farm until his death, which occurred January 31, 1876, and his remains were interred at Prairie Depot. He left a debt upon the old homestead, as he was buying it from the other heirs, and was called from this life very suddenly, before he had finished paying for the place. The sons were quite young; but they went resolutely to work, and now have the farm free from indebtedness. It comprises 159 acres of rich and arable rand, which they have placed under a high state of cultivation, and it is made to yield bountiful harvests for the care and labor expended upon it. The widowed mother still finds a pleasant home there with our subject, who is half-owner of the farm. James L. Spink was born upon the place May 9, 1860, and as soon as old enough he entered the district school of the neighborhood; but his educational privileges were somewhat limited, as he had to begin work at the early age of eleven years, and he was only sixteen at the time of his father's death. On February 7, 1879, he married Miss Harriet Bockey, who was born in Montgomery township January 11, 1862, daughter of Jackson and Elizabeth (Burns) Bockey. Her father died in Mungen, Portage township, Wood county, and her mother is now making her home there. To Mr. and Mrs. Spink have .been born four children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Elisie E., February 26, 1880; Phila, December 24, 1882, Emily, June 19, 1885; and Wilber, January 5, 1887. In 1894 our subject erected a pleasant residence upon his farm, on which he has made many excellent improvements, and he has stocked his place with a fine grade of Shropshire sheep and Jersey cattle. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm denotes able management, strict attention to every detail of the business, and an enterprising, progressive and painstaking owner. As a man he holds a foremost place in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and well deserves the respect and confidence of all. CHARLES L. CONKLIN, who is classed among the successful farmers of Plain township, is well worthy of notice in a work of this kind, and to be ranked among the men who have distinguished themselves as useful and enterprising citizens. He was born in Huron county, Ohio, December 15, 1851, and is the third in the family of seven children born to James and Eliza (Davenport) Conklin, the others being Jay, a farmer of Wood county; Alfred D., of Weston; James D., a merchant of Weston; Orma D., wife of Rev B. Dupoy, of Henry county, Ohio; Luella J. wife of J. Brown; William H., a farm; and A. J., Middleton township. The father’s birth occurred in 1825, in the Empire State, and when a young man he removed to Huron county, Ohio where he was married to Miss Davenport, but later became a farmer of Plain township. Wood county. He is now living retired, he and his wife making their home in Weston. In a manner similar to that of most farmer boys, Charles L. Conklin passed the days of his boyhood and youth, attending the common schools, and working on his father’s farm until he reached his majority, when he started out in life for himself. He was first employed by the lumber firm of Stearns & Dobbs, of Deshler, Henry Co., Ohio, with whom he remained for five years, when he returned to Plan township and purchased twenty acres of arable land, which he operated for four years. He then disposed of that property and bought the fort which he now resides. A destructive fire visited him a few years ago, destroying his dwelling with it its contents, also his barns and other farm build- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1139 ings causing him a loss of $1, 200, partly covered by insurance. These have been replaced, however by substantial structureq, including his residence which cost $1,000. At Weston, Ohio, October 6, 1874, Mr. Conklin married Phoebe Brisbin; by whom he has three children—Jessie, born June 24, 1875; George, born October 18, 1876; and Edison, born December 10, 1878. Robert Brisbin, the father of Mrs. Conklin, was born in 1809, educated in his native place and in New York married Phoebe Call, and twelve children were born by their union—Marsey, deceased; James F.; Elizabeth, deceased; Levi, who was killed in the Civil war; Marion, deceased; Warren, a veteran of the same war; Ellen, wife of Jesse Dease; Eugene, a resident of Bowling: Green; Albert, who was a soldier in the war of :the Rebellion, and now makes his home in Bowling Green; Charles, a resident of Michigan; William, of New York; and Phoebe, who was born March 25, 1853. Mr. Brisbin carried on farming in Weston township until his death in 1876, and his widow now finds a pleasant home with our subject. Politically, Mr. Conklin is a stanch Republican, and the religious views of the family are those of the United Brethren Church. His thrift and industry have met with their legitimate reward he now has one' of the best farms of the locality. CHARLES A. WHITMORE. This gentleman is a general farmer and fruit. raiser, pursuing his pleasant and profitable occupation in Sections 30 and 31, Ross township. He was born in that township, in 18.55, and is a son of Waters and Susan (Consaul) Whitmore,.the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Steuben county, New York. In 1825, Waters Whit iiiore had accompanied his father, Luther Whitmore, to Lucas county, Ohio, where the latter opened up a farm, and there died in 1845, his wife dying a few years later. The son was married in that county to Miss Susan Consaul, daughter of John and Marthy Consaul, who were also born in New York; they came west and located in Oregon township,  Lucas county, where they developed and improved a farm on which the mother died in February, 1862, the father surviving her a few years. After their marriage, the parents of our subject located on the banks of the Maumee river, where the father erected a brick house, which is still standing. He took clay out of the bank and burned it, thus making his own brick; he finally sold this, and bought a good farm of 125 acres in Ross township, this county, to which he removed in 1850; at the time of his purchase the land was covered with timber; but he devoted his time to its improvement, until his place was one of the most highly cultivated in the locality. He made his home there until his death in 1885; his widow is still living at the old homestead. Five children were born to them, one son dying in infancy; Louisa and Sophia, at home; Charles A., of this review; and Mrs. Mary Jane Henry, of East Toledo, Ohio. Charles A. Whitmore early became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and acquired his literary education in the district schools of the township. He later attended school for one year at Toledo. He has always followed the occupation to which he was reared, and now owns a part of the farm on which he was born and has always lived, just outside the city limits of Toledo, where he is successfully engaged in fruit raising. In Oregon township, Lucas county, Mr. Whitmore was married in 1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Dorcas Moon, who was born in that township, where her parents, Trayton and Harriet (Sands) Moon, natives of England, had located in 1852. Her father aided his adopted country in her struggle to preserve the Union ciring the Civil war. He and his worthy wife still make their home upon their old farm in Oregon township. Five children have come to bless the union of our subject and his wife—Freddie, Charley, Nina, Robert and Raymond. As an honest man and worthy citizen, Mr. Whitmore deserves the respect and esteem in which he is held by his fellow-townsmen. In politics he is a Republican, intelligently supporting his party by voice and vote, although he does not care to take an active part in public life. A. J. SCHAUWEKER. Among the enterprising and thrifty citizens of Bowling Green, whose ancestors were born in the old country, and who have done so much to promote the interests of the community in which they live, is the subject of this sketch. Born in Richland county, Ohio, November 19, 1843, he was the son of Michael and Mary M. (Goodbed) Schauweker, both natives of Germany, the former of whom was born about 1803, in Wittenberg, and the latter in 1812, in the same town. They were married in Richland county, and settled for awhile in Columbiana county, later moving to Crawford county, in about 1852, where the mother died, when our subject was eight years old. The father died in 1879, at about the age of seventy-six years. 1140 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. They were the parents of three children: Andrew, a farmer in Portage township; A. J. ; and Mary; who is the wife of Jerry Armstrong, of Wy.andot county. After the death of his lwife, Mr. Schauweker married Miss Terrece Peters, 'nd six children were born to this union, as follows: Herman, living in Wyandot county; Lena, wife of J. Keller, of Crawford county, Ohio; Emma, who is single; Louise, who married Elme,r Baliett, of Wyandot county, Ohio; William, living in Delaware county, Ohio; and Bertha, who is at home. Mr. Schauweker spent his youth in Crawford county, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. He then satisfied his greatest desire in life by going to California, in 1863, and seeing for the first time the beauties of the Pacific slope. There he located, in Yuba county, and engaged in business, remaining for a time and then going to Placer county, taking up farming for himself. After staying there for three years, he moved to Santa Clara county, and teamed at Gilroy, besides working on a farm. He next spent one year in Alaska and British Columbia, and another year on the Deyoste river, mining and prospecting. H,e started from California in February, 1874, reaching his final destination in June, 1874, and remained there one season; then, returning to California, farmed in Contra Costa county for about six years. He was on the Pacific slope altogether eighteen and a half years. He returned to Ohio in 1882, and located in Wood county, where he was engaged in sawmilling, in Portage township. In 1888 he entered the oil business, and was associated with various oil producing companies, in all of which he was very successful, and accumulated a comfortable fortune, after which he sold out his interest, and, with the exception of looking after his farm, is at present living retired in Bowling Green. Mr. Schauweker was married April 24, 1883, in Wood county, to Mrs. Alice Ricket, who was born in Wood county, December 1, 1861. Four children have blessed this union, as follows: May, Orma, Lloyd, and Howard. He is a member of the I, 0. 0. F., the Encampment of Whitney Lodge in Portage, and the camp in Bowling Green. He is looked upon as one of the substantial men of the county, and has the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. ALEX. S. BROWN. It is quite interesting to observe, in noting the various members of a community, how they gathered together from different States and localities, and how well they usually combine to form an intelligent and prosperous community. The subject of this history is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Allen township, Cumberland county, November 25, 1841. He is the offspring of James R. And Susanna (Searight) Brown, who in 1852, removed to Harrisville township, Medina Co., Ohio, where they rented land for two years. On August 24, 1855, they located in Section 31, Perry township, Wood county, their home being a log cabin 18 x 20 feet, and wild game was still to be found in abundance in this then frontier region. Here the parents both departed this life, the father at the age of eighty, and the mother when over seventy-six years, and their remains were interred in Fostoria cemetery. At the time of their deaths they were members of the United Brethren Church, though they had formerly been Methodists, and in politics, the father was a stalwart Democrat. Our subject's only brother, James M. Brown, is at present a ranchman of Custer county, Montana. Since the early days when Mr. Brown, of this review, attended the district school, he has seen great improvements in those institutions, which he thoroughly endorses. Like most farmer boys he was reared to habits of industry, and when the family located on the 16o acres of wild land in Wood county, which the father had purchased, he secured work from neighbors in order toearn the money for the support of the family. In Hancock county, Ohio, in 1866, Mr. Brown was joined in wedlock with Miss Rebecca Crawford, by whom he had one child, James E., born January 14, 1867, and on the death of the mother she was laid to rest in Cannonsburg, Hancock county. He was again married in 1870. the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Livingston, a native of Pittsburg, Penn., born January 25, 1843, and a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Reed) Livingston. The drayman, and was killed, in 1847, by the caving in of a sand bank, which caused him to fall upon a pick. When eighteen years of age Mrs. Brown came to Fostoria, Ohio, and lived with an aunt, Mrs. Mary Ferguson, the wife of William H. Ferguson, until her marriage. The family now includes six children born of the second union, William H., an oil-well-driller, of Perryship, born January 17, 1872; Jessie M., May 4, 1873; Milo M., a bicycle rider born February 1, 1877; Raymond L., born September 19, 1880; Frank S., born August 16, 1882; and Carl W., born January 25, 1886. From its primitive condition, Mr. Brown has transformed his land to a finely cultivated has made many excellent improvements, and is a WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1141 business man of more than ordinary ability. At one time he owned a half interest in a sawmill upon his farm, and was agent for farming implements and wind pumps, which added materially to his income. He flow has 156 acres of arable land, which he is operating very successfully, Politically he is a Democrat, has served as school director of District No. 9, and is at present trustee of his township, while religiously, he and his wife are members of' the Radical United Brethren Church of Bloomdale, of which he has been steward and is now a trustee. HENRY W. LEHR, a hardware merchant of Dowling, and agent for the Lehr Manufacturing Company, is a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Monroe county, that State, March 28, 1857. His father, John Lehr, was a native of Germany, and acquired his. education in the schools near his boyhood home. On coming to America he located in the Wolverine State, where he carried on farming until his death in 1892. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary C. Foster, and was called to the home beyond in 1890. Their family numbered nine children—Joseph; Adam, a resident of Monroe, Mich.; Peter; John F., a miner of Mexico; Frances, wife of Ludwig Lay; Henry; Mary, wife of C. Billmaier; Lizzie, who is keeping house for our subject; and Trissie, deceased. Henry W. Lehr early became familiar with farm work on the old homestead, and he pursued his education in the common schools of Monroe county, Michigan. At the age of sixteen he left home and went to Fremont, where for three years he worked at the carriage trade. He then entered the car shops in Norwalk and Cambridge, Ohio, where he was employed for two years as car repairer, after which he spent five years in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as a bridge builder on the Lake Erie & Western railroad. In 1892 he came to Dowling, and established the first hardware store in this place. He has since built up a good business, securing a good trade from the town and surrounding country. He is also agent for P. P. Mast & Co., the Lehr Manufacturing Company, the Plano Co., and D. M. Osborne, manufacturers of farm implements, and the patronage which he receives in this department of his business also adds considerable to his income. He manufactures and sells the Lehr wagons, and does all kinds of repair work, and a good business, secured through his capable management and enterprise, has brought to him a comfortable competence. He is known far and wide as a successful merchant and wagon maker, and his high reputation in business circles is most enviable. After the death of his wife, Mr. Lehr spent a year traveling through the South and Southwest—Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Iowa—and, in the last three States mentioned, was employed for a time. On September 18, 1878, Mr. Lehr wedded Maggie Madigan, a native of Toronto, Canada, who died at Norwalk, Ohio, in 1883, leaving two children—John O., born April 19, 1879, is in the jewelry business at Toledo; and Ella May, born March 17, 1882, is attending school at Fremont. Mr. Lehr is a Democrat in politics. He holds membership with the Roman Catholic Church of Perrysburg. CHRIS SHEARER, a retired farmer of Bowling Green, was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 2, 1833, a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Vight) Shearer. The father was born in Bavaria in 1794, and came to America in 1856, settling in Crawford county, Ohio, where he died in 1877, his wife having departed this life in Germany. Their children were eight in number, of whom the youngest died in infancy. The others were Mary, who died in Germany; Daniel, who still lives in the old country; Nicholas, residing in Crawford county, Ohio; Elizabeth, who died in Germany; Henry, living in Seneca county, Ohio; Jacob, who died in Indiana; and Chris, our subject. The subject of this sketch spent his youth in attending school, and working on a farm in hiS native country. In 1852 he emigrated to America, landing at New York City, whence he came to Ohio and settled in Crawford county. The story of his subsequent life is one which could hardly be told of the resident of any other country than the United States, where pluck and energy, with a good supply of common Sense, are the best stepping stones to fortune. When the young emigrant reached New York, one dollar repreSented his entire capital, and he was obliged to borrow money from a companion to take him to Ohio. He could not speak a word of English, yet he at once undertook to learn the carpenter's trade, and soon was able to earn a living. His next step was equally as enterprising and successful, being his marriage to a bright American girl, Miss Catharine Brillheart, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, June o6, 1836. In 1862 Mr. Shearer came to Wood county, where he worked at his trade, and also carried on farming. He first purchased a farm on Tontogany creek, in Washington township, on which 1142 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. he lived until 1870, then buying a place in Plain township. This he cultivated until in October, 1893, When he took up his residence in Bowling Green, where he and his estimable wife are spending their declining years, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Mr. Shearer owns 210 acres of productive land, and during his busy and successful life has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He belongs to that class of sturdy Germans who become many of our best citizens, and by whose industry and thrift our country grows richer and stronger: Mr. Shearer and his wife reared a large family of children, whom they trained in habits of diligence and economy, and who have proved worthy. The following is the record: Laura Ann, born October 9, 1857, married Rev. Charles Shear (they reside in Marietta, Ohio, and have .one child-Marie); John, born April 3, 1859, married Phoebe Haramon, and they have one. child Howard; Frank, born January 18, 1861, is. unmarried and lives in Colorado; Philip, born December 16, 1862, married Genevieve Hearn, and resides in Texas (they have one child -Leslie); Mary, born April 3, 1865, became the wife of John Richard, and died June 24, 1881, leaving two children-Claude and Evalena; Oliver, bOrn October 21, 1867, married May - Hopkins, and they have two children-Guy and Ralph; Chris, born March 21, 187o, married Iva Irvin, and lives at Weston; Albert, born March 20, 1872, married Edna Himes; Jennie M., born October 9, 1875, died June 25, 1896; and Coral, born December 16, 1878. In politics Mr. Shearer is a Republican, and in religious faith is a Baptist. He is highly respected by all who knOW him, and fills an honored place in the community. GEORGE BROWNELLER, one of the leading agriculturists of Bloom township, and a veteran of the Civil war, is one of the self-made men of the county, whose untiring efforts to transform their once unproductive acres into fertile farms have made this region a beautiful garden spot. He was born November 21, 1842, in Perry township, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Samuel Browneller, his father, was born east of the mountainS in that State, but settled, in early manhood, in Fayette county, and married Miss Sarah Slotterback, by whom he had seven children: Lucinda, who married Elliott Porter, and lives near the old homestead; Frederick, a retired farmer, living in Findlay; David, a wealthy carpenter, of Fayette county, Penn.; Mary, tbe widow of Jacob Harris, residing near Flushing, Ohio; George,. our subject; Rebecca, Mrs. Porter Haggerty, of Hancock county; and Albert, a farmer of near Oskaloosa, Iowa. Our subject’s father was a farmer, and accumulated a fine property from a meager start in life. He was a Democrat before the war, but became a Republican when the issues of that time were force to the front; in his later years, however, he showed his sympathy with the temperance movement by voting with the Prohibition party. He was a regular and conscientious voter, but took no other part in political work. Both he and his wife were prominent members of the M. E. Church. They lived to a good old age, the mother dying in October, 1894, when eighty-four years old, and the father in August following, at the age of eighty-six, and both were buried at East Salem church, at near their old home. George Browneller spent his boyhood days mainly in farm work. He attended school three months in the year, and acquired a good elementary education, and he is now a hearty advocate of the best opportunities which can be given to the rising generation. When seventeen he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and worked at same until 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, 16th Penn. Cay. He served seven months and was discharged; but later enlisted in Battery C, 2nd Penn. Heavy Art., and served until the close of the war, taking part in the operations around Petersburg and Richmond. He was detailed to carry messages most of this time. In April, 1865, he was discharged, being in hospital at the time. He returned home, and remained until the spring of 1866, when he came to Wood county on a visit, and, the country pleasing him, he concluded to make his home here. He hauled wood for Mr. Vickers, of Toledo, for one year, and later for E. J. Rosendale and Alva French, of Bloom township. In 1867 he was married to Miss Caroline Rosendale, a native of Lorain county, and a daughter of William Rosendale, a leading citizen of Bloom township. She died in 1873, leaving two children: Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Charles Wineland, of Center township, and Charles M., a farmer of Webster township, Mr. Browneller was married, on January 21, 1874, to Mrs. Sarah (Ziegler) Walley, She widow of Alexander Walley and daughter of Peter and Sarah E. (Fulmer) Zeigler, who came to Bloom township, in 1852, from Ashland county, where she was born, June 17, 1844. She had one child by her first marriage - John H. Walley, a farmer in Jackson township, Paulding county. Four children were born of the second union: Tulley lives at home, and is married to WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1143 Miss. Nillie B. Stecker, of Cass township, Hancock county; George died in infancy: Flossie died at four years of age, and Daisy F. is at home. After his first marriage Mr. Browneller lived a short time in Eagleville, and then bought sixty-four acres of land in Perry township, for which he went heavily in debt. The land was partly improved, but he was obliged to work hard to bring it into satisfactory condition. In the spring of 1877 he sold it, and bought eighty acres in Section 36, Bloom township, again incurring a debt. Thirty acres were cleared, but little ditching had been done, and Mr. Browneller had many years of hard work to make his present valuable farm, which now includes 120 acres in fine cultivation. A log house and barn stood on the place, and these they used for a time; but a new house was built in 1878, and a barn in 1879. In addition to the farm near Bloomdale, he owns forty acres in Center township, and at one time he possessed 240 acres, but he had given eighty acres to his children. He is a reliable man, good-hearted, and ready to help forward any worthy pleasure; his wife, who has been to him a most efficient helper, is an active member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Browneller is charter member of Urie Post No. 110, G. A. R., of Bloomdale. AMOS M. NEIFER, a prominent produce dealer of Bowling Green, was born in Paradise township, Lancaster Co., Penn., November 17, 1844, and is of German descent on his father's side. Isaac Neifer, his grandfather, emigrated from the Fatherland in 1805, at the age of eighteen. He married Miss Elizabeth Miller, after his arrival, and later they settled . at Wolcottville, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their lives. The had twelve children: Isaac (2) (our subject’s father), Barbara, Catherine, Margaret, Abraham, Jacob, Christanna, Samuel, Julieann, Susan, Amos and Harriet Isaac Neifer (2) was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1813. He married Harriet Oberly, a native of the same State, born May 16, 1821, a daughter of Adam Oberly; who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., February 28, 1788. He was married, in 1800, to Catherine Myers, also a native of Lancaster county, Penn., born July 6, 1788, and twelve Children were born to them, viz.: Elizabeth, John, Isaac, Catharine, Daniel, Samuel, Margaret, Liddie, Sarah, , Levi, Harriet (subject's mother), and Adam. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Neifer came to Wood county in 1847, and located in the then unbroken forest, one mile south of Weston. They secured 120 acreS of land, to which they afterward added forty acres in the same section, being Section 3, Township 4, Range 9, in Milton township. Their implements for clearing and cultivating the farm were of a decidedly primitive sort; all the logging was done by hand, and for breaking the soil an old-fashioned shovel plow was used, with a cutter and oxen. The boyhood of our subject, and his brothers, was mainly spent in cutting and rolling logs, with but a short attendance at the neighboring district school. His father was a Whig previous to the war, and then a Republican until the Hayes and Tilden contest, after which he became a Green- backer, and later an adherent of the People's Party. He and his wife, who is still living on the old farm, united with the M. E. Church many years ago, and he died in that faith on May 17, 1892. They had six children: Catherine, who died in infancy; Adam O., residing at the homestead; John M., who did gallant service for three years during the Civil war, in the loth Company of Sharpshooters, attached to the both O. V. I.; Amos M., our subject; Sarah E., who died in childhood; and Isaac Newton, now a leading produce merchant at Weston. At the age of nineteen our subject left the farm and learned telegraphy, and for several years was employed as an operator on the D. & M. S. R. R. Not finding this congenial, he tried several other occupations, and for a time waS " on the road," first as salesman for a cigar manufacturer, and later as a buyer for a poultry dealer. He was remarkably successful in these ventures, and soon began trading on commission for himself in grain and other produce, but now deals mainly in poultry. He was married in 1866 to Miss Flora Bassett, a native of Wood county. Of their four daughters, the eldest, Emma B., married Russell Angel, of Weston, and has two children—Harry, and Fern; the second daughter, Hattie H., married Charles Strong, of Seville, Ohio, and they now live at Pemberville, Ohio; Minnie, died in childhood; the youngest, Lulu, is still at home. Mr. Neifer is a man of varied talents, and an original and independent thinker. ' He takes great interest in politics, making close study of the issues of the time. Until the administration of Hayes he was Republican, then, after championing the Greenback cause for some years, he became a supporter of the principles of the People's Party. Through these changes he has been led by one consistent hope, that of securing to the common people of our land, the freedom and the prosperity that should be the heritage of all. He is an earnest and impressive speaker upon 1144 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. his favorite`topics, and his well-stored memory gives him a ready command of facts in our political and financial history, which causes the average politician to dread to meet him in debate. He has held numerous offices; those of postmaster in Weston, while a mere youth, member of the city council of Bowling Green, acting chief of police on several occasions, and deputy U. S., marshal, being among them. B. B. ROCKWELL, merchant miller and oil operator of North Baltimore, is regarded as one of the most popular and influential of the younger element of business men in the city. His birth occurred at Findlay, Ohio, October 24, 1866. P. V. Rockwell, the grandfather of our subject, came from Vermont to Ohio before his marriage, and settled in Holmes county, where he married Miss Eliza Ann Freeman, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1813, and died in Holmes county, in 1883. They were members of the Presbyterian Church; he was deputy sheriff of Holmes county for several years, and also taught school there. In politics he was a Democrat.- He died August 15, r 88o, in North Baltimore. Twelve children were born to this couple, ten of whom grew to maturity. The great-grandfather, Jeremiah Rockwell, died in Holmes county, Ohio. He was of Puritan stock, his ancestors being among those who landed at Plymouth Rock. G. G. Rockwell, father of our subject, was reared in Wayne county, Ohio, whence he went to Ashland county, and then to Holmes county. He received a common-school education, and learned the trade of a miller. At the solicitation of his son he came to North Baltimore, in 1880, and purchased what is now the North Baltimore Rolling Mills. He has since completely remodeled it from the old-fashioned flouring-mill with its old-time millstones to its present condition, with an entire outfit of modern machinery, and a capacity for grinding 100 barrels of flour daily. It is the pioneer mill of the town, being built in 1874, by Dr. Eaton. Mr. Rockwell buys and ships grain and flour, and sells all kinds of feed and coal. He was married December 31, 186o, to Miss Hannah Cromley, who was born in Findlay,.0hio, July 16, 1844, and 'they have three children: B. B. our subject; Charles J., bookkeeper in the First National Bank of North Baltimore; and Fred B., who lives at home. Our subject grew up in Findlay, Ohio, and went to school there; he learned telegraphy, but made no practical use of it. He induced his father to move to North Baltimore and go into the milling business. To this he applied all his energy, and by his perseverance and enterprise made himself popular among all classes of people. He was president of the S F. A. In 1895. For the last year and a half he has been in operating oil wells. He was married Dec. 8, 1890, to Julia Martin, who was born May 22, 1870, and they have one child, Nellie G., born November 18, 1891. He is a Democrat in politics, and was the nominee of his party in 1896 for sheriff of Wood county and ran ahead of his ticket; but, as the county in Republican by a large majority, he was not elected. JOHN G. WATTS, a resident of Haskins, Middleton township, one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Wood county, was born November 23, 1854, in Somersetshire, England, where his ancestors on both sides had resided for many generations. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Hayrnes) Watts, were both there. Joseph Watts, his father, started in life as a day laborer, and in 1856 came to Ohio, spending a few years in Cuyahoga county, also at Clyde, Sandusky county, finally moving to Wood county, in 1864 locating at the present site of Haskins. At that time there were but few houses there; but, seeing the fine opportunities for the lumber business, he bought a sawmill, and eventually established a large trade. He kept abreast of the tide of progress, which, indeed, his own energy did much to strengthen, and he will always be remembered as a leader among the founders of the town. In early days he was a Republican but later a Democrat. He died in in 1791, his wife in 1888. Of their seven children, five grew of maturity, viz. : Joseph, a lumberman at Pennington Gap, Va. ; Ann, the widow of John Slawson of Haskins; Alfred, who died at the age of twenty; John G., our subject; and Elizabeth, who married Henry Brooks, of Haskins. John G. Watts, whose name introduces this sketch, acquired his early education mainly in an old log school house near Haskins. In his boyhood he became of valuable assistance to father, for whom he worked until he was twenty-six years old, when he bought the Haskins sawmill from him. In 1881 he purchase the Haskins gristmill, and combined the two, to which he has since added a feed-mill and a large planing-mill and lumber yard. He also engaged in the grain business, and is now the principal buyer and shipper in his vicinity. In addition to these he conducts a farm of 120 acres, and interested some oil wells. He was among the first to de- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1145 velop the oil industry in his section of the county, and to his personal energy much is due in this line, as in other lines of enterprise. In his business interests he gives employment in all to a large number of hands. In 1875, Mr. Watts was married to Miss Ellen Hogland, a native Of Haskins, born March 12, 1857, one of the ten children of John and Arrietta Hogland, highly respected farming people, who were of New Jersey birth, in which State they were married, about 1840, moving to Butler County, Ohio. There they remained some eight years, and then came to Haskins, where they passed the remainder of their days, Mr. Hogland dying in March, 1874, his wife in June, 1892. Mr and Mrs. Watts have two children: Charles, born August 8, 1878, and Ross, born July 19, 1885. Mrs. Watts is a member of the Baptist Church, while Mr. Watts is a liberal supporter of both church and school. He is justly classed among the solid, well-to-do men of Middleton township, a leader in all measures tending to the prosperity and of the county at large. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, but in voting he is not influenced by political ties. He has no time for office, although he has served in the council. Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M., and at the present time a member of Tontogany Lodge. A. B. GOODYEAR. The name of this gentle- widely and favorably known throughout ale, and the surrounding country, where sperously engaged in the blacksmithing robing business. His birth occurred in Upton township, Franklin Co., Penn., September 24, 1856, and he is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Hasfield) Goodyear. In the family were eight children, three sons and five daughter of whom are still living. The mother passed way in the . Keystone State; but the father, who is a shoemaker by trade, now finds a pleasant home with our subject. A. B. Goodyear is the third son and sixth child in the family. His education was obtained in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen years, he began learning the blacksmith's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of two and a half years. He was then employed in his native State until the fall of 1876, when he came to Bloomdale, working for Jesse Andress, and later for John Hyter. When the blacksmithing business was dull, he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for a year and a half. In 1886 he opened a blacksmith shop on Walnut street, conducting same until the fall of 1894, when he removed to his new building in the Linhart addition, where he also has a plumbing establishment, he having embarked in the latter business in 1887. Since caSting hi4 first vote Mr. Goodyear has ever supported the Democratic party. He Ins served two terms as a member of the city council. Socially he is a member of Bloomdale Lodge No. 278, K. of P. He is a stockholder in the Building and Loan Association of Bloomdale, and also in the Bloomdale Creamery. He is a straightforward business man, enterprising and progressive. On his arrival in Bloomdale he was but a laborer in search of employment; but by perseverance and ceaseless activity he has secured a liberal patronage, and won the confidence of all with whom he has had business or social dealings. Besides his shop he also owns a pleasant home, where he and his father reside, the latter, who came here in 1886, having reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years. JOSEPH HORN, a prominent retired agriculturist of Bowling Green, was born in Blanchard township, Hancock Co., Ohio, March 6, 1847, the son of Christopher Horn. His mother died when he was only six months old, and his father, a year and a half later, leaving him to the kindly care of a neighboring farmer, Mr. John Dukes, with whom he lived until his marriage. He enjoyed the usual educational advantages furnished in the country schools, and worked upon the farm until the age of twenty-six, when he married his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Wood, and settled in Milton township, Wood county, upon a farm of eighty acres, a gift from his foster-father. His wife was a native of Hancock county, born near Findlay in 1852. She died February 9, 1877, leaving one child, J. E., born September 21, 1876, now a clerk in a store at Bowling green, Ohio. On October 4, 1877, Mr. Horn was married to Mrs. E. M. W. McMahan, who was born in England December 8, 1848, and came with her parents to this country when she was four years old. By her first union, with George M. McMahan, she has one daughter, Luella C., now Mrs. Lashuay, of Liberty township, this county. One daughter was born of the second marriage, Candace L., who is at home. In 1891 Mr. Horn moved to Bowling Green. Subsequently he sold his farm in Liberty township, on which he had resided before coming to Bowling Green, and bought a farm near that city, on which oil was found later in paying quantities, and he has since disposed of it to good advantage by sale and lease, investing the proceeds in real 1146 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. estate in Bowling Green, where he has resided since 1891. He is an active worker in the Church of Cbrist, in which he has held positions of honor and usefulness. He was the superintendent of the Sunday-school at Bethel Church for three years, and State delegate to the Internhtional Sunday-school Convention at St. Louis in June, 1893. Mr. Horn has voted the Prohibition ticket of late years, but he was formerly a Republican; socially he is a member of the K. O. T. M., is also a member of the A. T. U. EDGAR KNODLE is at present a general merchant of Bairdstown, where he is also serving as agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and the United States Express Company. His father, Rev. Hiram Knodle, was born in November, 1829; at Fairplay, Md., where his school days were passed, after- which he entered the employ of his father, who owned a general merchandise store and shoe factory, having under him about ten men. Slavery prevailed in the community at that time. At the age of twenty-four he entered a Lutheran University near Hagerstown, Md., and after his graduation began the work of the ministry at Hancock, that State, where he remained for seventeen years, during which time his father died and he was left a good legacy. At that place he was married, and by the union had two 'children-Mattie, who died at the age of twenty-two years; and Freeland, a resident of Sharpsburg, Md. In 1856 his wife died, and he later married Susan Mason, of Indian Springs, Md. Of the three children barn of this union two reached adult age--Jeremiah Mason, who for the past two years has been superintendent of the Minster Manufacturing Company, at Minster, Ohio; and Edgar. The last named was born at Moresville, Md., July .23, 1865, and was only two years of age when his mother died. At the age of five years he entered tbe schools of Clear Spring, that State, which he attended for two years, his first teacher being Miss Lizzie Gardner, and as his father removed to Little Cove, Penn., a distance of eighteen miles, he there continued his studies for the following two years. The family then became residents of Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., eighteen miles from Chambersburg, where the father was foreman of several mills engaged in taking out ship timber and tan bark. The education of our subject was completed at Convey, Ohio, where his father was then preaching, and, at the age of sixteen, he went to Middle Point, Ohio, where he was employed at $1 per day in the stave-jointing business. Being offered an increase in salary, he went to Belmore, where he gradually worked his way upward, and received a recommendation from his employer, George Marsh, to a position as foreman of a factory at Danville, Tenn. He held that position until failing health compelled him to go to the mountains to recuperate; but as he seemed to derive no benefit therefrom, he returned North, and for a time working at his trade at Belmore, Hectar and Elm Center, Ohio, receiving from $3 to $3.50 per day. Inheriting some money from his mother, which property had been in the Orphans Court at Hagerstown, Md., for twenty years, he went to Nevada, Ohio where he served an apprenticeship as a watchmaker in his father's store, and at the end of three years he started a jewelry store at New Riegle, Ohio. Being called to the aid of his father, he returned, after a few months, to Nevada, where, for about a year, the firm of Knodle & Son existed. The father then resigned the ministry, and took complete charge of the store. After a few months then spent at New Riegle, Mr. Knodle came to Bairdstown, where he has since resided, and to his stock of jewelry he added general merchandise. In August, 1890, he was appointed postmaster, which office he resigned to Frank H. Crawford in January, 1894, and he has since devoted his time to his present occupations. On November 24, 1892, Mr. Knodle was united in marriage with Miss Hester Estella Weaver, and to them have been born two children —Carl E. and Helen G. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and has been elected clerk at the corporation by a handsome majority. He is identified with Rathbone Lodge, K & P., and is a sincere and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is now trustee. Mr. Knodle is a man of good financial abiltiy and excellent judgment, and, since becoming a resident of Bairdstown, has won the respect and confidence of the community, occupying a leading position among its influentia citizens. JONAS HANELY, one of the early pioneers of Wood county, located first on forty acres of land in Troy township. Here since that time he has wisely continued to live, and given his time and attention to the building up of a homestead, and judging from present appearances he has succeeded in an admirable manner. His fine farm, comprising 100 acres, has been placed under a good state of cultivation, and he has erected suitable buildings thereon. He looked upon this portion of the county during its early WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1147 settlement by white men, and has watched with the deepest interest its development and prosperity. Lebanon county, Penn., was the early home of our subject, where he was born in January, 1826, on the farm of his parents, Michael and Susanna (Stoner) Hanely, also natives of the Keystone State, and, in 1830, was brought to Stark county, Ohio, where the father opened up a farm in the midst of the wilderness, and there died. His wife, who survived him, departed this life in Defiance county, Ohio: Of their children we have record of the following: Elias resides in Lake township, Wood county. Moses died in Richland county, Ohio. Mrs. Catherine Shriner died in Troy township. Jonas is next in order of birth. Andrew makes his home in Defiance county, Ohio. Mrs. Sally Gockly, a widow, lives in Stark county. On coming to Ohio, our subject was only four years old, and the common schools of Stark county afforded him his educational privileges. At the age of twenty-two he became a resident of troy township, where he was married, in 1855, to Miss Susanna Smith, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Eva Smith, who were born in Pennsylvania and removed to Wayne county, at an early day, whence they came to Troy township. Her. parents both died in Wood county, the father in Lake township, and the mother in Troy township. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanely were born six children, but two are now deceased—Joseph, who died in Valparaiso, Ind., and William, who died in Troy township. Those living are Mrs. Mary Ream, of Lemoyne, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Crawford, of Paulding county, Ohio; George, who is married, and resides in Lake township; and John, at home. Mr. Hanely is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics votes independently, not caring to be bound by party ties. CHALES COUTANT, a son of Jasper and Phoebe (Birdsall) Coutant, was born in Northampton county, Penn., March 28, 1822. His father, who was born in 1793, was the son of Samuel Coutant, a farmer. Jasper Coutant also followed farming and lumbering. He was the eldest of nine children, and was reared in Ulster county, N. Y. In that State he married Miss Phcebe Birdsall, who was born January 22, 1796. They had eleven children, five of whom are yet living: Gideon and Joseph, both of Greenwich; Charles, the fifth child; Benjamin, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Birdsail Z., of Bloom township. The father lived for many years in Pennsylvania, where he died in February, 1855. In 1856, his widow removed to Greenwich, Ohio, where her death occurred May 7, 1896, at the extreme old age of one hundred years, three months and sixteen days. Our subject's educational privileges were very limited, as his services were much needed at home. At the age of twenty-three, he began work at the carpenter's trade, and in the fall of 1845, he removed to Huron county, Ohio, working at his trade in Greenwich. He was married in Bronson township, Huron county, April 13, 1848, to Rebecca Taylor, who was born in Sophiasburg, Canada, February 18, 1824, a daughter of Oliver and Eleanor (King) Taylor, the former of whom was for several years a butcher of Norwalk, Ohio. In the fall of 1845, Mr. Coutant came to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Section 36, Bloom township, for $250. His capital then consisted of but $15, but by working at the carpenter's trade he succeeded in paying for his land. This necessarily made the improvement of his farm slow work. He returned to Huron county, where he followed carpentering, and it was not until after his marriage that he erected a building on his place. The first was a log cabin, 18 x 20 feet, into which he moved before doors and windows had been put in. There was wild game in the forest, and it seemed that the work of civilization had hardly been begun. He vigorously prosecuted his work, and in the course of time bought eighty acres of land adjoining his first purchase, transforming the whole into an excellent farm. His wife proved him a faithful helpmeet; before her marriage she learned to do tailoring, and by her needle saved many a dollar to the family. The children were all born on the home farm, and are now all in homes of their own. Jasper O. is deputy county auditor of Iowa county, Iowa; David B. is a farmer of Bloom township; Phcebe died at the age of three years; Mary A. is the wife of J. W. Smith, of Bloom township; and George B. iS a farmer of the same locality. The parents also reared an adopted daughter, Jennie Pitcher, who lived with them from the age of three years until her marriage with Foster Ferguson, of Perry township. In politics Mr. Coutant was originally a Whig, but has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and has been tendered a number of offices, which he has always declined. In religious faith he is a Quaker, and his wife is connected with the Liberal United Brethren Church of Bloomdale. 1148 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO AMOS HAMPSHIRE, a prominent and influential agriculturist of Perry township, iS descended from one of the earliest pioneer families of Seneca county, Ohio. His birth occurred there March 20, 1849, and he is a son of Adam and Margaret (Shonts) Hampshire, the former a native of Muskingum county, and the latter of Stark county, Ohio. At an early day the paternal grandfather, Adam Hampshire, removed to Seneca county, where the parents of our subject were married, and the father purchased the forty-acre farm of new land in Loudon township, where our subject was born. He later moved to Jackson township, where he resided for over forty years, his death there occurring at the age of seventy- two; but his wife had passed way eighteen years previous, and he had married the second time. By the first union ten children were born, three sons and seven daughters, six of whom are still living—Annie, Amos, Lucinda, Reuben, Rufus, and Amanda. In his farming operations the father was very successful, leaving at his death a property valued at $17,000, all of which had been accumulated through his own hard work and good management. Though not an aspirant for political honors, he held several minor offices, and ever discharged the duties with promptness and fidelity. As Amos Hampshire was the eldest son, there was always plenty of work for him to do on the farm, and education was considered a secondary matter. Though his own privileges in that direction were limited, he is a great friend of the cause of education, and does all in his power for its advancement. He remained upon the home farm until his marriage, which was celebrated in Perry township, November 19, 1872, when Miss Emma Strouse became his wife. A native of Montgomery township, Wood county, she is a daughter of George Strouse, and, by her marriage, she has become the mother of two children— Amanda M. and George A. , both of whom are well-known young people of the community. Mr. Hampshire located on his present farm of eighty acres in Section 11, Perry township, where he has made many excellent improvements—a good home has replaced his first log house, and, where at present is one of his best fields, he once cradled wheat when the water covered the ground about one-half foot deep. It was an arduous task, but he succeeded in making his place one of the best in the township. He is a wide-awake, public-spirited man, and very popular with all who know him. Politically Mr. Hampshire votes the straight Democratic ticket, has served as constable in Perry township, and for over seventeen years has been school director of District No. 7. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge of Risingsun, Ohio in religious faith, his wife is a member of the Evangelical Church. R. A. HUGHES. Foremost among the leading citizens and wide-awake business men of Cygnet, Ohio, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Aroostook county, Maine, born September to, 1853 The father of our subject, Alexander Hughes, was a farmer of Maine, and died when R. A. was sixteen years old, the mother dying three years later. Two children were born to this couple - R. A. and Alice, and, on the death of his parents, our subject was left the care of his sister, and the home farm, which he still owns. He educated his sister, who was five years his junior, and she is now the wife of M. A. Siphers, of Toledo, Ohio. On August 23, 1874, Mr. Hughes was united in marriage with Miss Lena Martin, a native of Aroostook county. Two years later he moved to the Pennsylvania oil fields, locating at Grease City, Butler county, at which time he was only a day laborer. Later he went to Belle Camp, McKean Co., Penn., where he opened a small general store, which was his first experience in that line, and, although his means were limited, and his stock small, he prospered in the business. In the fall of 1880 he began to operate in the oil territory; and in August, 1890, he moved to Cygnet, and built a frame business office, which was destroyed in the great fire. He then erected his present substantial brick block, one of the best in Cygnet, in which he conducts a general store, doing a leading mercantile trade, in addition to which he is a member of the Jim Oil Company, and of the oil firm of Barnum & Hughes, and his individual holdings in the oil territory. He is an extensive producer and well-known operator. In 1894 he started in the coal business, which he conducts in connection with his other enterprises. On January 1, 1896, the first electric light in Cygnet was produced from the plant put in by Mr. Hughes, of which he is sole owner. The plant is a modern one, supplied by the Jenny system, with a capacity of 800 volts, forming one of the most complete plants, for the size of the town, in Ohio. This piece of public-spirited has been a great help to the place. Our subject is a member of Lodge No. 272, F. & A. M., at Butler, Penn., and of White Swan Lodge, K. of P., at Cygnet. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and has the interest of his party at heart, although no office-seekers. He WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1149 served one term in the city council, and has been chief of the fire department since its organization. Mr. Hughes is an extensive real-estate owner, and has several fine houses in Cygnet, of which he is one of the substantial business men, popular, admired and respected by his marry friends. W. A. ESTERLY, a well and favorably known citizen of Portage township, is a son of Jacob Esterly, who was a farmer of that .township for about twenty years. Jacob Esterly was born in September, 1822, in Wittenberg, Germany, son of Jacob Esterly, Sr., and when seven years old was brought by his parents to the United States, the family settling in Ohio in an early day.. They lived for a time in Columbiana county,-and thence removed to Hancock county, near Mt. Blanchard, where Jacob Esterly, Sr., died.. Jacob Esterly married Miss Rhoda Armantrau, a native of Knox county, Ohio, whose mother; died in that county when she as but a girl, and, her father remarrying, she left home and went to Hancock county, supporting herself until her marriage. She became the mother of two children, viz. : Henry, a carpenter of St. Mary, Ohio, and W. A., whose name opens this sketch. She died in October, 1860, when the latter was only a few weeks old. She was laid to rest in Hancock county. On October 31, 1861, Mr. Esterly remarried, in Hancock county, his second wife being Annie Bowers, who was born January 27, 1839, in Stark county, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Rangeler) Bowers, who settled in Biglick township, Hancock county, when Annie was but nine months old. To this union were born four children: Mary (Mrs. Wesley Gilson), of Portage township; Sainuel, who died at the age of twelve years; Annie (Mrs. Alonzo Clemens), of Portage township, and Ada, who died when seventeen years old. In March, 1864, Jacob Esterly came with his family to Wood county, making the trip with an ox-team, whioh afterward often took them to church. They settled on eighty acres of new land which he had purchased, situated in Section 23, Portage township, and an old log house with rough floor, and altogether rudely constructed was their first home. Only the higher portions of the ground were cleared, the lower portions having been merely cut over, and a dense growth of brush covered tbe portions where the timber had been felled. Mr. Esterly continued to work this place the remainder of his life, and made a fine property of it. He was a self-made man, having begun life with nothing but his own energy and ambition, though, after he had been fairly started on the road to prosperity, he received a little help in the shape of $200, which had been left to him. He died November 3o, 1884, of typhoid fever, and was laid to rest in Mt. Zion Church cemetery. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon, and in political belief he was a Republican. He served as school director of Portage township, but was no office-seeker, attending strictly to his own affairs. After his death Mrs. Esterly lived on the farm until June, 1895, when She removed to Six Points, and on July 4, 1893, she became the wife of Israel Whisler. She is a member of the German Baptist Church. W. A. Esterly was born September 26, 1860, near Vanlue, Hancock Co., Ohio, and, being a mere child when his parents settled in Wood county, received all his education in District No. 8, Portage township, having Miss Loomis for his first teacher. He attended school until about eighteen years old, and has since been a great reader, acquiring in this way much useful information. He remained at home until twenty years of age, and, having learned the carpenter's trade under his brother Henry, followed the same until 1885, since which time he has been engaged in agriculture on his present farm in Section 23, Portage township, where he owns forty acres of good land. When he took this farm but four acres of the land were cleared, and he has not only succeeded in placing the whole tract under cultivation, but has also done all his own carpenter work, a fact which speaks volumes for his enterprise and industry. On March 13, 188o, in Portage township, Mr. Esterly was married to Miss Emma Redman, daughter of George W. Redman; she was born in Portage township, and died July Jo, 1882, leaving no children; her remains rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery. On May 13, 1886, in Portage township, our subject married, for his second wife, Miss Leora Whitman, who was born in July, 1869, near Syracuse, N. Y., daughter of Luther Whitman, a farmer, who died in Portage townsbip in 1894. One child has come to this union, Georgie M., born May 13, 1887. Mrs. Esterly is a member of the Methodist Church, while Mr. Esterly affiliates with the U. B. Church. He has been an active man in his community, where he is widely and thoroughly acquainted, and his influence in all local matters has ever been given to those measures he considers best for the welfare of his town and county. In 1881 he was elected constable of Portage township, and served one year in that office; in 1884 he was