650 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. enterprise to which he addressed himself succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations., In his younger days he was a Whig, but when that old party went out of existence he allied himself to its successor and remained an ardent Republican to the end of his days. Reared in the faith of the Evangelical church, he became an earnest religious worker and for a number of years was a class leader and exhorter of that denomination. He lived a noble, godly life and died in Kansas, leaving an estate valued at over forty-five thousand dollars, all of which was earned by himself. Mary Harpster, wife of John Wowder and mother of our subject, was the daughter of Frederick and Susan Harpster, both natives Of Pennsylvania; the former died in the above state, aged fifty, and the latter departed this life in Seneca county, Ohio, at the ripe old age of ninety years. Mrs: Wdwder was born in 1809 in the Keystone state and died in Kansas when eighty-six years old; she was the mother of eight children, namely : Rev. Daniel H., a retired minister of the Evangelical church living in Marion, Ohio ; Susan, wife of David Harpster, died at the age of twenty-five; Frederick, formerly a prosperous farmer of Wyandot county, was called to the other life in his thirty-eighth year ; Sarah married J. M. Driesbach and died at Burn, Kan., in 1901; Catherine, also a resident:of that state, married Nathaniel D. Loose, of Hiawatha; John Wesley is a retired farmer living in Kansas and the youngest, Benjamin F., died at the age of twenty-eight years. David H. Wowder, fifth child of John and Mary Wowder, is a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, born three miles north of Carey in Crawford township, January 29, 1846. He was reared on the home farth, received his preliminary education in the district schools and later obtained a knowledge of some of the more advanced branches in a select school at Carey. He remained in this county until his twenty-first year and then went to Kansas, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. of land and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Not being entirely pleased with. the west, he disposed of his real estate there after a residence of six months and returning to Wyandot county, he leased one of his father's farms, which he continued to cultivate until 1874. In the spring of that year he. bought the old homestead and lived. on the same until 1886, when he retired from farm life and took up his residence in the town of Carey. As a farmer Mr. Wowder was quite successful, ranking with the most enterprising agriculturists and stock raisers of his township. By industry, modern rnethods• and good management he acquired a fortune of sufficient magnitude to enable him to spend the rest of his days free from labor. Not content to live a sedentary life, however, he engaged in his present business the year following his removal to Carey and has since been actively identified with the commercial interests of the place. The firm of Carothers & Wowder have a. large and lucrative trade and their reputation as first class business men is wide and favorably known throughout Wyandot and counties adjacent thereto. Mr. Wowder was married in 1869 to Miss Livina Higgins, daughter of John and Joann Higgins, natives, respectively, of Maryland and Pennsylvania. John Higgins was born in the city of Baltimore, married his wife in Ohio and shortly thereafter BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 651 moved to Wyandot county, settling in Tymochtee township, where he lived until 464. In that year he moved across the line into the county of Seneca, where he died in 1886 at the advanced age of eighty-two; he was a farmer by occupation and met with encouraging success in his chosen calling. Mrs. Wowder was born in Licking county, this state, and was but two years old when her parents moved to the county of Wyan- dot. From that time to the present she has spent her life in this part of the state and she is popular in the best social circles of the town in which she resides. Mr. and Mrs. Wowder have had four children: Frona Edna, wife of E. B. Kurtz, a merchant of Carey ; Orpha, wife of William J. Galbroner, train dispatcher on. the Hocking Valley railroad at Columbus; Orville died when fifteen months old, and Homer, assistant postmaster of Carey. Politically Mr. Wowder is one of the leading Republicans of Wyandot county, active in the counsels of his party and one of its most energetic and successful workers. He is now serving as township trustee, to which office he was elected by two hundred and fifty majority in a division of the county largely Democratic, a fact which speaks well for his; standing with the people regardless of party. He has also been a member of the municipal school board a number of terms and as such did much to promote the efficiency of the Carey schools. Fraternally Mr. Wowder is a member of the F. & A. M., at Carey, Ohio, and the chapter, R. A. M., of the same place. He was made a Mason at McCutchenville, Ohio, where he kept his membership for twenty-two years; he has filled nearly every important office in lodge and chapter and is considered one of the brightest and best informed members of the craft in this section of the state. Mr. Wowder was blessed with pious parents, the influence of whose godly lives; had a decided effect in shaping his life and moulding his character. Reared in the Evangelical church he early united with the same and is still a consistent member. Financially he is, as already indicated, in independent circumstances, owning much valuable improved land, as good as can be found within the geographic limits of Wyandot county, nearly all of which is the fruit of his industry and sound business methods. Few men in Carey stand as high in public esteem as David H. Wowder. An honest man, intelligent and progressive and ever ready to lend his influence to all legitimate enterprises, he is a notable example of the high order of citizenship- for which the grand old commonwealth of Ohio is so justly celebrated. His life may be studied with profit by the younger generation and it is with pleasure that his brief biography is accorded a place in this connection. MILES MULLHOLAND. The career of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying to successful issue an honest purpose. It is the story of a life whose success, measured by its usefulness, has made the world better and brighter. Miles Mullholand is a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, born in Tymochtee township on the 24th day of March, 185i, the son of Hugh and Mary (Young) Mullholand. His 652 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. childhood and youthful years were spent on the farm the fruitful soil from which spring so many of our native great and useful men. Accustomed to habits of industry from boyhood, he early learned the lesson of self-reliance and in the common schools received an education which, though not finished, has enabled him to act well his part in the world. By diligent attention to his studies he became sufficiently advanced to begin teaching when but eighteen years of age, and for three years thereafter he had charge of district schools in the townships of Tymochtee and Crawford. Deprived of his mother, who died when he was fourteen, young Miles went to live with a married sister and he made her house his home until attaining his majority. At the age of twenty-one he married and during the eight years following carried on farming on land leased for the purpose. In 1872 Mr. Mullholand purchased seventy acres of land in Crawford township, but later sold this farm and after the death of his father-in-law he bought a part of that estate which, with his wife's inheritage, consists of a quarter section, which he has since operated with gratifying results. At the present time he has one hundred and forty-five acres in cultivation and his place ranks with the mast fertile and valuable in the county. As a farmer and stock raiser he keeps fully abreast the times and as a citizen all who know him bear testimony to his upright conduct and sterling worth. His name is a household word in Crawford township, while his Splendid farm and beautiful residence prove a charm for and a delight to every passer by. Mr. Mullholand's influence is felt throughout his neighborhood and every enterprise of merit bears the impress of his touch. He stands as high in social :circles as he, does in the ranks of his agricultural associates and is recognized as an enterprising, public-spirited, man whose word haS never been violated and whose thrift is proverbial in the community. On the 28th of May, 1872, Mr. Mullholand was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Beebe, daughter of Buell R. and Lucinda (Rear) Beebe, of this county. . Mrs. Mullholand was born July 19, 1851, and received her education in the district schools and the schools of Carey: For some years she taught the home school and was considered by the patrons of the district a very capable and popular instructor. Seven children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mullholand, namely : Gertrude, now the wife of Walter 'Bradley, of Carey; Henry B., a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, and for some time a teacher in the public schools of Wyandot county; Fred J., a stenographer in the office of the Cincinnati & Northern railroad at Toledo; Jessie, a teacher in the Carey graded schools; Nettie May ; and Floyd.B., at home, and one that died in infancy before being named. Mr. Mullholand is unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party and during the last thirty years he has been honored with various official positions, including those of county commissioner, trustee, assessor, school director and justice of. the peace, and is now one of the trustees. Of Crawford township. For fully eighteen years he has been: a member of the school board and has always taken an active interest in educational matters. He provided for all his children the advantages of superior scholastic training and to him is due the credit, of procuring teachers BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 653 of recognized professional ability for the schools of Crawford township. From 1894 to 1897, inclusive, he was commissioner of Wyandot county, in which, as in other official capacities, he discharged his duties in a manner highly satisfactory to the public and creditable to himself. Fraternally he is a member of Carey Lodge; No. 420, F. & A. M., in which at the present time he holds the office of worshipful master, and religiously he has long been connected with the English Lutheran church. STANLEY M. RANGER. The father of the subject of this sketch is Luther G. Ranger, a native of Vermont, where his birth. occurred on the 1st day of June, 1818. His father; John Ranger; was any early settler of Wyandot county moving here as long ago. as 1833, and entering and settling on land in the township of Crawford. Nancy Bell; wife of John Ranger, was a native of Massachusetts. She bore her husband three children: Erastus, Nancy C. and Luther G., all of whom grew to maturity in Wyandot county. Luther G. Ranger was married December 7, 1854, to Miss Mary Brown, whose birth occurred in Crawford township on the 30th day of November, 1832; she was the daughter of Judge WilliaM and Eliza (Cooken) Brawn, the father a -native of Maryland and the mother of Pennsylvania. These parents were married in Franklin county, Ohio; and about the year 1824 migrated to the county of Wyandot; Settling in Crawford township, where they reared a family of fifteen. children. Judge Brown was a man of distinction during the early days of the county and his death took place June 26, 1867; his wife survived him nearly ten years, departing this life on the l0th day of June, 1877. At the age of twcnty Luther G. Ranger started in life for himself as a laborer in the employ of W. M. Buell at eight dollars per month. Subsequently, 1854, he purchased the home farm. and by his industry, energy and business tact he afterward increased its acreage until he owned one of the finest farms in Crawford township. He dates his first real success in life from. the time he engaged in the stock business, where he made considerable money by herding and driving to the eastern markets. In early years he was honored with various local offices, in all of which he displayed ability and proved 'himself worthy the trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens. In poli- tics he was formerly a Whig, but upon the dissolution of that party he became a Republican, the principles of which party he has since actively supported. 'He is one 'of the leading citizens of Crawford township and has a wide acquaintance throughout the county, being held in high esteem by all who know him. He now enjoys. the distinction of being the oldest voter in. Crawford township and one of the oldest in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Ranger are the parents of six children, namely Nellie B., Augusta M., Anna E.," Lyonel G., Stanley M. and Rosco C., the last named dying when three years old. Stanley M. Ranger was born in Crawford township on the farm he now owns, December 19, 1871. Like the majority of country boys, he was 'early taught the lessons of industry and frugality by his 654 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. subsequent life has been characterized and in the common schools he secured an educational training which served as a foundation for the successful career which he has since made as a farmer and stock raiser. On attaining his majority he began working for his father by the month and was thus employed until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 3d day of May, 1893, with Eliza A. Sprau. Immediately following his marriage Mr. Ranger rented of his father a large amount of land, six hundred acres in all, and continued to operate the same fox a period of five years, meeting with flattering success the meanwhile. When his father divided his property among his children, the home place, consisting of three hundred and fifty acres, fell .to the subject and he has since tilled it with great profit and made it one of the finest farms in Wyandot county. He has also added to its acreage eighty-five acres, and by giving considerable time to stock raising has made the place return a larger income than if he had devoted all his attention to tillage. As a farmer Mr. Ranger is scientific, practical and fully up-to-date. By carefully studying the nature of soils and their adaptability to the different crops he rarely fails in realizing handsome results, while the methods he' employs are in accordance with the latest and most improved developments of modern husbandry. His success as a breeder of fine stock was long since assured and to-day he ranks with the most enterprising men in that line of business in the county of Wyandot. He makes specialties of registered Shropshire sheep, shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Poland-China hogs, and is constantly adding to his already large number of these valuable animals. His reputation as a stock man is by no means confined to his township or county, as he has made exhibits at points elsewhere, which have attracted much attention, besides winning a number of premiums. Mr. Ranger is a wide-awake business man, of sound judgment, native shrewdness and remarkably keen foresight. He is also well endowed with that best of all characteristics, good common sense, and whatever he undertakes is sure to prosper. His placer two miles from the town of Carey, is an ideal country home, no reasonable expense having been spared to make it beautiful and comfortable in all of its appointments. Mr. Ranger takes great pride in his farm and believes that in point of dignity agriculture compares favorably with .any other vocation or profession. He is a notable example of the intelligent, courteous country gentleman and stands, deservedly high in the esteem and: confidence of his fellow citizens, all of whom have learned to prize him for his sterling worth. Mrs. Ranger was born in Seneca. county, Ohio, February 24, 1872, the daughter of Adam and Caroline: (Bergduffer) Sprau, of Tymochtee township. She bore her husband two children, Mary Caroline and Valera Helen, and then went into the other lifer dying on the 29th day of October, 1900, aged twenty-nine years, eight months and five days. She was an exemplary Christian woman, a devout member of the Presbyterian church and .possessed a sweet moral nature that eminently fitted her to discharge the holy offices of wifehood and motherhood. Mr. Ranger is a Republican in his political' belief and as such has rendered his party valuable service in the township of Crawford. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 655 JOHN C. DOW. Prominent among the representative men of Crawford township is John C. Dow, a successful farmer and stock raiser and. formerly a railroader in several important capacities.. He is the son of Alvin Dow, whose biography appears. elsewhere, and was born in the town of Carey, Wyandot county, on the 3d day of May, 1850. His boyhood clays were spent in his native village, where he attended the public schools and at the age of seventeen he started in life for himself as a dry goods clerk in Kenton, this state. After continuing at that place two years he returned home and for about the same length of time was employed as salesman by the firm of Straw & Bum.- gardner, of Carey. Severing- his connection With the above house, Mr. Dow began the study of telegraphy at Catsauqua, Penn., but nine months later returned to Carey and entered the employ of Winter & Templer, for whom he clerked one year, taking service with L. W. Richardson & Co. at the expiration of that time. While the Hocking Valley railroad was being constructed through Wyandot county, Mr. Dow acted as collector for Crawford township's subscription to the enterprise, an undertaking requiring about eighteen months, a part of which time he devoted to his duties as salesman in the dry goods store. Subsequently he became clerk for Jacob Newhard, of Carey, in whose employ he continued until his marriage in 1877, when he severed his, connection with merchandising and engaged as brakeman with the Hocking- Valley railroad. After continuing in that capacity for three years he withdrew from the above road and accepted the position of conductor on the Nickel Plate: railroad while that line was being constructed. After the completion of the above road Mr. Dow: took charge of a construction train on the Michigan & Ohio railroad (now the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw) and when the line was finished he was given a passenger train from Toledo to Allegan, Mich. He continued railroading as a: passenger conductor until 1885, at: which time he resigned his position and returned to Carey, removing one year later to the beautiful farm one mile south of the town, where' he has since resided. Mr. Dow followed the pursuit of agriculture exclusively until 1889, in the spring of which year he engaged in the dairy business., which he carried on in connection with farming for a period of eleven years, discontinuing the business in the spring of 1900. Since then he has devoted his time and attention to farming and stock raising, in both of which lines he has large interests. As an agriculturist he is progressive and fully up-to-date, operating at this time over three hundred and ninety acres in Crawford township, about one hundred and forty-three acres of which are largely devoted to live stock. He has a wide reputation as a breeder and raiser of fine sheep, cattle and swine, and ranks with the enterprising stock men in this section of Ohio. With its substantial and convenient dwelling, spacious outbuildings and other valuable improvements, his home place is regarded as. one of the most desirable farms in. the township of Crawford, the condition of fields, lawns, yards, and other accessories all demonstrating superior management and well regulated thrift. In his dealings with his fellow men Mr. Dow is the soul of honor, being fair 656 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. and just and commanding the respect of all who know him. His enterprises have never been chimerical projects of speculation, as be prefers to keep his affairs safely in hand, 'being satisfied, with sure and gradual, but legitimate, gains. He has never resorted to any other than sound and correct business principles in the management of his large and constantly increasing interests and as a man and citizen he possesses in a marked degree. those. genial traits of character that secure and retain public confidence and esteem. He is a Republican in sentiment, earnest and conscientious in the support and defense of his political convictions, and he has been honored by his, fellow citizens with local office calling for the exercise of intelligence and good judgment. As a member of the school board he has taken a. lively interest in matters educational and all public affairs, of the township- find in him an active participant and. forceful factor. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Carey, and are highly .esteemed by all who know them. Fraternally. Mr. Dow is a man of high standing, belonging to Lodge No. 420, at Carey, Chapter No. 159, at the same place, and Clinton Council, No. 47, R. & S. M., at Tiffin. He 'has held many of the most important offices within the gift of the above organizations and is considered one of the brightest and best informed members of the brotherhood in this part of the state. Mr. Dow was married September 26, 1877, to Miss Margaret Simonis, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, November 13, 1850, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Weisenberger) Simonis, who were both natives of Germany and were born—the father in 181.1 and the mother in 1818. When young they emigrated to the United States with their parents and were married in Seneca county, Ohio, where they remained until 1865, then moved to Wyandot county and, with the exception of three gears in Wood county, spent the balance of their lives in this county. He died in .1885 and his wife ,in ,1895. They, were the parents of twelve children, viz. : Peter,.Adam, Josephine, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Margaret, Salome, John, Susan, Frank and William. To Mr. and Mr. and., Dow were born seven children, as follows : David Alvin, born January 16, 1.879; Merle Arthur, born March 28, 1881.; Ralph Simonis, born March 24, 1885; Howard. Osborn, born June 3,11887, died July 21, 1888; Florence Margaret, born April 23, 189o; Ruth, born. August 24, 1893, ,and Dorcas Caroleen,. born. February. 12, .1897. HARRY STEVENS. It is often the case that when new blood is infused into the affairs of a community a vast improvement is noticed. Old blood is slow and cold young blood is. warm and active, and the results very often surpass expectation. It is true that people should not for trivial causes turn down the old because it is old and no other objection lying against, it. Neither should the new be adopted merely because it is new. All that can be stated with certainty is that young blood in 'any old method of doing business is almost certain to bring about good and lasting results. The subject of this sketch is one of the younger men of this county to take a front rank in local public affairs. He has been a Democrat since he was old BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 657 enough to understand the meaning cif the elections and has taken a deep interest in the results. He. believes he is identified with the best party, and .as he has made a study of the principles and the platforms of all parties asking for the suffrages of the people, he is as well qualified to judge as any one in the county. Be also takes much interest in educational affairs and has served his township as school director: The confidence reposed in him by his neighbors is shown by the fact that he has Served them six years as township trustee. He was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June 7, 1869, and is the son and only child born- to Caleb and Caroline (Fenstemacher) Stevens, the former of Fairfield county and the latter of Hancock county. Her father grew to maturity in Fairfield county, following farming on his father's farm. When he was yet a young man he came to Hancock county with his brother and located in Amanda township, but bought forty acres in Ridge township on the Beck estate. This land he cleared and lived on for a space of twelve years when he sold out and bought the place where his son now resides in Ridge township, section 32, known as the S. Kime place. There he continued to live until the day of his death, August 16, 1888. His widow is yet living in Carey. After her husband's death she wedded Jacob Ritter, who died in July, 1899. She is thus doubly a widow. She is an estimable lady. Inasmuch as the subject of this sketch was the only child he always lived with his parents on the old place. He now owns the place, and besides is the owner of eighty acres on section 34 in Ridge township. On October 23, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Lola Gorsuch, of Hancock county. Subject and wife have one' son, Coral Ray. Mr. Stevens is engaged in farming and stock raising. He is prosperous and one of the leading young men of the county. He is destined for many more years of usefulness to his neighbors and fellow citizens. Mrs. Stevens was born in Hancock county, Ohio, January. 19, 1872, a daughter of Ephraim B. and Catharine (Van Lue) Gorsuch, and one in a family of seven children, six, sons and a daughter; of these children six, all residents of Ohio, are living. Ephraim B. Gorsuch was born in Maryland August 24, 1844. He has always been, an agriculturist and is still a resident of Ridge 'township. He is a Democrat, in politics and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. His wife, Catherine, was also a native of Hancock county, born April 27, 1849, and is also living. She was educated in the common schools and in her were early. inculcated those principles of right living which have since been so exemplified in her daily life. She possesses a sunshiny disposition and those traits which, in, a wife and mother, go so far toward making a veritable paradise of home. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens possess one of the prettiest and coziest country homes in their township, and they have it furnished elegantly and comfortably. They are both members of the Methodist Protestant church. Their little son, Coral, has attended two terms in the public school and is a bright and promising boy. Because of their eminent social qualities, their courteous manners and their genuine worth Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have won and retain, the warm regard of all their acquaintances. 658 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. J. M. UPDEGRAFF. The subject of this sketch is the descendant of another old settler who came to this state at a very early day to carve from the unbroken forests a comfortable home for himself and his, loved ones. He was brought up toy know what it meant to be the son of a pioneer and to feel the full force of a life of hard work and denial in the wilderness. There were the trees to cut down, there were the immense and tangled heaps of brush to pile and burn, there were the stumps to burn down and eradicate, there was the soil around the stumps to turn as best he could for the reception of the grain, and there were the scythe and the cradle to swing through the heavy and tangled grain. It meant incessant work, with little or no surcease, but it also meant in the end a fine home and a competence. Such was the experience of J. M. Updegraff. He is descended from old Mohawk Dutch stock. His birth occurred on the old place in Ridge township on June 20, 1851. His parents were Casper and Anna E. (Trego) Updegraff, the father being a native of Snyder county, Penn., and the mother of Northumberland county, same state. The father was born July 13, 1801, and the mother November 16, 1807. The father grew. to manhood in Snyder county, Penn., and in early life learned the trade of weaving, which business he followed to a considerable extent after coming to this county, his wife assisting him. The parents of Casper were Isaac and Mary (Snyder) Updegraff, both of whom were also natives of the Keystone 'state. Isaac moved to Carroll county, Ohio, at a very early day and there he and wife lived and labored until their respective deaths, which occurred in Wyandot county. Casper moved to Carroll county about the year 1831, but five years later came to this county by wagon through the deep woods which covered almost the whole of Ohio at that early day. He stopped for a short time with a sister near Bowserville, and then came directly to Ridge township, arriving in the spring of the last named year. He bought one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, all of which was covered with heavy timber. Not being ready to, take hold of this wild tract, he rented .a piece of cultivated land and farmed the same for three or four years, and in the meantime built a log house on his land and otherwise prepared it for the reception of his family. He then located on the same and began the task of clearing. They located on the place about the year 1840. At that time there were no roads, only trails running through the dense woods, many of which were old Indian trails with the "blazes" made by the Indians still on the trees. Wild animals, such as bear, wolves, raccoons, foxes, etc., made it dangerous for young stock and children. Mr. Updegraff, though a farmer, followed shoemaking as well, which trade he had learned in his earlier years. He was an industrious and upright man, a citizen of steady habits, and a neighbor to be relied upon in all emergencies affecting the welfare of the community in which he resided. He was a Democrat, but never aspired to office. He and his good wife were members of the Lutheran church, and their morals were above reproach. Mr. Updegraff died November 3, 1870, and his widow January 2, 1894. To them were born fourteen children, as follows : Samuel BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 659 J., dead; Sarah J., dead; Lydia, dead; Mary, dead; N. L., dead; Hannah, dead; Tamzen, who married Edward C. Hill and lives in Hancock county, Ohio; Semantha, dead; Lot, ,dead; Polly, who became the wife of Charles Wing and lives in Barry county, Mich.; Phoebe, who wedded Abraham Srode and lives in Gratiot county, Mich. Anna E., who married C. W. Shellhouse, resides at Ada, Ohio; Louisa, single; and J.. M., subject. J. M. Updegraff started out on his own account it an, early age. His father gave him a yoke of steers, which. he broke and soon after traded .for a horse. A little later he managed to secure another horse and thus had a team. He continued to live on the old place and in the course of time bought out the other heirs. He accomplished this before he was twenty-one years old and in the meantime cleared up about thirty acres of timber land, besides carrying on the operations of the farm on a profitable scale. At the present time he has two hundred acres of the -finest land in this section of the county, of which about one hundred and twenty are under cultivation. He is engaged in growing grain and rearing stock. On October 31, 1893; he married Miss Minnie M. Walter, daughter of Samuel D. and Melinda (Eshelman) Walter, of Crawford township, but formerly of Snyder county, Penn., .and came to this county in 1870. To subject and wife these children were born: Walter S., Prudence May, Truman J., Frederick, who died young, Rosa Bell. Mr. Updegraff is one of the leading citizens of this part of the county. He has served on the school board, as township treasurer and is a Democrat and his wife is, a member of the Church of God. Though he started din life at the age of seventeen with nothing but a yoke of steers, he has by hard work, good judgment and honest conduct, built up a good home and .a good name, and a gentleman whose integrity of character is above reproach. He has in his possession two of the old parchment deeds granted his father and dated April 18, 1837. They bear the signature of President Martin Van Buren, and are valuable as relics. Mr. Updegraff is a gentleman who takes especial pride in fine standard-bred horses and at the present time has one of the finest specimens of the Percheron breed in Wyandot county. He is well-known as a horse fancier in his county. E. BAUGHMAN. Among the old settlers of this county. were the parents of the subject of this brief memoir. The father was Jacob Baughman, who was born in Muskingum county, this state, and the mother was .formerly Miss Rachel Wymer, a native of Pennsylvania. Subject's, grandparents on both sides were also natives of the state of Pennsylvania. Jacob Baughman grew to manhood on his father's farm in' Muskingum county. During his boyhood the county was very new and the forests: which covered the land were filled with wild and dangerous animals. He was fortunate to receive a fair education in the old subscription schools, and his summers were spent at hard work in the forest' and on the farm. Work then was almost wholly done by hand, there being- no laborsaving machinery as at the present time. The sowing was done by hand among the stumps of the clearings and raked in by 660 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. rude harrows, which were dragged around among the stumps. The grain when ripe was reaped with either a sickle or a cradle, both methods requiring the expenditure of plenty of muscle. Mr. Baughman removed from Muskingum county to Wyandot county in 1838 by team and at that time subject was about fourteen years old, having been born in Muskingum county June 13, 1824. This part of the state at that time was a wilderness, the land being covered with un broken forests of the heaviest timber. There were no roads whatever; the only traveled highway being trails through the dense woods. Very often while on the journey the men' were forced to go ahead and cut a path from the brush And fallen trees, or repair a stream from which the rude bridge had been washed, or were obliged to fell enough brush to form a bridge such as could be crossed.. The trip was very hard and is vividly remembered to this day by subject. They halted in Salem township and entered two hundred acres of heavy timber land and at once put up a rude log cabin, eighteen by twenty feet, in the dense woods before a clearing of any size had been made. Upon this farm the parents resided until their respective deaths, the father dying August 25, 1873, and the mother about 1855. The father was born August 25, 1794, and was thus exactly seventy-nine years old at the time of his death. His life was filled with hard work, but had its bright sides. He was a man of strict honesty and he and wife were people of high character. In early years he had learned the trade of carpentering, which he followed more or less all his life in conjunction with farming. It is claimed that he secured the first petition for a road ever issued in Salem township. He was township trustee for several years and held other positions of trust, and was a pioneer of the best and highest type and a man of Unusual capacity. He was a Democrat and a member of the Bible Society. To" him and wife were born ten children, as follows : George, dead; David, dead; Ebenezer, subject; Hannah, dead; Rachel, dead ; Notchie, dead; Susan, dead; Jacob ; James, dead, and Lucy. Ebenezer lived at home until the age of twenty-five years. He then Married Miss Mary Werner on July 4, 1850. She was a native of Tuscarawas county, a woman of most estimable qualities, who died March 16, 1871. To subject and wife these children were born : Cornelius, who wedded Miss Delila Fenstemacher and lives in Ridge- township; George, who married Miss, Serinda Mohart and resides with his father ; Elizabeth ; Rachel, who married Joseph Fenstemacher and after his death wedded John Wright, of Carey ; Emanuel, who married Miss Delila Searfoss and lives in Hancock county, his wife being dead; Melinda, who died unmarried; Emma, who married Charles F. Smith and died in December, 1900; Levi, who married Miss Ella Wohlgamuth and is now living in Salem township; Phoebe., who wedded George Amarine, of Ridge township.; and Ellen, who married Simon Stahl and died in 1897. After, his marriage subject located in Salem township. His. father gave him. eighty acres of woodland, and upon this he erected a log cabin and began to clear off the. timber. He cleared about half of the place and made to it an addition of twenty-two acres. He lived there until the fall of 1866, when he bought his present farm of eighty acres of John A. Morrison.. Mr. Baughman is well and BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 661 favorably known throughout the county. He is a. Democrat-and has served as trustee of the township. He, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, EZRA M. KELLER. One of the most noteworthy. facts connected with country life in the United States is the easy manner in which a vocation may be varied or wholly changed. General Grant in his memoirs expressed his surprise and gratification at the easy manner in which his soldiers could carry on all phases of the art of war from their own knowledge of the various trades. They could, print a news paper, build a bridge, cook a meal of victuals to perfection, conduct a flouring-mill or and in fact could do anything he wanted done. It is the custom in the armies of Europe to take with them on their war campaigns special artificers to do the special duty or service likely to be required. The truth is that the average soldier of the army of the United States is, higher up in the scale of intelligence and improvement than his European brother. He knows more and hence can accomplish more. This fact is well exemplified in the subject of this sketch, who seems capable of doing any thing required of him. Such skill; while often met with, is not altogether common. He was born May 31, 1856, on the old Keller homestead in Ridge township. He is the child of Adam. Keller, a native of Berks county, Penn., born June 15, 1810, and a most, remarkable man in many respects. His earlier years were spent in Berks county, but later he removed to Lewisburg, that state, where he married a Miss Elizabeth Stahl, and embarked in the boot and shoe trade. Later he- resolved to go to Ohio, having heard of the openings for young blood in the "Sandusky country." He walked the whole distance from his- Pennsylvania home to that portion of Ohio., selected his land and, paid for it, and returned to Pennsylvania, making this trip also on foot. In 1834 he moved; to Amanda township, Hancock county, Ohio, now Ridge township, Wyandot county, with his wife and three: children and settled on one hundred and hundred and acres of the densest forest. His start here was his land, his family and half a dollar in cash. All went to work and in the course of time made a fine home in what had been an almost impenetrable forest of large tree's. He became one of the most prosperous and thrifty farmers in the whole of Wyandot county. His first wife bore him the following children John, Jacob, Sarah, Mary, Susan, Libby. Kate and another that died in infancy—in all nine. His first wife died, leaving him a large family of small children, but his second wife proved a kind mother to the little ones of the former wife, as well as to her own. By his second marriage he had eleven children, their names being as follows Eliza, Martha, Emma, Fillmore, Laura, Ezra M. (subject), Ida, Elmer, Eva, William and Minnie. He was thus the father of twenty children by his first and second wives. His second wife was formerly Caroline Eva. Upon her death. he married, September 9, 1877, Mrs. Sarah Lantz, widow of John Lantz and daughter of Peter and Sarah (Heck) Foulk, the father a native of the Keystone state and the mother of Germany. By his third marriage Mr. Keller had 662 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. no children. Mrs. Keller, the third wife, had one child by her former marriage, Oliver Perry, who died at the age of eighteen years. Adam Keller was a man in whom the moral instinct was unusually developed. Couple that with a strong intellect and a high character and his life may be readily guessed. He was a pioneer of the Lutheran church in northern Ohio, and his name became widely known among the members of that church in the western half of the state. Soon after his arrival here he became one of the founders of the Limestone Ridge English Lutheran church and from that time forward was one of its most earnest and consistent members. He did a vast amount of work to build up not only that particular congregation, but every other within the bounds of his knowledge and influence. He gave a portion of his farm for .a church and cemetery site, and gave much means and labor to build the first log church and the second better chapel. He was a steady contributor to every movement inaugurated .by his church for the advancement of the cause of religion. It would- be impossible to enumerate his many benefactions, because, like all genuine philanthropists, he kept no account .on earth of his gifts. He knew he would receive his reward after .death. Everybody at his death mourned with the family as if they had lost one of, their own number. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until he attained the age of twenty-one years, when, on September 12, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Walton, of Tymochtee township, and by her he had the following five children: Roy died in infancy; Ray died at the age of six teen years; Harry B., Bernice May and Jestin Eulalia. Harry. B. is now a student in the high school at Carey, this county, of the class of 1904. His taste inclines him towards a commercial life. Bernice May is thoroughly educated in the common branches and also in both vocal and instrumental music. She loves mathematics and has taken the Boxwell examination. The mother of these children was born in Tymochtee township, this county, June 13, 1858, the daughter of William and Delilah (Parker) Walton, who were the parents of five children. William Walton was a native of Ross county, Ohio, born December 21, 1824, and died April 15, 1893. He was a widely known and highly respected pioneer. His wife was also born in Ross county, and died in 1883 aged fifty-eight years. They were both 'members of the United. Brethren church. She was reared and educated in her native county. She with her husband is a member of Temple No. 169, Rathbone Sisters, at Carey. The subject has, in his possession one of the typical old hall clocks, over a century old, which has been handed down from generation to generation, and also two coverlets over a century old. After his marriage subject located on the old home farm, remaining one winter, and then went to Hancock county and rented one of his father's farms. Later he rented the old place for seven years, and then for two years was a dealer in farming implements, in Carey under the firm name of Coruthers & Keller. He then returned to the old. place. He now' owns seventy acres of the old farm and carries on farming and stock raising, particularly favoring fine BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 663 Duroc Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a member of Justice Lodge, No. 393, K. of P., of Carey. LAFAYETTE F. WEAVER. One of the most evident things to the thoughtful observer is the fact that life at no stage is a bed of roses. There are thorns, and many of them, along the path of life, and the lucky ones are they who are pierced by the fewest and avoid the most. It will probably not be disputed that all persons should keep in view the important duty of pulling out the thorns from the souls of those who are less fortunate. In that way they may assist in strewing the pathway of some poor struggling mortals with roses or some other flowers agreeable to sight and smell. This slight duty will be found so easy that after a little time it will become a pleasure, and then the whole world in all its harshness and coldness will begin to blossom in genuine earnest. Mr. Weaver has had his share of the thorns, and the roses. He has also been the happy means of distributing roses to others and of pulling out more than one thorn in the spirits of the unfortunate ones who have crossed his. path. He was born in. Bucks county, Penn., August 28, 1836, and is the son of Jacob and Hannah (Ludwig) Weaver, the father being a native of Lehigh county, Penn., as was also the mother. They grew up in their native state and followed the occupation of farming through life. Seven of their children grew to maturity, as follows.: Matilda, now living in Coopersburg, Penn.; Lafay- ette F., subject; Andes N., who resides. in Wood county, Ohio; Amanda, who lives in Locust Valley, Penn.; Nelson, who resides in Philadelphia; David B., who resides in Quakertown, Penn.; Sarah, now living in Coopersburg, Penn. The subject of this memoir grew up on his father's farm, obtaining a fair education. He remained with his father until the age of twenty-three years, engaged in farming and doing a variety of things to earn. money. In. 1859 he came to Wyandot county and worked at farming near Carey until his marriage, in December, 1859, to Miss Huldah E., daughter of David and Hannah E. (Chesebrough) Parker. Mr. Parker was a dative. of Otsego county, N. Y., and was reared in that county. His wife was born in Albany county, same state. They were married in Albany county in October, 1834, and came to Ohio in 1848. They came to Carey, Ohio, and bought one hundred and sixty-two and a half acres of partly improved land, which he still further cleared and improved before his death in 1884, December 27. His widow' died March 11, 1885. They lived in Wood county, Ohio, from 1861 to 1863. He owned one hundred and sixty acres. in Hancock county. He was a man of exceptional intelligence, of the highest moral character, and held many local offices, always with great credit to himself and satisfaction to his neighbors. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To. the Parkers were born the' following children : Chauncey L., living at Bowling Green, Ohio; Huldah E., wife of subject; Rosamond, who died at the age of twenty-three years;' Ellen S., dead; Mary A., living in Hancock county, Ohio; Sherman G., living in Hancock county; David 664 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. C., who is a practicing attorney of Upper Sandusky. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weaver has been born a daughter, Flora. She was educated in the common schools and at the high schools of Carey and Van Lue. She was a teacher in the schools of Wyanclot county four terms and is now residing in Ridge township. After the marriage of L. F. Weaver he removed to Pennsylvania, where he lived for nine months. He then resided in Wood county for six years, then in Bucks county, Penn., for five years. In 1872 he came again to Ohio and located in Ridge township, remaining two years. He then bought his present place. He now owns a total of one hundred and ninety-two acres, of which about one hundred and fifty acres are improved and all under a high degree of cultivation. He is a prominent and enterprising citizen, and has served his township as treasurer, trustee and on the school board. He votes the Democratic ticket. He is engaged in general farming and is one of the most substantial farmers and business men of the county. JACOB BACHAR. It is interesting to note the various ways by which, the first settlers came from their homes in the East to the -unbroken wilds of this state at the date of its admission to the union 'and for many years. afterward. It was a common occurrence for the father to come out first, walking the entire distance, selecting his land, going to the land office and paying for it and then walking the entire distance back to the eastern. home to get ready to move out. Or in some cases' a rude log cabin would be built in' which to domicile the family until a better one could be built with the assistance of the neighbors for a distance of eight to fifteen miles around. Settlers were always glad to assist newcomers, and would go long distances to help at the house raisings. When the family came out it was by wagon, the women. often driving the team, and the men and boys driving cattle, sheep, etc., all the way. Such was the experience of every early settler, and such was the experience of the parents and 'grandparents of the subject of this sketch. Subject was born in Ridge township March 9, 1847, and is the son of Solomon and Leah (Rockey) Bachar. The father was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the mother in Virginia. Solomon grew up in Fairfield county and obtained the familiar pioneer education at the subscription schools. When he was a' young man his father, Frederick, came to Ridge township on foot, looking for land, and having selected a tract which he thought would suit .him returned for his family. They all came on by wagon, driving the stock behind through the deep woods.. The land was covered with large trees, and wild animals, some of them very dangerous, were common sights. There were no roads whatever such as we know, only trails or blazed. paths through the heavy timber. A rough log cabin Was hastily built in which the family were placed. In the meantime the stock had to be guarded day and night to protect them from the bears, panther's., wolves, etc. Soon a heavy log stable, with a strong door made of puncheons, was provided. for the stock. Not till then did the settler feel that his sheep and cattle would be found all right the next morning. Such was the experience of Solomon Bachar. He went to BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 665 work and in time cleared up the whole place. His life was filled with hard work, but was not without its bright spots. He was a Republican and a most useful citizen, and he and wife. were members of the German Reformed; church. They had ten children : Elizabeth; dead; Frederick, dead; Jacob, subject; Peter,. dead; Jonathan, living in Ridge township; William., dead; Isabelle, living in Carey, Ohio; Andrew, living in Carey, Ohio Mary, residing in Henry county, Ohio; Martha, living in Henry county, Ohio. Jacob was educated in the subscription schools of his neighborhood, attending during the winters and working on: the farm or in the woods during the. summers. Upon attaining his majority he concluded that it was not best for man to live alone, and accordingly he wedded Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary (Lake) Dunbar, both of, her parents being, natives of the Empire .state. Mr. Dunbar was a farmer and came to Wyandot county, remaining for a short time and then going to. Hancock county, where he passed the remainder of his days. To Jacob Bachar the following family were born:. Laura; who married John Thatcher, who died, and she is now living with her father ; Charles, who married Miss Bessie Hoffman and lives in Greene county, Ark.; Albert, a jeweler living in Vanlue, Ohio, and an infant that died unnamed. After his marriage Mr. Bachar rented land for twelve years in. Hancock and Wyandot counties. He bought forty acres at first, but now owns one hundred and thirty acres. His farm is well improved and he is in. comfortable circumstances. He is a Republican and one of the leading citizens of this portion of the county. HENRY BACHAR. It is a singular fact that the wives of the early settlers are rarely if ever given due credit for their sacrifices and hardships in the establishment of the new homes. in the wilderness. It is customary to hasten over their good deeds and to dwell with unnecessary elaboration on the achievements of their husbands. As a matter of fact, if. either deserves exceptional credit it is the woman and not the man, but the "lord of creation," as man calls himself, arrogates to himself about all the glory, or at least does not take much pains to call the attention of the world of to-day to the accomplishments of his better half. Most people forget that "the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." But it is the duty of the historian to write the facts, and, accordingly, attention is called to the splendid women in the family of the subject and his ancestors. Henry. Bachar was born December 16, 1840, in Ridge township, this county, and is the son of Jacob C. Bachar, a native of Fairfield. county, who died November 22, 1887, at the age of seventy-three years and. eleven months. The father grew up in his native county and upon. reaching manhood, adopting the maxim of the apostle that it is not good, for man to live alone, married Miss. Sarah: Beck, a native also of Fairfield county. She was: a woman with more than the . ordinary graces bestowed upon: her sisters and, after a long life, passed away August 6, :1898. Much of the success of her husband during life was due to her good judgment and her warm sympathy. They followed the occupation of farming. When Jacob C.. Bachar was 666 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. twenty-one years old he came to this county and established himself on section 22, Ridge township. He located on eighty acres which his father gave him, and the land was covered with dense woods. He put up a log house and began to clear off the brush, and logs. Here he and his good wife lived until their respective deaths. They were people of unquestionable high character, steady habits and good morals. The father was a Democrat and served in many positions of trust, such as trustee, supervisor, etc., and .always with high credit. He and wife were members of the Lutheran church, and their lives were filled with benevolent deeds. They had nine children, as follows : Mary Ann, dead; Margaret, dead; Henry, subject; Catherine, dead; Sarah, who married Jacob' Wolf ; Andrew.; Elizabeth, who died young; Mahala, dead'; Emeretta, who became the wife of L. T. Moore and lives in Tiffin. All the children were educated in the common schools. and well fitted for the duties and responsibilities of life. Henry grew up on the farm and received the usual country education. He spent his youth at work on the farm and in the deep woods and early learned the meaning of the words "work" and "money."" On August 24, 1865, the subject married. Rebecca Alspaugh, daughter of David and Rosetta Alspaugh, who: came to Hancock county from Fairfield county with their parents when they were yet children. Mr. Alspaugh died July 20, r897, but his widow, a most excellent lady, is, yet living in Ridge township. Their children were as follows: Subject's wife, Sarah, John Wesley, Laura L., Emma, the latter deceased. The children born to subject and wife' are as follows: Jacob A., at home, and Ella, who married John Snook and resides in Ridge township: After his marriage Henry lived on forty acres of land for about twelve years. He then sold out and bought his present place and here he has labored ever since, having about sixty acres under cultivation. He has made great improvements upon it, and is now in very good circumstances. Mr. Bachar is a Democrat, a member of the Evangelical church, a hard worker and an excellent citizen. JAMES H. BARNTHOUSE. There can be no, question of the wisdom of enlivening business pursuits with the mellowing influence's, of a deep, interest in benevolent, social, political or other public questions. The man or woman who confines his or her entire attention and efforts upon one line of activity is almost certain to become stupid in action and narrow in views. On the contrary, the person who varies his occupation with a little sunlight from the great and busy world' without, is certain to continue in touch with his fellows, be broader and better in citizenship and far more humane in his pursuits and benevolences. For these reasons it is better for a farmer to vary the hard and confining work of the farm with an active interest in the affairs of his township, county and state. Such a course will be of great advantage to his children, to himself and to his neighbors. This has been the course taken by the subject of this brief memoir. He was born in Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Margaret. (McCoy) Barnthouse, both of whom were natives of that state, where BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 667 they grew up and were married. The father was a miller as well as shoemaker by trade, both of which pursuits he followed to a considerable extent in his early years. He left his native state and came to Ohio and first located near Zanesville, where he worked at his trade of milling and as superintendent of a warehouse for a number of years. Later he came to Marion county, Ohio, and established himself in Grand Prairie township, where he rented a farm and for several years. was engaged in rearing sheep and cattle: Later in life he turned hiS attention to fanning, which he followed until his death, his widow surviving him some time. Both parents were people of more than usual intelligence, and both bore the highest respect of all during their uneventful lives. They were earnest and consistent members of the Baptist church. The subject of this notice grew to man's estate on his father's farm, receiving a fair education in the early schools. and working during the summers on the farm. He learned fully the art of successful husbandry and the equally important art of stock rearing and selling. Upon reaching his majority he hired out to work and then went to Upper Sandusky with his father, who opened and conducted a hotel at that place. Subject did not remain there long. He married and soon afterward went to Marion county, where he rented land and began farming and stock raising. Subsequently he bought his present placie in Antrim township, which was partly improved. Here he has resided down to the present time engaged in general farming and stock raising with much success. He is married and is the father of a family of children. Mr. Barnthouse has taken more than an ordinary interest in the affairs of his county. His neighbors soon found that his judgment of all public questions was unusually good and sound. Ere long he became acquainted with the leading men throughout the entire county, who respected his views and' the honesty of his methods of business. He occupied various positions of trust and was elected county commissioner and officiated greatly to his own good reputation and to, the welfare of the affairs of the county. Many important business questions of great moment were settled during his administration of the office. He is a stanch Democrat and is well known and well liked throughout the whole county. MARTIN HICKEL, DECEASED. In the countries of Europe it is quite customary for the people of different nationalities. to remain isolated from each other, much less to intermingle and marry; but in this country it is just the contrary, for here it is found that the German and the Irish meet, fall in love and marry ; the canny Scot meets the Bohemian and soon are wedded, and so on, because all here are equal so far as descent is concerned, so that all are of the Caucasian race. Our civilization is thus made up of the best elements of all the races which come to our shores. This is why we surpass all other nations in enterprise and average intelligence. The family represented 'by the subject of this sketch has flowing in its veins the best blood of several of the most progressive nations of the old world. The members are thus adventurous, courageous, industrious, fru- gal and intelligent. 668 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Martin Hickel is a native of Germany, and grew to years of maturity in that country, receiving a good education and learning the occupation of farming. He crossed the ocean to America and located in Seneca county, Ohio, but later came to Crawford township; this county, and bought land. Subsequently he sold out and bought other land. Of this farm, which was covered with woods, he and his good wife cleared the most. They were industrious and saving and were not long in attaining a high degree of comfort. They surrounded, themselves with considerable' stock and as fast as their farm was cleared up, added so much more to the area of grain and pasture fields. Mr. Hickel throughout life was a farmer, which pursuit he. made a success. He was a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and made a steady and uptight citizen. He was a good neighbor and took much interest in the wise administration of the laws of his adopted country. His benevolences were many, but were not heralded to the world. They were left to be recorded by a higher authority. ALFRED K. DAVIS. Alfred K. Davis, one of the oldest native sons of Crawford township and, ever since attaining the years of responsibility, actively identified with the material growth and development of the community in which he resides, is an honored representative of one of the early pioneer families of Wyandot county. As long ago as 1822 his grandfather, James Davis, a Kentuckian, entered a tract of land on Tymochtee creek, but did not immediately take possession of the same, removing shortly after making the purchase to Chillicothe, this state, near which place his death occurred a year or two later. Subsequently the widow and her five children moved to the place and with their assistance the land was cleared and a good farm. developed. Later she changed her residence to the county of Hancock, thence moved to Iowa, where she lived a number of years, afterward returning to Hancock county, where she died at the advanced age of eighty. James Davis was an uncle of Jefferson Davis, president of the Southern (Confederacy, but, unlike his relative, held tenaciously to the principles of the Whig party and throughout life was an uncompromising foe to the institution of slavery. One of his motives in coming north was to get rid of the baneful influence of enforced human servitude and, although dying in the prime of young manhood, he handed. down to his children such intelligent and well-defined opinions as to affect materially their future political course and cause them to support the party or parties whose fundamental principle was freedom to all and especial privileges to no favored class. His wife, whose maiden name was Dukes, was also a native of Kentucky and came from an old and highly respected family of that commonwealth. One of, her children was William Davis, who had .reached the age of ten years when the family took possession of the place on Tymochtee creek. He spent his youth and early manhood in Crawford township and in due time purchased of .the other heirs their respective interests in the homestead, which he made his place of residence the remainder of his life. Like his father he was a man of BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 669 strong convictions and took an active part in the public affairs of Wyandot county. He was also largely instrumental in introducing religion among the sparse settlements of Crawford township and united with the first Methodist church organized in this part of the county. As a business man William Davis was shrewd and far-seeing and by successfully managing his farm succeeded in accumulating sufficient means to purchase other lands, owning at his death two hundred and forty-six acres, the greater part of which was improved by his own labor. Had he lived longer he doubtless would have become one of the wealthiest men of the county, as he possesed unusual financial abilities and had the good fortune to turn to his advantage everything to which he addressed himself. As a neighbor and citizen none stand higher and his untimely death in March, 1846, at the early age of thirty-five years, was an event greatly deplored in the community. The wife of William Davis was Lucy Brayton, whose father, Elijah Brayton, one of the pioneers of Tymochtee township, erected one of the first mills in this part of Wyandot county. Elijah Brayton was a native of Vermont and there married, about the year 1809, Anna Holbrook. In 1814 he migrated by wagon to Huron. county, Ohio, settling near Newark, where he lived for a period of eighteen months, removing at the expiration of that time to Lower Sandusky, where he made his home till 1821 Disposing of his interests there in that year he moved to what is now Wyandot county, taking possession of a piece of land in Tymochtee township, which he had purchased the year previous at the Delaware land sale. In 1823 he constructed a saw mill, operated by water power, and two years later built a flouring mill on Tymochtee creek which, with the exception of the Indian mill at Upper Sandusky, was the first enterprise of the kind in. Wyandot county. Mr. Brayton resided in what is now Tymochtee township until 1833, when he sold out and moved to the county of Seneca, purchasing a farm in Big Springs township. There his children were reared, their names being William, Harriet, Lucy, Matthew, Peter, Mary, Olive and Asa. The mother died August I, 1842, and the father on the 7th day of December, 1866. Mrs. Davis spent the greater part of her life in the county of Wyandot and had the misfortune to be left a widow With four children when but thirty years of age. She was a woman of great, piety, an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and slrove by all means within her power to implant the great truths of religion and morality into the minds of the offspring left to her care. Right nobly did she discharge the sacred duties of motherhood and in after life her children, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood's estate, rose up to call her blessed. She lived to the age of sixty and died respected and honored by all who had the good fortune to claim her acquaintance. Of her five children, the oldest died when but six years old ; Anna L., the second, married William B. Hurd and died on the old homestead at the age of sixty ; Alfred K., the subject of this review, is the next in order of birth ; William H. is a teacher in the schools of Oregon City, Ore., and the youngest, Lucy O., is the wife of Jonas Hulse, whose sketch appears elsewhere in these pages. 670 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Alfred K. Davis was born in Crawford township on the place where he now lives, August 24, 1838, and spent his childhood and youth amid the active scenes of farm life. At the early age of seven he lost his father, after which he remained with his mother until attaining manhood's estate, meanwhile attending of winter seasons the common schools, in which he enjoyed the best educational advantages then obtainable. Reared to agricultural pursuits he selected husbandry for his life work and in the spring of 1866 purchased a farm of ninety acres in Ridge township which he cultivated successfully for a period of about four years. Meantime he purchased of his brother, who owned the old homestead, eighty acres of the place and in 1870 took possession of the same and has since made it his residence, adding to his holdings from time to time until he now owns one hundred acres adjoining the original tract. The farm as now constituted is one of the best improved and most valuable in the township of Crawford and in many respects compares favorably with the best places in the county. It possesses rare historic interest as being the noted scene of Col. Crawford's death at the hands of the Indians, a monument commemorating the event occupying the identical spot where was perpetrated the cruel and hideous tortures which put an end to the life of that brave but unfortunate commander. As an agriculturist Mr. Davis has long enjoyed the reputation of being a leader among his fellow citizens of Crawford township, his place of three hundred acres being peculiarly adapted to general farming and stock raising, the beautiful Tymochtee creek, which runs through it affording ample water and drainage. He cultivates the soil according to the latest and most improved methods and, believing husbandry to be a science worthy of the most careful thought, is very thorough in all he attempts and seldom fails to reap abundant harvest as a reward for the care and toil expended. As a man he is noted for broad intelligence and genuine public spirit. Strong in his individuality and inheriting from sturdy ancestry an independence of mind most admirable, he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but with it all is a dominating element of lively human sympathy and an abiding charity which, with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. In politics he has been for many years a prominent factor in the Republican party in Wyandot county, ever ready to devote his strong energies to the good of the party, but never at any time a seeker after the honors or emoluments of office. The Methodist church embodies his religious belief and he has long been a leader in the cause of religion and morality in his neighborhood. Enterprising in business, aggressive in all that concerns the general good, open-hearted and liberal in behalf of the deserving unfortunate and discharging to the best of his ability the duties. of citizenship, he nobly fulfills his mission as a benefactor of his kind and the county of Wyandot does not number in its populace a more genuinely worthy or more enterprising man. Mr. Davis was married December 4, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. Hurd, daughter of Imes and Sarah ( Jameson) Hurd, natives of New York. These parents moved to Indiana in 1840, in which state Mrs. Davis was born, and in 1845 migrated to Michi- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 671 gan, settling in the county of Allegan. They reared nine children, of whom the following survive : Alexander, Caroline, Sybil, Francis M. and Sarah; the father died in 1846, and the mother departed this life five years previous to that date. Mrs. Davis came to Wyandot with her brother, William B. Hurd, when a small girl and has spent the greater part of her life in the county. She has borne her husband children, as follows : Olive S., wife of George Saltz, of Columbus, Ohio; Edna C., wife of Walter Beebe, of Toledo; Ora C., as teacher in the Wyandot county public schools; Florence married Robert Hetzel, a farmer of Crawford township; Blanch and Brayton, twins, and one that died in infancy. FRANK D. HURD. The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life—a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well. Frank D. Hurd is conceded to be one of the largest and most successful farmers and stock raisers of Crawford township, while his standing as .a citizen is no less prominent than that which he has attained as a representative and far-seeing business man. His father, William B. Hurd, a native of Michigan, came to Wyandot county when a youth and earned his first money here as a farm laborer. Later he bought an eighty-acre farm in Salem township, which he improved and which was afterward enlarged by the addition of twenty acres contiguous thereto. Upon the breaking out of the great Rebellion, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Infantry, and in 1864 was captured while in charge of the regiment's supply train. Soon after falling into the hands of the enemy he was removed to ,Danville, Va., in a prison, at which place he died, in November of the above year, at the age of about ,forty-one. Anna Davis, wife of William B. Hurd, and mother of the subject of this review, was a native of Wyandot county. She bore her husband two children, Frank D. and Forrest W., and departed this life when fifty-nine years old. Her life was characterized by many good works and as an earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church she did much for the cause of religion and morality in her neighborhood. Frank D. Hurd first saw the light of day near where he now lives April 6, 1854. The public. schools afforded him the means of obtaining a knowledge of the common branches, after which he spent one year in the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he made substantial progress in a more advanced course of study. Growing to manhood on the farm, he knew not what it was to eat the bread of idleness, as much of the family support fell to his lot by reason of 672 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. his father's death. He remained on the home place, looking after his mother's interest until his marriage, after which he operated the farm for himself three years. When twenty-one years of age he and his mother purchased a small place of sixty acres and later, upon the division of the homestead, he came into possession of his portion, which as time went by was increased by additional purchases until he found himself the owner of one hundred and twenty acres. By successful management his agricultural enterprise proved very remunerative and from time to time he was able to increase his possessions until he became one of the largest owners of real estate in Crawford township. During the oil excitement some years ago he disposed of his land at one hundred dollars per acre and shortly thereafter he invested the proceeds in his present home farm, which embraces a half section in one of the richest and most productive parts of Wyandot county. At the present time Mr. Hurd owns four hundred acres of valuable land in a body, one hundred and twenty-four and a half acres a short distance to the south and a third place, consisting of fifty-five acres, in the southeastern part of the township. The greater portion of his land is in a high state of tillage and that which he does not cultivate has been converted into pasturage. There are no more progressive farmers in Wyandot county than Mr. Hurd and his reputation as a breeder and feeder of stock of all kinds is much more than local. He is familiar with the latest methods of agriculture and in tilling his land he uses modern machinery and implements of the most approved type. His places contain many valuable improvements in the way of residences, barns and valuable outbuildings and he has spared no reasonable expense in surrounding himself with the comforts and conveniences which make rural life attractive and desirable. Mr. Hurd was married in the year 1882 to Miss Florence Brown, daughter of Henry P. Brown, one of the pioneers of Wyandot county. Politically Mr. Hurd was a Republican until the free coinage of silver became a national issue, at which time he espoused the cause of Democracy and cast his vote for William Jennings Bryan. He has since supported the latter party and, while entertaining decided opinions and strong convictions, it can not be said that he is a very active partisan. The English Lutheran church is the religious body with which he and wife have membership, and in the local congregation to which they belong are highly esteemed as workers and liberal contributors. Mr. Hurd's course through life has been upright and prudent and his example is worthy the emulation of all young men who desire to live so as to leave clear records behind them. While successful in the accumulation of wealth he is also rich' in the possession of a reputation above reproach and a character which will bear the world's closest and strictest scrutiny. Respected as an upright, broad-minded, influential citizen, his name will long' adorn the roster of Crawford township's enterprising and representative men. JOHN LUCAS DUFFIELD. While there are many capable and enterprising young and middle-aged farmers in Wyandot county, Ohio, none exceeds the BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 673 capability and progressiveness of John Lucas Duffield, of Richland township, a native of Licking county, Ohio, born September 6, 1851. William W. Duffield, father of John Lucas, also a native of Licking county, was born in Washington township, that county, August 5, 1825, and on March 18, 1846, married Miss Mary A. Collins, who was born in New Jersey. Mr. Duffield was a farmer and a very prosperous one, but had been taught the stone mason's trade, in the latter business, in fact, laying the foundation of his fortune. In 1861 he came from Licking county to Wyandot county and purchased eighty acres of land deep in the woods of the then wilderness of Richland township, cleared off the timber and erected a log cabin and made the other improvements necessary for a comfortable and happy home. On this farm he passed the remainder of his life and died February 8, 1901, deeply mourned by his neighbors and loving family. His widow is now a resident of Forest, Hardin county. To William and Mary A. (Collins) Duffield were born two children, namely : Margaret Jane, who is married to William L. Rummell, of Forest, Ohio; and John Lucas, of this sketch. That William W. Duffield was an influential and honored citizen is plainly shown by the fact that he was elected trustee of Richland township by the Democratic party and that he was an honored member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Wharton. John Lucas Duffield passed his boyhood on the home farm and dutifully assisted in its cultivation until his marriage, which happy event took place November 16, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Emza A. Southward, of Richland township. This felicitous union has been blessed with five children, namely : Everett G., who was born December 21, 1877, was a teacher in Wyandot county, but was most untimely called away just after reaching his majority, February 1o, 1898; Leon L., who was born February 6, 1879; Bertha Bell, born August 4, 1885; Frank G., born November 17, 1889; and Stella Lulu, born October 15, 1896. In politics Mr. Duffield has always been a Democrat but, while doing all in his power, both by example and influence, to promote the interests of his party, has never sought recompense in the way of public office, his attention being exclusively devoted to his farm work. His crops afford him a lucrative income, as he is one of the best agriculturists in the township. In religion Mrs. Duffield is a sincere Methodist, belonging to the society at Wharton, and he has liberally aided financially in the support of this church. Socially the family is one of the most respected of their neighborhood, Mr. Duffield being considered to be one of the most public-spirited citizens of the township and ever ready to aid by all means in his power the advancement of the public weal. Mr. Duffield's great-grandfather was a native of old England. Mr. Duffield has in his possession one of the old parchment deeds executed under the administration of President Martin Van. Buren and is a valuable relic in the Duffield home. FRED ROWALT Fred Rowalt is a native of Hardin county, Ohio, and a son of Frederick and Mary (Strawbridge) Rowalt, the former born in 674 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Germany and the latter in the Buckeye state. Fred was born near the city of Dunkirk, June 25, 1873, and spent the first sixteen years of his life near the place of his birth. After the death of his father he went with the family to Forest and some time thereafter engaged in the iron roofing business, which he followed for about three and a half years, also devoting a portion of his time to clerking in the hardware establishment owned by his employers. Severing his connection with this firm Mr. Rowalt accepted the position of salesman with a boot and shoe house in Lima and after spending, eight moths there entered the employ of his. brother-in-law, who carried on the same line of business.. He continued with the latter about eighteen months, and then came to Carey to take charge of a boot and shoe store owned by the same relation, which he managed for a period of five years. Resigning his position at the end of that time he engaged in the boot and shoe business at Carey on his own account, which he continued for some time and built up a large and satisfactory business, owning at that time the only exclusive boot and shoe store in the town. Upon the organization of the Carey Banking Company, in March, 1901, Mr. Rowalt entered the institution as cashier, and continued in that capacity until its dissolution. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman on the road for the White Shoe Co., of Boston, Mass., which he has since continued. During his business career at Carey he was thoroughly energetic and straightforward, possessing an unblemished character for honesty and a determination of purpose which never fails to carry his undertakings to successful issue. De scended from healthy and temperate ancestry, he embodies those qualities in an admirable degree, while his pleasing personality and large, commanding presence mark him as a man of no ordinary force of character. He is of a generous nature, kind, benevolent and ever ready to lend a helping hand to a friend; positive, quick and active and in his social relations, genial and affable. In matters political he supports the Republican ticket on state and national issues, but in local elections he is unmindful of party ties, voting as his judgment dictates. A member of the Masonic fraternity, he has risen to the Royal Arch degree and he also belongs to the Pythian order, belonging to Justice Lodge, at Carey, and the Uniform Rank. He was married October 2, 1896, to Miss Metta E. Kirtz, daughter of Henry B. Kirtz, of Wyandot county, and his beautiful and comfortable home is cheered by the presence of two bright and promising children, George and Kirtz. Briefly, but we trust correctly, have been set forth in the foregoing lines the leading facts and characteristics of one of Carey's young and highly respected citizens. Since becoming a resident of Wyandot county he has formed a wide acquaintance with its best people, and all speak of him in terms of respect as one whose acts are free from craft and dishonor and whose life has been governed by correct and right motives. JOHN D. WICKISER. This well-known farmer is another of the old soldiers whose record it is a pleasure to collect and preserve. Within a few BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 675 more years they will all be gone and only their descendants will be left to tell with pride of their achievements on the field of battle or the harassing' campaigns. John D. Wickiser was born in Richland township on April 28, 1843, and is the son of Albert and Sabrana (McKay) Wickiser, the former a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and the latter of the state of New York. She was the daughter of Dr. Charles McKay, of the Empire state, who lived in Canada for a short time and then came to Fairfield county, Ohio, and still later removed to Hardin county, Ill., where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1848 at Greenup, Ill. The grandfather of subject, Conrad Wickiser, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, and came to this country about the 1804 in time to assist the United States to maintain its rights against Great Britain. He located in Allegheny county, Penn., but later came to Ohio, establishing himself in Franklin county. In 1833 he concluded to come to the wilderness in northern Ohio to find a home, and accordingly he loaded all his possessions into wagons and came in easy stages through the dense woods to this county in company with several other families who also were seeking new homes in the deep forests. He settled in Richland township in section 21, and took up one hundred and twenty acres, and his son, Albert, took up forty acres, making a total of a quarter section. They put up rude cabins and began to clear off the trees and brush. Here the grandfather lived until his death, in August, 1842. As his life had been largely spent in the wilderness, he became an excellent type of the pioneer farmer and hunter. Wild game was abundant and his rifle more than once saved the family from hunger and want. It was no uncommon thing for him to bring down a deer and other large and dangerous game. He was a very active man, and was here when the township was formed and suggested the name it now bears. To himself and wife the following children were born : Jacob, John, Isaac, Abigail (who married John Roberts, her wedding being the first of a white girl in Richland township), and Albert, subject. He was sick for several years prior to his death add his boys did the most of the clearing. Albert Wickiser came to this county with his father and took up forty acres, upon which he lived until his death in November, 1890. He and his brothers in early years were often appointed road viewers by the county authorities, all their work having to be done in the dense woods. They became thoroughly familiar with the condition of things in the woods and in time formed comfortable homes where once the bear and the wolf prowled. Albert's widow is yet living in Wharton, Ohio. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than sixty years, and were highly respected for their many admirable qualities. They were pioneers in the highest sense. Mr. Wickiser was a Democrat of the Jackson school. They had a family of fifteen children : (1 ) Jacob W., who died in July, 1900, entered the Federal service at the outset of the Civil war and served from April, 1861, to 1865 as member of Company I of the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lived in Ridge township, where he was prominent as a justice of the peace, etc. (2) Mary, who became the wife of William Dutton, of Chicago, Ill. (3) Irene, the widow of John Salyers, of Rochelle, Ill., now a teacher. (4) John 676 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. D., subject. (5) Daniel W., residing at. Wharton, Ohio, and engaged in farming. (6) Rhoda Jane, who married first, Allen Robinson and second, John Slocum, and is now living in Marion county, Ohio. (7) Milton D., who married Miss Nora Rice and is a timber dealer at Seneca, Ohio. (8) Orsian E., who wedded Miss Ella Bell and lives in Carey, Ohio. (9) Philip E., who married Miss Flora Pickett and is in the ice business in Forest, Ohio. The others are dead. John D. lived at his father's home until he enlisted in the Federal army in 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Camp Denison, Columbus. Later he went to Columbia City, Tenn. His regiment was soon in active service and he participated in the following engagements : Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin (the bloodiest battle of the war), Nashville and in. many skirmishes and minor campaigns. He has a splendid record as a brave and capable soldier. At the battle of Nashville, on December 16, 1864, the drum. of his left ear was destroyed by the terrific artillery duel between the contending armies. After a short but highly creditable service, he was honorable discharged from the service. Upon his return he married Miss Ellen E. Ward, of this county, the daughter of James P. and Olive Jane (Baker) Ward, of Pennsylvania. Their children are as follows: Stella, who married William H. Hagerman, of Wharton, Ohio; Edith, dead ; Agnes, dead; Winfred 0., who died aged eighteen years; John Nelson, living at home; Bertha E., the wife of E. E. W. Wentling, and lives in Crawford township; Cecil. M., on the home place, who married Miss Myrtle Platt. After marriage subject located in Richland township. In 1868 he bought the old home place. He has owned many tracts and now has one hundred and seventy-six acres, all of which is cleared. He has been a veterinary surgeon for forty-one years, one of the best in the state. He was for five years in the undertaking business in Wharton, and was also in the grocery and the hardware business. He has served as trustee, notary public and justice of the peace, and votes with the Democrats. He is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 378, and holds high degrees in the order; belongs to Lodge No. 633, I. 0. 0. F., and has attained to all the degrees in the order ; holding membership in Hope Encampment, No. 16o, Patriarchs Militant, and to No. 46, the lodge of the highest degree, also belonging to the Rebekahs, Arcana Lodge, No. 124; to Lodge No. 522, K. of P.; Post No. 264, G. A. R., and is a member of the Christian Union, of Wharton. He is one of the most prominent citizens in this portion of the state. JOHN WENTZ. It is a matter of doubt which is the greater heritage, a distinguished name or a goodly estate. Some persons would choose one and some the other, depending wholly on their feelings and judgment combined: But when the two are sent down to descendants together the permanent standing of such descendant in the community will never be questioned, so far as the heritage is concerned. The average citizen of the United States can hand down to his children no greater heritage of renown than a splendid BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 677 record in the service of the government during the four years of bloody warfare from 1861 to 1865. Such a record in the life of the father will always be a source of intense pride to every child and grandchild through many generations. Such is the heritage which will be left by the subject of this memoir when he at 'last receives his final summons. When it seemed that the country was going to pieces, when the land was being filled with cripples and lamentations, he went forth to assist in saving the Union which we all love so much. Let us know a little more of his earlier life. He was born in section 12, Richland township, December 18, 1837, and is the child of Jacob and Elizabeth (Copenhoffer) Wentz. The father was a native of York county, Penn., as was also the mother. There both of the parents grew up and were married. Jacob was a weaver by trade, but carried on farming in connection With the same. Soon after his marriage he concluded to come to this state, and accordingly, in 1835, he loaded all his possessions in a single wagon drawn by two horses and started for Ohio, the land of promise at that time. He had heard of the rich tracts, of land in the northern part and determined to seek that portion of the state. He came by slow stages, through the dense woods, very often having to cut his path through the tangled underbrush and to make temporary bridges over the muddy streams. He bought eighty acres of heavy woodland of the government, paying therefor one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, the land being where the subject of this sketch is 'now living. Later he bought eighty additional acres for eight hundred dollars; showing the rapid advance in the price when the settlers began to pour in. He put up a rough log cabin with the assistance of the nearest neighbors, placed his little family therein and began to clear off the heavy timber. There were no roads and no conveniences then, all wild, and the the task of clearing long and tedious. But hearts were willing and hands were strong, which meant both success and contentment. They lived happy lives. Ask one of them if you doubt it. Soon the growing crops brought abundance. After a comparatively short life Mr. Wentz passed away, dying in 1854 at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow survived him until 1883, when she died at the age of eighty-seven years. They were honest people and typical pioneers. He followed weaving some time after coming here and held the office of township trustee. He laid out many roads and was a Jacksonian Democrat. He and wife were members of the German Lutheran Church. Their children were as follows: Andrew, who died March 13, 1901, in Brown county, Kan.; William, dead, who lived in Pulaski county, Ind.; Louisa, who was married twice, first to Jesse Wilson and second to Jonathan Warner, lives in Starke county, Ind.; Henry, who died in 1848; Jacob C., who lived in Richland township; Levi, who died in Richland, township August 24, 1899; Jesse! living in Salem township and engaged in farming; John, subject, who was the seventh in order of birth. He was educated in the old log school house, two miles north of his father's house. At first greased paper. windows were used, as were also puncheon seats -and desks. Subject remained at home until he entered the army in 1862. He enlisted in. Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. J. W. 678 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Chamberlain, of Tiffin, on August 18, 1862, at Carey, and was first sent to Virginia. His operations during the remainder of the war were in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. He fought in eight pitched battles, besides many skirmishes, and participated in many severe campaign's and marches. At the battle of Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864, while in the thickest of the fight, he received a musket ball through his left forearm, a most severe wound. He was sent to McClellan Hospital, Philadelphia, and remained there until February 16, 1865. Af- ter, quitting the service he came home and resumed farming on his father's farm. On February 24, 1866, he married Miss Savilla, daughter of William and Mary (Bruce) Cowdry, and has these children: Ollie, who married Lewis Wonder and died aged about twenty-five years; Edith M., who wedded G. A. Park and resides in Huntington, Ind. ; Walter V., at home; Eva, at home. After the war he lived with his parents, and upon their deaths, when the place was divided,' he bought out the other heirs. He has about ninety acres, eighty of which are under cultivation. He is a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Church of God, and has the highest respect of everybody. JONAS D. JOHNSON, M. D. The physician is a necessary element in our civilization, because human life is our most precious possession. A man will sacrifice all his property, all his relatives and his wife's relatives in order to save his own life. "Self preservation is the first law of nature" is so trite a maxim as to be known to all and will be disputed by none. The fact that a man will give up his own life to save one whom he loves does not disprove the maxim; it only emphasizes the power of his own affection. But there are good physicians and otherwise. At the best there are many things dark to the wisest and most experienced physicians. And again the best physicians make mistakes. So that it is incumbent upon all persons to secure the services of the ablest physicians. Every head of a family should have his family physician, if for no other reason than to give perfect confidence in his judgment to the members of the family. In these days of hypnotic suggestions, when some times a single word will turn the tide of disease and death, a physician can not be given too much latitude—that is a highly reputable physician, such as is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Greene county, Penn., December 20, 1850, and is the son of Nicholas Johnson, also of Greene county, the latter being a son of Joseph B. Johnson, also of the same county. The latter was a merchant of that county and a large land owner, and in that county he lived his life. The father also lived in that county until his death, in 1852, at the age of forty-two years. His wife was formerly Miss. Sarah Jane Frost, of Morris county, N. J. She was reared in Pennsylvania, but later went to New Jersey. She was again married, this time to William 'Eddy, and finally died in Newark, N. J., her second husband being a dealer in pumps. By her marriage to the father of the subject she had four children, as follows: Joseph B., who died in Colorado in 1897; he went there in 1870 and was engaged in mining; David H., who lives at Newark, N. J., and is engaged in the wholesale wood BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 679   and willowware business; Jonas D., subject; Hannah, who became the wife of William Bailey, an insurance man of Newark. By her second marriage she had one child, Luther, who died at the age of twenty-two years. Jonas D. was reared in New Jersey, but finished his education at the college in Waynesburg, Penn., attending the same one year and six months, and then going to Brooklyn, N. Y., where for six months he engaged in the retail grocery business with his brother, Joseph B. He then went to Winterset, Iowa, and engaged in farming and stock raising. He also kept a hotel and taught school. While at Patterson, Madison county, Iowa, he met, fell in love with and married Miss Naomi D. Bell, a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and the daughter of James Bell, a prominent citizen of that county. By this marriage subject has four children : Nellie J., who died at the age of twenty-two years; Hettie C., who became the wife of L. S: DeLong, an operator of the Big Four railroad at Wharton, Ohio, has four children, Russell, Gertrude, D. H. and an infant; Joseph B. married Miss Grace Foster, of Marion county, and has two sons, Amos F. and J. D.; James H.,. who married Miss Nettie Berlin and is farming in Richland township. After 1873 subject went to Mount Blanchard, Hancock county, Ohio, and while there began reading medicine with Dr. J. A Groves, continuing diligently for three years. He then attended the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati and graduated therefrom, in 1878. He first located for practice at Kirby, Ohio, but after three years, or in 1881, he came to Wharton, and here he has been ever since. He has a large practice and the utmost confidence 'of the community. The Doctor is a Democrat. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Eclectic Medical Association and assisted in organizing the same December 21, 1882. He is also a member of the Ohio State' Medical Association, a member of Wharton Lodge, No. 633, I. 0. 0. F., and Wharton Lodge, No. 522, K. of P. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Doctor stands very high in his profession and is highly esteemed as a citizen and a man. JACOB S. BOTT. It is the privilege of the young men and young women who grow up in this country to select whatever occupation for life they desire and they may reserve the right to change such occupation whenever they please. In this way the occupation best fitted to them, or the one which they wish to pursue, is open to them at any time. It is not always that a young person is able to tell what pursuit he is best qualified to follow, so that as time passes and his own wants and abilities are developed, he may change his occupation and strike his proper sphere at last before it is too late for this life. When once he finds the sphere best suited to his views, and likes, he should then settle down to hard work, honest endeavor and right living. Then for the first time life is to him an earnest quantity. So the subject of this memoir has found it. He was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., on the 9th of June, 1836, and is the son of John and Susanna (Schall) Batt, both of whom were also natives of Westmoreland county. The parents grew up in .that county, securing at the local schools a fair educa- 680 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. tion and learning the occupation of farming. They met, fell in love and were married, and then life became one of light and duty. They went to work with willing hands, and faith for their guide, and in after years became part and parcel of the great population that makes up the bone and, sinew of the United States. John Bott passed away at a comparatively early age, dying at the age of fifty-two years. His widow survived him, dying at the age of eighty years. They were earnest members of the German Reformed church and people of excellent morals. Their children were as follows: Catherine, who married Capt. Jacob Bierer, is now dead ; Michael, who died at the age of five years; Jacob S., subject. The parents were great friends of education as well as of religion. They therefore gave each of their children who grew up a good education as well as good training in morals and right conduct.. They were taught duty and honesty and set adrift on the sea of life with good habits for a guide and truth for their maxim, all tempered with the blessings of religion. The subject of this notice remained with his father until he reached the age of twenty-four 'years. He then determined to take the apostle's advice and marry, and accordingly, on April 4, 1864, wedded Miss Ann Bell, of Westmoreland county, Penn., a daughter of James and Anna Bell, of the same county. Her father was twice married, the second time to Maggie Larmon, of that county, and daughter of Squire and Laura Larmon. To subject and wife have been born these children : Ellelia, who died in 1893; Nancy, who married E. E. Kunkle, a minister of the English Reformed church, now at New Berlin, Ohio; John, a telegraph operator at Cleveland, Ohio. By his second marriage subject has these children: James, an artist 'in Youngstown, Ohio; 'Anna Bell, dead; Fenton T., a telegraph operator in Cincinnati; Frank R., bookkeeper in New York city; Mary Ellen, living in New Berlin. The second wife of Mr. Bott died in December, 1888. After his first marriage he located on his father's old place. 'In. 1865 they came to this county and established themselves ,on. their present place in Richland township, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has since made all the improvements. He carried on general farming until 1889, since which date he has rented the place. Since 1888 he has been a member of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Allegheny, Penn. During the winter months he travels south and during the summers north and preaches the gospel to the poor. He is a man of great piety and is an eloquent pulpit orator. He has been' a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church for twenty-five years. He is devoting his fine mind and his high moral principles to the upbuilding of the church of God on earth. SIMON KACHELY. The most of people who have never lived on a farm think that it does not require any special skill to conduct the operations of husbandry. They are accustomed to think that the driving of a team of horses to a plow or a harrow or a mower or a. reaper does not require a finished education or a high degree of intellectual activity. Neither does it to conduct a grocery store or -a hotel or a foundry. In both cases it does re- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 681 quire, however, a thorough knowledge of the subject. The farmer must know; when to sow his grain, the best varieties and whether it is in good condition, when to cut his wheat and his grass, how long it should be cured, when it is ready to stack, whether it has gone through the sweating process, and a thousand of such things, without which he is certain to lose heavily, a thing he can not afford to do, because the farmer's profits are small and he must figure very close to the grain if he makes anything: Such a farmer is the subject of this sketch. Simon Kachely was born in Germany, September 9, 1828, and is the son of Simon, who was also born in that country. The father in his early manhood married Miss Anna Heperly, who was also a native Of that country. The parents did. not cross the Atlantic, but resided all their lives in that country. The father was a blacksmith by occupation and was of strict habits of conduct, aiming to be an ornament to the community in which he resided. To himself and wife eight children were born, as follows: Casper, Annie, Catherine, John, Michael, Daniel, Simon, subject, and Mary, who married Solomon Slenk, but is now a widow and resides in Sandusky city. When the subject reached the age of nineteen years he determined to cross the ocean. In 1849 he boarded the "Mary Harland" and after sixty-three days spent in tossing on the Atlantic landed in New York. He immediately went to Buffalo and worked for two months and then came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained one week. While a young man in Germany he had learned the trade of a baker, and at this he worked while in Cleveland. After that he went to Cincinnati; where he remained for eighteen months working at his trade, and then came back to Sandusky, where he remained until 1851.. On October 18, of that year, he married Miss 'Barbara Genther, who was also a native of the German empire, her birth occurring at Wurtemberg. She was the daughter of Jacob Genther, who came to this country from Germany in 1833, crossing over in a sailing vessel and coming direct to Richland township. In this county he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. To subject and wife four children were born: Martin, who married Miss Priscilla 'Watson and is now farming on the old place; Jacob, who wedded Miss. Elizabeth Griner and, is 'a grocer in Forest, Ohio; Dora, who became the wife of T. B. Kear and lives in. Richland township; Marietta, unmarried, who keeps house for her father. Mr. Kachely's wife died January 18, 189o. He lived in. Sandusky until 1853, when he came to Richland township and farmed. on rented land for three years. In 1856 he went to Wyandot county and bought. forty acres of heavy woodland, put up a log cabin on the .same and began to cut off the timber. In seven years he cleared all except seven acres. He then traded his farm for eighty acres of woodland and two hundred dollars to boot on this land only ten acres were cleared. The Rebellion had been going on for some time and in 1864 the subject enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was first sent to Tennessee and attached to the Twenty-third Corps. Later he was sent with his regiment to Washington, and still later to Wilmington, N. C., and was finally discharged froth the service at Charlotte; N. C., in the fall of 1865. He did considerable service in the hospital 682 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. corps. At the time of General Lee's surrender the One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment was in the neighborhood of Raleigh and Goldsborough, N. C., and the glad tidings caused unbounded expressions of joy among the "boys in blue," a joy which was turned to sorrow five days later upon the receipt of the news of President Lincoln's assassination. After the war he came back and began to clear off the timber again. After two years he bought seventy acres in section 16. At one time since he had as much as two hundred acres. He is a progressive and skillful farmer and is well respected in his neighborhood. He is engaged in farming and stock raising and knows how to make money. To show the high estimation in which he is held, it should be stated that he has been township trustee for twelve years. He has also served as a member of the school board, and has held other offices of responsibility. He is a Democrat, and fraternally is a member of Wharton Lodge, No. 633, I. O. O. F., and of Hope Encampment, No. 16o, Forest, Ohio. He is self-made and a high minded and prudent man of excellent principles and habits. ELLSWORTH E. E. KEAR. Life is pleasant to live when you know how to make the most of it. Some people start in life as if they had weights on their souls, or were afraid to make the necessary effort to live up to a high standard. Others, by not making the proper study of the conditions of existence, or by not having that blessed trainer, a good and intelligent mother, are side-tracked at the outset and never seem thereafter to be able to get back again on the main track. Much depends on the start, just as it does in a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being equal, will almost invariably win the race. So in the race of life; if you are properly started with' suitable grooming, such as a good educations and splendid home training, you will lead in the race in after years and enjoy every minute of your existence. Such home influences were thrown around the subject of this sketch in his early years. Both father and mother were people of unusual intelligence and both led lives of singular purity. At their deaths, only a few years ago, there was no word of reproach spoken over their graves. They left a name revered by all who had had the honor and pleasure of their acquaintance in this life. Subject was born in Crawford township, Wyandot county, November 24, 1864, and is the child of George W. and Attie Ann (Mulholland) Kear, both of whom were born in Tymochtee township, the former December 14, 1834, and the latter June 5, 1840. George W. Kear lived with his parents until the age of about thirty years. He then married Miss Mulholland and removed to Crawford township, where he resided on rented land for the space of four years. He then moved to Salem township and bought two hundred acres of partly cleared land, there residing until his death, on. July 15, 1898. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying February 26, 1897. They were people of eminent respectability and passed useful and honorable lives. Mr. Kear followed the occupation of farming during life and was successful in amassing a goodly property. He and his good wife were members of the Church of God. They BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 683 brought up their children in the fear of the Lord and gave. each a good education. To, there were born four children,' as follows : Ellsworth E. E., subject ; Mary J., who became the wife of S. E. Huston, and is now living in Richland township; Moses H., who married Miss Daisy Kirby and resides in Richland township; Seth G., who married .Miss Lizzie Wright and lives in Salem township. Subject was reared among much better surroundings. than his parents were. He never knew the trials to which they were subjected and through which they successfully passed, so that upon reaching manhood his spirits were untrammeled and his mind and body fresh and active.. In 1888 he met and married Miss Minerva J., daughter of William and Melinda . (Starr) Baker, and by her has the following children: Ray B., born. August 27, 1889, and Attie M., born: April. 1o, 1900. After his marriage he located in Richland township, first upon the homestead and later he purchased forty. acres. He resided on his father's farm for nine years. In 1897, having been appointed postmaster of Wharton, Ohio, he moved to that town and took the office July 5, 1897, and also started a store of stationery and cigars: He is the owner of two hundred and two acres in Richland township. He is a Republican and is much interested in the success of his party. He and wife are members of the Church of God, and he is a representative citizen in the highest sense of the expression. His family has been prominent in this section of the county, the father owning at his death about seven hundred acres of excellent land. December 18, 1901, the subject, together with .his brother and brother-in-law, organized the Wharton Bank. The liberal patronage accorded them attests the confidence reposed in them by the public. Their correspondents are the Tiffin National Bank, of Tiffin, Ohio, and the Chase National Bank, of New York city. ROBERT R. DUMM. The services of the surveyor have been required since man first began to lay claim to tracts of land, either for his own use or for, the use of the government of which he forms a part. This transfers the origin of the science of surveying back to a remote period .of antiquity.; in fact the origin is lost in the myths of ancient Egypt, China and India. Astronomy and surveying are perhaps the oldest branches of distinct learning and science known to mankind. And the means have undergone a steady evolution from the most primitive to the efficient instruments of to-day. The pioneer surveyor of this country used a grape vine for his chain and daily took observations of the stars to ascertain his true position as he passed through the trackless forests or over the boundless, prairies. He accomplished a larger and less minute result than is required of the surveyor of to-day. The latter must be very exact, because very often a slight variation may deduct many feet from the lots of a land owner. The subject of this sketch was one of the most efficient surveyors this county ever had. He was careful and made his measurements with the greatest accuracy. As a result very few disputes were ever held over his work in town or country. He was educated for 684 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. the business. He was born in Richland township, Wyandot county, November 10, 1862, and is the child of Michael S. and Maria (Henry) Dumm, the former of Pittsburg and the latter of Erie county, Penn. When a boy the father came with his father, Andrew, to this county and located at McCutchenville. Andrew Dumm had been a wholesale dealer in boots and shoes in Pennsylvania. In this county he made his home, and here Michael S. was reared and educated. Upon reaching manhood the latter first settled on sixty acres, which he bought on section 11, Richland township. This tract was in the deep woods, and at that time there were few if any roads in this part of the county. Here the father lived and labored until his death in 1883. His widow, a most estimable lady, well advanced in years, still lives on the old place. To them were born seven children as follows : Daniel, who lives with his mother on the old place; Andrew, who is farming near West Baden, Ind.; Michael M., who is engaged in farming in Putnam county, Ohio; Robert R., subject; Della, who married Robert Gibson and died in July,1901; Solon S., who is living near West Baden, Ind.; Ida, who became the wife of Abraham Pickett and resides in Hancock county, Ohio. Subject was reared on his father's farm and educated in the country schools. During the summers he learned the bricklayer's trade with his father, and has worked at the same more or less ever since. Later he attended the Ada Academy for five years, studying all branches and improving his mind very greatly and ending his schooling with a thorough course in surveying. In 1887 he went to Findlay, Ohio, and engaged in contracting and building for two years. By this time his skill as a surveyor, as well as a practical builder, had become known over the county, and het was offered the nomination for county surveyor by the leaders of his party, the Democratic. He accepted and was easily elected. He assumed the duties of the office and continued to administer the same until 1896. Upon his retirement from that position he went back to his trade and located at Wharton in 1899, where he has remained since. He is now editor of the Rip-saw, a newspaper of general circulation and the first one ever published in Wharton. In 1892 Mr. Dumm, wedded Miss Celia, daughter of Jesse Wentz, of Salem township, and by her has four children, as follows : Helen, Gladys, Michael and Jesse. He still does a great deal of surveying throughout the county and has taught eight terms of school. He is a member of Wharton Lodge, No. 633, I. O. O. F.; the Warpole Blue Lodge, No. 110, of Masons.; Lodge No. 95, K. of P., of Findlay ; and is a charter member of Tribe No. 145, Red Men. Mr. Dumm is one of the most popular men and ex-officials, and one of the best citizens of the county. JEROME WISE. When a farmer is out of debt and is in comfortable circumstances the chances' are that he is just as happy as any other person of moderate circumstances can be or is. He need not worry for fear his farm may burn up or blow up, and the same is true of his house if it is insured, as it should be. So he can go to bed knowing that the next BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 685 morning, no matter what may betide, he will still have a home and a means of making a living for himself and family. It is his own fault, therefore, if he is not happy. After a farmer has paid for his land, it is in most cases a piece of folly to run in debt. Why borrow trouble, for that is what debt means? Why not steer clear of the sheriff ? He is not a pleasant fellow to meet when he is making one of his professional calls. His views and yours will not harmonize; so let him alone and you will be far happier. The wise farmer keeps out of debt, and so does Mr. Wise, the farmer. Jerome Wise was born on the old Wise homestead in Richland township May 1, 1852, and is the son of Jacob B. and Mary (Price) Wise, the father a native of Cumberland county, Penn., and the mother also of the same state. The father grew up in his native state and in 1854 came to Richland township, this county, and at first bought thirty acres, but later added to the same until at the time of his death he owned a total of two hundred and thirty-seven acres, all made by hard work, honest trading and right conduct. He cleared up a large portion of the land himself, and left behind at his death a good name and a large property. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and worked at the same a considerable portion of his time. He and his wife were members of the Church of God. Their children are named as follows : Fiama, who died aged twenty years ; Aaron B., now living in Richland township;. Mary Ann, who died young; Jerome, subject; Caroline, dead. Subject was educated at the common schools and has always lived at home. On July 1, 1875, he married Miss Serena Clark, daughter of George Clark, of Richland township. She bore him one child, but both mother and child died the following year. On March 3, 1881, Mr. Wise married Miss Mary Hartman, of Jackson township, daughter of Henry Hartman, of Germany, her father being a farmer and a resident of this county. To subject and wife these children were born: Minnie, Grace, Clarence, Harvey and Artie. Subject since his marriage has lived on the old place. He is a successful farmer, a good citizen and a man of excellent principles. He and his wife are members of the Church of God and he is a member of Wharton Lodge, No. 363, I. O. O. F. He is comparatively young, yet has before him many years of usefulness. He is one of the leading citizens of this township. GEORGE GWINNER. One of the most enterprising and prosperous farmers of Jackson township., Wyandot county, Ohio, is George Gwinner, a. native. of Wurtemberg, Germany. His father, also named George, and his mother, Annie (Wise) Gwinner, were natives of the same place and they were there married. George Gwinner, the father of subject, was a mason by trade and brought his family in a sailing vessel to America, having a tempestuous passage of forty-two days. He first located near Bucyrus, Crawford county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for a number of years and then bought land at New Winchester, where he passed the remainder of his days. This worthy couple were sincere. members of the German Lutheran church, and were the parents of six children. George Gwinner, the subject of this 686 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. sketch, remained with his parents until twenty years of age and then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Bucyrus. township, Crawford county. This farm was improved to some extent, and he traded it for city property in Bucyrus, where he resided four years, engaged in stock raising, etc. Later he came to Wyandot county and bought partly improved land in section 23, Jackson township, where he is engaged in general farming, raising all the usual crops that thrive in the latitude, including hay, wheat, oats, etc. He also pays considerable attention to stock raising. He has been very successful in his undertakings and stands Well in the ranks of the agriculturists of his township. Mr. Gwinner was united in marriage, in Crawford county, to 'Miss Rosa Barger, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Martha Jane Barger. The children born to this union are named as follows : John S., who is yard-master for a railroad company at Covington, Ky., and is married ; Rena, wife of Wellington Parcher, who is a farmer in Marion county, Ohio; Ollie, married to Cyrus McCleary, of Wharton, Ohio ; Charles. L., a machinist at Toledo, Ohio ; Minnie and Flossie, at home. In politics Mr. Gwinner is a Republican, is very, active and popular in the party and has served as trustee of Jackson township. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry at Forest, and has always taken a keen interest in agricultural affairs in general outside of his practical work as, a farmer. He and family attend the Union Christian church, to the support of which they liberally contribute and the teachings of which they strictly observe, and socially they stand with the best people of the township.