J. H. KUHLMAN, an energetic young farmer of Portage township, is a native of Wood county; born September 25, 1868, in Freedom township, about a mile and a half northwest of Pemberville, and was reared to manhood about a mile and a half south of that city. The birth of his father, Fred W. Kuhlman, occurred in West Kilver, Herford, Prussia, November 2, 1833, and in Germany he wedded Anna M. Nolte, a native of that country born May 25, 1832. In July, 1867, they started for the New World, accompanied by their two children - Kate and Mary. In the Fatherland Mr. Kuhlman had always worked as a common laborer, so that on his arrival here he had no capital, and his first , home in the county was a small house which he rented of Casper Buschman, a large land owner. J. H. Nolte, a maternal uncle of our subject, had come to the United States before the Rebellion, and during that war was drafter on two different occasions, each time hiring a substitute. He also earned the money which brought Mr. Kuhlman and his family from New York City to Toledo, Ohio. They were seven weeks in crossing the ocean, and on landing were without means to carry them farther on their journey.
After remaining a short time in Toledo, the father then engaged work as a farm hand near Pemberville, but later removed his family to Freedom township, where he rented land. in 1887 he purchased fifty acres of land in Section 2, Portage township, the place on which our subject now resides. There the father passed away May 1, 1894, and was laid by the side of his wife his wife in Rochester cemetery. Her death had occurred March 5. 1893. They were highly respected people, and members of the Lutheran Church. The family consisted of the following children: Kate, a dressmaker, of Toledo, Ohio; Mary, who died in childhood; J. H., whose name opens this sketch; Anna at home; and Henry and Frederick H., who die infancy.
Our subject was educated in both the English and German languages, and has remained upon the home farm during his entire life, with the exception of two years spent in Toledo, Ohio. Since his father's death he has had charge of the homestead, and. besides general farming, devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, in which he is a meeting with excellent success. He has prospered in his undertakings, and is destined to become one of the substantial farmers of Portage township, as well as one of the leading and representative citizens. His political support is usually given the Democratic party, though he is not bound by party ties, and in 1895 he was elected assessor of his township.
W. M. WICKHAM is president of the Champion Oil Company, which was established in 1894, and began operations in Freedom township, Wood county, near, the Sandusky county line, where they have opened up two wells that are still flowing. Five men compose the company., S. P. Hathaway being secretary-treasurer. On coming to Wood county, in June, 1893, our subject located at Luckey, where he served as agent for the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, and also dealt quite extensively in grain and stock. Previous to this. time he had been employed by the same road for three years at McCutchenville, Wyandot Co., Ohio.
Mr Wickham is a native of Ohio, born in Crawford county, in 1858, and is a son of Willard and Phoebe (Pennington) Wickham, the former a native of New York, the latter of Virginia. In 1836, the father had located in Crawford county, where he was married, and where he still resides, a widower, his wife having
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died there in 1889. Seven of their ten children are still living. namely: G. W., of Crawford county, who there enlisted in 1861 in the 123rd O. V. I., and after a three-years' service, he became a veteran of the same company and regiment; Mrs. Maggie Hoffman, of Crawford county; M. W., who belonged to the one-hundred-days' service during the Rebellion and now makes his home in Crawford county; Anson, of Bucyrus, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Banks, of Crawford county; W. H., a physician and surgeon of Sycamore, Wyandot Co., Ohio;. and. W. M.
After attending the schools of Crawford county, our subject took a scientific course in the Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio where he was graduated in June, 1883, and then began teaching in his native county. He was afterward employed in the graded schools of Melmore, Seneca county, and Deunquat, Wyandot county, being for about fifteen years a teacher in those three counties. For a time he then studied law at Bucyrus, Ohio, but as his health began to fail, he secured a position as traveling salesman in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Not liking that business. however, he learned telegraphy at Sycamore, Ohio, in the office of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, he was employed until coming to Luckey, in June 1893. In 1895, in his native county, he was married to Miss Florence Biggs, who was born in Wyandot county, and is a daughter of John and Emily (Longwell) Biggs, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of New Jersey, but in this State they were married, and became early settlers of Wyandot county. The father died in Traverse City, City, Mich., in 1895, at the age of seventy-two years and there his widow still resides. In 1883, Mr. Wickham served as class, president at Westerville, Ohio and has ever taken an active interest in educational matters. Socially, he holds membership with Blendon Lodge, F. and A. M.
SILAS POWELL, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Henry township, was born March 6, 1857, in Eagle township, Hancock Co., Ohio. His father, Ben Powell, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence when a child of four years he was brought to Ohio, and was reared and educated in Eagle township, Hancock county. He is now living on a farm of eighty acres there. His father, Daniel Powell, had entered a large tract of land from the government, and when his son Ben grew to manhood gave him the eighty-acre tract. The latter was married in Hancock county, to Mary Jane England, a. native of Fairfield county, Ohio. They had children as follows: Lewis, a farmer of Hancock county; Mary Jane, at home; Martin who died in 1892; Sarah Ellen, wife of Jacob Crossley, of Hancock county; Charles who died in 1894; Amanda, wife of Thomas Fox, of Hancock county; Idella, wife of Roy Nepper., of Hancock county; and Silas.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools near his home, and was reared as a farmer, but has followed both black-smithing and carpentering, having learned both pursuits without aid. At the time of his marriage he located on a farm in his native county, which he operated until coming to Wood county in November 1885. Having sold his other property he here bought eighty acres of land in Section 31, Henry township, of which all but ten acres was covered with timber. At the present time there are only eight acres unimproved, He has tiled and fenced the place, planted a good orchard, erected a comfortable home, and now has one of the finely-developed farms of Wood county.
In Hancock county, Mr. Powell, was joined in wedlock, December 26, 1882, with Miss Clara Loy, who was born in Eagle township, Hancock county, August 17, 1862. Three children grace this union: Melvin Ray, Cora and Hazel. Mr. Mr. Powell is a Democrat, and takes an active part in political affairs. He is now serving as trustee, which position he was elected in the spring of 1893; socially, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, of Hoytville. He is well known throughout the locality, where his many excellencies of character, and his sterling worth, have gained for him high regard.
ISAAC ZIMMERMAN. Many of the leading citizens of this county have served their country during the dark days of the Rebellion, making a record honorable and glorious. One of these brave " boys" is now a farmer of Portage township, and is highly respected as a representative of one of the pioneer families of Wood county. He was born in Webster township; December 25, 1843, and is a son of William and Isabel (Householder) Zimmerman, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. From Pennsylvania the father came to the Buckeye State, becoming an early settler of Webster township; Wood county, but he and his wife have bot passed away.
Until his enlistment in the Union army, Isaac Zimmerman remained under the parental roof, securing his education in the district schools of Webster township, and by one term's attendance
1320 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
at a select school taught by Alfred Kelley. On July 10, 1863, he became a member of Company L, 2nd O.H.A. and from Camp Dennison went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was assigned to his regiment The first active engagement in which he participated was at Strawberry Plains, and from that time he remained with his command continuously until the close of hostilities. He was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., August 23, 1865, after which he returned to Wood county and began business for himself as a farm hand. In September, 1868, in Webster township, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Miss Hulda Tefft, who was born in Bloom township, Wood county, April 1, 1848, one of the family of eight children - four sons and four daughters--born to William and Jane (Baird) Tefft. Her father owned and operated a sawmill in this county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman; Cora, who became the wife of J. E. Shinew, and died in Center township, Wood county: a daughter who died in infancy; and Asher and Charles, both at home
For a time Mr. Zimmerman rented land in his native township. and then purchased fifty acres of timberland, in Section 9, Center township, the improvements, consisting of only log buildings. Although he secured the land on easy terms, it required considerable effort to meet the payments, as the land was all wild. He later owned another farm in Center township, in Section 34; but in 1890 he removed to his present place, which constitutes fifty-nine acres of rich and arable land in Section 6, Portage township. He has made many improvements upon the farm, and is numbered among the well-to-do farmers and best citizens of the community. He has always led an honest, honorable life, is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy, and is held in deservedly high repute by all in the township. Until 1884 he was a Republican in politics, but now is a strong supporter of the Peoples party. With Wiley Post G. A. R., of Bowling Green, Ohio, he holds membership.
FRED J. MATZINGER, a prominent lumber dealer of Perrysburg, enjoys the distinction of being the youngest man now conducting an inpendent business of any magnitude there. He is a native of that town, born October 5, 1872.
Our subject's father, the late Joseph Matzinger, came from Switzerland at the age of twenty- two, and after making an extensive prospecting tour settled in Perrysburg, where he opened a furniture factory; which he carried on until his death 1873. He was a devout Methodist in religious faith, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat, never failing to show an intelligent interest in all matters affecting the welfare of his adopted country. He married Miss Amelia Eberly, a native of Perrysburg, who survives him, with their only child, our subject, Fred J. Matzinger received an excellent education in his early youth, supplementing his studies in the public school with a course at Cleary College, Ypsilanti, Mich., where he was graduated in 1889. He then obtained employment at Jackson, Mich., in a sash, door and blind factory, and familiarized himself with the lumber business in general. On January 22, 1894, he established himself in business in his native town, opening a lumber yard, where he has already developed an extensive trade, He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in politics is a Republican and is one of the leaders among the young men of the community, his early demonstrated ability and energy giving him influence unusual for one of his years.
ELIAS HANELY is one of the most genial and wholesouled men of Wood county and in Section 34, Lake township has built up a fine homestead. His tastes have always inclined him to agricultural pursuits, and he has been quite successful in his life work. A native of Lancaster county, Penn., he was born September 30, 1817, at the home of his parents, Michael and Susanna (Stoner) Hanely, who were born in the same county, the former in 1793, and the latter in 1795. There they were reared and married, and in 1830 brought their family to Stark county, Ohio, where the father opened up a farm in the midst of the wilderness, on which he died in 1865. The mother's death occurred in Defiance county, Ohio, in 1884. Our subject was the eldest in their family; of the others, we have record of the following: Moses, who, for many years resided in Richland county, Ohio, where he died in 1893; John, who died in Stark county, in 1861; Jonas, a resident of Troy township, Wood county; and Andrew, who makes his home in Defiance county.
When thirteen years of age, Elias Hanely accompanied his parents to Ohio, and, in Stark county, completed his education, which was begun in Pennsylvania. There he remained until 1846, the year of his arrival in Wood county, locating in Lake township, when the nearest market was at Perrysburg and purchased 160 acres of wild land covered with dense forest. He battled bravely for a number of years with the elements of a new soil, and, looking upon
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his possession to-day, it is hardly necessary to state that he has made good use of his time, and been remarkably fortunate. The land has been brought under a high state of cultivation, and yields rich harvests in abundance. In Ashland county, Ohio, in 1844. Mr. Hanely was married Miss Susanna Shriner, a native of Stark county, where her parents, John and Mary (Hoover) Shriner, located in 1829. They were born in Pennsylvania, and passed their last days in Ashland county, this State. The home to which our subject brought his wife in this county was a log house; but there they passed many happy days. For forty-seven years they traveled life's journey together, sharing in its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity; but in June, 1891, the loving wife was called to her final home. Of their union were born the following children: (1) Mary Ann is the wife of Joseph Crago, of Lake township; (2) Samuel married Elizabeth Myers, by whom he has eleven children-- William, Albert, Libbie, Laura, Elias; Bertha, Pearl Mary, Walter, Herman and Stella; (3) Andrew wedded Caroline Crago, and they have five children - Roland, Grover, Bessie, Eddie and Chester; (4) Fiana is the wife of Samuel Baker, of Lake township, and they have one child now, living - Alice; (5) John, also a resident of Lake township, married Sabine Schwemley, and to them have been born three children Dora, Clarence, and Frances.
For over half a century Mr. Hanely has been a resident of Wood county, during which time he has watched with interest the wonderful changes that have taken place, and assisted materially in its development. He is now probably, the oldest settler in Lake township, where he has gained many warm friends, and all respect and honor him for his sterling worth. In religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran Church of Stony Ridge. He has been supervisor, and has served as trustee of the township, and, in politics, he votes independently.
WILLIAM CARIS, a representative, self-made farmer, of Portage township, is an Ohioan by birth, having first seen the light January 17, 1829, in Brown township, Carroll county.
The parents of our subject, John and Susannah (Baughman) Caris, were both from Northumberland county, Penn., and in pioneer days migrated to Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their useful lives. In 1849 they settled in Liberty township, Crawford county, where the father purchased 120 acres of partially improved land, and he died on that farm at the age of seventy-five years, Mrs, Caris. living to the advanced age of ninety-five. They had a family of ten children. William being the second youngest. During his youth he attended the primitive log schools then in vogue, with their rude benches and other simple appliances, and he approves heartily of the numerous improvements that have been made in the public-school system. He was thoroughly trained to agriculture on the home farm, and lived with his parents up to the age of thirty-three years. In 1850 he was married, in Crawford county, Ohio, to Miss Catherine Heckard, and ten years later removed to Portage township, Wood county, on land which he had bought and paid for two years previously. The farm consisted of eighty acres of swampy ground lying in Section 34, the nearest road on the east at that time being two and one-half miles distant and, on the west, three miles distant. He cut the first road to his farm, which was then all in the woods, and he was obliged to cut away enough trees to make room for his dwelling, a plank house. It took three yoke of oxen to haul their household goods from Jerry City. Mr. Canis at once set to work to improve this land, and he has drained it and brought it to high state of cultivation, working incessantly to convert the place into a comfortable poverty. He has erected every building that stands on the place, and has reason to be proud of its thrifty appearance and general air of neatness and prosperity, In spite of the many years of hard labor which he has devoted to farming, Mr. Canis a well-preserved man, and he has won the esteem of all by his industry and uprightness.
To William and Catharine Caris were born children as follows: Eliza (Mrs. Christ Aumaugher) of Portage township; Elizabeth (Mrs. William Dusler) of Liberty township; Oliver, who died at the age of six years; Daniel, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Susan (Mrs. John Tippit) of Portage; Philip, of Portage township: and Jane (Mrs. Lincoln Wickard), of Jerry City. The mother of these was called to her long home February 12, 1894, and for his second wife Mr. Caris wedded Mrs. Sarah (FayIor) Soule, widow of C. C. Soul; she is native of Richland county, Ohio, daughter of John and Sarah (Pritchard) Faylor, who came to Wood county when she was only a child. Our subject is a Republican in political sentiment. He has been an active man in his community, and has served faithfully as trustee and supervisor of his township, for over twenty-five years as director of District No. 6, and, for a number of
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years as clerk of the district. In religious connection he is a member of the Liberal U. B. Church.
H. H. LEEDY. Among the agriculturists of Wood county who are numbered among Ohio's native sons is this gentleman, whose birth occurred in Knox county, August 21, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Susanna (Bostater) Leedy. His father was a native of Bedford county, Penn., and, during his boyhood accompanied his parents to Knox county, where the grandfather Abraham Leedy, purchased land, and had, at the time of his death 800 acres of very rich land. Jacob Leedy succeeded his father on this place, and there lived until removing to Hancock county, Ohio, in the early 50s. He purchased 120 acres of land six miles from Fostoria, and later added seventy-five acres, which be continued to cultivate until his death, October 20, 1872. His widow is now living with her family. The family record is as follows: Aaron, who died in infancy; Ezra,. who, married Alice Need, and is living on the old homestead; H. E.; Lavinia, who became the wife of George Ruch, and died at West Independence, Ohio; Mary, wife of Abraham Bowers, of. West Independence; Elijah, who wedded Mary Crocker, and is living on the old homestead in Hancock county, and Byron, who married Ella Bowers and makes his home in Independence, Ohio. Mr. Leedy, of this review, was a child of seven summers when he went with his parents to Hancock county. There he attended school until he had attained, his majority, after which he worked on his father's farm until his marriage. On the 13th of June 1872, in Seneca county, Ohio,. Mr. Leedy was joined in wedlock with Mary J. Lawhead, who was born in that county July 28, 1851, and is a daughter of James W. of James W. and Catherine (Diebley) Lawhead, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the later of Canton, Ohio. They were married in Hancock county, and afterward removed to Seneca county, where the father purchased 120 acres of land, also 120 acres near Freeport, Ohio. His death occurred about 1888, and that of his wife July 21, 1891. The former had one son by a first marriage - William. The children of the second marriage were Ella, Lewis and Elmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Leedy began their domestic life on a rented farm, and in the spring of 1874 removed to Seneca county, where they also. rented land until the fall of 1878. In February, 1879, they emigrated to Missouri, and rented a farm of 120 acres in Vernon county, where they remained until October following, when they returned to Ohio. Mrs. Leedy and her children accomplished the journey by rail, while Mr. Leedy drove across the country, reaching Independence, Ohio, on the 5th of November, 1879. He there rented a house until the following spring, when he purchased his present farm of 160 acres in Liberty township. Wood county, removing his family to this place April 12, 1880. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits. and is a substantial farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Leedy have three children-Clara. born September 16, 1873; May, born October 9, 1881; and Verda Cleo born July 2, 1891. The parents are active workers and faithful members of the German Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Leedy is a Democrat. He has served as township trustee for nine years, and assessor for one term, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.
SAMUEL SHOOK, a worthy and honored representative of the early pioneers of Wood county, is a true type of the energetic, hardy, and courageous men who actively assisted in the development of this region. Deer and other wild game had not yet fled before the advancing steps of civilization, and most of the land was still in its primitive condition. In the transformation that has taken place, he has born an important part, and is now numbered among the prominent farmers of Troy township, residing at Stony Ridge.
Born in Franklin county, Penn., in 1831, our subject is a son of John and Sarah (Koon) Shook, also natives of that county where the father carried on farming. In 1855 they game to Troy township Wood county, where the father died about 1868, and his excellent wife in 1873. Their family consisted of these children: Joseph who arrived in Troy township about 1850, was a merchant of Stony Ridge, where he died in 1892: Mrs. Ann Stoner died in that township in 1880; Catherine is the deceased wife of James McCutchen, Sr. Mrs. Polly File has also passed away; Samuel is next in order of birth: Martin is a merchant of Stony Ridge: John, a resident of Lake township, Wood county, enlisted in Troy township during the Civil War and served until its close; and Mrs. Fannie Newcomb makes her home in Seneca county, Ohio.
Our subject received the benefits of a common-school education in his native county, and was otherwise fitted for the battle of life. In 1848 he left Pennsylvania for Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, where he remained for a year, at the expiration of which time he located in Stoney Ridge,
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Wood county. For about ten years he was there engaged at his trades of plastering and brick,
laying and from 1872 until 1882 conducted the "Empire House." He then erected a two-story
brick store building, when for some eleven years he carried on the grocery business, but now
devotes his entire time and attention to the cultivation and improvement of his fine farm in
Troy township.
At Sylvania, Mich., in 1850, Mr. Shook married Miss. Clarissa Smith, a native of Perrysburg,
Wood county, and a daughter of Joshua and Joshua and Huldah (Alger) Smith, the former
born in Kingston, R. I., October 19, 1789, out reared in New York, and the latter born June
17, 1792, at Albany, N. Y., where they were married October 19, 1812. About February,
1817, the parents removed to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where they resided until coming to
Perrysburg in 1830. In connection with the manufacture of brick, the father also followed
farming in Wood county, and in 1835 became one the first settlers of Stony Ridge, where he
died August. 16, 1858. There his wife also spent her last days, dying January, 1879. In their
family were seven children: Lucy, now Mrs. Julius Blum, of Perrysburg, Ohio; Maria, who
died in New York, February 10, 1817, when young girl; John Lee, who died of cholera at
Stony Ridge, in 1854: Joshua. V., who makes his home in Stoney Ridge; Jacob, who died at
Lemoyne, Wood county, January 1, 1865; Elizabeth, who became the wife of DeWitt Van
Camp, and died at Stony Ridge in 1885; and Clarissa, wife of our subject. Two children
blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.Shook: Amos C., who wedded Frances Marsh, by whom he
has four children - Agnes, Jennie, Ruby, and Lee, and resides at Stony Ridge; and Emeline,
wife of Noah Bean, of Stony Ridge, by whom she has three children - George C.,Della and
Ethel. Though not an active politician, Mr. Shook votes with the Democratic party as his
sentiments and beliefs dictate, and has served two years both as trustee and assessor of his
township, and as postmaster of Stony Ridge. He and his estimable wife are members in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are greatly esteemed in their community, as
representing the best type of its moral and social element.
WILLIAM S. BRYANT. Two qualities which are absolutely essential to success are industry and energy, and these our subject possesses in a high degree. Thus he has worked his way upward until to-day he is numbered among the substantial farmers and respected citizens of Wood county. He was born in Findlay township, Hancock county, October 18, 1857, and is a son of George W. Bryant, a native of New York, who in his boyhood accompanied his parents to Hancock county. In Richland county, Ohio, he married Isabel Kemp, and located in Findlay. During the Civil war he enlisted in the 21st O. V. I., and afterward joined the 5th Ohio Regiment. He died in the service in Louisville, Ky., of an attack of smallpox. To Mr. and Mrs. Bryant were born three children: Sarah Jane, wife of J. H. Lamb, of Henry township; George W., a farmer of Hardin county, Ohio; and William S. The mother is still living in Toledo, Ohio.
Our subject attended the public schools of Findlay until fourteen years of age, when he started out to make his own way in the world. He there learned the trade of carriage painting, which he followed some fourteen years, when, with the capital he had acquired through his own industry and frugality, he bought an interest in the business. A year later, however, he sold out, removing to Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where he carried on a paint shop for two years. Failing health then necessitating his retirement from that business, he came to Henry township, Wood county, where he purchased forty acres of timber land that he has since transformed into a comfortable home. He afterward purchased-sixty acres additional, but now owns eighty acres, all under a high state of cultivation and improved with the accessories and conveniences of a model farm.
On October 3, 1881 Henry township, Mr. Bryant married Miss Mary Helbrick, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn.. November 1, 1856, and they have four children: Gracie, born June 17, 1882: Scott Le Roy born April 22, 1884; William,, born November 6, 1885, and died January 1889; and Ruth Jane, born September 6, 1890. Mr. Bryant is a stalwart Republican, and has served as school director for six years and supervisor for three years, but has by no means been an office seeker. He holds membership with the United Brethren Church.
W. M. AMOS is one of the leading and influential business men of Portage, carrying on a first-class meat market there. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, and his pleasant and genial manner has won him a circle of friends, while his honorable dealing has
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Wood county his, birth having occurred in Portage township, April 25, 1861. He is one of ten children whose parents were Michael and Theresa (Brakcey) Amos. This family numbers Michael and Philip, both of whom carry on agricultural pursuits in Portage township; John and Katie, twins, who died in childhood; Anthony, a who died in childhood; Anthony, a farmer of Center township: W. M.; Charles, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Portage township; Mary, wife of Manuel Helm, of Portage township, and a son and daughter who died before the recollection of our subject.
W. M. Amos acquired his education in the district schools near his home, and was reared as a farmer boy, remaining under the parental roof and giving to his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority. He then assumed the management of the old home place, which he operated for nine years. His father also gave him forty acres of land in Portage township, which he afterward traded for another forty acres in the same township, paying $1,000 additional. His second farm he afterward exchanged for a tract of similar size in Portage township, and on selling this he bought eighty acres of improved land in Center township. He continued to operate all these different farms in connection with the improvement of the old homestead. In 1893, however, he sold his farming land, land, and purchased a meat market in Portage, where he has since carried on business. During the first year he was associated in partnership with Will Johnson, but, buying out his interest, has since been alone. He has a well-conducted establishment. He is a man of excellent business and executive ability, and carries forward to completion whatever he undertakes. Perseverance and energy are his chief characteristics, and have brought to him a very comfortable competence.
Mr. Amos was married in Portage township, Wood county, March 14, 1886, the lady of his choice being Miss Mima Ulis, who was born in November 27, 1868 and is a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Helm) Ulis, Five children graced this union, but Clyde and Samuel, the eldest and youngest have passed away. Those still at home are Jesse, Paul and Oscar.
A. L. POLLARD, an influential citizen of Portage township, is a native of Pennsylvania ,born May 3, 1856, in Lawrence county, son of Abner and Anna (Wymer) Pollard. The family came to Perry township, Wood county when our subject was about nine years old, and, in about 1871, settled in Portage township, at Six Points, where wherethe mother died, and the father still makes his home. Of their family A. L Pollard was the fifth in order of birth, and the eldest son.
During his boyhood Mr. Pollard attended the district schools of the home neighborhood, and also received a thorough training in agriculture, which he has followed more or less all his life. When he came to Six Points this region was still a wilderness, and the site of his persent store was wan then in the midst of a forest. He remained at home until his marriage, at that time locating on eighty acres of land at Six Points, later removing to Jerry City, in Portage township, and finally finally settling on his present place, which consists of thirty-six acres of good land at Six Points. In July, 1889, he established the mercantile business which he has ever since conducted with well-deserved success, and during his business career he has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact for fair dealing and honest methods. He is a self made man in the true sense of the word, the comfortable property and home which he now possesses having all been acquired by his own efforts.
In March, 1880, Mr. Pollard was married to Miss Abbie Bisbee, daughter of Joseph Bisbee, and she died and was buried in Mount Zion cemetery. For his second wife our subject wedded Miss Hannah Brand, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, daughter of Michael Brand, and six children have come to this union, as follows: Arthur L., Lucy M., Raymond, Luther (who died in infancy), Bessie, and Zella.. Mr. Pollard is a life-long Republican; and, though he takes an interest an interest in public affairs, he is not active except in school matters, being a warm friend of educations progress in every way; he has been school director in District No. 8 for some time. Socially he is a member of the K. O. T. M.. Excelsior Tent, at Prairie Depot, and he affiliated with the.. Grangers during their existence. On May t, t 892, lightning struck Mr. Pollard's barn, and destroyed $1,500 worth of property, on which there was no insurance whatever, seven horses, a large amount of grain, and a number of farming implements being consumed.,
ALFRED R. WILLIAMS, of Perrysburg, one of the most enterprising and successful young business men of Wood county, was born September 5, 1868, at Perrysburg.
His father, the late Alfred G. Williams, was one of the prominent men of the county in his day, and a leading operator in the oil fields. His mother, formerly Miss Mary Cranker, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families, and has long
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.- 1325
held an important place in all the social and philanthropic movements of the community. Our subject enjoyed excellent educational opportunities in his youth, his training in the public schools of Perrysburg being supplemented by study at Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio. After leaving school he became shipping clerk for Davis Bros., of Toledo; later with Chapman & Sargent, with whom he was serving when his father died, October 17, 1892. He was then appointed administrator of the latter's estate. also the estate of Margaret Cranker, his maternal grandmother, both of which responsibilities he has managed with credit to himself and the satistfaction of all concerned. His father was one of the first operators in Cygnet oil field, and the family interests now extend from that locality to Bradner, including over forty wells. Apart from this interest, out subject is operating some twenty wells, also in Wood county, in company with other oil men, and in all his speculations he displays great sagacity and shrewdness. In February, 1895, he was appointed assignee for the O`Connor Oil Company, of Wood county.
On June 28, 1892, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Clara Chappuies who was born in Stryker, Ohio, January 1, 1869. Two children have blessed this union: Alfred R., born March 6, 1893, and Elbert J., born March 7, 1895. Mr. Williams is a Republican: is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. and he and his wife are esteemed highly for their superior personal qualities. They are leaders in the best element of Perrysburg society, taking an active and influential part in the varied work of the M. E. Church, and in all worthy local movements.
ERASMUS CHAMBERS, an extensive landowner and prosperous farmer of Portage township, is a native of Ohio, born August 9, 1814, in Jefferson county, son of William and Catherine (Barrick) William Chambers father was a native of England, and came to this country in young manhood. He was the owner of a plantation and a number of slaves, and was quite wealthy, William became a farmer and settled in Ohio in pioneer days, dying in Crawford (now Wyandot) county, Ohio, in 1838, when about sixty years old. Mrs. Chambers died there December 20, 1848. There were nine children in their family- seven sons and two daughters all of whom lived to good old ages, and, though our subject was considered the delicate one of the family, he has survived them all. During his youth he received but two weeks schooling, for the country in which his parents had settled was sparsely settled, at that early day, the settlers were for the most part French, who did not give liberally to the support of the schools. They were then living in the vicinity of Louisville, Stark county. After his father's death Mr. Chambers lived with his widowed mother up to the time of her decease, In 1850, he was united in marriage, in Wyandot county, with Miss Martha Mansfield, who died in that county in 1852, leaving one child, Clara, who is now the wife of Sylvanus Newcomer, of Gratiot county, Mich. For some time after his wife's death our subject lived in Logan county, this State, and in 1869 he came to Wood county; settling in Montgomery township, where he lived until March, 1872, since which time he has had his home in. Portage township, on his present farm, which lies in Section 36. Here he has acquired a comfortable property, for which he has worked hard, and is now the owner of 215 acres of good land, besides which his wife owns eighty acres. With the exception of twelve years during which he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, he has devoted himself almost exclusively to farming, and now, in his later years, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he has no reason to regret his choice. His vitality is remarkable, and in spite of his four score years he is still an active man. When Mr. Chambers came to Wood county much of the land was still in its primitive condition, wet and swampy, and he thought at that time that " Mud " county would be a far more appropriat name.
On March 13, 1870. our subject was married to Mrs. Maria Lane, widow of William Lane, and daughter of David and Margaret (Henry) Tyson, who came to Wood county in 1847, locating in Portage township, where she has since lived; she was born November 24, 1840, in Stark county, Ohio. To this union have come children as follows: Eli P., born January 28, 1871; John F.. born September 21,1872; William H., born August 20, 1874; David S.; born September 1, 1876, and died in infancy; Urias A. born May 22, 1878: and Emma M., born December 19, 1880. Mrs. Chambers in religious connection is a member of the Dunkard Church. During his early manhood Mr Chambers was an Old line Whig, and he voted for William Henry Harrison: since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its stanch supporters:
R. C. SANTMYER is a popular citizen of Liberty township, whose genuine worth has won him the good will and respect of many friends. Sen-
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neca county, Ohio, numbers him among her native sons, his birth occurring there October 27, 1854. His father, Christopher Santmyer, was born in Virginia, and having attained his majority, married Susan Updike, also a native of that State. Four years later they removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father followed farming, also carried on blacksmithing and shoe making. In 1861 in Delaware, Ohio, he enlisted in the Union army and served until the close of the war, and participated in many important battles. He afterward went to Saginaw, Mich., where he continued for a number of years, then returned to Seneca county. He is still a resident of Ohio.
Their children were John, a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio: Robert, a farmer of Bloom township; R. C., our subject; David H., of Wayne county, Ohio; and Mrs. Jane Vogelson. R. C. Santmyer was about eleven years of age when he came to Wood county with his mother, who purchased five acres of land in Bloom township, and there resided until her death. He attended the district schools and followed farming during his boyhood, earning his own livelihood from the time he was eight years of age. He was married March 12, 1882, to Miss Annie Walker, a native of Bloom township, and a daughter of John and Elisabeth (Soles) Walker.
They at once located on the farm of sixty acres which Mr. Santmyer had previously purchased. He is now living in the oldest dwelling in Wood county, it having stood for sixty-three years. Many were the hardships and difficulties they encountered in the early days, for Mrs. Santmyer suffered much from ill health; but as time has passed our subject has prospered. He has now tiled and fenced his place, planted a good orchard, and has a well-improved farm. There are five oil wells upon his land, and he adds to his income by acting as district agent for the Solid Comfort Plow Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Santmyer have had a family of three children: Carrie Emma, born April 12, 1883; Harley J., born August 29, 1886, and died July 8, 1887; and Sylvia Jane, born August 26, 1890.
Our subject was formerly an advocate of Republican principles, but is now identified with the People's party. He has served for five years as supervisor, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have won him high commendation.
FRANK WAGONER, a general merchant of Stony Ridge, was born in Lake township, Wood county, January 13, 1864 and is a son of B. and Elizabeth (Weaver) Wagoner. The father's birth occurred in Troy township, but he was reared and married in Lake township, where his wife died in 1879. In their family of seven children only two are now living: Frank, and Mrs. Nettie Korn, of Stony Ridge.
In the common schools of his native township our subject obtained his education, and at the age of fifteen went to Fort Scott, Kans., where he was he was employed for nine month after which he proceeded to White City and Parsons, same State, and then again went to Fort Scott. Returning to Ohio, he attended the academy at Fostoria for a year and on leaving that institution, again journeyed westward, this time going as far as Seattle, Wash., where he remained three months. On his return, he located at Toledo, Ohio, where for nine months he was employed, and then obtained a situation in the store which he now owns. In 1890 he began business here, and now carries a large line of groceries, crockery, boots, shoes in fact, everything found, in a first-class general store. He owns a two-story frame building 24 x 60 feet, with two additional rooms, one 12 x 60 feet, and the other 16 x 36 feet. He well deserves the liberal trade that is accorded him, and is meeting with well-merited success.
Mr, Wagoner was married at Stony Ridge, in 1892, to Miss Mary Seifert, who died in January;. 1895, leaving one child: Chester McKinley. In politics, our subject endorses the principles and policy of the Republican party, in the success of which he takes an active interest, socially, he is identified with Fort. Meigs Lodge No. 774, I. O. O. F., and the Knights of Honor.
THOMAS J. PUGH, Among the merchants and business men of Weston none is better known than the subject of this sketch. Born in Henry county, Ohio, November 13, 1871, he came to Wood county with his parents when but one year old. His education was acquired in the district school, and he afterward worked on his father's farm until reaching his majority, after which he farmed for one year on his own account. Moving into Weston he embarked in the grocery business, which rapidly increased to such an extent that he found it necessary to have assistance. He therefore, became associated with Mr. A. N. Pauff, under the firm name of Pugh & Pauff. They deal only in first-class groceries, their stock is well kept up, and they cater to the best class of people Weston.
In April, 1893, Mr. Pugh was united in marriage with Miss Maud Guyer, daughter of Daniel Guyer, and they have one child, Sylvia. Our sub-
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ject is a member of the K. of P. and the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics he is neutral. He is an enterprising, progressive young man, and possesses great business tact and ability, which has been fully demonstated by the manner in which he has overcome all obstacles and build up an enviable trade. He is genial, affable and courteous by nature and his integrity and honesty have been the means by which he has gained the confidence of all who have any business dealings with him.
ABRAHAM MERCER, whose well-spent life has won him the regard of all, is numbered among the progressive enterprising citizens who give, a hearty endorsement and active support to all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 8, 1820, and is a son of William and Charity (Pettit) Mercer. The father was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and at various times followed the trades of cooper, miller and mason.
In his native county he married Miss Pettit, who was there born July 7, 1781. After several years they removed to a farm on the banks of the Susquehanna. river, and later went to Columbiana county, Ohio, where Mr. Mercer carried on farming to some extent, but mostly followed the mason's trade. In the fall of 1834 he brought his family to Wood county, and secured 160 acres of land in Liberty township, on which he erected a log house, 16 x 20 feet. Two years later he built a frame residence, and there made his home until his death. His widow afterward returned to Pennsylvania; but while visiting in Columbiana county, she died at the home of her son Daniel, February 9, 1855. The children of this marriage were: Martha (deceased) was the wife of Andrew Pettit; George, who died in Liberty township, at the age of eighty-seven; William, who died in Portage township at the age of forty-three; Mary Ann, who became the wife of Enos Monehan, and died in Pennsylvania; Daniel, who died near Georgetown, Columbiana county; Beulah (deceased) was the wife of William Pike, of Iowa; Caleb, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Charity (deceased): Lucretia (deceased) was the wife of Henry Groves, of Liberty township;. Abraham; who died at the age of two years; and who lives in Bowling Green.
Our subject received somewhat limited educational privileges for the nearest school house was three miles distant; but through reading experience, and observation he has become a well-informed man. To farm work he devoted his energies until his marriage, which was celebrated in Liberty township January 8, 1840, Miss Harriet Elizabeth Rice becoming his wife. Born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y.; April 13, 1820, she was a daughter of Calvin and Electa (Allen) Rice, natives of the Empire State, and with her parents came to Wood county in 1935, her father and mother both dying in Liberty township.
In 1846 Mr. Mercer removed with his family to the farm which his father first purchased, taking eighty acres. He cleared the place, erected a good residence, and there carried on agricultural pursuits until about January, 1887, when he disposed of the property and removed to another farm. His wife died January 31, 1887, and the old home was therefore broken up. Of their marriage were born seven children - Charity Electa, wife of Alex Lashuay, of Bowling Green; James C., of Denver, Wood county; Charlie Allen, of Liberty township; Porterfield, of Liberty township; Wm. Marion, of Liberty township; Clinton B., of Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., Mich.; and Harriet Isadore, wife of Francis McIntire, of Liberty township. For a year after the death of his wife Mr. Mercer lived with his son-in-law and and then wedded Mrs: Mary A. Bacon, widow of Warren H. Bacon. In politics he is stalwart Prohibitionist and served as township treasurer for one year, while for many years he has been clerk of the school board, and a director. He holds membership with the Disciples Church, and his life been well spent. He is numbered among Wood county's honored pioneers, has witnessed much of its growth and upbuilding, and is a public-spirited, progressive citizen.
CHRISTIAN EISENMENGER. Among the well-to-do farmers and landowners in Wood county; there are a number of Germans, and our subject is a representative, thrifty and shrewd type of this class, who have everywhere been noted for their industry and sterling worth.
Mr: Eisenmenger was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, October 6, 1839, son of Andrew and Catherine Eisenmenger, the former of whom was a saddler by trade, and also followed farming, owning twenty acres of land in Germany. In June, 1854, the family consisting of parents and four children, sailed from on the vessel "David Hoadley," there were large numbers crossing the ocean that year, passage was at a premium; so they were obliged to pay a high price. When they were only a few days out, however, the vessel struck a rock, and, being in poor condition, was obliged to turn back, reaching Southampton in eight days. Four weeks were required wherein to
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make repairs, and after the second start they were thirty-five days in reaching New York City. They at once started west, journeying by rail to to Buffalo, N. Y., then by lake vessel to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to Sandusky, and from there by rail and team to their destination, Bloomville, Seneca Co., Ohio. Mr. Eisenmenger had sold his property in Germany, and now had a little over $500 to commence life in the New World with, which he proposed to invest in land. But property was high in Seneca county, so in about six weeks they came to Wood county, arriving here in October, and he purchased sixty acres of land lying in Sections 27 and 34, Portage township, which was then almost in its primitive condition. only the higher portions of the land being cleared. A log cabin and barn were the only buildings that adorned the place, and the family began life here in true pioneer style, living in the midst of a forest where game abounded and civilization had as yet made little impression. They also suffered the hardships which settlers in such a country must undergo, and in addition to the ordinary inconveniences and privations of life in an unsettled region, the fever and ague caused by the swampiness of the land impaired their health and rendered them almost unfit for work. But, nevertheless, they carried on the work of clearing until a fine farm had been made out of the wilderness, and the family were installed in a comfortable home. From the age of forty-five until his death, Mr. Eisenmenger had poor health; and he passed from earth in December, 1861 , after a lingering illness. Mrs. Eisenmenger survived until March, 1881, and both are buried in the Mennonite cemetery; they were members of the Evangelical Protestant Church. Mr. Eisenmenger opposed slavery, but took no part in politics, the constant wrangling over public affairs in those days destroying any inclination he might have had for such matters, There were four children in his family, viz: Catherine, now the widow of John Hachtel, of St. Joseph county, Ind.; Henry, who died in Portage township, in 1865; Christian; and Christopher, who lives in Joseph county, Ind: (he served over three years in the Civil war member of Company F, 72nd O. V. I.).
Our subject attended the schools of the Fatherland, and received as greater part of his education there, for he only had two weeks' schooling after he came to this country. However, he learned to read and write English in that short time, his teacher being Orin Hays, who taught the "Red School" in District No. 7, Portage township. He was reared to farming on the pioneer farm of his parents, and has been on the home place all his life. After his father's death his older brother came home, conducting the farm until his decease in 1865, after which our subject and his brother Henry carried on the work. The latter, however, soon left home, and since that time Mr Eisenmenger has been in charge of the place alone, buying out the others after his mother's death. He has added to the place until it now comprises 170 acres of fertile, productive land, from which by good management and systematic care, he derives a good income. He is as good a business man as he is a farmer; but in all his dealings he has gained an enviable reputation for honesty and there is no more highly respected citizen in the township.
On May 10, 1868, Mr. Eisenmenger was married, in Portage township, to Miss Catherine Hardman, a native of Stark county, Ohio, who was born about 1835, daughter of George Hardman, a native of Pennsylvania. Out subject and wife are both members of the German Church, in which he is an active worker, at present serving as trustee. Formerly he was a Democrat in politics, but he usually votes for the candidate whom he thinks best fitted for office without regard to party lines.
G. F. PEABODY, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Wood county, and a registered pharmacist, has since January, 1892, engaged le practice at Luckey. On his arrival he he also bought a building and a stock of drugs, conducting business along that line until his place was destroyed by fire in July, 1893, after which in company with, L. H. Rolfes, he erected a two-story brick building. In this new store he carries a full and complete line of drugs, and he also engages in the in the practice of his profession.
The Doctor was born in Mulliken, Mich., February 12, 1867, and is a son of Sylvanus and Jane E. (Compton) Peabody, also natives of Michigan. At an early day the grandfather, William Peabody, Sr., entered a tract of government land in Eaton county, on a part of which now stands the village of Mulliken. Later our subject's father her settled on this land, and, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, he now engages in the real-estate business. Our subject is the fourth in order of birth in the family of six children, the others being William, of Ionia county, Mich ; Elbert, of Eaton county, Mich.; Hiram, a farmer of Mulliken, Eaton county; Fred, chief clerk of and a stockholder in the Valley City Milling Co., of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Charles
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who is attending Medical College in Toledo, Ohio.
The elementary education of the Doctor was acquired in the common schools of his native county, and he completed the literary course in Portland (Mich.) High School; was a matriculate of College of Medicine in 1888, after which he entered Toledo Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1890. He began practice in Sunfield, Eaton county, where he remained until coming to Luckey in 1892. Here he has secured a large and lucrative practice, he has been a very successful in his treatment, and has had four small-pox cases, in which he triumphed over that dread disease. He was registered a pharmacist by examination, in 1893.
At Toledo, Ohio, February 2, 1892, Dr. At Toledo, Ohio, February 2, 1892, Dr. Peabody was married to Miss Katie H. Dachsteiner, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., and a daughter of John W. and Caroline (Kersting) Dachsteiner, who were born in Germany, and now make their home in Toledo, where the father is foreman of the upholstering department of the Wabash car shops. To the Doctor and his wife was born October 29, 1892, a daughter, named Hazel F.
Dr. Peabody uses his right of franchise in support the men and measures of the Democratic party, was appointed postmaster at Luckey, July 1, 1893, but after two years he resigned in favor of the present incumbent. For two years he has served as health officer of Webster township. In his social relations he is connected with Freedom Lodge No. 723, I. O. O. F. He owns fifty-two acres of land, one-half mile south of Luckey, which he rents.
Mrs. Peabody was born December 23,1866, at Fort Wayne, Ind., and was educated at the Broadway High School, and at the Davis Business College, in the same city. She is a member of the Lutheran Church at Luckey.
DAVID F. BIEHLER, is numbered among the enterprising business men of Hammansburg, where he is engaged in general merchandising, and the community numbers him among its representative citizens. He was born in Maryland, October 1, 1852, son of Andrew Biehler, a native of Germany who in that country married Miss Catherine Wetly. Some years later, with his and two children, he sailed to America from France, landing in New York. For a short time he made his home in Maryland, and then removed to Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio, where, later he purchased forty acres of land and devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. His death occurred April 27, 1876, in Tiffin, and his wife died April 2, 1895. Their children were: Nicholas, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kate, who became the wife of Andrew Schrothe, and died at her home in Cincinnati; Henry, a farmer of Seneca county; Louisa, wife of John Schrothe, of Cincinnati; David F. ; and Caroline, wife of Scott Wagner, of Tiffin, Ohio.
Our subject began his education in the public schools of Seneca county, and obtained a fair knowledge of English. He also early became familiar with the duties of farm life, and gave the benefit of his services to his father until his marriage, which was celebrated in Tiffin, Ohio, January 26, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Margaret Hoke, a native of Seneca county, born February 8, 1857. They began their domestic life on a rented farm in that county, where they lived twelve years, when, in 1888, they removed to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres of partially improved land in Henry township. This place has undergone a great transformation since it came into the possession of Mr. Biehler. He has made many excellent improvements upon it, laid many rods of tiling, fenced the place, set out a good orchard, erected a large barn and other necessary outbuildings, and now has nine oil wells upon the place. In October, 1893, he established his general store in Hammansburg, which he has since successfully conducted. He is a wide-awake and enterprising business man, fully abreast with the times, and has won a well-merited success. Mr. and Mrs. Biehler have had a family of ten children, four of whom, including twins, died in infancy; the others, May, Augustus, Edna, Allie, Howard and Lloyd, are all at home. The parents are consistent members of the German Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Biehler is an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has served as constable for four years.
WESLEY LEATHERS, president of the People's Bank at McComb, Hancock Co., Ohio, and a leading and progressive citizen, is a native of the State, having been born in Bloom township, Wood county, August 27, 1844, son of Jacob and Mary (Ewing) Leathers.
Jacob Leathers, father of our subject, was born, in 1811, in Bald Eagle Valley, Center Co., Penn., and when a young lad came to Ohio with his parents, who first located in Fairfield county, later moving to Wayne county. Here Jacob married Miss Mary Ewing, who was born, in 181r, in Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1832 he and his brother John came on foot several miles through the forest to Bloom township, Wood
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county, each entering land, Jacob in Section 34, John in Section 33, and in the following spring they moved to the farm. Here they lived in Indian huts until a log house could be erected, and our subject's mother assisted in sawing the logs for their first home. At that time there were but few other families in the township, although they were fortunate in having some neighbors. near by. Game was plentiful - deer, turkeys and bears in abundance and the larders of the settlers were well provided at all times with venison. Here the brothers and their families encountered all the obstacles presented by the frowning haunts of wild animals, and here they experienced all the hardships incident to clearing up homes in the wilderness, their labors, however, being repaid in course of time with comfortable homes, smiling fields of grain and well-stocked barns. On their respective farms Jacob and John Leathers passed the rest of their busy lives, Jacob dying January 6, 1879, his wife on May 11, 1877, and John passing away March 12, 1851, aged forty-five years, his wife Eliza on July 10, 1855, at the age of forty-seven. They were all pioneer members of the Methodist Church in Bloom township.
The children born to Jacob and Mary (Ewing) Leathers were as follows: William (the first white child born in Bloom township), who met with a tragic death in a gristmill at Eagleville, Ohio (his widow now lives in Bloomdale, Ohio); Elizabeth A., who died unmarried, May 14, 1870; John, who was member of Company H, 149th Regiment O. V. I., and died December 20, 1863, at Knoxville, Tenn.; Wesley, the subject proper of these lines; Lavina (now Mrs. George Franks), residing at Baltimore. Ohio; and Benton, of Hammansburg, Wood county. The father of this family was an extensive land owner, at the time of his death possessing several hundred acres; was in all his undertakings, especially agriculture, a highly successful man, ranking among the leading citizens of the township, where, as well be seen, he passed the best years of his life. He was a Whig and Republican consecutively exhibiting considerable interest in the success of his party, although not an active politician.
Wesley Leathers whose name introduces this sketch, was reared after the manner of farmer boys of his day, receiving his education at the old log house known as the "Leathers School," which stood on the home farms and is now known as "District School No. 8, Bloom Township." To this primitive seminary of learning our subject used, in winter time, to take his "shining morning face " through the intricacies of the then dense woods many a day almost impassable, owing to the depth of the snow. Prior to his marriage, he passed the greater part of his time at home, assisting the labors of the farm, the comparative monotony of which was broken by a three-months' service in the army during the war of the Rebellion. In May, 1864, he went to the front as a member Company E; 144th Regiment O. V. I. which was sent to Wilmington, Del., where our subject passed the greater part of his term of service, in the government stables; he was discharged in August 1864, and returned home.
On August 23, 1862, in Cass township, Hancock Co., Ohio, he married Miss Minerva C. Dustman, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, and daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Gress) Dustman. For several years they made their home in the old log cabin on his father's farm, where he followed agricultural pursuits. In September 1890, Mr. Leathers commenced interesting himself in the banking business and in the fall of 1890, he moved from Wood county to McComb, Hancock county. where he established the People's Bank of McComb, of which he has been president ever since.
To Mr. and Mrs. Leathers have been born children as follows: Hester now wife of E. S. Crawford, of McComb, Ohio; John J. and Benton W., farmers of Bloom township, Wood county; Edward, a merchant of McComb, Ohio; Lula, at home: Pearl, who died young; Ervin, a clerk in McComb; and Ellis and Anna at home. Mr. Leathers is the owner of 320 acres of very valuable land in Bloom township, including the first pre-emptions made by his father, over sixty years ago. He is a successful business man, shrewd, careful, and thoroughly conservative, as is evidenced by the flourishing condition of the monetary institution which he in a large degree controls, not to speak of his own phenomenal success. He is also prominently identified with the Palmer Oil Company. In his political preferences he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and in social life he is as a representative self-made man, enjoying, along with his family, the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
JULIUS DUCAT, deceased, had many excellencies of character, which gained him the high regard of friends and neighbors. He was born in Michigan, near the Ohio line, in 1834, and is a son of Joseph and Victoria (Jacob) Ducat. When a youth of sixteen he came with his parents to
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Wood county, the father settling upon an eighty acre farm in Plain township, which he afterward sold, removing to Liberty township. Later he became a resident of Ottawa county, Ohio, where his wife died. With his children he returned to Liberty township, and purchases twenty acres of land, on which the town of Ducat now stands named in his honor.
Our subject early became familiar with all the arduous duties of developing wild land, and, owing to the very limited circumstances of his parents, he received no school privileges, for he had to aid in the work on the farm. He worked by the month as a farm hand for $15, and has often worked for forty cents per day. Thus from humble surroundings he rose, and for his success he deserved great credit.
Mr. Ducat was married, in 1863, to Victoria Granger, and to them were born four children.: Daniel L., of Rudolph, Ohio; Exea, a farmer of Milton township; John, an agriculturist of Liberty township; and one who died in infancy: The mother died in 1870, and the following year Mr. Ducat was joined in wedlock, in Toledo, Ohio, with Elizabeth Minnower. They also had had four child - Alec and Samuel, both of Liberty, Adolph, at home; and one who died in infancy
At the time of his first marriage, Mr. Ducat located on a ten-acre tract of land in Liberty township, which he had previously purchased. This he later sold and bought twenty acres; which was afterward disposed of and his capital was invested in twenty acres owned by him at the time of his death. This property, however, he had doubled in extent, making forty acres of rich land. There are five oil wells on the farm, one of which is the largest ever struck in the county, it being known as the big Ducat well. It was sold, the first time, by Clarence Potter for $10,000, and a short time afterward for $14,000. In the fall of 1888, Mr. Ducat erected the present residence and hospitable home, which is the resort of many friends. In politics he was a Democrat, and was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church, of Bowling Green. His death occurred
BENTON W. LEATHERS. To farming and stock-raising this gentleman devotes his energies, and his capable business methods are winning him prosperity. The record of his life will undoubtedly prove of interest to his friends in this county, who are many. He was born in Bloom township, June 1, 1868, on the old Leathers homestead, the third child and second son of Wesley and Minerva (Dustman) Leathers. He attended school in District No. 8, his first teacher being Leona Taylor; also pursued his studies in Bairdstown, while his parents were living at that place. He has always made farming his life-work, and now has charge of a part of the old homestead, operating 160 acres of land, which placed under a high state of cultivation. He also engages in stock dealing in connection with his brother, John J. He is a prosperous young farmer of excellent business ability, and is meeting with success in his undertakings.
On March 3, 1888, Mr. Leathers was united in marriage, in Eagleville, to Miss Olive L. Emerson, who was born January 28, 1870, in Bloom township, the eldest daughter of E. P. and Catherine (Smalley) Leathers. They have three children,. Bessie E. born September 12, 1889, Park E., born January 28, 1892; and Naomi born February 1, 1894. Mr. Leathers gives his political support to the Republican party, and has served as school director in his district. He is a member of Bloomdale Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and his wife is a charter member of Jewel Temple. Rathbone Sisters, of Bloomdale. She belongs to the Christian Church of Eagleville.
ROBERT DIGBY, JR. The subject of this notice is certainly to be considered not only one of the enterprising farmers of Washington township, but one of its respected and honored citizens, and a man of more than ordinary ability. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, August 15, 1856, and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Ray) Digby. The father's birth occurred in England, October 2, 1828, and he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1851, locating is New York State.
Our subject spent his boyhood mostly in attendance at the district schools in Washington township. and aiding in the duties of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself, for eleven years renting a part of the land belonging to his father. He then purchased forty acres across the road from his present place, which he improved and cultivated some four years, at the expiration of which time he bought the eighty acres which comprises his present fine farm. He has tiled and drained his place, ten acres, of which he has cleared, built barns, erected a windmill which cost $100, and bored a well at a cost of $60. For his land he paid $72 per acre. On February 22, 1881, he was married to Miss Susan Shoaff, a daughter of Reuben Shoaff, and they have two children, Elmer, born May 8, 1882: and Bertie, born October 8, 1885. Our subject is a stanch
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and reliable member of the Republican party, and he and his family attend Washington Chapel of the United Brethren denomination.
S. C. REARICK has been a resident of Jerry City for a number of years, and is one of the most useful, progressive citizens of that place. He is a native of Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., born April 20 1853, son of Oliver P. Rearick who was born May 10, 1830, and was married, in Laurelton, Union Co., Penn., to Martha Corl, born July 10, 1833. Mr. Rearick was a weaver, and followed that trade up to the breaking out of the Civil war, when he became a member of Company E, 53rd P. V. I., and he died August 8, 1862, at David's island of fever. He left five children - three sons and two daughters.
Our subject was but a boy at the time of his father's death, and from that time until he was fourteen years old, lived and worked with his uncle, George Schnure, who was a tanner near Laurelton, He then entered the Soldiers' Orphan School, at McAllisterville, Penn., which his brothers and sisters also entered at the proper ages, Thomas, George and Katy Rearick being three of the first six pupils at that school. Before entering this institution S. C. Rearick had but limited educational privileges, but during the time he remained there he acquired a good practical training. When sixteen years of age he left age he left the school and commenced life for himself, engaging in farm labor in White Deer township, Union Co., Penn., receiving $8 per month. Soon afterward he began to learn harness making in Lewisburg, Penn., serving an apprenticeship of three years, during which he received his board and $25 per year for two years, and $45 and board the third year. He was now a full-fledged tradesman, and in July, 1873, he came to Fremont, Ohio, and engaged to work for William Schroeder, a harness maker. He earned the money for the trip by working on the railroad receiving $1.85 per day, and he followed his trade in Fremont two years, when he was compelled to abandon it on account of ill health. Having no other trade, he worked at wood chopping for farmers in the vicinity of Fremont until the winter of 1875, when he went to Bloomville, Seneca county, and hired out to Robert Reed, a distant relative, for whom he did farm work two years. In 1878 he commenced work with J. D. Wilsey & Son, of Bloomville, who were engaged in the manufacture of boat oars, and with them he continued some twelve years, removing with them with them to Jerry City, and remaining with them until their removal to Savannah, Ga. He received flattering inducements to accompany them thither, but declined, and he has since found employment in the oil business, having for over four years been pumper for the Standard Oil Company.
In the fall of 1879 Mr. Rearick's mother and sister, Katy, came to Bloomville, Ohio, to live with him, and later removed with him to Jerry City, where the mother passed away March 29, 1890; she was laid to rest in Jerry City cemetery. They made a most comfortable, pleasant home here, which Mrs Rearick and his sister still occupy: He is one of Jerry City's most active men, and has served. his fellow citizens in several town offices, having been city councilman one term, and street commissioner one term, and he is at present a member of the board of education, of which body he is treasurer. He is a Republican in political sentiment, but is not bound by party lines, supporting the best men irrespective of party, and is a friend of the Prohibition cause. In religious connection he is a Methodist and an active worker in the Church, in which he has been class-leader, trustee and steward, still serving the last named office. He has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school for the past seven years. Mr. Rearick is an intelligent wide-awake member of the community, taking an interest in all measures which he considers beneficial to the general welfare. He has won an honorable position for himself among his fellow townsmen, and is comfortably situated in life as a result of continuous hard work.
W. J. JEWELL, an energetic young business man of Tontogany, was born November 12, 1861, on a farm in Plain township where his parents still reside. His father, Samuel Jewell was a native of Virginia. and came to Wood county in early times, and married Miss Louisa Johnson.
The subject of this sketch received an elementary education in the old Hampton school house in his neighborhood,. and was early trained by his parents to those habits of industry which have proven the basis of his success in life, In 1887 he was married to Miss Phoebe Gross, who was born in Indiana, January 2, 1861, and they have two children Guy and Beatrice. After his marriage Mr. Jewell settled on a farm in Plain township, which he cultivated until 1890, with the exception of a few years during which he was engaged in pumping oil. Having the, income from forty acres of land, and four good oil wells, he retired from business and came to Tontoganyto reside. But, belonging to that class of men who cannot exist in idleness, he soon determined to engage in business; accordingly, on April 5,
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1895, he opened a meat market, where his energy and ability have a profitable field of action If past gives any reliable promise of his future, Mr. Jewell will some time rank among the leading business men of the county. He is interested in every movement tending to the general welfare, and is a prominent member of the Plain Congregational Church.
FRED SWARTZ, a prominent and influential farmer of Lake township, located on his present farm in 1867, at that time purchasing sixty-seven acres of timber land, to which he has since added and now has a fine tract of 143 acres under a high state of cultivation. He is a man of great energy and perseverance, and has effected many improvements upon his farm since taking possession, including the erecting of a good frame residence in 1876. He was at once recognized as a valued addition to the community, a man possessing excellent judgement, and giving support and encouragement and encouragement to those enterprises calculated for the general welfare.
Mr. Swartz is a native of Medina county, Ohio, born in Liverpool township, January 10, 1841, and is a son of Frederick and Fredericka (Henning) Swartz, whose births occurred in Germany.
They were married in Medina county, where the father engaged in farming, and in1855 removed to Troy township, Wood county, where his death occurred in 1886, and his wife died two years later. To them were born eight children: Fred, subject of this review; .Jacob, who enlisted in the same company and same. regiment at the same place as our subject, and died at Bowling Green, Ky., November 30, 1862; John a resident of Perrysburg township, Wood county; Lucien, who makes his home in the same township; Andrew, of Webster township, Wood county; Mrs. Carrie Puse, who died in Perrysburg township, in 1875; Mrs. Kate Frantz, of Troy township; and Mrs Christine Puse, of Perrysburg township.
Our subject spent his boyhood in Medina county, where he attended the common schools, and in 1855 accompanied his parents to Troy township, where he made his home until locating upon his present farm. His entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he has been very successful in his chosen calling. In 1862, at Stony Ridge, Troy township, Mr. Swartz joined Company K. 111th O. V. I., for three years' service and was mustered into service at Toledo, where he was assigned to the 23d Army Corps, under Gen. Sherman. At the battle of Resaca he was wounded by a shell, and was taken to the field hospital, from which he was sent to Nashville, and later to Camp Dennison Hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received an honorable discharge in 1865, and returned to his home. In Liverpool township, Medina county, in 1865, Mr. Swartz married Miss Louise Nollenberger, a native of that county, of which father was one of the early pioneers; he died in Medina county, and his wife in Wood county, about 1883. Nine children have been born of the union of our subject and his wife, namely William, who is married and resides in Lucas county, Ohio; Fred, a resident of the same county; Frank, of Toledo, Ohio; Isaac;. George; John; Albert; Arthur; and Katie.
Mr. Swartz votes the straight Republican ticket, and takes an active interest in politics, but cares nothing for public office. He is prominently identified with J. B. Wlford Post No. 153, G. A. R., of Perrysburg. Both he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, are foremost in all good works, and are highly respected in the community. They have witnessed the many changes that have taken place in the county since their arrival, and their support to all interests for the public welfare and advancement. and advancement.
JOHN MARSHALL was born in Salem township,.Columbiana Co., Ohio, June 16, 1831, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Sterling) Marshall, both natives of Mercer county; Ohio. The father, who was a farmer and teamster by occupation, enlisted in the war of 1812, but was never called out to active service. From his native county he removed to Columbiana county, where he made his home until 1854, when he took up his residence in Mount Blanchard, Hancock Co., Ohio. There he died in the in the spring of 1856, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife survived him twenty-one years, passing away at the advanced age of eighty- six. Their children were: Joseph, who is living with our subject; Thomas, who served in the 186th O. V. I. and died at the same age; sixty-two; Michael, who died at the same age, Elisha, who died at the age of twenty-five; John; Firmon, who died in Delaware, Iowa. at the age of forty-eight; and Mary E., who died at the age of seven years.
On the old home farm John Marshall was reared, and, at the age of eighteen, he began learning the wagon-maker's trade at Franklin Square, Columbiana Co., Ohio, following that pursuit, in connection with farming. While in Columbiana county he built the largest team wagon that was ever made in this State. The
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rear wheels stood six feet high, the front wheels four feet, and twenty-two barrels of flour could be laid in the bottom of the bed. Our subject was a young man of twenty-three when he went with his parents to Hancock county. He remained at home until after the death of his father, supporting the family from his meager wages, which mounted to about fifty cents per day. In Orange township, Hancock county, October 19, 1856, Mr. Marshall married Martha Castor, then living in Delaware township, Hancock county, but a native of Columbian county, born October 8, 1830. Her parents were John and Jane (Sterling) Castor. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall located in Delaware township, Hancock county, where they lived until 1861, removing then to Wyandot county, Ohio. In 1864 our subject enlisted in Company I, 175th O. V. I., and participated in the hotly contested battle of Franklin, where the regiment lost 106 men. He was then in all the engagements until after the battle of Nashville, and was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, in July, 1865.
Mr Marshall then continued his residence in Wyandot county until 1873, when he purchased and located in 120 acres of partially improved land in Henry township, Wood county. Afterward he sold forty acres, and later the remaining amount; then in 1881, purchased sixty-four acres. Hammansburg, where he has since resided. On this tract he has erected five residences, and also owns three houses and lots in North Baltimore. In his business undertakings he has prospered, owing to his enterprise, indomitable perseverance and sound judgement, until today a well-deserved success is his. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall was blessed with three children, two of whom - Louisa Demaris and Emma Jane - are deceased; the surviving daughter is Isa Milda, wife of Artemus Apple, of Henry township. In politics Mr. Marshall is a Republican, and has served as assessor for one year, while for about five years he has been township trustee. He has always been faithful to the duties of both public and private life, and his sterling integrity and many excellent traits of character have won him high esteem.
HENRY MITTER. Germany has sent many substantial citizens to this country, and a number of them settling in farming communities, have become well-to-do men, their native thrift and industry causing them to succeed where others would fail. Our subject was born in the Fatherland January 30, 1828, in Baden, son of Andrew Mitter, who was a farmer in fair circumstances, and had a family of seven children, as follows: Henry, whose name introduces this sketch; Andrew, a millwright, of Holgate, Ohio; Lena (widow of John Armbruster), also of Holgate: Rosa (Mrs. Jacob Armbruster); of Bryan, Ohio; Joseph, of Fremont, Ohio; Mary, Mrs. Fred Benner, of Ottawa county, Ohio; and Fred, who enlisted in the 72nd O. V. I. served his term of service; received an honorable discharge, and boarded a boat to return home, after which nothing was ever heard of him. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Mitter came to America at the same time our subject emigrated, settling in Sandusky county, Ohio, where they died.
Our subject received a good education in his native language, but he has acquired all his knowledge of English by practical experience. His father being a farmer, he was reared to agricultural pursuits, but after his younger brothers became old enough to help at home he commenced to work in a distillery, continuing at that work for four years in Germany. When twenty-five years of age he was married, in his native country, to Miss Rosa Baysinger, and two children were born to them there: Rosa, now the wife of Samuel Lifler, of Napoleon, Ohio, and Robert, a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio. In May, 1859, the family sailed. from Bremen, Germany, and, after a voyage of thirty-four days, landed in this country, coming directly to Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where friends of theirs were living. A tract of land, comprising eighty acres, was purchased. for which they paid $1,800, although. only a small potato patch of four acres had been cleared, and the rest was still new. In the fall of 1882, our subject came to Six Points, Wood county, where he has since resided, for the last couple of years living retired from active labor. In his early life he was a very robust man, and he worked hard, but he never kept any comforts from his family to accumulate money or property. Since their arrival in this country children have been added to the family circle as follows; Charles F., who lives at home; Emma (now Mrs. John C. Michael), of Portage township; George, at home: Mary E.; and Andrew, at home. There were others who died young. Mr. and Mrs. Mitter are members of the Lutheran Church. and are highly respected in' the community. Mr. Mitter is a Democrat in politics.
J. A. McCRORY a well-known, leading citizen Cygnet, and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Wood county, was born in Liberty township, February 17, 1861. His father, James McCrory, was a native of Pennsyl-
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ania, and came to Wood county, with his father, Samuel McCrory, locating in Henry township, where he was reared to manhood. Here, for his second wife, he wedded Mary A. Mercer, and they became the parents of the following children who grew to adult age: William P., Samuel J., Jennie, our subject, Mary A., Horace A. and Albert O. The mother is now a widow, her husband having died in October 1885. By both marriages Mr. McCrory became the father of fourteen children. Through most of his life he followed farming; but for a time was engaged in merchandising in the village of Portage. He was five feet, eight inches in height, heavy set, but rheumatism seized him in later years, and he died at the age of fifty-seven, his remains being interred in Mercer cemetery, Liberty township. In politics he was a Democrat, and besides other positions he held the office of justice of the peace, was well read on legal matters, though entirely a self-educated man, had a good knowledge of the Scriptures, and could argue a question very; ably.. For the last three years of his life he was a total abstainer though he had always been used to drinking, his father having been a tavern keeper, and always kept liquor in his home.
Our subject attended the district schools of Liberty township, and remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, when he began teaming, and he also operated rented land for a time. Later, he was employed as a barber in McComb, Bowling Green and Jerry City, Ohio but when the oil boom struck Wood county, he again took up teaming, removing to Cygnet, in June 1889. He owned several teams, and hired many more, and continued operations along the line until 1890, when he began the livery business, in connection with which he also carried on a barber shop for a short time: but in a fire destroyed his barn, on which there was no insurance. On March 10, 1894, he was again burned out, but the following summer he build his present bar, 50 x 100 feet, and a shed, 16 x 50 feet, the largest establishments of the kind in the county. His well-conducted livery has grown to extensive proportions, and he also handles buggies and harness. On January 31, , 1886, in Portage, he married Miss C. Myers, a native of Henry township, and daughter of Abraham Myers, a farmer. Two children blessed this union--Maud F., and Claude O.
Mr. McCrory takes an active part in political voting with the Democratic party, but has declined office with the exception of three years when he served as deputy marshal. He is a charter member of .Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 384, of Cygnet, and was connected with the Grange during its existence. Public-spirited to a great degree, he takes a commendable interest in everything tending to the advancement and welfare of his town and county being foremost in the support of any improvements.
JOHN L. LOVEL, To a student of human nature there is nothing of greater interest. than to examine into the life and character of a self-made man, who realizing that success is not a matter of family connections, or the result of fortunate circumstances, steadily, and persistently works his way upward, and uses the obstacles which he meets in his career as stepping stones to something higher. To this class belongs Mr. Lovel, and with pleasure we present our readers his life record.
Born in Wheatfield township. Niagara Co. , N. Y. September 8, 1828, he is a son of James and Annie (Meeker) Lovel both natives of the Empire State, the mother having been born in Tioga county The father was a farmer by occupation, and also took contracts to get out ship timber.. He served in the war of 1812, and after ward located within nine miles of Niagara Falls, where he lived for about twenty years. He then removed to Hancock county, Ohio, purchasing eighty . acres of land in Pleasant township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1846, at the age of sixty years. His wife died at North Baltimore, Wood county, in 1882, at the age of ninety-two years. In their family were the following named children - Joseph, a carpenter of McComb Ohio, Simeon, who died of Cholera in Cincinnati, in 1855; Ann,. widow of Jacob Grubb, of North Baltimore, Ohio; Diana Adelia, widow of John Pickens, who died in the Union army, during the Civil. war: Harrison, who died in childhood ; John L. of this sketch, and William J., who went to Illinois in 1877, and still resides there.
Our subject received only such educational privileges as the district schools afforded. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, and also worked in a sawmill owned by his brother. He was fourteen years of age, when with the family, he located in Hancock county, Ohio. He had aided in driving the teams and stock from the old home in New York: and then gave his assistance to his father in the development and improvement of the farm. At the age of twenty he left home and in company with his brother; Joseph, embarked in the sawmill business in Pleasant township, Hancock county, carrying on operations along
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that line for about seven years when he sold his interest and turned his attention to farming. He purchased land in the same township, and continued its cultivation until after the breaking out of the Civil war.
In 1861 Mr. Lovel responded to the country's call for troops, and followed the ensign of Company H, 21st O. V. I.. He remained with that commend for about seventeen months, and then re-enlisted, in the 39th O. V. I., with which he continued until the close of the war. He was captured by the enemy in South Carolina, while on the March to the Sea, but on a rainy night succeeded in making his escape, and again reached the Union lines. He participated in many a hotly contested battle, and made for himself an honorable war record. When the war was over, he was mustered out at Louisville, and returned to his old home in Hancock county.
After a short time, however, Mr. Lovel removed to Paulding county, Ohio, and later to Michigan, where he purchased a tract of pine land for $2.50 per acre. A year later he sold it for $12 per acre and subsequently resided for a short a short period in Paulding county, Ohio. His next home was in Whiteside county, Ill. There he rented a farm until 1884, when he returned to the Buckeye State and purchased a tile and brick factory, and also sixty acres of land. He now does an extensive business in the manufacture of tile and brick, being associated in this enterprise with his son, C. D. He has cleared all of his land, and now has a profitable and highly improved farm; as well as one of the leading and paying industries of Wood county.
About 1852 Mr. Lovel was united in marriage with Mrs. Almira Brooks, who died in Blanchard township, Putnam Co., Ohio. They had six children - William, who resides in Illinois; Mrs Margaret Hipkins, of Putnam county; Amarilla, wife of Elias Agner, of Putnam county; Calvin D., at home; Ellsworth, a merchant of McComb, Ohio and James, who is living in Leipsic, Putnam county. For his second wife, Mr. Lovel chose Isabel Woodcock, widow of Ben Beal, who was killed in the war. Of the second union there was one daughter, Isabel. In politics Mr. Lovel is a stalwart Republican and he is one of the esteemed citizens of the community.
ELMER E. STEARNS, a well known and popular educator of Wood county, where he is also employed in the oil business, makes his home in Bays. He is a native of this county, his birth having occurred in Perry township, November 10, 1862. His paternal grandparents were Justus and Sarah A (Davis) Stearns. The former, who was born in Pennsylvania, on coming to Ohio located in Richland county, and the year 1833 witnessed his arrival in Montgomery township, Wood county. For a time, in later years, he kept a tavern at West Millgrove; but his last days were passed at Bowling Green, where his death occurred September 8, 1888. John Stearns, the father of our subject, was born in Montgomery township, July 6, 1839, was reared in that and Perry townships and in Crawford county, Ohio, wedded Elizabeth Myers, a native of that county. After two years residence in Perry township the parents removed to Plain township, but now make their home in Bowling Green. They reared four sons, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being: William S., who is married and resides in Liberty township; Charles, who is married and lives in Milton township, Wood county; and Frank J., who is also married and operates the old homestead farm in Plain township.
In the latter township Elmer E. Stearns passed the days of his boyhood and youth, being educated in its school and at Weston. He completed his scholastic training in Wooster, Ohio, after which he began teaching, being first employed in Plain township in 1884. He has also taught in Milton township; but for the past three years he has followed the profession in Liberty township to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
In 1886, in Plain township, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage with Miss Naomi C. Buvinger, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Hattie (Goodenough) Buvinger, natives of England, who on coming to Ohio, located in Huron county, whence they came to Wood county, and now make their home at Bowling Green. To our subject and his wife has been born a daughter--Flora B. Mrs. Stearns is now engaged in teaching at Bays, which profession she has followed for the past ten years in Wood county. Both she and her husband are numbered among the progressive and capable educators of the county, and, being themselves excellent scholars, have the power of imparting their knowledge to others.
On political questions. Mr. Stearns affiliates with the Republican party socially, he belongs to Weston Lodge No. 81, I. O. O. F., while he and his wife are identified with the Daughters of Rebekah, and religiously, hold membership with the Disciples Church, at Bowling Green. They are earnest Christian people, and take a prominent part in everything that will promote the
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moral and educational as well as the material welfare of the county.
GEORGE EITING was born in Wittenbreg, Germany, September 30, 1846, and is the only child of George and Maria (Bender) Eiting, also native of that locality. The father was born in 1815, and was a farmer by occupation. When young he also learned the trade of soap-making. His death occurred in his native land, in 1871, and his wife passed away in 1873.
Out subject attended school between the ages of six and fourteen years, and then assisted his father on the farm until twenty-three years of age, when he joined the Germany army and participated in the battle of Villers, with the Ninth Battery of Artillery, in the war between France and. His army service lasted five months. At his native place, in November, 1871, Mr. Eiting married Miss Barbara Kimmick, who was born in Wittenberg, May 3, 1844. They lived on the old homestead until September, 1880 then with their four children : sailed for America taking passage on the steamer "Rhine," at Bremen. Twelve days later they landed at New York, and came direct to Wood county. Mr. Eiting brought with him $3,000, and in Henry township purchased eighty acres of land, which he at once began to clear and improve. This was no easy task, but as time passed he tiled his land, has transformed into rich and fertile fields, and now has a very valuable and productive place. He is therefore ranked among the leading and substantial farmers of the community. His political support is given the Democracy, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. To him and his wife have been born seven children namely; George, who works in the oil fields; and Barbara, William, Clara, and Charles,
DANIEL L. KUNKLER. Among the influential and prominent citizens of Bloom township, who for their present prosperous condition to their own industry and energy, and who have raised have raised themselves in the world from a state of comparative penury to that of ease and comfort, is the gentleman of whom this sketch is written. He is a native of Ohio, born in Biglick Hancock county, June 5, 1852.
His father, Louis Kunkler, was native of Nassau, Germany, and when nine years age brought by his father. Daniel Kunkler, to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania where they remained about a year, when they home was near McCutchenville, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where they remained two years, when they located on a forty-acre tract of land in Big Spring township, Seneca Co., Ohio becoming early settlers of that locality. In Biglick township, Hancock county, Louis Kunkler wedded Miss Arabel Baker, who was born on Walnut creek, Fairfield Co., Ohio. April 5, 1827, and was a daughter of Jacob and Susana (Bright) Baker. Three children graced this union: Lucinda; born January 25, 1848, is the wife of W. K. Frederick, of Jerry City, Ohio Susan, born July 19, 1850, became the wife of Charles Frederick, and on his death married J. A. Bailey, of Bloom township; Daniel L. being the youngest. The father died October 19, 1852, at the age of twenty-nine years, and was buried at McCutchenville, Ohio. In politics he was a Democrat. The widow was left with the three children, the eldest being not yet five years old she afterward became the wife of Freed Dille, by who she had one son, Squire S., now of Pemberville, Ohio: she makes her home with our subject, and is sixty-nine years old.
At the age of seven Daniel L. Kunkler went to live with his paternal grandfather, with whom he remained until sixteen years of age, attending the schools of the neighborhood in Big Springs township, Seneca county, as the opportunity afforded. On the death of his wife in 1869, at the age of eight-two years, the grandfather disposed of his property in that county, and went to live with members of his family in Steuben county, Ind., where he died in the fall of the same year, at the age of eighty-four. Our subject was thus thrown upon his own resources, and, in order to gain a livelihood, worked for farmers until the age of twenty-one, when he learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of Levi Kistler; of Bairdstown, Wood county, with whom he remained for five years. In Bloom township, March 25, 1877. he was married, by Squire W. S. Richard, to Lucy A. Bailey, who was born June 11, 1858, daughter of Jacob Bailey, a farmer of that locality. They became the parents of two children: Ervy, born January 19, 1878: and Edna B., born June 6, 1888. The son is an excellent, intelligent young man, and when only fifteen, years old passed the required examination to obtain a teacher's certificate, but as he was too young to teach, it was two years later before he had charge of a school. The mother was called to her final rest October 26, 1894, and was buried in Baird cemetery, Bloom township.
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For four years after his marriage Mr. Kunkler continued to follow his trade at Bairdstown, and then went to Jerry City, where he was employed at the same occupation, or at anything by which he could gain an honest dollar. In the former place he had owned a house and lot, which he traded for eleven acres near Jerry City, giving $400, and this property he later sold for $1000. During his two years residence in that place, he also, worked in the stave factory. In June, 1882, he purchased forty acres in Section 22, Bloom township, going in debt $800 for the same, and to that farm removed the following March. An old log house and stable stood upon the place, and his stock consisted of one-hog and one cow; but he at once entered upon the cultivation of his land erected a comfortable home and a substantial barn, and has now one of the best improved places of the vicinity. He is progressive in his methods, and deserves great credit for the success he has achieved. In political opinions he sides with the Democrats, and has been elected school director, constable, and trustee (three years) in a Republican township, which speaks well for is ability and popularity socially, he has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since January, 1874, belonging to Vitus Lodge No. 602, I. O. O. F., of Jerry City, of which he is a charter member.
J. A. BAILEY an honored farmer of Bloom township, is the eldest son of Jacob and Elisabeth (Simon) Bailey, and was born in Bloom Center, February 28, 1849. His boyhood and youth he passed in the manner of most farmer boys, attending the district schools through the winter, while in summer he worked on the home farm. At the age of twenty-two years he was married in Bloom township to Susan Frederick a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and a daughter of Anthony and Rhoda Frederick. He then located upon a part of the old homestead, which he operated some five years. There his wife died August 5, 1875, and her remains were interred in Weaver cemetery, Bloom township. She left four children: Florence, now Mrs. Charles Wirick, of Bloom township; Clarissa, wife Gideon Dennis, of the same township; and Savilla and Drusilla (twins) the former of whom died at the age of six months, the latter now making her home with her grandfather, Frederick, at Bloom Center.
After the death of his wife. Mr. Bailey broke up housekeeping, and for some time made his home with his parents, during which period he traveled extensively over, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. When a young man of eighteen he had visited Whiteside county, Ill., and also some localities in Iowa. On April 17, 1884, he was again married, this time to Mrs. Susan Frederick, widow of Charles Frederick, and daughter of Lewis Kunkler. Her birth occurred in Hancock county, Ohio, July 19, 1850, and, her father having died when she was about two years old, she became an inmate of her grandfather (Daniel Kunkler's) home. She remained with him until sixteen years of age when she came to Wood county, where she worked out as a domestic, though she considered her home was with her mother, then the wife of Solomon Frederick, of Bloom township, Two children have been born to our subject and his wife: Hollis H., born September 22, 1885; and Frank, born February 17, 1891.
After his second marriage, Mr. Bailey lived for two years at Bloom Canter, during which time he operated his father's farm; but in February, 1886, he removed to Section 3, Bloom township, where he purchase thirty-five acres and has built thereon a comfortable home, otherwise making many good improvements. Politically Mr. Bailey was for several years a Democrat, but is not is not at present bound by party ties, reserving the privilege of selecting his candidate to regardless of party affiliations. In 1893 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, trustee of Bloom township; also served as school director of District No. 2 for several years, and has been supervisor of his district. He now holds membership with Vitus Lodge No. 602, I. O. O. F., of Jerry City, though he formerly belonged Bloom Lodge No. 406, of Bloomdale. An honest, hard-working man; his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
JAMES F. LONG, a successful. farmer and enterprising citizen of Portage township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 17, 1845, and is the son of James and Matilda (Markeley) Long. James Long, Sr., was born near Philadelphia. His His father (also named James) was a native of Ireland, and came to Wayne county, Ohio at an early period, dying there and leaving his family, consisting of ten children, comfortably situated. The father of our subject was the eldest child. He attended school only three months, but but obtained a fair education by studying at home. In Ashland county he married Miss Matilda Markeley, a native of that county, and a daughter of Peter Markeley, and early pioneer. After his marriage Mr. Long went to farming on a small place in Ashland county. He had left
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.- 1339
home when fifteen years old, incurring the displeasure of his father, who left him out of his will. About 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Long moved to Holmes township, Crawford county, on a farm of twenty acres. His wife died in 1858, and for his second wife he wedded Miss Sophia Shaeffer, who still lives in Sandusky county. Mr. Long died in Holmes township, at the .age of fifty-six years. The children born to Mr. Long by his first wife were: Lavina, who married (1) Levi Helm, and (2) Peter Reed, and died in Portage township; Joseph died when seven years old; John is a farmer in Center township; Sarah J. is now Mrs. Noah Helm, of Liberty township; James F. is our subject. The children by Mr. Long's second wife, who lived to maturity, were: Susan who married and died in Wyandot county; Delilah, now Mrs. John Kryder, of Wyandot county; Nancy married Abram Feil, of Sandusky county; Philip lives in Sandusky county, as does also William. Mr. Long was a Democrat, and took great intereat in the success of his party. He did not aspire to office, but held some minor positions. The mother of our subject is buried in.. Wayne county.
Our subject, attended the Ashland Academy at Ashland, Ohio, which was at that time an Old pioneer school. He began going there when but four and a half years old, and attended regularly until eleven, when his parents moved to Crawford county, and his career at school was suddenly closed as he never went again. He worked at home for his parents until his enlistment. August 12, 1862, in Company L, 10th O.V. C. at Mansfield. The company went to Cleveland, where the organization was completed, and it was then sent south to Murfreesboro, Tenn., its first engagement being Snow Hill. Mr. Long participated in all of the engagements with his regiment until he received a wound, March 10, 1865., at "Kilpatrick's Surprise," or Solomon's Grove, N. C., when he was sent to the Wilmington Hospital, and after a few days, was taken down Cape Fear river to Smithland, where he where he remained until July 3, 1865, coming at that time to Cleveland, where he arrived about the time the rest of his regiment was discharge, August 10, 1865.
Mr. Long went to Crawford county, and worked at chopping wood, he and his brother cutting 2,450 cords of four-foot wood in four winters. In October, 1865 he bought eighty acres of timber land in Center township, paying on it $300, which he had saved from his army pay. In Crawford county he worked until the fall of 1869, when he came to Wood county and made some improvements on his land there afterward selling it, and buying forty acres in Section 3, Portage township, in the spring of 1871. This was all timber land but one and one-half acres, and he at once began improving it. On October 10, 1871, he was married in Bowling Green, to Miss Frances J. Underwood, who was born in Liberty township a daughter of William Underwood. She was a teacher, and taught nine terms in the district schools. This union resulted in five children: Elmer J., Aiden, Estelle, James F., Jr., and Iona, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Long died September 15, 1891., and was buried in the Portage cemetery. Mr. Longs second wife was Mrs. Henry Rees, whose maiden name was Cludey. In 1892 Mr. Long erected a good, substantial residence, where he and his family are now living.
Although his father was a Democratic, and he lives in a Democratic neighborhood, Mr. Long is a stanch Republican and has always been a hard worker for the success of his party, but never asked for office. He is an extensive reader and observer, has a retentive memory, and is well posted on all the issues of the day. He is a man of natural intelligence a shrewd business man, and is regarded as one of the representative farmers of Portage township.
D. J. SHOEMAKER is the genial and popular proprietor of a leading grocery store in Dowling, and belongs to that class of energetic, wide-awake business men to whom a community owes its prosperity and advancement. He was born in Findlay, Ohio, June 20, 1851. His father, Henry Shoemaker, was a native of Virginia, and, on leaving the Old Dominion, took up his residence in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he purchased 160 acres of land, there making his home until 1864, when he sold and removed to Perrysburg township, buying a farm of 240 acres, which he cultivated until his death. He was married in Fairfield county, to Cynthia Roberts, and they became the parents of eleven children: George, a farmer of southern Kansas, now serving as county commissioner; Mary; wife of Alex Beard: Uritta, wife of David Beard; Susan wife of Melvin Parker; D. J..: Wallace; Byron; Tissie, wife of Myron Shannon; Owen, who died while repulsing a Rebel charge during the Rebellion; and two who died in childhood. The mother of this family is now living with our subject.
The subject proper of this review was reared on a farm, and for a number of years carried on agricultural pursuits. He then engaged in contracting and building for sixteen years, and after-
1340 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
ward purchased fifty acres of land in Perrysburg township, and later, eighty acres. On selling that property, he bought 120 acres near Deshler, which he still owns and operates. In 1888, he embarked in the grocery trade, and now has a well appointed establishment while from the public he receives a liberal patronage. On February 23, 1873, Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage with Mary Miekle, who was born in Scotch Ridge, Ohio, and three children Scotch Ridge, Ohio, and three children graced their union; Wilbur, Ober; and Johnnie (deceased). The parents are active members of and prominent workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Shoemaker is a stalwart Republican, and for a number of years has served a school director: socially, he is connected with Freedom Lodge No. 723, I. O. O. F., of Pemberville. His success is an indication of persistent effort, earnest application and capable management, and he holds high rank in business circles.
AMOS COY; The representatives of the farming and fruit-growing interests of Ross township acknowledge this gentleman as one of the most important factors who aided in bringing this section of the county to its present enviable condition. He was born in Ross township, in 1859, and is a son of George and Rebecca (Packer) Coy. His father was a native of Oxfordshire, England, and at the age of fourteen was brought by his father, Ezra Coy, to the United States.
They first located in Stark county, Ohio, but in the " 30s" became residents of Ross township, Wood county, where Ezra Coy died. In that township, the son was married, and located upon the farm in Section 31, where out subject now resides. There his death occurred in March,. 1893, and his wife who had long preceded him to the other world, died in1874. Four children were born to them: Mrs. Ann Blondin, of Oregon township, Lucas Co., Ohio; Mrs. Ellen Cowles, of Lake township, Wood county; and Henry Rideout, of Ross township; and Amos, of this sketch. The early life of Mr. Coy was spent after the manner of most farmer's sons, in a comparatively uneventful manner during which he attended the common schools, and made himself useful around the homestead as his years increased: He now owns a good sixty acre farm, highly cultivated and improved on which he is successfully engaged in general farming and fruit-growing.
In 1887, in Lucas county, Ohio, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Coy and Miss Emma
Wright who was born in Ross township, this county, where her father, James Wright, had
located at an early day, but is now engaged in gardening at East Toledo. Two children grace
this union-George and Alma..
To give proper care to his business interests, absorbs the greater portion of his time, but as a public-spirited citizen, he pauses between his pressing duties to interest himself in the welfare of his native county, and assists, as opportunity offers, in the enterprises tending to its development and progress. He votes the straight Democratic ticket, but has steadily declined to become an office-seeker, convinced that he can serve the interests of the public fully as well by sustaining the principles of the party, and allowing other men to enjoy the offices.
FREDRICK AMOS, a retired pioneer farmer of Portage township, was born February 8, 1831, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Michael Amos. The family, which consisted of parents and seven children - Michael, Catherine, Adam, George, Fredrick, Margaret and Jacob, the two latter being twins---sailed from Le Havre De Grace, France, in 1837, for America, securing passage The voyage was a rough one and many storms were encountered, during one of which the lightning ran down the mainmast, killing three sailors, and just missing three kegs of powder.. Ninety days were spent on the ocean before they reached New York. The parents and the family' came west to New Lisbon, Ohio, by way of the Hudson river and railroad to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleveland, there taking wagons. The family remained in New Lisbon six months, during which time the, father went to Wood county and bought eighty acres of land in Sections 1, Portage township and then returned for his wife and children. In February 1838, they drove from New Lisbon to Wood county, having the use of an ox-team part of the way. Three-quarters of an acre had been cleared, and a small shanty, 12 x 15 feet, had been erected, which was their first home in the wilderness. To add to their other troubles Mr. Amos died in August, 1838, and his wife was left with seven children, a stranger in a strange land. The nearest neighbor lived one-half mile dostamt, and the next nearest, five miles. Mrs. Amos was without money and, although the children helped all they could, they were to young to be of much use. They were obliged to trade the clothes brought from Germany for provisions and nettles were cooked for greens. Besides all this, the children suffered from ague. After a few
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.- 1341
years of varying fortune the crops began to thrive, but suffered much from the ravages of wild animals.
Fredrick, our subject, was thirteen years old before he was able to attend school, and then for only few months. He remained at home until twenty-one years old, at which time he started out for himself. In May, 1858, he was married in Portage township, to Miss Martha Mercer, a native of that town, and a daughter of William Mercer, one of its pioneers. Their children were as follows: Samantha E. (now Mrs. Isaac Shinew), of Portage township; Caroline, now the wife of Excel Phillips of Webster township; Earl D., who died in infancy; Seymour and Seymourse (twins), the former of whom is a farmer of Henry county, the latter dying when two years old; Fredrick, deceased in infancy; Adelbert, at home; Lucy, married to Edward Pugh, of Milton township; and Clara B., now the wife of Lewis Shinew, of Portage township. Our subject took for his second wife Mrs, Martha J Kring widow of Peter Kring. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Amos had fifty acres of land, on which his mother lived with him for four years. In March, 1874 he came to Portage township, and lived for two years in Portage village. He bought eighty acres of land in Section 9, and in 1893 built him a good, comfortable home. He is a Democrat, but does not seek office, preferring to look after his own business. He has had a rather rough time of it, and has been unfortunate in many ways; but he has overcome his bad luck, and is to-day a successful farmer, and a respected citizen of the township. His present wife is a most estimable woman, and an excellent helpmate. He is a member of the F. & A. M., at Bowling Green, and is retired from active life.
CHARLES G. WIRICK. Among the young men of Wood county who have selected agriculture as their vocation in life and judging from present indications are bound to succeed in their chosen calling is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a resident of Bloom township. He was January 22, 1870, on the farm which is still his home, and is a son of David and Mary A. (Smith) Wirick. His mother died during his infancy, and he was then taken to the home of his uncle, Solomon Smith, where he remained a year, but, with the exception of that period, he remained with his father up to the time of his marriage. His education was obtained in District No. 3, his first teacher being Della Drane.
On September 7, 1892, Mr. Wirick was united in marriage with Miss Florence Bailey, a native of Bloom Center, Wood county, and a daughter of. John A. Bailey. The household is brightened by the presence of a littleP Squire D.. born November 18, 1893. After his marriage, Mr. Wirick (Solomon Smith) farm, Which he operated until the spring of 1893, since when he has owned and cultivated the old homestead, in Section 8, Bloom township, which comprises eighty acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. He also engages in teaming in the oil fields, keeping several horses for that purpose. In politics he is independent, voting for the man not the party. Although young in years,. he is one of the representative men of his township, occupying a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens, is an energetic straight forward business man, enjoying the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.
CHARLES H. COY. Among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Wood county there are very few who are the peers of the subject of this biographical sketch. His residence is situated in Section 32. Ross township, where he is engaged principally in general farming. His birth occurred in that township September 16, 1854, and he is the son of Charles and Mercy (Gardner) Coy. The father, who, was a native Oxfordshire, England, came to America at an early day, and became a resident of Perrysburg, Wood county. Here he married, and upon a farm in Ross township made his home. Six of his seven children grew to adult age; namely : Mrs. Mary Eggleston, of Ross township; Mrs. Caroline Dixon, of West Toledo, Ohio; Louisa, wife of Isaac Rideout, of Ross township; Addis, who became the wife of Fred Wachter, and died in Ross township: Charles H., subject of this sketch; and William O., who is living on the home farm, For many years the father served as trustee of Ross township, and there died in 1883; while his wife departed this life in December, 1893.
The subject of this biographical notice received education in the District schools of Ross township, then called Perrysburg township, and was reared upon a farm. In his early manhood he commenced agricultural pursuits for himself, and has always been engaged in farming and gardening owning 137 3/4 acres in the home farm, and eleven acres just outside the city limits of Toledo. His land is all highly culivated and improved and he erected thereon substantial farm building. On January 1, 1876, in Ross township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
1343 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
Coy and Miss Carrie Wales a native of that township and a daughter of Oscar and Sophronia (Horton) Wales who were born in New York; but were among the early settlers of Wood county. The father now makes his home in Fulton county, Ohio, but the mother is deceased. To our subject and his wife were born six children: Addie, Fannie, Carrie who died in 1886: Charley, who died in 1890; Raymond and Mars. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1890, and, in 1893. Mr. Coy was again married, his second union being with Florence Crane, who was born in Lake township, Wood county, where her father, Thomas K. Crane, still makes his home. One child graces this union, Aaron Edward. Politically Mr. Coy is an adherent to the principles of Jeffersonian Democracy, and although not an office seeker has been trustee of Ross township since 1893. He is an intelligent, industrious and energetic citizen, who takes a very prominent place in the community where he lives, and socially is connected with Maumee Lodge No.. 515, I. O. O. F. Both he and his estimable wife preserve the warmest esteem of the entire neighborhood for their many admirable virtues, and for their genial manners.
C. C. FULLER is one of the energetic and industrious farmers of Wood county, who, since 1865, resided in Section 32, Liberty township, where his father purchased a fifty-acre wooded tract, and moved thereon a frame house, which was hauled from Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. He is a native of Maine, born in 1849, and is descended from worthy. New England ancestry. His paternal grandfather spent his entire life in the Pine Tree State; but his maternal grandparents, Charles and Catherine (Brooks) Richardson, who were also born in Maine, emigrated to Sandusky county, Ohio, whence they come to Wood county in 1865; but their last days were passed in Isabella county, Mich., where the grandfather died at the age of ninety years, and the grandmother in 1895, at
The births of the parents of our subject William and Polly (Richardson) Fuller, occurred in Maine, on the Kennehec river where they were reared and married, and on coming westward,.in 1851, they first located in Cuyahoga county. At the expiration of years, however, they removed to Scott township, Sandusky county, locating on a small farm where they made their home until coming to Liberty township in 1865. In that county the father had followedthe carpenter's trade, and after his arrival here continued to follow that occupation. The family dwelling was located about forty rods south of the present residence of our subject. The parents are now living at Weston. To them were born eight children-C. C., of this sketch; Sarah Melissa, a widow lady now residing in Weston; Seth, who died in Scott township, Sandusky county, in 1863; Roselle, who died in Liberty township, 1869; Miles, who is married and lives in Isabella county, Mich.; and Mrs Elmira Morrison; Mrs. Mary Nie: and Flora, who all make their homes in Weston.
C. C. Fuller was only two years old when brought by his parents to the Buckeye State. and in the schools of Scott township, Sandusky county, he acquired a fair education. At the age of sixteen he accompanied the family to Liberty township, Wood county, and has since been numered among its most progressive and enterprising citizens. He still resides upon the old homestead, which indicates by its neat and thrifty appearance to be under the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner.
In 1868, in Liberty township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fuller and Miss Elizabeth Crocker, a native of England, and a daughter of Richard and Betsy (Reynolds) Crocker, who was born in Devonshire. England, and in 1852 with their family came to Canada, whence they removed to Crawford county, Ohio, and in 1858, to Wood county, locating upon a farm in Liberty township four years later. There the father died in 1893, but his widow still makes her home on that place. Mrs. Fuller is the oldest of eight children, and is followed by Mrs. Ann Schaaf, of Attica; Ohio; Sam, a resident of Wingston, this county; George, of Liberty township; Mrs. Mary Leedy, who makes her home in West Independence. Hancock Co.. Ohio, William, of Liberty township; Mrs. Emma Inman, of Jackson township, Wood county; and Clara. Five children grace the union of our subject and wife, and they also lost one in infancy. In order of birth they are as follows: Mrs. Ida William; Mrs. Myrta Alspaugh. of Liberty township; Anna, who died at the age of fifteen months, in 1876; William: Frank; and Ada.
In his political affiliations Mr. Fuller is a pronounced Democrat, always supporting that party with his ballot, and at present is serving as constable and postmaster at Wingston. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. No. 858, and religiously is a member of the United Brethren Church at Wingston. For over thirty years he has made his home in Wood county, taking an
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1343
active interest in its welfare, and doing all in his power to promote and elevate its interests, and has noted the wonderful changes that have taken place within its borders.
ROBERT YOUNGS. The record of a life is seldom marked by startling events, and the who seeks subject matter of thrilling interest seldom turns to biography, except he who would learn lessons to aid him in his own pilgrimage, and can ofttimes find them in the record of the men who improve their opportunities from day to day and faithfully discharged each duty as it comes. Such a man is the subject of this review: He was born April 27, 1849, near the town of King's Lynn, County of Norfolk, England, a son of Robert and Grace (Barber) Youngs, natives of the same county. The father was a farmer by occupation. He sailed from Liverpool on the vessel "Manhattan" with his wife and family, and after a. voyage of eight weeks, landed at New York, whence he came direct to Huron county, Ohio. He located on a rented farm, and in the spring of 1864, came to Liberty township, Wood county where he purchased twenty-three acres of wild land on which stood a log cabin. He afterward added forty acres to the original purchase. His death occurred July 21, 1885, and that of his wife on July 23,1889. Their children were as follows: John, who served as a private in the 10th O. V. C., and died from the effects of wound in the right leg received at the battle of Resaca; Sarah, wife of Lije Russell,. died in Lucas county, Ohio: William is an inmate of the Toledo hospital; Lizzie is the wife of Henry Sautter, of Plain township; Robert is our subject, and James died on the passage to America.
Our subject began his education in his native land and continued his studies in the schools of Huron and Wood counties. He was reared on his father's farm, and remained at home until his marriage which occurred in Weston township, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Harriet (Hughes) Ellis. They have five children - Grace, Caroline, Robert J., Walter, and William J.
Upon their marriage, Mr. Youngs and his wife located on the old family homestead, where they have since resided, the former devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. He votes the Republican party, and takes a deep interest in its success and growth. Socially he is connected with the Lodge of Odd Fellows at Weston. His honest, industrious life has made him well liked, and he has in this community many warm personal friends. .
G. S. MEEKER, a popular citizen, and the genial postmaster at Stony Ridge, was born on
June 9, 1845, in Plain township, a son of H. S. and Eliza A. (Harris) Meeker, also residents of
that township.
Our subject began his education in the common schools near his home afterward pursuing his studies at Center, and then taking a course at Tontogany under Prof. Kelley. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for several years, and was a capable educator. He also worked his father's farm until 1870, when he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he has since followed. In 1883 he took up his residence in Sugar Ridge, and established the first mercantile store in the town. He was one of the first to petition for a post office, and when this was secured he gave it the name of Sugar Ridge. He was also the first postmaster, and to-day, occupies that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. His business interests are well conducted, and in all his dealings he is honorable, upright and trustworthy.
In 1866 Mr. Meeker was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Longmore, of Seneca county, Ohio, and five children grace this union: Minnie, wife of S. Hunter, Nettie, wife of George Schell, of Putnam county, Ohio; Mertie, Lee; and Maud, wife of Charles Duhamel. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability; have frequently called on Mr. Meeker to serve in public office. For two years he was assessor; for a number of years was supervisor; also school director, and he discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He was a member of the Grange, of which he served as grand master; has been master workman in the Knights of Labor, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Red Men, and the I. O. O. F. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and in his Church relations he is a Methodist: He is a wide-awake progressive citizen, and has been an important and valued factor of the community in which he makes his home. Three different times he enlisted during the Civil war; but owing to various causes, chiefly on account of his youth, he was not accepted. accepted.
N. G. BERKLEY, a leading agriculturist of Liberty township, was born in Lyman, N. H., December 9, 1825. His father, Robert Berkley. was a native of Scotland, and during his boyhood was brought to America. The grandfather, Robert Berkley, Sr., was born in Scotland, April 15, 1756. He married Rhoda Way, who was
1344 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
born in Sharon, Conn., August 21, 1759. Their children were as follow: Rhoda, born March 17, 1780; William born January 5, 1783; Anna, January 8, 1785; Elizabeth, October 10, 1788; Irena, July 10, 1790; Cyrus, July 5, 1792; Hannah, November 1, 1795; Robert, September 1, 1798, and Sarah, September 19, 1801.
The parents of our subject were married in New Hampshire, September 17, 1820, and their children were seven in number, the names and dates of birth being as follows: Britain W., August 9, 1821, Arthur, January 25, 1823; Ladora, February 28, 1824; Nelson G., December 9, 1825; Oscar F., January 28, 1830; Ladora (2) A . January 24, 1836, and Thirzah J., September 24, 1839.
When a young man the father learned the shoemaker's trade, and later operated a large tannery at Lisbon, N H. About 1836 he sold his business and removed with his family to Redfern, N. Y., where he operated a glass-factory, sawmill and gristmill for five years. He then erected a large sawmill four miles from Redfern, on the river, purchased timber land and floated the trees down the river to the mill. He there carried on business until his death, which occurred October 18, 1853. He was then living with, his second wife, his first wife having-died many years previous.
In his boyhood Nelson G. Berkley began making boxes to be used in his father's glass factory, and became quite proficient also in work in the saw and grist mill. He continued in his father's employ until coming to Ohio, in August, 1850. On November 21, 1849, he was married, in New York, to Mary Ann Bigelow, Rev. R. Westcott officiating. He brought his wife to Ohio, traveling the entire distance of one thousand miles with two horses, a light wagon and a buggy. He settled in Medina county, and for about three years had charge of different sawmills. He also traded horses, and engaged in breaking colts, and in teaming. In the spring of 1853 he came to Wood county, living in Webster township, and again for three years engaged in the sawmill business. He afterward returned with his wife and family to New York, living in Clinton county, his health demanding the change. There he ran on river and worked in sawmills, but after years he went to Neenah, Wis., here he was first employed at the carpenter's trade, then went with twenty-two men up the Little Yellow river for the winter. They traveled through the snow in unbroken forests and across trackless prairies, and experienced many hardships and difficulties to life in an undeveloped region. During the summer, Mr. Berkley was employed in a sawmill, rafting the lumber down the river.
The following fall, he returned to New York, and then came with his family to Wood county, where for three years he rented a farm. He then purchased his present home of 106 acres in Liberty township, on which he has made many excellent improvements, transforming it into a fine farm. Here he again experienced many difficulties and hardships, but resolute purpose and unfaltering energy at length triumphed over these. In politics he is a Republican. On May 15, 1883, our subject's wife died, and two and a half years later he wedded Mary A. Landes. The children of the first marriage were Van Rensselaer, who was born in. Medina county, Ohio, September 7, 1850, and died February 23, 1851; Helen Virginia, who was born in Medina county, March 25, 1852, and is now the wife of George Sykes, of Michigan; Ladora Imogene, born in Wood county, April 5, 1855 (deceased), formerly the wife of Samuel Wood; Mary Frances, born in Saranac, N. Y., May 20, 1857, wife of John Wolf, of Ohio; Robert Nelson, born in Clinton county, N. Y., March 9, 1869, and died June 18, 1864; Susan Ellen, born in Wood county, October 10, 1862, wife of Jacob Hawk; Ernest Elmer, who was born in Wood county, February 9, 1865, and is now Henry township and Elizabeth Alta, born in Liberty township, October 19, 1867, now the wife of Samuel Smith.
CONRAD BEIL, a farmer in Washington township; post office, Haskins, Ohio.
J. C. FREEMAN, a prominent and highly respected citizen of Tontogany was born at Weston, Ohio, to May 17, 1865, to J. H. and Caroline (Hollis) Freeman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and farmer by occupation, the latter of Vermont, born of English parentage. Our subject is the second in a family of three children, the eldest being Laura, wife of George W. Harmon, foreman of the Artificial Gas Works, of Toledo, Ohio, they reside; to them have been born six children: Aloh, Leona, Guy, Adon, one whose name is not given, and one who died infancy. The youngest in the family is William B., who, is agent for the C. H. & D. railroad, at Bowling Green: he wedded Ettie Ellsworth, of Weston.
J. C. Freeman remedies on the home farm, in Washington township, until he reached the age of eighteen years, aiding his father in the cultivation of the fields, and attending the District
school of Maple Grove. He later
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studies in a school at Burton, Ohio, working in the store of Dr. F. A. Krill on Saturdays and in the evenings. It was his intention to take up the study of medicine with that gentleman, and finally go in partnership with him. The Doctor had made his home with our subject's father from infancy, and, feeling a deep interest in John, wished to show his gratitude by paying his expenses in securing a medical education. In the meantime, however, a school of telegraphy was opened at Burton, and Freeman was appointed assistant superintendent. There he remained for about three months, when he returned home and later came to Tontogany with the firm determination of making railroading his occupation. During the year and a half of his stay there, he was obliged to work at cutting corn, or at anything which he could find to do, in order to obtain money to meet his necessary expenses. At length, Mr. Freeman was appointed night operator at Johnson, six miles north of Dayton, Ohio, by the C.. H. & D. Railroad Company, where he remained for a little over a month. It seemed to our subject that it was the loneliest place on earth, and great was his delight, one night, when the dispatcher called him up, and asked him if he would accept the agency at Tontogany, and if he thought he could hold the position. It was such a surprise that Mr. Freeman could hardly answer, but at last he managed to accept, and since September 5, 1887, he has been located there. He now has charge of the United States Express Company's business at that place, is ticket and freight agent, and also has the account of all freight passing over the T. B. G. & U. B. division of the road. Formerly he had charge of all the telegraphing, but has since been given a night and day assistant. His long retention in this service indicates his faithful performance of duty, and the strict attention he gives to his employers' interests.
On December 23, 1888; Mr. Freeman was united in marriage with Miss France Wright, who was born August 18, 1869, a daughter of David Wright, who was formerly a veteran of the Civil war. Tontogany, and a veteran of the Civil war. Two children have been born to this union Howard M.. January 30, 1890; and Nadine H.. November 30, 1891.
Almost the entire life of Mr. Freeman has an passed in Wood county, and those who have known him longest are numbered among his starchiest friends, In politic is an ardent Republican; but, aside from using his right of franchise, he has no time to devote to political measures. Socially, he is a third-degree Master Mason, belonging to Tontogany No. 451, F. & A. M., while in religious faith he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY FREYMAN was born near Zanesville, Muskingum. Co., Ohio, in 1853, and is a son of John E. and Mary Jane (McLain) Freyman. The father was born in Germany in 1818, and when a young man learned the miners trade. Coming to America, he located in Muskingum county, where he was married, and then took up his residence on a farm. In 1856 he removed with his family to Wood county, and purchased 160 acres of prairie land in Liberty township, to which he afterward added twenty-five acres which was in Portage township and made his home on the farm until his death, which occurred in 1878. The mother of our subject had died many years previous, and the father afterward married Mrs. Nancy Walters. The children by the first marriage were :Catherine, who died in infancy; Sarah Jane, wife of G. W. Simons; Peter, who was killed at the battle of Bentonville, during the Civil war; John, who died at the age of thirty-five; Caroline, wife of William Kenny, of Bowling Green; George W., of Portage township; Clarissa wife of Matthew Munn, of Plain township; Henry; William, of Portage; and Perry, deceased .
Our subject attended the district schools of Liberty township, and spent two winters in school in Coles county, Ill. He going west in 1870, at the age of seventeen years. He was ambitious and had a great desire to see the country, and, though he had little money,. he resolutely started out and made his way to the home of his uncle in Coles county. In the spring he sought employment as a farm hand, and received $20 per month and his board. He rented a farm in 1876, which he operated until December of that year, when he returned home, accompanied by brother William, who had joined him in Coles county in 1874, with a team of mules and a covered wagon Our subject was very successful while in the West, and after his return he aided in the cultivation of the old homestead until his father's death, when the property was equally divided among the heirs, he receiving twenty-five acres which he afterward traded with his brother for land in Section 12, on which the old homestead now stands. He has thirty-seven and a half acres all cleared and highly cultivated.
Mr. Freyman was married in Plain township in 1879, to Miss Minnie Bruber, and to the marriage were born three sons - Carl, George and
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Howard Henry. In politics our subject is a Republican. He is a member of the United Brethren Brethren Church.
GABRIEL ASH is one of the substantial agriculturists of Milton township, and Milton township, and the success he has achieved has come as the result of his own industry, capable management, and resolute purpose. resolute purpose. He was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 14, 1838, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Putnam) Ash. In the family were the following children Gabriel; Elizabeth. Susan, Franklin, David (deceased), Josiah, Mary, Monroe (deceased) Harriet and Henry. By a second marriage the father also has one child. Jesse.
The school privileges which our subject received, were quite limited, for his services were needed in the development and cultivation of the home farm. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority when he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand for $10 per month. It was thus that he got his start, for with his large family of children, the father could give them little assistance. Our subject was employed for eight months in Seneca county, and then came to Wood county. He was married in Hancock county, December 6, 1860, to Miss Hannah Miller, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, in March 1839. They then located on a forty-acre farm in Milton township, which Mr. Ash had previously purchased, and for twenty-six years he years he made his home upon that farm, transforming it into richly cultivated fields, and making many excellent improvements upon the place. On the expiration of that period he returned to Hancock county, and for two years operated a farm belonging to his brother-in-law. In the spring of 1891 he removed to his present home, having exchanged the 120 acres of land which he formerly owned, for this property. He now has one of the fine farms of Milton township, where on are good barns and a comfortable residence, that are surrounded by waving fields of grain.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ash have been born two children: Sarah; who is engaged in the millinery business in Weston; and Mary, wife of Daniel Baumgartner, of Henry county, Ohio. The mother of these died in 1881, and, for his second wife Mr. Ash wedded Eleanor Niebel, who was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, October 16, 1850.
On questions of national importance. Mr. Ash a supporter of the Republican party, but at local elections, where no issue is involved, he votes for the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, without regard to party affiliations. He has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and to his business interests. He is an active member of the Evangelical Church, and Mrs. Ash also takes quite a prominent part in Church work. In connection with general farming. Mr. Ash has for the past Twenty-six years, been interested in the in the breeding of fine horses, and at the present time is the owner of two first-class animals, both imported from Belgium "Sultan," a splendid draft horse, and ''Weddel," a fine road horse. Since a mere lad our subject has been a fancier and a lover of fine stock, and much credit is due him for the interest he has shown in this direction.
JOHN P. BATTLES, a farmer and justice of the peace of Plain township; post office, Bowling Green. Ohio.
J. A. BOWERS a wide-awake and progressive young farmer of Middleton township, was born in this county November 21, 1860. He is a son of Peter Bowers, who was a well-known citizen of Wood county, and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Our subject attended school in Haskins, and is a well-informed man who keeps posted on political questions and all current events. He now operates 120 acres of the old homestead, which farm is under a high state of cultivation, indicating his thorough care. Energetic and industrious, he has well-tilled fields which yield to him a golden tribute. His home is presided over by his sister. His entire time and attention are given to his business interests, and he has never taken any active part in public-affairs. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, and socially is connected with Roche-de-boeuf Lodge No. 532 I. O. O. F.
J. M. FORD was born in Erie county, Ohio, May 5, 1859. The Ford family is of English origin. His father. William Ford, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1834 the son of William Ford, who came to America with his family in 1849, and made his home in Erie county, during the remainder of his life. William Ford, Jr., our subject's father, grew to manhood in Erie county, and was there married to Miss Rebecca Gillespie who was born in 1840 in Pennsylvania, and came with her parents to Wood county. Her father was a Scotchman by birth. In 1872 our subject's father moved to Bowling Green, where he died, January 17, 1892; his widow still survives.
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him. Five of their children lived to adult age: J. M. , Mary M., Benjamin, Nettie, and Cora. J . M. Ford having come to Bowling Green during his boyhood, his education was mainly acquired in the public schools there. For a few years after completing his studies he experimented in various employments, doing whatever he found remunerative; but he was faithful and industrious in all his undertakings, and for such young men there is always a chance to rise. In the course of time he managed to become the owner of a meat market, which became one of the best n Bowling Green, and commanded an extensive trade. He has also purchased real estate in the city at different times, which proved to be a good investment. He married Miss Ida E. Yonker, one of Bowling Green's attractive daughters, born 1863, and has two children: William M. and J. M:, Jr. In politics Mr. Ford is a Republican: socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
BENNETT J. GERDES, a prominent young agriculturist of Webster township, residing near Dowling, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 13, 1860. His father, Robert J. Gerdes, was also a native of Hanover, and was there married to Miss Hannah Seigler, by whom he had ten children: John: Bennett J., our subject; Garrett; Joe; Emmett; Lizzie; Annie; Henry; and two who died in early infancy. The mother of these is now deceased. The father came to Wood county with his family, in 1871, and settled upon land in Perrysburg township. Here, at the age of sixteen Bennett J. Gerdes undertook the task of making his own way. For three and a half years he worked on a farm at $16 a month, and by close economy managed to buy a small farm which he has enlarged until he now possesses one hundred acres of the best farming land in the county.
Mr. Gerdes was married in 1886, to Miss Katie Warns, who was born in1867, a daughter of well-known citizen of Perrysburg. One child was born to this union, but died in infancy. Intelligent and genial, Mr. Gerdes takes an influential and active part in all local movements, and he is a member of the F. & A. M., Phoenix Lodge, No. 123, of Perrysburg and of the I. O. O. F. Freedom Lodge of Pemberville:
GILIEN HEMINGER. The subject of this narrative was one of the early pioneers of Montgomery township, where he still resides, and has contributed his full quota toward its development and progress, having cleared about 300 acres. A. farmer by occupation, he still operates, a fine tract of land, comprising 119 acres in Section 5, where he has made his home twenty years and is now ranked, socially, among the leading men of the township. He was born March 27, 1825, in Stark county, Ohio, and is the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Yunkman) Heminger, natives of Pennsylvania where they were married. At the beginning of the war of 1812 they located in Stark county, near Bolivar, and when our subject was about six years of age removed to Suffield township, Portage Co., Ohio, where the father died at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a Democrat in politics and in religious faith both were members of the Presbyterian Church. The mother died at the home of our subject in Montgomery township, at the age of seventy-four years.
In the family were eleven children: Alice who died when young, in Pennsylvania: Frederick, who died in Montgomery township: Daniel, who died in Henry township; Henry, who died in Montgomery township: Elizabeth, who married Michael Smith, and died in the same township, Rosan, who married Andrew Heminger, and died at White Pigeon Prairie, Ind.; Rebecca, who died at the age of fourteen years; Susan, who married Daniel Phillips, and died in Portage township, Wood county; Gilien, subject of this review: Mary, who married Chris Dutler, and died in Williams county, Ohio; and Adam, who died in Portage township. The education of our subject was such as the district schools of the time afforded. and he early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. When a boy of about fifteen years his widowed mother, with her four children yet at home - Gillen, Susan, Mary and Adam came to Section 7, Montgomery township, where she had purchased a forty-acre timbered tract. Selling the small house which she owned in Portage county, with two ox-teams she had the household effects hauled to this county and after the expenses were paid was left with but little capital. Our subject became the main support of his mother, working as a hired hand upon farms in the neighborhood. On December 12, 1847; in Montgomery township, Mr. Heminger was married to Miss Sarah Willard, who was born in Stark county, February 17, 1820, and is the, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Kiser) Willard. Her father who was a native of Germany came to America when ten years old, but her mother was born in Stark county, Ohio, and was the daughter of one of the earliest settlers of that county - Jacob Kiser,
1348 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
who there located several years prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century. Mrs. Heminger is the sixth child in a family of seven -- two sons and five daughters and as her mother died when she was quite young, she came with her sister Maria (wife of Frederick Heminger) to Wood county, in 1840, when whom she made her home until her marriage.
Mr. Heminger began his domestic life upon the farm which his mother had purchased, and later bought out the interest of the other heirs. He owned several different tracts before, buying his present farm, in Section 5. Five sons were born to himself and wife, four of whom are engaged in agricultural pursuits: Frank M., of Sandusky county; Emanuel and Daniel, of Montgomery township, and Oliver P., at home; Joshua, the youngest of the family, is a postal telegraph operator. Since casting his first vote, Mr. Heminger has always been a stalwart Democrat, and in religious belief his wife is a member of the German Baptist Church. As early settlers, they well deserve an an honored place among those noble old pioneers, the the greater part of whose lives has been spent in Wood county, and no couple throughout the entire community are held in higher regard or are more universally loved and respected.
THOMAS M. CARR, a retired farmer of Liberty township; post office. Portage, Ohio.
FRANCIS MAGINNIS, (deceased) was a native of West Virginia, born November 3, 1819, and a son of Daniel Maginnis, a native of Emerald Isle. When a child of thirteen he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, the family locating in Plain township, where he worked. on his father's farm until his marriage, and early became familiar with the duties of farm life.
In Plain township, April 15, 1847, Mr. Maginnis was joined in wedlock with Miss. Mary Meeker, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 12, 1828. They became the parents of eleven children: (1) James W., the eldest, born June 30, 1851, is a railroad contractor; he married Arvilla Mingus, who was born December 25, 1872, in Huron county, and they have three children: (2) Fannie, born October 27, 1854, became the wife of John Muldowney, a railroad conductor, and died in May, 1881. (3) Sarah C., born September 29, 1856, is the wife of Charles Persto, of Toledo, (4) Mahlon M. was born October 11, 1857, (5) Mary A., born November 20, 1859, is the wife of W. H. Smith, of Toledo, Ohio (6) Margaret A., born May 8,1862, is the wife of John Manly, (7) Annie M., born May 24, 1864, died; in childhood., (8) Francis, born September 28, 1866, is a railroad engineer. (9) Charles, born August 8, 1868, died in 1870. (10) Harry O., born October 29, 1871, operates the homestead farm, (11) Sela, born January 26, 1875, is the wife of A. B. Chalender.
Having carried on farming for a number of years in Plain township, Mr. in 1881, removed to Middleton township, where he purchased eighty acres of land that he afterward greatly improved by erecting thereon barns and other buildings. He was He was numbered among the early settlers of Plain township, and had to contend with the trials and hardships of pioneer life; but he was industruous and energetic and overcame these by continued application and effort. By energy and enterprise he worked his way upward from humble surroundings to a position of affluence, and, by his honorable and straightforward dealings, won the confidence and respect of all. His life was one well worthy of emulaton, and those who knew him had for him sincere regard. After a painful illness he passed away March 30, 1887, surrounded by a loving loving wife and family, and mourned by many friends. He had served as assessor of his township for a number of years, and was also trustee, discharging his duties in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. In politics he was a supporter of Democratic principles, and was a consistent and faithful for member of the Presbyterian Church.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Maginnis has conducted the farm, with the aid of her sons. She is one of the pioneer ladies of the community, was to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet and in this volume the family is well serving of representation.
IRA B. HORNER, a farmer in Weston township; post office, Weston, Ohio.
GEORGE WHITMILL, deceased, who during his lifetime was a leading and influential farmer residing in Section 31, Ross township, located upon his farm December 31, 1863. It then comprised a tract of eighty acres of wooded land, upon which he build a story and half house, 16 x 26 feet, with two L's one 18 x 20 feet, and the other 12 x 20. In September; 1887 this home was destroyed by fire. Our subject was a native of England, born in Oxfordshire, in 1845, the son of George and Mary (Savory) Whitmill, natives of the same county, the former born in April 1813, the latter on April 3, 1814. Their
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marriage was celebrated May 10, 1838, and in 1854 they emigrated to America. After residing in Washington township, Lucas county, for sometime, they became residents of Ross township, this county, and upon his farm here the father died May 8, 1881; the mother passed away September 15, 1893. In their family were six children - George, born March 18, 1839, died in England in 1840: Emanuel, born May 14, 1841, died in England, January 1842;: Alfred, born November 11, 1842, died in Ross township, in August, 1868; George, of this sketch: Maria, born in August, 1848, died in Ross township October 25, 1868, Frederick was born September 27, 1852 and died in England in 1853.
George Whitmill was nine years of age when he left his native land, sailing from London, and after a voyage of six weeks, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. His first home in this country was near Toledo, Ohio, where he attended school, and during his younger years he engaged in gardening. He continued always to follow agricultural pursuits, which he thoroughly understood.
In what was then Perrysburg township, but is now Ross township, on December 24, 1866. Mr. Whitmill led to the marriage altar Miss Josephine H. Christopher, who was born in Norway, and was a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Christopher also natives of that land. On coming to the New World they located at Ypsilanti, Mich., Mich., where the father worked as a carpenter and there died. His wife passed away at Saginaw, Mich., Mich., in 1893. The death of Mrs. Whitmill occurred September 14, 1875. By her marriage to our subject she became the mother of three children - Florence A., born October 5, 1867, is the wife of F. L. Steen, of Cummings, Lake township, Wood county; Mary M., born May 5, 1870, died May 17, 1871; and Clarence F., born May 1, 1875, died September 1, following. In Lucas county, Mr. Whitmill was again married March 10, 1877, his second union being with Rose Munday, a native of England, where her parents, William and Elizabeth (Stofford) Munday, were also born, but now make their home in Oregon township, Lucas county. Two children graced the second union - William, born March 25, 1879; and Edna born September 26, 1887.
Upon his forty acre farm in Ross township, Mr. Whitmill engaged in general farming, until his death. He assisted in organizing the township, and there cast his first vote. He affiliated with the Republican party, for two terms served as treasurer of the township, and had also been constable. He was ever an earnest worker in the; interests of the community in which he lived, and occupied a very prominent place in the opinion of his neighbors.
D. J. CARGO, ticket and freight agent of the T. & O. C. & O. C. railroad: address No. 309 Madison street, Toledo, Ohio.
JOHN SHIPLE, a farmer of Middleton township, was born August 25, 1855, in the county which is still his home, and is a son of Sabastin Shiple, of sketch of whom appears in that of G. A. Shiple. He attended the public schools of Middleton township, and worked upon his father's farm through the days of his boyhood and youth, thus becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits in all departments. In 1880, he removed from the old homestead to the farm, which, comprises forty acres of good land, on which has been made made excellent improvements it has been tiled and drained, and on it has been erected a substantial barn for the care of stock the work of development and cultivation having been carried forward until it is now one of the finest farms in Middleton township.
Mr. Shiple was married in Middleton township, ship, in 1880, to Barbara Dreps, a daughter of Joseph Dreps, who died November 2, 1895. Four children now grace their union, namely; Clara, Minnie, Bernard and Bertie. In his political views Mr. Shiple is a stalwart Democrat, and his religious connection is with the Catholic Church. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, genial in disposition. and in the community in which he has so long made his home, has many warm friends.
H. W. Le GALLEY, D.D.S who is one of the leading dentists of Wood county, and a highly highly esteemed resident of Bowling Green, was born near that city, August 20, 1862. He is the son of A. H. and Mary S. (White) Le Galley.
The grandfather of our subject, William LeGalley, came to Wood county, from Huron county, Ohio, in 1853, and purchased 220 acres of land in Plain township, which is now one of the principal gas and oil fields in' the county. and where he is still living at a good old age, having been born in 1815. His parents were of French extraction, and died near Sandusky City when William was quite young. He was apprenticed to the tanner's trade with a man by the name of Terry, whose daughter, Maria, he afterward married. They had six children namely: Fannie. died in childhood; Myron, a farmer near
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Bowling Green; J. H., the father of our subject; William T., residing near Bowling Green; Celia, who lives with her parents and Charles, who is still at home.
The father of our subject was born in 1838; and was seventeen years of age when his father came to this county. He was married to Mary White, who was born in Erie county, Ohio, in 1841, and settled at once on a farm in Plain township, where the family have lived ever since. He has three oil wells on his farm, which is adjoining that of his father, and from which he derives a good income. He is a stanch Democrat, an ardent temperance man, and a member of the Baptist Church. The paternal family consists of three sons: Henry W., Marion E.; and Myron E., who is in the Dental College at Indianapolis, Ind. These sons are of the same political and religious belief as their father, and are worthy representatives of the good old stock from which they sprang.
Dr. Le Galley has spent his entire life in his native town, where he attended the public schools: he began the study of dentistry in 1885, and after obtaining his diploma, located in Bowling Green in the month of July, 1887. He is a self-made man, and has become an expert dental surgeon. He looks after the care and comfort of his patients by making all operations painless as near as it is possible to do so. He is the first dentist in the county to make use of "Cataphoric Appliance " (an electric current) for the painless filling of teeth. There are hundreds of people throughout Wood county who testify to the merits of the Doctor's professional ability, and as being thoroughly up to date in his methods of work. His wife is valued assistant in the operating room, and is becoming an apt worker in the gold crown and bridge work department of the office. They are very popular, not only with their patients, but with the public generally, and hold a high position socially.
The Doctor and his esteemed family, consisting of his wife, and their charming daughter, Alma, take an active part in Church and Sunday-school Church, and give liberally of their means to the maintenance of organizations that are founded upon the idea of the uplifting of humanity, and they have a host of friends among the people of the county. Fraternally the Doctor is member of the Knights of Pythias.
C. A. COOPER, who ranks among the energetic self-made young farmers of Portage township, was born June 17, 1861, in Jackson township township, Hancock Co., Ohio, son of Henry and Rachel (Wolfgale) Cooper. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, with his parents, who subsequently returned to Pennsylvania. Henry removed to Hancock county, entering land in Jackson township, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying when our subject was fourteen years old. He was twice married, and had fifteen children, our subject being born to the second union; his widowed mother makes her home in Van Wert, county, Ohio.
Our subject attended the district schools of his day, and was reared to farming life. He started in life with no capital but willing hands and a determination to succeed, and by industry and careful management he has acquired a comfortable property. On April 1, 1887, he came to Portage township, Wood county, buying the sixty-acre farm in Section 25 which he now owns and lives upon, and which he had placed under a good state of cultivation. Though obliged to go in debt for this land, he is now in independent circumstances, and is known as of the substantial men of his neighborhood. He is everywhere respected for his integrity and many sterling qualities as well as his ability as an agriculturist. On January 13, 1887, he was married, in Wyandot county, Ohio, to Miss Della Riter, who was born in that county June 19, 1865, daughter of Jacob Riter, a well-to-do German farmer. Two children have blessed this union: Bessie, born March 4, 1888, and Theodore, born May 19, 1893. Mr. Cooper is a stanch Republican in political faith, and is interested in the success of his party, though not active in party affairs.
ORRIN GOODELL is numbered among the enterprising and thorough-going farmers of Troy township, residing in Section 28, where he has now made his home for over forty years during which time he has aided in the growth and development of his locality. He is a native of Huron- county, Ohio, born in Townsend township, in 1844, and is a son of Cyrenius and Lucretia (Studley) Goodell, both of whom were born in New York. When a boy the former accompanied his father, David Goodell, to Huron county, and there the grandfather worked at his trade of a shoemaker at an early day, and also opened up a farm. In Huron county the parents of our subject were married and in 1855 they brought their family to Troy township, Wood county, where the father purchased the farm of a Mr. Phillips, on which Orrin now resides. His death occurred near Bowling Green. Ohio, in
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1883, and his wife passed away near Dunbridge, Ohio, August, 1894. In political sentiment was a strong Republican, and became one of the prominent early settlers of Troy township. Our subject is the eldest in the family of five children, and was followed by Marion a resident of Webster township, Wood county; Jane, wife of Henry Sternaman, of Middleton township, this county; John, who makes his home in Dunbridge, Ohio; and Albert. of Bowling Green. The paternal grandfather spent his last days in Huron county, his widow then making her home with her children; she passed away in Richland county, Ohio.
The education of Orrin Goodell was begun in Huron county, but at the age of eleven years he was brought to Troy township, where he completed his his literary training. He early began to assist in the work on the home farm, and has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits with good success. He owns the old homestead, comprising sixty-seven acres of valuable land, pleasantly situated, and adjoining the village of Luckey. In the development and progress of the county he has taken an active part, and by his sagacity and foresight, while contributing to the welfare of his native State, he has been enabled to accumulate a comfortable competence. He takes quite an interest in political affairs, and casts his ballot with the Republican party. In June, 1865, in Troy township, he married Miss Celestia Williamson, a native of that township, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Sternaman) Williamson. Her father was born in New York, whence he removed to eastern Ohio, later coming to Wood county, but his last days were passed in Iowa, where he died. His wife was called from this earth while in Webster township, Wood county, in 1853. Three children grace the union of our subject and his wife: Sanford married Miss Helen Banks, a native of Webster township, who before her marriage was engaged in teaching in Wood county; Cyrenius is still with his parents; and Myrt is attending school
CONRAD SHEFLER, a retired farmer of Montgomery township; post office, Risingsun, Ohio.
J. W. FRY, a thorough-going, energetic farmer of Portage township, is a native of Ohio, born January 16, 1855, in Mahoning county, a son of Jonas and Elizabeth (Greenawalt) Fry, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.
During his boyhood, our subject attended school in Bloom Center. Delilah Bailey being his teacher. He was trained to agriculture on the home farm, where he remained with his parents the greater part of the time until his marriage. Previously he had purchased forty acres of land in Bloom township, but never lived on it, and shortly after his marriage he sold it, and rented a farm in Perry Township for six years. On November 29, 1887, he removed to the farm of 160 acres in Section 36. Portage township, which he still occupies, and which he has since given all his time and attention to improving it in many ways. In 1892, he erected a fine barn, 40 x 70 feet in dimensions, and remodeled his residence, and he now has a most, comfortable home, of which he may well be proud, his fine property having been all acquired by his own efforts. He has been very successful, and his prosperity is well deserved being the result of industry and careful management
On October 23, 1881, Mr. Fry was united in marriage, in Bairdstown, Ohio, with Charlotte E. Graham who was born June 9, 1858, daughter of Adam Graham, of Montgomery, Wood county, and six children were born to them, as follows: Bert Clyde, who lives at home; Frankie F., who died in infancy; Minnie E., a very bright child, who died when four years old; Lottie Hazel; Flora G., who died in infancy and John H. Mrs. Fry was called from earth April 5, 1894, dying very suddenly, and was buried in Millgrove cemetery. Mr. Fry is a Democrat, but gives no time to politics beyond going to the polls and casting his vote, preferring to devote himself entirely to his business affairs.
J. H. WHITKER, one of the best-known and most prosperous farmers in Weston township, was born in Freedom township, Wood county, November 7, 1845. His parents Ernest and Elizabeth (Bullmar) Whitker were natives of Holland, when they were married, and later they came to the United States. To their union eight children were born, of whom the following record is given: Caroline is the wife of Fred Tickets, member of the sanitary police. force at Toledo, Ohio; John H. our subject; Fred is a manufacturer in Toledo: Mary is now Mrs. Mrs. Delmar, of Toledo; William, resides in Freedom township; Ed is a partner with his brother Fred, in Toledo; Lizzie died in youth; Lizzie (2nd) is the wife of William Brewer, a jeweler, in Toledo. The father owned a farm of eighty acres, which he cultivated, and was also engaged in teaching. He died of cholera, and his wife took the school, which she taught for some years: She died when seventy-two years of
1352 WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
age. William, the brother of our subject, cleared up the farm his father owned; and is now the possessor of it.
Our subject, after the death of his father, made his home with an uncle until he was fifteen years old, when he want to Toledo to work in the grocery store of another uncle. He remained there for three years, and then worked on the Wabash railroad for a year and a half. The Civil war breaking out. about this time, his patriotic impulses led him to offer his services to his country, and he enlisted in the 14th O. V. I., under Col. Steedman, later becoming a member of Company G, 130th O. V. I.,. enlisting at. Toledo. His regiment was attached to the 10th Army Corps and he participated in all the battles in which it was engaged. He was honorably discharged at Toledo in the fall of 1864. After returning to the peaceful pursuits of life, Mr.. Whitker was for some time engaged in the tobacco business in Toledo, and in 1866 became associated with Mr. Keel, shortly afterward buying out the interest of that gentleman, and carrying on the business himself for about two years.. He then sold out and in connection with A. J. Richard, bought a sawmill, which he operated for two years. He then took up the construction of railroads, building nine miles of the Pennsylvania, nine miles the Baltimore & Ohio, seven miles of the miles of the Nickel Plate, and also some of the Coldwater railway. He also took some extensive. ditch contracts in Wood county, building most of the Weston cut-off, and having an $18,000 contract on the Jackson cut-off. In 1887 Mr. Whitker removed to Weston township, and purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now resides On this he has made extensive and valuable improvements in the way. of building, ditching, draining, etc. In the fall of 1891 he suffered a severe loss by fire, his barn and a large amount of grain, stock and machinery being destroyed, valued at $3,000, on which he had no insurance.
On January 2, 1866, Mr. Whitker was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Matzinger, a native of Switzerland and nine children have blessed their union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: F. E., born November 2, 1867, is a member of the firm of Bankey & Whitker, the leading grocery men of Bowling Green, and of the county; L. E., who was born. March 11, 1868, is a prominent teacher of music; John W., born June 28, 1870, is in the hardware business in Toledo: Maggie C.. born April 3,1872; Mary A., born February 2, 1874; Mertie A., born September 18, 1877, died when twelve years old; Henry, born December 25, 1880; Anna May, born September 5, 1882 and Alice A., born April 30, 1887. In politics, Mr Whitker was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Populist, and was nominated for the office of county commissioner on that ticket. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church He has held the offices of secretary and treasurer, and master of the Grange, of which he is a member; and member and also commander of Neibling Post, A. R., at Weston. A genial, courteous man, he owes all he possesses to his own industry, energy and perseverance. and is highly esteemed by all who know him. who know him.
W. H. DENNIS, a farmer residing in Liberty township; post office, Weston, Ohio.
HENRY P. MEYER is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of Wood county, and, for some time, has been prominently connected with the development and progress of his locality, and from a humble, position has worked his way steadily upward until he now ranks among the substantial citizens of the community. He was born in Soltau, Hanover, Prussia, September 23, 1854, and is a son of Henry Meyer, a farmer by occupation who in June, 1871, died in the village of Hemsen, where he had spent his entire life. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Bartols, died there in 1868. The eldest of their children was a farmer, and died at the age of thirty-eight Christian is a farmer of Henry county, Ohio; Frederick died in Findlay, Ohio, in 1891; William is a farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; and Henry. P. is our subject.
Our subject attended school in his native land until fourteen years of age, and out of school hours engaged in work to provide for his own support. His first occupation was tending geese, afterward working as a cowboy, and, later, as a shepherd. After leaving school he was employed as a shepherd for $14 per year, his board and a suit of homespun clothes. He learned the trade of knitting when a mere boy, and has always led an industrious life. He determined to save enough money to reach America. but as he was old enough to enter the German army did not dare let his plans be known. For eight months prior to sailing he worked on a railroad; then sold the thirteen sheep which he had managed to acquire, and with his earnings had altogether some $84. His brother drew the money for him from the bank, at which time his trunk was packed and all preparations made for the journey. On foot he traveled to Soltau June 8, 1873. and took a train for Breman. After some
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.- 1353
delay, he finally sailed on the steamer "City of Bremen," which carried 1,700 passengers, and on the 3rd of July, reached New York. Arriving at Findlay, Ohio, he had remaining a cash capital of $11. From there he went to Van Buren, Hancock county, where for eight years and four he was employed as a hand on the Huntington farm in Allen township. He worked almost day and night and within three months saved $100 On January 13,1875, he made his first purchase of land, comprising forty acres, to which he added another forty acres in 1876. In the winter of 1877 he left his work in Hancock county, and came to his farm where he sawed logs, living in a dilapidated shanty. The winter was one of untold hardships, but he made considerable progress toward clearing his land, on which he made a permanent location in the spring of 1881.
In October, 1882, in North Baltimore. Mr. Meyer married Clara L. Carr, who was born in Hancock county, in 1857. Their children are Jennie A., Frank Elmer, Orma Mary, Ivan Emmet and Edwin. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer located on the farm where they have since resided. He now owns 160 acres, and his wife eighty acres, and they have considerable property in Findlay. He has developed a stone quarry on his farm, has built a limekiln there, and has become interested in the lumber business. In the fall of 1890 he erected a substantial and commodious residence upon his place. He certainly deserves great credit for his success in life, and his prosperity is justly merited. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as school director.
G. W. HILL deceased, late assessor of the First ward, of Bowling Green, and general agent in this county for the Globe Building & Loan Association, of Columbus, Ohio, was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 11, 1834.
His grandfather, William Hill, came from England over a hundred years ago, and was killed during the war of 1812. His father, William Hill, was born in Virginia in 1790, and came to Milton Center, Wood county, in 1835, where he located on government land. He was twice married, and by the first marriage was born one child, David, now deceased. For his second wife he married Miss Mary Fox, who was born January 2, 1794. He died in 1852, and she survived him twenty-four years. Eleven children were born of this union: Michael, William and John died in childhood; Susannah (deceased) was formerly the wife of Stewart Wilcox; James W., and Matthew are also deceased: Eliza is the wife of Robert Stewart, of Bowling Green; Thomas is deceased: G. W. is our subject: Joseph B. is deceased; and D. H , is a resident of Milton Center.
Our subject was educated in the public schools of Wood county, and, after spending some years of his early manhood in teaching, engaged in a mercantile enterprise at Milton Center. Later he was station agent there, until his appointment county commissioner. He served three years in that office, then was elected a justice of the peace, and he held that office for fifteen years. He had desired to enter the ministry ever since his conversion, at eighteen years of age, when he united with the Christian Church. While making his livelihood in various business enterprises, he had devoted his spare time to his preparatory studies, and, in 1855 he was ordained, and began his pastoral labors. His chief work during his years of service was done in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. although he preached at times in other States After several years of faithful and devoted service, he returned to Wood county, and for seven years was clerk in the office of the probate judge, doing some local preaching in the meantime. After this he again engaged in preaching until January, 1895, when he was appointed general agent for the Globe Building & Loan Association. and was also elected assessor. He was married, in 1851, to Miss Delilah E. Booker, who was born in Richland county, December 15, 1833, and to them were born three children: Almeda, the wife of George H. McCarty; Panola E., who lives at home; and Lillie May. the wife of Charles R. Stewart, of Bowling Green. Politically, Mr. Hill was a Republican; socially, he was a member of the K. of P., and the F. & A.. M.
JOHN F. MYERS, at this writing (1895) serving as one of the trustees of Troy township resides in Section 16, on the farm where; his birth occurred in 1858. His parents, Christopher and Anna Barbara (Koss) Myers, were both natives of Germany, the former born in Bairn, and the latter in the Kingdom of Saxony. In his native hand the father was reared and educated, and on coming to this country first located in Medina county, Ohio, where he was married. About 1854 he came to Wood county, entering forty acres of wild land from the government. When he located upon his place there were no improvements upon it and he began-its cultivation with a borrowed team, having first cut away the timber which thickly covered the farm. There his
1354 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
death occurred in 1885, that of his widow in 1895. In religious belief they were Lutherans, and his political support was given the Democratic party.
To them was born a family of four children, three of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Barbara Bueschen, of Toledo, Ohio: John R., subject of this review; and Mrs. Katie Kohn, of Troy township; the one deceased was a twin brother of our subject's brother
The entire life of John F. Myers has been passed upon the farm which is still his home, and in the common schools of Troy township he received his education. He has always engaged in farming, and now owns the old homestead. He has watched with interest the many changes that have taken place in the county, and contributed his share to the work of general improvement.
In 1888, in Perrysburg, Wood county, he was married to Christina Wiechman, a native of this county, and a daughter of John Wiechman, of Troy township, and three children now grace their union; Freddie, Edith and Eunice. In July, 1894, our subject was elected trustee on the Democratic ticket, with which political party he has ever been identified, and has also served as school director. Thoroughly honest, upright and reliable, he is highly honored and respected by the entire community.
WILLIAM W. HUNTER, a prominent agriculturist prominent agriculturist of Weston, was born in Plain township, Wood Co, Ohio, January 22, 1851, a son of Philander and Phidelia (Johnson) Hunter, the former of whom was born in New England, and came to Wood county, settling near Bowling Green. His death occurred in 1851, when he was but thirty-five years old. Politically, he was a Whig. Mrs. Hunter was born in Hocking county, Ohio, and died in Milton Center, at the age of seventy-nine years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hunter were members of the United Brethren Church. Three were children were born to them: Almira, deceased wife of Calvin Porter; Nathan, who died in Weston township; and our subject. Mrs. Hunter again married, her second husband being A. E. Sheets, by whom she had three children: Esther, who married Levi Lott, and with her husband resides in the south, Addie who died young, and David, who died at Milton Center. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Hunter, came from New York State, and the grandmother's people from New Hampshire. They died near Bowling Green.
Our subject grew up near Bowling Green, where he was married December 20, 1876, to Miss Sarah B. Long, whose birth took place November 7, 1858. They have three children: Maud, born July 28, 1878: Mabel. born March 22. 1881: William, born November 14, 1883. After his marriage, Mr. Hunter settled on his farm near Weston. which comprises sixty acres, and on which he does general farming. Politically, he is a Republican: socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. the Encampment, and of the Daughters of Rebekah.
JACOB ECKERT, a farmer in Portage township post office, Mermill, Ohio.
SAMUEL ULIS, August the prominent and enterprising farmers of Portage township, there is perhaps none that is looked upon with more respect than Samuel this. Stark county. Ohio, was the place of his birth, which event took place June 15, 1831 eight miles south of Canton. His father, William Ulis, was from Pennsylvania, followed the vocation of a farmer, and died in Stark county, Ohio. At the age of fourteen, our subject accompanied his widowed mother (who bore the maiden name of Martha Schroyer) to Crawford county, Ohio, locating in Liberty township, which at that time contained but few settlers. In Stark county, in later years, the mother wedded Philip Yent, and her death occurred in Wood county when past the age of sixty years.
Like most farmer boys of those early days. Mr. Ulis secured his education in the old-time
schools near his home, and at, the age of nineteen, started out to fight life's battle unaided.
When twenty-four years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Helm, who was
born in Crawford county, in 1839 and is daughter of John Helm. Five children have been born
to this union, namely: William, a farmer of Portage,.township: Grant, at home: Fretta, an
agriclturist, of Henry township, Wood county: Jemima, now Mrs. William Amos, of Portage
township; and Pert, a farmer of the same township. . By industry and economy, Mr. Ulis had
saved enough money so that, at the time of his marriage, he owned seventy-five acres of land
in Section 2, Portage township, a part of his present farm, which now comprises 115 acres
of valuable land. However, he made his home in Crawford county until 1869, but since that
time has resided in Portage township, Wood county. He has taken his farm from the timber.
and all the improvements seen thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He
started out in life with nothing but his own indomitable energy, and his accumulation of this
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1355
world's goods is attributable to his good judgement and capable management. He was bapized in the Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
J. G. RALSTON, a prominent agriculturist of was born in Armstrong county, Penn., April
19, 1832. He is a son of Joseph Ralston, one of the pioneer settlers of Wood county, and a
brother of James D. Ralston, whose biography is given elsewhere.
Our subject was only two years of age when his parents came to the county. During boyhood he attended the winter terms of school in a log house belonging to William Meeker, and worked upon his father's farm. He was married March 25, 1854, at at the age of twenty-one, to Miss Louisa Walker, who was born May 18, 1834, the daughter of Samuel Walker, a well-known farmer of Center township. He continued to work at the homestead until he bought forty acres of land in the same neighborhood, where he built a log cabin and made many improvements. He sold this farm after a few years and bought property in Bowling Green, where he built a house. In 1867 he took charge of sixty acres land in Plain township, belonging to his father, and in 1870 he sold out his interest and rented another farm, which he kept for ten years. Since that time he has conducted the Walker homestead, in Center township, managing it upon progressive and successful plans.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are leading members of the M. E. Church, and the letter is an active worker in the Home Missionary Society. Mr. Ralston being an Odd Fellow (Centennial Lodge No. 626), both belong to the Rebekah Lodge No. 382, of Bowling Green. They have three children: Ella, born February 22, 1858, married Dr. C. S. St. John; Charles, born November 10, 1860, a bridge builder by occupation, married Miss Viola Eaton; and William, born August 9, 1866, married Miss Anna Klatt, and lives in Bowling Green. In politics, Mr. Ralston is a Democrat, and, although he does not seek office, his personal influence is felt in local affairs for the public good.
E. D. WINFIELD, is a practicing Dentist in the Perrysburg, Wood Co., Ohio.
CLINTON FAY, a prominent retired agriculturist of Bowling Green, was born in Erie county, Ohio, September 20, 1834. His grandparents, Jonathan Fay and wife, came from Vermont to Ohio in 1832, and were among the hardy band of pioneers who settled in the wilderness in Wood county, and prepared the way for the civilization of to-day. They had three sons, Addison, Wooster, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Hollis, who died in Bowling Green at about the age of fifty-eight. Mr. Fay's grandmother possessed exceptional strength and endurance, and on one occasion walked from Perrysburg to Bowling Green through the woods in one night. Both she and her husband died, and are buried in the county.
Our subject's father, Addison Fay was born in Vermont, in 1809; and died in Wood county, January 27, 1892. His wife, Matilda Craw, also a native of Vermont, was born in 1810 and died in 1864. In 1833, shortly after their marriage, they came to Ohio, and, after spending some years in farming, in Erie and Huron counties, they finally settled upon a tract of 200 acres in Plain township, Wood county. They were among the leading members of the Presbyterian Church in that locality, where our subject's father was also prominent in many public movements and gave support to the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Fay is the elder of two children; his sister. Ruth, who married Jacob Daly, now lives with our subject; she had three children: (1) Mary, who married Dr. Jacob Kendal, of Bowling Green, and has two children--Harry and Maggie; (2) Elizabeth (unmarried), and (3) Aletha, the wife of Frank Hall, of Wood county; they have two sons, Ralph and Raymond C.
Mr. Fay's educational advantages were limited in early life to an irregular attendance in the district schools, his time being mainly employed in clearing land and preparing the virgin soil for the production of marketable crops. However, he made the most of his opportunities, and having the mental activity and grasp of the typical Yankee, he has gathered a valuable store of general information on all the topics of the day. He has been from the first an ardent Republican and in 1864, be enlisted in Company C. 144th O. V. I., for the 100 days' service, and served until the close of the war, being sent to Washington, Baltimore, Chambershurg and other points. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Leah Pugh, a lady of unusual gifts of mind and heart; who was born in Perry county, Ohio, October 23,1835. They settled upon a farm near Bowling Green, where they spent many happy years of quiet usefulness. A true helpmeet. Mrs. Fay shared her husband's ambitions and assisted him to realize them, and to enjoy, up to the time of her death, the fruits
1356 - WOOD COUNTY; OHIO.
of his labors. After her death, Mr. Fay removed o Bowling Green, which he has seen the entire growth, its handsome buildings and busy his streets now occupying land which in his boyhood was his favorite hunting ground.
SAMUEL C. DIMICK is the proprietor of one of the most noticeable homesteads in Center township His residence is a handsome and substantial building, flanked by a good barn and the various other outbuildings required by the progressive agriculturist. As a tiller of the soil he is thorough and skillful, and has been uniformly fortunate in his investments. He comes from sturdy New England stock, and was born in Lyme, N. H. on June 23, 1835.
His father, Chester Dimick, was also there born July 6, 1802 and was a son of Samuel Dimick, a native of Dorchester, Mass. The latter aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence and was married in the Bay State to Abigail Cook, was born August 12, 1767, and was a daughter of Samuel Cook, of Vermont, who was also one of the heroes of. the Revolution. This worthy couple passed :their last days in Lyme, N. H. , and to them were born twenty-one children.
On attaining man's estate, Chester Dimick followed the occupation of farming. On January 5, 1834, is Lyme, he married Mary Flint, who was born May 8, 1813, and was a daughter of Samuel Flint, of New Hampshire. Six children blessed this union: Samuel C., of this sketch; Charles N., who was born March 1, 1837, and was accidentally shot in Center township, Wood county, November 5, 1878; Chester E. born February 20, 1839; Liddie A. (deceased), born March 15, 1841; Francis B. (deceased), born February 2, 1844; and Mary F., (deceased) born October 16, 1846. The mother died on May 18, 1861, and Mr. Dimick was again married March 1, 1865, his second union being with Sophia, widow of Jonathan Conant. She passed away in November 1875 For his third wife, he wedded, July 4, 1876, Nancy Franklin, who is still living. The father was accidentally poisoned by ivy root, and died March 4, 1877.
We now come to the personal history of our subject, who, after attending the district schools of Lyme, entered the high school of Oxford, N. H., where he completed his education. After working on his father's farm for a time, he removed to Wisconsin, where he was in the lumber business for a year, and, on the expiration of that time, went to southern Minnesota, where for a year and a half he had charge of a government farm on the Indian reservation. He then returned to New Hampshire, buying the old homestead, which he operated for seven years, and the hardware business, which he later sold out. On again coming west, he located at Toledo, Ohio, where he was engaged in the manufacture of cans for four year, when he disposed of that business. In 1875, we find him a resident of Center township, Wood county, where he purchased 120 acres of the old Williams farm, and has here since made his home. He has one of the best orchards in the township, and his excellent farm has been brought under a high state of cultivation by industry and good management, with its attendant hard labor.
Mr. Dimick was married at Lyme, N. H., in 1860, to Mary Marshall, who was born in 1835, and they became the parents of two children, the younger of whom, Burton C., born November 4, 1869, died in July, 1889; MARSHALL C., born December 13, 1867, was educated at Toledo and Bowling Green, and now has a half-interest in the homestead farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which he now devotes his energies. He is a young man of good address, genial and industrious, and is one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of Center township.
The father of Mrs. Dimick, Micaiah Marshall was born at Lyme, N H., and by occupation was a farmer. On June 30, 1811, he married Charlotte Kimball; by whom he had four children: Polly, born June 8, 1812; Francis, born August 5, 1813; Chauncy, born July 20, 1814; and Charlotte, born December 16, 1815. The mother of this family died in March, 1816. For his second wife, Mr. Marshall wedded Martha Suthard, December 25, 1817. Her birth occurred on. February 12, 1798. By this union were born twelve children, as follows: B. S.. born September 24, 1818. died February 12, 1839: Martha P., born September 17, 1820, died December 10, 1890; Anson S., born December 3, 1823, was accidentally shot July 4, 1874; David E., born February 4, 1825, died February 16, 1852; C. S. born March 22, 1827, died December 30, 1856: Elizabeth K., born March 16, 1829, died September 26, 1845: George C., born January 28, 1831 died December 27, 1883; Harriet E., born May 6. 1833, died December 19, 1860; Mary born January 10, 1835, is the wife of our subject; Sarah T.. born February 15, 1837, died July 9, 1849; Luena L., born July 6, 1841, died April 29, 1863 and Jane E., born August 10, 1845, died March 26, 1879. The wife and mother passed away on December 9, 1865, and Mr. Marshall later wedded Eliza K. Russ, who was
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1357
born August 16, 1807. He departed this life May 6, 1891, and his last wife died December 18, 1893.
Mr. and Mrs. Dimick are social entertaining people good conversationalists, and their hospitable home is ever open for the reception of their many friends. They are active and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been elder for many years, and, in accordance with his views on the temperance question, casts his vote with the Prohibition party. Mrs. Dimick is now in feeble health, having received a stroke of paralysis, from the effects of which she suffers much. Our subject has practically laid aside cares, the management of the farm being almost entirely given over to his son.
JOHN M. GOODRICK, a jeweler and tonsorial artist of Prairie Depot is one of the enterprising, progressive business men of that live little city. He was born January 2, 1862, in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is a son of Dr. Nelson W. and Loraine (Leonard) Goodrick. His paternal grandparents, Isaac and Clementia Goodrick, were natives of England, and in their family were four children: Harriet, who married, and is now deceased; Nelson W., the next in order of birth; Fanny, who died young; and Isaac, who became a member of the 16th N. Y. V. I. during the Civil war, later re-enlisted in the 42th N. Y. V. I. and was accidentally shot at a landing.
The birth of Dr. Nelson W. Goodrick occurred at Fairfax, Vt., June 9, 1836, and when quite small his mother died. After obtaining a good literary education in the common schools he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed until he entered the Physio-Medical College; at Cincinnati, Ohio and in 1867, he engaged in the practice of his profession. On February 28, 1861 he married Loraine Leonard by whom he had three children: John Maitland, Adelbert, and Lester Nelson, two of whom died in infancy.
When our subject was quite small the parents removed to Defiance, Ohio, but soon after went to Maumee, where the mother's death occurred.. February 27, 1865. For his second wife the Doctor, in 1869, wedded Miss Fanny Conner, a native of Orange county, N. Y., born July 20, 1847, a daughter of James F. and Elizabeth (Graham) Conner who came to Ohio when Mrs. Goodrich was a mere girl. Four children were born of this union: Alice (now Mrs. Lyman McDowell), of Prairie Depot; Joel, at home; Nellie, who died at the age of four years; and Cora, at home. Until 1870 the father continued to reside at Maumee, when he came to Prairie Depot, where he practiced successfully until his death September 7, 1883. He had fought his way through life unaided, and gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact. His political support was given the Republican party. Since his death the widow has continued to reside at Prairie Depot, where she has a comfortable home, and is held in the highest respect.
J. M. Goodrick was but an infant when brought to Ohio, and here he received his education in the common schools. Though his opportunities in that direction were good, like many other boys, he did not take advantage of them. At the age of ten years he sustained injuries which affected his spine, producing lateral curvature, and and physically rendered him a partial cripple. When sixteen he left home, working at different places until 1885, when he began learning the barber's trade at Prairie Depot under Charles Simmons, and when he had mastered the same, he began business in that line for himself at the same place. He now owns a fine residence located on West Main street, together with his place of business, which he occupies, situated on a lot. 22 x 90 feet in the business center of Prairie Depot; and to his tonsorial business he, in 1893, added a complete line of jewelry. His place and its equipments are such as would do credit to a much larger town than Prairie Depot. In March, 1887, at that. place Mr. Goodrick was married to Miss Rebecca K. Feltman, daughter of Philip Feltman, and to them has been born one child: Mabel M. Our subject takes an active , interest in the success of the Republican party, which he always supports by his ballot, but cares nothing for political preferment, desiring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, in which' he has been quite successful, and he is numbered among the progressive and wide-awake business men of Prairie Depot. He is strictly a self-made man, though when twenty-one years of age he received some capital from his mother's estate; but like many young men lost the money in bad bargains, so his present accumulations are in no way the outgrowth of that inheritance. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the subordinate lodge at Prairie Depot, and the Encampment at Toledo, Ohio; is also a member of the Knights of Pythias at Prairie Depot.
FRANK POWELL, a retired farmer of Perrysburg township: post office. Perrysburg, Ohio.
1358 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
LEWIS WHITMAN, a leading and highly respected citizen of West Millgrove,, was born September 8, 1843, in Montgomery township, this county. His father William H. Whitman, was a native of New York State, born March 21, 1819 from where, when he was a child, his parents , Samuel and Elizabeth (Hay) Whitman, who were born in Vermont, moved to Onondaga county, N. Y., for many years making their home in the village of Camillus, then removing to Illinois, where they remained a short time and then came to Wood county, where they past the rest of their days. The father died in Montgomery township, living to be eighty-one years of age, the mother in West Millgrove at the age of ninety years, and they are both buried in Prairie Depot. They were the parents of eight children, as follow: Clarissa E., married Elias Frink, and died the state of Washington; Julia married Seth Newcomb, and died in New York ; William H. came next in order of birth; Mary J. and Eliza B. both died in childhood; Lewis died in Andersonville prison, having been taken prisoner by Confederates during the Civil War, while serving in Illinois regiment; Eliza married Alonzo Dingman, and died in Michigan; Luther died in Perry township, Wood county.
William H. Whitman received a fairly liberal education at the schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, and was reared to manhood on a farm. On February 8, 1844, he was married in Onondaga county, N. Y., to Miss Eunice Tyrrel, which was born in New York, May 5, 1824, daughter of William and Love (Huff) Tyrrel, and in the following August the young couple came to Wood county. Mr. Whitman has previously visited there twice, and purchased eighty acres of land in Section 20, Montgomery township where he build his first home - a round log cabin, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. To this honor pioneer couple were born children as follows: Lewis, whose name introduces this sketch; Theodore, who served in Company H. 49th O. V. I. In the war of the rebellion was thrice wounded, was captured by the Confederates, and lay for six weeks in Libby prison (he died in Risingsun, Ohio), Nathan, a resident of Hardin county, Iowa; Emily (now Mrs. Cyrus Baldwin), of West Millgrove, Ohio; Electa , who died when nearly nineteen years of age; Adeline, deceased in childhood; Frederick, of San Bernardino county, California ; George , who died young, Edwin, living in Prairie Depot, Ohio; James a farmer in Montgomery township, and two daughters that died in infancy. The father of this family is a life-time agriculturist, and has ever since lived where he had first settled, redeeming a fine farm from the primeval forest.
On February 8, 1894, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion a most pleasant reunion was held all the children who were at home being present. In politics, Mr. Whitman has always been a stanch Republican but never an office seeker, and he cast his first Presidential vote for W. H. Harrison. He and his amiable life partner are not identified with any Church; but they lead good Christian lives, and are honored and respected by all. They have numerous descendants, including five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Whitman's father, for sometime prior to his marriage, taught school in Montgomery township, Wood county, then returned to New York State, married, and in 1843 settled in Wood county.
Lewis Whitman received as good an education in his boyhood as could be secured in his day and locality, which was much interrupted by his work on the farm, where, being the eldest son and child, he had to devote much of his time. When he had entered his " teens " commenced learning carpentry with Henry Fuller, and after a couple of seasons took up the trade for his own account, at which he was working at the time of his enlistment, August 15, 1861., in Company H. 49th O. V. I. Capt. O. B. Hays, which regiment went from Camp Dennison to the South. At the time of the battle of Shiloh our subject was doing detached duty at division headquarters, and after the engagement at Perryville, he rejoined his regiment and participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which it was engaged, up to February, 1864, when he came home on furlough. Re-enlisting in the same company and regiment, at Cleveland Tenn., he was in every fight thereafter in which, the 49th took part, till he was wounded, in front of Atlanta, Ga., July 24, 1864. He was then sent to the field hospital, later to Nashville, where he secured a furlough to visit his home: returned after a short time to Nashville, thence was sent to Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained until the latter part of May 1865, when being refused a discharge from the army, he rejoined his regiment at Nashville. From there he was sent to Texas where, at Victoria, he was discharged November 25, 1865, and returned home, arriving January 1, 1866, after an absence (less the furloughs mentioned above) of four years and four and one half months.
While on one of his furloughs, Mr. Whitman was married, October 1864, in Perry township, to Miss Mary R. Ford, a native of Medina
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county, Ohio, daughter of Albert and Rebecca Ford. On his return from the war he and his young wife lived with her parents, while a home was being prepared on an eighty acre tract of wild land Mr. Whitman had bough, in Section 12 Perry township. In 1867 he went to Ottawa county, Ohio, and in the village of Martin was employed in a sawmill. Returning to Perry township, he re-commenced farming, and working at whatever he could find to do. In 1870 he traded his farm for an interest in a sawmill at West Millgrove, Wood county, but in June, 1871, the mill was burned down; in the winter of 1871 -72 it was rebuilt by Whitman, Ketcham & Swope. Mr. Whitman later becoming sole owner, as he is at the present time.
Our subject's first wife died June 20, 1878, and was buried at West Millgrove. She was the
mother of four children: William A., who died at the age of eighteen years; and Charles A.
Chester O., and Roland M., all three deceased in infancy. In 1879 Mr. Whitman married Miss
Sarah E. Buckingham, of Perry township, daughter of James and Elizabeth Buckingham; she
passed away May 13, 1892, the mother of three children: Milton M., Willis A., and Norman
L.. all yet at home. In 1893 our subject was married at Granville, Licking Co., Ohio, to
Elizabeth Thomas, and one child - Sarah E., has blessed this union.
In addition to his sawmill, Mr. Whitman owns eighty acres of land in Bloom township, a flouring mill in West Millgrove, as well other town property. Socially, he is a charter member of Yates Post No. 50, G. A. R., and at the present is a member of Conley Post No. 476, at Millgrove. In his political preferences he is a Republican, and between the years 1880 and 1895 he served as a justice of the peace.. He is in all respect a thorough business man, shrewd, cautious and conservative, self-made in every respect, one who by his own individual efforts has climbed the ladder of success, rung by rung until he has reached the goal of a well earned prosperity.
HORACE A. ELDER who now devotes his energies to farming, in Center township, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, March 1, 1855, a son of Asa and Eliza (Cessna) Elder. The father was a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and , removed to Ohio about 1852, located in Mahoning County, where he died in 1855. The mother removed with his family to Seneca county, in 1869, and in 1871 came to Wood county , now making her home in Bloomdale. She is a member of the German Reformed Church, and has been to her children a most faithful and devoted mother. In the family were seven children - Sarah a resident of Bloomdale, and the widow of J. Dickins, who died in Seneca county; Emma, who became the wife of E. Ash, and died in Seneca county, Curtis, a farmer of Defiance county, Ohio; William, a resident of Fostoria, Ohio; Jonathan, who is living in Henry county, Ohio; Mary who died in childhood; and Horace A.
Our subject remained in Seneca county until sixteen years of age; and then came to Wood county, where he attended the district schools, and aided in the labors of the home farm. At the age of twenty-four he married Viola Ferl, who was born in Wood county, April 10, 1855.. They have seven children - Floyd; Wanda, Cash, Ward, Helen and Merl, all living, and Clinton, the second child, who died at the age of six years.
In 1871, Mr. Elder purchased a farm in Bloom township, where for twenty-three years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. System in his methods of work, close application to business, energy and determined effort, have brought to him success, and in 1894 he sold his farm in Bloom township, and purchased valuable tract of land adjoining the city limits, of the county seat, where he is how living in a pleasant home.
B. SOULE; who, since November, 1892, has made his home in Fostoria, Seneca Co., Ohio; but whose life has almost entirely been passed in Wood county, was born near Buffalo, N. Y., August 1, 1835. When a small child he was taken to Erie county, Ohio, by his parents, Lorenzo and Anna C. (Fink) Soule, both natives of Germany, who but a short time remained in Erie county, and then located in Bloom township, this county. Our subject was nearly eleven years of age before he was able to attend school, and as his aid was needed in operating the home farm, his education was necessarily quite meager. At the age of twenty he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a few years.
On July 4, 1858. Mr. Soule was married in Portage township, Wood county, to Miss Mary Graham. Her birth occurred in Ashland county. Ohio, on May 8, 1832, and she was quite young when she was brought to Wood county by her parents. William and Elizabeth (Leffler) Graham; pioneers of Montgomery township: At the time of his marriage our subject had only enough money to start to house-keeping with on his father-in-law's farm in Portage township. The first land he owned was in Bloom township, but previously he had an interest in a sawmill in the
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southwest corner of Montgomery township, begin in partnership with Henry Tyson. With the profits made in that business, Mr. Soule purchased eighty acres of lumber land in Section 2, Bloom township, at once beginning its improvement and cultivation, and there made his home for about eighteen when he removed to his father-in-law's place, in Portage township, as that gentleman was getting old and required some care. After residing there for two years, he next operated the John Baird farm, Bloom township for the same length of time. The following three years were spent in West Millgrove, where he was ill most of the time. He then removed to his farm of 100 acres in Section 10, Perry township, residing there until going to Fostoria, where he owns a pleasant home and expects to spend the remainder of his days in ease and retirement, enjoying a well earned rest. In religious belief he and his wife are Methodist Episcopals. and, while in West Millgrove, he served as trustee of the Church there. His political support is given the Republican party, and he is an estimable citizen, and an honorable, upright man.
REV. RICHARD M. CULVER, a minister of the M. E. Church; post office. Bowling Green. Ohio.
ISADORE FASTNACHT, an industrious and successful agriculturist of Middleton township, was horn in Wittenberg, Germany, August 22, 1846, and is a son of Joseph (a carpenter and joiner) and Mary Fastnacht, who had a family of three children,-Isadore being the only survivor. The parents have both passed away.
In the common schools near his home our subject acquired his education and afterward worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner with his father for five years; but advancement was slow in his native land, and wages meager. This led him to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, and in 1869 he bade adieu to the friends and scenes of his boyhood, and set sail for New York. On reaching this country, he made his way to Erie county, Ohio where he remained three months, and then removed to Sandusky county, and there resided some six years, working as a farm hand and carpenter. On the expiration of that period he came to Wood county, and took up his residence in Middleton township, where he purchased a farm of forty acres, partly improved; the remainder he cleared, transforming it into richly cultivated fields, and built thereon a good residence and commodious barns. Such is the home he has made for himself entirely through his own efforts, and his life in its enterprising progressiveness well worthy of emulation.
In 1873 Mr. Fastnacht was married in Sandusky county to Miss Aggie Demphly, a native of Baden, Germany, and six children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy, William and John dying in early childhood; the others are Emma, of Bowling Green, Mary, wife of John Pfeifer; a harness-maker of Bowling Green; and Joseph, at present attending school. In religious faith, our subject is a Roman Catholic; in his political views: he is a Democrat and has served as supervisor one term.
GEORGE M. GROVER (deceased) who was for many years previous to his death a prominent and successful agriculturist of Center township, was born in Green Spring, Ohio. January 15, 1839. He was a son of Aaron and Mary A. {Davis) Grover, both of whom were natives of New York State.
He received his early education in the schools of Delaware county, Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith's trade which he followed there for some time. Later he moved to Illinois and remained until 1865, when he came to Wood county and located in Plain township, continuing his business of blacksmithing and engaging also in farming. In the following year he sold out and moved to Center township, purchasing forty acres of unimproved land near Sugar Ridge. This he cleared and made into a fine farm with a good orchard, substantial farm buildings, and the handsomest dwelling house in that neighborhood. He was married in Illinois, in 1860, to Miss Sarah A. Williams, who was born in Rush, October 14, 1841. Ten children were born of this union, of whom, two, ,Laura and Charles, died in childhood. and two (twins) died in infancy.
The names of the six surviving children, with dates of birth, are as follows: William; January 21, 1863, a farmer in Center township, married Ellen Stoller, and has two children; John S., March 20, 1865, now conducts the homestead; Clara, July 17, 1869, married Louis Bowers, a farmer; Hilda, August 11, 1871, married Henry Layman; Florence, January 5, 1874, married Frank Meaker; and Albert. September 13, 1876, is at home.
Mr. Grover was kind and loving in the domestic circle, and was a. generous supporter of every movement which promised to benefit the public. His death shortened a life which seemed destined to accomplish much for the advancement of the community. He was one of the most active workers in the Grange, while it was in existence,
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and was an influential member of the Republican ranks, serving as school director for several terms and for a number of years as township supervisor, giving to his public duties the same energy and care which distinguished the management of his private affairs.
WILLIAM WITZLER, farmer, Perrysburg township; post office. Perrysburg, Ohio.
JOHN STACY, deceased, was one of the most popular citizens of Center township, his genial, kindly manner winning him many friends, while his well-spent life enabled him to retain their high regard. Prosperity attended his efforts, and the community recognized him as one of its valued residents. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, November 5, 1813, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Bonner) Stacy, both natives of Virginia. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges, and in his native county he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed for a period of several years. He afterward engaged. with good success, in contracting and building on his own account.
In December, 1840, Mr. Stacy married Malinda Underwood, daughter of William Underwood, and a sister of Gideon Underwood, the adding being celebrated in Pennsylvania. just across the Ohio line. Thirteen children blessed this union - Laura J., who was born January 26, 1842, now the wife of John Shanks, a farmer of Center township, by whom she has five children; John N., born March 9, 1843, a resident of Bowling Green; Mary A.; born May 10, 1844, the deceased wife of Wright Stacy, who has also passed away; William S., born February 9,1845, a mechanic of Bowling Green; Charlotte A., who was born November 23, 1847, and died in 1857; Charles S., who was born October 9, 1849, and is engaged in the manufacture of lumber in Center township; Thomas W., who was born September 29, 1851, and died in 1856: Sylvia, who was born November 3, 1853, and died in 1872; Martha E born October 7,1855, and died in 1857; Albert L., born February 23, 1857, farms the old homestead; Elsie M. who was born August 11, 1859, is the wife of George Bufford, Carrie L., was born December 6, 1861, is the wife of John Sullivan, of Center township; Sherman G., born December 5, 1865, is a resident of Frankton, Indiana.
In 1861, Mr. Stacy came with his family to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres of partially cleared land in Center township, which was operated by his sons while he contracting and building at Bowling Green. He erected a fine residence, and good barns and out buildings upon his farm, tiled and ditched the place, planted an orchard, and made there an excellent home, where his wife still resides. For a number of years he was school director, and always took a deep interest in the cause of education and other movements calculated to benefit the community. In politics he was a Republican. His was an upright, noble Christian life, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name. Mrs. Stacy, now at the age of seventy-two years, is still living on the old homestead in the midst of her children and grand-children, who do all in their power to make her declining years happy;
ISAAC GROFF, one of the most prominent of the wealthy agriculturists of Grand Rapids township, Wood county, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., November 27, 1818. He was one of the nine-children of Michael and Elizabeth (Cowhick) Groff, and he is now the only survivor of the family. He worked upon his father's farm during boyhood, and attended the neighboring district schools. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the milling business, which he followed for twenty-two years. In 1865 he sold his interests there and came to Wood county, and located in Grand Rapids, renting and operating the flour mill in Henry county on the Maumee, owned by Mr. Purdy, which he conducted for twelve years. In 1868 he bought 100 acres of farming land in Grand Rapids township, a portion of which was cleared. He soon brought the entire tract under cultivation, ditching and tiling, building a frame dwelling house and barns. While this is quite satisfactory as a farm, it was too far from Grand Rapids to be a congenial residence, hence Mr. Groff bought ten acres more, near the town, and built a handsome brick dwelling house at a cost of $2,700 where he now resides. His other improvements on the smaller tract are of a high class, and his home is one of the finest in the neighborhood..
Mr. Groff has been twice married, first in 1840, at Columbus, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Campbell, by whom he had six children: Mary, who lives at home; Edward, deceased; Micheal a farmer in Henry county; Margaret, deceased formerly the wife of William Rhoades; Martha deceased, formerly the wife of William Shoemaker; and Isaac; who is in the employ of the Columbus Bridge Co. Mrs. Groff died in 1856 at Columbus. In 1865 our subject married, for his second wife, Miss Eliza Mains, a native of
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Pennsylvania. No children were born to this union. Mr. Groff is a Republican in politics and has always been a leader in local affairs. He is well-known and highly esteemed in the town of Grand Rapids, as well as in the rural districts, and was at one time a member of the city council.
HENRY LUCAS is a well-known resident of Perrysburg, Wood county, Ohio.
JOHN A. STEVENS, a highly respected agriculturist of Grand Rapids township, was born in Huron county, Ohio, in Bloom (now Erie) township, May 3, 1822. William K. Stevens, a native of New York State, married Miss Catherine Saddler and had seven children, of whom our subject was the first.
John A. Stevens had an adventurous life in his youth. He began when only seven years old his own way in the world, and at an early age went west and became a cowboy, his schooling being limited to a few years attendance at the district schools near his birth place. However his native abilities have served him well, and he has gathered a wide range of practical information on all the topics of the day. When eighteen years of age he began working as a farm hand, and in 1853 he came to Wood county and entered forty acres of land, which he improved and sold two years later at an advance. He afterward bought and sold land several times in the same way, sixteen acres near Weston, and forty-one in Plain township; but finally he settled upon his present farm of forty acres near Weston, which he keeps in a fine state of cultivation, and beautified with commodious and well-planned buildings. He was married, in 1849, in Sherman township, Huron county, to Miss Ether Linda Heath, and has had nine children, as recorded in the sketch of Zahn Stevens, elsewhere
Mr. Stevens holds an influential position in his community, won by his sterling qualities of character. He was school director in Weston township for two years, and in Plain township for the same length of time, and has been supervisor of Weston township. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Republican.
S. L. IRWIN, the junior of the well-known firm of W. B. Ladd & Co., of Tontogany, was born September 27, 1843, in West Toronto, York Co., Canada, where his paternal ancestors had lived for several generations. His parents were both born there, his father, E. G. Irwin, in 1810, and his mother, Mary (Crown), two years later. Her father was born in New Jersey, and served in the war of 1812. Mr. Irwin was the third of six children: (1) John C, is a traveling salesman for a flour manufacturer and lives in Chicago; (2) Henry L , died in Texas; (3) S. L., is our subject: (4) William W. is an engineer at Erie, Penn; (5) Hattie P. married R. J. Conader, of Toronto. (6) M. R. lives at Fort Scott, Kansas. Mr. Irwin's parents were consistent followers of the Christian faith, On March 4, 1863, his mother died, and May 6, of the same year, his father passed away, and the family, unbroken up to that time was soon widely scattered.
In 1864 our. subject came to Maumee City, Lucas county, and after working for a few months at the tinner's trade, he enlisted in Company K, 185th O. V. I., at the last call for one-year men, serving in Kentucky until discharged in October, 1865. Returning to Maumee he resumed his business there, and in 1870 moved to Weston, and followed the same line of work at intervals until 1883. He visited Florida on a prospecting tour, but, quickly recognizing the superior advantages of Wood county, he came back, and in 1883 entered into partnership with W. B. Ladd, forming the firm of W. B. Ladd & Co., in their present business of general hardware in Tontogany. Its management devolves upon Mr. Irwin at present and it is to his good judgement and energy that is mainly due.
He was married at Maumee City, in 1866, to Miss Ida M. Clark, who was there, August 15, 1848. They have three children: Lulu B., Hattie and F. W. Mr. Irwin is one of the prominent and progressive citizens of the community, and is a member of the G. A. R.. Walter Wood Post No. 14, and of the F. & A. M., Crystal Chapter No. 157 Bowling Green, Blue Lodge , No. 451 of Tontogany and the Commandery of Toledo.
F. M. CARTER is a farmer in Middleton township; post office, Hull Prairie, Ohio.
DAVID ADAMS (deceased) was the father of a large family that claim Montgomery township as their pioneer home, being founded here in the early thirties; so that for over sixty years it has been prominently identified with the history of the locality. Previous to David's location here, his brother Asa had become a resident of Montgomery township
David Adams was born in Beaver county, Penn., in 1784, and was the son of David Adams, Sr.. who was descend from New England stock.
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From Pennsylvania, the son served in the war of 1812 and there he married Sarah McKibben, by whom he had the following children, all born in the Keystone State with the exception of the youngest: Julia A., who was married in Pennsylvania to Henry Rhodes, died in Portage County, Ohio; Agnes is the widow of William Miller, and makes her home in Mercer county, Penn. ; Amanda became the wife of Frederick KIitz and died in Montgomery township, Wood county; Margaret was married in this State to William Henry, now of Mahoning county, Ohio; David died near Jerry City, Ohio; Harvey also died near that city; Joseph died in Montgomery township in 1849; James died in Jerry City; Hugh Mc. died in Montgomery township; Sarah J., who became the wife of Benjamin Bucket, died in Kansas; John M. and Asa are twins, the former a resident of Montgomery township, and the latter of Freeport, Ohio; Mary wedded Andrew Wanders, who was killed at the battle of Shiloh during the Rebellion, after which she married Abel Manchester, and died in Missouri; and Susan is now Mrs. William Cowden, living near Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
In his native State Mr. Adams was a farmer and distiller, the latter business being then quite popular, and in 1833 he came to Wood county. where he purchased 160 acres of land in Montgomery township, from a man at Bucyrus, Ohio. The following spring, with sons--David. Harvey and Joseph--he came by team to this county, here be left the boys and returned to Pennsylvania. They were to put in such crops as they could with a team of oxen. In November, 1834, he brought the remainder of the family to Montgomery township, locating on the southwest quarter of Section 20, their first home being a log house. In 1837 he built the old gristmill in Section 20, Portage township, on the Portage river, which the following year, was put in operation and people would come from miles around to have their grist ground. He was a man of comfortable means in Pennsylvania, and entered much land in Wood county, giving to each of his sons eighty acres or its equivalent.
Though not large in stature. Mr. Adams was a muscular man, and very robust. His educational privileges were only ordinary, but he was a man of natural intellectual ability and became well-informed by reading and observation. He had begun the study of law, and often tried cases for the justice of the peace, his counsel often being sought by the early settlers of Wood county. In politics, Mr. Adams usually supported the Democracy, but was not bound by party ties; various official positions in the township and county were offered him. but he always declined, as he cared nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. Being an excellent conversationalist, he could easily entertain a crowd of people, and he was wide and favorably known throughout the country. His death occurred upon the old homestead farm in Section 20, Montgomery township, township, in June, 1859, and his body was laid to rest by the side of his wife, who had died a few years previous, in West Millgrove cemetery. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Church.
R. H. RALSTON, furniture dealer and under taker, in Milton Center, Wood Co., Ohio.
S. J. MCCRORY, a retired highly respected resident of Bowling Green was born in Liberty township, January 17, 1851, and is the son of James and Mary Ann (Mercer) McCrory. James McCrory was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1821, and when a boy came with his parents to Wood county. He followed farming the greater part of his life, although he was engaged for a shot period in merchandising in Portage. He as a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He died October 19, 1885. Mt. McCrory was first married to Miss Nancy Sechelor, who died after the birth of one child. Hannah, now the wife of William Robinson, of Liberty township.
The mother of our subject was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daughter of George of and Jane (Montgomery) Mercer, and is stall living at her old home in Liberty township. By her marriage with Mr. McCrory she became the mother of thirteen children of whom seven grew to maturity; William Paul, deceased; S. J., the subject of this sketch; Jennie, wife of J. Ferguson, living in Wood county; James A.. living at Cygnet, this county; Mary Ann, residing with her mother; Horace, living in Milton township; and Albert, who makes his home with his mother.
S. J. McCrory was reared upon a farm in his native township, and is a model type of the man who, with limited advantages in the way of schooling or of money, has by persistent application, acquire knowledge of books as well as of men, and who to-day it well-posted on current literature and matters of general interest. After his marriage, Mr. McCrory settled upon a farm in Liberty township, and devoted himself to the cultivation and improvement of his land with energy which soon produced the desired effect. He has become recognized as a farmer of more
1364 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
than ordinary intelligence and progressive ideas. In 1890, Mr. McCrory retired from active business, and, since that time, has made his home in Bowling Green, where he is looked upon as one of its most valued citizens.
Mr. McCrory was married to Miss Rachel Milbourn whose birth took place in Bloom township, Feb 16, 1854. Three children have been born to them: Bertha, who died when two years and nine months old; Alda, born May 27, 1884, and Charles, born February 17, 1887. Our subject is in sympathy with the principles of the Prohibition party, but in local elections cares more for the qualifications of the candidate than for mere party considerations, and votes accordingly. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church, and is liberal to all worthy causes. Fraternally, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., and in all relations of life, bears his part as an honest man, a good neighbor and worthy citizen.
JOSEPH ENGESSER was born in Baden, Germany, March 11, 1844, and his parents, John and Maria Engesser, were also natives of Baden, but the great-grandfather of our subject a native of France. By trade, John Engesser was a miller, and also followed farming. His death occurred in his native land, February 26, 1875, while his wife survived him a few years. To them were born the following children: Johann, who was drowned in a river one stormy night: Anna and Theresa, in Germany; Joseph, of this sketch; Mary and Katrina, in Germany; and George who came to America in 1870. He went to Kansas but died twenty-six days after reaching his destination.
Joseph Engesser attended school in his native land until fourteen years of age when he began to learn the trade of a miller and baker in Treburg, serving a two years and a half apprenticeship and paying $50 for the instruction he received. During that time he had to arise at one o'clock in the morning and work until quite late at night, for he attended evening school. His apprenticeship being ended, he went to Austria, to Bavaria, to Tyrol, Switzerland, and to Alsace, working in these various places, his ability enabling him to command the highest wages. On April 3, 1870, he sailed from Bremen on the steamer "Taain," which reached New York harbor on the 15th of April. He was accompanied by a friend. From New York he went to Cincinnati, and had just money enough to pay one week's board for himself and friend. He soon, however, obtained work in a bakery, where he continued until the fall, when he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio, where for three years he worked at the miller's trade. He next went to Auglaize county, and in the summer of 1874 he came to Wood county, establishing a feed-mill in Custar, which he operated for a year. He then purchased the hotel, which was in poor condition, but he has made many excellent improvements, and is now conducting the "Washington Hotel", an establishment that is first class in every particular.
Returning to Wapakoneta, Mr. Engesser was married November 26, 1874, to Magdalena Wieser, who was born in Auglaize county, October 15, 1855, They at once came to Custar, and on May 1, 1875, opened the hotel. To them have been born the following children - Josephine, August 13, 1875; Anna Wilhelmina, December 27, 1876; Clara Maria, November 1, 1878; Franz J., September 30, 1881; Elizabeth, May 4, 1884: Magdalena, February 26, 1887; Theresa Gertrude, May 30, 1890; Vernika Julia, August 2, 1893; and Mary K., April 6, 1895, The first named died September 6, 1876, but the others are all living.
Mr. Engesser is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of St. Louis' Catholic Church. In the spring of 1894, he returned to his native land. where he spent several months visiting his sisters and friends, and then returned home content to reside in America.
JOHN EAKEN, who has taken quite a prominent part in public affairs in Jackson township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, June 6, 1846, and is a son of George Clark Eaken, a native of Pennsylvania. The mother bore the maiden name of Sarah Lance, and was a native of Wayne county,. Ohio. Soon after their marriage they removed to Medina county, where the father owned and operated a farm until his death, which occurred in 1860. His wife passed away the previous year. Their children were Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years; George, a farmer, of Medina county, Ohio; Abraham, also a farmer there; Mrs. Sarah Jane Albert; Isabel, of Medina county; who died in Michigan; John; Mary, wife of Duat Hickoks, of Massillon, Ohio.
Mr. Eaken, of this sketch, acquired a fair education in the public schools, and at the time of his father's death, started out in life for himself, being then fourteen years of age. The following year he became a brakeman on the N. Y. P. & O. railroad, and in a wreck he sustained severe injuries, which prevent him from working for six months. He afterwards employed as a farm hand for a year, and then enlisted with the
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hundred-day men in Company D, 78th O. V. I. and, after reaching Washington, was assigned to heavy artillery. After the war he again worked as a farm hand.
On October 10, 1867, in La Fayette, Ohio, Mr. Eaken married Susan Catherine Hollowell, and a year later came to Wood county, where several years previous he had purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township. This he at once began to clear and improve, making it his home for eleven years, and clearing it of all indebtedness; but through going security for another, he lost all his property. He afterward bought forty acres, which he farmed for a year then sold, and purchased eighty acres. While living there his wife died. Eight children were born of that marriage--Luella; wife of Dora Ellinwood, of Hoytville; Ida May, wife of S. D. Leatherman, of Hoytville; William C.; Edward Dwight, who died at the age of five years; Harley Minnie Maud, and Finney Tot, twins; and Mertie Ann. For his second wife, Mr. Eaken married Catherine A. Mills, widow of John Kiger, by whom she had six children, four yet living. By the second marriage have been born five children - Mary Catherine Lillie Alverna, at home; Jennie, who died of diphtheria at the age of seven: Johnnie Guy, who died at the age of sixteen months; Roy who died in infancy; and Flora.
At the time of his second marriage, Mr. Eaken traded forty acres of his farm for a building that stood on the site of his present home, but which burned in 1889. He has since erected there a good residence and store room. Before the fire he carried on a grocery store for a year a half, and then rented his store room, went on the road for six months, selling sewing machines. Returning to Hoyville he then embarked in the saloon business, which he has since successfully carried on. He also owns forty acres of land which he farms. In politics he is a strong Republican, and for many years has served as township clerk. For eight years he was constable, has also been school director, and supervisor and has continually held office since locating in the county.
ASHER SARGENT, a resident of Liberty township; post office, Portage, Ohio.
ZAHM STEVENS. The salient points in the life of this intelligent and enterprising farmer, who besides general farming is also engaged in stock dealing in Washington township, are as follows: He was born in Sherman township, Huron Co., Ohio. August 24, 1853, and is a son of John A. and Ether Linda (Heath) Stevens. The father was born in the same county, and was a son of William K. Stevens, of German descent. There the parents were married, and in their family were nine children, as follows: Daniel. deceased; John E., the present mayor of Grand Rapids, Ohio; Amelia, deceased wife of E. Gill; Zahm; Almina, deceased wife of William Potes; Prudence, deceased; Roxy Ann, wife of Jeff Dots; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Abner Gill; Jane, wife of John Curtis Ames.
In the district schools of Wood county, Mr. Stevens, of this review, pursued his literary studies, he having coming to this county with his parents in October 1855. He grew to manhood upon the home farm, aiding in the work of the fields, and there remained until his marriage. That important event occurred on December 15, 1873. the lady of his choice being Lucy Ann Burditt, a daughter of Greenbury Burditt, and a sister of Andrew. She was born May 6, 1852. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children--Rosa, who was July 20, 1875, and died September 10, 1876; Ether Linda, who was born September 18, 1877; and is now the wife of Florus Thompson, who assists in the operation of the Stevens farm; Caroline Eldora, who was born February 20, 1882. and is at home; and William K. who was born September 8, 1887, and died in infancy.
After his marriage Mr. Stevens worked for others for about four years, on the expiration of which time he removed to the farm where he now resides, renting the land from his father-in-law, for two years. He then purchased the place, which comprises forty acres of arable land, most of which he has cleared, drained and tiled, and erected thereon a good a good residence at a cost of $1,000. The land is very productive, he having raised thirty bushels of wheat to the acre the past year. He also deals, quite extensively in stock and sheep, finding it a profitable, employment. For nine years he has been serving his fellow townsmen as school director, and has been president of the board of education for eight years. The Republican party receives his earnest support, and all interests calculated to benefit the community receive his substantial aid. He attends the Disciples Church.
JACOB ASH, whose well spent life has won him the esteem of young and old, rich and poor, is now at the age of seventy-nine years, living at his pleasant home in Milton township amid many warm friends who have for him the greatest
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regard. He was born in Somerset County, Penn., October 8, 1817, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Ash. The father was born (it is supposed) in Cumberland county, Penn., in 1792, and was a farmer by occupation. When a young man he moved to Somerset, county, where he married Miss Zimmerman, a native of New York. They lived in that county until 1834 and then removed with their family to Stark county, Ohio, locating on a fifty acre farm. ln 1842 Mr Ash, with his wife and five children, came out to De Kalb county, Ind., where his death occurred in 1875; his wife had passed away ten years previous. In their family were the following Sallie, deceased wife of Jacob Miller; Katie, who was twice married, and is now deceased: Josiah, a retired farmer of Ashland county; Jacob; Betsy, wife of John Meiser, of De Kalb, county, Ind.; Mary, wife of Hugh Maxwell, of De Kalb county: David, deceased; Aaron, of De Kalb county, and, Henry, who died in Kansas.
Our subject was educated in subscription schools in his native State, and at the age of seventeen came with his parents to Ohio. He was reared on a farm, and has throughout life carried on agricultural pursuits. In Stark county, in November, 1837, he married Sallie Putnam, a native of that county, born in 1819. They removed to Seneca county, Ohio locating on a partially-improved farm of eighty acres; but after two years returned to Stark county. They lived for a similar period in Sugar Creek township, and then came, with their family, to Wood county, making the journey with two horses and a wagon. Mr. Ash was given eighty acres of land by his father-in-law. It was then wild land, and he at once began to clear and improve it. He erected a log cabin with the assistance of his neighbors, and as time passed kept improving the dwellings upon his place. In 1886 he erected his present commodious residence, and is to-day the owner of a highly improved and well-cultivated farm.
In 1870, Mrs. Ash died, and her remains were buried in Weston cemetery. Their children were as follows: Gabriel; Elizabeth, wife of' Jo Stanshow, of Weston township; Susan, wife of Abraham Ream of Milton township; Franklin a farmer of Milton township; David, who died in boyhood; Mary, wife of Samuel Hoover, of Lima, Henry, who died in childhood; Josiah, a minister in Nebraska; Monroe, who died at the age of nineteen; and Hattie, wife of Otto Sockman, of Knox county, Ohio. Two years after the death of his first wife Mr. Ash married Sarah Miller, who was born in Marion County, Ohio, August 27, 1841, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Drosen) Miller, natives of Ohio. Her father, who was a farmer, became a resident of Marion county at an early day, and in his family were five children: Isaac, of Morrow county, Ohio , Rebecca, wife of John Powell, of Findlay, Eli, deceased, Hannah, deceased wife of Gabriel Ash; and Sarah. To our subject and his wife have been born two children: Jesse, at home, and Irma, who died at she age of eight months.
In politics Mr. Ash is a Prohibitionist, and has served as school director and supervisor for many years, also as township trustee. He has taken quite a prominent part in religious work, and he and his wife are faithful members of the Evangelical Church.
OSCAR LYON, a farmer; office, Waterville, Lucas county, Ohio.
ANTON DIEFENTHALER. Among the enterprising and substantial farmers of Lake township, there probably none more widely or favorably, known than this gentleman. He comes from across the sea, his birth having occurred in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1840, and is a son of Philip and Susan (Young) Diefenthaler, who were also natives of that duchy, and in 1857, accompanied by their family, they sailed from Havre, France. At the end of a long and tedious voyage of thirty-one days they landed safely at New York, whence they came to Lake township; Wood county, where the father purchased eighty acres of timber land, and on that farm the parents spent their remaining days. In their family were three children--Mrs. Christina Burch, of Lake township; Jacob and Anton. The mother was twice married, her first husband being Philip Kahler, who died in the Fatherland and to them were born four children: who located in Lake township as early as 1842 and died in Toledo, Ohio; John, who arrived in that township in 1852, and there died in 1895: Mrs. Barbara Young of Toledo; and Mrs Mary Young, of Ottawa county. Ohio.
In the public schools of his native land our subject acquired his education, and was seventeen years of age at the time of his arrival in Lake township. where he has since engaged in farming, now owning a fine farm of eighty acres in Section 1. At Toledo, Ohio, in 1865, he enlisted in Company B, 189th O.V.I. for one year or until the close of the war and participated in the engagements at Huntsville and Brownsboro. After hostilities had ceased., he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865 and re-
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turned to his home. In Lake township, in 866, he was married to Miss Caroline Shafer, a daughter of Louis and ------ (Kolb) Shafer, also natives of Germany, and on coming to the United States first located in Ottawa county, Ohio. They are both now deceased. Eight children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife: six : sons and two daughters--named : John, Philip, Henry, Charley, Louie, Rudolph. Mary, and Christina.
Mr. Diefenthaler uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party; socially, he affiliates with Douglas Post, G. A. R., at Millbury, Wood county and in religious sentiment he is a Protestant. No one is more interested in the development and progress of Wood county than is our subject, who gives his support to all worthy enterprises, and is justly entitled to a position among the representative citizens of Lake township.
JOHN TAYLOR is a farmer in Middleton township; post office, Hull Prairie, Ohio.
PHILIP WETZEL, a well-known cigar manufacturer of Perrysburg, was born November 11, 1858 Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, where his ancestors, both paternal and maternal, had their home for generations. Jacob Wetzel, his father, was born January 13, 1836, and his mother, Catherine Artz, on December 18 of the same year. They were married November 10, 1857, and five years later came to Perrysburg, where the father carried on his trade of merchant tailor until 1879, when he began the manufacturing of cigars in partnership with our subject. his jest son. In 1892 he retired from business, and with his wife is enjoying well-earned leisure, at his home in Perrysburg. A brief record of their six children is as follows: Philip is our subject; Mary married James Kinnear, of Morrison, Mich.; Willie died at the age of eight months; Katie is the wife of Rev. E. I. Jamison, of Kingston, Tenn.; Charles died aged five years; Amelia lives with her parents..
Perrysburg having been our subject's home since childhood, his education was obtained in her excellent public schools, and the early friendships then formed, and the admirable-business training acquired with his father, have smoothed the way to success in later years. His present factory opened in September, 1894, is already a prosperous enterprise. In 1891 Mr. Wetzel was married to Miss Ethel Baird, a native of Perrysburg, born December 28, 1809, and they have one child, Dorcas. Politically our subject is a Democrat and he is one of the most influential and popular workers in local affairs. In 1883, he was elected clerk of Perrysburg township, by a majority of 222, and has held the office for three terms. The second time his majority, was 245, was 245 and so well did his performance of his duties satisfy the public that the last election he no opposition. He is now serving his sixth consecutive year. A stanch supporter of the rights of the workingman, he belongs so the Cigarmakers National Union, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F.. holding the office of district deputy grand master.
ISAAC CHARLTON, an honorable and well-to-do farmer of Center township, is a native of Sugar Creek township, Stark Co., Ohio, and made his appearance on the stage of life April 26, 1823. The birth of his father, John Charlton, occurred in Pennsylvania, where he followed farming, but when a young man removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he operated farm of sixty acres. In 1855 he came to Wood county and purchased sixty-acres in Center township, where both he and his wife died, and they were laid to rest in the cemetery of Bowling Green. In Stark county he had wedded Polly Augusteen. a native of Colombiana county, Ohio, and our subject was the younger of their two children, the other being Fanny, who was born in 1818, and became the wife of Charles Elliott, but is now deceased
In the uneventful manner of most farmer boys, Isaac Charlton spent the days of his childhood and youth, acquiring the rudiments of his education in the district schools of Stark and Wood counties, and gave the benefit of his labors to his father in clearing and operating the home farm. He is numbered among pioneers of the county, having arrived in 1855, when few roads had been laid out, and most of the land was still in its primitive condition, He aided in the transformation that has taken place since that time, working hard in clearing the land, digging up the stumps, draining the land. etc. His first purchase made him the possessor of sixty acres of partially-improved land in Center township, and after operating it for several years he sold out and purchased the forty-acre tract which is still his home. The many improvements seen thereon are the work of his hands, and the land now constitutes one of the most highly cultivated farms in the neighborhood.
In Stark county, in 1847, Mr. Charlton was united in marriage with Christiana Ebersole, who
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was born there March 24, 1825 and to them have been born nine children namely: Caroline, wife of Jacob Snider of Plain township, Wood county; Frances, at home; John, a farmer Huron county, Ohio; Euria, a farmer of Plain township; Sarah, at home; Marion, an agriculturist of Center township; Emma, wife of Herbert Underwood; Maggie, wife of Simeon George, a farmer of Center township and Charles, who was born March 24, 1868, and assists in the operates of the homestead farm.
On starting out life, Mr. Charlton had no capital, but by energy and economy has become possessed of a handsome property. A good orchard is one of the features of his place, his residence and barn are neat, and everything that surrounds him evinces the thrift and care of the owner. His political views are in accordance with those of the Republican party, and he always uses his ballot in support of its men and measures.
FRANK JOSETT, foreman of the machine shops of the Hardy Machine Company, at North Baltimore, Ohio.
WILLIAM SAVORY, who is wide and favorable known in Wood county, was born in the Toledo, September 15, 1859, and is of English lineage. His father, James Savory, was born in Oxfordshire, England, where he followed the various callings of a butcher, shoemaker and baker in the county of his nativity. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, and took up his residence in Toledo, Ohio; where for several years worked at market gardening
Coming to Wood county, he here purchased twenty acres of twenty acres of timber land, which he improved for two years, when he sold , and bought eighty-five acres, all of which he placed under a high state of cultivation, continuing its operation until 1890 when he retired to private life. For three years he had his residence in Perrysburg and, then removed to Toledo, where he now makes his home. He was married in England, to Esther they became, the parents of four children: Thomas, a carpenter and joiner; Mary, wife of Charles Taylor, a farmer of Lucas county, Ohio; William, the subject of this sketch; and Charles, who was killed near the homestead, in 1887 by the bursting of a gun. The father of this family served as trustee in Middleton township for six years and gave his political support to the Republican party. His wife died in Perrysburg in 1893.
Our subject was educated in Wallbridge, Lucas Co., Ohio, and in Middleton township, and worked on his father's farm from boyhood early manhood, when he started out to make his own way in the world. For two years he followed the carpenter trade and was then for four years engaged in the wholesale butchering business He then returned to the old homestead, and has since conducted the farm. He now cultivates 125 acres, upon which he has made excellent improvements, and in addition operates a threshing machine during the harvest season. His business is well managed, and is a prosperous one. In 1887, in Maumee, Ohio, he married Miss Maggie Collier, who was born in Perrysburg, in 1860, and they have five children: Chace, James; Catherine ("Katie"), Edward and Elmer. In polities Mr. Savory is a stalwart Republican, but prefers to give his attention to his business interests rather than to politics. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, of a benevolent. kindly disposition, and makes friends wherever he goes.
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