Ashland County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 15 of 19)

Rankin K Welch, son of Ephraim Welch, was born in Orange township, Ashland county, December 13, 1833, one and a half miles west of the place on which He now lives. Twice he was married, his .first wife beim* Druzella A. Frink, to whom he was married in February, 1867. The fruit of this marriage was one child, Gilbert P., who is still living. His second wife was Mary L. McDonald, to whom he was married May 1, 1879.

'I homas Miller, son of Thomas Miller, sr., was born in York county, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1823, and came to. Orange township, Ashland county, in the year 1835, and in the year 1837 moved to Jackson township, where he now lives. In April, 1845, he was married to Miss Margaret Robertson. Their children were nine in number, as follows: Alice, John, Pierce, Rachel, Orville,

Otis, Ada, and George M., all of whom are livina Although Mr. Miller is a member of no church, he is a strong believer of right and law. He is the largest landholder in Ashland county.

John Welch, son of Ephraim Welch, was born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, February 7, 1830. October 1, 1 06 r, he moved to the old Bryen place, in Jackson township. He was married to Miss Rebecca Robertson, December 6, 1853. To them were born four children, Vernon H., Alice 15., Berme E., Leclaiv S., all of whom are living. Mr. Welch is one of Ashland county's largest landholders.

I homas DeA kmon, son of fames DeArmon, was born in Ashland county, June 22, 1S39, on the farm lying north of that cn which he now fives. - He was married to Augusta F. Fluke, of Ashland, May 7, 1S68. I hey have six children. Annie, A', infield, 1 rands. Edwin, Guy, and Ernest, all of whom are living. Mr. De- Armon lias filled the office of justice of the peace of Jackson township one term.

William Berry, son of Jacob Berry, was born in Wayne (now Ashland) county, Perry township, julv 14, 1821. January 8, 1846, he was married to Miss Margaret Shutl. To them were born thirteen children, as follows: Philemon Mary M., Susannah E., Emma I., Lydia E., Milton M., Katie M., Wilson C, William C., Alice ( ., Lola !.., Orvilie L, Lewis K., all of whom are living but W ilson, Philemon, William and Lola. Mr. Perry died September 15, 1873, leaving a widow and "ii.fi children. Air. and Mrs. Berry were members of the German Reformed church. Mrs. Berry, assisted bv her son, still manages tiro farm. At the lime of his death, William Berry was justice of the peace in his township, which office he 'had held for nine vears.

i C. C. Matthews, son of Jesse Matthews, was horn j in Trumbull county, Ohio, March iS, 1815, and came ! to Wayne, now Ashland county, when but three vears ; old, with Ids father, ever since remaining on the farm on i which his father first settled. December 19, 1S39, he i was married to Elizabeth Cole, and raised fourteen chil- ; dren: Lucy A., .Harriet E., Rebecca j., Emma C.,

\ Sarah M.C., Jessie I. O., Newton E., i It tie C., and John i E. , all of whom are living except Martha S. Both himself ! and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal ; church. He has served three terms as constable in | Jackson township. In speaking of the early days, he I says he has heard wolves howling around his house : many a night.

John Irwin, son of Jacob Irwin, sr., was born in | Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 15, *804, and moved to Stark county, Oldo, with his father in the fall I of 1816. In 1826 he removed to Holmes county, and ! in 1838 moved to Jackson township, Ashland county, to | the farm where he yet lives. In January, 1844, he was : married tc Hannah Mast, of Holmes county. They | have had six children : Sarah, Archibald M., Amanda, i Lucinda, Louisa, and Eilenora, all of whom arc living | except Eilenora.

1 July 8, 1836. Before leaving Pennsylvania he was nav- | ried to Miss Francis Hit viler, March 6, 1S27. They | have raised a family of six children: Edward, Anna E., i William, Frederick, jane, and Catharine, all living but | Edward and Anna E. Mrs. Byers died February 25,

| "he emigrated to Stark county, Ohio, at about the age of j twenty. He was there married to Nancy Obeiland in 1830. The fruit ot this union was five children, as follows: Hiram. Catharine, John, Jeremiah, and Elasan,

! all living but Eiesan and Catharine. In the sorrm- M 1862 Mrs. Pooonan emigrated 'with her little family to Ashland county, Jackson township, to the farm where ! she now resides. Her husband, George Poonnan, died February 27, 1846, leaving his wife with the care of a family upon her. Mrs. Poonnan is a member of the i German Reformed church, and is one of its most 'liberal supporters. By wise economy and careful maiia,,e- ; meat, Mrs. Boorman has supplied each of her sons with 1 a farm.

Henry -Switzer, son of David Switzer, was born in Jackson township, Wayne, now Ashland countv, June 11, 1833. In 1851 !m- moved to Wayne county, ami remained there live years, lie then moved bank to Ju> kson township, wlieie ho new lives. He ".is married to Anna E. Landis, September 2, 1851., and has one child, Amanda J., still living. Mr. Switzer is a member or the German Reformed church, and his wife is a memi where he now lives. In the f Susan Kane. The iruit of this in; vix. : George E., Jeremiah \\ ., John 1-.. James, C larencc, Ettie 1 . and Ira the last named being dead. Elizabeth Kane, mother of Mrs. Kline, lives with* her daughter, She has reached the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. She is an earnest member of the Evangelical church, and is one of Ashland county's pioneers. Mr, and Mrs. Kline are members of the Evangelical church, and are among its most liberal supporters. He has filled the office of trustee two years in Jackson township.

Herman K ane, son of J. C. and Elizabeth Kane, was horn in Schenectady, New York, December 15, 1S40, came to Ohio in the year 1857, with his father, and settled on the farm where he now lives, :n Jackson township. Ashland county, Ohio In 1859 he was married to Mary Kane. The fruit of this marriage was eleven children: William, Eugene, Ernest, Edna, Minnie, Florence, Maud, Guy C, Beitrand, Kenneth, and Louie - ,ai! living but Wiiiiam.

James A. Dinamoke, sic, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1788. January 3, 1828, he entered a tract of land of three hundred anu twenty acres, and iu die year 1833 moved lus larmly to .Ashland countv, then Wayne, to the tarm where his widow and two of his children still live. On the fourteenth of March. 1:820, he was married to Miss Grizell Collins. The fruit of this union was seven children: Catharine

A., Tabitha M., David C.; Jewett Andrew A., Rachel M. and James R. W., all of whom are living. Mr. Dmsmoi e auk wife, and all the family that belong to any church, belong to the Presbyterian, church. When Mr. Dinsmore became possessor of his farm of three nun d'rcd and twenty acres, theie were but fourteen acres cleared. To protect his family from the ' ild beasts of the forest, he erected two lug cabins. When Mr. Dinsmore came to Ashland county, he bi ought an agent with him. They had but one horse, and they would do, as the old saying is, "Walk and hitch." After a great deal of hard labor to prepare something for his family, that they need not suffer, he departed this life January 7, 1863, at the rU)C' of seventy-live years. His son James still superintends the old home place. David Dinsmore, first son of James A. Dinsmore, is practicing medicine in Iowa, while Andrew S. is a preacher of the Gospel in Philadelphia. I'abitba M. married Rev. Beer, of Ashland; ho is now a judge in Bucyrus. Jewett E. married J. R. Reed; they now reside in Council bluffs, Iowa Catharine A was married twice: first, to Augustine M. ilay. the sect uni time to William Collins, in Green county, Ohm. Rachel is still at home with her parents.

dead. Mr. Clouse and wife ace members of the Evangelical church, and are among its most liberal supporters. When Mr. Clouse came to the place where he now lives, it was ai! in woods. The first thing for him to do was to erect a log cabin, in which to shelter his f.imilv. Then he set out to clear and cultivate the soil. Now he has a well improved farm in Jackson tow nship.

Jacou Puck, oldest son of Jacob E. and Mary B. Plice, was born in Pennsylvania, March 4. 1821, and came to Ohio about the year 1830, with his father, who settled in Orange township, and about the year 1S32 moved into Jackson township, where he has remained up to this date. Jacob Plice was married to Miss Mary Cole, sixth child of Thomas and Athehah Cole, August 20, t8.;6. She was born in Ashland county, December 9, 1S27. The fruit of this union was six children - George E., Thomas V., William A., Alary R., John, and Samuel V. Of these, four are living - Thomas V., Mary R., John, and Samuel V. Mr. and Mrs. Plice are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served as constable of Jackson township.

Andrew Mogle, son of Valentine Mogle, was bom in Center county, Pennsylvania. June 13, 1S25. He moved to Ohio with his father m the year, 103 s', and located in Montgomery township. Ashland county. He was married March 27, 1(851, to Miss Nancy McFndden, daughter of John and Catharine McEaciden, who was born April 22, 1S20. Mr. Mogle is a member of the Albright church, and one of its most libera! sup porters.

Jonas Wit/tnot r, son of Jacob Wilirout, was burn in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1825. Pie -came to Ohio with his father in the year. 1836, to Jackson township, Ashland county. Ik- was married to Miss Eliza Priest in February, iSart. The fruit oi this marriage was eight children, Ed ward, ! me, Keanus, Fsteib, Lincoln, Myron, Libby, and Elmore, all of whom are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wiltrout are members of the Methodist Episcopal church

David He ike nek, the only living representative of his father's family, came to Orange township in company with his parents, in the year 1 N i 7. He now owns ami occupies the old Heiffner homestead. His father and mother are both deceased, and lie sleeping side by sid e in the family cemetery. In the year 1S2S he was married to Mbs Margaret Hartman, and to them were born fourteen children, five sons and nine daughters Mrs 11 Miner died in- the year 1852. Mr. Heiffnct was main married in 185(1, to Mrs. Sophia Marks. The fi n. .( this second marriage was one son, Kirhaic! Mis. Hein- ner was the widow of George Marks, by whom she had five children, lie and his wife are earnest followers of the Christian religion, and have always been staunch supporters of the cause of Christ.

PllH.'r E t UKk was born in the year 1791 in the State of Pennsylvania, Bedford county. He married in or about the year i8;o, to Miss Mary Summers. To them were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters 1 - Henry, born 1811; Lewis, born 1813; Samuel, born

1814; Philip, born t8r6; Catharine, born 1S19: Jacob, born 1S20; David, born 1822; Eliza, born 1825; Lucinda, born 1826; Margaret, bom 1829; John, born 1831. Lie came to what is now Orange township, and made permanent settlement immediately in the woods with no traces whatever of civilization. Here he began life in earnest. lit immediately set about the erection 1 of a rude ioe cabin, in which to shelter his little family. This done, he at once proceeded to clear up and improve his pioneer home, and by his strong will and earnest determination to conquer, the forest was soon made to give way, and waving fields of grain soon told that his intentions had been fully executed. Here he reared and educated his family, and each year, as he was prospered, he kept constantly adding more acres to his first purchase, until he had accumulated eight hundred ; broad acres of valuable lands, and as each son left the ; parental roof, the father presented him with a farm of i the year 1876, surviving his wife but six weeks. This worthy aged couple now lie sleeping side by side in the old St. Luke cemetery, and are deserving of a kind remembrance.

J gun Flokk was born in Orange township in 1831, on the faim now owned and occupied by him, being the old Fluke homestead. He resided with his parents until the time of their death, caring for them in their declining years. November 24, 1864, he married Elizabeth McDowell. The fruit of this union was three children, one son and two daughters, viz.: James M., Mary S., and Esther C. - all living but Mary, who was a bright little daughter of five summers, and the loss to the fond patents was irreparable. The wife and mother died February 15, 1879, leaving a broken family of two affectionate children and a kind and devoted husband, who had ever been ready to share alike with her all the cares and disappointments that arc so common in life's pilgrimage. Mr. Fluke was married again. February 5, 1880, to Freelia A. Thomas, daughter of one of Ashland county's early pioneers. He is one of the most substantial and enterprising farmers of Orange township, his h.onu denoting more than ordinary thrift jiv dint of hard labor, careful judgment and wise economy, he is now the possessor of one of the most pleasant homes in Orange township. Loth Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are earnest followers of the Christian religion, and have always been staunch support. us of the cause of Christ. The;, are surrounded hv almost every comfoit that a gracious Heaven could confer, and, u.s then pass along life's journey, they can look back without regret upon a well spent life.

Philii' Stunt/ was born in the State of Pennsyiva I nia, where he was married to Mary Hoover. To them were born seven children, three sons and tour daughters: Mary and Susan (twins), John, Michael, Catharine, Simon, and Sarah, who died in early childhood, lie came to Ohio about the year 1831, and first made a settlement in Wayne county, four miles north of Wooster. There he purchased a tract of land and resided seven | or eight* years. Then he came to Clearcrcck township,

John Stunt/, the oldest son of Philip Stentz, was j born in Pennsylvania, December to. 1823. He resided ; with his parents until the year (.843, when Ire was mar- 1 ried to Delilah Fast The treat of this union was seven i children, five sons and three daughters. Their names ! are as follows: Madison, Irvin, Philip M., Wilson If,

! Perry C., Isabel and Augusta E. Madison and Isabel j are deceased. The wife and mother departed this life j March 17, 1 864, leaving a broken family of six' affect ion- 1 ate childieu and a kind and devoted husband. Mr ! Stentz. was again married February 22, 1866, to Margaret | Culberson, daughter of one of Ashland county's early pioneers. To them was born one child, who died in infancy, unman tI. Mr. Stentz is one of the most sub stantial and enterprising farmers of Orange township, his home and surroundings denoting mote than ordinary | thrift. Both himself and wife are members of the Re ! formed church, and have always been among its most

John Bishop was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 22, 1793. At the age of thirteen years lie went with his father to Green county, Pennsylvania, i His father being very poor, John was obliged to earn I for himself a livelihood, anu he at once engaged with a j man by the name of Estell foi the small pittance of ten i shillings per month, and remained faithful to his first | employer until in his twenty-first year. In the year | r S 1 4 he came to Picking county, Ohio, remaining one i year, when he returned to his father's home, and upon ; his suggestion the family al o came to Ohio, in the ! spring of 1815, and settled in lacking county, John I coming through to Orange township, Ashland county, i then Richland. He was married in the year 1819,

| March 9th, to Miss Catharine Hei finer. To them were I born eleven children, six sons and five daughters: Ja- 1 cob, Cornelius, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Hannah, John, Mahala, Isaac N., Joseph, Sarah J. and Henry. The | first purchase made by Mr. Bishop was a tract of land : containing eighty acres, almost completely covered with ; timber, with no improvements whatever save a rude log j cabin to give evidence of bis having a predecessor. His 1 motto was "excelsior." and his earnest determination was to conquer. Possessed of a great amouru of ; energy and in the full vigor of manhood, many wee the ! mightv oaks that yielded to this worthy pioneer 1 in | dense forest was rapidly cleared away, and waving tteFb of grain soon told that his intentions had been fully exc- cuttcl. After Improving his home he sold and purchased different other tracts, owning at one time two hundred and eighty acres of valuable lands. Ho died in the year r A 7 S , March 12th, at his home in Orange township, surviving his wife about two years. This ; aged couple were esteemed and respected wherever known, and to them Ashland county owe a deep debt of gratitude.

Josj-th Bishop, the fifth son of John Bishop, was i born in Orange township tn the year 183b, May 3d. He j lived with his parents until the time of his marriage, in ! i860, to Miss Eleanor Smith. The fruit of this union I was one son, Charles G. Mr. Bishop is one of the most j substantial and energetic farmers of Orange township, j By dint of hard labor, careful judgment, and wise econ- j omy, lie is now the owner cf guile a pleasant home. ! Both himself arid bis wife are active members of the 1 German Reformed church, and have been among its most J staunch supporters. His son, diaries, is a member of j the Methodist church.

. cominissioner of his county in the fall of 1875, and re-elected j in 1878, tints bespeaking for him the full confidence of j his people. Himself and wife arc earnest members of j the M« thodist Episcopal church.

Henry Ft c Kit was born m the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1811, and came to Ohio with his parents when 'but a smalt boy, and resided with them until his marriage in 1836, to Margaret Switzer. The fruit of this union was four children, two sons and two da'ugh- i tors. Their names are as follows: Mary Ann, Wilson, 1

Amanda and Finos, all of whom have left the parental 1 roof, except the elclu son, Wilson. Mr. Fluke died in 1 'December, 1S75. Esteemed and respected wherever known, his loss to family and friends was one irrepara- 1 bic. Mrs. Fluke has been an active and earnest member 1 of the Methodist Episcopal church for almost forty fruit of this union was five children- two sons and three daughters, as follows: Lucinda, Celia Ann, Laura lane, Perry M., and one son who died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. Fluke cited in the fall of 1 866. Mrs. Fluke resides at her home in Orange township, with her children, Laura and Berry, who superintends the farm and cares for his widowed mother, in her declining years. Both Mr. Fluke and his wife were members of the Reformed church.

Thomas S. Cuuifksov, the eldest son oi Robert and Elizabeth Culberson, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1824 He remained with his parents until the time of his marriage, in the year 1851, to Jane Jackson. They raised a family of eleven children - eight sons and three daughters, as follows: Elizabeth M., Joseph }., John

\V., Robert S., George S , Oscar P., James E., Thomas C, Anna M., Mary M., and Frank B., four of whom arc deceased - Elizabeth, Robert, James and Anna. Mr. Culberson resides on the old homestead. He and his wife aie earnest members of the Presbyterian church.

John Richards, second son of Leonard and Elizabeth Richards, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in the year 1 806. In the fall of >813 he came with ids father's family to Wayne county, and there resided until the time of his marriage, iirthe summer of 1828, to Miss Sarah Riddle. They had a family of eleven children, six sons and. five daughters, as follows: Elizabeth, Samuel, Harriet. William, Allen. James, John, Margaret, Mary, Janty and Bownan, three of whom are deceased - Harriet, who died at the age of forty-two; and James and William, who enlisted in the war of 18G1. James died of disease contracted while in the service, at his fathers home' in Orange township. William died in hospital at ?%2 urfreesborougb, and lies sleeping in the sunny south, in an unknown but not an unforgotten grave. They were both brave soldiers and dutiful children. Mrs. Richards died in 1 867; and he was again married in 1869, to Miss Bar bara Summers, who died in the spring of 1,879. .Mr. Richards, is a consistent member of the Methodist. Episcopal church, and has always contributed 'liberally to i is support.

G. W. Mii.uk, fourth son of Thomas and Rachel Miliar, was born in Omn< c township. Richland county (now Ashland), in' the year 1838. lie made his home with his mother until the time of his marriage, in the year 1863, to Caroline l'ortcr. To them were born dece children, two sons and one daughter, as follows: Ermine, Denton, and John, all of whom are living.

John Ritchey was born in the State of Virginia, in 180;, and in tSo.j came with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Columbiana county. In 1824 he was married to Lucinda Wolf, by whom he had eight children, llu sons and three daughters: Samuel, Jesse, Simon, f.icoli. Sarah Ann, Phebe, and Catharine, and one son who died in infancy, unnamed. In (833 Mr. Ritchey canm to Orange township, and in r 83 <; ids "ife died. In 1839 he was married again, to Fannie Millinger and had ten children, four sons .and six daughters, ;v f.a! >\> -> W illiam, foseph, lames. Georg ', Mary, Elizabeth, Fannie. Rebecca, Lucinda, and one who died in infancy,

Alfred McFadden, second child of Daniel and Margaret McFadden, was born in Green township, Wayne county, September 25, 1S33. and moved to Orange township, Ashland county, with his father, when quite small. He has been a resident of the county since that time. He was married August 13, 1S57 to Elizabeth Richard, daughter of D. and Nancy Richard, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, September ^23, 1S34. To them have been born five children, as foli lows: Dianna, Fierce, Oliver, Leandcr, and Essa, all living. Four of the children are still at home. Although Mr. and Mrs. McFadden are members of no church, drey are both strong advocates of law and order.

James H likener, third child and second son of Henry and R'uabeth Heifiner, was born in Orange township, Ashland, then Richland county, July 15, 1824, and lias been, a resident of the township ever since. He was married to Elizabeth Shaw,, daughter of William and Elizabeth Shaw, April 27, 1S47. To them have been born three children: Ira, and two who died in infancy. Ira is Aiii living and a resident of Troy township. Although Mr. ReiiTner is a member of no church, he is a strong advocate of law and order. When Mr. Hc'ffuer started out in the world his father gave him but a small start, but by hard work, wise economy, and careful management, he is now the owner of two fine farms.

, Joins Crey eli no, fifth child of John and Charity Cteveiing, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. October 22, 1810, emigrated to Ashland county, Ohio, October 5, T837, and has been a resident of the county ever since. On March 23, 1837, he was married to Sophia, daughter of William and Sophia Roseberry, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1S17. To them have been born five children, as follows: William N., Isaiah F., John W., Philip, and

Moorress. Of these but two are living, Isaiah F. and William N., the latter being still at home. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Creveling are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are among its most libera! f upporfers.

David R. Hall, fourth child ot George and Margaret Hall, was born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, August, 30. 1832, and lias since resided here, fie is a single man, and iivmg with his aged mother, and one sister.

Isaac Mason was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, December 7, 1813, moved to Orange township, Ashland county, in October 1S33, arid settled on the farm where he now lives. On March 10,1 H R), he was married to Eunice, daughter of Henry and Eunice Miller, who was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, June it, 1S14, and came to Ohio, with her parents, about the year 1830. To them have been born ten children, viz.: Levi ['..

Gallic, and two who died in infancy Emily also died at the age oi two years, i foil 1 Mr. and Mrs. Mason are earnest workers in the Methodist Episcopal church.

David Smith, jr., was born in Perry township, Wayne I county (now Ashland), Ohio, December 4, 1824. and moved to Orange township about the year 1839, where ; he has since resided. He was married to Rossetta, i daughter of John and Anna Rails, who was born in Wayne count), Aprii n, 1834, They have had a family of eight children, as follows: Iva A., John B., James

N., Maggie E., Emmit FI., Stewart S., Etta M , and : Emma C., all living but James N. and Stewart S. Four ' of the children are still at home. Mr. Smith and wife I are earnest members of the Presbyterian church.

Henry Wertz was born in Somerset county, Penn } sylvanin, April 17, 1817, and came to Ohio with his i father and mother. Henry and Magdalene Wertz, _who | settled in Holmes county when Henry was quite small.

In the spring of 1858, he moved to Ashland county, j and has been a resident of the county ever since. On | October 3, 1843, he was married to Sophia Rudy, danghj ter of Abraham and Elizabeth Rudy, who vans born in ' Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1819- Mr?.

! Wertz is a member of the Brethren church. Mr. Wertz I is a member ol no church, but respects the religions | convictions of others. He has served in the office of ! trustee of Orange township three terms, the last coming j in the year 1.874.

He came to Ohio with his parents when two years of age. j They settled in Columbiana county, and after some ; years removed to Ashland. He was married to Miss Mariah Bowiby, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth ! Bowiby, December 2, 1846. To them have been born ! eleven children as follows: Irene, Louisa, Fra C., John i A., Susan, Hattie, Mary, Elizabeth. Lydia, James, and j Minerva. All are living but Louisa, who died June 10, i 1879; aged twenty-eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Richards are members of the Methodist Episcopal

| George W. Barnhii.l, second child of Robert and ! Eliza Barnhill, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, July 30, 1843. The family came to Ashland county in the | year 1853, and he has since been a resident of the ; county. 11 is wife wa- Miss Alice Fluke, daughter of Samuel and Catharine Fluke, to whom lie was mairied January 27, 1869. They have had four children, as fob ; lows: Leffie E., Thomas Y., Gertrude, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mis. Barnhill are both earnest member? of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are ; among its most liberal supporters. Mr. Barnhill is a class leader, and fills the office of trustee, also, in his church.

Charles E. Barnhill, third child of Robert and Eliza Barnhill, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, October ic, 1850, and moved to Ashland county m 1833, where lie has resided ever since October efi, 187c, in was married to Helen M. Wallace, daughter of William and Christiana Wallace. They have one child, Mars I . l iiey are both members of the Methodist !- pRi . pa! church.

Elizabeth Barnhill, was born in Jefferson connty, Ohio, j March 3, 18x3. The family moved from Jefferson to ! Carroll county, and remained nine years; then moved ; to Ashland in the spring of 1853, since which time he J has. been a resident of the county. March 4, rS-jr, he j was married to Eliza Jackman, daughter of George and Margaret Jackman, who was born in Jefferson county, j August 6, 1819. They have three children: Mary E., j George W., and Charles C. They now live with their ! son, George. Both are members of the United Breth- j r'en church.

J kkiah Johnson, oldest child of John and Mary j Johnson, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 5, I 1827. In the spring of 1857, he came to Ashland i of his death, which occurred February 23, 1S72. May 20, 1852, he was married to Lydia Hoover, daughter of j Philip and Catharine Hoover, who was born in Stark j

II., Clement H., Mary A., jerusha A., Emma C. and ! one who died in infancy. All the others are living ex- j tept Sylvester. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Pres- j bylerian church; and, with the assistance of her three j sons, does the farming on the old place.

Michael Vesper, youngest child of Christian and Magdalene Vesper, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July I 4, 1819. In the year 1833 he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and remained there until May, 1835, when he | came to Ashland county, where he has since resided, j January 16, 1848, he was married to Mary Sattlcr, j daughter of Lewis Saltier. To them have been born ; twelve children, as follows. Catharine, Margaret, Eliza- t beth, Franz, Michael, Magdalene, Christian, Susan, .Minnie, George P., David, and Theodore A., all living. Mr. Vesper and wife are both earnest members of the Ger- j man Reformed church. In 1S79 he was elected trustee I of Orange township, but, on account of sickness, he had ' to resign.

J on as Fast, son of William and Anna C. E. Fast, was bom in Ashland county (then Richland), April 10, I 1836, and has always lived in this county. October 6, 1864, he was married to Mary A., daughter of Elias and Sarah Marshall, who was born in Ashland, July 8, 1845. j Their children are: Clement L. V., Ciadean, Ida B., j

Daniel Richard, son of Frederick and Madeline Richard, was bom in Alleghany county, Maryland, April ! 4, 1818, and came to Ashland county in the year 1851. 1 May 31, 1830, He was married to Miss Marry Markel, daughter of Jacob Mnrkel. To them have been born ten children, as follows: Jacob, Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Israel, Daniel D., Nancy, Solomon, Mary A., and Samuel; of whom seven are living and three are dead. ] Mrs. Richard died March 25, 1S72. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. Since the death of his wife he has been living with his daughter and son, Samuel. 1 1 is son Daniei, was born in Holmes county,

23, 1862, he was married to Jane A., daughter of Will iam and Mary Murray. They have three children - Clement L., Israel H. and Leana I. Mr. and Mrs. Richard are members of the Christian Union church.

William Peters, only child of Daniel and Mary Peters, was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1823. In April, 1837, he came to Richland (now Ashland) county. He was twice married, his first wife being Rebecca, daughter of Edward Murray, to whom he was married November 2, 1845. To. them were born eleven children- -John, Edward, Levi, William, George, Mary J., Catharine, Louisa, Mettle, and two who died in infancy. Of these but two are living, William and Catharine. Ilis second wife was Mary Murray, sister of his first wife, to whom he was married February

Harvey Roberts, fourth son of Aaron and Matilda Roberts, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, December 25, 1826. When he was eighteen months olu, his parents emigrated to Ohio and located in Orange township, near the village of Orange, in Ashland county. The land had some improvements, such as our pioneer fathers were accustomed to make, and ali they expected in those early days. The family consisted of five children, four sons and one daughter, when they came to Ohio, as follows: John, Ezekiel, Lewis, Sarah Ann, and Harvey. Two daughters were born in Ashland county, Hannah and Amanda. The pioneer father, Aaron Roberts, died March 17, 1834, aged forty-three years free months and six days. Mrs. Roberts died October 24, 1873. p-'- !-ie a&e °f seventy-nine years nine months and seven days. Two sons of this family are dead, John and Lewis. Ezekiel left home in 1840, bound for New Orleans. The family received one 01 two letters from him, since which time no word has come, and the supposition is that he died in a southern clime ot yellow fever or some of the contagious diseases that are so common in the south. Amanda is the widow of Jacob Young, and lives in Colorado. Her sister, Sarah Ann, is unmarried, and makes her home with her widowed sister. Hannah is the wife of Ephraim East, and lives in Huron county, Ohio. Harvey, the subject of the following sketch, now owns and lives at the old homestead. February 8, 1855. he was married to Mary Fisher, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They have had seven children, two of whom died in infancy, George Winfield, and Clark. Those living are John Lambert, James Adison, I toward Milton, Horace Allen, and l.cora Loveda. John is married and lives in Clcarcreek township, Ashland county. James Adison is a carpenter, and works at his trade in Richland county, but makes his father s house his home. The other three childien are at home, assisting the father on the farm, and the mothei in her household duties. Mr. Roberts own., i" addition to his farm, two and a half acres improved land in the town of A-T.land, which will in all probabiiit) fiv his home in his old age, should a kind Piovidence per rn it him to remain here. In politics he is a Republican, and is a man highly esteemed by his neighbors in the community in which he has lived so many years.

William Patterson was one of Ashland county's pioneers. He was born in Ireland, but at the age of four or five years his parents emigrated to America, locating in Brooke county, Virginia. At the age of about twenty -six, in the year 1815, he came to Clearcreek, Ashland county, Ohio, and entered a. tract of land \ which was not to his liking, and in 1S1S he entered another tract consisting of cue hundred and sixty acres of land in the same township, which he improved, and continued to live upon the remainder of his life. In 1S19 he was married to Jane Freeborn, daughter of William Freeborn, who was among the first settlers in Ashland county. The Patterson family consisted of eleven children, six of whom are still living. Freeborn and John are married and live in Steuben county, Indiana. Mary jane, Sarah, Clark and Alexander, occupy the old homestead in Orange township. Ashland county. They have added seventy-six acres to the original farm, making one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Patterson died May 13, 1867. Mrs. Patterson died March 19, 1857. To record the lives of these pioneers on the sacred pages of history is a pleasant task, as they well deserve the gratitude of corning generations for the sacrifices and hardships they were compelled to endure in reducing the wilderness to die beautifully improved condition we now find it. Mr. Patterson was a Democrat in politics, and his four sons adhere 10 the same views.

Thomas Brown was born in Ire' .rad, and came to America when a young man in company with his mother, one brothei and three sisters. After remaining a short time ir. Philadelphia they came to Ohio, and, soon after arriving Mr Brown purchased a tract of land in Orange township, Ashland (then Richland) county. In 1841 lie married Jane, daughter of Charles and Catharine Stewart, of Richland county. At the time he bought the farm in Orange township there was a log cabin on it, and part of the land was cleared, so that by building a log barn they were pretty well prepared to farm. The dav after they were married they took quarters in their new home, where they lived ever after, and where we now find Mrs. Brown living pleasantly with her three sons and one daughter. Mr Brown died February 6, 1S5 8, leaving Mrs. Brown with five small children, the oldest, a son, being about fifteen years old. Prior to the death of Mr. Brown they had lost, by death, three children. Since his death, the mother, with the assistance of her children, has raided eighty acres to the original farm, and they now own two hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent land, with good improvements, in one of the most fertile sections of Ashland county. Mrs. Brown is a kind neighbor, and well deserves the respect and adinnation ol those who know her. fur the manner in which she has managed the Family affairs, she is a woman of good judgment, and though, she has seen the hardships that early settlers could not shun, she is as ac-

1 tive and blight as many who have not seen such trials. In politics Mr. Brown was a Democrat, and the sons adhere to the same party principles. Mrs. Brown and her j four children are members of the Presbyterian church at Savannah.

j William Shidler, oniy son of Jacob Shidlcr, was | born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, Sep- | tember 2, 1847. His father came to Ashland county | from Holmes county with his parents when he was a | young man; Ashland county was ever after his home.

1 The farm on which William now lives, and which, he [ owns, is the farm his father purchased when he v-as j married, and where he raised his family, consisting of i William, the subject of this sketch, and his sister, now j the wife of Hugh Murry. M r. Shidler died Octobei 5,

] 1 866, and Mrs. Shidler died February 5. 1877. Noveml ber 5, 1872, William Shidler married Elizabeth Myers, j daughter of John and Barbara Myers, of Clearcreek ! township. 'The fruit of this union was three children,

| Maud, Lloyd and Charley jay. Maud, the oldest, died j at the age of fifteen months. Mr. Shidler is a Democrat ! in politics, is an industrious farmer, and is a com pun ion - I able man, much respected by his neighbors. He has ! been for six years assessor in Orange township. His 1 farm is considered one of the best grain farms in the | township.

: his father, is still living in Troy township, at the advanced | age of eighty years ; his mother died four years ago. j 'Squire David Biddingcr made his home with his parents I until, he was married, January 16, 1848, to Fannie Peck,

| They setted in Troy township, on a tract of land owned | by Mr. Biddingcr prior to his marriage. Here they rei sided eight or nine years, when they moved to Orange | township, on Mr. Peck's farm, and remained about ten j years, when they bought the farm on which they have | now resided some fourteen vents. . They have tour chil- | dren, all of whom were born in Troy township: Lydia

| A., Sarah Adaline, Mary jane, and John Willard. India is the wife of Gilbert M. Clark, and lives in Huntington 1 township, Lorain county, Ohio. Sarah married Edmond j U. Bollinger, and lives in Richmond township, Huron j county, Ohio. Mary jane is the wife of Jacob F. Singj er, and lives on a farm adjoining A f r. Biddinger's. John - \V. married Lizzie Tedrow, of Harrison county, Ohio, and lives in the same house with his father, working the ; farm in common with him. 'Squire Biddingcr is an in ' dustrious farmer, and highly esteemed Iry all. He is now serving his fourth term as justice of the peace; lie i has also been trustee a number of years, as well as school director and road supemsor, which shows his ability and enterpiise in local affairs. In politics he is a Democrat. Both himself and wife are members of the church of the United Brethren in Christ, at South T:<p j union chapel, but a short distance from where ;lv .

1825. May 3, 1848, lie left his native country in the ship Birmingham, and afier a. tedious voyage of sixty- -five days they were overjoyed to behold New York city, in our free America. Tongue cannot describe the fears and anxieties of passengers in those early days, when the trip across the ocean required so many days and even weeks and months. He came at once to Pennsylvania, and lived for five years in Beaver, Washington and Allegheny counties, and then came to Ohio and engaged as miller for John Ralston, in Orange township, Ashland county, where he remained about one year. April 6, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Heiffher, daughter of Valentine Heiffher, of Orange township, who was an early settler in Ashland county, To them were born six children: Henry, Stephen, Mary, John W., and James A. The third child, a son, died in infancy; Mary died at the age of four months and nineteen days. The four sons are living with their parents, assisting in making home pleasant. Mr. Geier for many years gave 'ms attention to the milling business, a trade he learned in Germany. During the past nine years he has devoted his time to his farm. He is a man who takes a live interest in county and township affairs, having served as supervisor and. school director a number of years. lie loves his chosen trade, that of milling, but his health will not permit of his following it. He is a very competent man in a mill, and holds a certificate from Germany. In politics he is a Democrat. Both himself and his wife are members of the Christian Union church located in Orange township, near where they now live.

Hugh Murray, third son of William and Mary Murray was born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, September 29, 1834. William Murray came to Ashland county when he was a small boy, about the year 1812. Mrs. William Murray, who came about the same time, at the age of twelve years, is still living with her son Hugh, at the advanced age of eighty years. The Murray family are well known in all parts of the county as one of the first families to settle here after the war of 1812 closed. These heroes of Ashland county deserve to be remembered by coming generations, as it was to their hardship's and privations that the present and coming generations owe a debt of gratitude. William Murray was married November 1, 1825.10 Mary Chilcote. daughter of Mordeeai and Ruth Chilcote, another family that came to Ashland county as before mentioned. After their marriage they lived in different portions of Orange township, and in 1834 they moved to the farm on which mother and son now live, in section five, near range sixteen, the northwest corner of the township'. Mrs. Murray says she well remembers the log cabin days when- quilts were often used as doors. When they came to this farm it was a wilderness, and it required plenty of nerve and will to cope successfully with the hardships necessary to provide bread and clear die land. For \sldand county these hardships are the things of the p.'.st, and to record the names of these good pioneers on the sacred pages of history is a pleasant duty. I hey had a family of eleven children, but live of whom are living. George fell at Stone River,

S near M u rfreesborough, Tennessee, while defending the American flag. He was a private in company H, Thiri tieth Indiana volunteer infantry. James was one of ! Michigan's calvary boys. Hugh was a tnetnoer of the i One Hundred and Second Ohio volunteer infantry, | company K. He returned after a service of three years i to the old home in Ashland county. On September 25, i 1870, he was married to jane Shidler. They have two | boys - Guy B. and Harold Fay. He owns the old ' homestead, Consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, | and has added eighty acres, making one of the most de- I sirable farms in the township. The scenes of his child- | hood, no doubt, still linger in his mind, the more so as | he has the pleasure of associating with his good mother,

1 a pleasure that few men of his age are allowed. In ! politics Mr. Murray is a Democrat, and is a man of many friends, and as a neighbor is highly esteemed.

Samuel Leidigh was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania,'February 17, iSox. In 1836 he came to Ohio and purchased eighty acres of land neai Little Pittsburgh, Wayne county. Here he resided about one year,

Wooster, on the Canton road, where he rented the Henry flouring mill, and operated it for a period of three years, when he bought the Stover mill and fifty acres of land, two miles west of the village of Orange, in Orange township, Ashland county (then Richland), where he has remained ever since, and is well known in the county. They have bad a family of seven children- -five sons j prisoner, after a service of nearly three years as a private I soldier in the One Hundred and Second regiment, Ohio J volunteer infantry. This was indeed a sad bereavement j to the family, and such an one as many of Ashland i county's good families were called upon, in those days of I bloodshed, to realize. Elizabeth, a daughter, aged thir- | ty-six yeais, died in May, 1S60. Isaac and Samuel are j married, and Mary Ann is the wife of Jacob Kissel!, a | farmer of Orange township. Isaac farms his fa? bet's i land, and Levi, Israel and Samuel manage the mill.

! Mrs. Leidigh died April 16, 1879. The mill, under the j management of the three sons, is in a very prosperous condition, running to its full capacity. They ship by ! rail from Nankin, a station about three miles east of the mill. In 1S68 Mr Leidigh built a new mill, as the old j one had not sufficient capacity, He has also added to his land, until he now owns three hundred ana ten acres

A. C. Fast came to Ohio from Pennsylvania when a small boy with his parents, who located in Orange township, Ashland county, on a tract of land, wlieie the ! widow of the subject of this sketch now lives in as 1 pleasant a home as is to he found in the county. Mi.

from the other heirs, subject to ins mother's dowry. J she died about two years later. January 23, 1840,11c married Catharine Fluke, daughter cf Philip and Mary

Fluke, who were among the early settlers of Ashland county, a sketch of whose lives will be found elsewhere in this work. Immediately alter their marriage they moved to the place that proved to be their home ever after. Mr. Fast died November 26, ,'862. They had eight children, three du d in infancy, and five are still living, ail grown, and doing for themselves. Their names are as follows: Wilson, Judson, Jennie, Byron, and Mary K. Wilson is married, and is a successful law practitioner in Sedalia, Missouri. Judson is unmarried, and lives in Keiton, Utah, where he is a successful railroad man. Jennie is the wife of Mr. James Jacoby, and lives on a farm in Dakota. He is quite a stockman. Bvron is unmarried, and lives with his mother at the old homestead. He is one of the most successful farmers in Orange township, and is a young man highly respected as an intelligent, go ahead man, such as any coin unity might, well be proud of. Mary B. is the wife of William Alger, and lives in Villisca, Iowa, where he is engaged in the banking business. To place the record of such a family on the sacred pages of. history is a pleasant duty. Wilson Fast was a soldier for a period of j nearly three years, in the One Hundred and Second Ohio 1 volunteerinfantry. lie was on board the fated boat "Suita- | na"on his way home, and was one of those who successfully j battled with, the waves and miraculously made his way j to land after a severe struggle, and reached home, and { her of his comrades on board the boat from which he .made his escape touched his sympathetic nature, and destroyed considerably his anticipated pleasure cn reaching th* home of las childhood.

Henry K lever, one of the early settlers of Milton township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland in the year 1803. He was the oldest child of Andrew and Margaret K cover. Both of his parents died when he was but a lad. He then went to live with his grandfather, and moved with him to Ohio, in the year 1811, and first settled in Harrison county; here the grandfather died, and Henry, who was then a young man of sixteen, lcmoved with his grandmother and sister to Milton township, Richland county, now Ashland county. Ilis first purchase was a tract of land in Milton township, where lie still resides His settlement in Ashland county dates back to about the year 1819. In 1832 or 1833 he was married to Caroline Baum. They have had ten children Eliza, Mary, Philip, Sarah, Henry I'., Aaron, Susan A., Caroline, Franklin and John, all of whom reside within the State. He and his wife have lived together for nearly a hall center, , upon flic same place where they (list set up housekeeping, and j both are well preserved, and in the full possession of ! their faculties. A grubbing hoe, a horse, and one dollar and fifty cents comprised his capital, when he first started in life. He is now one of the substantial farmers of Milton township. His life has been a frugal and industrious cm*, and he enjoys the esteem of his fellowcitizens.

Robert Nelson, who was born in the year 1769, came from Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1816, and settled in Milton township), Ashland county, then Richland county. In the year rSoi he was married in New Jersey, and brought with him to Ohio his wife and nine litde children. He experienced all the trials and hardships common to the life of an early pioneer, and died, after a useful and well spent life, at the age of seventy-five years, in the year 1844. His wife survived him until the year 1862, when she died at the | ripe old age of eighty. At the time of hci death tlic-ie were eleven-children living, four sons and seven daughters. The only ones now residing in Ashland county are Scott, Sophia and Nancy. After the death of his father, Scott purchased from the heirs the old homestead and there resides to this day (1800). In the year 1854 he was married to Rosanna Wells, by whom he had two children - James B. and Miranda. The latter mairied Alonzo Poff. James lives with his aged father at the old borne. Mr. Nelson has been a prominent and worthy citizen, and is one of the leading men of Milton townsh 1 p.

Christian Roland, born in Pennsylvania in the year 1823, came to Ohio with his parents about the year 1833, and settled in Milton township. In die year 1844 he was married to Mary Brubaker, whose parents | were early settlers in Ashland county. 1 heir children j are: Moses, Henry, Maria, Sarah, and Ann; all of

| whom are living. After an active and useful life, he died I May 23, 1876. He was a preacher of some consid- | erable note, and followed his calling up to the time of | his decease. His widow still survives and lives mioti j the old homestead, surrounded by her children. He j was a man esteemed for his worth and integrity, and an ! earnest man in the church.

Eance F lrrel.e is a native of Milton township, and j was born August- 1 y, 1829. August -20, 1849, he wax i married to Susan Nelson, daughter of a pioneer family j of Ashland county. To them were born eight children, j seven daughters and one son: Sanali E., who was born

| September 14, 1830, and died in early womanhood, four j years after her marriage to Amos Jameson ; Laura A., j born Seplembu 7, 1833; Ella E., born January 14.

Henry V antii.isueo was a native of New | ercev, where he was born December .8, 1779. September 6, iSie, he was married to Jane Shaw, in Jefferson county,

Ohio, where he lived till the year i8iy, when he moved with his family to Ashland county, Montgomery township, where he resided until his death, in 1863, at the advanced age ot" eighty-four. He was the lather oi ten children: Julia Ann, Jane, Nathan, Maty, Henry, Matilda, Elizabeth, Sarah, Sioiactte, and Franklin A. H:s wife survived him tints I the year 1874. Prior to her death, three of her married daughters died - Mary Holbrook, Sarah Shannon, and Shiiactte Goudy. 1'hc representatives of the family living in the county are JuUa Riley and Fiankiin A. The latter owns and occupies the old homestead. He was bom in 1 Sr 9, and in 1855 married Mary Shipley, by whom he has had four children, one son and three daughters: Ida, who married Franklin

Mastcis; Jennie, Delbert and Luzettie. Soon after Mr. Vantilburg's settlement in Ashland county, he commenced the erection of a barn, in which to slote his grain, and encountered many difficulties. It is related that he would load two of his horses with wheat, and carry it a distance of seven miles to Jeromcvilie; where he would exchange his grain for wrought nails, giving one bushel of grain for two pounds of nails. He was conscientious and law-abiding citizen, avoiding strife and contention. The only lawyers fee he was ever called upon to pay was five dollars for the preparation of his will. His was an honorable name to be placed on the list of Ashland county pioneers.

Adam Fjkc was a. native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came into Milton township in 1835, with hits wife and three little children. At the age of thirty, he was married to Elizabeth Lutz. The names of their children were: Susan, Emanuel, C. L., and Adam, the

C. L. F'ikk was born in Pennsylvania, October 2,1823, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1835. Twice he has been married ; the first time to Mary Ann Buckley, who died in June, 1.869, leaving a family of three children. Mr. Fike re-married August 24, 1872, to Amanda McQuait, by whom he has had two sons, Joseph Leantier and Henry. He has led an industrious and honorable life, and is looked upon by a!' who know him as one of the most iniluentiab Tanners of Milton township,

William. G. Imhoi-'F, is trie youngest c the seven children of William II. and Susan Imhoff, and was the only son of the family born in Ohio. His father moved into this State about the year 1834, and settled upon the farm in Milton township, where his son now resides There were seven children, and only one, William G. now resides in the county. One son, Alexander, is a Lutheran minister of some reputation, and resides in Urliaua. The father died in 1872, and the mother in 1876. William G. was bom April 16, 1840, on the place where in still resides. October 17, 1861, 'he was married to Martha Brown, of Richland county, bv whom he has had six children: Albert R.. William W., Susan I) a haggle K , Mattie A , and Llvoro. Mr. imuoif Sixes upon a farm ot two hundred and fort) acres, which denotes mole than ordinary thrift and enterprise on the pai t of its owner, the buildings ranking with some of the best to be found in the township He is an enteprising

Joseph Pollock, a native of Virginia, born in 1801 came to Ohio with his father in 1816, and settled in Milton township, 1'hey were obliged to camp out in | the wilderness until they could erect a cabin. During the time it required to construct a house, Mr. l'oliock learned the art of cooking jonacakes, which were regarded as quite a luxury in early pioneer times. When I summer was ended he had his cabin completed, and he then returned to Virginia for his wife, and the following ; spring they made the trip to their new home in wagons.

: The old original log cabin is still standing on the farm : now owned by his son Robert. The children of Joseph I and Nancy (McKenzie) Pollock were: David, lames,

Samuel Urie was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and moved into Ashland (them Riclii land) county, in 1814. In the fall of 1S15 he was mat-

; Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Rachel, and Nancy. Elizabeth, John, and Andrew are dead. At the age of fiiiv-six. in j the year 1848, Mr. Urie died. His wife still survives j him. Samuel Urie was born in 1826, and was married in 1849 1° Henrietta Nelson, by whom he lias had fore l children: Elizabeth, Arabella, Loren, Ellsworth, and

James Hazlett, first son of John Hazlett, was born September 27, 1830, in Milton township, on the place where he now resides, and which is the old homestead i of Ids parents. His father settled in the woods, occupying an old log cabin, but by hard toil, industry, and the j aid of his eldest son, he cleared away the forest and i Riddle, by whom he had seven children: Elmira. Wiiiiarn Loren, Rosetta, John, Lucy, Mary, Ophenia, and Frank. William Loren died in infancy. May 3, 1806, Mrs. Hazlett died, and for his second wife he married - Sarah J. Horn, by whom he has had one son, Christopher. He and wife are consistent members of the Disciple church, and liberal supporters of that branch of | the Christian religion.

Gi-.okge W. Hazlett was the second son of John Hazlett, and was horn May 21, 1842. }R lived with his father, and aided in clearing up the farm, until 1S62. when his father died. Seven years later, in 1809, h>. was married to Libbie Thomas, who was born June 22, 1840. Both are earnest Christians, and membeis of the Disciple church.

Zi .i'H an i , \ H II. Ekey, a native of Jefferson county, | Ohio, a son of James Ekey, was born A 5 >ril 26, 1S27, and jantiary j, 1 85 1, was married tu Jane McClelland. ; i lie following March lie moved into Ashland, and pur- j chased the farm where he now resides, on which he j erected the very commodious dwelling which he still oc- j copies. 1'hey have had a family of four children: ; James M., William S., Elizabeth J., and one son who died in infancy, unnamed. Elizabeth died March 31, 1875, after a brief illness, at the age of eleven years and a few months. On the sixth day of November, 1877, William was married to Adelia McMillan. He and his brother James reside upon and cultivate the home farm. In politics, Mr. Ekey has generally acted with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a farmer of frugal and industrious habits, and in comfortable circumstances.

Joseph Nelson, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio about the year 1847, and the following year was married to Margaret Nelson, a sister of Scott Nelson. He has given .twenty-six years of his life to his trade, that ert is the only one living. His first wife died in January, 5 1876, and in February, j88o, he was again married, taking for his second wile Susan Iceman. He is a mem- i her of the Presbyterian church, of Ashland, and acts | with the Democratic party. He has been frugal and j careful in his business, and has accumulated a nice j

John Brigle came to Ohio in 1S40 from Cumber- j land county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Milton town- 1 ship. He was born January n, 1797, and April 22, j 1822, was married to Catharine Lininger, by whom he j had twelve children: Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; |

George, John, David, Barbara, who died in infancy; j Catharine, Elizabeth, Barbara. Mary, Rebecca, Sarah A., i and one unnamed. Elizabeth, Mary, Rebecca and ; Sarah, are the only living ones. Elizabeth, married ! Philip Smith, and is a widow; Mary married J. P. Rus- j sell, Rebecca married James O'Brien, and Sarah married David Rumph. Mr. Brigle has spent his life upon the farm, and has been a hard-working and industrious man. Elis wife died March 30, 1873, after having been a faith- i fui companion to her husband for over half a century. She '.as a kind and loving wife and judicious mother, and bore bravely her share of the foil that fell to the loi of these two old peopie. Both were faithful members of the Church of Cod, and have lived consistent lives. Mr. Brigle is still living at the ripe old age of eightythree, and is in the full possession of Iris faculties. He is an honest and well meaning old gentleman, and an earnest Christian man.

Joseph Piper moved in from Wayne county about the same year that Mr. Brigle' came into Ashland countv. He was the sixth child of Henry and Polly ikfer, and the dote of this birth was October 20, i8ii. He was bom in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio m 183;. He afterward moved to Indiana, but remained 1 there but a shoit time In 183; he came to Wooster,

Ohio, when he was married to Mary Ann Shuey, April 27th, of the same year, The Shuey family can trace their ancestry back for over three hundred years. Tiny originally came from France. Mrs. Pifer was reared at the original homestead where the first Shuey family located in this country. Mr. Pifer by trade is a carpenter. He followed it for about eighteen years, but now devotes his attention to farming. He is the father of two children - Henry and Erneline. The former married Rebecca Grosscup; the latter is tiie wife of E. J. Grosscup, the present auditor of Ashland county. He has been an earnest and consistent inembet of the Reformed church for over fifty years. He has been a hard-working, energetic man, and has led an active life. He is one of the substantial farmers of Milton township, and a large landholder.

Andrew Heltman came to Ohio with his fathci in 1836, and settled in Milton township. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 13, 1820, and is the oldest son of Joseph and Catharine Heilman. On May 12, 1S42, he was married to Barbara Campbell, of this county. They have had four children, but none are living. Joseph Heltman died September 12, 1873. In 1851 Andrew went to California, where he engaged in the mining business. In 1857 he again returned to Ohio and engaged in the. dry goods business, being one of the partners of Whitner, Myers £c Co., and afterward the firm became Heltman Y Myers. He followed this for seven or eight years, when he retired to his farm, where he still resides. He has led an active and busy life, and has accumulated a fine property, and to-day is one of the substantial men of the county.

James Wells moved into Ashland county about the year 1835. lie was a native of Pennsylvania, and drove through in a wagon, with his wife and six children. In fording the Ohio river he came near losing his life and the lives of his family, who were with him. The water was much deeper than he supposed, and the attempt to ford it brought them into serious danger. He first settled on the farm where Mr. Brown now lives, but not being accustomed to farm life, he soon became weary of it and homesick, and urged his wife to return with him to Pennsylvania. This she n fused to do, and he started back alone on horseback, so strong was his desire to sec his native place. He soon returned, however, and never again expressed a desire to return to the old home In January, 1879. his death occurred, at the ripe old age of eighty-two; his wife died in 1851. They had seven boys and lour girls, but four of whom now live in Ashland county.

Joseph Wells was born May 13, 1831, and was married November 25. 1S55, to Catharine Greiner, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Her ancestors moved to Ashland when it was but a small hamlet. Mr. Wells has spent most of his life in Ashland county, save a residence of nine yeais in Iowa. They have had si x children: 1 ucinda, Loyal M., Clarissa M., Tempi' E., I ley M., and Dora B., all of whom are living at home They are both members of the Lutheran church, and enjoy the confidence of their ftiends and neighbor.

Henry YVeu.s, the oldest living son of James and ! Mary Weils, was born October 29, 1829, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and was married to Catharine Mandey, September 28, 1871. He resided with his father most of the time until he went to California, in i 1859, where he remained ten years; he then returned to Ohio, and has ever since devoted his intention to farm- 1 ing. The farm he now occupies be purchased from his j father, and he gives his time to the raising of stock and grain. The ancestors of his wife were among the early settlers of Ashland county. Both himself and wife are members of the Disciple church, and. enjoy the respect and esteem of all.

John Brindle came to Ashland county about the j year 1850. He was the second son of George and Eli/.- j abeth Brindle, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. j He married Susan Burns, by whom he had twelve 1 children, eleven of whom are living: Elizsbeth, Mary C., Amanda, Martha A., George W.,- John M., Samuel E., Emily, Josephine, William H., Charles E., and Alice. Amanda is dead, and Elizabeth and Martha are married, j Mr. Brindle was a man of thrift and intelligence, and his ; death, which occurred November 15, 1876, removed j from Milton township a worthy man and a good citizen, j His widow, with the help of her sons, carries on the | farm.

Henry Pifer, the only son of Joseph Pifei, was | born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1838. and in 1 86 x he j was married to Rebecca Jane Grosscup, whose ancestors j were pioneers. Nine children have been born to them: Mary M., Leandra, Joseph C., Henry L., Myita, Charles, Shuey, Lcander, Samuel A., and Alma, All are living j except Mary and Leandra. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pifer j are members of the United Brethren church. He is a j young farmer of thrift and intelligence, and his premises j denote a good deal of taste and care.

Peter Burr came into Ashland county with his father in 1834, and' settled in Milton township, but j aftewards removed to Mifflin township, where his father j died, in 1838. He followed the carpenter and joiner trade for nineteen years, but he afterwards joined farm- j ing to this occupation, and has been successful. He was ! born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1818, 1 and was man ted January 23, 1S42, to Mary Landis, by i whom he had six children. She died February 23, 1S57, and he married Elizabeth Figley, July 4, 18^9, by whom ! he had one child- Margaret L. Mr. Burk is of Ccrman- Irish extraction - his great-grandmother was a German, \ and his great-grandfather had the warm blood of a Celt in his veins. He lias been a hard-working, industrious j man and has met many reverses and endured many hardships. He is well posted in the early history of the ! township, and lias a good memory for facts and dates, j Mrs. Burk comes of old pioneer stock. Her grandfather lived to be one hundred and ten years old.

Robert W. Smith was a native of Vermont, and the ! eldest son of Elisha and Amy Smith. He was Loin December 1, i /99, and with, hi ; patents moved to the State of New York, and from there to Ohio, in t tie yeap 18 and settled first in what is now Plain township, Wayne county, but shortly afterwards moved to Mohican township, Ashland county, where he made his permanent residence until his death. He died at his home, about three miles southeast of Jeromcviile. He married for his first wife Priscilla Hatch, by whom he had eight children: Wiibur R,, Julia A., Adclia, Elisha, Lydia, Asa, Edmund P., and Harriet. All are dead except Edmund P. His first wife died, and for his second wife he married Mrs. Isabella Cliffs, who still survives, and now resides in Iowa with her son, Dr. D. B. Cliffs, a prominent physician of that State. She has reached the advanced age of eighty years. He suffered from a severe hemorrhage of the lungs at the age of twenty-five, and was never considered a strong man physically from that time until ' the day of his death. He was, however, a very active, energetic, man, and possessed of a good mind, and rare business qualifications. He gave his attention to the buying and selling of stock, which he followed with good success. The pursuit of this business necessitated bis leading much of his life on horseback, and this, no doubt, was the means of prolonging his life. He was a man of good judgment, and careful business habits, and accumulated a handsome property. Our subject experienced all the hardships and privations that were common to the pioneers of that day. He was a resident of Ashland county when it was a howling wilderness, and but one house was to be found between Jeromeviiie and Ashland. Pic made several trips to the mouth of the Huron river to get a barrel of salt, that being the nearest point at which it could be procured. He narrowly escaped with his life, one night, on his way home with provisions he had procured for the household. The wolves followed him for a long distance, he keeping them back with a stick he carried. They followed him even to the door of his cabin, and by the time he reached his home had become so bold as to almost defy his fre- "quent attacks upon them with his club. . His father Elisha was born February iS, 1873, and died January 29, 1851. His mother was born April 7 , 177S, and died August 22, 1856. The only surviving member of this family is Edmund P. Smith, of whom we cannot refrain from saying just a word. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, and highly esteei \ed by the citizens of his native county. He was born August 31, 1834, and was married November 24, 1857,10 Miss Ellen E. Hoy, who was born August 28, 1835, and is the daughter of or.- of the early settlers of Ashland county, a sketch of whom will be found in another place, of this volume. To him lias been born one child, J ulia M., August 10, 1 858. Mr. Smith served a term of nearly three years in the late war, on General Garfield's staff, as quartermaster seargent. He is a staunch Republican, and an earnest advocate of his chosen party's measures and principles. Independent in thought and action, he ;s esteemed !>v members of both parties alike for his convictions upon all matters of a public nature.

Gf.oroe Mu.t. hr was born June 25, 1S.10. a. id February 20, 1845, lie was married to Chaiily Elliott. In whom lie lias had six children -Mary Ellen, U M' an. Albert, Joseph (deceased), Charles, and Jennie. He is a well-to-do farmer, and resides one mile and a quarter j northwest of Ashland. He is the son of George and ! Mary (Stephenson) Miller, who was born in Ireland, in | the year 1769. Tie emigrated to this country, and first ; settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania. About the j year 1813 he moved into Wayne county, and died there ! in 1842, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife died in the year 1849.

Stephen Ohl was the fourth son of George Ohl, and ! was a native of Pennsylvania. In the year 1S31 lie j came to Ohio with his father, and they commenced life j in the woods. The father purchased a quarter section of land on which were a rude iog cabin and barn. Here they lived until 1862, the time of their father's death. Stephen and George are the only representatives of the family living in the county. Stephen was married in the year 1834, to Mary Schwarz, by whom he has had twelve children - -Samuel, John, George, Stephen, Francis, Lavina, Mary Ann, Alice, Amanda, Malinda, Emma, and Kit tie. Ann died in infancy. Mr. Ohl resides on the old homestead, and is a good farmer and a good citizen.

Benjamin Wen rick, came into Ashland county from j Pennsylvania, where he was born in Berks county, Sep- j tember 17, 182:, and settled in 1850 in Milton township. He has been twice married. First to Mary E. Coup, October 2, 1852, by whom he has had four children; and next to Harriet Williams, September S, 1839, by whom he has had one son. He served nine years as justice of the peace, to the full satisfaction of the people of Milton township. He has filled the office of township trustee and 'treasure! at various times. Fie was a valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, being in a number of severe engagements, and was with Grant during the siege of Vicksburgh, but escaped unhurt, and returned to his home with all the honors to J which he was entitled. By his fellow citizens he is j high!) esteemed for Iris integrity, and is looked upon by j all who know him as a worthy citizen.

Henry Hartman was a native of Germany, and emigrated to lids country at an early age, and first settled in Pennsylvania; he removed to Ashland county in 1840, and settled in Milton township. In 1842 he was married to Barbara Albert, daughter of a pioneer family. To them have been born five children - George, Gath- j arinc, Elizabeih, Henry, ar.d Abraham. The latter I died in. infancy. Mr. Hartman died in 1871. leaving a j wife and four children to mourn his loss The children are all residents of the county, and two remain with the mother at the oid home, Henry and Elizabeth, who care for their aged mother, and carry on thf? home farm. On 1 this farm stands a very rude log school-house, that must | have been built at a very early day.

Hyman i.. Hf.iener, was the third son of john and 1 Margaret. Heifner, who were earlv residents of Ora nee I township, and was born November 25, 1841. lie lived j with his father until his marriage to Sarah Lutz, Novern- j her >5, 1874, when he came to Milton township to live He has been a carpenter and joiner, but has now 1 -'-Opted farming, and gives it his whole attention. They I '-a\e three children: Laura A., Bertha A., and Ida B

Mr. Heifner generally acts with the Democratic party; he came from old pioneer stock ; he had a great grandfather who was a Revolutionary soldier, and he is a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, and well respected. Mrs. Heifner is the daughter of John and Sarah Lutz. The father was a careful, industrious, and frugal man, and died July 2, 1873. His widow survived him until May 11, 1875.

James Wharton was born in the State of Pennsylvania, November 30, 1817, and came to Mifflin township, Richland county, hut now Ashland, and settled in the woods, with no improvements whatever save a rude log cabin and a barn of similar construction, and a few apple trees scattered about the house. April 4, 1844, he was married to Nancy Williams, whose ancestors were early settlers in Ashland. They have had nine children, as follows: Adaline, Mary, Ebenczer, Malinda, Loren,

John, Reumfried, M illard, and Grant. All arc living but Mary and Loren, who died in childhood. Adaline married T. W. Hunter, a thrifty young farmer of Clearcrcek township. Ebenczer married Lillie McClusky, and resides in Milton township. Mr. Wharton resides upon the old homestead, and his dwelling is one of the best to be found in the township. He is one of the largest landholders in the county, and the improvements to be seen on his lands denote more than ordinary thrift and tact on the part of the owner. He has held various township offices, and is a prominent man of enterprise, thrift, and intelligence, and highly esteemed by ail who know him.

Thomas Wharton was born in Ashland county, March 7. [S35, and resided with his parents until his marriage to Eliza Butt, December 27, 1S60. They have had four children: Henry, Charles, Frank and Anna

Bell; Henry died in early childhood. Mr. Wharton has held various offices, and is at present treasurer of the township. A substantial farmer, he enjoys the esteem of his feiiow citizens.

Henry Butt came to Ashland county in 1S37; he was born in 1800, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Gish ; she died February 29, <872. Both were earnest Christians. He now resides at the old homestead, with Ins son in law, Thomas Wharton.

Eiexezer Wharton is the oldest son of James Wharton, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was born September 6. 1849, and lived upon the home farm unci! his marriage to Lizzie Mr. Cluslcy, November 17, 1874. They have had two children, James and Charles. He is an energetic and enterprising young man of intelligence and thrift.

John Wharton was born January 2, 1789, in Pennsylvania. When a young man he married Nancy Fultz, who died August 15, 1S30. In September, 1831, he was married to Anna McMillcn, of Richland county. To them were born ten children, as follows: Sarah, Susannah, Alvina Jane, Robert, Martha and Minerva deceased ; Thomas, Ilulbert, B. K. and Clara, w ho arc living. John Wharton died February 7, >800, aged sixty livi. veais 'and iive days; his widow sunives him.

Henry M. Close was born in Connecticut, December jG, 1785, and married Eliza Knapp in New York, j residing there until the time of her death. She was the j mother of two children, who also died in New York. ! Then he married Mary Moe, who died October 5, 1849. j In 1817 he came to Ohio, and settled- in Suliivan town- ! ship, Ashland county, on the farm now owned by Stephen Coats. He was the first justice of the peace of that township, and held the office for several years. He was a member of the Congregational church, and in politics he was an old-line Whig. August 10, 1846, he died. 1 1 is second wife was the mother of eight children, five of whom are living. Esther, wife of Pierce C. Grannis, of Williams county, Ohio; Henry M., who married Betsey McConnell; Benjamin, who married El/ina Dyer, afterward married Harriet L. Brown, and lives in Illinois; Susan, wife of George W. Houghton; and Roderick, who married Rosetta Mann, and lives in Ashland county, Ohio.

Roderick. M. Close was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the old homestead, where lie now resides. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and deals largely in blooded stock; he is also a breeder and extensive shipper of fancy fowls. For seven years he taught school, and has held the office of trustee of Sullivan township several years, and been justice of the peace one term. In politics he is a Grcenbacker, and is one ! of the three who first voted that ticket in Ashland : county. In i860, he married Rosetta Mann, and is the ; father of three children: Esther A., Rosetta D., and

Bernard Ho li: rook was born in Vermont in 1798. ! and, in the same State, married Sallie H. Millet, who died in 1863. In 1833, he came to Ohio, and settled j on the farm he now occupies, where he is engaged in j farming. In politics, be was an old-line Whig; and is ! highly respected in the community in which he lives, i He is the father of four children: Abner, Franklin, j Charlotte and Clinton, Franklin being the only one now I living.

trade, and built a shop on his farm, and followed his j trade in connection with farming nearly all his life; his j was for many years the only blacksmith shop within a radius of twenty miles In politics he was an old-line j Whig. He married Olive Rugg, of Yeimont, who died I on December 4, 1853. He then married Betsey Davis, j of Vermont, who died June 10, 1871, He died in ' 1S75. He was the father of six children: Clarissa, j wife of L. J. Fairchild, afterward wife of Alonzo Loo- I little, ot Ashland county; Horace N., who married Jane 1 A. Toms, and lives in Ashland county; David R., who m.nried Hattie N Chase, and live.-, in Cleveland ; i Oren J., who married Susan Crissingcr, and lives in Michigan; Minnie 1*., deceased, who was the wife of A.

Horace N. Whitcomb, was born in Vermont, in 1824, and came to Ohio with his father, where he received a common school education. In 1844 he married jane

A. 'Loras, and has been engaged in farming. He has been school director several years, and takes a deep interest in educational matters. He has held the office of township trustee two years, and was district clerk twenty-one years. He is a member and one of the trustees of the Baptist church, and contributes liberally to its support. He is a highly respected member of society, and in politics is Republican. In 1864 he enlisted in company F, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio volun teer infantry, under Captain j. R. Sanford. He was a non-commissioned officer, and was discharged July 17, 3865. He is the father of four children, viz; Lottie, wife of George McConnell, of Ashland county, Ohio; Curtiss I., who married Meivina Bailey, and lives in Ashland county; Eugene C., who lives in Cleveland, and Carrie IvL, wife of Samuel Bennett, of Ashland county, Ohio.

Joseph Johnson was born in Vermont in 17S2, and married Lovina Blake in New York. She died in May, 1836, in Summit county, Ohio. She was the mother of twelve children. He then married Mrs. Osborn, in Portage county, Ohio, and, after her death, he married Betsheba Ogden, who now resides in Michigan. Mr. Johnson came to Ohio in 1822, and first settled in Portage county, where he remained twenty years, and then moved to -Ashland county, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, Joseph Johnson. Pie was engaged in farming all his life, and was a member of the Baptist church. He took part in the war of 1S72, and, in politics, was an old-line Whig until the Republican party was organized, when he became a Republican. He died in rS66. Mr. Johnson was the father of twelve children, only four of whom are living, viz.: Ambrose

B. , who married Mary Van Wagnor; Nancy, who became the wife of William Sherwood, and afterwards wife of Sterling Acker; Lovina, wife of Gideon R. Bowker, of Dakota; and Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Chase, of Maryland.

Ambrose B. Johnson was born in the State of New York in 1S1 1, came to Ohio with ins father, and recieved such an education as the district schools of that time afforded. He married Mary Van Wagnor, in Portage county, Ohio, and came to Ashland county in 1842, and settled on the farm on which he now lives, where he is engaged in farming and dairying. In politics he is a Republican. He is the father of eight children, viz.: Joseph ()., who married Ann E. Parker, and lives in Ashland county, Cyius W., who married Sarah S. Ogden, and lives in Lorain county; Henrietta, wife of Marcus De.M<e>s; Harriet, wife oi Leonard A. Coles, afterwards wit, ot Isaac N. Mt 1 1 os»e ; Mary E., Icrmerlvwife of Ransom I orsons, now wife oi Rufus De.Moss; Garret A., who mar ried Mary F. Baldwin; George W., who married. U leu Drake; Charles E who mariied Alice Hewitt.

Aprii 3, 1787, and in 1815 married Jane Kelly, a native j of Clarksbnrg'a , Virginia. In- 1809 lie came to Ohio, j and first settled in Perry county, where he remained I twenty years. While theie he enlisted, and served six | months in the war of 1812, in Major Tapper's regiment : ' he also served under General Harrison, at Fort Meigs, j in 1829. He came to Ashland county and settled on j the farm now owned by his son, Marcus DcMoss. Pie j was one of the original members of the Baptist church I - the first church of any denomination in the township; lie helped build it, and contributed liberally to its sup- I port. In politics he was an old-line Whig, but became a Republican. In 1862 he died, and his wife died the same year. He was the father of ten children, four of them now living: James, who married Henrietta Camp- j bell, and lives in Michigan; Nancy, wife of Elijah St. j Freeman, in Indian Territory ; Jonah, who married Sarah ! Sprague, and lives in Michigan, and Marcus, who mar- | ried Henrietta Johnson, jane Kelly, wife of Jonah De- Moss, was formerly the wife of Henry Battan, who died in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, by whom she had five children, viz: Mary, now wife of H. Wad den, of Iowa;

Annie, wife of Benjamin Van Osdell (deceased), of Medina county, Ohio; John, who married Rebecca Biggs (deceased), of Ashland county, Ohio; Sarah, who married Charles Crosby (deceased), of Michigan, and Isaac (deceased), who married Eliza Webster, of Ashland county.

Marcus DeMoss, son of Jonah DeMoss, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1832, on the farm on which he now lives. He received a common district school education, and taught school four years. At present he is engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1839 he i married Henrietta Johnson, and in 1861 enlisted in I company C, Forty-second regiment Ohio volunteer in- j fantry, under Captain Bushnell, the (regiment was com- j manded by Colonel, now General, Garfield); he served ! sixteen months, and was with the regiment during the i Big Sandy and Cumberland Gap campaign, and was j discharged on account of disability. He has been trus- | tee of the township, and was justice of the peace nine ' years, also constable, and in 1880 was appointed census | enumerator. He is a membet of the Congregational church, and has been clerk of the church for the past | death, married Susan Cook, of Connecticut. He moved from Connecticut into the State of New York, where he ] remained about two years, when he came to Ohio, and \ first settled in Wayne county, where he remained about j one year. In 1837 he came to Ashland county, and first i settled on the farm now owned by hi.s widow. He was j engaged in farming all his life. He was a member of the Baptist church, and in politics was an old line Whig until tiie organization of the Republican party, when he became a Republican, in June, 1 ts 7 6, he died, respected ! by all who knew him. He was the father of ten children, six of whom are living, viz: Simeon who mar ried Martha Cummings; Lydia L., now wife of Levi Turner, of Iowa; Joshua L., who married Helen Swan, and lives in Minnesota; Henry H., who married Eliza Parker, and lives in i&Vva; Mary E., wife of Thomas Webster, of Iowa; and Percy P., who lives in Ashland county.

Simeon L. Drake was born in Madison county, New York, December 16, 1816, where he received a common school education ; he came to Ohio with his father, and in 1842 married Martha Cummings, of Ashland county. He is a farmer and stock raiser, and for the past four years has been engaged in raising Durham cattle, but at present is dealing in Holstein cattle; he is a Republican in politics, and is the father of eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: Wilber C., who married Jennie Dunlap; Willard, who married Josephine Persons; Helen M., wife of George W. Johnson; Henry, and Silas; all living in Ashland county.

Cha'lxcy Goodyear was born in Genoa, Cayuga county, New York, in 1807, and received a common school education. He crane to Ohio in 1843, and first settled in Fitchville, Huron county, where he remained about one year, when he came to Ashland county, and first settled on the farm now owned by George French ; he has held the office of township trustee four years, is a member of the Congregational church, in which he holds the office of deacon, and contributes liberally to the support of the church, and is respected by ail who know him. His first wife died in 1844. She was the mother of three children. After her death he married Sophionia Webb, of Homer, Courlland county, New York, who has one child; but of the four children only two are living, viz.: William F., who married Sylvia L. Biggs, and Sarah S., wife of George E. French, of Ashland county.

William P. Goodyear was born in Cayuga countv, New York, in 1841, and came to Ohio with his father, where he received a common school education, and taught school in Ashland county, two terms. At present he is engaged in farming. In 1863 he enlisted in company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, under Captain Junius R. Sanford, and staved until July 17, 1865. In 1S65 he married Sylvia L. Biggs, in politics, he is a Republican, and is highly respected by all who know him. He is the father of two children: Clinton K. and Timothy T.

John Gould wars bora in Massachusetts, July 29, 1775, and married Mary Stearns, of Massachusetts, who was born June 10, 1777. In 1S24 he came to Ohio, and first settled in Ashland county, on the farm nowowned by the Gould heirs. He held the office of justice of the peace eighteen years, and was ; ostmaster several yeais. In politics, he was an old-line Whig, and was commander of the militia in the State of Vermont. He died May 2, 1S51, and his wife died January 21, 1S51. He was the fathe. of fix children: Olive, who was the wife of John M. Madison, of New Vork: Enos, who married Philena Rice, of Ashland county: BKtiani.i, wile of Lev: M:tchel ol New Vork; Rufus, who married Mary F Fletcher, Hannah, wife of Clement March, ol

Ashland courry, arid Lucretia IS., wife of Norman Mel lei i, of New York. The children are now alt dead ! except. Lucretia, wife of Norman Mellon.

Rufus Gould was born in Ontario county. New York, in xSrc, came to Ohio with his parents in 1824. ; and received a common school education. On October j 17, 183?, he married Mary E. Fletcher, in Medina j county. Oi'.io, and was engaged in farming and stock- j raising, lie held the offices of township trustee and j constable for a number of years, and in politics was a I Republican. On December 5, 187T, he died. He was > lire father of one child- -John T., who married Charity j Riggs, and lives in Ashland county.

Joseph Curry, father of Mrs Luther Gould, was | born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio, in 1838, and. first I settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Bar rick, in J Lake township, Ashland county. He married Jane j

He was the father of ton children, six of whom are liv- j ing, viz ; Thomas, who married Nancy Hayton, and j lives in Iowa: William, who married Nancy Wright, and i lives in Illinois; David, who first married Mary Thompson, and, after her death, married Sorinda Cady, and ; lives in North Amherst, Ohio; John, who lives in New | Orleans; Jane, wife of David Barrick, of Ashland 1 county; and Sarah, wife of Luther Gould, of Ashland ' county.