Hancock County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1886 (part 8 of 9)

EDWARD H. ROSENBERGER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mc- Comb, was born in Washington Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, October 19, 1849, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hartsough) Rosenberger, the former born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, the latter a native of New York, of English lineage. Daniel Rosenberger, who was a farmer in early life, was a stone-mason by trade, and in later years a minister in the German Baptist Church; he came to Ohio in 1835, settling in Seneca County on a farm, where he lived three years, then moved to Washington Township, Hancock County; in 1873 moved to Blanchard Township, Hancock County, where he died in 1876. He had been twice married, and reared a family of nine children. The subject of our sketch, the sixth born by the first wife, received his education in the schools of this county. At the age of twentythree he commenced to teach school, a profession he followed for four winters, but has made farming the principal business of his life. He was married, in 1875, to Jane, daughter of George D. and Lydia (Matthias) Wickerham, the former of English lineage, the latter of German origin. To this union were born the following pamed children: Jesse C. and Harvy Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger are members of the German Baptist Church. He has been a minister since 1878, preaching at present at the Sugar Ridge' Church in this township. He is the owner of eighty acres of cultivated land.

PETER ROTZ, retired, McComb, was born in Franklin County, Penn., October 15, 1809, eldest born of John, a tanner, and Christiana (Sours) Rotz, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, and who reared a family of seven children. Our subject attended the common schools, and when seventeen years of age learned the harness-making at which trade he worked till 1832, when he commenced clerking in a hotel on corner of Third and Wood Streets, Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained for four years. Thence he went to Wheeling, Va., and clerked in the United States Hotel, where he remained four years. He then clerked on a steam-boat on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for five years. He moved to Pleasant Township, this county, in 1844, and settled on the farm, carrying on a harness shop located on the road, and often had more work than he could do. He was married, in 1844, to Susan J. McCullough, of Irish descent and born in Franklin County, Penn., daughter of George and Susan J. McCullough. To Mr. and Mrs. Rotz were born seven children. Mr. Rotz has lived to see his wife and six children laid in their final resting place, he and his son Joho 58. being the only survivors of the family. Mrs. Rotz was a member of the Presbyterian Church. When our subject reached his majority he bought eighty acres of wild land in Pleasant. Township, and by hard work and economy has succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune, and has done his share toward

JOHN S. ROTZ, retired merchant, McComb, is the eldest and only surviving child of Peter and Susan J. (McCullough) Rotz, he received a common school education, and when a young man went to New Mexico, where he clerked in a hotel. In 1865 he crossed the plains to Colorado and there also clerked in a hotel two years. He then entered a general store in which he continued eight years as manager of the concern, then, in company with his brother, embarked in business on his own account, which he carried on for ten years. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Rotz enlisted and served as fifer in the band of Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Rotz was married, in 1880, to Laura D., daughter of I. Simon, and by her he has one child, Nellie M. Mrs. Rotz is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically our subject is a Republican. He took an active part when the McComb, Deshler & Toledo Railway was built here, and served as its director and trustee.

HENRY RUDESILL, retired farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in York County, Penn., August 22, 1825, son of Samuel and Mary (Neff) Rudesill, natives of Pennsylvania and of Dutch origin, former a farmer. Our subject, the eldest in a family of eight children, received his education in his native State, and when he was twelve years of age his father moved to Hancock County, Ohio, settling on the farm where he died in 1883, his wife having preceded him in 1877. Henry Rudesill was reared on a farm, chose agriculture as his business, and has been remarkably successful. Though at the present time he owns but 260 acres, he possessed at one time as many as 700 acres in this township. In 1884 he sold a farm for $20,000 in cash. He started out for himself with but $100, and from this small beginning has accumulated a handsome fortune. He was married, June 18, 1848, to Eliza, daughter of John Kraft, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Rudesill reared twelve children: Susannah, wife of F. M. Harrett; Sarah, wife of John Fryg; John, married, is a farmer and school teacher; Mary, wife of M. Keel; Leanna, wife of Frederick Burke; Lucretia, wife of John P. Fingst; Jane, wife of Nathaniel Huntwick; William F., married and engaged in farming; Alice M., at home; Sherman, Perry, Archie. Our subject and wife are consistent members of the Evangelical Church, in which he has acted as Sabbath-school superintendent for four years, and has been exhorter since 1880. Our subject has resided in this township since 1850. He has been school director for twenty-five years.

SAMUEL SHOOP, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Pennsylvania, August 15, 1821; son of Henry and Barbara (Kaler) Shoop, also natives of Pefinsylvania and who were of German descent. Henry Shoop, who was a farmer all his life, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1845, lived on a farm in Pleasant Township one year, and thence moved to Erie County, Ohio. Our subject, the fifth in a family of twelve children that grew to manhood and womanhnod, is the only one residing in this county. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, attended the district school of. Erie County and worked on the farm until he came to this county, in 1845, where he settled in the woods and enjoyed lifé better than he ever expects to again. He has resided on his present farm in Pleasant Township thirty-five years; is one of the successful farmers, owning a well improved farm of 120 acres. He was married, in 1846, to Mary, daughter of John and Anna (Stephenson) Kalb, of English and German origin. 'To this union were born the follow- ing named children: Eliza J., wife of Isaac Gault; J. R. and G. L., engaged in butchering at McComb; Annie E., at home. Mrs. Shoop has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-five years. Our subject, a Democrat in politics, has served nine terms as school director and several terms as trustee of this township.

JOSHUA SIMON, miller, McComb, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, February 17, 1833, son of Henry and Catharine (Stemple) Simon, the former born in Pennsylvania, of German origin, the latter a native of Virginia, of English descent. His father, a farmer, settled in Wood County, in 1844, where he lived for many years. He was twice married, and reared a family of eleven children, Joshua, being the sixth born by his first wife. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education, mostly in Wood County, Ohio. His first business venture was operating a saw-mill, and in 1854 he came to Hancock County, continuing im same industry, but since 1863 he has lived at McComb, where he bought a gristmill, which, after operating it for three years, he sold out, then speculated in real estate till 1878 when he bought his present mill, which he fitted up at great expense with the new process roller, etc., and here does a firstclass business. Mr. Simon was united in marriage, in 1856, with Clarinda, daughter of Nathan Stafford, and of Irish descent. Their children are L. J., married,a druggist by profession; Lanson and E. A.,both millers; Maud, Maggie, Jennie, Guy, Harry, Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Simon are members of the Presbyterian Church,in which he is trustee. He has been a member of the school board for twenty years. Politically he is a Republican.

LANSON O. SIMON, miller, McComb, was born in McComb, this county, April 28, 1859, son of Joshua and Clarinda (Stafford) Simon, natives of Ohio and of German and English origin. Our subject, who is next eldest in the family of nine children, was reared on the farm, attending the graded schools in McComb, and the Vermillion Institute in Ashland County, Ohio. He first worked with his father on the farm andin the saw-mill, and in 1881 was admitted as partner in his father's grist-mill, which does a good merchant and custom business. He was united in marriage, September 26, 1882, with Lois C., daughter of Frank and Amie (Blakeman) Banks. Her father is a relative of the well-known Gen. Banks, a prominent officer in the Union Army during the late war of the Rebellion. To Mr. and Mrs. Simon was born one child, Gretchen. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church; politically he is a Republican. .

JACOB SLUPE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, February 21, 1830, son of Solomon, a farmer, and Anna (Schater) Slupe, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, and who were the parents of nine children. Our subject, the eldest in the family, was reared on the farm, and acquired a common school education. At the age of twenty-one he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1865. He came to Hancock County in 1857, settling in Pleasant Township on 160 acres of fine land, where he now resides. He was married, in 1856, to Catharine Bachtel, a lady of German lineage, and to this union was born one child - Emma J. (now deceased). Mrs. Slupe died in 1859. Our subject was married on second occasion, in 1861, to Eliza, daughter of Joseph Kinsey, also of German descent, and by her he has had the following named children: Laura E., wife of E. M. Orwick; Ida A., at home; Sylvester (deceased); Florence Ella. Mr. Slupe has served in several

J. H. SMITH, dealer in lumber, McComb, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 15, 1836; son of George and Elizabeth (Brady) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin, former of whom was a farmer all his life. They reared a family of eight children, J. H. being the youngest. Our subject was brought up on the farm and attended district school, receiving a good English education. arly in life he studied dentistry at Wellsville, in his native county, where he practiced for a number of years. He then followed his profession in Franklin County, Ohio; then clerked in a dry goods store for two years and the same length of time in a hardware store. In 1879 he embarked in the lumber business in Williams County, Ohio, dealing in hardwood lumber. Mr. Smith came to McComb, Ohio, in 1881, where he carries on same business. He was married, in 1870, to Mrs. Elizabeth Mogle, nee Stuller, of German descent, widow of Simon Mogle (she had two children by her first husband: Addie, now the wife of George K. Linn, and Ettie at home). Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, Beula Belle. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Disciples Church. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics. He has served as a member of the board of education and of the town council and was a delegate to the Congressional Convention. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. ;

C. F. SPEICE, druggist, McComb, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 26, 1850, son of Peter and Sarah J. (Griffith) Speice, latter of whom died when C. F. was but a child. Peter Speice, a native of Pennsylvania, was & cabinet-maker by trade, but followed farming. He was twice married; came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1807, settling in Perry County, and worked at his trade till 1830, when he moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled on a farm, where he spent the residue of his life. He died in 1855. Our subject (the youngest of a family of seven children), after his mother's death lived with his uncle, David Speice, who was a farmer. C. F. Speice left the farm when nineteen years old, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he was able to purchase a stock of furniture. He continued in the furniture business about two years, then bought a stock of drugs, and continued both businesses for four years. In 1882 he came to McComb, and has since engaged in the drug business. He was married, in 1869, to Sarah G. Johnston, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and of English descent. Their children now living are Edward Johnston, Jennie, Willie, Stella and Charles Floyd. Mrs. Speice is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Speice is chorister. Our subject has served as a member of the school board, and is the present mayor of McComb. Politically he is a Republican. He is P. G. in the I. O. O. F.

JAMES STAFFORD, farmer, P. O. McComb, was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 2, 1827, son of Nathan and Christine (Wolf) Stafford, natives of Virginia, and of English and German origin, respectively. Nathan Stafford, who was a farmer, had a family of twelve children. Our subject (the seventh born) was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and chose farming as his vocation. Nathan Stafford died when James was twenty years old, and the latter helped to rear the younger children. James Stafford came to Hancock County in 1852, settling in Allen Township, and is one of the prominent farmers of this county. He owns 275 acres of well improved land. _ Mr. Stafford was married, in 1851, to

Mary, daughter of John and Eva Harper, and whose father, a farmer, settled in Richland County, Ohio, in 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Stafford were born the following named children: J. H. (married, and engaged in farming), Samantha (wife of Henry Callingwood), Florence J. (widow of Ira Mackey), Judson (a farmer), Theresa (wife of Comer Culp), Ella (at home). In politics Mr. Stafford is a Republican. He has held the offices of trustee and steward of Pleasant Township.

C. C. SWITZER, M.D., McComb, was born in Findlay, this county, June 18, 1849, son of Samuel and Julia (Royce) Switzer, natives of Ohio, former of German descent, a farmer all his life, latter of English lineage, a daughter of Amos Royce, who lived to be ninety-five years old. Her grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Our subject is thé seventh of a familyof nine children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He was educated in the common schools and high school of Findlay. He studied medicine with Dr. James Spayth, of Findlay, and took his first course of lectures at Cleveland Medical College, subsequently attending two courses of lectures at Bellevue Hospital and Medical College, in New York City, where he graduated in 1870 in a regular course. He first commenced to practice in southwestern Missouri, remaining there one year; then went to the southeast part of Kansas and continued his profession there four years. In 1877 he came to McComb, where he has since remained, first practicing in partnership with Dr. Watson for six years. The Doctor was married, in 1882, to Ada L. Ballard, of English descent, daughter of Dr. Horace Ballard, an able practitioner of Findlay, and who died in 1873. Their children are Bon and Samuel. In politics Dr. Switzer is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the lodge of F. & A. M. at Findlay. The Doctor's father came with his father from Richland County to Hancock County in 1835, and settled in the woods, obtaining 160 acres of land from the Government, and here the Doctor lived till he was eighteen years old.

THOMAS TODD, retired farmer, McComb. Among the early farmers and pioneers of Pleasant Township, this county, is Thomas Todd, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, November 9, 1831, son of John and Mary (Patterson) Todd. The former of whom, born in Maryland, was of English and German origin, a farmer all his life, and the latter a native of Ohio, of English descent. They reared a family of eleven children, of whom Thomas is the ninth. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education in Franklin County, Ohio, and has made agriculture the business of his life. He came to Hancock County in 1852, settling on a farm near Findlay, where he remained only a short time, however, removing four miles north of McComb, where he owns 1()2 acres of improved land. Mr. Todd was thrice married, and by his first wife has two children living: Elenora and William; by his second wife three children living: George, John and Charles; by his third wife, to whom he was married in 1873, there is no issue. Mrs. Todd is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Todd is a Methodist and has served as steward of his church. Politically he is a Republican. He has been school director.

DR. GEORGE L. TURNER, deceased, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 2, 1829, son of William and Rebecca (McComb) Turner, of English lineage; former a farmer. They were the parents of nine children, George L. being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, attending the common schools in Putnam County and the high epee Lima,

Ohio, where his father moved when he was only five years old. He studied medicine in the office with his cousin, Dr. Samuel Turner, the first physician who located in McComb. There our subject remained three years and then attended the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, Mich. He subsequently returned to Ohio and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Leipsic, where he remained two years; thence came to McComb in 1856, and had an extensive practice here till his death, which occurred in 1880. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Martha J., daughter of John and Julia Ann (Thrap) Randall, who were among the early settlers of this county, John Randall being a prominent farmer, owning 300 acres of land here at the time of his death. Dr. Turner was eminently successful in his profession and succeeded in accumulating a considerable share of this world's goods, consisting of land and other property in McComb, which is now managed by his widow, a lady of cultivated taste and refinement.

A. J. WARREN, minister, farmer and stock raiser, P. 0. McComb, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, August 8, 1830, son of Orin and Experience (Bartlett) Warren, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, and of English and French descent. Orin Warren was a carpenter by occupation. Our subject, the seventh born in a family of eleven children, grew up on the farm and followed agricultural pursuits for thirty-five years. He received his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-five years he joined the Church of God; was ordained a minister in 1858, his first charge being Forest Mission in Wyandot County, Ohio. Mr. Warren has been remarkably successful in his ministrations. He has preached in nineteen counties in northwestern Ohio, and during his ministry has organized two churches in Wyandot County, two in Defiance County, one in Putnam County, one in Paulding County and one in Henry County, Ohio. Mr. Warren was married, in 1850, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Mary. (Briner) Spacle, of German lineage. To our subject and wife were born the following children: William W., Sarah J., Marion C., James F., Elizabeth A., Emma C., Joseph T. Mrs. Warren and all the children but two are church members. Politically Mr. Warren is a Prohibitionist.

J. H. WATSON, physician, McComb, was born November 30, 1833, son of Richard and Lucy Watson, natives of Maryland and of English origin, and who reared a family of nine children, J. H. being the sixth. The parents came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1834, and entered land near Findlay, where W. C. Watson, a successful farmer, now resides. Our subject attended the district school and high school at Findlay, and there studied medicine in the office of Drs. Armstrong & Green. In 1855 he entered the Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in 1857. He first practiced at Grand Rapids, Ohio, where he remained for seven years, then came to McComb, where he has since resided and has a large practice. The Doctor was married, in 1862, to Caroline Pratt, of English descent, daughter of Jonas Pratt, of Henry County, Ohio. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been trustee, also teacher in the Sabbath-school. The Doctor, who has taken an active interest in the advancement and improvement of McComb, owns 300 acres of land and one of the most expensive houses in the county. He served as a member of the school board. When the building of the McComb, Deshler & Toledo Railroad at this point was proposed he encouraged the project by his name and influence, and was one of its direc-

W. W. WINTERS, dealer in fruit trees, McComb, was born in Pleasant Township, this county, October 15, 1855, son of Abraham and Sarah _(Clarton) Winters, native Ohioans and of German descent, and who had a family consisting of one daughter (who died young) and six sons who grew to manhood. Abraham Winters settled on a farm in this county in 1852. Our subject, the third born, grew up on the farm, attending the district school till he was eighteen years old, when he entered the high school at Findlay, where he remained nearly two years; then concluding to become teacher, he attended the normal school at Ada, Ohio, subsequently teaching school one year. About this time he commenced as agent for the sale of trees, in which he has been very successful, and now buys and sells fruit trees, etc., employing three assistants. Mr. Winters was married, in 1882, to Arretia, daughter of A. J. VanHorn, a native of Indiana, and of German origin, and by her he has one child, Homer. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is class-leader. Politically he is a Republican.

DAVID WRIGHT, grain merchant, dealer in live-stock, and an extensive farmer of McComb, was born in Pleasant Township, this county, March 17, 1840, son of David and Diana (Baker) Wright, native Ohioans. His father, of English descent, was among the pioneer farmers of this county, coming here in 1835 and settling in the woods, improving the farm which our subject now owns. When he moved to Pleasant Township he had to cut a road seven miles in length to reach his settlement, on Section 24. He managed to clear seven acres the first year, besides helping at eighteen log-rollings. He was also a successful hunter, and for many years killed, on an averge, from sixty to seventy deer each winter. He died in 1884, aged seventy-six years. Our subject's grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. To David and Diana Wright were born five children, three of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the youngest, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, and has made farming a specialty. He commenced to deal in stock when he was quite young, and has followed this line of business to the present time. He had two partners when he bought the elevator and warehouse here, in 1880, but has since conducted business alone. He is the owner of 300 acres of well improved land, on which he lives. Mr. Wright was married, October 24, 1860, to Lucy Plummer, by whom he had three children - two now living: Luella C., William M. (deceased) and S. Udora. Mrs. Wright died in 1875. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wright then married, in 1876, Matilda McClester, by whom he had two children: Maggie (deceased) and David C. Mrs. Wright isa member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wright is a member of the K. of P. He has served as school director, and has been a member of the Grange. ;

J. M. WRIGHT, furniture dealer, McComb, was born in Pleasant Township, this coufty, August 9, 1857, and is the only son of Henry and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Wright, the latter of German descent. His father is a prominent farmer of this township. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the schools of McComb. He followed agricultural pursuits till 1882, when he embarked in the furniture business in company with Mr. Fife (whose interest he subsequently bought), and in 1883 admitted Mr.

Stoker. In 1885 Mr. Wright bought out Mr. Stoker, and now conducts the business alone. He was married, in 1879, to Lizzie Fife, of Scotch descent, daughter of Nathaniel Fife. and by this union has one child, May. Mrs. Wright is a member of the Christian Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of McComb.

HENRY W. BEALS, retired farmer, McComb, was born in Pennsylvania, April 29, 1821, sonof Abraham W. and Rebecca (Alloway) Beals; former born in Maryland, of Scotch and English descent, latter a native of Pennsylvania. Abraham W. Beals, who was a stone-mason and brickmason for twenty years, came to this county in 1831, settled in Liberty Township, and had to cut a road through the timber to reach his land; it took him two and a half days to go from Findlay to his place. His family consisted-of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to maturity, our subject being the eldest. Henry W. Beals was reared on the farm and re- © ceived his schooling in the log schoolhouse in Liberty Township, this county. After reaching his majority he worked three years in a saw-mill, but has fhade agriculture his principal occupation in life. His farm consists of 114 acres of land. Our subject has retired from active farm life and now resides in McComb, where he also owns property. Mr. Beals was united in marriage, in 1852, with Elizabeth, daughter of John McDonald, and of Scotch descent. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served five years as constable, and two years as trustee of Portage Township, this county. James H. Beals, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Beals, was born in Wood County, Ohio, in 1856. He was married, in 1879, to Nevada M. Robb, a lady of English descent, and their union has been blessed with two children: Claudie J. and Harry A. James H. Beals and family reside on the homestead farm of our subject.

S. BOWMAN, farmer, P. O., North Baltimore, Wood County, was born in Bedford County, Penn., May 1, 1818, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Moorland) Bowman; former was a native of Maryland, a carpenter and joiner by trade; latter, born in the north of Ireland. The father settled in Wood County, Ohio, in 1836, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred in 1846. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters. Our subject, the second son, received his education in a select school in Pennsylvania, and chose farming as his occupation. He has resided in this county since 1836. His present farm consists of 100 acres of land now under a high state of cultivation; it was wild timbered land when he first came here, and he has made most of the improvements upon it himself. Mr. Bowman was united in marriage, in 1850, with Prudence, daughter of William Edgar, and of Scotch and English descent. Their children are Columbia J., wife of David M. Thomas; Rebecca 8.; William E., a school teacher; Phebe and Milo L. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for many years, and

A. CRUMRINE, farmer, P. O. McComb, was born in Washington County, Penn., March 28, 1815, son of Peter and Rebecca (Wise) Crumrine, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Peter Crumrine, who was a carpenter in early life, but who in later days became a farmer, came to Ohio in 1832 and settled in Ross County; of his family of nine children our subject is the eldest. A. Crumrine was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and chose agriculture for his occupation. He came to this county in 1842 and settled on the farm in Portage Township, consisting of 160 acres of well improved land, where he now resides. Mr. Crumrine was united in marriage, in 1839, with Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Ross, and is of German descent. To them have been born nine children: Sarah, wife of John Nelson; Joseph; Benjamin; Amanda, wife of D. H. Randall; Adaline, wife of O. M. Ramsey; Malissa, wife of Daniel Freed; Nathaniel R. and two who are deceased. Mrs. Crumrine is a member of the Disciples Church. Our subject is a Democrat in politics; for twenty-seven years he served as justice of the peace; has been school director for more than twenty-five years; has also been trustee of Portage Township several terms, and was overseer in the Grange movement in his township.

JAMES DETER, farmer, P. O. Van Buren, was born in Franklin County, Penn., March 1, 1818, son of Jacob and Sarah (Anderson) Deter, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved from there to Richland County, Ohio, when our subject was quite young. Their family consisted of nine children, six now living, our subject being the eldest of the family. James Deter acquired his education in the common schools of his day, and came to this county in 1836, settling in Portage Township. In order to obtain a start in the world he worked by the day and month, and part of this time he worked on the canal on the Maumee River. In 1850 Mr. Deter was united in marriage with Catharine Bushong, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bohart) Bushong, natives of Stark County, Ohio, who were among the early settlers of this county. Mr. Bushong was commissioner of this county in a very early day; he departed this life in 1884. Our subject and wife are the parents of four children: Jacob, married to Catharine Wagoner (they have three children: Laura M., Harry and Clinton W.); Samuel, a photographer of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Irvin and Emily J. Mr. Deter took part in the militia of the early times. He has taken.an interest in educational affairs in his township. He has been successful in life and, by close application to business, has acquired 210 acres of fine land on which he and family reside.

S. F. DULIN, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Hampshire County, Va., August 3, 1810, son of William and Charlotte (Florance) Dulin, the former of whom was born in England, July 21, 1772, and the latter in Germany, July 21, 1772. They came to America with their parents when young, and settled in Baltimore County, Md., where they married; they afterward moved to Virginia, and in 1816, came to Ohio and settled on farm in Pickaway County, and January 27, 1830, removed to this county. William Dulin died November 13, 1832, and his widow in 1866, at the advanced age of ninety-three years, nine months and fifteen days. Their family consisted of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the seventh. 8. F. Dulin was reared on the farm, received a limited education in the com- mon school, and on reaching his' majority learned the cooper's trade, which he followed three years, but has made agriculture the occupation of his life. He is the owner of a well improved farm of sixty-six acres, on which he resides. Mr. Dulin has three daughters: Harriett A., wife of John W. M. Powell, a farmer residing in Putnam County, Ohio; Josephine I., wife of Levi Miller, a farmer in Portage Township, this county; and Mary E., wife of Isaac Fellabaum, a farmer. Mr. Dulin and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been steward, and of the Sabbath-school of which he has been superintendent. Mr. Dulin is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has taken five degrees in that order. In politics he is a Republican. He has, at various times, filled nearly all the different township offices. He taught school for three winters in Portage Township, this county. He was a member of the State militia, and in 1835 was elected captain of a rifle company, being afterward promoted to major. He was subsequently promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and served in that capacity until Gen. Bell appointed him to be brigade inspector, which office our subject held until the militia was disbanded.

T. F. EDGINGTON, farmer and stock raises, P. O. Portage Center, was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 24, 1828, and isthe youngest child of John and Catherine (Dougall) Edgington, natives of Virginia, and of Scotch and Irish descent. John Edgington, who had been a farmer all his life, and was among the early settlers of Portage Township, this county, died in 1848, his widow in 1856. T. F. Edgington, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuitse with more than average success. At present he is the owner of 232 acres of well improved land, on which he resides, in Portage Township, this county. Mr. Edgington was united in marriage, in 1851, with Miss Malinda Spitler, daughter of David and Sarah (Karan) Spitler, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject and wife are parents of the following named children: Emily, wife of W. S. Randall; Maranda, wife of F. P. Fifer, of McComb; and W. C. who was reared on the farm, attended the common school and the Valparaiso College, in Indiana, and chose farming as his occupation; he is married and has one child, Thomas F. The subject of this sketch has served nine years as justice of the peace, and is considered a good judge of law; in politics he is a Democrat.

J. S. HICKMAN, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 14, 1832, son of Joseph S. and Elenore (Higgins) Hickman, natives of Ohio, of English descent, former a farmer. Their family consisted of seven children, four of whom grew to maturity, the subject of this sketch being the eldest one now living. The second son died in the army. J. S. Hickman was reared on the farm and educated in the common school. He was united in marriage, in Franklin County, Ohio, April 19, 1852, with Matilda J., daughter of William Fountain, and "of English descent. The children of this union are Thomas L., a druggist; Ida L., wife of Irvin Wells; J. S. and Nancy J.' Our subject is a Republican in politics; has 'ee as school director for six years. He is the owner of eighty acres of and.

W. M. KING, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Richland County, Ohio, August, 2, 1819, son of John and Jano (Findlay) King, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of English descent, former a carpenter by trade. They reared a family of ten children, our subject be- ing the eldest. W. M. King was reared on the farm, received a common school education in Richland County, Ohio, and chose farming for his occupation in life; has also dealt in stock for several years. He is the owner of 174 acres of land in Portage Township where he now resides. Mr. King was united in marriage, in 1842, with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Addis Linn, and of English extraction. The fruits of this union are the following named children: John, a farmer; Elizabeth J., a school teacher; Addis L., a farmer in Iowa; Mary, wife of Marion Ramsey; Eli; C. W.; Christian; Susannah; Bartley and Emily. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in polities; has been school director for twelve years.

GEORGE MONTGOMERY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Portage Center, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 11, 1823, only child of John, and Nancy (Helmick) Montgomery, natives of Ohio, former of whom was killed by the falling of a tree when our subject was one year old. On the death of his father little George was sent to live with his grandparents. His maternal grandfather, Nicholas Helmick, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a very large man and very determined in his ways. He came to this county in 1832 and settled in Cass Township, where George was reared and grew to maturity. Living in a newly-settled country, our subject's means for obtaining an education were limited, attending school only three months in his life. He lived with his grandfather until twenty-one years of age; he then bought a tax title to forty acres of wild timbered land in Portage Township, this county. He was without capital, and, to get a start in life, took up auctioneering in connection with farming, a business he followed with success for thirty-seven years. For many years Mr. Montgomery was one of the best known auctioneers in this county, and the only one in that line who took out a license for the full year. He has, however, made farming his principal business, and at one time was the owner of 1,400 acres of land; but since his children married he has helped them to a start in life, and he now owns only the homestead farm, consisting of 105 acres. Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage, in 1844, with Mary, daughter of George Chase, a pioneer of this county. To this union were born nine children: Miles W., Benoni K., Elizabeth Jane, Elcie M., David, Irene, Martha S. and Mary Ss. (twins) and George C. The mother died in 1861, and our subject married, for his second wife, Doratha A., daughter of Benoni Culp, and to this union have been born three children: Angie, Rachel and Wellington H. In politics Mr. Montgomery is a Republican. He has been postmaster of Portage Center, the second postoffice established in this county, the office being in his residence. mor onuy NIGH, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Northampton County, Penn., June 14, 1812, son of Lawrence and Nancy (Welsh) Nigh; latter a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. Lawrence Nigh, the father of. our subject, a native of New Jersey and of Holland descent, came to Ohio in 1817 and settled on a farm in Columbiana County. He reared a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity and married, our subject being the eldest. Andrew Nigh was reared on the farm, and at the age of eighteen years learned the trade of plastering, which he followed for fourteen summers. He came to this county in October, 1837, and settled on a farm in Pleasant Township, where he remained one year and then removed to his present farm, consisting of 157 acres of land in Portage Township, this county. Mr. Nigh was united in marriage, in 1835, with Catherine, daughter of Martin De Rodes, and of German descent. To them were born nine children, six of whom survive; of the deceased, Franklin and Martin both died in the army; Franklin was in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Martin served under Capt. Cusac, in Company G, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; the survivors are O. P., married, a farmer in Portage Township, this county; Elizabeth, wife of A. Gorrell, residing on the home farm; S. W. (married Miss Wilson), a farmer in Portage Township, this county; Martha J., wife of Lewis Thomas, a painter in Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio; Barbara, wife of William Thomas, an engineer on the Pan Handle Railroad at Denison, Ohio; and D. E., married, residing in North Baltimore, Wood Co., Ohio Mrs. Nigh died in 1881, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Nigh was township treasurer for four years and township trustee for six years; he is a prominent pioneer and one of the few who still live on the land they entered from the Government.

S. W. NIGH, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. North Baltimore, Wood County, was born in Portage Township, this county, November 17, 1853; son of Andrew and Catherine (De Rodes) Nigh. Our subject was reared on a farm, attended the district school in Portage Township, this county, also the Findlay High School, and chose farming for an occupation, which he has followed with success. He is the owner of 240 acres of land, in Portage Township, this county, 150 acres of which are under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Nigh was united in marriage, in 1875, with Amelia Wilson, a lady of Holland-Dutch and Irish descent; her father, Miles Wilson (deceased), was a pioneer farmer; her mother is still living. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with six children: Wilbur W., Clifford G., Nellie, Ned, Elsie, and an infant, not yet named. Mrs. Nigh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In polities Mr. Nigh is a Democrat.

LEVI M. THOMAS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. North Baltimore, Wood County, was born in this county, October 18, 1839, son of Jacob and Rebecca (Edgington) Thomas, natives of Ohio, the former of Dutch descent, and the latter of Scotch and Welsh descent. Jacob Thomas, who was a farmer, came to this county and settled on a farm in Marion Township; was twice married, and reared a family of nine children, our subject being the third by the first wife. Levi M. Thomas was reared on the farm, received his education in the common school, and has made agriculture his business. He is the owner of 160 acres of land, on which he resides. Mr. 'Thomas is a man of more than ordinary nerve and energy, and when his right leg was broken by a tree falling upon it, he crawled from under the tree unaided, unhitched his team and rode home. At another time, while hunting in Michigan, he climbed a tree, shot a deer, and while he was descending to secure his game, the tree fell, breaking his left leg. He made his way to the nearest house, and there, finding that he was many miles from any physician, he set the broken leg himself, and placing a box around it, came home. Our subject enlisted, in 1861, in Company G, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga and sent to Libby Prison, where he remained eight months. In 1869 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Mary C., daughter of William Wilson, and of Dutch descent. They have two children: Elsie E. and Jaceb C. In politics Mr. Thomas is a Democrat. He has been trustee of Portage Township.

D. C. WARNER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Van Buren, was born November 2, 1834, where he now resides, on Section 15, Portage Township, this county, son of Daniel and Mary (Himer) Warner, former born in New York State, April 24, 1799, of English descent, latter born in Philadelphia, Penn. The Warner family came to America many years before the war of the Revolution, Gen. Warner, of Revolutionary fame, being a member of the family. Daniel Warner, the father of the subject of this sketch, came to this county February 14, 1834, and entered 160 acres of land in Portage Township, where he died in 1881. His family consisted of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the sixth. D. C. Warner was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and has made agriculture the principal occupation of his life; he is at present the owner of 219 acres of land. He served 100 days in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1856, with Angeline, daughter of Jacob Bushong, and of German descent. To them were born nine children, seven of whom survive: Willie L.; Scott, married to Caroline Steen; Sylvester, married to Ida Deter; Loie J., married to William W. Crawford; Maggie; Burtie and Carrie. Our subject and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been trustee, steward and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics Mr. Warner is a Republican. He has held the office of school director for nine years.

ISRAEL BENNER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Northampton County, Penn., April 26, 1829; son of Henry and Lydia (Falk) Benner, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Henry Benner was a stone-mason by trade but in later life turned his attention to farming. He reared a family of four children, Israel being second. Our subject grew to maturity on the farm, attended the common school, and, at the age of twenty years, learned carpentering, at which he worked for thirty-five years. He came to this county in 1848, and settled in the wild woods on the farm where he now resides. He is the owner of 120 acres of land. Mr. Benner has been twice married; the first time, in 1848, to Caroline Fenstermaker, and nine children were born to this union, eight of whom are now living; four are married and the rest are at home. Mrs. Caroline Benner died in 1874, and Mr. Benner then married Caroline Deih], daughter of Peter Deihl, a mason by trade. Our subject's second union has beer blessed with four children - two boys and two girls. Mr. and Mrs. Benner are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been steward and trustee, class-leader (for ten years) and an exhorter for two years. He also takes an interest in Sabbath-schools and was superintendent for ten years. In politics Mr. Benner is a Democrat. He has been school director, also

J. H. BIERER, farmer and: stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Eagle Township, this county, May 4, 1844, son of David and Catharine (Dull) Bierer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. David Bierer was a butcher in early life, in middle life a carpenter, and in later life a farmer. He came to this county in 1842 and entered land in Eagle Township. He was twice married, having by his first wife one child, and by his second wife eight children, J. H. being the fifth. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the common school, and chose agriculture as his occupation. His parents died when he was eleven years.old and he was put out among strangers, and battled through life as best he could. He lost all his money that he had inherited, by aguardian. He worked out by the month for a short time, afterward rented land until he was able to buy a farm in Union Township, this county, where he now resides. He is the owner of two farms comprising 130 acres. Our subject was united in marriage, February 18, 1866, with Polly, daughter of Levi and Lydia (Fox) Bergman, latter of German descent, and former of whom was a prominent farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bierer have one child, Levi Elsworth. They are members of the Christian Union Church. Mr. Bierer is a Democrat in politics. He had three brothers in the Union Army during the late war; his brother Joseph was orderly sergeant, and one brother died in Vicksburg, Miss. J. H. Bierer has served twelve years as constable in Union Township.

S. H. BOLTON, farmer and stock raiser and apiarist, P. O. Stanley, Putnam County, was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 10, 1845, son of John and Mary (Houk) Bolton, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. John Bolton was a carpenter in early life, but in later life became a farmer and was among the early settlers in Blanchard Township, Hancock Co. Ohio. He reared a family of eight children, S. H. being the seventh. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and has made agriculture the occupation of his life; also, for several years past, has devoted considerable time to the raising of bees, making a specialty of the Italian bee. He imports his queens and has paid $5 for a single one. At the present time he has ninety stands of bees. In 1885, when the beekeepers of Hancock County, Ohio, met and formed the Bee-keepers' Association, Mr. Bolton was elected secretary. Mr. Bolton owns a well improved farm of 100 acres of land. In 1862 he enlistsd in Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Bope, and served eighteen months when he was transferred to the United States Signal Corps, in which he served until the-close of the war. Mr. Bolton married, in 1866, Lucretia E., daughter of Charles Moffit, a pioneer farmer of Blanchard Township, this county, and the children of this union were Mary E., Cora O., Ella M., Willie M., Elva L., John A., Samuel E., Nellie Grace (deceased), and Lloyd Blain. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton are members of the Church of God, in which he is elder, and has been trustee and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics Mr. Bolton is a Republican; he holds the office of school director; is a Master Mason. Mr. Bolton's father died in Findlay, in 1884; where he had retired to pass the last years of his life.

JACOB BOWERSOX, farmer and stock raiser, P. O., Rawson, was born in Pennsylvania, November 30, 1809, son of G. Adam and Mary (Steinbrook) Bowersox, both of German descent, latter a native of Pennsylvania. G. Adam Bowersox was bornin Germany and was a stone-mason in his early life, but in later life became a farmer; his family consisted of nine children, Jacob being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm and worked at the stone-mason trade, but his principal occupation bas been farming, in which he has been successful. He is the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres of land on which he resides. Mr. Bowersox settled in this county in 1859, and has accumulated his property by his own exertions. In 1830 he was united in marriage with Sophia, daughter of Philip Walter, and of German descent. The children of this union are Elizabeth (deceased wife of Job Loose); Levi, a farmer, married; Bennival, a farmer, married; Harry, a farmer, married, and residing in Pennsylvania; Jefferson, a farmer, residing in Indiana, married; and Edward, who was a member of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed'at Richmond, Va., in the late war. His first wife dying, ovr subject married, two years later, Margaret A. Kister, a lady of German descent. This union has been blessed with ten children: Pharus (deceased); Jeremiah, a farmer, married; Cyrus, a blacksmith; Robert, a farmer, married; John, a carpenter in California; William, now in California; Frank, in California; Henry, at home; George and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics he is a Republican.

PHINEAS BROWN, tile manufacturer, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Waldo County, Me., June 3, 1840, son of Thomas and Susan (Filbrook) Brown, natives of Maine, the former of Holland-Dutch, and the latter of English descent. Thomas Brown, father of our subject, a fisherman by occupation, came from Maine to Ohio in 1843, settling on a farm in Union Township, this county, where he passed the remaining portion of his life, dying in 1884. His family consisted of ten children, Phineas being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm, and chose agriculture as his avocation. In 1880 he embarked in the business of manufacturing tile, carrying this on in connection with his other occupation, and making it a success. Mr. Brown married, in 1861, Sarah Keel, daughter of Samuel Keel, and the children born to this union are Cyrus, William, Christenah, Samantha, Samuel, Mary Jane, John and Levina. Mrs. Brownis a member of the United Brethren Church; Mr. Brown being superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge at Benton Ridge, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been assessor for fourteen years; also land appraiser, school director and township trustee.

WILLIAM BURNS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, Ohio, born on the farm where he now resides, April 16, 1844, eldest son of James and Mary Ann (Moore) Burns, latter of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, died August 26, 1862. Our subject's father afterward married, June 9, 1864, Charity Dixson, who died April 25, 1865. James Burns was a native of Ohio and among the early settlers of this county; he entered and cleared the the land where our subject now resides; he was township trustee and assessor, and for many years a justice of the peace. He wasa pioneer and a prominent man, and always worked for the advancement of morality. After the death of his second wife in 1865; he lived with our subject on the farm till his death, which occurred in 1874. William Burns received his education in the common school and in the Bluffton, Ohio, graded school. He chose farming for his vocation in life and has met with success, at present owning 160 acres of well improved land in Union Township, this county, where he resides.

Mr. Burns was united in marriaye,in 1865, with Sarah A., daughter of Joseph Stratton, and of English descent, born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 18, 1843, and the children born to this union are Lucina J., Frank, Walter, Bessie and Ethel. Our subject had one sister, Susan, born June 4, 1841, died December 20, 1851, and one brother born January 24, 1846, died in infancy. Mr. Burns is a good citizen; in politics a Democrat.

ISAAC CLABAUGH (deceased) was born in Virginia in 1798, son of Henry and Rebecca (Miller) Clabaugh, of German descent, former of whom had been a farmer all his life: Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and was a tiller of the soil all his days. He came to this county fifty years ago, his father having entered the land where our subject resided up to his death. Jn 1820 Isaac Clabaugh married Miss Margaret Houser, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., October 15, 1796, daughter of Valentine and Mary (Winegardner) Houser. This union was blessed with five children, two of whom are yet living. August 23, 1885, although at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, Mr. Clabaugh purchased twelve acres of land, and at the time of his death owned 118 acres besides twelve acres of timber land. His father settled in Ohio Territory in 1800 and Isaac Clabaugh lived in the State ever since that year. He died September 10, 1885. He was a Jacksonian Democrat in politics. His widow, who was born in 1796, is in good health and does her own work.

N. H. CLYMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 15, 1856, son of C. F. and Catharine (Knichleson) Clymer, latter a native of Pennsylvania; C. F. Clymer, our subject's father, a native of Ohio, of English descent, was a farmer all his life, born November 26, 1821, and died July 25, 1878, aged fifty-six years. He was the son of Francis Clymer and was twice married; he had ten children by his first wife and five by his second wife, and ten of his children grew to maturity. He was an active member of the United Brethren Church for thirty years. Our subject's grandfather, Francis Clymer, was an early pioneer of Hancock County, and entered the land where our subject was born and now resides. N. H. Clymer, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm, received a good English education, and chose farming as his occupation. He is the owner of 160 acres of land. February 6, 1881, Mr. Clymer was united in marriage with Eliza Whisler, of German descent, daughter of David and Mary Ann (Tobias) Whisler. Mr. and Mrs. Clymer have one child living, Irvin L. Mrs. Clymer is a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Clymer is a Republican. One of Mr. Clymer's brothers lost his life in his country's cause during the late war.

THOMAS COLEMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Benton Ridge, born December 16, 1825, is a son of Nicholas and Susan (Alcorn) Coleman, latter a native of Delaware, of English origin. 'Nicholas Coleman was a native of Maryland, of Irish origin, and in early life was a stage-driver in Pennsylvania. His family consisted of five children, two of whom are still living: Thomas and Georgianna, latter now the wife of Jackson Baldwin, of Blanchard Township, this county. The parents of our subject came from Pennsylvania to Union Township, this county, in 1840. They brought three of their children with them, Thomas being one of the number, walking all the way and bringing everything they owned with them, even their cook- ing utensil, which consisted of one little skillet (this skillet is now in the possession of Mrs. Baldwin, their daughter). Our subject's parents were poor, even for pioneers. Thomas worked out by the day and month, and for seven years for John Dukes at $7 per month, and has done many & hard day's work for 50 cents per day. He labored for 50 cents per day "'dead'ning'' the timber on the farm where he now resides, and which was then the property gf another man. He then rented land, and as soon as he had accumulated money enough he bought forty acres, which he cleared, then sold and bought other land. He has met with marked success ih business, and is now the owner of 347 acres of land. In 1853 he married Susan Baldwin, a lady of English origin, daughter of David Baldwin, a pioneer farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman's children are Nelson, a farmer (married), Theodore, Oliver, Herbert, Effie, Viola, Jennie, Belle and Charles. In politics Mr. Coleman is a Republican.

JACOB CRAMER, retired farmer, Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 26, 1827, son of Philip and Catherine (Harmon) Cramer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Jacob Cramer's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Philip Cramer, who was a farmer and a minister of the United Brethren Church, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1830, settling in Union Township, and cleared up a farm which is now owned by our subject. Jacob was reared on the farm, was educated in the log schoolhouse, and chose agriculture as his occupation, which he followed with success until 1883, when he retired; he now resides in Rawson. He was married, in 1850, to Isabella, daughter of Alfred Hampton. Their only son now living, C. C. Cramer, is a hardware merchant in Rawson, and a prominent man; he was born February 1, 1855, and reared on the farm, receiving his education in the district school in his native township, and in the high schoo] at Findlay. At the age of eighteen - years he commenced teaching school, and also worked at farming, being thus employed for eight years. He embarked in his present business in 1883. In 1877 he married Emma C. Tomlinson, and this union has been blessed with two children: Edward R., and Fred C. In politics Mr. Cramer is a Democrat. He is a member of the town council of Rawson; he is a Master Mason.

HENRY DEEDS, Jz., farmer, P. O. Rawson, was born in Union Township, this county, October 5, 1846, son of Henry and Margaret (Cramer) Deeds, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Our subject's father was born in 1809, and came to this country in 1833, settling in Union Township, on the farm where he now resides. His family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, nine still living. Our subject, who is the seventh child, received his education in common and select schools, and has made farming the occupation of his life. He is the owner of 242 acres of well improved land. He was united in marriage with Margaret Ellen, daughter of Moses Elza, and of German descent. This union has been blessed with five children: Etta May; Elroy G., Margaret Ann, Myrtie Estella, and Cora Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Deeds are members of the United Brethren Church; in politics he is a Republican.

GIDEON FALK, retired farmer, Mount Cory, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., April 26, 1811, son of Matthias and Mary (Shoemaker) Falk, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Matthias Falk was a carpenter, a trade he followed most of his life, but in later years became a farmer. He reared a family of six children, Gideon being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his education in the common school, and chose agriculture as his vocation in life. He came to this county in 1848 and settled on a farm in Union Township. As a farmer he met with marked success, at one time owning 240 acres of well-improved land, and by economy and industry he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods; has retired from active business, and now resides in Mount Cory, where he owns a neat and substantial residence, and passes his time in ease and comfort. Mr. Falk was united in marriage, in 1835, with Hannah, daughter of Jacob Kemmerer, and of German descent. Of their eight children four are now living: Lydia, wife of George Harpster, a farmer; Mary, wife of Thomas Chaney; Levi, married and engaged in milling and trading, and Sarah, wife of George Wonder, a prominent farmer in Union Township, this county. Mr: and Mrs. Gideon Falk are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been class leader and Sabbath school superintendent.

THOMAS FLICK, farmer, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 18, 1832, son of John and Elizabeth (Fox) Flick, of German descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. John Flick was a blacksmith in early life; in later life became a farmer; he came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833, settling in Union Township; he reared a family of six children - four boys and two girls. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, was reared on the farm, educated in the old log schoolhouse, and chose farming as his occupation, which he had followed with success. He is the owner of 120 acres of land. In 1853 Mr. Flick married Sarah Deeds, daughter of Henry Deeds, Sr.; her parents were of German descent. Her father, who is a farmer, came to this county in 1833, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Flick's children are Eliza J., (deceased), William, Henry, Samantha, Irrilla, Minerva, Leander and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Flick are members of the United Brethren Church. He has been school director. In politics he is a Democrat.

J. J. FLICK, tile manufacturer, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, February 12, 1837, son of John and Elizabeth (Fox) Flick, of German descent, the former born in Virginia and the latter in Pennsylvania. John Flick, who was a blacksmith in early life, in later life a farmer, came to this county in 1835 and settled in Union Township, where our subject's grandfather was among the first to enter land in this county. John and Elizabeth (Fox) Flick reared a family of seven children, all now living, J. J. being the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his education in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years learned a trade which he followed for eighteen years, since when he devoted his time to farming until 1880, when he embarked in his present business with Phineas Brown, his present partner. Mr. Flick also owns a farm consisting of fifty acres of land, on which he resides. He was married in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1858, to Eliza, daughter of Henry Deeds, Sr. Their children are Thomas, Oliver, Malissa J., Lawrence, Martha Ellen and Celesta May. Mrs. Flick is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Flick is a Master Mason. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been delegate to the Democratic convention. He has also been a school director.

DANIEL FOX, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 15, 1826, son of David and Elizabeth (Bartoon) Fox, former born in Pennsylvania, March 13, 1796, latter born in Maryland in 1801, and both of German origin. David Fox, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Hancock County in 1833, and settled on the farm on which our subject now lives. The family consisted of seven children. The father died in 1867; the mother is still living, remarkably well preserved for one of her age. She remembers when there were but twocabins between her house and Findlay. Both father and mother were members of the United Brethren Church for many years. Of their children now living, Daniel, the eldest, was educated in the log schoolhouse, made farming the business of his life, and is the owner of 100 acres of well improved land. In 1849 he married Mary Jane Nowlan, a lady of English and Irish descent. Their children are S. S., a carpenter by trade, and married; Simeon, at home; Cinderella; S. D., a teacher, was married at Concordia, Mo., March 24, 1885, to Miss Neuhaus; S. M., at home; 8. V., at home; 8. M. and Sophia E. In politics Mr. Fox is a Democrat. He has been trustee of Union Township, this county, and for many years was school director; also served thirteen months in the Union Army.

SOLOMON GHASTER, retired farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Ohio December 31, 1827, son of Henry and Sarah (Powell) Ghaster, former born in Germany, by trade and occupation a carpenter, mill-wright and farmer, latter a native of Ohio, and of Welsh descent. Solomon Ghaster, the second in a family of six children, was reared on a farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his schooling was limited to forty days in an old-fashioned log schoolhouse. He chose farming for his occupation, came to this county in 1848, and bonght 133 acres of land where he now resides. In 1852 he went to California, returning in 1855. When he commenced to improve his farm he was $500 in debt, and all he owned was his ax and clothes. To use his own words he ''had a good ax and good muscle, but poor clothes,'' but by industry and economy he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. Mr. Ghaster married, in 1856, Mary, daughter of William and SarahF ox, former a pioneer farmer of this county. Mrs. Ghaster is of German descent. Hight children have been born to this union: William H., John J., S. L., Sarah J., wife of George W. Woods; Ida May, Euphemia M., Elmer Elsworth and Charles Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Ghaster are members of the United Brethren Church; he has been class leader and member of the quarterly conference for many years, and Sabbathschool superintendent. In politics Mr. Ghasteris a Republican. He was a member of the school board when they built the new schoolhouse. He takes an active interest in educational affairs, and has been a strong temperance man for the past twenty-six years. In early life Mr. Ghaster was a very hardy man; for example, he says he and Daniel Powell, when young men, were employed in running a saw-mill in Fairfield County, Ohio, and at one time, when business was crowding, they worked five days and four and one-half nights without sleep; he says his salary was $33.50 per year, while Mr. Powell (now a wealthy farmer in this county) received about $10 per month.

J. W. HARRIS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 26, 1827, son of Abram and Sarah (Kneedles) Harris, natives of Delaware, and of English-Irish and German descent. Abram Harris, who is'a successful farmer, residing in Fairfield County, Ohio, reared a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, J. W. being the fourth. Our subject was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education and chose farming as his vocation. He has met with marked success in life, at the present time owning 293 acres of well improved land. Mr. Harris came to this county in 1849 and settled on the farm where he now resides. In 1848 he married Mary E. Dehouty, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Case) Dehouty, natives of Delaware and of English descent. Four children have been born to this union, three of whom are now living: Abram B., a farmer; Sarah, wife of Peter Hummon, and George W., afarmer. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been class leader, and steward and trustee. He takes an active interest in all that pertains to the church. He has given each of his children a good start in the world. Mr. Harris is a voter but no one knows how he votes.

ADAM HEININGER, hardware merchant, Mount Cory, was born in Switzerland, September 22, 1832, son of Andrew and Anna (Kleiner) Heininger. His father, a farmer, came to America in 1844 and located on a farm in Hopewell Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1850, when he removed to this county and settled in Union Township. His family consisted of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, four now living: Adam, the subject of this sketch; Daniel, a minister of the Evangelical Association, residing in Saginaw City, Mich.; Samuel, a minister in the Evangelical Association, residing in Cleveland, Ohio; and Thressia, wife of Andrew Link, of Mount Cory, Ohio. Adam Heininger lived on the farm with his parents until he was eighteen years of age. His first education was obtained in Europe and he studied the English language in Seneca and Hancock Counties. When eighteen years of age he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he worked for ten years. In 1862 he bought a farm of 120 acres of land in Union Township, this county, which he still owns. In 1883 Mr. Heininger embarked in the hardware business, which he still carries on. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Jacob Gressly; and born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, of German descent. Their children are Wesley G., Anna Catharine, Ella and Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. Heininger are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has been class leader, steward and trustee, also a teacher in its Sabbath-school. In politics he is a Republican. He takes an active interest in public schools.

H. E. HENDERSON, grain dealer, P. O. Rawson, was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 13, 1826, son of Charles and Margaret (Moody) Henderson, latter a native of Ohio and of English descent. His father, born in Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and a farmer by occupation, settled in 1834 on a farm in Big Lick Township, this county. H. E. Henderson, the third in a family of nine children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He made farming his chief occupation until 1875, since which date he has devoted his time to his present business. He commenced first in Lima, where he located thirteen months, then removed to Findlay, where he remained four years engaged in the grain and produce business; and next came to Rawson and established his present enterprise. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant, was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was pro- moted to captain of the company; was afterward transferred to the Invalid corps; he was discharged for disability in 1864. Capt. Henderson has been twice married; by his first wife he had four children: Arrella, wife of George Higgins; Alfred, who is now in the West; Viola, wife of Jacob Careny; Flora, wife of Charles Burkette. Capt. Henderson's second wife, whom he married in 1866, was the widow of Albert Hollowell; by her he had one child, Jennie. In politics Capt. Henderson is a Democrat.

J. P. HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 23, 1815, son of Walter and Nancy (Harris) Hews, latter a native of Delaware, of English descent. Walter Hews was born in Pennsylvania and was a farmer all his life; he reared a family of ten children, J. P. being the third; he died when our subject was fifteen years old. J. P. Hews was reared on the farm in Franklin County, Ohio, received a limited education in the log schoolhouse and worked on a farm until he was twenty-one years old. In 1835 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, a native of Knox County, Ohio, daughter of John Bowen; her parents were natives of Wales. The year of his marriage Mr. Hews went security for his cousin and had to pay the bail money; this placed him in such a position that he had to borrow 75 cents to pay his marriage fee, and left him $180 in debt besides. He then went to work clearing land in Franklin County, and in the same fall took a lease on a ''dead'ning,"' and the next spring he sold the lease for enough to purchase a team. In 1845 he came to this county and bought eighty acres of land in Union Township, having five years in which to pay for it. By industry, economy and prudent management he has succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune, and is the owner of 505 acres of valuable land. Mr. Hews is a Democrat and often represents his party in conventions. He has sérved many terms both on the petit and grand juries. For many years past Mr. Hews has dealt largely in stock - buying and shipping. He is among the heaviest tax payers in the county, and for several years has paid more taxes than any other one man in Union Township. The union of Mr. apd Mrs. Hews has been blessed with ten children, seven of whom are now living, five boys and two girls: Hiram, a farmer, in good circumstances; Elizabeth (deceased); John, married and living on the home farm; Nancy A., now the widow of Robert Stratton; William, a farmer in Wood County; Julia A. (deceased); George M., a farmer; Jane, wife of Andrew Doty; James, a farmer, and May (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hews are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he is class leader, and has been superintendent of Sabbath-school.

HIRAM HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 10, 1836, son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Bowen) Hews, the former a pioneer farmer of Welsh, the latter of German descent. Hiram Hews. the eldest in a family of ten children, seven of whom are living, was brought to Union Township, this county, when a child, was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of Union Township, where he grew to manhood, and chose farming as his occupation. He has been successful in life and is the owner of 226 acres of land upon which he resides and which is well improved and well stocked, and on which he has one of the finest farm-houses in Union Township. Mr. Hews was united in marriage, July 26, 1859, with Susannah

This union has been blessed with four children: Emma Augusta, Homer R., Halla Belle and Orpha Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Hews are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been trustee. Mr. Hews has been school director several terms. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES HEWS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, January 27, 1859, son wd ES and Elizabeth (Bowen) Hews, former a prominent farmer of Union Township, born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 23, 1815, of Welsh descent; the latter a daughter of John Bowen, and a native of Knox County, Ohio, of Welsh descent. James Hews, who is the youngest in a family of ten children, was reared on the farm, educated in the home schools, and has made farming and stock raising the business of his life. Mr. Hews was united in marriage, in 1879, with Miss Mollie Brundidge, daughter of Nathaniel and Mollie Brundidge, of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hews have one child, Jasper. Our subject owns 100 acres of valuable land in Union Township, this county, on which he resides, and which is replete with modern improvements and well stocked. In politics he is a Democrat.

CHARLES W. HUFFMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 24, 1832, is a son of Jacob and Susannah (Miller) Huffman, latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His father, who was a native of Virginia, of English and Scotch descent, and a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1833, settling in Liberty Township, where he remained one year. He then removed to Union Township, this county, and entered land, dying here in 1868. His family consisted of twelve children, Charles W. being the fourth. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education and has made farming the occupation of his life. In 1852 he took the overland route to California, where he engaged in mining. In 1857 he returned by water, landing in New York, and coming from there to Hancock County, Ohio, he bought a farm of 100 acres of land where he now resides. In 1865 he again went to California, remaining one year, since when he has been engaged in farming. In 1859 he married Barbara Flick, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Lockey) Flick, and a native of Virginia,of English descent, she died in 1884; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Huffman was class leader, steward and trustee and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Mr. Huffman's children are Oliver; Edith, wife of Jacob Powell; America; Darius; Blanche; Laura and Clara. Our subject is a Democrat. He has been school director for nine years. He served two terms on the grand jury; was also a member of the petit jury of the courts of Hancock County, and has been a delegate tothe Democratic Convention of this county.

_ DAVID HUFFMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Union Township, this county, June 9, 1844, son of Jacob and Susannah (Miller) Huffman, former born in Virginia, of English and Scotch descent, latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin. Jacob Huffman, who was a farmer, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1833; he lived in Liberty Township one year, then entered land on Section 10, in Union Township, this county, where he died in 1869. His family consisted of twelve childred, ten of whom grew to maturity, David being the ninth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended common school in Union Township, this county, also the State University at Athens, Ohio. After leaving school he engaged in teaching for a time, also farming. He enlisted September 9, 1861, in the Twenty-tirst Ohio Voluntecr Infantry, Company F; re-enlisted January 4, 186-4, and served until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga September 20, 1868. Since the war Mr. Huffman has followed farming. He was united in marriage, February 24, 1870, with Persis Rothen, daughter of David and Barbara (Hartmotz) Rothen, natives of Germany. This union has been blessed with seven children, four of whom survive: Arletta B., Mary A., Willis A. and Almira J. Mrs. Huffman died January 25, 1885; she was a member of the Church of God, Mr. Huffman is a Democrat in ,polities; he has been clerk of Union Township, this county, and school director. | He is a Master Mason inthe Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the G. A. R., in which he served two years as Officer of the Day.

GEORGE HUMMON, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, January 24, 1845, son of John and Mary Ann (Wininnger) Hummon, native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. John Hummon was a farmer and came from Pennsylvania to Putnam County, Ohio, among the early settlers of that county, and settled on a farm. His family consisted of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, George being fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common school, and also Findlay High School. He has made farming his occupation and is a first-class agriculturist. He owns 246 acres of valuable land, on which he resides; it is under a good state of cultivation and has excellent farm buildings upon it. In 1869 Mr. Hummon married Rebecca Gressly, daughter of Henry Gressly, a retired farmer, of Union Township, this county. The children born to this union are Viola Annis, Azotus, Elsea, Blanche, Alverda and Grover. Mr. Hummon was treasurer of Union Township, this county, for eight years. In politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL KEEL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Cory, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, September 9, 1843, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Alspach) Keel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, former of whom came to Hancock County, Ohio, and entered land near Findlay, where he spent the remaining years of his life and died in 1851. Daniel Keel was reared on the farm of his uncle, in Eagle Township, this county. He received his education in the common school, and at the age of twenty years he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Amanda Bartoon, daughter of John Bartoon, and of English descent. The children born of this union are Willie D. and Thornton W. Mrs. Keel died in 1869, and in 1870 Mr. Keel married Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Banham, of English descent. Their children are Sylva May and Tiella Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Keel are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been class-leader, steward and trustee, and Sabbathschool superintendent and school director.

JOHN KEEL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Rawson, born in Union Township, this county, August 23, 1846, is ason of Samuel and Mary (Povenmire) Keel, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The father of our subject was an early pioneer of Hancock County, Ohio, and now resides in Benton Ridge, Ohio. John Keel, the fifth in a family of eight children, was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and wisely chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation. He is owner of a well nucesed tach Union osiehip this county, on which he resides. Mr. Keel was united in marriage, in 1869, with Martha J., daughter of Henry Stover, and of English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Keel are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. He enlisted, in 1864, in the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was a non-commissioned officer in Company H. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is chaplain of Post No. 144.

NATHANIEL J. KRAMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 26, 1839, reared in Franklin County, Ohio, and grew to manhood on the same farm where he was born. (This statement may seem incorrect, nevertheless it is true and easily explained: the county boundary lines were so changed as to bring Mr. Kramer's farm from one county to another). Nathaniel J. Kramer is the son of John and Hannah (Boyd) Kramer, of German descent. John Kramer was a successful farmer. His family consisted of seven children, Nathaniel J. being the third. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in the common schools of Franklin County, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed in connection with farming till the present time. Financially he has been successful, but he has been dangerously injured three different times: on the first occasion he had his collarbone broken, the second time he had his right shoulder broken, and on the third occasion he had his left leg broken. Mr. Kramer is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres of land, on which he resides, and on which he has a neat and substantial house and barn and other out-buildings, and which is well stocked. In 1860 Mr. Kramer was united in marriage with Susannah, daughter of David Fox, and they have six children: David E.; John H. and Hannah E. (twins - Hannah E. is wife of Isaiah Foltz); Willard B. and Wilson D. (twins), and Carrie Dell. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been steward and trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. He takes great interest in the education of his children, and has been school director of his district.

J. C. LEE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O.Mount Cory, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 5, 1833, son of James and Elvina (Coleman) Lee, both of English descent, former of whom, who was a farmer, died in 1852; latter died in 1849. Of their family of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, only two survive: Stephen, now residing in Nebraska, and J.C. The subject of this sketch was brought to this county when three years of age, was reared on a farm, received a common school education and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1855 he went to Iowa and in 1859 to California, by the overland route. There he worked in the mines, and on his return came by way of water, arriving in New York City in 1865. He subsequently returned to his vocation of farming. Mr. Lee has been twice married, his first wife being Rusena, daughter of Charles Mallahan, and of English' descent. Mr. Lee's present wife was Mary M. Walter, of German descent, daughter of Frederick Walter, a farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lee's children are Alvan Alphonso and Neoma Melvina. In politics Mr. Lee is a Republican.

MATTHIAS MARKLEY, farmer and stock raiser, B. O. Mount Cory, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, May 3, 1829, soy of Solomon and Elizabeth (Salsbery) Markley, latter a native of Polthe giants of English descent. Solomon Markley, a native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and who was a farmer during life, settled in Putnam County, Ohio, in 1836; he died in 1853. His family consisted of eight children, six of whom are now living, Matthias being the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, acquired his education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, with paper windows, in Putnam County, Ohio, and chose farming as his voca-. tion, which he still follows with success. Mr. Markley may properly be called the father of the town of Mount Cory, for he was instrumental in having H. P. Eaton locate the flour-mill there, which gave the town a railroad station. The land where Mount Cory now stands was owned by Mr. S. Kemerer and Mr. Markley, who laid out the town in 1872. Our subject has been school director and township trustee, and takes a deep interest: in all that tends to benefit Mount Cory. He has been remarkably successful in business, and is the owner of a farm and considerable town property. Mr. Markley has been three times married; first, in 1851, to Mary Heathman, who died in 1853, without issue. His second marriage was in 1854, with Philena Miller, a lady of German descent, and their children are Cyrus; Joseph L.; Elizabeth Ann, now the wife of George F. Smith; Hiram D.; Thomas Wesley; Plyna M.; Mary C.; William Peter; Ada C. and Jennie V. Mr. Markley's second wife died in 1878, and for his third he married, in 1884, Mary Williams, a lady of French origin, from Canada. In politics Mr. Markley is a Democrat. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland in 1885.

J. W. MARSHALL, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Cannonsburg, was born in Trumbull! County, Ohio, October 9, 1837, son of Benjamin and Jane (McKinley) Marshall, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. Benjamin Marshall, who was a farmer, came to this county in 1838 and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. His family consisted of nine children, J. W. being the youngest. Benjamin Marshall died in 1861, and his widow, now in her eighty-ninth year, resides with the subject of this sketch. J. W. Marshall was reared on the farm, and has made agriculture and dealing in stock his business; has met with marked success, and is the owner of a fine farm of 205 acres, with first-class improvements. Mr. Marshall married, in 1858, Mary Nonnamaker, daughter of Ami Nonnamaker, and of German descent. Eleven children have been born to this union, nine of whom survive: Lucinda J. (deceased), David Perry (deceased), William Ami, George Clifford, Charles E., John M., Samuel A., Nellie A., Nora M. and Mollie G. The eldest daughter, Nancy E., is the wife of Amos Runkle. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he is steward and Sabbath-school treasurer. In polities h¢ is a Democrat. He has served three years as township trustee. _

JESSE MILLER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 17, 1845, son of Henry and Catharine (Drassley) Miller, the former born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, the latter born in Germany. Henry Miller came to this county in 1839 and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. He has been a successful farmer, has retired from active business and now resides in Mount Cory, this county. Of his nine children eight are now living, Jesse being the fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the home school and chose tilling of the soil as his vocation. He is a successful farmer and owns ninety-five acres of good land in Union Township, this county. In 1863

Mr. Miller enlisted in Company E, Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in forty of the most severe engagements of the war. He was discharged in 1865, at the close of the war, and on his return home resumed farming. Mr. Miller was married, in 1868, to Minerva Hummon, daughter of John Hummon, and their children are, Vida, Ada Della, Edmon F., Harley J., Metta, Cloyd, Cosy, Cruden D. and Jesse Blaine. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Evangelical Association, in which he has served as superintendent of Sabbath-school. He holds the office of school director. In politics he is a Republican.

D. W. MOORE, merchant, Rawson, was born in Union Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, October 11, 1857; son of George and Maryana (Fox) Moore, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and of German descent. The father of our subject, who was a farmer, came-to Hancock County, Ohio, and settled in the wild woods; his family consisted of thirteen children, nine now living. Our subject, who is the eldest, received his education in the common school in Union Township, where he was born, also attending Findlay High School. He was reared on the farm and followed agriculture until 1884 when he embarked in the grocery business in Rawson. February 23, 1882, he was united in marriage with Jennie Foltz, a lady of German descent. Her father was a farmer by occupation. This union has been blessed with three children: Nellie Grace, Carrie Agnes and Harry DeWitt. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he has been class leader and also superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and is now permanent secretary. He is treasurer of the village of Rawson. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE MOORE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O., Rawson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 30, 1828, son of Edward and Sarah (Andrick) Moore, natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively, and of German descent, former a farmer. Their family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity, George being the third. Our subject, who was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, chose agricultural pursuits for his occupation and came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1849. His father died in 1863. Our subject went to California in 1864, returning in 1865. He married, in 1855, Mary Ann Fox, a sister of Daniel Fox, and their children are Daniel W:; Florence, wife of George Knepper; Elizabeth, wife of Simon Stager; George M.; David E.; Charley; Ida; Ada and Cora. Mrs. Moore is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Moore is the owner of a well improved farm in Union Township. He is a member of the I. O.'O. F., and has taken all the degrees in the Encampment. He is a Democrat in politics; has been trustee of Union Township, this county.

W.S. PETERSON, farmer, P. O., Gilboa, Pufnam County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1830, son of Samuel and Polly (Shepard) Peterson, natives of New York, of German and English descent. Samuel Peterson, who was a carpenter, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1844, and settled on a farm in Union Township. His family consisted of four children, our subject being the youngest; one daughter is living, now sixty-seven years of age, wife of Amos Showalter, and residing in Paulding County, Ohio. W. 8S. Peterson was reared ona farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He married, in 1850, Margaret Clabaugh, born in