Marion County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 4 so headed), 1883

DAVID M. BELL was born in Bowling Green Township February 3, 1860, and is the son of Jonathan aud Sarah (Harraman) Bell, mentioned elsewhere. David M. obtained a good practical education at the common schools, and at the " National Normal University" at Lebanon, Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school, which occupation he followed at intervals for three years. He was married April 4, 1882, to May Severns, a daughter of Wilson and Sarah (Stumbaugh) Severns. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of English and German descent. Mr. Beil resides on and is conducting a part of his father's farm in Bowling Green Township, five miles south of La Rue, giving his entire attention to agriculture and the raising of stock. He is an enterprising citizen, and politically is a Democrat.

SAMUEL BADER was born August 20, 1852, in Richland Township, this county, where his parents settled in 1843, and where they still reside. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Frech) Bader, are of German descent and natives of Ohio. Samuel iived with his parents until he was twentyone, and nine years was engaged in the saw milling business, at which he was very successful. October 6, 1876, he was married at Cardington, Ohio, to Mollie E. Lewis, a daughter of Thomas and Emily (Look) Lewis, the lat. ter natives of Ohio and of German and English ancestry. From the above marriage there are two children - Samuel E., born March 24, 1878, and John W., born November 24, 1879. Mr. Bader is an energetic and well-todo farmer, highly respected in the township, a member of the F. & A. M. at La Rue, aud in polities a Democrat.

LAFAYETTE BELL, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Harraman) Bell, was born in Bowling Green Township March 14, 1852, where he has always resided; during his minority he secured a good practicaleducation. He is now farming the homestead of 160 acres belonging to his father. He was married December 8, 1875, to Roxey J., daughter Ephraim H. and Sarah (Cheney) Watkius. They have one child - -Florence - born September 25, 1876. Mr. Bell is a prominent and well-known young farmer, is a member of the I. O. O. F. at La Rue, and politically he is a Democrat.

was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Reed) Sanders; her parents were of German and Irish descent, but were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively and the parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Margaret Bell is now (1883) the only surviving one. Jesse and Margaret Bell were married April 9, 1822, and settled in Bowling Green Townsbip in 1831. They were the eighth family that had settled in the township, and Mr. Bell cut the timber from the spot where he erected his cabin. Nine children were born to them, five sons and four daughters. Mrs. Bell has been a member of the Disciple Church for forty-five years. She is now in her seventy- ninth year, and is a remarkably intelligent and interesting woman. Jesse Bell was a son of Daniel and Hannah (Underhill) Bell, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Jesse died in 1878. (For further particulars of this family, refer to the sketch of Joseph H. Sifritt.)

HARRISON BONHAM, son of Elisha L. and Catherine (Dusthemer) Bonham, was born August 18, 1815, in Licking County, Ohio. The parents were of English and French extraction and natives of Maryland and Virginia. They emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, where he subsequently served as a soldier iu the war of 1812 and helped to build the " block-house" at Mansfield, Ohio. He was born February 29, 1774, and died October 22, 1858. His wife, Catherine, was born August 6, 1792, and died September 25, 1855. They settled in Bowling Green Township in October, 1838, and lived there until their death. Their children are Harrison, Amanda M., Oliver P., Jacob, Sarah, Mary, Harvey, Lydia, Huldah and Hiram, all of whom are living. Eliza, Elisha and Andrew are deceased. Harrison Bonham lived with his parents until 1821, during his minority securing a fair education at the common schools. At the age of twenty-three, he learned the carpenter's trade, in which occupation, together with farming, he 'has been engaged. He was married, March 22, 1838, to Mary A. Catlin, a daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth (MeKnatt) Catlin, of English and Irish extraction and natives of the State of Delaware; both died in Licking County, Ohio. Mr. Bonham is the owner of 104 acres of well-improved land, almost all under cultivation. He served his township two terms as Trustee, is a member of the " Church of God," and is an honored and respected citizen. Politically, he is a Democrat.

TIMOTHY C. BONHAM was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 16, 1840, and is a son of Harrison and Ann (Catlin) Bonham. He was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and had prepared to enter college; but at the breaking-out of the civil war he volunteered as a soldier in defense of the Union. He enlisted October 14, 1861, in Company B, Fortythird Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was present at the battles of Corinth, May 28, 1862; Iuka, September 19, 1862; Corinth, October, 1862; and with his company during the Atlanta campaign up to June 9, 1864, when he was detailed as a clerk in the Commissary Department, which posifion he held seven months, and then rejoined his company at Atlanta, and went through with Sherman's army on its " march to the sea. " He served until the close of the strife, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio. At the expiration of his first three years' enlistment, he re-enl.sted as a veteran and returned home on a thirty days' furlough, and while home was married, February 4, 1864, to Elizabeth Lee, and February 11, 1864, rejoined his company. Mr. and Mrs. Bonham have a family of six children. Himself and wife are members of the " Church of God," and politically he is a Democrat.

GEORGE S. CLARK is a prominent and well-known citizen of Bowling Green Township, was born January 27, 1827, in Licking County, Ohio. His parents were John and Rhoda (Merideth) Clark, of Scotch and Welsh descent, and natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They settled in Bowling Green Township in 1853, where he died in 1877 and his wife about 1868. Their six children survive, namely, George S. and Samuel; the daughters are now all widows- - Elizabeth Stultz, Mary Clayton, Martha Johnson and Eliza Smallwood. George S.-Clark, whose name heads this sketch,received a good practical education in the schools of Licking County; at the commencement of his career, after attaining his majority, he had very little means, but by energy, good management and industrious habits, he has accumulated a comfcrtable fortune. He has a pleasant and attractive residence and is the owner of 208 acres of land, valued at $80 per acre. He is a Democrat and has served his township as Justice of the Peace three terms; was Township Clerk for fifteen years, and served the township in nearly all of its various offices, and is one of its most substantial and enterprising citizens.

NATHAN CLARK was born in Montgomery Township, this county, June 15,1846; he passed his youth with his parents, receiving such an education as was afforded by the common schools, and was married January 2, 1870, to Victoria Johnson. Their children are Letta, born January 21, 1871; John H., May 19, 1872; Luddy, born June 27, 1874, and died April 28, 1875; Alta, born April 2, 1876; Earnest O. was born September 27; 1878, and died November 2, 1879. On attaining his majority, Mr. Clark taught school for two winters, and August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a soldier in Company D, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the battles of Vicksburg and Arkansas Post. At the latter place he was wounded six times, the last time in the knee by a minie ball; this disabled him, and he was carried from the field. He was sent to the hospital at Camp Chase, Ohio, where, on account of wounds received in battle, he was honorably discharged from the service. He returned home, and has since engaged in farming and dealing in stock. He is a substantial and highly honored citizen, and is a Republican. The parents of Nathan Clark were John and Huldah (Messic) Clark; they were natives of Delaware and Ohio respectively,and of Scotch and French extraction; they settled in Montgomery Township, Marion County, in 1829. Their children were Hannah, Noah, George W., Patience, John H., Nathan, Jane, Elizabeth, Sarah E. and David M., who are all living; Lettie E. and Demeriss are dead. The father of this family entered 160 acres of land, where he settled, in Montgomery County; nearly all of this land he cleared and improved prior to his death, which occurred September 19, 1875; his wife, Huldah, died November 7, 1879. John Clark, Nathan's grandfather, was born in the State of Delaware, November 11, 1776, and died in 1861; his wife, Pauline, to whom he was mairied June 14, 1801, was born October 30, 1783, and died in the winter of 1862. The parents of Mrs. Victoria Clark were Heury G. and Martha (Smith) Johnson; their children were Jacob R., Isabel, Robert H., Sarilla, Victoria, Philip G., Mary E., Paulina J. and Henry O. who are living; Rachel is deceased.

SAMUEL W. CLARK was born in Bowling Green Township April 19, 1850, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Debolt) Clark. He passed his early years on a farm and obtained a good education in the common schools of Marion; at the age of twenty years, he engaged in teaching school, an occupation that he followed at intervals for eight years. He was.

married January 30, 1873, to Wilmet Patrick, a daughter of William and Sarah (Manly) Patrick. They have had seven children, named as follows: Elmer J., Ester Lulu, Addie E. and Blanch, all living; three infants are deceased. Mr. Clark is one of the thoroughly representative and enterprising men of the township and held in high esteem by all. He has held various offices,among which have been Township Clerk four years; Clerk and member of the School Board of the township, and was elected Justice of the Peace, but resigned. He isa member of the F. & A. M. at La Rue, and politically he is a Democrat. Himself and brother own 100 acres of. land, and are now managing some 840 acres of farming land. He devotes his time to the raising of grain and stock, and is a dealer in wool during the wool season.

* WILLIAM E. DENMAN was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 5, 1849. His parents, William, Jr., and Sarah A. (Davidson) Denman, were natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. They are now residents of Morrow County, and have been for the past thirty-two years. They have been the parents of thirteen children, of whom three sons and seven daughters are Jiving William E. Denman during his youth acquired a thorough English education in the schools of Morrow County and Chesterville, Ohio, and when twenty-one years old, engaged in teaching schools, an occupation he has followed during the winters for twelve years. He was married, March 31, 1874, to Sarah Howser, a daughter of Anthony and Eliza E. (Wise) Howser; her parents were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, and were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living. William E. Denman and wife have one child - Elva - who was born November 3, 1879. Mr. Denman resides on his farm of 103 acres, which is well improved, and valued at $60 per acre. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist.

THOMAS P. DODD was born in Bowling Green Township, this county, July 7, 1853. He is the son of John and Margaret (Chapman) Dodd; thev were natives of Delaware and Virginia. On first coming to Ohio, they settled in Pickaway County, living there three years, when they came to Marion County and located in Bowling Green Township on a small farm, where they resided a few years. He died March 26, 1881. His widow still resides on the old homestead, in the limits of iia Rue Village. They ` had six children, all now living, named Hannah, Celia A.. Thomas P., Susan M., Maggie P. and Lola. John Dodd was born January 10, 1804; his wife Margaret was born March 13, 1819. They were married August 9, 1846; she was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Chapman, who were natives of Virginia and of English extraction; her parents had thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Thomas P. Dodd was educated in the schools at La Rue, and on attaining lis twenty-first year began teaching school, an occupation that he bas followed at intervals up to the present time. He has been Mayor of La Rue and member of the Council one year; is a member of the F. & A. M., and is a Republican. T

HON. JOHN D. GUTHERY. This well known and honored citizen of Marion County is of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry, though his parente, Joseph and Hannah (Dever) Guthery, were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky'respectiveiy. They came to Pike County, Ohio, at a very early day, and from there to Marion County in 1827, settling in Salt Rock Township. Joseph Guthery was born ih Greene County, Penn., March 29, 1790. and died in Marion County, Ohio, February 5, 1856. His. wife Hannah was born January 17, 1796, and died in Marion County, Ohio, in 1864. They had four children, all sons - John D., born September 16,

1819; and Isaac F., born October 24, 1821, are the only surviving ones. Mr. John D. Guthery obtained a good English education under the tutorship of Joseph M. Dickinson, in the common schools of the township, and from the age of twenty to twenty-seven years taught school at intervals. He was married, April 23, 1854, by the Rev. J. K. Ford, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to Susan Frederick, a daughter of John and Lydia (Earhart) Frederick By the above marriage, there were the following children: Joseph D., March 12, 1855; James B., October 28,1856; Rachel A., March 29, 1859; William L., February 15, 1862; John H., June 30, 1864; Isaac S., February 8, 1866; Frederick E. and Alma Dell, twins, born January 13, 1808, all of whom are living except Alma Dell, who died December 14, 1869; and Emma C. was born February 18, 1858, and died August 8, 1868 John D. Guthery, the subject of this sketch, is the largest landholder in the township, owning some 1,240 acres, a large proportion of which is under cultivation. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served the township and county in various official positions, always with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents, among which were nine consecutive years as Township Clerk, Land Appraiser three times, Justice of the Peace twenty. one years, and for two terms represented his county in the Ohio State Legislature. He is a man of excellent judgment, strict integrity and of rare executive ability, and his whole publie career is without a stain. He has retired from active farming, renting most of his land to. tenants, bui still resides on the homestead in Bowling Green Township. The parents of his wife were of German extraction, but natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. Their children were Matilda, Ann, Catherine, Simon, Rachel, Philip E. and Susan, who still survive. Sarah, Elizabeth, Lydia, John F., Eve and Mary are deceased. All these children lived to have families, excepting Sarah, who died at the age of sixteen years. The father, John Frederick, died December 23, 1853, and the mother of this family, Lydia, died August 29, 1859.

JOSEPH D. GUTHRIE, son of John D. and Susan (Frederick) Guthrie, is a native of Bowling Green Township, born March 12, 1855. He finished his educational career by completing a commercial course at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1873; he then became a pedagogue, teaching the winter months until his marriage. This important event occurred May 29, 1877, with Miss Mary E., daughter of John G. and Elizabeth Wolford. Their union has been crowned with the birth of Erven, aged four years, and Bernard, one and a half years. Mr. Guthrie is a respected and energetic young man, having under his control about 600 acres of land. He ranks among the leading farmers and stock-dealers in his township. He votes the Democratic ticket.

PHILIP E. GUTHERY, son of Isaac F. and Rachel (Frederick) Guthery, was born in Bowling Green Township July 31, 1857. His parents were early settlers in Marion County, and now are living at Marion. Philip E. was reared on a farm, in the meantime obtaining a good English education. Since the age of nineteen, hehas depended on his own resources and is now the owner of 120 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre. He was married, July 4, 1877, to Lizzie M. Clark, a daughter of George S. and Elizabeth Clark. From this union there are three children - Mabel, born June 11, 1878; George M., January 21, 1880; and Sybil, born February 5, 1882. Mr. Guthery is an enterprising farmer and citizen, well and favorably known. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and a Democrat.

JOHN HARRIS was born in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio, December 9, 1829. His parents, Garrett and Sarah (Orr) Harris, settled in Darby Township about the year 1810. He was Assessor of that township thirty-five years,and Justice of the Peace forty years. He was a highly respected citizen and a pioneer. He died on the old homestead in that township in 18 - -; his widow still resides in Darby Township with her son, George Harris, and is in her seventy-eighth year. Their children's names were William, George, John, our subject, Mary and Warren, all of whom are living. John Harris was married, June 10, 1848, to Hannah Brown, who was born in 1830, and died February 9, 1850, leaving one child - Hannah - who died at the age of eighteen years. He was married a second time to Jemima Benson, a daughter of John and Charlotte Benson. Eight children were born to this union, all of whom are living, named Garrett, George, Ellen, Louisa, John, William, Mary, Charlie E. and Elton; all of these children live within two miles of the homestead. Three of them

. were married the same day and by the same ceremony. Mr. Harris moved from Union to Marion County in 1868, and purchased 100 acres of partly improved land in Bowling Green Township at $40 per acre. This land is all now thoroughly improved and under cultivation. He has erected a comfortable frame house, in which he resides, and other outbuildings. He has served the township as Trustee for several years, which office he now tills. Himself and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church, and politically he is a Democrat. He enlisted as a soldier in the great civil war, August 29, 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the battles of "Overalls Creek," and of the Cedars, at which engagement he was wounded in the right side by the explosion of a shell. He was disabled for duty and sent to the hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and thence to the Nashville barracks, where he was honorably discharged from the service June 8, 1865.

JOHN JOHNSON was born March 18, 1827; his parents, Allen and Elizabeth Johnson, were early settlers in Montgomery Township and had a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living: Allen Johnson died Jauuary 11, 1858, aged sixty-eight years; his widuw is seventy-eight, and is still living. John Johnson was reared on a farm, attending during his youth the district schouls. He was married, September 11, 1852, to Jane Van Buskirk, a daughter of Michael and Anna Van Buskirk, by whom there were eight children. His wife died February 8, 1867, and he was married again February 4, 1868, this time to Adeline Longberry, a daughter of Michael and Margaret Longberry. By this marriage there were five children. Mr. Johnson has a farm of fifty acres, on which he has recently erected a good frame house. He is one of the oldest residents, having lived in the county forty-seven years. He is a Democrat.

ALBERT JONES was born in Montgomery Township August 28, 1840. His parents, Mires and Mary (Prettyman) Jones, were of Welsh and English origin, but they were natives of the State of Delaware. They settled in Montgomery Township in 1837. Mires Jones died there in 1844, and his wife in 1842. They had two children - Albert, the subject of this sketch, and Mary, who died in 1843. On the death of his parents, Albert went to live with his uncle, John Jones, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, during this time obtaining a limited education at the district schools. He was married, November 4, 1862, to Martha J., ceased. They were formerly residents of Bowling Green Township. Albert Jones and wife havesix children - John W., Mires, Albert L., Elizabeth E., Mary M. and Mintie D. Mr. Jones owns a farm of sixty acres, on which he resides, and is a highly respected citizen of the township. Politically, he is a Democrat.

ANDREW J. JONES is the second son of John and Elizabeth (Lynch) Jones, and was born in Montgomery Township November 24, 1849. When aged eighteen, after obtaining a fair education, he taught school during the winter seasons for four years. Mr. Jones was married, April 22, 1878, to

- Catherine Price, daughter of John and Ethelinda (Blue) Price. The children from this marriage are Alfred. W., Ida B. and Zoa May, who are living, and two infants deceased. Mr. Jones is Township Trustee and is a Democrat. He has 100 acres of land, and is a well-to-do farmer.

JOHN JONES was born in Sussex County, Delaware, October 2, 1816; his parents were both natives of that State. His father, Loudon Jones, was of Welsh extraction, and his mother, Margaret (Jackson) Jones, was of Irish origin; they both died in their native State. Only two of their eight children are now living; one is the subject of this sketch and the other is Nancy, the widow of William MeClerg, and resides in Indiana. John Jones had but few advantages in his youth, and consequently his education is a practical one, acquired from observation and experience. From the age of seventeen, he was thrown upon his own resources. The first dollar he ever earned was a silver one and he now has it in his possession. In the commencement of his career he worked as a laborer on the canal and railroad for eight years. In the fall of the year 1837, he came to Marion County, Ohio, and settled in Bowling Green Township. April 10, 1841, he was married to Elizabeth Lynch, who was born in Delaware September 1, 1826, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Dutton) Lynch. Her parents were of English ancestry, but natives of the State of Delaware, where they lived and died. Jeremiah Lynch was born December 15, 1791, and died in 1833; his wife Mary was born October 10, 1790, and died in 1872. "Although John Jones commenced a poor boy, by habits of industry and economy then formed, combined w!th rare good judgment and foresight, he has aceumulated a large fortune, and is now (1883) the owner of 1,492 acres of land, that, at a fair valuation, is worth $50 per aere. He still gives his whole attention to the management of hia farm and performs manual labor daily. The home place is stocked at present with 1,300 sheep, 100 or more of cattle, a large number of hogs, with horses, ete., sufficient to attend to with the labor on his extended possessions. He has always given more attention to the raising of stock, although he raises annunliy large quantities of grain. He has lived in Bowling Green Township ever since his settlement, with the exception of two years spent in Indiana. Mr. Jones is a temperate man, never having used tobacco in any of its forms. He has served his township one term as Trustee, and politically he is a Democrat. Mr. Jones and family live on his farm, near La Rue, surrounded by the comforts and conveniences of life. It is quite a contrast to their first housekeeping, as they then had neither a chair, bed. stead, table nor stove. Himself and wife have a family of seven children, namely, Jeremiah, Mary J., Andrew J., John W., Josephine and Emma, all living, and most of them married and residing in homes of their own.

JACOB KOLB, only son of Jacob and Catherine Kolb, was born in Germany April 10, 1829. He obtained a good education ir the Fatherland, and emigrated to America, locating at Marion, this county, in 1856, where he worked and lived about twenty years. He was married, August 25, 1868, to Mary Katie Fullmer, born in Germany November 18, 1836, a daughter of Simon and Dorotha Fullmer, both natives of Germany, where her parents died. Mrs. Kolb came to America, locating in this county, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Kolb's children are Jacob W., John, Charles, William, Frank, Arthur, Susie and Mary, all of whom are living. George and an infant unnamed are deceased. In November, 1876, Mr. Kolb bought eighty-three acres of land in Bowling Green Township, where he has resided with his family ever since. This farm is well improved, sixty acres under cultivation, and he has erected a comfortable residence and other outbuildings. Mr. Kolb is a well-to-do farmer; himself and family are members of the Lu. theran Church. He is a Democrat.

WILLIAM P. LA RUE was born in Iowa May 10, 1856; his parents, Luther R. and Ann (Keech) La Rue, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of French and Seoteh descent respectively. After marriage they rettled in Montgomery Township about 1847-48; after remaining there six years, they removed to Iowa. They returned in 1868, since which time they have been residents of Marion County. They have four living children - David H., Albert N., William P. and Mary C. "Two 'of their children are deceased, namely, William and Oliver P. William P. La Rue received his early education in the common schools, and later entered as a student at the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, which he attended from 1875 to 1877. When eighteen years of age, he engaged in teaching school, which he has continued to follow at intervals for about nine years. He was married, March 23. 1882, to Maggie M. Bain, a daughter of John and Eliza (Scribner) Bain. Her parents were natives of Scotland and Ohio respectively. William P. and Maggie La Rue have one child - Harley G. - born February 5, 1883. Mr. La Rue is a well-to-do farmer; himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

LUKE LENOX was born in Baltimore County, Md., June 13, 1823. His parents, John and Maggy (Phillips) Lenox, weré of English and "Welsh ancestry, but natives of Maryland. They removed to Ohio in 1836, settling in Knox County, thence to Delaware County in 18387, where they lived until their death. She died in 1840 and he in December, 1853. They were the parents of the following-named children: Ruth, Mary, Susannah, Luke (our subject) and Richard, who are still living. Nathaniel, Sarah, John T., Elijah and William H. are deceased. Luke Lenox received the advantages of a common school education, and remained at home with his parents until their death. He was married, April 16, 1846, to Mary E. Mealey, and from this anion there were the following-named children: Mary E., born April 18, 1854; Lenora V., born January 7, 1857; Harriet A., born April 19; 1847, died May 18,1866; Charles, born June 23, 1849, died August 3, 1849; and Perry, born June 20, 1850, died December 4, 1857. Mr Lenox resides on a farm of 156 acres, one mile west of La Rue village, that he purchased in 1862, which has ever since been his home. It is one of the best farms in the township, with fine improvements, which are mostly the results of his judicious labor; several miles of tiling underdrain this farm. Mr. Lenox is a Republican, and, although living in a township with a strong Democratic majority, was elected Justice of the Peace for three successive terms. "Besides his farming interests, Mr. Lenox has been in the past years largely interested in buying and shipping stock, though now he has retired from active business and rented his land. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the F. & A. M. Lodges at La Rue, and himself and amiable wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. The parents of Mrs. Mary E. Lenox were Michael and Elizabeth (Marrimore) Mealey, and were natives of Ireland and England respectively; were brought to this country when small children and have since become the parents of nine cihldren, of whom but three- - William, Michael and Mary E. - survive, the last named being Mrs. Lenox.

THOMAS McNEFF was born in Ireland in 1838; his parents, Thomas and Mary (Rane) McNeff, both died in Ireland. Mr. McNeff emigrated to the United States in 1853, landing on the shores of America a poor boy, ` with only his two hands and a stout heart with which to make his way in the land of his adoption. The same year, he came to Marion County and engaged as laborer on the railroad. He followed that occupation for twelve years, and then engaged in agriculture on his own farm of eighty-three acres in Bowling Green Township, which he has.made by his own labor a valuable, well-improved farm and a comfortable home. He has been a resident of the county for about thirty years, and is a well known and respected citizen. He was married, February ;17, 1861, to Winnie Gilrain, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (O'Harra) Gilrain; her parents were nativesof Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. McNeff have had seven children, named as follows: Mary A., Sallie, James, Ella and Maggie, all of whom are living; John and Michael are deceased. Mr. McNeff cand family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. '

MRS. ELIZABETH (ADAIR) MELVIN, widow of Bartholomew Melvin, was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 18, 1806; she was the daughter of John and Jane (Ross) Adair. They were natives of Virginia, and settled it Madison County, Ohio, in 1804, where Mrs. Adair died June 3, 1838; Mr. Adair's death occurred in 1858. , Elizabeth, our subject, was married to Bartholomew Melvin August 1, 1826. He was a son of John Melvin, a native of Tennessee. He came with his parents to Madison County, Ohio, in 1805, where he lived until his death in 1856. Twelve children were born to this marriage, viz.: William A., Margaret A., Charles D., Mary A., John J., Augusta A., Eliza M., Joseph B. and Benjamin L. are living; Samuel, Jane B. and Nancy M. are deceased. All are married excepting Augustus A., who is the main support of his aged mother. Mrs. Melvin has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over sixty years, and is a very intelligent, highly esteemed lady. She is now in her seven!y-seventh year.

WILLIAM A. MELVIN, a substantial citizen and farmer, was born in Union Township, Madison County, July 27, 1830. He remained on the farm with his father until twenty-three years of age, in the meantime securing a good education. From this time he depended on his own resources. He was married, October 19, 1858, to Margaret, a daughter of James and Sarah Ewing. By this union there were four children, all deceased. His wife died July 18, 1877, and he was married the second time, April 27, 1883, to Sarah J., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Sherrick) Self, for. merly of Hocking County, but now of Bowling Green Township. James Self served three years in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Melvin is the owner of seventy-one acres of valuable land, on which he resides. He has served as Trustee of the township four years, is a member of the F. & A. M. and of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a Democrat. His father, Bartholomew Melvin, was born in Tennessee in 1790,and came with his parents to Ohio in 1806. They were early settlers in Madison County, where he

MATHEW G. MILLER was born in Cumberland County, Penn., May 16, 1839; his parents, John and Hannah (Gelvin) Miller, were both natives of Pennsylvania; the first was born in April, 1815, and the latter in 1807. They came to Ohio in 1846 and settled in Montgomery Township, where Mr. Miller purchased ninety-six acres of land. Mrs. Miller died on this farm in 1879; Mr. Miller now resides at Agosta. Mathew G. Miller lived on the farm with his father till the commencement of the civil war, when he volunteered as a soldier, to serve in the ranks of the Union army. He enlisted November 14, 1861, in Company G, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was present and participated in the battles of second Bull Run, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. At the last-named battle, he received a gunshot wound through the hip, disabling him from duty. He was sent to the field hospital, remaining there fifteen days; thence to Harrisburg, Penn., and from there to the hospital at Camp Chase, Ohio, where he recovered. After an absence of five months, he returned to his company, then stationed at Chattanooga, Tenn., about November 30, 1863. Subsequently he was present at the battles of Dallas, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Duck' River, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. He was with Sherman's army to the sea, and was captured by the rebels during the engagement at Bentonville, N. C. He was a prisoner for two weeks and was confined in the famous Libby Prison; he was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged from the service, June 12, 1865, having served in the war three years seven months and two days. He returned home, and December 28, 1865, was wurried to Clara A., daughter of Hormal and Nancy (Berry) Porter. By this marriage there are two chil. dren - John S., born December 15, 1866; and Mathew N., born May 30, 1870. Mr. Miller resides on his farm in Bowling Green Township; is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Green Camp, and is a Republican.

Pleasant Township, this county, September 25, 1854. His parents, David C. and Margaret R. (Berry) Moore, were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively and of Irish and English descent. They now reside on their homestead in Pleasant Township, where they have Jived for about thirtythree years. They have five living children - Rebecca S., Benjamin F., John E., Mary A. and Clara. One of their children died in its second year. John E. Moore was raised to the life of a farmer, and remained with his father until his marriage, which occurred Septeinber 11, 1877, to Princess Topliff, a daughter of Lewis and Dorcas (Bent) Topliff. Then he took up his residence in Bowling Green Township, on a farm consisting of 152 acres of land, formerly owned by Lewis Topliff. He now devotes his attention to farming and the raising of stock. His home is located one-half mile west of La Rue. Himself and wife have two children--Gracie, born April 9, 1881; and Della, born June 23, 1882. Mr. Moore is a substantial, well-todo citizen, and in polities is a Republican.

JOSEPH ORR was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 12, 1848; his parents, James D. and Elizabeth Orr, were natives of Ohio and of English and German origin. James D. died in Licking County, Ohio, in 1851; his widow resides in Bowling Green Township. Joseph Orr obtained his early education in the common schools of Licking and Union Counties, and came with his mother to Bowling Green Township, Marion County, in 1860, and finished his education at the schools of La Rue. On attaining his majority, he taught school one term and was married October 2, 1877, to Clara E., a daughter of John and Christena C. Littell; her parents are natives of Ohio, and of English and German descent. Joseph and Clara Orr have two children - James W. and Noah L. Mr. Orr is the owner of 102 acres of well-improved land, and is an enterprising and substantial farmer, and much respected in his community. Politically, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM L. RAUB was borr in Mercer County, Penn., October 27, 1833; his parents, Henry and Hannah (Aultman) Raub, were of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Mahoning County; two years afterward, they removed to Knox County, where Henry died in 1868; his widow moved to Marion County and died in 1871. They had seven children - Eli, Henry A., William L., Samuel H. and Andrew J. are all living; Levi and Elizabeth are deceased. William L. Raub received a fair common school education in Knox County, Ohio, and at the age of eighteen, commenced to depend on his own resources. He has made farming the business of his life, and is now the owner of 430 acres of land on which he has recently erected a fine frame residence and barn. He is a thorough farmer, highly esteemed, and possesses the confidence of the community in which he resides in an eminent degree. He is Treasurer of the township, and has been for the past twelve years; and has also served as Township Trustee. In politics, he is a Democrat. He was married in January, 1865, to Jane Baldwin, a daughter of James and Ellen (Love) Baldwin, formerly of Madison County, Ohio. Their children are Henry J., Emma G., Ella R., Mary, Lillian, Susie D., Silas A., George W. and Dessa, are living; Romma, aged three years, and an unnamed infant are deceased. Mr. Raub is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. s

JOHN H. RIDGWAY, son of Bazzle and Catherine (Houghn) Ridgway, was born in Virginia July 14, 1834. His parents were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively,and were of Irish and German descent. They came to Union County, Ohio, in 1836; thence to Franklin County, Ohio, where Catherine Ridgway died in 1855. Mr. Ridgway subsequently moved to Marion County, where he died in January, 1879. They had six children; but three of them are living, namely, John H., whose name heads this sketch; Joseph and Lovina. John H. Ridgway lived with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, having, during his minority, obtained a limited education. He has always given his time and attention to farming, and now owns eighty-two acres of well-improved land, on which he has a fine frame residence and other improvements, the result of his own labor. He is a substantial farmer and respected citizen. He was married, December 11, 1862, to Margaret J. MeNeer, born April 25, 1842, a daughter of John and Eliza (Hawn) McNeer. They have three children, namely, Rachel C., born November 3, 1863; Ida J., born February 20, 1865; and John W., July 21, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgway are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at La Rue, and, politieally speaking, he is a Democrat.

BENJAMIN SAGER was born in Loudon County, Va., August 12, 1800; his parents, George and Christenia (Firestone) Sager, emigrated with their family to New Salem, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1803, where Christenia, the mother, died in 1804. His father, George Sager, moved to Darby Township, Union County,in 1808, where he died in 1824, aged eightyfive years. Benjamin Sager was married in June, 1823, to Deborah Duvall, a daughter of William and Sarah (Hinton) Duvall. By this marriage there were ten children, three sons and seven daughters. Deborah, his wife died in 1844, and he, in 1845, was married to Sarah Cursey, who was a widow of Samuel Gale. By this marriage there was one child - Eliza. Benjamin Sager was divorced from his second wife, and he was married November 23, 1852, to Mary Ann Stiner, a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Lewis) Stiner, of Union County. Two children were born by this marriage, viz., Elizabeth, November 10, 1853; and Marquis L., March 23, 1857. Of Mr. Sager's children eight are living, as follows: Louisa, Minerva, Benjamin F., Mary, Lucas L., Elijah, Elizabeth and Marquis. Mr. Sager is still quite vigorous and resides on the 200 acres of land in Bowling Green Township that he purchased in 1834. He has been a longer resident of the township than any other person within its boundaries, and claims to have been the first eitizen of the township that purchased land within its limits, and voted when there were but fifteen votes cast in the township. He was a licensed minister in the Christian Church for about four years, and has been a member of that church for over fifty years. Politieally, he is a Democrat. He is one of the very few pioneers still living, and is honored and respected by all as an honest man and a good citizen. BENJAMIN F. SAGER was born in Bowling Green Township August 13, 1833, and is the son of Benjamin and Deborah (Duvall) Sager, who are mentioned elsewhere. Benjamin F. obtained his early education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, this being the first schoolhouse in the township; it did not contain a sawed board, a pane of glass or a nail; not a piece of iron of any kind was used in its construction. This building was replaced by a hewed-log house with a puncheon floor. The hinges to the doors in place of wood, were made of scrap iron. He attended school during part of the year until he was fourteen, and for those days acquired & fair education. He was left motherless at the age of eleven, and his father breaking up housekeeping at the age of thirteen, his advantages were very limited. From about this age he began to work and manage for himself. _He was engaged in various business enterprises, among which was lumbering, traveling and boating on the Wabash & Erie Canal two years, at the expiration of which time he returned to farming and followed that vocation of summers and lumbering of winters until the year 1854. During the summer of 1855-56 he worked on the farm, and during the winter went to school. He was married, February 8, 1857, to Sarah C., daughter of Abel and Phebe (Dice) Couger, of Pendleton County, W. Va. From this marriage there are the following children: William A., A. F., Henry W., Edward F., James D., Minnie E., all living at home. Mr. Sager is the owner of 500 acres of valuable land, located on the La Rue & Essex pike, three and one-half miles south of La Rue. It has the highest chattel assessment of any one in the township of Bowling Green. To the improvement of this farm and the raising of stock he devotes the most of his time. He has been called upon to fill several offices of honor and trust in the township, such as Assessor, Clerk, and in 1881 was elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he is now acting. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Rush Creek. He is the oldest native citizen now living in Bowling Green Township and is one of its most substantial and prominent men. LUCAS L. SAGER, son of Benjamin and Deborah (Duvall) Sager, was born in Bowling Green Township, January 1, 1837. He resided with his parents till he was eighteen years of age; was married September 28, 1863, to Lydia, daughter of David Harraman, of Marion County. Four childreu were born to them, two living, Lenora L. and Hattie May. The deceased were Jonathan E. and Annie S. Mr. Sager commenced with nothing for a start in a financial sense, and has accumulated a fine farm of seventy-nine acres, on which he resides. He is a highly respected citizen and a Democrat.

HENRY SCHOTTE was born in Prussia May 17, 1832, and lived there until a man grown. He served as a soldier in the Prussian Army from 1852 to 1855, and emigrated to America in 1858. He was married at Columbus, Ohio, October 12, 1861, to Rosena Barth, a daughter of Henry and Christena Barth, who were all born in Germany, and emigrated to Fianklin County, Ohio, in 1850, where he died January 3, 1879, and his wife Christena in 1878. Henry Schotte, for the past twenty years, has given his attention to farming. He first bought forty-six acres of wild land, covered with a heavy growth of timber, which he cleared and improved. He now owns ninety-two acres of land worth $75 an acre. Mr. Schotte is a prosperous farmer, and politically speaking is a Democrat. His six children are Charley, Rhena, Frank, Herman, Rosa and Caroline. Mr. Schotte's parents, John G. and Frederica Schotte, were also natives of Germany, where his mother died in 1863. His father emigrated to Ohio, in 1864, and settled in Montgomery Township, this county, and died in Bowling Green Township in 1876.

HENRY L. SHORT resides west of La Rue Village, and is a farmer on his father's place near La Rue. He is the son of John and Isabel (Gilman) Short, and was born in this township May 15, 1858. Obtaining a good education, he began teaching school at the age of eighteen years, an occupation that he has followed more or less for seven years; in the meantime he was engaged at farming in the spring and summer seasons. He was married, July 25, 1882, to Caroline L. Pratt, a daughter of Lincoln and Mary Pratt, of Auglaize County, Ohio, and they have one child.

JOHN SHORT was born in Fayette County, Ohio, October 16, 1821. His parents, Henry and Lydia A. (Williams) Short, were natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio at a very early day before their marriage. Henry Short was a soldier in the war of 1812. After his marriage to Lydia Williams, they settled in Fayette County, Ohio, and in 1828, he, with his family, moved to Logan County, Ohio. He died in 1879, aged eighty-eight years seven months and twenty days. His wife died near West Liberty, Ohio, in December, 1882, aged ninety years one month and two days. John Short remained on the farm with his father until August, 1840, when he was married to Isabella Gilmer, a daughter of John and Nancy (McCormick) Gilmer. After his marriage, he engaged in farming on 100 acres of land in Logan County, for four years, when he engaged in milling ahout four years; then sold out his interest and became a dealer in stock, which he continued about three years. In 1857, he moved with his family to Bowling Green Township and purchased fifty acres of land, on which. they located; he has since added to this purchase so that the homestead now consists of 150 acres. | It is situated one mile west of La Rue 'Village, and is one of the best farms in the township. Mr. and Mrs. John Short have had a family of the following-named children: William G., Heury L. and Margaret Ann, who are now iiving; Mary Louisa and Newton A. are deceased. Mr. Short has retired from active farming, his farm being now conducted by his son, Henry L. John Short enlisted as a soldier in the civil war, April 21, 1861, in Company H, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve for three months, and re-enlisted in the same company and regiment to serve three years., He was present at the battles of Blue Gap, Cross Keys, Winchester and various other engagements, and was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., having served for about two years.

JOSEPH H. SIFRITT is the sixth son and ninth child, and the only surviving member of a family of eleven children He was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 9, 1836; his father, John Sifritt, was a native of Virginia, and while a single man came to Ohio at a very early day and located in Madison County. Here he was married to Harriet Chapman, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Stone) Chapman, who was also a native of Virginia. They lived in Madison County about twenty-four years, when they moved to Green Camp Township, Marion County, where he died in 1850, and his wife Harriett in 1873. They had eleven children, all except the subject of this sketch dying between the ages of twenty-one and forty-four years. Joseph M. Siffritt was reared to the occupation of farming, and has made it the business of his life. January, 1862, he was married to Mary Bell, a daughter of Jesse and Margaret (Sanders) Bell; the last named were natives of Pennsylvaniaand Kentucky respectively, and came with their parents to Ohio when quite young. After their marriage, which occurred April 9, 1822, they settled in Union County; subsequently they settled in Bowling Green Township, February, 1831. Mr. Bell afterward moved to Union County, but fiually returned to Marion County, where he died in 1878. His wife Margaret is still (1883) living, in her seventy-ninth year. They had nine children, seven of whom are living, namely, William, Samuel, Jonathan, Nancy, Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary. Joseph H. and Mary (Bell) Sifritt have had a family of four children - James W., born August 12, 1864; Newman and Truman (twins) were born April 10, 1871, and Truman died September 2, 1872; Lenora A., was born October 24, 1862, and died September 2, 1864. Joseph H. Sifritt was brought to Green Camp to this county by his parents, when he was but three months old. Thirty years afterward he moved to his present home in Bowling Green Township, where he has lived sixteen years. Thus it will be seen he has been a con: 'stant resident of this county for forty-six years. He owns 201 acres of land, finely improved, with a commodious frame residence and outbuildings. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at La Rue, is a Republican in politics, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALBERT THOMASSON was born in East Virginia October 9, 1814. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Lovin) Thomasson, were of English extraction, but natives of Virginia, where they both lived and died, he at the age of forty-eight, and his wife aged fifty-eight years. Albert Thomasson, at the age of twenty-one years, commenced to work for himself; he served an apprenticeship to learn the trade of brick mason, and on com: pleting bis trade he came to Ohio and settled in Bowling Green Township in 1838, and followed his trade for forty years. He is now carrying on tile works and also owns a farm of 200 acres, valued at $85 per acre. He was married, December 14, 1837, to Emily Manly, a daughter of Richard Manly; from this marriage twelve children were born, seven daughters and five sons, six only are living. Mr. Thomasson has been Trustee of the township fer several years; is a member of the F. & A. M., and is an adherent of the Democratic party.

JOHN D. THOMASSON. fourth son of Albert and Emily (Manly) Thomasson, was born in Bowling Green Township, N ovember 25, 1847. He was reared to a farmer's life, an occupation he has always followed.

He was married, February 12, 1877, to Emma E. McCurmick, a daughter of James and Minerva McCormick; they have two children - Orlie and Eva. Mr. Thomasson is an energetic and prosperous farmer, and is devoting most of his time to gardening and an apiary, a business he has followed for seventeen years with good success; he is politically Democratic.

RICHARD H. THOMASSON, first son of Albert and Emily (Manly) Thomasson, was born Sepember 9, 1842, and was reared at his father's homestead in Bowling Green Township. He enlisted to serve as a soldier in the Union army during the war of the great rebellion, on November 16, 1861, in Company A, Second Battalion United States Infantry,and participated in many battles of that war, receiving at the battle of Resaca, May 15, 1864, a gunshot wound in the right shoulder. He served until the close of the conflict, and was honorably discharged July 17, 1865, and returned to his native place, engaging in farming. He was married, December 15, 1874, to Elizabeth, a daughter of John A. Johnson, by whom there have been four children - Samuel H., J. Dalzel and Holden F., that are living; and Albert T. deceased. Mr. Thomasson owns fifty acres of land, on which he resides with his family, and is a substantial citizen of the township.

"MANUEL TRUMBO, deceased, was born October 12, 1822, in Pendleton County, Va. He removed with his wife,-Hannah (Couger) Trumbo, and children, to Fayette County, Ohio; thence to Marion County, Ohio, settling in Bowling Green Township in 1556. where he purchased a large iract of land and engaged in sawing lumber; his wife died February 106, 1864. By this wife there were five children - William' H., Noah L., George O., Pleasant and Asenath S., all except the last named are living. Mr. Trumbo was married the second time, December 20, 1864, to Sarah A. Elland, who was born in Big Island Township November 20, 1835. She was a daughter of John and Hannah Elland, who were natives of England. By Mr. Trumbo's last marriage there was one child - Hannah E. - who was born February 20, 1866. Emanuel Trumbo was a man of fine ability and a good scholar. He was elected and served as County Surveyor three terms, and in other ways was a prominent citizen. He died March 9, 1870; his wife and five children still survive him. The widow resides 'on the homestead of eighty-seven acres. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Trumbo's parents, John and Hannah Elland, came from England to America in 1833, and settled in Big Island Township, where they lived eighteen years, when they moved to Montgomery Township and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1849, aged sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1875. Their children were Hannah, Sophia, Susan, Sarah A, (the widow of Mr. Trumbo) and William, all living. Francis and John are deceased. Emanuel Trumbo's parents were William and Susan Trumbo, of German ancestry, and natives of Virginia. Their children were Anna, Lavina, Elijah, Susan, Mary, George, who still survives; Samuel Rahama, Josephine, Caroline and Emanuel are deceased.

HENRY TRUMBO, son of Emanuel and Hannah (Conger) Trumbo, 'was born in Pendleton County, W. Va., June 28, 1846. He received a fair practical education in the schools of Bowling Green Township, and was married, March 16, 1871, to Maggie Sifritt, born in Green Camp Township September 26, 1854, a daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Bell) Sifritt; from this union there is one child - Myrtie V., born December 14, 1872. Harry H. Hopkins, an adopted child, was born near Saline City, Clay Co., Ind., August 9, 1875. Hannah Trumbo, the mother of Henry, died Febru- ary 15, 1864, aged forty years; Emanuel, his father. died March 9, 1870, aged forty-seven years. Henry Trumbo, the subject of this sketch, is one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of the township, has always lived upon a farm, and now owns 115 acres of land, valued at $60 an acre. Politically, he is a Democrat.

EPHRAIM H. WATKINS was born in Bradford County, Penn., July 1, 1831. His parents, Ephraim and Fannie (Palmer) Watkins, were natives of the States of Connecticut and Vermont respectively, and came to Ohio in 1835, settling with their family of eight children in Bowling Green Township. He was born July 31, 1796,:and died October 11, 1882. His wife preceded him March 28, 1878. They were of Welsh and English extraction. The subject of this sketch lived on the farm with his parents until the age of twenty-five, in the meantime during his minority receiving the advantages of a common school education. September 11, 1856, he was married to Sarah Cheney, a daughter of Francis O. and Roxcy (Mathers) Cheney. The latter were cf Engiish and Welsh ancestry, but natives of Ohio; they died many years ago. Ephraim H. Watkins and wife have had the following children: Roxcy J., Allen E., David P., Emma O., Harvey S., Mary A., Marcus A., Louisa E., Lilla B. and Nancy E, all living; Benjamin, W. F. and Owen G. are deceased. Mr. Watkins resides on his farm of 137 acres of land, to the care of which and raising of stock he devotes the most of his time. His residence is about five miles south of La Rue, in Bowling Green Township. He is a Republican in politics and one of the leading citizens of the township. He enlisted to serve in the late eivil war September 11, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty. first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Goldsboro, Bentonville, N. C.,and various skirmishes, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, June 8, 1865, at Washington City, D. C. He was 'taken prisoner by Lyon's rebel cavalry December 23, 1864, paroled the same day, and on his exchange re-engaged in the war.