(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1273 and dates of birth being as follows: Asbury, March 6, 1814; Amelia, November 24, 1816; Caleb, November 9, 1819; John, March 25, 1822; Joseph, February 17, 1825; Samuel L., June 3, 1827; Mary Catherine, January 20, 1830, and Rebecca, November 2, 1834. The mother of these died November 22, 1865. Mr. North passed from earth January 28, 1875, at the residence of this son-in-law, Henry Oppermann, in Washington township, Wood county. In his political preferences he was a stanch Democrat, and a prominent adherent of the party. For over fifty years he was a worthy and exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. On corning to Wood county he united with the Plain Church, in which he continued until the organization of the Church at Tontogany, when he identified himself with that Society, and contributed liberally of his means toward the erecting of the church at that place. He was a man of strong constitution, great energy, and of remarkably temperate habits. In his death the family lost a kind and affectionate father, and the community an exemplary citizen and Christian friend. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1273 ROBERT J HULL, who is a prosperous merchant tailor in Bowling Green, was born in British Columbia, March 20, 1868, and is the son of Harry and Elizabeth (Old) Hull. His father was born in London, England, and early in life emigrated to America, locating in British Columbia, in Canada, where he followed his trade of a saddler, and later became a dealer in furs. He lived for a time in Victoria, and died in Ontario, Canada. His wife was of Irish descent, and was born in, or near, Montreal, Canada, at which place she still resides. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, of whom the following grew to maturity; William, Harry, Robert, Ellen, and Nettie. Our subject spent the first twelve years of his life in British Columbia, then he went to Winipeg and later Montreal. He learned the trade of a tailor, and for some years traveled throughout the country, working at different places, coming to the United State in 1887, and locating in Buffalo, N. Y. From there he went to Rochester, N. Y., then to Batavia, N. Y., and for a time was in Pennsylvania, Illinois and at the city of Duluth, Minn., finally coming to Bowling Green in 1889. He was a journeyman until April, 1893, when he opened his present shop and began business as a merchant tailor. He carries a full line of clothes and trimmings having about $4,000 worth of stock. He employs eleven people, and may well be called a husther, he does all his own cutting, travels through the oil fields soliciting work, and is a most liberal advertiser. His work is of the highest grade, and he well deserves the liberal patronage which is bestowed upon him. Mr. Hull is very popular in the community. Mr Hull is a very energetic, enterprising man, and is very popular in the community. He is unmarried. Politically he is a Republican, and socially belongs to the K. of P., and I. O. O. F. JAMES H. WENSEL, an energetic and progressive farmer of Montgomery township, has spent his entire life in Ohio, his birth having occurred December 27, 1860, in Venice township, Seneca county. His father, John Wensel, was born near Hesse Cassel, Germany, May 3, 1821, and was the son of Conrad Wensel, who by days labor supported his family, consisting of thirteen children, only four of whom grew to adult age, namely: John, George, Catharine, and Gertrude. On the completion of his education, the father of our subject engaged in tending stock in his native country, his father also having been a herdsman; but in 1846, with a few dollars in his pocket a part of which he had earned, and the remainder what his parents could spare, he bade farewell to the friends and scenes of his youth, starting for America, where he understood better chances were afforded a poor boy, such as he was. He left Bremen on the setting vessel, "Mary Ann," which reached the shores of the United States seven weeks later, and he started at once for Columbiana county, Ohio. On arriving at Pittsburg, Penn., his money became exhausted, but he was kindly helped by a friend. He earned his first money in America upon a farm in Columbiana county, eight miles north of New Lisbon. After spending a few months there, he in September, 1846, located in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he worked as a farm hand for two years for Jacob Hossler. In that county, on June 23, 1853, Mr. Wensel was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Grimes, who was born in Columbiana county, April 16, 1832, and was the daughter of Joseph Grimes, a farmer, who removed from Stark county, Ohio, to Seneca county. The following children graced this Mary E., born January 11, 1854, is now Mrs. Matthew Burton, of Liberty township, Wood county; Joseph W. born March 11, 1855, died September 6, 1856; Ira M.. born October 11, 1857, is an agriculturist of Webster township, Wood county; Sophia A., born October 22, 1859, died February 27, 1860; Christina I., twin sister of Sophia, is the wife of John Roush, of Lucky, Ohio; James H. is the 1274 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. next in order of birth; Sarah E., born July 20, 1863, is now Mrs. Finando Hastings, of Montgomery township; and Nancy, born August 7, 1865, died in infancy. At the time of his marriage the father owned 200 acres of land one mile north of Eagleville, of Bloom township, Wood county, and on this land had the first home he could call his own, since leaving Germany. The The place was a wet, swampy tract, and after a short residence there he returned to Seneca county, where he rented land until 1862, when he bought a farm in Venice township, that county. On that place he resided until April, 1871, when he came to Montgomery township, Wood county, locating upon one hundred acres which he had purchased in Section 6. The improvements were few and rude; the dwellings built of logs, and the land was but partially cleared. To its development and cultivation he has since devoted his time and attention up to December, 1895, at that time laying aside active business cares. He has lived to accumulate a handsome competence, reared a large family and is the architect of his own fortune. In all his efforts he was ably assisted by his good wife, who died January 22 1883, and was buried at Pemberville, Ohio. He erected all the buildings upon his farm, which now ranks among the best in the locality. In politics he is an ardent Democrat. Upon the home farm, James H. Wensel was reared to the thrifty habits characteristic of the German people, early receiving instruction in the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and, under the able guidance of his father, has become a thorough and skillful farmer. His literary training was obtained in the district schools. He has always remained under the parental roof, now having the entire management of the farm, and for some time has been the main spoke in the wheel. His father, however, still resides with him. In Montgomery township, on November 8, 1883, Mr. Wensel was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Bradon, of Morrow county, Ohio, where she was born December 25, 1862, the daughter of George and Rebecca (Wirebaugh) Braden. Five children were born to them Roley, born January 6, 1885; Irvin, who died in infancy; Grace, born June 8, 1888; Myrtle, born August 27, 1890; and Mary A., born February 27, 1892. The mother is a consistent member of the of the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Wensel affiliates with the Democracy, but has never aspired to public, office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. H. A. KIEL. This republican government finds its best justification in the fact that the overcrowded population of the Old World, can here seek homes, and, starting out on equal footing, secure the success which most abilities and diligence can obtain. Mr. Kiel is one of the adopted sons of America. He was born in Hanover, Germany, December 26, 1844 and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Benpoff) Kiel, also natives of Germany. In 1853 the father brought his family to America in a sailing vessel, which weighed anchor at Bremen, and after a voyage of more than four weeks reached the harbor of New York. He came direct to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres of wild land near Pemberville, on which he built a small log house; then making his home until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1859. His wife has since married again, and still lives in Pemberville. Mr. Kiel was a soldier in the German army, and throughout life made farming his occupation. His children were: Henry A.; William, who died at the age of forty-three; Fred, a railroad watchman; and Herman, a grocer, of Weston, Ohio. By her second marriage the mother had two children - Edward, who is living on the old homestead, and John. Our subject attended school for two years in his native land, and subsequently attended the districts schools of Freedom township. His vacation months during that time were spent at farm labor, At the age of sixteen he secured a clerkship in the general store of Ira Banks, with whom he remained for two years, and then, in 1864, entered the army, as a member of Company C, 144th O. V. 1. He joined the regiment near Baltimore, and continued at the front for one hundred days. On his return north he went to Toledo, where he worked in a sash factory for about a year. and then embarked at the grocery business in Weston, which he successfully carried on for a number of years. During that time he was associated with two partners, his brother being in the store with him from 1879 until 1884. He then sold his store and stock to his brother and in 1886 he embarked in the gristmill business in Tontogany, although he continued his residence in Weston. For four years he followed that pursuit, and then located on his present farm, since which time he has devoted his entire energies to agricultural pursuits. He first purchased forty acres of land in 1877, but now owns 150 acres. Mr. Kiel was married, August 2, 1866, to Miss W. Hartman, who was born in Troy township, Wood county, April 19, 1845, a daughter a Frederick and Mary (Selecott) Hatman. In WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1275 politics our subject is a Democrat, is deeply interested in the success of his party, and has held a number of minor offices; also served as county commissioner for two years. His life has been well and worthily spent, and has secured him the esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contract. ISAIAH T. BRUNER, a thorough and skillful, farmer, and a business man of more than ordinary capacity, is a representative of the agricultural interests of Center township. There he is recognized as an important factor in preserving the reputation of the township as one of the best developed sections in Wood county. He is a native of the Keystone State, born in Perry county; August 10, 1847. His father, Jacob Bruner, was born in Pennsylvania of German descent, and in the district schools of Perry county obtained his education. He there married Miss Hattie Murphy, by whom he had three children - Owen, a farmer of Minnesota; Isaiah T., of this sketch; and John. a farmer of Pennsylvania. The mother died after which Mr. Bruner was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Owens, and they became the parents of four children, namely: Zraha, an agriculturist of Wisconsin; Annie, wife of William Smith, a contractor and builder of Pennsylvania; Franklin, a railroad man; and Charles, who still makes his home in Perry county, Penn. The father passed away in 1879, and his second wife died in 1887. The common schools of Perry county afforded our subject his educational privileges, and under the parental roof he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the operation of his land. He then rented a farm for several years, after he removed to Ohio, locating in Henry township, Wood county, where he bought eighty acres which he cultivated until 1887. At that time he came to Center township, here purchasing eighty acres of land, a part of the tract owned by the late William Perrin, and to its improvement he has since devoted his attention, so that it is now one of the finest farms in his section. In 1871, in Perry county, Penn., Mr. Bruner led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Ebersole, a daughter of Samuel Ebersole, of that State, and they have become the parents of four children Mary, who is the wife of C. Jones, an oil operator of Henry township, and has one child - Robert; Odessa, who was born in 1889; Jessie born in 1881; and Samuel, born in 1874, who died in 1877. Mr. Bruner is a thorough Republican in his political views, and adheres closely to party lines at times of election, while his religious belief is that the United Brethren Church. His success in life has been the result of honest, persistent effort; in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aims have always been to attain to the best, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. In his pleasant home he is surrounded by a happy and contented family, who have the respect and confidence of all who know them. GEORGE BRANDEBERRY. The subject. of this sketch comes of a family of pioneers . The son of James and Jane (Bates) Brandeberry, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, he was born in Section 10; Perry township, August 3, 1855, and attended the common schools of District 8, in Perry. Since his boyhood he has seen the schools greatly improved, and heartily endorses the movement in that direction. He also attended Heidelberg College at Tiffin for a short time. Mr. Brandeberry, when but a boy, selected farming as a vocation in life, and under the tutorship of his father he received excellent training. His first ideas in this work were obtained on the farm where he now lives. On December 21, 1876, he was married in Perry township to Miss Lavina Baker, who was born in Scott township, Sandusky county; November 26, 1859, the parents of whom were Martin and Mary (Wise) Baker, both natives of Hancock county. The parents of Mary Wise were Benjamin and Lydia, who came from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Brandeberry was the only daughter among four children, the others being William, Amos and Emmanuel. After his marriage our subject located on the home farm, in an old house which has since been torn down, and he and his father worked in partnership until 1891, when our subject became owner of a portion of his present farm, and later bought the rest of his present home, consisting of 160 acres of as good land as there is in the county, 123 acres of which is cleared. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandeherry: Howard, who died in infancy; and Lee, Jennie, and Guy, who are still living at home. Our subject was a Republican until 1892 when he joined the Prohibition party. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Church for eighteen years, fourteen of which he has been a class leader, and for three years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows at West Millgrove. Mr. Brandeberry is above the average man in intelligence, and is well read, being a liberal 1276 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. patron of newspapers and periodicals that contain good, instructive matter. He is a prosperous a hard worker, a good manager and a thorough farmer. ELIJAH HUBER. Among the young men of Portage township who have selected agriculture as their vocation if life, and who judging from present indications, are bound to realize their most sanguine anticipations, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is residing on Section 12, where he has seventy acres of valuable farming land. He was born in the same section, February: 10, 1873, and is the youngest son of John U. and Clarissa (Foster) Huber The education of our subject was such as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded, his first teacher being David VanVoorhis. He was but a child when his father died, and remained upon the home farm until nineteen years of age. After a year then spent in the Eastern States, he returned to Portage township, where he has since made his home. At Bowling Green, on July 7, 1893, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Henrietta Cox, who was born in Portage township, May 30, 1877, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hemminger) Cox. They now have. two children John W., born December 20, 1894; and Charles J., born March 21, 1896. For a short time after his marriage,. Mr. Huber lived upon his father-in-law's farm, whence he removed to his present place, where he has erected all the buildings there found. Although young, he is rapidly growing into the esteem and respect of his neighbors, and, bids fair, in the near future, to assume a prominent and influential position in the community. In his political views he coincides with the platform formulated by the Democratic party. GEORGE HOFFMANN, the well-known proprietor born February 4, 1836, in Bavaria. His parents, George Frederick and Margaret (Scheets) Hoffmann were also born there, the father in 1811, and the mother in 1810. They came to this country in 1852, with their family of eight children, they both died of cholera (as did also two of the children: John and Elizabeth) two years later. Mr. Hoffmann, the eldest son, then a boy of eighteen, buried them all without assistance, the neighbors fearing contagion. This sad duty performed, he took up the task of supporting the younger children, hiring out to work on a farm by the month, and under his kindly care the remainder of the family grew to maturity. John George married Catherine Cornelius, of Perrysburg, and is a prominent business man of the same place; the same place; Barbara married Adam Hazel, of Perrysburg; Christina married Alex Christ, of Toledo; Margaret is the wife of George Huber, of Toledo; and Mary married William Nopper, of the same city. After working nearly five years for his first employer, our subject entered the employ of an other, of whom he purchased a small piece of land. In 1858 he was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Cornelius, a native of Perrysburg, born January 3, 1841. Fifteen children were born of this union: George W. married Victoria Shellinger, of Perrysburg; Christopher A., married Louisa Armsbruster, of Perrysburg; Elizabeth M. married Casper Brandhuber, of the same place; Ella A. married William Stebel, of Liverpool; Henry married Mary C. Armbruster, of Perrysburg; Godfred. Valentine, Victoria, John and Joe are at home. John, Michael, Daniel, Mary and Anna died in childhood. Mr. Hoffmann and his bride of sixteen endured many privations during many privations during the first years of their married life, but their mutual affections sustained them. He continued to work as a farm laborer until 1861, when he came to Perrysburg, and opened the meat market which he has ever since conducted. His sterling qualities of character have won him the respect and esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances, and he is a notable example among the self-made men of the community. He is a Democrat politically, and is a devout adherent of the Roman Catholic Church.. SABASTIN SHIPLE (deceased) was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 1, 1807, and acquired his education in the public schools. He afterward worked in a brewery for a eleven years and in 1840 he came to America, hoping to benefit his financial condition in the New World. He made his first location in Toledo, Ohio, where he forked for a year as a laborer, and in 1842 he came to Wood county, locating in Middleton township, where for a short time he was employed as a farm hand. He then purchased 120 acres of land, covered largely with timber and water. In order to make this cultivable he to and then transformed it into rich fields. He cleared forty acres, erected a good home and barn, and carried on the work of improvement until he had a well-developed farm. In 1847 Mr. Shiple was united in marriage, in Middleton township, with Margaret Getz, who was born in Germany in 1822. They became WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1277 the parents of five children: John, who is engaged in farming; Joseph, and agriculturist of Middleton township; Katie, wife of John Schwint; George A., of whom special mention will presently be made, and one that died in infancy. The father of this family was called to his final rest June 28, 1893. He was a Democrat in politics, and a faithful member of Catholic Church, while his many excellencies of character made him a favorite with many friends who gave him high regard. GEORGE A. SHIPLE has spent his entire life in Middleton township, and is one of the wide-awake and representative young farmers of the community. He was born on the old homestead, September 29, 1863, and acquired his preliminary education in the district school near his home, but later attended the Catholic school at Perrysburg, he pursued his studies for a year and half. He early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, and has always carried on agricultural pursuits. He is to-day operating sixty-two acres of well-cultivated land, and cares for and supports his widowed mother, who is now in her seventy-third year. He possesses excellent business ability, is honorable in all his dealings, and is meeting with success in his well-directed undertakings. He gives his political support to the Democratic party, and has held the office of supervisor for one term. He is a member of and supports the Catholic Church of Perrysburg; also belongs to the Altar Society. He is scrupulously faithful to every duty and every trust reposed in him, and his genial, social manner has gained him many friends. W. E. DOWLING, an industrious and enterprising agriculturist of Wood county, is one of the leading residents of Montgomery township, in Section 29; he was born September 4, 1864. His father, William Dowling, was a native of Marion county, Ohio, born in Latimerville, on August 5, 1833, and was a son of Jackson and Betsey (Arbuckle) Dowling. After the death of the latter, the grandfather of our subject married Eunice Biggs, a widow. His death occurred at Mr. Vernon, Ohio. William Dowling, the father, was a son of poor parents, and received only such educational advantages as the district schools afforded during years. During his youth, not employed in his father's store or upon his small farm. By teaching he secured money to pay his tuition at Hiram College, which he attended while James A. Garfield was also a student there, but his college curse was interrupted at intervals when he was compelled to teach. At Osceola, Marion county, in May, 1854, Mr. Dowling wedded Miss Mary S. Chapman, who was born at Montville, Medina Co., Ohio. December 26, 1830, and was a daughter of George and Lois (Bates) Chapman, the former a native of New York. Their first home was a humble log cabin, with a dry-goods box for a table, and a sugar trough was used for a cradle, in which the oldest child, Rosa, was rocked. The father taught school during the winter sessions in order to support his family, and in the midst of all the trials and difficulties of those early days, he suffered a severe attack of typhoid fever. During the early part of his married life he lived for one year in Indiana, to which State he moved in a covered wagon. It was in 1860 that Mr. Dowling first came to Wood county, where he purchased eighty acres in Section 32, Montgomery township, where he lived for two years, when he sold at a profit, and purchased 140 acres in Sections 28 and 29. To this he soon added another thirty-acre tract, but there was no house upon the farm, and the family had to live in rented quarters for a time. He later bought forty acres in Section 29, which contained a house, into which they moved. From time to time he extended the boundaries of his land, until at the time of his death he had 380 acres of excellent land, all in Montgomery township. At the age of seventeen years, Mr. Dowling became a member of the Disciples Church, and a few years later began preaching for that denomination, his first sermon being delivered in 1854. In following that calling he was interrupted at different times by his efforts to secure a home to his family. His first charge was at Freeport, Ohio, and later he preached at various places throughout Wood county. In April, 1871, he was called to Kenton. Ohio, where he had charge of a Church for nine years, and for the following seven years was thus employed in Marion county, after which he returned to Kenton, for eight-ten months. His last charge was at Bowling Green, Ohio, which he was compelled to leave in August 1889, on account of failing health. He never recovered, but died at the sanitarium at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on March 7, 1890. His loving wife remained at his side, and after his death made her home with her children, until she passed away, July 29, 1893. She was a conscientious Christian woman, and had engaged in teaching during her youngest days. Both parents were buried at Freeport. The father was a self-made man in the truest sense of the word, was 1278 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. ever prominent in Church work, and was one of the ablest pastors of the Disciples Church. In politics he regularly supported the Republican party. Mr. Dowling, whose name introduces this record, is the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being Rosa., the wife of William Williamson, a commission merchant of Buffalo, N. Y.; Hattie F., now Mrs. J. L. Willliamson, of Freeport, Ohio; Flora O., wife of Rev. G. T. Camp, a minister of the Disciples Church at Council Grove, Kans.; Frank M., who is a minister of the same Church, and is now located at Pomona, Cal.; Alla M., wife of Rev. Charles M. Kreidler, who is pastor of the Disciples Church at Lansingburg, N. Y.; and Clarence E., a farmer of Montgomery township, Wood county. During his boyhood, our subject attended the schools of Kenton and Marion, Ohio, during the residence of his parents at those places. He might have received a more advanced education, for which he had an opportunity, but he then lacked the desire for further study, and began work upon his father's farm as an employe, and later rented land from his father. On September 10, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dowling and Miss Ella A. Carhart, a native of Marion county, Ohio, and a daughter of George W. and Anna E. (Merchant) Carhart. She is a graduate of the Marion schools, and by her marriage has become the mother of one child - Florence I., born April 16, 1890. This young couple began house-keeping upon the farm which is still their home; and have lived there continuously, with the exception of year and a half spent at Kenton, Ohio. In politics Mr. Dowling stanch Republican, always voting for the men and measures of that party, and he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Disciples Church at Freeport. He is numbered among the best citizens of the township, and is destined to be one of its most prosperous and enterprising farmers. JAMES DINDORE has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Wood county for almost a quarter of a century, and now owns eighty acres of rich land in Perry township. His childhood's home was in Hocking township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where his birth took place April 6, 1854, and he is a son of George and. Sarah (Hoffein) Dindore. His father, who was also a native of that county, died when our subject was only ten years old, leaving the widow with seven children of whom James was the fourth in order of birth. Three children had died before the father passed away. By occupation he was a farmer, and left a good farm of sixty acres, so the family were comfortably situated. The opportunities of our subject for securing an education were rather limited, as his services were needed upon the farm, and the districts schools of those days were not of a very high grade. The first twenty-one years of his life Mr. Dindoie spent on the farm where his birth occurred, and in 1875 he came to Bloom township. Wood county, securing work as a farm hand with Philip Brubaker. The following winter, however, was spent in his native county, and in the summer of 1876 he worked for Orrin Stearns, in Perry township. He always gave the best of satisfaction, and his employers were always willing to hire him a second time. Mr. Dindore was married in Perry township, on May 18, 1879, to Miss Ella Bosler, who was born there December 2, 1854, and is a daughter of Tobias and Catherine (Slatterbeck) Bosler. They have become the parents of three children: Cora, who was born June 8, 1880, and died July 8, following; Clarence L., born April 4, 1882;. and Charles F., born January 23, 1884. After his marriage Mr., Dindore operated two rented farms before purchasing property, his first land being forty acres in Section 17, Perry township, to which he removed early in 1884. He had paid $200 cash for the place, only five acres of which were cleared, and the buildings consisted of a log house and a small stable. While clearing his place he operated land for neighboring farmers. As his land was still in its primitive condition, it was a case of pioneer life in the midst of civilization, as the buildings were very crude; no draining had been done, and all of the surroundings were exceedingly wild. The timber has now been cut from sixty acres, the fields have been tiled, a good barn 40x60 feet was built in 1893, and two years later a comfortable, cozy house was completed. Politically. Mr. Dindore is a reliable Republican, one of the leading members of that party in Perry township; in 1892 he was elected a trustee, in which position he is yet serving, and is a member of the West Millgrove school board, in which special district he resides. Socially. he connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at. Freeport. H. HAIR, a. representative farmer of Middleton township, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, December 2, 1849. His father, Thomas Hair, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1279 when a young man he came to Ohio, settling in Sandusky county, where he operated at forty-acre farm: He married Miss Esther Fisher, and they became the parents of six children, four of whom. died in childhood; the surviving members of the family are our subject and Mary, the latter being now the wife of Stephen Collins, of Clyde, Sandusky county. The parents are both deceased. Our subject acquired his education in the district schools of his native county and worked upon his father's farm until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, subsequently spending two and one-half years in a sawmill in Sandusky county In 1874 he came to Wood county,. locating in Middleton township, where, with the money he had acquired through his own labors, he purchased forty acres of land which he has improved until it is now under a high state of cultivation, and yields to him a good return for his labor. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Collier, of Sandusky county, and two children graced this marriage: Stella, born February 25, 1875, now the wife of John Smith, a farmer of Middleton township (they have one child), and Della, who died when two years old. In his political views Mr. Hair is a stanch Prohibitionist. He belongs to the Radical United Brethren Church, takes a very active part in Church work, and is now serving as trustee and class leader. He is a man of progress and enterprise, a public-spirited citizen, giving a hearty support to everything calculated to promote the educational, social and moral welfare of the community. MARSHAL DUCAT, a wealthy retired agriculturist residing in Bowling Green, was born July 8, 1843, on the boundary line between Ohio and Michigan., the State line running through his father's house. He is a descendant of an old French family, early settlers in Michigan. His grandfather Ducat was a soldier in the war of 1812, stationed at Detroit, and our subject's father, then an infant, was taken to that post at the time of Hull's surrender. Mr. Ducat's grandmother drew a pension up to the time of her death, on account of her husband's military service. Her death occurred May 5, 1862. Our subject's father, Joseph Ducat, was born in Michigan in 1807. He married Victoria Jacob, and settled on a farm in Wood county, where, except a residence of seven years in Ottawa county; he remained until his death in 1872. He had twelve children: Joseph, a farmer inf Wood county, Exea,, a prominent resident of Bowling Green; Alexander, a soldier during the Civil war, who died in 1866; Julius and John, both farmers in Wood county; Gilbert, a retired farmer living in Bowling Green; Isadore, residing in East Toledo; Marshal, our subject; Frank, a farmer in Wood county; Victoria, who died at the age of six, and two others who died in infancy. Marshal Ducat, our subject, grew to man-hood on his father's farm, and in 1867 married Miss Ella Mominee; two children blessed this union: Jackson, born March 10, 1868, and Elmer, born April 5, 1877, both of whom received an excellent education in the high school at Bowling Green. After his marriage Mr. Ducat settled upon a fine farm in Liberty township, where he remained until 1888, when he retired from active business, and came to Bowling Green to reside. He owns, at present, sixty acres of land, with four oil wells. In politics he is a Democrat, and, although never an active politician, he is a ready and generous supporter of all public movements which meet his approval. A. J. CONKLIN, a progressive farmer of Middleton township, has spent his entire life in Ohio, having been born in Huron county, November 20, 1846, and is a son of James Conklin, a retired farmer and prominent citizen of Weston. He enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the district schools near his home, and through the summer months he aided in the cultivation of his father's farm until twenty-four years of age. He then started out in life for himself, and secured employment as a farm hand in Perrysburg township. When, through his own labors, he had acquired sufficient capital, he came to Middleton township, and purchased eighty acres of land near Roachton, which he cleared and otherwise improved until the whole became one of the fine farms of the locality. It is now quite complete in its appointments. On the place is a pleasant residence which was erected at a cost of $2,000; also a barn, granary. the latest improved machinery and the other accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century. In 1871 Mr. Conklin was united in marriage, in Perrysburg township, with Miss Mary Wallace, a daughter of D. W. Wallace, a retired farmer of Perrysburg, and they have one son, who was born in 1871, was educated in the common schools, and now resides at home, operating the homestead. Our subject his served as school director for four years and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He has been a valued citizen of the community, taking an active part in promoting all interests calculated to benefit his township and county. He is now num- 1280 WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. bered among the substantial citizens of the community and owes his position solely to his own efforts. MARK SELF. This prosperous farmer of Plain township was born, in Wiltshire, England, May 9, 1832, and is a son of Isaac and Christine (Taylor) Self, both also natives of Wiltshire, where they died, the former at the age of seventy-six years, and the latter when sixty-seven years old. They were the parents of nine children: Rebecca, Liva, Lott, Jane, Ann, Mark, Abel (now living, in Huron county, Ohio), Amanda, and Sarah. Our subject, who was a laborer in England, came to America in 1870. He first located in Huron county, Ohio, removing in 1880 to Wood county, where he purchased his present farm at $50 per acre. He now owns 130 acres of well-improved and valuable land, and is looked upon as one of the leading farmers in Plain township. During the few years he has been in Wood county, he has made an independent fortune, all the result of untiring industry and excellent management. He is progressive with his ideas, attends studiously to his business, and is honorable in all his method of dealing with his fellow men. He has been twice married, his first wife dying in England before his emigration to this country. By this union he had three children: Arthur, who is married and has (he resides in Bowling Green); Frank, unmarried, and living with his father; and William, living in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. this country. HENRY R. ROETHER, M.D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Perrysburg, is one of the able young sons of Wood county who are achieving success in business, political and professional life on their "native heath." Born in Perrysburg, March 7, 1867, he is a son of Burkhardt and Catherine (Hahn) Roether, highly respected Germans who settled in Perrysburg in the "fourties." Our subject was educated in the public schools of Perrysburg, graduating, in 1886, in the Latin, German and English courses, having declined the valedictory of his class. He then commenced teaching school, which he continued in for five years, meanwhile pursuing his studies privately, and acquiring mental discipline as well as information. In the fall of 1888 he entered the Medical Department of the University of`Michigan, and graduated in 1893. Through the recommendation of the College Dean, he secured the position of assistant-surgeon for the Aragon mines, at Norway; Mich., under Dr C. A. Wright. For six months during the absence of the latter Dr. Roether had sole charge, and later was offered a half; interest, as partner, by Dr. Wright, but declined being desirous of building up an independent practice at home. Returning to Perrysburg, he established himself among his own people, where he has made a steady advance, and is already recognized as one of the leaders in his profession. His thorough intellectual training makes him a valued member of the best society, and he is especially noted as a German scholar, speaking that language as fluently as English. His popularity is not confined to any particular class, however, as he is an active member of the Democratic party, and in the spring of 1895 was elected treasurer of Perrysburg township, which responsible position he is now holding. The Doctor was married October 7, 1893, to Miss Laura Ewing, a descendant of one of the oldest families of Wood county. He is a typical self-made man, and the architect of his own position in life, he having earned the means necessary to carry him through his medical studies by teaching school and hustling between times. BURKHARDT MICHAEL ROETHER. Of the honest, hard-working alien-born citizens, who have made Wood county their New World home, none occupies a more prominent place than Mr. Roether, who was born in Baden, Germany, August 30, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Barbara (Dorlf) Roether, spent their entire lives in that country, where the father, who was a cabinet maker by trade, died at the age of eighty-two years, years the latter passing away at the age of sixty-five. In their family were five children: Thomas, Burkhardt M.. Magdalena, Barbara and Julia, three of whom are still living: Burkhardt M., Barbara (now Mrs. Thomas Keller), of Perrysburg township; and Julia; who still makes her home in Germany. Mr. Roether, whose name introduces this sketch, was educated in the schools of his native land, and when twenty-two years of age he crossed the Atlantic to America. He had previously learned the trade of cabinet maker, at which he worked in Baltimore, Md., Washington, D. C., and Philadelphia, Penn. before coining to Wood county, where he located at Perrysburg, and has there since followed carpentering and cabinet making. In 1850 he married Miss Catherine Hahn, who was born in Germany in 1827, and they became the parents of eleven children, three of whom died young, and eight are yet living: Thomas, an engineer Christ mechanic; Cath-1 WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1281. erine, wife of F. Brown, of Toledo; Adolph, a sailor; Henry R., a prominent physician and surgeon of Perrysburg; Anna, a teacher; George, an engineer; and Julia, also a school teacher. The mother of these children was called to her final rest March 30, 1891. A good and sincere Christian, Mr. Roether is a faithful member of the Lutheran Church; in politics is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and he enjoys the esteem and regard of the entire community. JAMES RANEY. Among the leading and enterprising agriculturists of Plain township, whose names scattered through the pages of this Volume, none are more worthy of mention than the gentleman whose name. introduces this brief biographical notice. He was born in Loudon township, Seneca Co., Ohio, March 19, 1848, and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Piper) Raney. The former was a native of Ohio, where he was educated and followed the occupation of a farmer, and in Seneca county he was married. In his family were ten children, as follows: John, deceased; Sarah; Edward, a farmer of Kansas; Isaac, also a farmer; Sylvania deceased; Robert a farmer of Williams county, Ohio; Jackson, deceased; James, our subject; Albert, who follows farming; and Eunice, wife of Henry Wininger. The father died on the old homestead, in 1864. The mother is now making her home in Fostoria. Our subject was reared in his native township, where he was educated in the district schools, and assisted in the labors of the fields upon the home farm until he reached man's estate. Later for two years he was employed as a farm hand after which he rented a farm, which he operated some six years. At the expiration of that period he came to Plain township, Wood county, where he bought forty acres of land, part of which he cleared, and built a dwelling-house at a cost of $1,000; also erected barns and outhouses, planted an orchard, made other general improvements, and availed himself of first-class farm machinery, and all the other improved methods employed by the successful agriculturist. To-day he cultivates upward of eighty acres of land, and, in addition general farming; he also engages in drilling wells; which adds considerably to his income. Among his neighbors and the citizens of the township at large, he is considered a man whose word is as good as his bond. On October 3, 1872, in. Seneca county, Mr. Raney was married to Miss Elizabeth Wininger, who was born February 12, 1847, and is a daughter of Adam Wininger, a farmer of Seneca county, and eight children bless this union, their names and dates of birth being as fellows: Nettie, March 12, 1874: Delbert, February 11, 1875; Lottie, December 10, 1877; Elmer,. September 2, 1878; Elizabeth S., April 19, 1880; Roy, May 10, 1882; Josiah. August 10, 1884; and Oran, February 17, 1888. Mr. Raney always gives his support to the principles of the Republican party, for several years has been school director, and has also acted as clerk of the board. The family is one of prominence in the community and adhere to the faith of the Congregational Church. LAWRENCE LONG. Among the young men of Wood county who have selected agriculture. as their vocation in life, and who, judging from present indications, are bound to realize their most sanguine anticipations, is the subject of this biographical notice, and the owner of a good farm of forty acres in Washington township. He was born March 4, 1867, and in the usual manner of farmer lads, spent the days of his boyhood and youth, receiving his primary education in the schools of the neighborhood of his father's home in Washington township, Later, he entered a business college at Fostoria, and after his graduation at the school taught penmanship for some five years. He then took up farming, operating the old Burditt farm for two years, but previous to this time he had worked as a farm hand by the month for about seven years. He is now the possessor of a fine farm, which yields to him a golden tribute in return for his care and cultivation, and all the improvements found thereon testify to his industrious habits, sound judgement and good business ability On February 28, 1890, Mr. Long was united in marriage with Miss Maletha Burditt, a daughter of Greenberg Burditt, Sr. and to them have been born two two children, namely: Howard M., born October 4, 1890; and Flora. Belle who was born November 30, 1892, and died at then age of one year and eight months. Mr. Long and his estimable wife attend the Christian Union Church and at their hospitable home their many friends always find a hearty welcome. Public-spirited to a high degree, he takes a great interest in all measures calculated to benefit the community, or to accrue to the good of society in general. H. L. KRAMER, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Plain township, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, September 5, 1866, and is a son of Levi and Margaret (Beatty) Kramer, mention of whom is made in the sketch of J. L. Kramer. 1282 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Our subject pursued his studies in the schools of Bowling Green and Fostoria, Ohio, at the high schools of the latter place. On completing his education he assumed the management of the home farm, which still continues having one of the best improved places of the township. There his father's death occurred in 1888, but his mother still finds a pleasant home with him, surrounded by the care and loving attention of her son, and his estimable wife. On April 30, 1891 Mr. Kramer was united in marriage with Miss Irene Ensininger who was born January 17, 1873, a daughter of Allen Ensininger, a prominent farmer of Portage township, Wood county, and by this union there are two children- Bertha, born March 4, 1892, and Russell, born April 17, 1893. In his political views, Mr, Kramer coincides with the Republican party, but has no aspirations for the onerous duties and vexations of political preferment. As a leading and influential citizen, he takes great interest in the success of the tickets placed in the field by that party, and not only votes himself, but strives, to the utmost of his power, to induce others to see the question in the right light. For three years, however, he has served as school director. He is highly respected and esteemed by the entire population of the township, and is looked up to as a man truly honorable and upright in all things, and as one whom they can depend upon as a friend. R. B. CHILCOTE, Among the well-know and. leading farmers of Perry township, whose names are scattered through the pages of this volume, none is more worthy of mention than the gentleman whose name introduces this brief biographical notice. Here his entire life has been passed, his birth having occurred in Section 22, Perry township, February 16, 1841, and he is a son of Samuel M. and Susanna (Hatfield) Chilcote. Like. most farmer boys his education was such as the district schools afforded, and, being the oldest his labors were required in the fields of the home farm as soon as he was large enough to handle a plow. On October 2, 1872, at Bowling Green, Ohio Mr. Chilcote was married to Miss Euphemia J. Wood county, September 18, 1846, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Ikert) Mercer, members of the well-known pioneer family of this section. Her primary education was supplemented by a course in the Tiffin Union School, and she later became a teacher of recognized ability. This worthy couple have no children of their own, but have given a home to Homer M. Johnston from the time he was four years old. Mr. Chilcote lived on the home farm in Perry township, until 1880, but at that time he located upon his present farm in Section 16, of the of the same township. Physically, he has never been very strong, and, while a farmer, has always carried on that business moderately. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he resolved to offer his services to the government during the Civil war, and enlisted in August, 1861, as a member of Company K, 49th O. V. I.; but the. at Camp Nevin, Ky., he was discharged the following November on account of disability. He however, again enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company K. 144th O. V. I. and served with the command until discharged in August, 1864, doing guard duty much of the time at Wilmington, Delaware. Our subject and wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Chilcote is a trustee. He is a good citizen and highly respected, being a descendant of one of Perry's oldest and leading families. At one time he was identified with the G. A. R., being a member of Yates Post at West Millgrove. EZRA HITE, proprietor of a good farm pleasantly located in Washington township, ranks among the self-made men of that section, who, from modest beginnings, have worked their way upward. He has had very little time to spend in idleness, is a man of sound judgment and intelligence, and is well worthy of representation in a work of this kind. Mr. Hite was born April 10, 1857 to John and Phoebe (Hudson) Hite. both natives of Virginia, the father born February 11, 1818, and the mother on February 18, 1822. The former was of German descent while his wife was of Irish lineage, and by their marriage they became the parents of ten children: Martin K. and Martha, both deceased; David, a resident of Weston: Samuel and Lewis. both deceased; Abraham, a carpenter of Fremont, Ohio; Jane. who died while young; Ezra, subject, of this sketch; Perry, deceased; and one that died in infancy. The father died January 12, 1865, at the age of forty-six years, eleven months, and two days; his wife passed away March 3, 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years and fifteen days. years . Our subject received his education in the district schools of Sandusky county, Ohio, where his paternal grandfather had located with twenty-three children, nine of whom are living. There Ezra Hite remained until he had WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1283. reached the age of twenty-two years, when on September 24, 1879, he married Miss Ella Phoebe Lyberger, by whom he has two children: Otto Monroe, born June 24,1885; and John Wesley, mason, which occupation he followed for twelve years, but most of his attention has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In April 1882, he arrived in Wood county, here purchasing forty acres of land in Section 11, Washington township half of which he has since drained and tiled, transforming it into a productive tract. Although a stalwart Democrat, he has taken no very active part in political matters, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. For one year he served as school director, and at one time ran for trustee, but lost the election by seven votes, as the township was two-thirds Republican. He takes quite an active interest in the I. O. O. F., belonging to Tontogany Lodge No. 753, of which of which he is at present noble grand, and has also been trustee and vice-grand. His religious connection is with the Christian Union Battle Church, in the work of which he is earnestly devoted. J. B. HAZLETT is a native of Butler county, Penn., born August 30, 1862, the son of John and Mary (Sedgwick) Hazlett. His father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1817, that being also the State in which his mother's birth occurred. She died at the age of about thirty-eight years, leaving our subject, who was a small child. His father at one time was a successful farmer, and on the discovery of the oil fields in Pennsylvania, he became and was an extensive oil operator for twenty years; he then sold his interests in the oil fields, and retired to his farm, where he is still living. Our subject had four sisters all of whom are deceased. To the union of his father's second marriage were born four sons and four daughters. The subject of our sketch lived in Butler county until he was six years old, and was then taken to Venango county, Penn., where for two terms he attended school. At the early age of thirteen he became a pumper in the oil fields, and ever since has been in the business, thoroughly understanding it in all details having filled every possible capacity. After becoming the possessor of the necessary tools, he became a contractor, and filled many orders for well drilling. In 1888, after years of experience and varying fortunes in the oil fields, he came to Wood county, and soon became known as one of the best and most competent oil men in the country. His first venture for himself in the business was in 1892, but his first drilling was a disaster to his finances; eighty dry holes were the result of his hard labor, leaving him deeply in debt, and nothing left but his knowledge of the business and the confidence reposed in him by his friends. In his darkest hour of need he found men who proved true friends, and placed means is his hands which enabled him to recuperate and resume his business, which, since those dark days, has brought him in a fortune. He became member of the firms of Black, Reese & Hazlett; Black, Hazlett & McClune; Hazlett, Lynch & Co. Hazlett, McDonald & Co. Black & Hazlett, and Schanker, Hazlett & Co. He is at present interested in about ninety wells, and ranks amongst the few who stand at the head as successful oil producers in Wood county fields. After he was thirteen years old he started out in the world for himself, but, with no education, by observation and determination to succeed .in life, he has by honesty and perseverance become a successful man. He married Miss Lou Lynch, of Bowling Green, Ohio, by whom he has one son, Harry. Politically, he is a Republican, and, socially, a member of the K. of P. and F: and A. M. O. P. DRAKE. a royal defender of the Union during the Rebellion, and a prominent and representative citizen of Bloom township, of which he is a native, was born May 11, 1840, a son of William and Susan (Cupp) Drake. His paternal grandfather, John Drake, was a native of Newport, England, and when a young man came to the United States, where he married a Miss Messmore, of Maryland. In their family of eight children-- seven sons and one daughter- William was the next to the youngest. William Drake was born near Columbus, Ohio, and in that locality married Susan Cupp, who was born there About 1838 they located in Section 25, Bloom township, Wood county, where the father died at the age of sixty-seven. the mother two years later, and they were laid to rest in Weaver cemetery. Although a strong Democrat up to the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. William Drake then became a stalwart Republican. In the family were five children, as follows: John, who was a member of the 111th O. V. I., died at Hazel Green. Ky., September 9, 1863; our subject is next in order of birth; Hulda is the wife of Reuben Delaney, of Bloom Center; Harriet is the wife of Elzy Morrow, of Henry township, Wood county; and Joseph, who was also a member of Company B, 111th O. V. I. , was captured was captured. November 16, 1863, near Lenoir. 1284 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO Tenn., paroled November 20, 1864, and discharged June 27, 1865; he now makes his home at Eagleville, Wood county. The subject proper of this review had but little chance of securing an education, and was unable to attend school at all until nine years of age, when he entered District School No. 8., which stood back in the woods, on the old Jacob Leathers farm, his first teacher being James M. Bronson. In the winter season he would pursue his studies, but the summer months were devoted to the labors on the home farm, where he remained until his enlistment. On the President's first call for 100,000 volunteers, Mr. Drake joined the 21st O. V. I. at Eagleville, April 6, 1861, the enrolling officer being George Foreman, and was assigned to Company A. After remaining about ten days at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, the troops were sent to Louisville, Ky., and at Ivory Mountain participated in their first engagement. Our subject continued with his regiment, taking part in every battle up to July 22, 1864, when he was wounded at Atlanta, Ga., while on the skirmish line at 8 A.M. They had been ordered to lie down, and the ball penetrated the left side of his head. This necessitated his going to the field hospital at Atlanta, much against his will, where on his arrival he was placed on duty. He watched his chances to get away, preferring to be on duty with his regiment if he was fit for service. One evening after dusk, he jumped on a supply train, and after an absence of two weeks, rejoined his regiment. The hospital authorities sent for him, but the colonel refused to give him up. In December, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran, receiving a thirty-days' furlough, and again joined the troops at Atlanta, whence he went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He participated in the grand review at Washington D. C., and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 25, 1865, at the end of a long and honorable military career. From his $13 a month wages, Mr. Drake had managed to save $500, and in the fall of 1865 he bought forty acres of land in Section 22, Bloom township, from Squire John Russell, it being the farm where he still makes his home. It was then covered with timber and very stony, while not a building or a fence was to be seen, and not even a road led to the place. With the aid of his family all but five acres have been placed under the plow, and the comfortable residence in surrounded In October, 1865, in Bloom township, Mr. Mr. Drake was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Boley, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, November 5, 1849, and is it daughter of David and Lovina (Moyer) Boley, who located in Bloom township when Mrs. Drake was but a child. Besides his farming operations, the father also carried on a blacksmith shop at Eagleville, and after the death of his wife in the fall of 1887, he removed to Indiana, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-seven. To our subject and his wife have been born the, following children: Carrie H., now Mrs George Henry, of Bloom township; Addis S: at home; Jackson who works in an oil refinery at North Baltimore; Susan L.; wife of Michael Glowe, of Perry township, Wood county; David F., a farmer; Zenobia V., at home; Gertrude and Gracie M., both of whom died in infancy; and Nellie J., and George A., both at home. Until 1893, Mr. Drake had. always supported the Republican party, but is now a Prohibitionist, while socially he holds membership with Urie Post No.110, G. A. R., of Bloomdale. He was a brave soldier, fearless in the discharge of his duty, and as a civilian he is classed among the honest, upright citizens of the community. M. SNYDER, a prosperous and intelligent farmer, living in Section 1, Montgomery township, was born February 2, 1854, in Crane township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, and traces his ancestry back to to Henry and Margaret (Irey) Snyder. who came to America from Germany, and were the parents of nine children. In 1836 they located in Wayne county. Ohio, where the wife died, but the husband passed his last days in Indiana. Jesse Snyder, a son of Henry and Margaret (Irey) Snyder, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Chester county, Penn.. September 17, 1799, emigrated by wagons to Wayne county, Ohio, about 1830 or '31, and in 1843 removed to Wyandot county, where he was numbered among the wealthiest farmers and most liberal contributors to Church work. He wedded Sarah Mills, who was born in Chester county, Penn., in 1798, and died in 1874. His death occurred in Wyandot county, Ohio, on the 19th of January, 1890. Stephen Snyder, the father of our subject, was the oldest son and second child in a family of twelve children. He was also a native of Pennsylvania, born May 16, 1826, and during his boy-hood received only a common country school education. In Wyandot county was celebrated his marriage with Miss Emily McCurdy, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 26, 1831, and is the daughter of Francis McCurdy, a miller by oc- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1285 cupation. The parents located near Upper Sandusky, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at his death, which occurred October 5, 1875, his body was laid to rest in Wyandot county. Although a stanch Republican, he supported the man whom he considered best qualified to fill the position. At his death he left a widow, now residing in Bradner, Ohio, and four sons --Frank, of Montgomery township; Jesse, a farmer, who died in Van Wert county, Ohio, at the age of forty-two years; the subject of this review; and Henry, of Bradner. The two daughters, Sarah and Cecelia, died in childhood. Our subject obtained his education in the district ,schools, but the schools during his younger days were not as good as at the present time. He continued to assist in the work on the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred in Wyandot county, February 4, 1875, Miss Anna Young becoming his wife. She was born at Shanesville, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, October 5, 1855, and is the daughter of Michael and Lucinda (Everhart) Young, whom she accompanied to Wyandot county when only five years of age. Her father, who was a brick-layer by trade, died on February 4, 1876, but her mother is still living, and makes her home at Bucyrus, Ohio. Mrs. Snyder is the fourth daughter and fifth child in their family of eight children. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of five children -- Jesse A., born December 21, 1875; Henry L., born September 3, 1880; Charles E., born January 24, 1883; one son, who died in infancy; and Rhoda born July 2, 1888. Those living are still with their parents. Upon his marriage, Mr. Snyder located upon his father-in-law's farm in Wyandot county, where he remained a short time, but on the death of his father removed to the old homestead, which he rented for two years. It comprised eighty acres of which he then purchased one-half, but in August, 1886, he sold out and bought eighty acres in Section 28, Henry township, Wood county. Although twenty acres had been cleared, there had been but little tiling and ditching done. After one year spent upon that place from the spring of 1892 until 1893 -- he located upon his present eighty-acre farm in Section 1, Montgomery township, which he had purchased in 1890, and now has one of the most highly cultivated and well-improved tracts in the locality, consisting of 160 acres of excellent land. The family is one held in the highest esteem by all, and the sons are good steady-going young men, of whom their parents may be justly proud. In politics, Mr. Snyder is a strong advocate of the principles promulgated by the Republican party, and socially connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge at Bradner, Ohio, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He is a shrewd business man, an excellent manager, and is now numbered among the substantial and representative farmers of Montgomery township. A. VAN BLARCUM, one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizen of Jerry City is of Holland descent and was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., September 10, 1831, a son of John and Laura (Powers) Van Blarcum. He is the eldest in their family of thirteen children. five of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: (7) Adelia is the wife of Charles May, of New York City. (8) George H. was one of the brave "boys in blue" during the Rebellion. enlisting August 6, 1862, in Company D, 111th O. V. I., of which he was appointed first lieutenant, and March 1864, was made captain, in time action at Stony Mountain he was wounded in October, 1864, and received an honorable discharge on the 2d of February, following; he has since served as treasurer of Wood county. (9) Celestial is the widow of B. R. Taber, formerly of Bowling Green, Ohio. (10) Helen is now Mrs. James McPherson, of that city. (11) Samuel, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, has for twenty-five years been a conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. (12) Harriet is the wife of George Bosworth, bookkeeper for the Pullman Car Company, and they make their home in Pullman, Ill. (13) Abbie is the wife of James Taft; of Dennison, Ohio; master mechanic on the P. C. C. & St. L. railroad. In September, 1833 the family arrived in Toledo, Ohio, when it was but a hamlet, having made the trip by lake from Buffalo, N. Y. They located first in Port Lawrence township, Lucas Co., Ohio, but later the father lost all his property by purchasing land in Oregon township, that county, of which the title was imperfect. Afterward he was landlord of the " Washington House " of Maumee City, after which he located on a farm near Waterville, and then kept the "Columbia House" in that city. Early in the "forties" he started for Seaport, Portage township, Wood county, but while en route he learned of the destruction by fire of the hotel he intended to conduct, so returned to Waterville. Later he became owner of two boats on the Wabash & Erie Erie canal, plying between Toledo, Ohio and Lafayette, Ind., one of which he traded to Ephraim Simmons for the "Simmons House," in the village of Portage, Wood county. There 1286 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. he also carried on general merchandising, and became owner of a farm in Liberty township, near that village. He also took a contract for grading the main line of the D. & M. railroad between Custar and Weston, this county. On disposing of his interest in Portage he carried on the "Drury House," in Tontogany, for a time; later, in East Toledo, he kept the "East Side. House," and at Eaton Rapids, Mich., conducted the "Eaton Rapids House." From there he went to Indiana, where he engaged in the livery business, which, later, he carried on at Kensington, Ill. In that city he was taken ill, and our subject brought him back to Bowling Green, Ohio, where he died at the age in the age of eighty-four years. His wife had also reached that age at the time of her death, and their remains were both interred in the cemetery of that city. In religious faith they were Methodists, and in politics he was a a stanch Republican Our subject received a common-school education; and remained at home until he attained his majority. For a short time he worked as a farm hand for three seasons went as cook on Lake Erie, and later engaged in the same occupation with his father while the latter was contracting. He afterward entered the store of John McCrory,. of Portage, where he remained nearly a year and then began merchandising on his own account with the small capital of $30; but on the 4th of July, 1848, during the celebration at Portage, he cleared $130 by selling lemonade, etc. This gave him a start, and for twenty-six years he successfully conducted a general merchandising business at that place, at the end of which time he traded his store for a farm on the Portage pike, which he operated for three years. On August 22, 1854, in Miltonville, Wood county, he he was married to Electa Downs, a native of this county, and daughter of Samuel Downs. After her death, which occurred in Portage township, he removed to Freeport, Ohio, where he conducted a store until May, 1876, at which time he went to Jerry City, there buying out the stock of goods of Isreal Nestlerode. For eight years he continued business at that place, when he went to Bairdstown, where for a year he was employed as clerk by Ogden & Keene, whom, later, he bought out. He afterward removed his stock of goods to Jerry City, where he carried on business until December, 1894. In the meantime he was again married, his second union being with Miss Maggie Stewart. His present wife bore the maiden name of Miss Mary Beach. She is a native of Byesville, Guernsey Co., Ohio, and at the time of her marriage, which was celebrated in Napoleon, Ohio February 7, 1889, was serving as chief templar of the Juvenile Temple of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Ohio. She is a lady of unusual literary attainments, finely educated, and a lecturer of ability. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son -- Alfred, born November 20, 1893. By his second marriage our subject has one child--Leavy, born November 23, 1887. At present Mr. Van Blarcum gives his attention to his farm of forty acres, and also carries on a hotel in Jerry City. He is an industrious, energetic man, never idle, and takes great interest in everything tending to promote the welfare or aid in the advancement of the community. He has always been a stalwart Republican; for fourteen years served as postmaster at Portage, which office he declined to accept in Jerry City where he is now serving as a member of the City council and on the school board. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 112, F. & A. M. and the Chapter, No. 58, R. A. M. M., of Findlay, Ohio; he also holds membership with Vitus Lodge No. 612, I. O. O. F., of Jerry City. CLARENCE E. DOWLING, an intelligent and progressive-young agriculturist of Montgomery township, residing in Section 29, was born March 11, 1874, at Kenton, Ohio: and is the youngest child of Rev. William and Mary S. (Chapman) Dowling. He comes from one of the most illustrious families of Wood county, its members having attained to positions of prominence in their various walks of life. The primary education of our subject was obtained in the schools of Kenton, and on the removal of his parents to Marion, Ohio, he entered the schools of that place; but later again pursued his studies at Kenton, as the family had returned to that city. When about eighteen years of age he became a student in the college at Bethany, W. Va., where his brother, F. M., was then professor of Latin, and remained there for almost three terms. On leaving college, Mr. Dowling came to the farm on which he still lives, it comprising a tract of fifty acres located in Sections 28 and 29. Montgomery township, and he has erected thereon a pleasant dwelling. On December 30, 1894, Mt. Dowling was united in marriage, with Miss Estella Dicken, who was born in Section 29, Montgomery township, December 26, 1871, and is the youngest daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Stahl) Dicken. As our subject is a young man of correct habits, and of upright, moral character, an honorable career WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1287 was before, him in his chosen calling, and he has already met with success in his undertakings. He holds membership with the Disciples Church, and, politically, is a stanch Republican. LEWIS P. RISSER. Among the citizens of Perry township who are of German birth is the gentleman of whom this narrative is written, and in his native land he learned the traits of economy and frugality, which have been the source of his present competency. Many of the best citizens of Wood county are his countrymen, and they almost invariably merit and. receive the esteem and respect of the community in the same degree that he does. His birth occurred July 22, 1838, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Risser, whose other children were as follows: Catherine, who makes her home in Bloom township, Wood county; Jacob, a farmer of Elkhart county; Ind., though by trade he is a shoemaker; Elizabeth, now Mrs. H. P. Pletcher, of the same county; Henry, who died in that county; Bartholomew and Christian, both of whom make their homes in Elkhart county, Ind. ; Mary, wife of George Milner, of Bloom township,. Wood county; and Martha, who died in Ashland county, Ohio, in infancy. In May, 1845, Henry Risser started with his family for the New World, and after a long voyage of two months, they landed in New York. One son was born at sea. By the Erie canal they went to Buffalo, N. Y., thence by lake to Cleveland, Ohio, and by team to Ashland county, where the father had a brother living. For four years they lived in that county, but in the spring of 1849, they located on eighty -acre tract now owned by our subject in Section 6, Perry township. It seemed then that the work of civilization had scarcely begun in this region, the land was mostly covered with a denise forest, wild game was to be found, including turkeys and deer. Everything that was raised on the farm was taken to Perrysburg, where they could only receive merchandise in exchange. Only eighteen acres of the land had been cleared and after renting the place for six years the father purchased it the price being $600, a part of which was paid by the five sons, who worked away from home in order to secure it. After residing there for several years, the father sold the place to our subject, and removed to Elkhart county, Ind., where he died when nearly eighty-four years of age. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife passed away in Perry township: and was buried in the Mennonite cemetery. Lewis P. Risser for one winter attended school in Germany, and completed his education in the district schools of this country„ but his studies were often interrupted as his labors were needed in the fields. At the age of twenty-one he began learning the carpenter's trade under George Lenhart, and followed that vocation for some years. At the time of his marriage he had only $30 on interest, and operated rented land in both Montgomery and Perry townships, then located on the home farm, but later, went to Bloom township, where he first owned property. selling out there he purchased the old homestead of his father for $4,000, and to its cultivation he has since devoted his attention. On June 6, 1867, in Perry 'township as solemnized the marriage of Mr. Risser and Miss Hester Bresler; who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 5, 1839, a daughter of John and Hester (Nestlerode) Bresler. She received a common-school education, and. while on a visit to her brother Philip, in Perry township, met and married our subject. They have become the parents of three children --Susie, born May 30, 1868; Tobias C., born December 30, 1869; and William E., born May 20, 1871. Mr. Risser votes in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for seven consecutive years filled the office of supervisor. In religions belief, both he and his wife are Protestant Methodists, attending the service of Bloom Chapel, of which he is serving as trustee He declined the office of class leader, and resigned that of steward. In all his labors he has been ably seconded and assisted by his wife, who has proved to him a faithful and devoted helpmeet. ASAHEL PHILO, one of the honored pioneer settlers of Webster township, was born July 2, 1832, of ancestry who originally came from France, settling in New York State. There our subject's father, Hurlbut Philo, was born, and thence moved to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming. He was there married to Miss Anna Patrick (a lady of English descent), who was born in Connecticut. They had nine children two of whom died in infancy, the others being: David; Elizabeth, the widow of Thorn S. Castle; Fitch, deceased; Daniel; Susanna. the wife of William Gray; Asahel; and William, who was killed in a railway accident while on the way to join the army. In 1856, the family came to Wood county, locating in Webster township, where our subject's mother died in 1865. His father survived her eighteen years and died in 1865. Our subject received his early education in Pennsylvania, and worked upon his father's farm 1288 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. until his majority, when he moved to Erie county, Ohio and found similar employment; then rented a farm in Huron county, and in 1854 he moved to Weston, Wood county, Six years later he bought a tract of land in Webster township entirely covered, with woods and water. After redeeming this he sold it, and then improved an eighty-acre tract in the same way. On disposing of this, he bought 120 acres near Scotch Ridge, which he still owns, devoting it chiefly to stock raising. Beginning at the foot of the ladder, he has made his way by hard work, and has succeeded in every enterprise with which he has been identified. He holds stock in a creamery, and an elevator, and is president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of which he is also solicitor. Mr. Philo was married in Sandusky county, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Marks, and six children were born to them: Annie Jane, the wife of John E. Muir; Caroline H., wife of Charles McDonald; Albert D.; Berdella, and Ralph, who are still at home, and Mary deceased. Mrs. Philo, who is a lady of fine abilities and great force of character, is an active member of the W. C. T. U. and the Woman's Missionary Association. The family are all members of the U. B. Church, and Church, and ready supporters of every worthy movement. Mr. Philo has been a school director for a number of years, and he was elected justice of the peace on the Prohibition ticket. He belongs to the I. O. G. T., and to the Grange, in which he was at one time Grand Master. WESLEY H. EWING, one of the prosperous and influential farmers of Plain township, is a native of Wood county, born November 25, 1850, in Perrysburg township, a son of Anthony and Adelaide (Harple) Ewing. His father was the first white child born near Wolfe Rapids, Wood county, and was a boy at the time of the war of 1812. Early in life he was a sailor on the great lakes, but he subsequently became a farmer. He lived awhile in Lucas county, afterward locating near Perrysburg, Wood county; he died in Lucas county aged seventy-eight years. Politically he was an Old line Whig. He was twice married his first wife being Miss Rebecca Loop, by whom he had three children: Henry, Sarah. and Samuel. To his second union eight, children were born, namely: Wesley H., the subject of this sketch: Bethiah, who married Zack Jenson, and lives in Michigan; Anthony, residing in Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio; Joseph living in Texas; Julia, the wife of Samuel Jenson, living in Michigan; Esther, the wife of George Pierson, living in Saginaw, Mich., and Tunis and Charles, both of whom reside in Michigan. The mother of this family is still living, and has her home in Michigan. Our subject remained with his parents until March 2, 1870, when he married Miss Rhoda Kittles, who was born in Lucas county, Ohio, September 1, 1854. For one year after his marriage he lived in Michigan, thence returning to Lucas county, where he remained ten years. In 1880 he took up his residence in Wood county, settling on a farm of forty acres near Bowling Green, to which he has added till he has 160 acres. His place is fortunately situated in the oil field of the county, and he has sixteen good oil wells on it, from which he derives a hand-some income. He is a good businessman, also a successful farmer, and is considered one of the leading men of his community. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, is no office seeker, but has served as school director. He is a member of Centennial Lodge No.626,: I. O. O. F., of Bowling Green. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ewing: Allen (who is married to Nora Knauss, and has one child--Roscoe), James. Arthur, Mabel, Myrtle, Blanche, and Raymond E. The family is highly esteemed, and holds a prominent place in society. The fine residence they now occupy was built in 1893. Miss, Ewing's parents, Dewitt and Elena (Proper) Kitties, were natives of New York, where they were married. They came to Ohio about 1850 and here he engaged in farming, also carrying on the trades of shoemaker and carpenter. They had seven children: Sarah, wife of H. Driver, a farmer living near Toledo; James, Tunis and Dewitt, all three of whom are farmers near Toledo; Jane, who died at the age of nine years; Nicholas, deceased in infancy, and Mrs. Ewing. The father died in 1860, the mother in March, 1891. EUGENE GRANT LATHROP, one of the worthy representatives of agricultural interests in Wood county, was born in Auburn, Kans., January 25, 1863, and is a son of George D. and Columbia A. (Hover) Lathrop, the former a native of New York, the latter of Ohio. They were married, and for some years resided in Bellefontaine, Ohio, then removed to Milwaukee, Wis.,¬ where for six years the father was bookkeeper for a hardware company. He then took his family to Kansas for the sole purpose of voting to make it a free State, and lived on a farm there until 1863, when a return to Ohio. He lived in Auglaize county, on the site WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1289 of Fort Amanda which has built during the war of 1812, and there resided until his death, in 1887. His widow is yet living on the homestead. They had nine children - Georgiana, who died at the age of five: California, who was born in Ohio in 1849, while her father was in the State of that name prospecting for gold; Rodney, who died in infancy; Harry, a station agent at Browntown, Wis. ; Charles Sumner, who is living on the old homestead with his mother; Grace wife of J. W. Black, of Fort Amanda, Ohio; Eugene Grant; William U., a merchant: and Clarence L., at home. Our subject is descended from Samuel Lathrop, one of the twenty men who founded the town of Norwich, Conn. He came to this country from England in the latter part of the 17th century, and the mother of our subject was also descended from one of the founders of that town. Mr. Lathrop, of this review, acquired a good education, and successfully followed school teaching for about eleven terms. In 1883 he purchased twenty acres of land in Auglaise county, and has since carried on farming. He was married in Weston, Ohio, October 12, 1887, to Laura D. Lathrop, who was born in Liberty township, a daughter of Adoniran Judson, and Isadore E. (Delano) Lathrop. They located on a 160- acre tract of land owned by Mrs. Lathrop, of this review, which had been secured by her grandfather, who receive a patent from Gen. Jackson. Four children graced their union -- George D., Charles S., and Hope, at home; and Frank, who died in infancy. Mr. Lathrop is a Republican in politics, and served as supervisor for one term, but has never sought or desired political preferment, his time being devoted to his farm work, in which he is meeting with good success. Mrs. Lathrop is a member of the Presbyterian Church. HORACE MERCER is one of the enterprising and and progressive agriculturists of Liberty township and a well-spent life has won for him the confidence and high regard of many friends, He was born in Liberty township, October 18, 1841, a son of George and Jane (Montgomery) Mercer, natives of Pennsylvania.. The father was a lifelong farmer, and was married in his State, where he operated a tract of land for some years. He is numbered among the pioneers of Wood county, where he secured sixty-acres of wild land, building thereon a log cabin and turning his attention to the development of a farm. His wife died in 1854, after which he was married to Elizabeth Moore. She passed away, and he subsequently wedded Mary Brown. His death occurred in 1890. The children of the first union were David who died in Liberty township; Mary Ann, widow of James McCrory, and a resident of Liberty; Mrs. Isabel Wolf, who died in Pennsylvania; William of Portage township, John, of Waterville, Ohio; George, of Liberty township, Reason and Daniel, who died in Liberty township; Samuel, of Bowling Green; Horace; Caleb, of Liberty township; and Jane, wife of Peter Durey. Our subject received his education in the common schools, and early became familiar with the labors of the home farm. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in his country's service : August 13, 1862, as a member of Company D, 111th O. V. I., and with his command went almost immediately to the front. He participated in the entire Atlanta campaign, and was honorably discharged July 17, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. At Cleveland, Ohio he was mustered out and returned home with the consciousness of having faithfully defended his country in her hour of peril. On the 3d of July, 1862, Mr Mercer was united in marriage with Phoebe A. Whitacre, a native of Bloom township, and a daughter of Reason and Mary (McCrory) Whitacre. They located on their present farm, Mr. Mercer having inherited eighty acres from his father. He has built a good residence here and now made many excellent improvements, and now has one of the most desirable farms of the community. The home has been blessed with nine children- Milton, Samuel A., a farmer of Liberty township; Mary, wife of Frank Cook, of Jackson township; Daniel D.; Clarence; Rose, wife of Fred Whitaker, of Liberty of Liberty township, Jefferson, Frank; and George. Mr. and Mrs; Mercer belong to the Disciples Church; in politics he is a stalwart Republican, and is serving as township trustee. Extensive reading has made him a well-informed man, and in all the relations of life he has been found true and faithful to his duty, manifesting the same loyalty which characterized his career as a soldier. JOHN ROTHENBUHLER, a well-known agriculturist, residing near Luckey, was born in Webster township April 11, 1856. His father, John W. Rothenbuhler, is a native of Berne, Switzerland, whence he came to this country in 1849, locating in Webster township on 100 acres of land which he still cultivates. He built a saw 1290 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. mill on his farm, which he operated for over twenty years. In 1855 he married Mrs. Barbara Ryder, the widow of John Ryder, and seven children were born of this union, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are; Fred, Henry, Gotlieb, Sophia (now Mrs. Emil Christian), and Emma (the wife of West Eggleston). The youngest child died in infancy. Both parents are devout members of the Evangelical Church. Our subject attended the district schools of his neighborhood during boyhood, and at an early age began to make himself useful in his father's sawmill. At the age of twenty-three he bought twenty acres of land, to which he has added until he now has sixty-five acres of fine land under cultivation. He is mainly engaged in dairying. He was married, April 20, 1880, to Miss Mary Ann Burkholder, who was born August 27, 1862, a daughter of Christopher and Katie (Kassamon) Burkholder, both natives of Germany. Three children were born to this marriage: William, May 27, 1881; Joseph, July 28, 1883, and Lena, July 18, 1886. In politics, Mr. Rothenbuhler is a Republican, and he and. his wife are both members of the Evangelical Church. Their industry and economy make them well-worthy of the success to which they have attained, and they stand high in the esteem of large circle of friends. PETER D. CURRAN has been a welcome guest in the home of Mr. Rothenbuhler for the past sixteen years. He is a native of Stark county, Ohio, born March 15, 1836. His father James B.. Curran, was born in Pennsylvania, and in early manhood moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where he married Miss Elizabeth Dugan. Their later years were spent in Peru, Ind. Six children were born to them: John S., Caroline, Thomas, Hannah, Peter and Harriet. Mr Curran's educational advantages were limited, as he was obliged to make his own way from the age of eleven, but he has gained a wide range of information by private study. At the first call to arms in the Civil war he enlisted in Company B, 12th O. V. I. (Capt. Albert Galloway and Col. John W. Lowe commanding). He took part in the battles of Scary Creek, Antietam, South Mountain, Lynchburg, New Burnbridge, among others, and was discharged in 1863. He soon re-enlisted, this time in Company K, 23 rd O. V. I., and during the engagement at Winchester he was captured and confined in Libby prison, where he remained until 1865, when he was discharged by order of the War department. After his return to the North, he worked for fourteen years on the C. C. C. & I. R. R., at Versailles, Ohio, and then moved to Toledo, where he worked some years. He then came to Luckey, and has since resided with Mr. Rothenbuhler. GEORGE TYSON, one of the enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of Perry township, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 8, 1829, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Landis) Tyson, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Montgomery county, July 11, 1792, and the latter April 11, 1795. After their marriage in the Keystone State, they removed to Knox township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1825, and on the 2nd of September, 1847, brought their family to Wood county, where the father had previously purchased eighty acres of land Section 36, Portage township. Wild game was quite plentiful at that time, and our subject once caught a deer with his hands which had been chased by the dogs. In the family were six children: David, who died in Michigan; Maria, who became the wife of Isaac Hunisecker, and died Portage township: Henry, of Wayne county, Ohio; Barbara, widow of John Echelberger, of Bloom township, Wood county, Isaac, of Elkhart county, Ind., and George. The father was a weaver by trade, and in early days supported his family by his loom. On coming to Wood county he was quite poor, but became the owner of 100 acres of good land. Politically he was a Whig, and religiously was a member of the Mennonite Church, being one of the organizers of that denomination in Perry township. His death occurred in Portage township, March 17, 1874, and his wife passed away in Bloom township, September 14, 1875, they were buried in the Mennonite cemetery of Perry township. The education of George Tyson was obtained in Columbiana county, having to walk a distance of two miles to the log school house with its slab-seats, and writing desk made of slabs supported by pins driven into the wall. The school was conducted on the subscription plan and he was allowed to attend the three winter months during which time he made good progress, so at the age of fourteen he was as far advanced in his studies as the other members of the family, and was taken from school. At the age of eighteen he came to Wood county, the family coming with others, and made the journey in five days. Work was plentiful in the new country, corn being their best crop as the land was then too wet for wheat. The father had allowed his sons to leave home at the age of eighteen years: but as our subject remained with him he was given forty acres of timber land in Section 36, Portage WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1291 township, a part of the original purchase, and after his marriage resided there, working father's land on the shares during the summer, in the winter he cleared his own place. In April, 1871, he located on eighty acres of his present farm in section 20 Perry township, to which he has since added until he now has 127 acres of arable land. In 1881 he erected his pleasant brick residence, and he has met with a well-deserved success in his calling. His well-ordered farm, with its carefully cultivated fields, its neat buildings, their surroundings, denote the skillful management, industry, and well-directed labors of the owner. Mr. Tyson was married in Tiffin, Ohio, October 9, 1851, to Miss Frances Snyder, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, January 19, 1833, a daughter of George Snyder, who at an early day located in Bloom township, near Bloomdale, Wood county. Their family consisted of four daughters Sarah A., now Mrs. S. E. Brandeberry, of Perry township: Margaret E., now Mrs. David of Michigan; Lucy. J., now Mrs. Allen Brandeberry, of Perry township; and Rachel, who died in infancy. Since the dissolution of the Whig party, Mr. Tyson has been a Democrat in politics. In 1858 he united with the German Baptist Church, the following year was ordained as a local minister, and still later was advanced for faithfulness to a higher grade of ministry, having full power to solemnize marriages and baptize converts. In 1891, however, he voluntarily retired on account of his age but still retains his license. He has traveled over the country considerably, often filling in pulpits twenty miles distant, and has ever been a faithful and conscientious worker in his Master's vineyard. AMOS TRIBBLE has for about sixty years been a resident of Wood county, and is therefore numbered among the honored pioneer settlers who have witnessed almost its entire development, watching the transformation of the wild lands into beautiful homes and farms, the growth of hamlets and villages, and the onward march of progress. He is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests and is now farming in Middleton township. Born in Clermont county, Ohio, April 10, 1820, he is a son of Cornelius Tribble, a native of South Carolina, who served in the war of 1812. He married Sarah Steven, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, namely; Ann, widow of William Brecker, Allison, a farmer of Clermont county, Amos, Cynthia, wife of B. Johnson; and Alphos. The parents both died in Clermont County, Ohio. Our subject attended school in Clermont county until 1836, at which time he came to Wood county. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land in Middleton township, which he cleared, afterward adding thereto twenty acres. The land was swampy, so in order to make it cultivable he was obliged to drain it. He had to endure the hardships of pioneer life and the difficulties occasioned by limited circumstances in those early day's: but as time passed he secured a comfortable competence, erected a residence at cost of $1,200, and now has an excellent farm. In 1840 he was married in Clermont county to Margaret; daughter of Absalom Higby, and they became the parents of six children: Julia, wife of H. N. Rush; L. P.; treasurer of Middleton township; Lizzie, wife of Eli Chapman; Charles, a farmer, who married Ella Snyder, and has one son - Fred; and Annie, who both died in childhood. The mother of the family passed away November 1, 1892. Mr. Tribble is a Republican in politics, has been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, and has served as supervisor and trustee for three terms. He was a faithful Christian, a thoroughly reliable and trustworthy man, and his life has been an honorable, upright one, which has made him a respected and valued citizen of the community in which he has so long resided. CHRISTIAN HAGER was born May 27, 1818, in Washington county, Md., and is a son of Christian and Rachel (Hamil) Hager. The latter was a native of Maryland, but the former was a native of Berks county, Penn., and was a weaver by trade. Soon after their marriage Mr. Hager and his wife removed from Maryland to Franklin county, Penn., and there spent their remaining days, the father following weaving. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. There were born to them four children- Harriet, deceased wife of John Hayfrick; Christian; Hattie, twin sister of our subject, was drowned when a child; and John, who served in the, Mexican war, was heard from only once after its close, and is supposed to be dead. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received a limited education in the district schools. At the age of eleven he began work in Franklin county, Penn., as a farm hand for his board and clothes and later worked for another farmer for $3 per month and board. His father received his wages until after he had attained his majority, and he then supported his parents until their 1292 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO deaths. On the 31st of December, 1846, in Franklin county, Penn., he wedded Mary Snyder, native of that State, and in the spring of 1847 traveled by wagon to Seneca county, Ohio. There he worked at making rails for fifty cents per day and board. After a time he purchased three acres of land near Tiffin, Ohio for $330, and subsequently sold it for $450. He next rented a farm in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he remained for seven years, and then came to Wood county, operating a rented farm for one season. In 1870 he bought eighty acres in Jackson township, which he at once began to clear and improve, and has since transformed it into a fine farm. On this homnestead Mrs. Hager died in May, 1890. Their children were as follows: Samantha A., now the wife of W. Valentine, of Seneca county, Ohio: Mary E., widow of George Gillett, of Seneca county; Daniel Francis, a farmer of Seneca county George W., Jeremiah and Christian, who died in childhood; Katie, wife of Dr. Wadsworth, of Hoytville; Luther, a farmer of Jackson township; Jesse, a merchant of Hoytville; William, a machine agent of Jackson township; Virginia Belle, who was born August 4, 1869, and was married in Findlay, Ohio, November 7, 1886, to David Peter Bryan, who was born in Hancock county, July 26, 1860, and educated in the district school and the Ada Normal School, of Ada, Ohio. Mr. Bryan is a farmer by occupation, and he and his wife have three children -- Carl C., who died in childhood; Watson Henry and Jessie F. The youngest member of the Hager family is Hattie, wife of George T. Beahm, of Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Hager, of this sketch, is a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church. He has attained success in business through his own well directed efforts, and is a highly-esteemed citizen. W. T. FARMER, an energetic young agriculturist of Portage township, was born December 26, 1872, in Millbury, Lake township, Wood county, son of Edwin and Charlotte (Tyrrell) Farmer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was a small boy when his parents came to Center township, and there he received his education, attending the district school of the neighborhood. He worked at home the greater part of the time, and lived with his parents until his marriage, when he removed to his present farm. which he had purchased shortly before, buying west half of the southwest quarter of Section 34, a part of the Jonas Hampshire farm, in Portage township. Mr. Farmer erected a new house and barn, and is one of the prosperous agriculturists of his neighborhood, progressive in every way. On December 20, 1894, he was married, in Toledo , Ohio to Miss Ella Conklin, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of James Conklin. Mr. Farmer is prospering, and is destined to become one of the substantial citizens of his neighborhood. In politics he is a stanch Republican. G. SCHWECHHEIMER, Industry, economy, and good judgment are still at a premium in the business world, and the subject of this sketch, arrived in Bowling Green, Wood county, only fourteen years ago, without means, and possessing no knowledge of the English language, furnishes an instance in proof. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 2, 1863 the son of Jacob Schwechheimer. His ancestors were respected residents of that vicinity, and a full account of the family is given in the biography of a half brother of our subject, Christoph Lehmann, well-known business man of Bowling Green. At the age of eighteen our subject left his old home, where he had enjoyed the opportunities for education given in the excellent public schools, and in 1881, immediately after his arrival, went to work for Mr. Lehmann in his meat market. For eight years he remained there, learning our language, making acquaintances, the details of the business, and saving his money, and; when he opened a market of his own in 1889, he had so won the esteem of the community, that from the start he had a large patronage. He butchers his own meat, buying by the car load in Chicago, or from farmers in the vicinity, as occasion offers. He also runs a packing house, and cures hams, and pork of all grades; butchering for this line of work from five to seven hundred hogs per year. There are few business men in any locality who have more well wishes than has this young adopted citizen of Bowling Green. In 1891 he was married to Miss Amelia Kaufman, who was born in 1868, near Marietta, Ohio. They have one son; Frank. Politically our subject is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. JOHN REYNOLDS, one of the self-made men of Montgomery township, whose early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, commenced life without other capital than his strong hands and resolute will, and has attained to a fine position. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1293 socially and financially, among his fellow citizens. His homestead, one of the most noticeable in the to township, embraces a fertile tract of land under through cultivation, and is finely located in Section 18. Both as a business man and a citizen the proprietor stands well among the men of his township and vicinity, as having materially assisted in the development of the county. Mr. Reynolds was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1841, and is the son of John Reynolds, a farmed of that country, where he is still living at the age of eighty-eight years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Carr, and was a most loving wife and kind and indulgent mother to her large family of eleven children, who in order of birth, are as follows: John, of this review: James, a merchant of Coleraine, Ireland; Hugh, a farmer of Portage township, Wood county; Nancy, widow of Robert Hutton: William, of Ireland; Sarah, who is also living in that country; Robert and Matthew, both of Ireland; Mary J. and Eliza, twins, the former now Mrs. Robert McCarty, and the latter Mrs. John W. Boyd, of County Antrim, Ireland. Most of the family still make their home on the Emerald Isle, where they are well-to-do and prosperous. Our subject received his education in the county of his nativity. A school-mate of his, Robert Caskie, had come to the United States and was employed in the slate quarries of eastern Pennsylvania. This friend sent Mr. Reynolds a ticket in 1866, and the promise of work if he would come to America. Bidding adieu to home and friends, he left County Derry, and on the "Columbia " sailed for the New World, and, after a stormy voyage of seventeen days, he landed at Castle Garden. at to 10 A. M. on Christmas Day, 1867. He went at once to Slatington, Penn., where he was employed in the slate quarries for ten years. At that place Mr. Reynolds wedded Miss Josephine Fletcher, a native of Germany, who had been brought to the United States when a child of two years, and they became the parents of five children -- James, who died at the age of three years: Sarah who died in infancy; William, who also died in infancy: and John and Hugh, both at home. The mother departed this life in Wood county, in March, 1882. It was in the spring of 1875 that Mr. Reynolds had brought his family to this county, where he had two brothers, Hugh and Robert, farmers of Portage township, and there he purchased twenty acres of land, going in debt for part of the amount required. In Wood county our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret McKaig, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 8, 1852, and is the daughter of Robert and Eliza (Reynolds) McKaig, natives of County Derry, Ireland. Six children have born of this union - Robert:; William J., Sadie and Willie, twins; and. Charles and George, twins: All are living with the exception of George. Upon his farm, in Portage township. Mr. Reynolds resided until 1893, when he removed to his present place, which comprises 165 acres of valuable land. While employed in the slate quarries of Pennsylvania, he suffered from a broken thigh, and a stiff knee resulted. Though handicapped in this way to some extent, he has ever been a hard worker, and it renders his accumulations that much more creditable. He is just such a citizen as his nativity suggests, honest, progressive and upright, and is one of the representative farmers of the community, where he makes his home. Religiously he is a Methodist Protestant, in which Church he has served as trustee, and politically he has always been an earnest Republican. . W. R. CAROTHERS, A popular and well-known citizen of Wood county, was born in Beaver county, Penn., January 24, 1815, and is a son of Andrew and Jane (Fitzsimmons) Carothers. Both were natives of the Keystone State, and the former was born in 1783. At the age of nineteen he went to the South; and was engaged in teaching school among the planters in different States for seven years. Then returning home he was married, and in 1809 located in Ohio township, Beaver county, where he purchased 100 acres of land and carried on farming for a period of years, at the same time he conducted a hotel and taught school for ten years. Latter he was employed at school teaching in various places in Columbiana and Crawford counties, Ohio, following that pursuit until seventy-five years of age. His death occurred in 1878, and his wife died in Morrow county, Ohio, about 1873. The first two children of the family died in early childhood, and the others are W. R., Eliza Jane, wife of Andrew Morrison, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio; Jonathan who died at the age of twenty-two; Dr. James Henderson, of Martinez, Cal.; Samuel, who died young; and Dr. John, who died in California. Mr. Carothers, of this sketch, was educated by his father, and at the age of twelve years began work as a farm hand, receiving only $2 per month and his board. he was thus employed 1294 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. until eighteen years of age, when he began the brick-mason's trade, and at the age of twenty-one he commenced school teaching in Crawford county, Ohio, following that vocation through fourteen consecutive winter seasons, being employed at brick laying in the summer. He built the first brick building in Galion, Ohio, and worked on the infirmary in Crawford county, and the Union school house in Bucyrus, Ohio. In May, 1836, Mr. Carothers was married in Crawford county, to Madgalena Heiffer, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1813, and was of German lineage, her father having immigrated to America from Germany, at the age of twelve years. In 1852 our subject came with his family to Wood county, and purchased 200 acres of land in Liberty township, this including the eighty-acre farm on which he yet resides. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits, although he has devoted some attention to other interests. In 1876 he went to Beaver county with his brother, where he engaged in brick laying, drilling wells and setting boilers. In the summer of 1877 he went to Columbia county, Penn., where he was engaged in the construction of the Letonia Iron Works. He is, however, numbered among the leading and substantial farmers of Wood county, and the success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts.. To Mr. Carothers and wife were born: Franklin, who died at the age of twenty-four; Eliza Jane, wife of W. H; Richardson, of Bowling Green, Matilda, wife of Montgomery Loomis, of Ashley, Mich,; Sarah, who died at the age of seventeen; William Forbes, who died at the age thirty-three; and Emma, who became the wife of Hiram Woodworth, and died in Cleveland, Ohio. After the death of the mother of this family Mr. Carothers married Elizabeth C. Weaver, and they have one son, Reason Dawson. Our subject has considerable local note as a composer of comic songs, and his rendition of the same is worthy of a professional. In politics he is a Democrat. Though a member of no Church, has always been a close Bible student. He is also familiar with many of the standard works of literature. He is a man of scholarly tastes. and broad general information, and his sterling worth has gained him the friendship of many. BERNARD INDLEKOFER, the able and popular postmaster at Weston, was born in Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, May 5, 1856. His parents were both natives of Germany, and his father, Nicholas Indlekofer, came to America in 1853, his mother, Rosalia (Kramer), a year later. They were married in Cincinnati, and settled in Norwalk, where the father died in February, 1885, at the age of fifty-nine, and where the mother still resides. Three children were born of this union: Bernard, Mary and Rosa. Our subject, when fourteen years old, left home to learn cabinet making at Bellevue, Ohio. He followed his trade for some time in Decatur, Ind., and then returned to Norwalk, where he worked in the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern carshops for about eight years. In 1880 he came to Weston, and, opened an establishment of his own. So well did he gain and hold the confidence of the community that, in 1885, he was appointed postmaster under Cleveland. Three years and six months later he was relieved on account of his strong Democatic prolivities; but he was given a position to the railway mail service between Cleveland and Syracuse, which he held until another change of administration. Returning to Weston, he opened a restaurant and grocery which he conducted until re-appointed postmaster, July 1, 1893. He is an influential political worker, and is prominent among the business men of Weston. In 1893 he built the handsome brick block in which the post office is now located. On October 1, 1879, Mr. Indlekofer was married to Miss Catherine Cook, who was born at Weston, June 24, 1858. To this union were born four children, namely; Rosa, John and Maggie, who are living at home; and Carl, the second child, when an infant. Mr. Indlekofer and his family are leading members of the Roman Catholic Church. HON. NATHAN HATFIELD, a leading agriculturist of Perry township, and one of the best of the able men who have represented Wood county in the State Legislature, was born February 28, 1813, in St. Clair township, Belmont Co., Ohio, Ohio, the son of William and Nancy (McMahan) Hatfield. "Uncle Nate" is a self-made man, and his well-known kindliness of heart may be the result of that fellow feeling for the less fortunate, which only those can know who have at some time felt the pressure of poverty. His father, a native of New York State was at one time a wealthy merchant in Wheeling, W. Va.; but he lost his fortune in 1820, through becoming a surety to the extent of $90,000, for parties who failed to meet their obligations. His property was sufficient to meet the liability under ordinary circumstances; but a forced sale caused a sacrifice of values, which WOOD COUNTY, OHIO, - 1295 left him penniless. He might have saved something from the wreck by certain manipulations; but he was too proud to attempt them. His brother, Capt. Nathan Hatfield, a veteran of the war of 1812, for whom our subject was named, was then living in Cincinnati, and he furnished means for the family to move to Hamilton county, and make a new home there. The journey was on a flat-boat, which floated down the Ohio. Soon after their arrival our subject's mother, who had previously been healthy and robust, died from the effects of the humiliation and anxiety, which she had undergone, leaving ten children, who were scattered among strangers, to make their way in the world. Nathan was but seven years old, and his childhood knew many hard experiences, which he bravely endured. His father married again, and by that union had four sons. He died at the age of sixty-five, at the home of our subject, where his last years were made comfortable by the tender care of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Hatfield. Young Hatfield availed himself of such opportunities for schooling as his time and locality afforded, and a bright intellect helped him to obtain a good education. He is now an earnest advocate of better schools, by which any child, no matter what the position of his parents may be, can, if he will, secure a thorough intellectual training . He is a lover of horses, and his first business venture was the purchase of a colt for $5.00, which he had saved, a few-cents at a time. His employer allowed him free pasture, and, by careful attention, the colt was brought into good condition and traded for a larger animal, the young speculator sold later for $50.00. With this sum he bought a good horse in Bertrand stock. During the cholera epidemic of 1832. Mr. Hatfield, then nineteen years old, rode this horse to Richland county to escape the disease, and there he began to, work at plastering and bricklaying for a brother-in-law, James Worley, with whom he worked on the first brick house built in Findlay -- the residence of William Taylor, a merchant there. At that time Findlay was a fort. While on his way there from Richland county he learned of the cheap lands in Wood county, and he bargained for forty acres in Section 33, Perry township, for which he traded his latest acquisition in horse flesh, a vicious horse in exchange for his Kentucky-bred animal. This land he visited in 1833; but he did not at that time occupy it, preferring to continue his trade in Orange township, Richland county. In 1834 our subject was married to Miss Sarah McHarry, a native of Ireland, who had come to America in childhood with her parents. Three children were born of this union: Jane A., who married John McMahan, and died in Perry township; Nancy, who died when a child; and Louisa, residing at Fostoria, who was first married to Amos Norris, who was killed at Millgrove, in 1863, by the explosion of a cannon, and she subsequently wedded, Walter McMahan, now also deceased. The mother of this family died in August, 1844, and her remains now rest in the cemetery at Fostoria. On February 9, 1845, Mr. Hatfield married Miss Angeline McMahan, an old acquaintance, who was a native of Hamilton county, born November 16, 1813. Their wedding trip was the journey from her home to Wood county, made partly by stage and partly over the Mad River railroad, the first railroad the first railroad constructed in Ohio. They have seven children; William, a resident of Hancock county; Andrew, of Fostoria; Emma, now Mrs. James Brandeberry, of Pemberville, Wood county; P. J., who lives in Perry township; Angeline, the wife of Frederick Fruit, of Seneca county; Job, who resides at Portland, Ore.; and Sarah, Mrs. Myron Fletcher, of Perry township. Mrs. Hatfield is a woman of remarkable intelligence and sagacity, and her husband does not hesitate to avow, with manly pride in her abilities, that her help has been an important factor in his success. She possesses unusual vitality also, and, at the age of eighty-three, is hale and hearty, with scarcely a trace of gray in her hair. She was a daughter of Andrew McMahan, an ensign in the American army during the war of 1812, who was wounded while on the ramparts of Fort Meigs during the battle there. After the battle he was placed on a horse, and managed to make his way to his home in Cincinnati, where he lived many years, following the cabinet-maker's trade. Mr. Hatfield is well preserved for his years, and has never worn spectacles. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield celebrated their golden wedding February 9, 1895, and their relatives and friends took advantage of the happy event to demonstrate the affection in which this worthy couple is held wherever they are known. They are both members of the M. E. Church, in which Mr. Hatfield as a class leader for is quarter of a century. and his donations to that Church and to other religious causes amount to a fortune. Indeed, "Uncle Nate's" generosity and hospitality are proverbial, and no needy and deserving person has ever sought relief from him in vain. His home has been for years a haven of rest to the weary traveler, and never has any charge made. 1296 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Hatfield came to Wood county to reside in 1836, locating upon his little forty-acre tract, where he built a log house, and followed farming working as as opportunity came at his trade, Fort Wayne. As he would get money to spare, he would go on foot though the woods to the land office and buy land, at $1.25 per acre, and in this way he added to his holdings until he owned at one nine 1,000 acres, and he now owns nearly 700. Honor and fairness have characterized his every transaction, no matter how small, and his integrity is never questioned. His landed estate forms but a part of his possessions, as he owns fine business property in Fostoria and North Baltimore. It is not often that a poor boy attains such worldly success, and still less frequently do we see nobility of character and goodness of heart left untouched by the long struggle with worldly necessities. In politics Mr. Hatfield is Democrat, as was his father before him, and although he never aspired to political office, his ability, public spirit and popularity among all classes has made him a leader in the party in this region. Quite without effort on his part, he was elected to the Legislature in 1874, and the entire community took part in a grand barbecue at his home in honor of the joyous occasion. The celebration as of the genuine old-fashioned kind, with food in unlimited quantities, speech-making, bands of music, dancing, and games and diversions of all sorts but the best part of the affair was the sincere and unaffected rejoicing of all over the elevation of their honored neighbor. WILLIAM WAUGH, senior member of the well-known mercantile firm of William Waugh & Co., of Tontogany, is a native of Wood county, having been born in Webster township, June 28, 1858. His parents, James and Margaret (Forester) Waugh, were both born in Scotland in 1824. the father in January, the mother April 19, and in childhood they came to America, their respective families locating in the same neighborhood in Wood county. The first years of their married life were spent in Freedom township, near Pemberville; but in 1850 they removed to a farm on the corner of Webster township, where our subject's father built a large sawmill, which he operated successfully for many years. He was a Republican in his later years, and was one of the leading men of the locality. He and his wife were active and faithful members of the Presbyterian Church at Scotch Ridge, and their children adhere to the same faith. His early death, in 1862, cut short a life of great activity and usefulness; Mrs. Waugh survived him many years, dying August 15, 1891. Nine children were born to them, of whom five lived to adult age: Ellen (deceased) was formerly the wife of B. Russell; and Margaret (who married C. W. Russell), James and Thomas, are all living on the old homestead; and our subject who is the youngest in the family. William Waugh, during his boyhood, attended the district school near his home, also the graded schools of Portage. He then taught for ten winters with great success. On March 18, 1879, he married Miss Maggie Dauterman, born October 2, 1860, in Portage township, Wood county, where her parents, Jacob and Catherine (Amos) Dauterman were prominent residents. Three children were born in this union: Mabel I. born November 16, 1881; Ralph D., born October 16, 1884; and Harold W., born January 17, 1893, in Denver, Colo. Mr. Waugh bought the old Dauterman homestead, and until 1886 was as engaged in farming in summer, and teaching in winter. He taught, in all ten winters, three winters in his own district. Thinking, however, that a mercantile life would be more congenial, he, in 1885, opened a general store at Dunbridge; but sold it in the fall of 1889, and went into the grocery business at Bowling Green. His health failing, he again sold out and spent two years in the West, chiefly for his health, and on his return a built a business block in Tontogany, and established his present general store, which since June 30, 1894 has been a leading enterprise in that thriving town. Politically Mr. Waugh is a Republican, but is no office seeker, though he is the present efficient township treasurer. In 1887, he united with the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 626, Bowling Green, and in 1894 was transferred to Tontogany Lodge No 755. He is somewhat interested in the oil industry in Wood county, being among the first to develop the field about Tontogany. LEWIS NEWCOMER, one of Prairie Depot's substantial business men, was born near Freeburg, Stark Co., Ohio, March 26, 1846, and is the son of Adam and Margaret (Bender) Newcomer, both of whom were from Pennsylvania. Our subject attended school until seventeen years of age, when, work being plenty on his father's farm, he was employed there until he was, twenty-four years old. On November 12, 1868, he was married to Miss Margaret Boucher, daughter of Jesse Boucher, and a native of Seneca county, when WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1297 and where she taught six terms in the public schools. In 1870 Mr. Newcomer moved to Montgomery township, and, with his brother, Levi, bought 125 acres of land in Section 18, lived in this township four years..and than rented a farm in Hancock county for one year, and later occupied another farm of 120 aces that he had previously bought, remaining there three years. Then, as the parties to whom he had sold his farm in Montgomery township could not pay for it, he returned to Section 18, and lived there until October, 1887, when he moved to Prairie Depot. broken down in health and obliged to quit farming. In June, 1888, he engaged in the hardware business with S. J. Dern, and after two years this firm sold out to the Buckeye Supply Co., and for the following eighteen months our our subject retired. In January, 1892, he bought out the Buckeye Supply Co., which is now known by the firm name of L. Newcomer & Co. Our subject owns the business block in which his store is situated, and besides has some of the best business property in Prairie Depot. To Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer have been born these children: Irwin B., who is in business with hie his father, married Miss Maud Pettenger, and they have one child, Fern. Bertha L., is now Mrs. John Carr, of Bradner, Ohio, and has two children, Lewis R. and Clair. Mr. Newcomer is a Democrat, but is not bound by party ties, as he selects the man according to his ability, regardless of his politics. Our subject and his family were fifteen years members of the German Baptist Church, and gave liberally to its cause, and Mr. Newcomer gave an acre of ground to ward a site for a new church in Hancock county. For the past fourteen years he has been an invalid, suffering from rheumatism, which necessitated his going into mercantile business. He has a comfortable competency, and is one of the Prairie Depot's most respected citizens. His good wife has been of great help to him, and has stood nobly by him in his hours of trial. Adam Newcomer, father of our subject, was born in Pennyslvania, and, in 1851, moved to Biglick township, Hancock county, making the journey in a farm wagon. He was in poor circumstances financially, and took his farm of 160 when it was in a pretty rough condition. uncultivated and containing only a log cabin. It was there that Mrs. Newcomer died at the age of sixty years. Mr. Newcomer is alive and hearty at nearly seventy-five years of age. He has been a successful man, and has a good competency. To him and his wife were born the following children: Levi, living in Hancock county: Diana, now Mrs. Samuel Thomas of Hancock county; Lewis, our subject; Sylvanus a resident of Michigan: Lydia, the wife of Henry Bowers, of Findley; Samuel, residing in Hancock county; Margetta wife of William Shubert, of Hancock .county; and John, of Kansas City. JERRY BORDNER, was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 26, 1835, and is a son of Jacob and Liddy (Guess) Bordner, the former a native of Harrisburg, Penn., the father of Stark county, Ohio; where they were married. Subsequently they removed to Crawford county, in the same State, and, about 1850, located on a farm of 125 acres in Liberty township, Wood county. There the mother's death occurred, and the father afterward was again married, his second union being being with Catherine Shutt, who still lives in Liberty township. His death occurred on the old homestead farm in May, 1879. To Mr. Bordner's first marriage were born the following children: Lavina; Washington, who died in childhood; Jerry ; Catherine, who died at the age of seventeen; and Hiram. The children of the second marriage, were; Joseph, a farmer of Liberty township, Isaac, who follows farming in Henry county, Ohio, John, of Freeport, Ohio; Frank, of Portage, Ohio; and Hettie, who died in childhood. Jerry Bordner, the subject of this review, was educated to the public schools of his locality. He was reared on a farm, but to some extent has followed carpentering. During the Civil war the country numbered him among its loyal defenders, having enlisted at Bowling Green, August 29, 1861, in Company C, 21st O. V. I. He participated in the battles of Ivy Mountain and Chickamaugua, in which latter engagement out of his company of forty-eight men, who went into battle in the morning, only thirteen responded to roll-call at night, and a corporal of that company was the only one of the officers (either commissioned or non-commissioned), of the regiment that escaped uninjured; but at the battle of Jonesboro, this corporal was literally cut to pieces by a shell. At the battle of Stone River our subject received a slight flesh wound in the right cheek, and in the spring of 1862, he returned home on a thirty-days' furlough. Rejoining his regiment at Huntsville; Ala., at the expiration of his term, he was honorably discharge September 18, 1864. He then began work on a farm, which he continued for some time. Mr: Bordner was married in Liberty township, September 19, 1869, to Miss Bina Hull, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, November 23, 1845. Her parents were Joel and Polly. 1298 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. (Huxly) Hull, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Hull died in Liberty township, in April, 1891; but his widow is still living. In their family were the following children; Bina, Mrs. Brodner, William; Electa, wife of George Jackson, of Lorain county, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Arthur Harrison, of Bowling Green; Sylvester, twin brother of Sarah, of Liberty township; and Alonzo and Lorenz, twins, now living in Milton Center. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Border have come the children: Adella, born July 13, 1870, now the wife of Daniel Levers, of Liberty township; Blanche, born November 8, 1871; George born November 16, 1873; Belle, born December 5, 1876; Earl, born September 8, 1877, and died July 6, 1878; Maggie M., born May 27, 1879; Maud M., born November 9, 1881; Nellie, born October 6, 1883; Roy, born April 3, 1886; and Frank: born February 23, 1888, died March 8, 1891. Mr. Bordner is the owner of a good farm of eighty acres, highly cultivated and well improved, and he owes his financial success in life entirely to his own well-directed efforts and good business ability. In politics he is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He served as school director for many years, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. OSWALD BROTHERS, the well-known proprietors of the planing-mill and lumber-yard at Weston, are natives of Ashland county. Ohio, sons of Levi Oswald, who was born in 1818, in Berks county, Penn. Their mother, Catherine Zeither, native of the city of Worms, Germany, and came in early life to Wayne county, Ohio, where the two were married. The father died there in 1878; the mother survives him, and resides with her sons in Weston. Their five children are J. W., Carrie, Geoige W., and the two subjects of this sketch Jacob M., born January 5, 1852, and S. C., born July 31, 1859. Both of these young and thrifty business men came at an early age to the vicinity of Weston; and, after obtaining a good elementary English education, they each engaged in the employment which was, for the time being, most convenient. For a while they worked with their father in Weston, shipping hardwood timber, and in 1880-81 purchased their present business, then being carried on in a limited and indifferent manner. They set to work to make it a success, increased their stock, put up a new building, and bought machinery of the most approved sort for manufacturing all kinds of building material. This they have made the most prosperous and beneficent industry in Weston and the hum of its machinery is welcome music to the force of workmen to whom they furnish constant employment. As citizens, the Oswald Brothers are counted among the most substantial and public spirited, every local improvement receiving from them due support. Jacob M. was married to Miss Sarah Shively, a native of Hancock county, born born in April, 1853, and they have one child living Lee Thomas; their daughter, Maude, died at the age of sixteen. He belongs also to the Lumberman's National society the "Hoo Hoos," or the "Concatenated Order of the Black Cat." S. C. OSWALD was married October 4, 1882, to Miss Lucy M. Brown, who was born May 1, 1860, in Weston township, Both brothers are stanch Democrats, and leading members of the Presbyterian Church, and of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. WALTER OSTRANDER, who is living in Section 20, Montgomery township, is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on a valuable farm of seventy-seven acres. He has spent much of his life about horses, giving him a chance to study and learn them and this association and knowledge has developed in him an ability that classes him among the prominent handlers of horses in northwestern Ohio. He is probably as good a judge of that animal as any man in Wood county, and many have benefited by his advice and counsel. He has trained many excellent horses, and his skill as a driver has often been witnessed. Mr. Ostrander was born June 15, 1845, in Montgomery township, where his father, John Ostrander, a native of New York, was one of the pioneer settlers. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Burk, and by her marriage she had four children: Hiram, who makes his home in Iowa; Harriet, who became the wife of James Carter, and died in Montgomery township; Matilda, who first married Franklin Diver, and after his death wedded Philip Wammes, of Fostoria, Ohio; and Walter, who completes the family. The father's death occurred in 1845, and his widow now lives with her son in Iowa. Like many boys, our subject did not manifest much interest in his studies, and consequently his education was not as thorough as it might have been. As he was only an infant when his father died, he remained with his mother (who kept her family together) until his enlistment for WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1299 service in the Union army during the Rebellion, On August 15, 1862, at Perrysburg, Ohio, he joined Company I, 111th O. V. I., as a private, and while stationed at Covington Heights, Ky., Covington Heights, Ky, was detailed as teamster. He was later made orderly to Gen. I. R. Sherwood, and served in that capacity until the close of the ward, when he was honorable discharged July 15, 1865. Returning Wood county, he began threshing with his brother-in-law, Franklin Diver; which business he followed for nine years during the summer season, while in the winter he was employed in the no in On October 27, 1866, in Freedom township, Wood county. Ostrander was united in marriage with Miss Eliza M. Morgan, who was born in Montgomery township, February 12, 1847, and is the daughter of Griswold . and Rhoda (Shuman) Morgan. After Mrs. Ostrander had completed her education in the common schools of the county, she engaged in teaching for one term. The following children have been born of this union: Sanford, of Prairie Depot, Ohio; Ulysses G., a farmer of Montgomery township; Walter, Mabel M., John, Irvin and Edward, all at home; and two sons who died in infancy. After his marriage, Mr. Ostrander located at what is now Grand Rapids, Wood county, where he conducted a hotel; but a few weeks of that business satisfied him, and he returned to Montgomery township, where he lived until his removal to Waterford, N. Y. He engaged in dealing in horses at that place for four years, but has since re de his home in Montgomery township, living on his present farm since 1893. He is a wide-awake, progressive citizen who has made many friends in this community and is well and favorably known throughout the county. Politically, he has ever been a strong supporter of the party and socially is a prominent member of the Grand Army Post, at Prairie Depot. ASA BAIRD, a retired farmer of Perry township, was born in Bloom township, September 7, 1835, the son of Ora A. and Rebecca (Randalls) Baird. Ora A., was the son of Charles Baird, and born April 1, 1804, in Bethlehem township, Berkshire Co., Mass. He came to Wayne county Ohio, with his parents in the early part of the century and was married in Mohican township, Ashland Co., to Rebecca Randalls. She was born August 9, 1808, in Spafford township, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Ora A. Baird was one of the earliest settlers in Bloom township, Wood county, to which he came in the summer of 1834, locating in Section 26. He camped under a black walnut tree until a three-sided shanty was built in the midst of a dense forest. This was one of the pioneer settlements in Bloom, as data in the historical part of this work will show. The father lived with his family on this farm, which he cleared and. improved, until April, 1864, when he removed to Section 17, Perry township, where he died . December 29, 1870, his wife surviving him until October 2, 1890. Both are buried in Perry Center cemetery. Mr. Baird was a great sufferer from a peculiar disease, the first results of which were seen after he had fallen asleep one day, in the fall of 1862, while sitting in an arm-chair. He had thrown his right leg over the arm of the chair, and the circulation of the blood being impeded, started a peculiar growth called anasium, which crippled him for the remainder of his life. His foot finally came off at the ankle joint, and for some years previous to his death, previous to his death, he wore an artificial limb. He was naturally a stout, robust man, full of energy, rather quiet in his manner, but of a quick temper. He was always a farmer, and at one time was also engaged in the threshing machine business. He was originally a Whig, later a Republican, was one of the early office holders in Bloom township. He was a poor man when he came to Wood county, but by industry and good management, acquired a comfortable fortune. To him and his wife came the following. children: Milton B., born July 30,1828, died May 5, 1833; Louisa L., born June,. 27, 1830, died May 10, 1833; Irving (twin of Louisa) is living in Michigan; Lydia A born January 21, 1833, is the wife of John F. Dunn of Parry township; Asa is our subject; Lecta L., born July 20, 1839, married Charles Richard, and later wedded S. Griffith (she died in Attica, Ohio); Hannah, born Sept. 28, 1841, married Washington Cupp, and died in Perry township; Randall, born October 2, 1846, lives in Perry township; Ora Jr., born April 20, 1848, died April 11, 1869. Asa Baird was reared, upon a farm, and had but few advantages for an education, the schools of that. early day being very poor in comparison to those of our time, and the children of the pioneer had but little leisure to give to books, so much was there for them to do in clearing off brush, chopping wood and otherwise assisting their parents to make a home. He remained with his father until his marriage 1851, in. Perry township, to Martha J., daughter of Samuel Spitler, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, October 25, 1837. She bore him two 1300 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. children: Charles I., born April 11, 1857, and now living in Eaton county, Mich.; and John M., M., born March 19, 1859, who died June 18, 1887. The mother died February 8, 1862, and was interred in the cemetery at Perry Center. In August, 1862, Mr. Baird enlisted in Company B. 111th O.V. I. under Capt. T. C. Norris, in defense of the Union, and was mustered in at in at Toledo, September 6, following. The regiment was sent to Kentucky, where they remained some time and took part in the expedition which captured Morgan. It was during this exciting chase that Mr. Baird became overheated and was taken ill in August, 1863, being left at Lebanon, Ky., while his regiment moved on to Knoxville. The hospital being full, he was cared for with some fifty others in a church, which was arranged or their reception. After recovering his health he was for some eight months detailed as a guard in a government clothing store, rejoining his regiment in time to take part in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, which was the first fight in which he was engaged. In July, 1864, he was detailed to support a battery at Atlanta, and was compelled to lie for several hours in a trench, from which exposure he contracted rheumatism. However, he remained with his command and participated in every light thereafter except the one at Fort Anderson, N. C., when he was one of nine men sent to look after the officers' baggage. He was mustered out June 27, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C., and was discharged at Cleveland, Ohio. Ohio. The war being over Mr. Baird, with the proud satisfaction of having served his country well and faithfully to her time of need, returned peaceful pursuits of farm life, taking up his residence with his father, who had care of his two little motherless sons, and who had in the meantime removed to Perry township. On October 18, 1865, our subject was again married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Polly Leslie, the widow of Conrad Leslie, who was a member of Company B, 111th O. V. I., and who perished in the horrible stockade prison at Andersonville, March 18, 1864. Mrs: Baird's maiden name was name was Fry, her parents being George and Julia A. (Iler) Fry. She was born August 17, 1837, in Holmes county, Ohio. By her marriage with Mr. Leslie she became the mother of one son, Levi, who was born December 3, 1858, who was cared for until manhood by our subject. He now resides at Jerry City, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Baird six children have been born, as follows: George F., born August 16, 1866, lives in West Millgrove; Elnora; born August 6, 1868, married George Pelton, and lives at West Millgrove; Isaac W., born May 29, 1872, is at home; Clara E., born August 17, 1876, is now Mrs. Ford Campbell, of Bloomdale, Ohio; Eva M., born September 4, 1881, and Edna, born July 14, 1885, are at home with their parents. For one year after his retinae from the army, Mr. Baird resided in Bloom township, but with that exception has always lived on his present farm, which was the old homestead, and comprises 78 acres. For the past two years he has done no active work and only oversees his prop: He was at on time a member of Urie Post, G. A. R., at Bloomdale, but on account of ill health, was obliged to give up attending in meetings. He has always been a stanch Republican, but has never cared to hold public office. He is highly respected as a loyal citizen and good neighbor. JOHN J. SHINEW, a resident of Center township, is well esteemed as a man of industry and enterprise. He comes from the beautiful land of the Alps. his birth having occurred in Switzerland, January 9, 1831 His father, Shinew, was also born in that country, brought his family to the New World in 1834, making a location in Columbiana county; Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for a time. Later he removed to Portage township, Wood county, where he took up eighty acres, of land, which he operated until his death in 1844. His wife long survived him, dying on the old homestead in 1875. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Portage township, but as at that time they were very primitive, his training in that respect was rather limited. From early youth he worked upon his father's farm, until the latter's death, when was left to provide for himself. He found employment on a farm where he worked for eighteen cents per day during the summer months, ,the winter season being spent in cutting wood at eighteen cents per cord. He also engaged in fishing on the lakes to some extent and worked at any thing by which he could earn an honest dollar. At the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Shinew enlisted in Company C., 144th O. V. I. under Col. Miller and Capt. Ketcham. He was one of the 100 day men, and during his service, suffered much from exposure, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He remained at his post of duty until honorably discharged in September, 1865. On his return home, Mr. Shinew, began the development of his farm of eighty acres, which he had previously purchased. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1301 and has since added forty acres to the original tract; so that he now has a good farm of 120 acres of some of the best land in his county. His efforts upon his farm have been eminently successful, and he has rapidly progressed toward an competency. In October, 1850, Mr. Shinew married Susie Phillips, daughter of Adam Phillips, a farmer of Center township, and to them were born four children, three of whom still survive, namely: Salina, wife of Henry Drumheller, a farmer of Kansas; Lewis, a farmer of Center township, who married Maggie Stacy, and has six children: and William, a telegraph operator in the West. The mother, of these died in 1861, and in 1863, for his second wife, Mr. Shinew married Catherine Dauterman, daughter of J. Dauterman, of Portage township. One child graces this marriage: John a farmer, who married Mary Zimmerman, by whom he has three children. Mr. Shinew filled the office of trustee of the township three years, and was supervisor five years. His industry in pursuit of his own business, and his spotless private life, have placed him in the highest estimation of the community in which he lives. In his political affiliations he entirely coincides with the doctrines and platforms of the Republican party, and in the exercise of his elective franchise he supports the candidates of that organization. In religious faith he is a member of the United Brethren Church. ELI STOCKWELL, a prosperous farmer of Liberty township, was born May 20, 1856, in Benton, Hancock Co., Ohio, son of George and Nancy (Fisher) Stockwell. The father was born in New York in 1805, and the mother was a native of Ohio. Soon after their marriage they settled near Benton where the mother died in 1860; but the father survived until 1876 passing away in Hancock county. For his second wife he chose Rebecca Harris. The children of the first marriage were Nicholas, of Liberty township; Minerva, wife of W. G. Conkey, of Liberty township, Libby, who died in infancy; and Mrs. Margaret M. Farington, of Salem, Oregon. The school privileges which our subject enjoyed were limited; but through his own efforts become a well-informed man. He was reared a farmer lad, and remained at home most of the time until his marriage. That important event in his life was celebrated in Findlay, December 30, 1876, Miss Mary S. Cookson becoming his wife. They located on a farm in Hancock county. residing there until the spring of 1881, when they came to Wood county, settling in Liberty, township, where Mr. Stockwell purchased eighty acres of land. In the fall of that year he erected a sawmill, which he operated seven years. In 1887 and 1888 he drilled three oil wells on his farm, afterward selling the wells and also the sawmill. In 1890 he purchased eighty acres more in the same township, where he has erected a handsome and substantial residence, and he has a very desirable home. Since 1890 he has helped to drill nine wells in Liberty township, and seven in Portage township, and in 1895 and 1896 he drilled three in Middleton township. To Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell have come five children; Albert E. , born November 8, 1877, Amandus, born October 6, 1879; Ross B., born July 25, 1881; Sarah Ellen, born April 6, 1884; and George Edward, born April 24, 1893. The family is widely and favorably known in this locality, and in social circles they occupy an enviable position. In politics Mr. Stockwell is a Republican, and for three years he held the office of school direct. In religious connection he is a the most active member of the United Brethren Church of Liberty township, and has acted as class leader for four years in South Liberty and Mt. Zion Churches. Mr. Stockwell united with the Church at the age of eighteen years and has since been an active worker in the cause of the Master. However, he was never immersed, having no vices, neither using alcohol for tobacco in any form. His entire family are members of the U. B. Church. He is a popular citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community in which he makes his home. WILLIAM HECKART, a leading lumber dealer and sawmill operator of Bradner, is one of the representative citizens. The architect of his own fortune, his life has been one of steady and close attention to business, while he has, at the same time, given practical support to helpful public movements,. and taken an intelligent interest in the questions of the day. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 29, 1851, the son of Peter and Elah (Heller) Heckart, who were both natives of Pennsylvania and descendants of German ancestry. In 1862 they moved to Jackson township, Seneca county, where his father bought a farm of 210 acres a fine property. Later he moved his family to Scott township, Sandusky county, and was successfully engaged in the sawmill business near Risingsunt, until his death, being for some time a partner of Joseph Blackford, the well-known lumberman. His wife survives him, 1302 - WOOD COUNTY; OHIO. and although she owns a good home, she spends most of her time among her children. Mr. Heckart was one of nine children- six boys and three girls and until the age of seventeen spent his life after the fashion of the average farmer's boy. German was the language spoken in the family, and when he was eight years old he knew but little of any other, and while attending school then, and even later, he was often referred to as '' Little Dutchman," by schoolmates who were more familiar with English. His "first day in school " was at Leesville, Crawford county; the district schools there, and at the new home, furnished his only opportunity for an education. For about four years he worked in his father's sawmill, learning the details of the business in which he has since been so successful, and in the spring of 1872 began farming on his own account at the homestead--his father giving him the few months' time remaining before his majority. In December, 1874, in Montgomery township, Wood county, he was united in matrimony with Miss Anna E. Walters, daughter of Emanuel and Eliza (Gould) Walters, and took his bride to the old home, where they remained until 1881, when he moved to Montgomery township. Soon after he joined his father's old partner, Joseph Blackford, in the sawmill business, which he bought out three years afterward. A few years later he purchased a large tract of timber land in Section 36, Freedom township, and moved his business there while it was being cleared. He made fine improvements upon the place during his stay, and still owns a forty-acre farm there. In September, 1893, he removed his machinery to Bradner, where he had bought a lot and erected commodious buildings for carrying on his work on an extensive scale. A planing machine and other machinery were added to the outfit, enabling him to manufacture all kinds of lumber. His thorough acquaintance with the best methods of work, together with his general business ability and invariable fairness in dealing with the public, have brought, him a large and profitable trade, which keeps from six to twelve men employed to fill orders. He has build a beautiful home in Bradner, probably the finest in the place. He and his wife are leading members of the Evangelical Church, and he gives liberally to that and the worthy causes. Of their three children, the eldest, Nora O., married F. A. Bryan of Bradner; and Mollie R. and Jessie are at home. While he is a stanch Republican and a regular voter, he has never aspired to office, his business requiring his attention; but in all that constitutes good citizenship he has not at any time been found wanting. THOMAS A. ROSENDALE, an enterprising merchant, and the popular postmaster of Ted, in Bloom township, was born in Bloom township, Wood county, January 9, 1867, and is a son of Thomas; and Sarah (Noecker) Rosendale. The father's birth occurred in Grafton, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1846, and though very young he enlisted in the Union army January 1, 1864, joining Company E, 49th O. V. I. At the close of that terrible struggle, he was discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio; by order of the War Department, June 19, 1865. In Richland county, Ohio, in 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Noecker, who had formerly lived in this county. At Eagleville, the father worked until his death, which occurred in February, 1867, a short time after the birth of our subject, and his remains were interred in Bloom Chapel cemetery. In politics he was a Republican. His widow later became the wife of Georg W. Urie, and died in Bloom township. Our subject was their only child, and after the death of the father, was taken to the home of his of his maternal grandfather, Benjamin Noecker who lived one mile east of Shenandoah in Richland county. There he remained for eleven years, during which time he attended the distirct schools, and then went to live with Isaac G. Noecker; near Ganges, in the same county. He made his home with that gentleman until he reached his majority, but in the meantime they removed to Crawford county, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one he began work as a farmhand, in which he continued three seasons, when in the fall of 1890, he went Toledo, Ohio, there attending the Tri-State College. During the following January, however, he entered the employ of Briggs & Leibus, of that city, as clerk, gaining his first experience in his present line of business. At the end of a few months he came to Eagleville, where he began clerking for his uncle E. J. Rosendale, and January 1, 1893, bought out his employer, since which time he has conducted his business very successfully, winning a liberal patronage by honorable dealings and the courteous treatment of his customers. In Perry township, Wood county he was married October 6, 1892, to Miss Adda Bailey, of Eagleville, a daughter of William Bailey. They take an active part in religious work, belonging to the Christian Church, in which Mr. Rosendale now holds office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 278, of Bloomdale, and in Pythias Lodge No. 278, of Bloomdale, and in WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1303 politics is a stalwart Democrat. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Ted and is acceptably filling that position. J. H. BURNETT, M. D., a leading physician of Risingsun, is one of the practical, energetic sons of the Buckeye State, who have made their way to the front in the face of all obstacles. He is descended from pioneer stock, Elisha Burnett, his grandfather, having located with his family in Jackson township, Wyandot county, when that region was a wilderness, through which they had to cut out their road before them. His second son and child, Samuel Burnett, our subjects father, was born in New York State, and was but a boy at the time of this removal: but the hard toil of his early days did not deter him from taking up a farm in the woods for himself in early manhood. He was married, in Wyandot county, to Miss Sarah Tilbury, a native: of Ohio, and daughter of David Tilbury, and they made their home in a log cabin some distance from a road, along which but few travelers passed. During their first years there he could not make a living, and worked as he could for others in Marion county, adjoining, taking his pay often in eatables, which he would carry home on his back. Potatoes were their staple article of food, and for days they would subsist almost entirely upon them; their corn was ground in a handmill. He was active, strong and hardy, and, from genuine public spirit, chopped out a. great deal of roadway in his vicinity. His later years have been blessed with prosperity, his farm now comprising 300 acres of good land. Our subject's grandparents made their home with him, the grandfather living in good health to the age of ninety-nine years. and dying then from the effects of an accident, his hip being broken by a fall upon the ice as he was walking about the farm. In 1894 the Docter's parents moved to Forest, Ohio, where they are now living in retirement. Mr. Burnett being seventy-six years of age. They have lived to enjoy their golden wedding, and to see their seven living children established in life near them. Nine children were born to them: Emma J., Mrs. Joseph Dye, of Forest; Eliza, Mrs. Alonzo Yant, also of Forest; William, a farmer in Hardin county, Ohio; J. our subject; Benjamin, a resident of Hardin county; Samuel who died at twenty-three; Ella, Mrs. Henry Rothrock, of Ada, Ohio; Elisha, who died in childhood; and Joseph, who lives in Forest. In addition to this large family, they gave a home to eleven others the children of two deceased brothers, and three grandchildren, who are now living with them. Mrs. Burnett is exceeding well-preserved, and does her own housework. She is a member of the Methodist Church. Kind and charitable to everyone, this worthy couple have won the respect and esteem of all who know them, and Mr. Burnett has been a prime mover in many helpful enterprises. In early years he was a Whig, and later a Republican, and his interest in party success has always been keen. He served creditably as a justice of the peace for some years. Dr. Burnett was born near born near Forest, February 3, 1856, and attended the district schools of the locality until he was fourteen years he when he entered the High School at Forest. In his sixteenth year he entered the North Western Ohio Normal School at Ada, and at seventeen years was competent to teach. His first school was one where two others had failed, and he was prevailed up to try it. His success was complete and established his reputation as a teacher, which was sustained by eight terms of good work which was sustained by eight terms of good work in Hancock and Hardin counties. From his youth he had entertained this idea of studying medicine, and he began his course in Forest with Dr. Lillibridge and Dr. Gammel. In February, 1879, he became a student in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated in June, 1881, standing third in a class of twenty-six. His expenses were borne by himself, his savings covered them in part, and for the rest he accepted assistance from his father on condition that the money should be returned with interest, as he was too proud to rest under any obligation: In August 1881, he began his professional work in Risingsun, where he was then an entire stranger, and he has established a lucrative and constantly increasing practice. On April 22, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Park, the daughter of George Park, a well-to-do farmer of Hancock county, She died May 5, 1891, and her remains were laid to rest in Hardin county, Ohio. Of her two children one son, Ernest, born December 9, 1884, survives her. A daughter, Ila, died in infancy. On. May 12, 1892, the Doctor married his present wife, Miss Lizzie Bowe, the daughter of George Bowe, a leading citizen of Scott township, Sandusky county. In addition. to Dr. Burnett's extensive practice he has valuable oil interests, being a member of the prosperous firm of Day, Winchell & Burnett, and he has already acquired a handsome competence. A stanch Republican, he has been active in local politics, serving on the school 1304 - WOOD COUNTY. OHIO. board; and for eight consecutive years on the village council. He belongs to the order of Maccabees and the I. O. O. F. JOHN G. GROH. The rich lands of Wood county have been transformed into the farms which would do credit to any section of the country, and a valuable tract of land in Liberty township is owned by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. The excellent improvements upon his his place are all the work of his own hands, and he is justly ranked among the leading agriculturists of the community. Mr. Groh was born in Medina county, Ohio,. September 3, 1865, and is a son of John Groh, a native of Germany, who was reared to manhood in the Fatherland, and there married Miss Christina Plapp. When a young man he learned the weaver's trade, but did not follow it, devoting his energies to the milling-business. He served as a soldier in the German army. ln 1850 he came with his wife to America, landing at New Orleans, whence he made his way to Cleveland and thence to Medina county. After a few years. Mr. Grob moved to Lorain county, where he purchased and farmed thirty acres of land. Later he came to to Wood county, and bought 110 acres in Liberty township the farm on which our subject now resides. The father died in 1867; the mother is still living on the homestead. An earn energetic man, it was his endeavor to secure a comfortable home for his family. In politics he was a Democrat. The record of the family, numbering twelve children, is as follows: One died in Germany; Mary is the wife of Henry Hemminger, of Midland county, Mich.; John G. is the next younger; Louisa married Nelson Auler, and died in Wood county; Carrie is at home; Catherine is the wife of William Spieth, of Liberty township; Ellen is deceased; Anna, twin sister of Ellen; is the wife of Alpheus Kiser, of Fostoria, Ohio: Liddy is the wife of John McCrory, of Liberty township; the others died in early life. Our subject attended school in Medina completed his education in the district schools of Liberty township. His privileges and opportunities however, in youth, were limited, for at the age of twelve years he was left fatherless, and being the only son, the greater part of the farm work devolved upon him. He not only cared for the home farm, but added to the family income by working in the woods, and by hauling lumber to Findlay, and staves to Perrysburg. In accordance with his father's will, he received half of the home farm, and has ways lived thereon. On January 27, 1896, Mr. Groh became sole owner of the old homestead, buying out the heirs: the farm comprised ninety acres farm Mr. Groh was married in Liberty township, September 14, 1879, to , Miss Amy C. Knight, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, January 31, 1862. They began their domestic life in an old log cabin on the home farm. Their marriage has been blessed with one daughter, Millie Alma, born August 24, 1880. Mr. Groh has made all the improvements on his land and in September, 1888, he erected a fine residence. He also has upon his place five oil wells. Though he has led an active and useful life, Mr. Groh has found time to devote to Church interests. He is an active worker in the Church of Christ, in which he has held office since its organization, having been deacon, treasurer and trustee, and secretary and superintendent for a number of years. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist. J. W. BRANDEBERRY, an extensive stock raiser and farmer of Perry township, was born in Section 23, in that township, September 29, 1855, and is a son of Isaac Brandeberry, who is a native of Richland (now Ashland) county, where he was born near the village of Orange, September 2, 1820. His parents were Philip and Catharine (Zimmerman) Brandeberry. Isaac was yet in his "teens" when his parents settled in Perry township, and he had but a limited education, attending school only three months. He, however, supplemented what little knowledge he obtained at school, by studying at home, which he did in the evenings, by the light of the fire from the large fireplaces, in which was burned hickory bark. He was especially good in mathematics which branch of study he taught his children. He was also a good speller and a good penman. He often attended spelling contests in other districts and very seldom was his superior found. On July 4, 1844, he was married in Perry township, to Miss Nancy Fish, who was born near Georgetown, Columbiana, county, April 24, 1826. She was a daughter of John and Sarah (Kouser) Fish, who came to Perry and settled in Section 14. Her father was one of the earliest settlers in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Brandeberry went to housekeeping on the home place, where our subject now lives, and where they resided until early in the "seventies," when he moved on to the McCutchenville pike, and built a brick house there. He died November 18, 1886, and his wife January 26, 1887. Both are buried in Fostoria. Their children are WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1305 as follows: Sarah A.. born April 25, 1846, now the widow of Orrin Stearns, of Perry township [see sketch elsewhere]; Jane, born August 25, 1848, married William Werner, of Perry township; James, born December 18, 1850, lives in Pemberville, Ohio; Minerva, born February 11, 1853, is the wife of George Bucher, of Hicksville, Ohio; J. W. is our subject ; Charles W., of whom a sketch appears elsewhere; Frank E., born sketch appears elsewhere, Frank E., born January 6, 1864, is a farmer of Perry township; Louella born June 14, 1871, is now Mrs. Homer Cochard, of Perry township. Philip Brandeberry gave to each of his sons eighty acres of timber land. Isaac's part was in Section 23, which he at once started to clear and improve, and built on it a cabin. He added to his land until he at one time had over 1,000 acres. He gave to each of his boys 120 acres, and $2,000 to each of his daughters upon their marriage. Of these 1,000 acres not more than eighty acres have passed out of the family, as he either gave or sold to his children. He worked at various trades, being at different times a stone mason, thresher, well digger; etc., the latter being the first trade he followed. Later he took up that of a stone mason, and laid the foundations for many of the older business blocks in among them being the Foster Block. He was a very conscientious and systematic man, a hard worker, and carried on farming in connection with his other work. His wife was a great help to him, as she was economical, and a good manager. He was of domestic habits, and was only absent from home when his business demanded his presence elsewhere. He was well known as a good citizen, mechanic, and farmer. The subject of our sketch attended school in District No. 1, Perry township, and received a good education for those days. Reared as a farmer's boy, he spent his youth, except a few months at different times, on the home place. He was married in Seneca township, Seneca county, November 9, 1882, to Miss Flora Adelsperger, who was born in that township July 29, 1861. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Ablert) Adelsperger, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. They were married in Seneca county, and had thirteen children, all of whom, except one, Anna N., grew to maturity and married:. The father was a farmer, and died at the age of sixty-five years. The mother still lives, at the good old age of sixty-eight years. In 1880, our subject located on the farm where he now lives, and which he owns. He bought it on time, and from its proceeds paid all expenses, and in 1886 paid off all he indebtedness. He has other land in Perry township, amounting in all to 215 acres. The record of his children is as follows: Pearl A., born July 6, 1884; Ada, born July 25, 1894. Politically, Mr. Fred W., born November 25,1894. Politically, Mr. Brandelberry is a Republican and has served as trustee and supervisor of Perry township, and for five; years was on the board of education, and favors good schools, regardless of expense. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he is at present one of the trustees, at Fostoria. He is an extensive dealer in stock, of which he is a good dealer, and one of the pushing business men of the township. He is one of the farmers of Perry township, up to date in every branch of the work, and is well known throughout the county, as his extensive dealings have given him a wide acquaintance. MATTHEW GILLESPIE, a well-known retired agriculturist, residing in Weston, Wood county, was born in Scotland on the river Clyde, July 24, 1810. His parents, Benjamin and Rebecca (English) Gillespie, were born in Ireland, but moved after their marriage to our subject's birthplace, where his father worked in a copper mine until he was killed by the caving in of the mine. The four children of this union were: Ellen, who married and remained in Scotland: William John at the age of eighty-four; Matthew, our subject; and Benjamin, who is deceased. Our subject came to America in 1836, spending forty days on the water. For three years he stayed in Rochester, N. Y., and then settled as a. pioneer, on land at Sidney, Ohio, where he lived twenty years following farming, tanning, and shoemaking for a livelihood. During this time he brought, his mother to his home, where she died at the age of seventy-five. In 1852 was married to Miss Jane Jordan; who was born in 1825, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, where her ancestors on both sides had been residents for generations. Her parents, Andrew and Catherine Jordan, crossed. the Atlantic when she was twelve years old, and, after a short stay in Lower Canada, came to Logan county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining years. They were members of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Gillespie was one of eight children: Charles, who died in Logan county, at seventy; John, who died in childhood; Robert, who died in California; William H., who died at the old home in Logan county; Jane (Mrs. Gillespie); Mary (now Mrs. 1306 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Ernberg), of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Rebecca (now Mrs. Collins), of the same town; and Joseph, who resides in Toledo. Seven years after his marriage, Mr. Gillespie brought his family to Weston, where he followed his trade of boot and shoe making until modern factories drove him out of business. He then became a farmer, and, although the active work has been for some years delegated to younger hands, he still retains his farm of forty acres. He also owns some property on the main street of Weston. A brief record of his eight children is as follows: Mary E. married J. Brown, of Illinois, and has five children--William, Edward, James, Paul and John; Sarah is deceased; Emma is the wife of James Church, of Toledo, and has three children--Herbert, Orville and Raymond; Francis lives in Tontogany, and is married; Charles died at the age of seven years; James died when eighteen months old and two (twins) died in childhood. Matthew Gillespie and his wife have been spared to a ripe old age. Both belong to an honest, frugal, hardy race of people. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Gillespie is a close student of the Bible. Although bowed down with age, there is within him such spiritual force and vitality, that to see him in same moment of moral enthusiasm, and listen to the poetic grandeur of his speech, is to realize ones ideal of the prophets and patriarchs of olden time. GEORGE BOETSCH a prominent business man Perrysburg, was born in Baden, Germany October 10, 1844. His parents, George and Johanna (Meyer) Boetsch, were both natives of Baden, where the father died and the mother, a lady of great force of character, came to America with her five children, of whom our subject was the eldest; Agnes entered a convent in New York State, where she is now a teacher, known as Sister Agnes; Caroline is housekeeper for Father Bowers, of Fremont, Ohio; Theresa is a Sister of Charity in Glandorf, Putnam county; Mary entered a convent at Buffalo, N. Y., and died there. For five years after her arrival Mrs. Boetsch lived at Tiffin, Ohio, with her little family, and then came to Perrysburg, where our subject soon engaged in the grocery business, his mother keeping house for him. She died in 1888 at the age of sixty-eight. In 1864 Mr. Boetsch married Miss Catherine Nellis, who was born in Maumee, October 13, 1844. Four sons were born of this union: George H., born June 8, 1865, who married Miss Mary Hirtzelt, and has one child - Catherine; Seraphina, born in 1867; Frederick, born in 1869; and Charles in 1872. Mr. Boetsch continued in the grocery business until 1878, when he bought a farm which he cultivated five years. In 1883 he bought the Perrysburg and Fort Meigs Mill, which he still owns and operates; . five years later he opened a meat market, which he also conducts. He is man of fine qualities of character and handsome physique, possesses much culture and information and enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of the community. In 1893 he was elected justice of the peace, and still holds that office. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. S. L. SARGENT, one of the highly respected residents of Jerry City, is a native of southern Ohio, born August 9, 1824 son of John and Agnes (Linn) Sargent, a brief shetch of whom appears in that of W. A Sargent. During his youth our subject attended the district schools of his day, so some extent; but his father owned a large tract of land, 360 acres, and there was plenty for the boy to do at home, so he assisted his father up to the time of his marriage. He then settled upon part of the home farm in Liberty township, and followed agricultural pursuits on his own account for twenty years, since which time he has devoted himself to other pursuits. On leaving the farm he removed to North Baltimore; conducting the "Baltimore House" there until 1883, when he settled in Jerry City, and has made his home here ever since. He at first engaged in teaming here, later embarking in the livery business, and for the past ten years he has carried the mail from Tromley Station to Jerry City. In his younger days he was an active citizen, taking a lively interest in public affairs, and he held several local offices of trust, serving as trustee of liberty township for years, and also as clerk. He was the first Republican coroner of Wood county, after which it is hardly necessary to say that he is a stanch supporter of that party, though prior to its formation he was a Democrat. Mr. Sargent was first united in marriage with Miss Hannah Jones, by whom he had children as follows: Josephine (now Mrs. John Anderson) of Liberty; Agnes (now Mrs. Lewis Myers), of Bloom township; John L. , who died at the age of nine years; Horace G., who died when seventeen years old; Eurina, who died in infancy; Hattie, who became the wife of Jack Ireland, and died in Bowling Green; and Asher, of Portage. Mrs. Hannah Sargent died in Liberty township, and WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1307 was buried in Sargent cemetery, and subsequently Mr. Sargent married Mrs. Barbara J. (Myers) Clark,. and four children have come to is union: Maggie, Clara, and Daisy, living and John, who died in infancy. Mr. Sargent was brought up in the Methodist faith, and Mrs. Sargent is a member of that Church. They are both highly respected in the community in which they make their home. FRANK H. CRAWFORD, postmaster at Bairdstown, is one of the representative citizens of that village. Born in Williamsport, Penn., February 22, 1868, he is the son of F. W. and Catherine M. (Martin) Crawford, the latter of whom was a native of Reading, Penn. In the family were five children: George B., of Bairdstown; Robert L., a railroad man of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Grant G., of North Baltimore, Ohio; Frank H., subject of this sketch; and Florence, who lives with her mother in North Baltimore. By trade the father was a painter and paper hanger. During the Rebellion he served as a member of Company K, 45th Penn. V. I. In the fall of 1871, he removed with his family to Republic, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until May, 1877, when he came to Bairdstown; and, with the few hundred dollars he had accumulated by industry and good management, he erected a building for hotel purposes, known as the "Crawford House." In its construction he exhausted his means and it became necessary to mortgage it, which soon would have been paid off had it not been for his untimely death July 9, 1878. His remains were interred in Bloom Chapel cemetery. Afterward the building was sold, from which the widow could obtain nothing, and she then conducted the old "Baird House," for six years. She is now carrying on a boarding house in North Baltimore. Frank H. Crawford was but a small child when his parents removed to Republic; at which place his elementary education was received, and was only nine years old on his arrival in Bairdstown, where he continued his studies in the district schools. As a boy he could be found around the village, doing chores and odd jobs for the merchants and business men, always prompt and reliable. In 1880 he entered the store of Austin Van Blarcum, as clerk, and when sixteen months latter that gentleman removed to Jerry City, Wood county he accompanied him; but, as his mother wanted him nearer home, he returned to Bairdstown. He has since been with the firm of Briggs & Jones, except when in 1892-93, he was in the employ of Benschoter's Insurance Agency, Bowling Green. On August 1, 1866, in that city, he married Miss Effie Kistler, of Bairdstown, a daughter of Levi Kistler, the well-known contractor and builder, and they are now the parents of five children: Eva, George, Francis H., Ruth and Pauline. . Mr: Crawford generally votes the Democratic ticket in municipal and county matters, but is not strictly partisan. In 1892, when only twenty-four years of age, he was elected mayor of Bairdstown; has been a member of the city council, and on December 31, 1893, was appointed postmaster, in which he is now capably serving. In 1891 was elected member of the school board, and was a strong advocate of a special district for the village, which movement he championed against most bitter opposition from leading and much older men of the township. His cause was successful, and the wisdom of it has been fully demonstrated in later years. In 1893 he joined the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 406, Bloomdale; in religious faith he is a devout member of the what Episcopal Church, of Bairdstown, serving as trustee since its organization in 1890, was a member of the building committee, and has always been superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Crawford stands high among the better class of people, and is a young man of strict integrity and up-right character. character. ORRIN GRAHAM one of Montgomery township's most prosperous young farmers was there born in Section 32, October 14, 1867. His education was acquired in the common schools of the southern part of his native township, and in the northern part of Perry township. When quite young he became familiar with agricultural pursuit and as his father ranked among the most successful farmers of the community, his instruction was valuable to our subject. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and then began working for others. At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Graham married Miss Alpha Baird, of Perry township, a daughter of David Baird, and to them have been born a daughter--Edna. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Section 32, Montgomery township, from which they later removed to Section 5, Perry township: but in 1893 came to their present home in Section 31, Montgomery township. Mr. Graham owns 120 acres of excellent farming land in Perry township, which accumulation for one of his age is quite out of the ordinary. He is industrious and 1308 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. enterprising in fact few men of his years have performed the labor he has done, and still does. Health is all that is necessary for him to rank in a short time among the leading and extensive farmers of his township. He is straight-forward and honorable in all his dealings, graining the confidence of those with whom he comes in contact. He takes considerable interest in political affairs, always giving his earnest support to the Democratic party. W. L. KETCHAM, the present treasurer of Perry township, and one of its most prosperous and substantial farmers, is a representative of the third generation of that name in the township, his grandfather, William B. Ketcham, being one of the pioneer settlers there. The family is of English descent, and tradition tells of three brothers who came to America in Colonial days, one of whom settled in New Jersey where for generations his descendants lived, and from which branch the Ketchams of Wood county trace their genealogy. Our subject was born January 6, 1867, and is a son of George L. Ketcham who was the son of William B. son of John, whose father's name was James. The latter, who was the great-great-grandfather of W. L. was born in New Jersey, March 26, 1753, and was married in 1779 to Miss 26, 1753, and was married in 1779 to Miss Rhoda Osborn, who was born October 12, 1758. The children of this couple were Joshua, Lewis, Hannah, John, Phoebe, James, Nathaniel, Charlotte, Samuel, Nathaniel (2), Job and Abigail. The father died March 18, 1820, and the mother May 9, 1847. John Ketcham, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in New Jersey, April 3, 1786, and was married February 15, 1812, to Miss Johanna Burnett, who was born in that State, April 15, 1792. The parents were William and Anna (Dodd) Burnett, the former of whom was born April 2, 1758, and the latter, August 21, 1765. The father died February 4, 1807, and the mother June 28, 1818. Their children were named Caleb S., Mary, Johanna, Elizabeth G., Justus A., Sally and John F. The children of John and Johanna Ketcham were nine in number, William B., grandfather of our subject, being the first in order of birth. John Ketcham died November 17, 1858, his wife surviving him until April, 1893 when she departed this, life at the advanced age of 101 years. William B. Ketcham was born in New Jersey, December 3, 1812, where he was married to Nancy Osborn. In 1841, with his wife and only child, George L., he came to Wood county, settling on a piece of partially-improved land near West Millgrove. Before coming to Ohio he had learned the trade of blacksmith and wagonmaker, but he followed it very little after taking up farming. The land mentioned was in Section 9. Perry township, and comprised the farm now owned by our subject. William B., was one of the early pioneer in that locality, and by industry and careful management he became one of the wealthy farmers of the township. He was a self made man of excellent judgement, a shrewd financier, and at his death left an estate valued at several thousand dollars. George L. Ketcham, the father of our subject, was born May 1, 1838, was reared on his father's farm, and had a common-school education. On July 3, 1861, he was married to Miss Rosalie Leonard, who was born November 13, 1838, in Windsor; Richland Co., Ohio: daughter of Seneca and Sarah A. (Foote) Leonard, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of New York who came to West Millgrove in 1859 and are still living there, highly respected citizens. Four children were born to George L. Ketcham and his wife. The first born a son, died in infancy; William L., our subject, comes next; Gertrude, born May 1,1874. and Richard B., born August 9, 1876, are living with their parents. Mr. Ketcham previous to 1883 was engaged in the mercantile business at West Millgrove and also operated a sawmill. In the year mentioned he became he became a traveling salesman for a Toledo wholesale house, which occupation he still-follows, making his home in West Millgrove. He is a stanch Republican, a Mason, and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. He is wide-awake, jovial man, well known throughout the township, and one of its most prominent citizens W. L Ketchon, the subject of this sketch, received his early schooling at West Millgrove, and when nineteen years old taught school term at Center, Perry township. When he was twenty-one he took a business course at the Fostoria Academy. When, a boy he spent most of his time with his grandfather on the farm on which he now resides a short distance from West Millgrove, where his parents live. Here he gained his knowledge of farming, and after his marriage began housekeeping on the farm, which is now, owned by him, his brother Richard B., and his sister Gertrude. His marriage took place in West Branch, Cedar Co., Iowa, August 16, 1894, when he was united to Miss Alice Dubell, who was born May 2, 1868, in Johnson county, Iowa, and is a daughter of A. R. and Olive WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1309 Braldwin) Dubell. One child has come to them, Lois C., who was born September 4, 1895. Mr. Ketcham is a stanch Republican in the spring of 1894 he was elected treasurer of Perry township, and was re-elected in 1895, being the youngest incumbent ever to hold that office. That he has performed his duties to the satisfaction of the public is shown by his retention in the office. He looks after more land than any other, farmer of his age in the township, and means to understand thoroughly the art of agriculture. He exhibits excellent judgment and business ability, and is among the leading farmers of his community. He possesses the esteem and confidence of the people, and has a wide circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham are members of the First Congregational Church at West Millgrove, and are ever ready to assist in all worthy enterprises. JAMES D. RALSTON, one of the oldest of the surviving pioneers of Wood county, was born in Armstrong county, Penn., June 4, 1822. His father, Joseph Ralston, was born in Ireland 1799, and was brought by his parents to this country in 1801. They settled in Armstrong county, Penn., where he grew to manhood and, in 1820, was married to his first wife, Miss Jane McCormick, a native of the same county, born in 1801. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade; but in 1834 he moved to Wood county, and took up 180 acres of timber land, which he cleared and cultivated. He became a leader in his locality, and was a justice of the peace, trustee, and school director for many years. By his first marriage, he had ten children: James D., the subject of this sketch; Rebecca; John and Ann, twins; Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alfred and Alicia. Our subject's mother died in 1852, and his father married again. The second wife also died, but left no children. Mr. Ralston married for his third wife, Mrs. Stacy. He died in 1887, followed a few years later by his widow. James D. Ralston was twelve years old when he came to Wood county, and his education was mainly obtained in the log school houses of Center township. He worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-one, and can recall the time then that locality was literally a howling wilderness. He was a noted hunter in his youth, and spent days and nights in the forest hunting wolves, deer, bears, and other wild animals. After he reached his majority he took up one hundred acres of land in Plain township, near what is now known as Union Hill, and after making improvements, he sold it and bought fifty acres in the same vicinity, which he also improved and sold. He then moved to Center township, renting for a time, and then he bought his present property in Center township, near Bowling Green. In 1843, he was married to Miss Ellen McGinnis who was born in 1826, the daughter of David McGinnis, one of the earliest settlers of Plain township. Five children were born to them: Dallan, 1845, was a soldier in the Civil war, and died in hospital from wounds received in battle, Harriet, 1848, died at the age of twenty-four, Elizabeth J., 1850, married Samuel Bradbrook, of Perrysburg; John, 1859, an able and energetic young farmer, married Sarah Perrin, a daughter of the late William Perrin, a leading farmer of Center township, and is now managing the homestead; Viola 1864, resides with her parents.. For more than half a century Mr. and Mrs. Ralston have shared their joys and sorrows, and they are now passing their declining years at their old home, reaping the fruits of their past labors. Mr. Ralston is one of the best known men of the community, and his influence has been widely recognized.. He has at times taken an active interest in public affairs, especially in educational movements, and has been school director for several years. He and his family are prominent members of the U. B. Church. In politics he is a Democrat. AUGUST FLECHTNER, one of the extensive farmers of Perry township, is a good example of what industry, thrift and ambition can accomplish Coming to this country, an unsophisticated German lad of nineteen, with no money, and only his strong, willing hands as a means of support, he is to-day the owner of a large tract of valuable land, and a man of wealth and influence. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, August 11, 1853, and he is the eldest of five children of John P, and Johanna (Knopf) Flechtner. His father was a butcher by trade, and also a cattle buyer and a brewer, was well-to-do and was prospering in his business during August's boyhood. The latter obtained a good education, and was in his youth quite well read in the French language, of which he made a special study. An unexpected reverse in his father's fortunes resulted in his financial ruin, and, brought all the young man's plans for the future to an abrupt termination. He saw the necessity for immediate action on his part; as a three-years' service in the German army would be imposed upon him shortly, and he felt that his native land was no place in which to seek his fortune. He had learned the butcher's 1310 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. trade with his father and determined to discover what the New World had in store for him. Accordingly, on June 22, 1872, in company with his brother George, he sailed from Bremen in a vessel named for that city, "Bremen," and after a voyage of eleven days landed in New York. His destination was Boston, where he had acquaintances, and hoped to find employment. But after four months spent in that city, during which time he only made enough to pay his board, he came to Fostoria, where he had a cousin in the butcher business. He arrived in Fostoria in the fall of 1872, and hired out, working at his trade. After spending a year and a half in that city, he went to Tiffin, where he remained a year and then to Peru, Ind., living there eleven months. During. this time he had been working on wages, and had saved $500, with which he returned to Fostoria, and in the tall of 1876, with his brother George as partner, he opened a meat market in an old frame building, where the First National Bank now stands. In this business, which he carried on for several years, was laid the foundation of his future success. On May 19, 1877, Mr. Flechtner was married, in Fostoria to Miss Catherine, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Miller) Ecker. She was born in Washington township, Hancock county, December 25, 1853, and was educated in the district schools. Of the children born of this union - Charles, Pearl, Orrin, Nellie, Moses, Celia, Blanche and Tillie, are all living except Tillie, who died when four years old. In 1890 the family removed to their elegant home in Section 36, Perry township, where Mr. Flechtner has sixty-one acres of very valuable land, and here their friends are welcomed with true German hospitality. The first property in which our subject held an interest was two lots in Fostoria, himself and brother each having a half-interest. These lots were traded for six acres of land in Jackson township, Seneca county, on which they built a slaughter-house. He now owns, in addition to the home place, 196 acres of excellent land, which is known as the "Old Ash farm," in Perry township, and which cost $15,000. This is one of the finest farms in Wood county. Mr. Flechtner also owns eighty-five acres elsewhere, making in all over 342 acres of valuable property in the vicinity of Fostoria, all acquired by his own industry and economy. Our subject is the most extensive stockman in Wood county. His large landed property furnishes an abundance of grain and hay, and instead of marketing these products he feeds many head of stock; while thus converting the productions of his farm into money he also greatly increases the fertility of the soil; one feature of successful farming which many overlook. Mr. Flechtner is a Democrat, but takes no active part in politics. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, as is his family, with the exception of his wife who belong to the Reformed Church. He is yet in the prime of life, and one of the most industrious, active men to be found in the county, and is highly esteemed by every one. His parents, who came, to this country some years ago, make their home in Fostoria. HEZEKIAH S. KIGER is a representative of one of Ohio's pioneer families. He was born October 18, 1830, in the town of Lancaster, Fairfield county, a son of William and Christina (Walduck) Kiger who were natives of Germany. The father was a lifelong farmer. He left his native land when a mere boy, and his wife crossed the Atlantic at the age of eight years. They were married in Ohio, and located in Fairfield county, where, in Lancaster township, Mr. Kiger owned 340 acres of land, making his home there on until his death. The children of his family are: Louis, who died at the age of fifteen; Henry, of Fairfield county; Margaret, deceased wife of John Bucher, of Millgrove, Wood county; Jeremiah, who died in Millgrove; William, who died in Fairfield county; Josiah, who died in Millgrove; Mary, deceased wife of Harvey Harris; Elizabeth, wife of George Rigby; Jesse, of Lancaster, Ohio; Hezekiah S.; Susanna, wife of Silas Williamson, of Fairfield county; and Amos, also of Fairfield county. Our subject acquired his education in the public schools near his home and assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm until his marriage, which was celebrated in Fairfield county, November 27, 1860. Miss Samantha Jane Hunter becoming his wife. She was born in January, 1831. Their union was blessed with three children, viz.: Charles, who died in his twentieth year; William, who died in infancy; and Effie Belle, wife of Otto Myers, of Liberty township, by whom she has one child, Bessie. Mrs. Kiger is a daughter of Thomas R. and Abigail (Brumfield) Hunter. Her father was born. in Hocking township, Fairfield county, April 27, 1801, and was the second male child born in that township. His father, James Hunter, a native of Philadelphia, married Margaret Reese, and followed school teaching in Ohio. Their son, Thomas, began to learn the blacksmith's trade, but was obliged to abandon this on account of a disabled arm, and turned WOOD COUNTY OHIO. - 1311 this attention to the operation of 160 acres of land, which his father gave him. He died May 11,1882, and his wife, who was born in October, 1805, departed this life April 13, 1882. Their children were Amanda P., wife of Benjamin Franklin, of Boone county, Iowa; Margaret, who died September 1, 1854, at the age of twenty-four; Mrs Kiger; James, who died at the age of six years; Hannah, wife of William Cochran; Solomon, who is living on the old homestead; Joseph and Mary, twins both of whom died at the age of five years John Wesley, who died in infancy; and Ann Maria, who died in childhood. For a few years after their marriage our subject and his wife lived in Fairfield county, where Mr . Kiger owned 125 acres of land, that he inherited from his father. At length he sold this, and, in 1872, came to Wood county, purchasing eighty acres of land in Liberty township, of which thirty acres had been plowed. The improvements were very poor, but he has transformed this into a fine farm that to-day is a monument to his to his thrift and enterprise. Although his life has been a busy one, he always finds time to faithfully perform his duties of citizenship; and efficiently served as school director for six years. He takes quite an active part in politics, is well informed on the issues of the day, and is a stanch Republican. JOHN MYERS, a well-known farmer and manufacturer, of Webster township, was born in Franklin county, Penn., October 13, 1826. His father, Adam Myers, a day laborer, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and married Miss Elizabeth Guipe, a native of the same State. They had ten children: Catherine, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Fanny, the wife of John Heckman, of Franklin county Penn; Sarah; deceased; Mary, the wife of John Walters, of Pennsylvania; Nicholas, a farmer of Illinois; John, our subject; Adam, who died in the army; and two deceased in infancy. John Myers, attended the district school during boyhood, and at an early age learned the trade of a mechanic, becoming an expert carpenter and joiner. For some years he was engaged in building houses and bridges on contract, and of the fall 1852 he came to Wood county, he purchased eighty-acres of land in Webster. township. He resided there until 1880 when he removed to another farm of 120 acres near Scotch Ridge, which he has improved, erecting a handsome residence and other buildings. Here he has a tile and brick factory and a sawmill and employs a number of men. He is the inventor and patentee of a wire-fence machine, which he also manufactures. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1848 to Miss Malinda Whitmore, who died in 1875 leaving no children. Mr. Myers is a Republican in politics, but does not take an active share in party work. He is a man of fine and upright character, and a member of the U. B. Church and was one of the founders and builders of the church at Scotch Ridge. His success in life is due to his industry and foresight, as he began his business career with but $50 in his pocket. MARION GOODELL, a well-known agriculturist of Webster township, residing near Luckey, was born in Townsend township, Huron Co., Ohio, July 1, 1844. His grandparents, David and Electa (Melliman) Goodell, were natives of New York State. They had three children, among whom was Cyrenus Goodell, our subject's father who came from New York when a young man and settled upon a farm in Huron county. He married Miss Lucretia Studley, and reared a family of five children, a sixth dying is early infancy. Orrin is a farmer in Troy township; Marion is the subject of this sketch; Electa Jane married Henry Sternamen; John is a blacksmith at Dunbridge; and Albert. In 1857 our subject's father came to Wood county, and took up eighty acres of land in Troy township, adding to it afterward until he owned 320 acres, on which he erected a sawmill, the first in the township. He was one of the leading men of his locality, a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. He died at Bowling Green, March 11, 1885, his wife surviving him until August 11, 1894. Our subject shared the family fortunes in his youth, undergoing all the experiences of frontier life. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company K, 111th O. V. I. (Capt. D. W. H. Day commanding), and participated in thirty-two hard-fought battles, among them the engagements at Stone River, Resaca, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Knoxville. Chattanooga, Cedar Rapids, Stone Mountain, Alatoona, Fort Anderson. and Raleigh. In June, 1865, he was mustered out, and, returning to the old homestead, he remained there until he was twenty-five years old. He then bought eighty acres of land in Troy township; but, in 1882, he sold this and moved to Michigan, where he engaged in the meat business. Returning to this county, he purchased his present property, an eighty-acre farm in Webster township, upon which he has made many improvements. Beginning life poor, he has made his well-deserved success by indus- 1312 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. try and good management. On November 2, 1870, he married Miss Malinda Dennis, a daughter of Franklin and Sarah (Smith) Dennis, of Troy township, and they have six children: Albert, Richard, Jessie, Roscene, Kitty, and one whose name is not given. In politics Mr. Goodell is a Republican, and in all local movement interested and helpful worker. He has been school director in his district, and he is a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 690. H. L. COE. Almost the entire life of our subject has been passed in Perry township, where he now owns a fine farm of forty acres in Section 13. Comparatively young in years, and having commenced life with but little, his financial position is ample evidence of the manner in which he has employed his time, and the good judgement of which he is the fortunate possessor. He has one of the best appointed homesteads in the township, and, on account of his strict integrity and high character, is numbered among its valued citizens. His birth occurred March 2, 1862, in Section 13, Perry township, a son of David E. and Margaret (Hyter) Coe. After completing a course in the District School, No. 5, of Maple Grove, he finished his education in the academy of Fostoria, which he attended for six months. In the summer of 1883 he went west, with a party of young men from his neighborhood, visiting Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado, and during his stay was employed at sheep-shearing and at working a farm hand, and in a nursery. Most of his time however, was passed on the home farm, until his marriage, which occurred March 22, 1888, in Perry township, when he wedded Miss Ida Wells, who was born in Franklin county, Penn., May 12, 1864, a daughter of Elden and Susan (Gossard) Wells, who came to Wood county in the spring of 1865. For a time Mr. Coe made his home with his father, but in the spring of 1889 he located upon his present farm, which he and his brother, Walter, had purchased in the fall of 1887, though our subject is now the sole owner. His land is well tilled and cultivated, and the home has been been brightened by the presence of a daughter, born December 4, 1892, Velma by name. Mr. Coe takes quite an interest in political affairs, always casting his ballot with the Republican party, and desires tosee good men placed. in office, but for himself, cares nothing for political honors. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are earnest Christian workers. F. J. SCHRIBER, a dealer in agricultural implements at Moline, is numbered among the honorable business men of Wood county, and since the fall of 1894 has efficiently served as one of the infirmary directors, succeeding John Isch. He was born, in 1861, in Oregon township, Lucas Co., Ohio, and is the son of Gilbert and Mary Ann (Arn) Schriber, the farmer a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and the latter of Pennsylvania. About 1853, the father located in Oregon township, where his marriage was celebrated, and where he opened up a farm, on which his wife died in 1865, leaving two children: F. J., subject of this narrative; and Mary Ann, now the wife of Mr. Linchshy, of Detroit, Mich. The father was again married, has second union being with Louise Henry, and to them were born three children: Mrs. Amelia Gross, of Lake township, this county; William, a resident of Oregon township, Lucas county; and Lilly, also of Oregon township. Upon the homestead in Lucas county the mother of this family is still living, but the father's death occurred ,there in 1876. Reared to manhood in Lucas county, our subject received his education in the schools of Oregon township and East Toledo, and on leaving the parental roof, in 1878, he engaged in building railroads until coming to Lake township, Wood county, in 1882, when he resumed agricultural pursuits, and he still owns a good farm of forty acres. in that township. He began merchandising in 1886 at Moline, buying out H. J. Rudolph, and establishing the firm of Schriber & Co., which continued to do business for four years. On disposing of that stock, in 1890, he entered his present business, now dealing in all kinds of farm implements, for which he finds, a ready sale. From 1886 to 1890, he also served as postmaster and station agent at Moline. In Lake. township. in 1883, Mr. Schriber married Elizabeth Gross, who was born, in 1864, in Lucas county, Ohio, Where her parents, Emanuel and Anna E. Gross, natives of Germany, had removed at an early day. Her father died in Lake township in 1888; the widowed mother now makes, her home in Toledo. In his political views. Mr. Schriber coincides with the Republican party, but has no aspirations for the onerous duties and vexations of political preferment, though for four terms he served as assessor of Lake township. Socially, he is connected with Corn City Lodge No. 734, I. O. O. F., of East Toledo. He is highly respected and esteemed by the entire population of the county, and looked up to as a man truly honorable and upright in all things, and one whom they can depend one as a friend. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1313 JOHN R. LUNDY, a leading agriculturist of Center township, is a native of the same, having first seen light on the farm he now owns, June 2, 1845. Henry Lundy, father of our subject was born October 15, 1811, at Greenwood, Columbiana Co., Penn., of Quaker parents, whose ancestors for generations lived and died in this county. When Henry was but a child his father died, leaving a widow and two children in comfortable circumstances. instances. In the spring of 1834 Henry Lundy passed through Ohio on horse back, traveling along primitive roads cut through the dense forest, and, on his arrival in Indiana, he bought a farm of 160 acres of government land in Elkhart county. In the fall of the same year he came to Ohio on foot; journeying by way of Michigan, and, having relatives in Wood county he came here, purchasing, along with Mr. Munn, 200 of land (just West of where now stands the. infirmary), built thereon a log cabin, and made it their home. In those early days they had to go to Perrysburg to trade, and sometimes, in dry seasons, to Blissfield; or Monroe; Mich., to mill. In 1836 Mr. Lundy sold his Indiana farm, and bought Mr. Munns's share of the Ohio one. On April 18, 1839, Mr. Lundy was married, in Wood county, to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born October 17, 1817. in Massillon, Ohio: and the young couple then went to housekeeping in the log house on the farm, experiencing all the inconveniences and vicissitudes incident to pioneer days. Here they jogged along the highway of life till about 1848. when they moved into the stone house built by them and here they lived till 1886, in which year they moved into Bowling Green, where Mrs. Lundy died in 1890. Mr. Lundy then made his home with his daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Boughton, passing the rest of his days there; he died February 22, 1894, aged eighty years. To this honored couple were born seven children, as follows: James, a resident of Clay county, Iowa, who was a soldier for over four years in the Civil war, serving in Company C, 21st O. V. I., Charles who was also a soldier in the same company for three years, and was in Bowling Green July 3, 1869; Elizabeth, the wife of Sanford Boughton, of Bowling Green; John R., our subject; Mary, who died at the age of four years; Lettice, the wife of Henry Wade, of Clay county, Iowa; and Alice, who married Frank Reid of Bowling Green. In his political. preferences. Henry Lundy was. Democrat, casting his first Presidential vote for Van Buren, and continued on that ticket till the Republican party was organized in 1854. In his day he was one of the most prominent pioneers of Wood county, and served in various offices of honor and trust. As one of the first members of the county infirmary board; he did much to place that institution upon a successful basis. He also served for many years as trustee and clerk of Center township. When the little Bowling Bowling Green & Tontogany railroad was built, he was one of the foremost workers and contributors, backing the project with his own credit, and serving as one of the directors of company. In religious faith he was liberal, though reared a Quaker, and contributed to all the Churches of his vicinity, identifying himself, however, with the Methodists. John R. Lundy, the subject proper of these lines, grew to manhood in Center township, and in 1864 followed the patriotic example of his elder brothers by offering his services to the government, enlisting in Company C. 144th O. V. I. His regiment was assigned to the Eastern department; but happily the war closed four months later; and he returned to the homestead, where he has since resided. Part of the farm he owns in fee simple, and conducts the remainder in the interest of all the heirs, whom he is now buying out as occasion offers. In 1876 he was married to Miss Eleanor Krider, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio December 24, 1850, and five children have been born to them Fred, Frank, Florence, and Charles, all living at home and Ralph who died at four years of age. Mr. Lundy takes a justifiable pride in the record of his family, to which his own upright and industrious life, and superior personal characteristics, have added new honors. Politically, he is a Republican, is one of the active promoters of progressive movements in his vicinity, and has been township trustee for fifteen consecutive years. Socially, he belongs to the G. A. R., and also the I. O. O. F., Centennial Lodge No. 626, of Bowling Green. J. H. CRANE, the genial and efficient postmaster of Bowling Green, was born in Medina, Ohio, December 25, 1852. His father, Patrick Crane, a native of County Sligo, Ireland, came to America at the age of twenty-five, and located at Medina, where he was employed some years in a foundry, and machine shop. He was married there to Miss Bridget Finney, also a native of the Emerald Isle, and in 1856 they moved to a farm near Six Points, Wood county were his wife died, at the age of thirty-five years; his last years were spent 1314 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. in Bowling Green, he dying in 1893. They were the parents of three children: J. H., our subject, Ella, married to William Austin, of Wood county; and James, unmarried, living in Bowling Green. Our subject commenced his business career as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Bowling Green, about a quarter of a century ago, and until his appointment to his present position of postmaster of Bowling Green, January 1, 1894, he was continuously engaged in that vocation for three different firms. The same trustworthiness and courteous manner, which have made him popular as a salesman, have been equally valuable in the position of postmaster, which he fills to the entire satisfaction of the community: He was married in 1878 to Miss Melissa Valentine, who was born in Findley, Ohio, in October, 1854, and they have had six children: Coren, Ralph, Lester, Hazel, Lela, and one at this writing a babe. Although he resides in a community which is strongly Republican, Mr. Crane has been a consistent Democrat all his life. Socially. he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of K. O. T. M. MADISON ADAMS. Among the young and energetic farmers of Perry township, as well as those who have been successful, and whose efforts through life thus far, through their own perseverance, have borne able recompense, is the subject of this personal history. He is a native of Wood county, born in Section 2, Bloom township, December 22, 1863, and is the youngest child of David and Lucinda (Henry) Adams. After pursuing his studies sometime in the district schools, he entered Jerry City Academy, Prof. Hubbard was at its head, and there remained for three years. Until nineteen years of age Mr. Adams spent his time in the usual manner of farmer boys, but at that time went to Fostoria, and learned telegraphy in the office of the C. H. V. & T. railroad, after which he acted as night operator for six month at that place. Disliking the work however, he returned home, where he remained for some months, and then entered the oar factory at Jerry City, Ohio, The next five years were spent as a pumper for the Ohio Oil Company in and around Jerry City. Mr. Adams was married December 21, 1884, to Ella Gobble, a daughter of Jacob Gobble, and and to them have been born three children - Clyde, Verna S: and Harold M. Our subject began his domestic life upon a farm in Section 2, Bloom township, but later removed to Jerry City, and in March, 1894, located in Section 25, Perry township, where, in partnership with his brother George, he owns and operates ninety-eighty and half acres of rich and arable land. He is very fond of horses, and a good judge of those animals. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he is a worthy representative of honored pioneer family of this county. Public spirited and enterprising, he does all in his power for the advancement of the community, and is an excellent specimen of the genial, hospitable people who are born and reared in the Buckeye State. ELISHA HELM was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, March 13, 1831, and is a son of John Helm, who was reared in Somerset county, Penn., where he was married to Miss Susan Courts. They moved to Crawford county, and located there sometime between 1820 and 1825, in a clearing in the woods, in which there was an abundance of game, and where Indians were frequently seen on their hunting expeditions. Mr. and Mrs. Helm had nine children- five sons and four daughters. The parents were farmers all their, lives, and had a good farm of 120 acres. He died in Crawford county at the age of seventy-two years, his wife pass away sometime later at the same age. Our subject, who was the youngest of the sons, was reared to the duties of a farmer's boy, living at home until he was twenty years old, when he worked out as a farm hand, receiving from eight to ten dollars a month. In1858 he was married, in Crawford county, to Miss Margaret Ulis, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1834, a daughter of William Ulis, a farmer of that county. Our subject had at this time bought eighty acres of land in Section 3, Portage township, Wood county, and for three years after his marriage worked on the home farm in Crawford county. In the spring of 1861 they moved to Wood county and located on the land he had bought, the money with which he paid for it being what he had saved from his earnings. An old house stood on the land, of which about six or seven acres were cleared. He improved and cultivated the remainder of it, and has lived there ever since. Mr.. and. Mrs. Helm had the following children: Gerome, who died at the age of eighteen years; Marion and Monroe, both farmers in Portage township: two sons (twins) died in infancy. Mr. Helm is a Republican, and a regular attendant at elections. He formerly took great pleasure in hunting, and has killed large quantities of game in his section of the county, He is an excellent shot with the rife and has achieved fame that is more than local; WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1315 has won first place at many shooting matches, and has used the same rifle for over forty years. Mr. Helm is a self-made man and a hard worker, in spite of which he is to-day well preserved, hale and hearty, and he has a large number of friends. J. C. HARTMAN, one of the active, prominent and intelligent citizens of Montgomery township, is now engaged in farming in Section 12, where his birth occurred December 29, 1848. His father, William Hartman, was a native of what was then Union county, Penn., but is now Snyder county, and as early as 1833 accompanied his parents; George and Barbara (Fry) Hartman, to Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, being the seventh family there to locate. There the grandparents died at ripe old ages. William Hartman was married to Miss Esther Buchtel, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry Buchtel, after which he located near Prairie Depot upon a farm that he had rented of his father-in-law. They began their domestic life in a small log house, supplied with the rudest of furniture. The first land which the father purchased consisted of eighty acres Section 12, Montgomery township, paying $750 for the same. He secured the place in 1847, and the dwelling at that time was a log house situated on a small ridge, south of the present home of our subject. Not over fifteen acres had been cleared; but to its improvement and cultivation he devoted his time until his death. which occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died at the age of sixty one, and both were buried in the Bradner cemetery. Religiously they were members of the Evangelical Church. The father was short in stature, but quite fleshy. He had some difficulty in paying or his land, having to trade a horse in order to make the last payment; but at the time of his death he owned 120 acres of fine land. He was a Democrat in politics up to 1863, when he voted the Republican ticket, and ever afterward supported that party. The family of William Hartman and wife included the following children: Caroline, now Mrs. Cornelius Bierly, of Montgomery township: Elnora, who died in infancy; Louellen, wife of Henry Hassenplug, of Fulton county, Ind. J. C., of this review a daughter, who died in infancy; Lucinda, now Mrs. Frank Fairbanks, of Montgomery township; Annie now Mrs. James Hathaway, of the same township; Alfred W., .of Bradner, Ohio; and George H., of the same place. On beginning his education; our subject started to the "Old Prospect '' school; located on the present site of Bradner, his first teacher being Addison Lansdale, and out of school hours he assisted in the work on the home farm until reaching man's estate. On January 14,1872, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary E. Earl, who was born at West Millgrove, Wood county, August 14, 1853, and is the daughter of Azariah and Maria (Bonanitz) Earl; the former born in Columbiana county, Ohio, November 19, 1825, and the latter in Stark county, December 21, 1826. Her mother was eleven years old when brought by her parents to Wood county, locating in, Montgomery township, but they later went to Sandusky county, where they continued to reside. Mr. Earl followed his trade of blacksmithing at West Millgrove, Tontogany, Prairie Depot, and Bradner, Wood county, dying at the latter place, February 3, 1879. His widow has again married and now lives at Bradner. Mrs. Hartman is one of a family of six children, the others being Charlotte M.; wife of Charles Abels, of Sandusky county: Jasper W., of Toledo, Ohio; and Newton, Hannah and Rosa Belle, who all died in childhood. Mr. Hartman began housekeeping upon the old homestead, where he worked for his father; but in 1876 bought forty acres of land in Section 10, Montgomery township, on which was a log house and a small log stable. There he lived for eight years, when he traded the land for a share in the home farm. In connection with Cornelius Bierly he purchased the interest of the other heirs, and then divided the property, each receiving sixty acres. Upon our subject's place are all the farm buildings, and its excellent condition shows him to be a systematic; energetic and skillful agriculturist. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartman.- Zadia M., wife of Frank McCreary, of Bradner, Esther N., wife of Daniel Green, of Sandusky county; Nora D., wife of W. H. Ream, also of Bradner; and Bert W. and Jessie G., at home. Mr. Hartman has been a stanch Republican since, casting his first vote, and served for three terms as a member of the Bradner school board. Being quite a reader, he is a well-in-formed. man and belongs to the best class of citizens in Wood county. JOHN F. HAGEMEYER, who occupies a conspicuous place among the progressive citizens and leading agriculturists of Wood county, was born in Pemberville, January 21, 1849. His father, Henry Hagemeyer, was a native of Prussia, and was there married. While coming to theis country, the first child in the family died on the board the 1316 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. vessel. Mr. Hagemeyer located in Troy township, Wood Co., at a very early day, and worked for C. H. Kohring, a pioneer of the locality. Thus he earned the money to buy forty acres of land in Section 10, Freedom township, now within the corporation Freedom township, now within the corporation limits of Pemberville. He built the first house on this tract, a log cabin, 16 x 20 feet, and it was in this place that our subject was born. The mother died January 22, 1849, and was buried in Switzer Church cemetery. She had four children, of whom Henry died in Cleveland, Ohio, and William, in Freedom township, so that our subject is the only one now living. The father afterward married Catharine Witker, a native of Germany and the children of this marriage were Mary, who died in infancy; Fred, of Chicago; Mary, wife of Ernest Klaus, of Pemberville; John, of Center township, August, of Toledo, Ohio, who was left a mute by scarlet fever when a child, but is now a skilled cabinet maker; and Edward, also of Toledo, The father of this family cleared and improved his forty acres of land, and, as the village of Pemberville began to grow he sold several small tracts. Afterward, he bought eighty acres in Section 3, Freedom township, and greatly improved that property, but continued to reside on his first purchase until his death, which occurred in November, 1885. He was buried in Fish Ridge cemetery. His widow is now living in Pemberville. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious belief was a Lutheran, serving for many years as elder of his Church. He contributed liberally to its support, and was generous with his children, caring not to accumulate great wealth, while his honesty was above question. The subject proper of this review was less than a week old at the time of his mother's death, and was reared in the family of Casper H. Kohring. He attended the German schools between the ages of seven and fourteen years, and by reading and study has become an excellent English scholar. He is deeply interested in the cause of education., and for eight years served as a member of the school board of Pemberville, during which time he labored earnestly for progress in that direction. He was reared as a farmer boy, and had a good home in the family of Mr. Kohring until eighteen years of age when he began to earn his own livelihood by operating a threshing machine. On attaining his majority, he formed a partnership with his brother William, and purchased a thresher. Success attended their efforts, and the following year he was enabled to purchase sixty acres of land in Troy township, which he partly cleared and then sold. In the spring of 1871 he bought eighty acres of land in Section 4, Freedom township, and at once began the arduous task of clearing away the timber and developing it into rich fields; For two years thereafter he continued to operate his threshing machine, but since that time he has given his entire attention to farming. In 1888 he erected his present commodious residence, and all the other buildings upon the farm stand as monuments to his enterprise. Having sold twenty acres of land, he still owns sixty acres, fifty of which are under a high state of cultivation. Mr Hagemeyer was married December 19, 1872, in Webster township, Wood county, to Mary P. Muir, who was born in that township, April 10, 1848, a daughter of James and Marion (Dunipace) Muir. Their children are Henry J., Alice, Bessie R., William and Nelson E. F. Mr. .Hagemeyer takes deep interest in political affairs, and is an adherent of the Democracy. He was elected and served for eight years as assessor holding that office for the six successive years, and to those who know him it is needless to say that his duties were discharged with the utmost fidelity and promptness. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as trustee, and, his wife belongs to the United Presbyterian faith. A wide-awake, progressive citizen, he is active in the support of all enterprises that pertain to the welfare of the community, and it is to such citizens that Wood county owes her present prosperity and progress. ELIAS FREDERICK, SR. The pioneers of the great State of Ohio, men who, by their hard labor, privations and sacrifices, were the factors in her growth and progress, are each year becoming fewer; old age is creeping upon those who are left, and it is indeed a privilege to meet one of these veterans; and to hear from his lips stories of those early days, when he, with, others, made the history of this prosperous common wealth. Among those early settlers may be the subject of this sketch, who was born in York county, Penn., January 5, 1822. His father, Andrew Frederick, was a native of Germany, came to this country when a young man, locating in Pennsylvania. He afterward removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he bought a farm on which he resided the remainder of his life, dying in 1835. He married Miss Wellman, and seven children were born to them: George, Jacob, Andrew, Elias, Henry, Adam,. and Elizabeth. Our subject spent his early days in Pennsylvania. His opportunities to obtain an education WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1317 were very limited, as when he was twelve years old his father died, and he was obliged to go to work for a living. He learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed for twenty-four years, in the meantime carrying on farming in Seneca county, Ohio. He then removed. to Wood county, settling in Bloom township, where he bought eighty acres of land. In 1887 he came to Wood county, and purchased 120 acres of land, known as the Pratt farm, on which he still resides. In March, 1845, he married Miss Mary Price, who was born June 20, 1825, in Bucks county, Penn., and to this union seven children have come as follows: John, born January 4, 1846;. died in 1871; Jonas, born May 7, 1848, is a farmer in Weston township; Elias, Jr. born November 28, 1853, assists his father upon the home farm: Harriet, born August 18, 1855, died in September, 1862; Sarah E.. born July 27, 1856, is the wife of John Lowe: Elizabeth, born April 4, 1862, married Otto Ruchty; Martha, born July 27, 1864, is the wife of G. F. Snider. Mr. Frederick is a Republican in politics, and has been a school director, and also supervisor of Jackson township, both of which offices he held one year. He widely and favorably known throughout the county, and has set an example for the rising generation, of sobriety, honesty, industry, and strict attention to his business. He is a Christian man, who shows forth his belief in his daily life, and his purse is always open to the needs of the poor, while the sorrowing and discouraged are ever sure of his helpful sympathy. He has seen much of the hard side of life, but now in his old age, with his estimable wife, is enjoying the fruits of his labor. ORREN W. FOSTER, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Wood county, resides in Section 12, Troy township, where his birth occurred, November 25, 1847. His father, D. D. Foster, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio in 1813, and was a son of Daniel Foster, one of four brothers, natives of Scotland, who on coming to the United States located at Cleveland, Ohio. The grandfather was reared to manhood in his native land, and, about 1807, arrived in Cuyahoga county, where he dealt with the Indian traders. His last days, however, were passed in Troy township. Wood county, where he died in 1850; his wife had departed this life in Cuyahoga county, in 1815. In the county of his nativity the boyhood and youth of D. D. Foster were spent, and about 1840, he became a resident of Troy township, 1840, he became a resident of Troy township, where two years later he purchased a tract of 160 acres of timber land, in Section 12. He at once began the improvement of his place, erecting a log cabin, and, later, set out a good orchard. In 1846, in Sandusky county: Ohio, he was united in marriage with Henrietta Plumb, a native of Otsego county. N. ,Y., and a daughter of Jared and Emeline (Hawkins) Plumb, both of whom were born in New York, and, in 1835 located in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where Mr. Plumb secured a tract of 160 acres. He located in the midst of a dense forest, which contained wild game of all varieties, and Indians were far more numerous in the locality than the white settlers. On that farm he died, in 1864. His widow resides in Shelton, Buffalo Co., Neb., now aged eighty-nine years. After their marriage the parents of our subject began their domestic life upon the farm where he now resides. The father operated a threshing machine in connection with his farm duties, and became both widely and favorably known throughout the community. In early life he was a Whig, but later joined the Republican party, and served as overseer of highway, also as tax collector of his township for several years. His death occurred in August, 1875, on the old home farm, where his excellent wife also died September 10, 1893. Our subject is the eldest in their family of seven children, and was followed by D. D., Jr., who resides with him, Mrs. Olive Otis, of Trenton, Hitchcock Co., Neb. ; Mrs. Alvaretta Kleuter, of Columbus Grove, Putnam Co., Ohio; George F., who also makes his home with our subject; Lincoln Hamlin, Who lives in Troy township: and Lucinda, who died on the home farm in April, 1886. Orren W. Foster was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, aiding in the labors of the field, and securing such an education as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded in those days. With the exception of a short time spent as conductor on a street car in Toledo, Ohio, his entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he and his brother, D. D., now own and operate the old homestead of eighty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. He has also engaged to some extent in threshing. In 1879, in Defiance county, he married Miss Caroline Hanna, who was born there to Hezekiah and Mary (Borman) Hanna, the former a native of Fairfield county, the latter of Franklin county, Ohio, in the former of which they were married. At an early day her parents located in what was then Williams county, but now Defiance county, Ohio, where the father cleared and developed a tract of wild land. 1318 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO on which he died in 1874. Later his wife came to Troy township, Wood county, where she passed away in 1892. Their household included six children: children: Rhoda Jane, wife of G. W. Strawser, of Steuben county, Ind., Mrs. Mary E. Matthews, of Webb, Wood county; Daniel, a resident of Steuben county, Ind., who enlisted in Defiance county, in 1862, as a member of Company D. 48th O. V. I. , and served until May 1866; Caroline, honored wife of our subject; Orlando, of Stueben county, Ind.; and John, who makes his home at Pleasant Lake, Steuben county, Indiana. Mr. Foster brought his bride to his home in Troy township, and as they have no children of their own, they have adopted a daughter, Maud; at this writing aged seventeen. He has assisted in the construction of roads through his section of the county, and otherwise materially aided in advancing its welfare. His vote is cast with the Republican party, and he has efficiently served as a member of the board of education. Socially he belongs to the Knights of Honor Lodge, at Stony Ridge. He and his worthy wife are sincere and earnest Christians, members of the United Brethren Church of Lernoyne, Wood county, of which he has served as trustee and treasurer and of which he now Sunday-school superintendent. Mrs. Foster was for twenty-three terms a successful teacher in Defiance county.