Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 14 of 33)

Prior to his marriage, Mr. Thomas spent four or five years as a clerk at Lima, Ohio. After his marriage, he settled on eighty acres of his father's land in the southwestern part of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, only ten acres of which land was cleared. Mr. Thomas built a four-roomed frame house to which he moved later, where he and his wife have resided since. Mr. Thomas proceeded to clear and drain the land which has practically been completed. In addition to the original eighty, some years later, Mr. Thomas purchased eighty acres on the south, about twenty-five acres of which was cleared, the remainder having since been put under cultivation. In addition to other improvements, Mr. Thomas has added five rooms to his residence, built a large frame barn, a cattle shed and other buildings. Today he has one of the finest and best-improved farms in Putnam county.

John E. and Lovetta M. (Weaver) Thomas have had four children, Grace and Glenn, twins ; Juanita and Bernice. Grace and Glenn were born on April 7, 1890, and the latter died on September 7, 1890; Grace, who graduated from Defiance College, is now a member of the faculty of the Paulding high school; Juanita, January 25, 1892, is now the wife of J. C. Slusser, of Ada, Ohio, and has one child, Roger Weaver; Bernice, March 23, 1896, is a graduate of the Vaughn.sville high school.

of Vaughnsville. John E. Thomas and wife are members of the Ottawa Christian church where Mr. Thomas is treasurer of this congregation. John E. Thomas is one of Sugar Creek township's well-known and progressive farmers ; in fact, he is rated as one of the best farmers in this section of the state. His standing in the community is of the very highest and he is popular with all classes of people. Mr. Thomas has served as justice of the peace for one term and for several terms as a member of the township school board. In addition to his interests in farming, he had considerable success in buying and selling live stock.

William E. Reiger

Dependent, very largely, upon his own resources from his early youth, A\ ilham E. Reiger, of Sugar Creek township, has attained no insignificant success. And though he may have, like most men, encountered obstacles and met with reverses, he has pushed steadily forward, ever willing to work for the success he has achieved. His tenacity and fortitude are due, no doubt, in a large measure to the worthy traits inherited from his sterling father and ancestors. His high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to perpetuate in his relations of life.

William E. Reiger was bom on March 31, 1876, four miles north of Dayton, in Montgomery county, Ohio. He is the son of Ephraim and Christiana (Busche) Reiger. Ephraim Reiger was born in November, 1841, at Baden, Germany, and was the son of Leopold and Christine (Sipe) Reiger. Leopold Reiger was a farmer by occupation, who also conducted a vineyard. He came to America in 1847 and settled in Montgomery county, Ohio, near Dayton, where he purchased a farm and remained for the balance of his life. There were three children born to Leopold and Christine (Sipe) Reiger, Ephraim, the father of William E. ; Minnie, the wife of Valentine Henne, who resided in Dayton, and Barbara, deceased.

Ephraim Reiger came to America with his parents at the age of six years and spent his childhood in Montgomery county, where he attended the common schools and as a young man was employed as a farmer in Montgomery and adjoining counties. He also worked some time in Van AVert county. At the age of twenty-seven he was married to Christiana Busche, of Montgomery county, who was born there in September, 1851. She was a daughter of William and Christiana (Arrat) Busche, both of whom were natives of Germany. William Busche was a farmer by occupation and spent practically all his life after coming to America in Montgomery county. William and Christiana (Arrat) Busche had eight children, five daughters and three sons, William, Jacob, Charles, Callie, Rosie, Matilda, Annie and Christiana, the mother of Mr. Reiger. Christiana spent her childhood in Montgomery county and remained there until her marriage. After the marriage of Ephraim Reiger he remained in Montgomery county for sixteen years, where he was engaged in farming. Subsecjuently he moved to Putnam county, settling in Sugar Creek township, where, five years previously, he had purchased eightj'-six and one-half acres two miles east of Vaughnsville. It was known as the Nichols farm. This farm had a four-room log house and a log barn. The land at this time had been about half cleared, Ephraim Reiger clearing the remainder, excepting six acres. He improved the farm by the erection of a commodious nine-room residence, a large barn (forty by one hundred and eleven feet), and other buildings in keeping with home-like surroundings. To his original holdings Ephraim Reiger added forty acres on the north, making a total of one hundred and twenty-six and one-half acres. This farm comprises as fine land as is to be found anywhere in Putnam county. Ephraim Reiger continued to live on the farm until the spring of 1904, when he retired and moved to Columbus Grove, where he now resides. He and his wife have had six children : Lorena is unmarried and lives at home; William E. is the subject of this sketch; Lenora is unmarried and lives at home; Arthur resides at Dayton, Ohio; Myrtle is the wife of Benjamin Seitz, Jr., and they ha\'e three children, Emerson, Christine and Mildred; Edna is unmarried and lives at home.

William E. Reiger came with his parents to Putnam county, at the age of eleven years, and attended the district school, known as "Abe's College." After finishing the common schools he continued to help his father on the old home place, where he has resided ever since. At the age of twenty-seven, on March 2, 1904, Mr. Reiger was married to Ida Smith, who was born one and three-fourth miles east of Vaughnsville, in Sugar Creek township, March 23, 1878. She is the daughter of James F and Eliza (Slusser) Smith. James F. Smith was born on the old Smith homestead, two miles northeast of Vaughnsville, on April 10, 1842. He is the son of James and Mary fStoner) Smith. The complete history of the Smith family is to be found in a sketch appearing elsewhere in this volume, of C. R. Smith, whose father was James F. Smith's brother. Eliza Slusser was born in Shelby county, Ohio, January 7, 1845, and died in Columbus Grove, December 16, 1907. James F. and Eliza Smith had eleven children, as follow : Ira : James and Joseph, twins; Ollie, the wife of Elias Williams; Benjamin, who lives at

Vaughnsville ; Emma, the wife of C. H. Huffman; Ida A., the wife of Mr. Reiger; Anna, who died at the age of sixteen; Leuella, the wife of Alfred Newton, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Jennie, the wife of Gomer Williams, of Cambridge, Ohio, and Jesse. Ida A., the wife of Mr. Reiger, spent her childhood on the old home place and remained there until her marriage.

William E. Reiger took charge of the home farm after his marriage, and has lived upon it since that time. He has always done general farming and is an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Polled-Durham cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

William E. Reiger is a member of the Christian church at Vaughnsville. Ele has been a trustee and chorister of this church for many years. His wife is also a member. Mr. Reiger is one of Sugar Creek townships most substantial farmers. He is well and favorably known and enjoys the confidence of all his neighbors. He is a Democrat and is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711 at Vaughnsville.

Benjamin Kirkendall

Few residents of Putnam county, Ohio, are as well and favorably known as the enterprising farmer and representative citizen whose life story is here briefly told. None stands higher than he in the confidence and esteem of the community in which he resides, and for the material advancement of which he has devoted much of his time and influence.

Benjamin Kirkendall, a well-known farmer of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is descended from patriotic stock, and was born on a farm in Greensburg township, January 4, 185 1, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Kirkendall, who moved from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Putnam county, where they lived only two years, returning to their former home, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Elizabeth Kirkendall was a daughter of John and Ruth Crawford, life-time residents of Columbiana county, Ohio. Their children were David, Perry, who was killed during the Civil War; Sarah, Elizabeth, the mother of Benjamin Kirkendall. The Crawford family figures prominently in the early history of Ohio. Colonel Crawford, one of the ancestors of Benjamin Kirkendall, was captured by the Indians and burned at the stake.

Benjamin Kirkendall was married on December 25, 1895, to Minnie Campbell, the daughter of John and Ellen (McKinley) Campbell' the former a native of Putnam county, and the latter of Columbiana county, Ohio. John Campbell was a son of Robert and Winifred (Guy) Campbell, the former a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Columbiana county, Ohio. They were married in Pennsylvania, and, shortly after their marriage, came to Putnam county, Ohio. They lived here for a short time and purchased forty acres of land. This land Mr. Campbell traded for a horse and sleigh and returned to Pennsylvania. Subsequently, he came back to Putnam county, and located on a farm here, where he also established a blacksmith shop. Their children were: Matthew, Sarah Jane, Jesse, Richard John, George, Henry, Elizabeth, Rachel, Almira and three who died young.' Ellen (McGinley) Campbell was a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Mc- Gmley, the former a native of Ireland. They settled on a farm in Putnam county, and were the parents of the following children: Sarah Ann Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary and Ellen.

John Campbell, the father-in-law of Mr. Kirkendall, was a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company C, One Hundred and Twentyninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After his marriage, he moved to a farm m Perry township, and one year later moved to Greensburg township, where he now lives. He is the owner of two hundred and five acres of fine farming land. Mrs. Campbell died in 1914. They had eight children Robert, Albert, deceased; Minnie, Ivy, Gertrude, deceased; Chester Leo' deceased, and Benjamin.

Before his marriage, Benjamin Kirkendall lived for a time in Michic^an with his parents, where the family lived for one year, at which time they returned to Putnam county. After his marriage, he moved to a farm which he had previously purchased in Greensburg township. This farm consists of fifty acres, and here Mr. Kirkendall and his wife have lived for nineteen

Eniscon^rf" ,^f ^"'^" ^"^' -if^ belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, but are now active members of the United Brethren church.

Mr. Kirkendall is a Democrat, and has served his party and the citizens of his township in several important pubhc positions, among which was the office of township trustee, member of the school board and road supervisor. Mr. Kirkendall is an industrious, honored, honest and hardworking farmer, and is a man possessed with a genial temperament and is popular where he lives.

George W. Miller

Putnam county is indebted, perhaps, to the Miller family as much as to any other, for its wondrous transformation to one of the treasures of the Buckeye state ; for members of this family have been leaders in agricultural, industrial and civic affairs since the early days. Each, with a fidelity to duty and a persistency of purpose peculiar to that class of men who take the lead in large affairs, has performed well his duty in all the relations of life, and while advancing his own interests, he has not been unmindful of the general welfare of his fellow citizens. Thus the members of this family rightfully an honored page in the history of this locality.

George \V. Miller was born in Sugar Creek township, on April 25, 1864, a son of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) Miller. Jacob W. Miller was born near Piqua, Ohio, on September 19, 1831, a son of Jackson and Margaret (Teegarden) Miller. Jackson Miller and wife were both natives of Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in a very early day, and locating near Piqua, where they were married. Shortly afterward, when George W.'s father, their son Jacob, was about one year old, they came to Putnam county, locating on what became a part of Sugar Creek township, Allen county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Margaret Teegarden's father, Peter Teegarden, came to Putnam county in the early days, and entered government land, buying twelve quarter sections in one body. This land he distributed among his children, one of whom, Margaret, was the subject's grandmother, who received one of these quarter sections. On this old homestead, Jacob Miller was reared to manhood, and received his education in the schools of the neighborhood. At about the age of twenty-seven years, he was married to Catherine Best. He was one of nine children born to his parents, eight of whom grew to maturity, namely: Jacob, Elizabeth, Nancy Ann, Margaret, Lucinda, Mary, who died in infancy, Jackson, Elisha and William. Each of these received from his parents eighty acres of land. That inherited by Jacob lies one and three-quarter miles east of Vaughnsville. After his mar- riage to Catherine Best, at the age of about twenty-seven years, he continued to operate the old home place, and there remained until his death, which occurred on January 17, 1906. His wife, Catherine, who was born in 1841, died on February 17, 1914. She was the daughter of George and Hannah (Sneary) Best, natives of Tuscarawas county, who settled in Union township when Catherine was about twelve years of age, and there George Best and wife spent the remainder of their lives. Jacob Miller was a hard-working man, and by good management and strict economy accumulated an estate of four hundred acres, from which, at his death, each of his children received forty acres. To him and his wife were born a large family, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: William, now deceased; George; Sarah, deceased ; James ; Jane ; Ann ; Margaret, deceased ; Mary, and Allen.

George W. Miller was reared under the parental roof, securing a good, practical, common school education, and on the death of his father, received the northwest forty-acre tract of the original one hundred and sixty acres of his father's estate. To this he later added fifty acres of the north and twenty acres on the east, thus giving him a splendid farm of one hundred and ten acres. He remained, continuously, on the old home place, until about 19 13, when he moved to his present residence and the farm which was formerly known as the James Garner place. Here he carried on general farming operations and also gave some attention to the breeding of thoroughbred Double Standard Polled Durham cattle. He is progressive and wide-awake in his methods of farming and has earned a high reputation in his community because of his success. The buildings are kept in the best of repair, and the general condition of the farm indicates the owner to be a man of good ideas and splendid taste.

George VV Miller was united in marriage on January 27, 191 1, to Ruhama Vandemark, who was born in Union township, on June 20, 1888 a daughter of Elmer and Dora (Osborn) Vandemark, the former a native 'of Union township, and the latter of Allen county. To this union has been born one child, Kennith Ewing, on August 28, 19 14.

George W. Miller is an earnest Democrat, while his religious views are those of the Christian church, of which his wife is also a member, and to which they give earnest support. Mr. Miller is well and favorably known throughout his section of Putnam county as a result of the industrious life he has lived here, being regarded by everybody as a man of sound business principles, thoroughly up-to-date in all phases of agriculture and stock raising, and as a man, who, while advancing his individual interests, does not neglect his duties as a citizen.

Frank Edelbrock

In most agricultural communities there are farmers who stand out among the citizens of the community, not so much for the volume of their wealth, or the amount of land they own, as for the skill, care and intelligence with which their farms are cultivated; for their native and acquired interest and information in the larger phases of the vocation of farming; for their breadth of sympathy and general information on public questions; for their innate personal ability, aside from any material success which they may have attained. One of the farmers of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, who belongs in this class is Frank Edelbrock, whose home is a model of neatness, comfort and hospitality, and is graced with the womanly charm of a devoted and intelligent wife and mother.

Born near Glandorf, in Putnam county, Ohio, May 28, 1864, Frank Edelbrock is the grandson of Peter and Anna M. Edelbrock, who were natives of Prussia, and who, after their marriage in that country in 1823, farmed there until 1834, when they emigrated to the United States, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, and later coming to Glandorf, in Putnam county, Ohio, where they were pioneer farmers, and where they lived until their death. He died in 1844, and was survived by his wife, who lived until 1864. Of their nine children all are now deceased. William and Frank, both of whom were volunteer soldiers in the Civil War, and who served in the Thirty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, gave the best years of their life to the service of their country, and Frank died in the service. The other children were Henry, Louise, Mrs. Mary C. Bruskutter, Edward, Theodore, an infant buried at sea during the voyage to America, and Andrew, who was Mr. Edelbrock's father.

Andrew Edelbrock was a lad six years old when his parents emigrated to America. Born near Vilda, Prussia, on January 6, 1827, he lived on his father's farm near Glandorf, in Greensburg township, attended the public schools of his generation, and, when fifteen years of age, worked for a short time as clerk at Shiloh, Ohio, returning to Greensburg township in 1856. Four years later he was married to Catherine Herlage, and, after his marriage, lived on a farm of eighty acres in Greensburg township. He moved to a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Jackson township in 1870, and in 1907 removed to Kalida, where he lived retired until his death, July 6, 19 1 3. He and his wife were members of the St. Michael's Catholic church. Of their twelve children, six are living and six are deceased, as follow:

The parents of Mrs. Catherine (Herlage) Edelbrock came to this country before their marriage, settled on a farm in Greensburg township after their marriage, and reared a family of four children, all of whom are deceased, as follow : Catherine, Helena, Mary and Anna. They were members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.

Educated in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and reared on his father's farm in that township, Frank Edelbrock, after having reached his majority, rented the I-Cimmerle farm, in Jackson township, and remained there until some time after his marriage, when he removed to the Pott farm, in section ii, of Jackson township, where he lived for about two years, having previously purchased eighty acres in section 12 in Jackson township. After leaving the Pott farm, he moved to" this farm, and here he has erected substantial buildings, including a splendid barn and residence. Mr. Edelbrock owns forty acres in Greensburg township, which he uses for pasture, and which he has cleared and drained. He does general farming and makes a specialty of raising Hereford and Durham cattle. His farm is very attractive, has a splendid driveway which appears to the very best advantage during any season of the year.

Frank Edelbrook was married on November 25, 1895, to Katherine Summers, a daughter of William P. and Mary Summers of Union township, the former of whom was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1823, and who was the son of Thomas and Katherine Summers. Thomas Summers was the son of a wealthy contractor whose property was confiscated as a consequence of the part he took in the Rebellion of 1798 in Ireland, and with his children he was forced to flee the country. At the age of ten years, William P- Summers became a clerk to a priest and, while acting in this capacity, ran away to sea and became an able seaman, visiting almost every country in the world. He sailed around Cape Horn to California, in 1849, became a gold miner of that country and later was a gold miner in Australia. Returning to Ireland, he was married, March 15, 1857, to Mary Martin, and coming to America with his bride shortly after. their marriage, they settled first in Seneca county, Ohio, and in 1861 came to Putnam county, living first in Kalida and later on a farm. During the last few years the venerable William P. Summers and his wife have lived in Kalida. He has served as postmaster of Kalida, as township clerk, as constable, and in other minor offices. He has always been a Democrat. He is well-versed in travel lore and, being possessed of a brilliant intellect, is able to tell many interesting tales of his

Mrs. Edelbrook has been the mother of three children: William, born on August I, 1896, and who died on September 28, 1898; Mary, April 18, 1898; and Edward, January 5, 1903. She was a school teacher before her marriage, and is a woman of splendid intellectual attainments. Possessed of remarkable literary ability, she has been a prodigious contributor to newspapers and magazines, especially the Ohio Farmer and Orange Judd weeklies. Her contributions to the various farm papers have been admired for their practical utility. Coming as they do from the practical wife of a practical farmer, and dealing with the commonest matters of farm life from a woman's point of view, they have been widely read. Mrs. Edelbrook has applied her scientific knowledge of the farm successfully to the management of her poultry farm and has been very successful in all of her undertakings. Her co-operation and sympathetic interest contributed largely to the success of her husband.

Frank Edelbrook and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Edelbrook is a popular, industrious and enterprising farmer, a valuable citizen in his community and one who is widely admired by the people of Putnam county.

David S. Evans

The student interested in the history of Putnam county, Ohio, does not have to carry his investigation far in its annals before learning that David S. Evans has been an active and leading representative of the agricultural interests and that his labors have proven a potent force in making this a rich farming region. For a number of years, Mrs. Evans has carried on farming, gradually improving his farm and, while he has prospered in this, he has also found ample opportunity to assist in the material development of the county and his co-operation has been for the general good.

David S. Evans is descended from a sterling line of Welsh ancestry, being the son of David and Elizabeth (Davis) Evans and the grandson of William and Margaret Evans. David Evans, Sr., was born in North Wales in 1827 and, in his native land, was reared during his youth and received his early education. In young manhood, he came to America, settling first in Butler county, Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. Later he came to Allen and Putnam counties and, after his marriage in 1871, settled one mile south of Rimer in Sugar Creek township, where he bought eighty acres of land. This land had a two-roomed log cabin and a frame barn with about twelve acres of land cleared, the remainder of the tract being in a virginal state of wildness and most of it heavily covered with timber. He proceeded to clear this land and cut the timber from fifty-two acres, having sixty-four acres in all in comfortable condition at the time of his death. He tiled much of this land and, in other ways, improved it so that he was considered an intelligent and progressive agriculturist, being numbered among the leaders in his community. His death occurred on September 27, 1877, he being fifty-one years of age.

On January 30, 1871, David Evans, Sr., married Mrs. Ehzabeth (Davisj Davis, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Evans) Davis. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 31, 1833. She had previously been married to Richard Davis, who was born in North Wales in 1818, the son of Thomas and Sarah Davis, their marriage occurring in Allen county, August 17, 185 1. To this union were born three children, Henry R., on August 8, 1852, who resides in Illinois; Thomas A., June 25, 1853, who resides in Nebraska; and William L., June 5, 1855, who lives in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Davis died in 1855. Another child, Rhoda R., born November 17, 1863, is the wife of Richard Davis and lives in Allen county. To David and Elizabeth Evans were born four children, the first of whom died at birth, January 30, 1871 ; John B., born on June 26, 1873, and died August 21, 1877; David S., November 10, 1874; and Robert, November 5, 1876, and died February 20, 1877. The mother of these children died in Gomer, Allen county, May 24, 1899, at the age of sixty-six years. It is noteworthy that she had four brothers in the Civil War, Abner, Henry, Silas and Ebenezer, Henry being killed during that conflict.

David S. Evans, who is the only survivor of his family, was born, as above stated, on November 10, 1874, on the farm where he now resides. He received his education in the common schools of his township and then took a commercial course at the Lima Business College. He then took employment with a clothing concern at Lima, Ohio, with whom he remained for two years and at the end of which time he returned to the home farm, to the cultivation of which he has devoted himself, continuously, since. He is wide-awake and up-to-date in his farming methods and has met with good success, his efforts being rewarded with a due measure of success.

On January 18, 1899, Mr. Evans was married to Anna McBride, who was born in Amanda township, Allen county, August 24, 1874, the daughter of Levi and Druzilla (Cremean) McBride. Levi McBride, was was of Scotch-Irish descent was born at Adelphia, Ross county, Ohio, June 21, 1832, and died December 10, 1904. He was the son of Alexander McBride, who was probably born in Ireland. Druzilla Cremean was born in Allen county, Ohio, on May i8, 1835, the daughter of John Cremean and wife, who were pioneers of that locality. Levi McBride came with his parents to Allen county in 1838, and settled in German township, near Allentown, where he grew to manhood. After his marriage, he settled in Amanda township where he contmued to live the remainder of his life. To him and his wife were born ten children, John, who died at the age of fourteen years; Willis, who resides in Allen county; Clara, the wife of James Baxter, of Amanda township, Allen county; Theodore, who died in infancy; Harvey, of Los Angeles Cahfornia; Caddie, the wife of B. S. Brenneman, of Lima, Ohio; Anna, the wife of Mr. Evans,; James, who resides in Yuma, Arizona; Dora, who died at the age of twenty-two years, and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Evans is a Republican and has, for many years, taken an active part m public local affairs. He has been a director for three years of the Allen County Mutual Relief Association, of which he is now serving a second term as treasurer and is also a director of the Ohio Mutual Tornado and Windstorm Insurance Association. In his political party, he is held in high esteem and served as a member of the county central committee for about eight years and also four years as a member of the executive committee. He is a member of the Congregational church at Comer of which his wife is also a member. Because of his upright life and conspicuous success in his private affairs, he has achieved an enviable reputation in his community and is numbered among the substantial citizens of Sugar Creek township.' A man of broad experience and exemplary character with an intelligent conception of life, he exerts a marked influence in favor of the best interests of his community.

George C. DeVore is recognized as one of the energetic and well-known farmers of Putnam county, who, by his enterprise and improved methods, has contributed, in a material way, to the agricultural advancement of Riley township and the community where he lives. In the course of an honorable career he has been very successful, and enjoys the prestige of a successful man among the representative men of his community. It is eminently proper that attention be called to his achievements and due credit be accorded to his work as a pubKc-spirited citizen.

Putnam county, Ohio, the son of George W. and Mary Jane (Bracy) De- Vore. George W. DeVore was born in Carroll county, Ohio, July 4, 1840, the son of William and Fannie (Alfred) -DeVore. William DeVore, greatgrandfather of George C., was of French parentage, but a native of England, where he spent his youth. Here he was educated and graduated from England's best institutions of learning. He came to America in the early days and settled in Carroll county, Ohio, where he owned a farm. He and his wife were the parents of four children, all born in Carroll county. They were as follow: Mrs. Mary Ann Green, George W., James and Mrs. Elizabeth Richards.

Georg-e W. DeVore, the father of George C, lost his parents when he was a small child, probably not more than four or five years of age. After the death of the parents the children were taken to be reared by neighbors. George W. and Elizabeth were reared by Charles Robinson. The family which took the other children, later went West, and George W. did not see his brother and sister again until five years ago, in 19 10, after a lapse of sixty-five years. James finally located his brother, George W., when it developed that the former had gone to the Civil War and had been educated at Valparaiso University. Mary Ann had married a man by the name of Green, who was a minister in Iowa, and she had died, about 1904 in that state. George W. DeVore spent his youth and young manhood on the farm of Charles Robmson, in Carroll county, Ohio, and received his early education there. At the age of nineteen, or about 1859, he came to Putnam county, Ohio, and worked for George Kober, in Blanchard township

Two years after coming to Blanchard township Mr. DeVore was married to Mary Jane Bracy, who was born in Blanchard township June ^o 1840. She was the daughter of John Bracy, Sr., and wife, whose family history IS contained in the sketch of Isaac Bracy, her brother, found elsewhere m this volume. After his marriage George W. DeVore continued for a time, to work for George Kober, and then started to work for himself' locating north of Gilboa. Shortly after this, in 1863, he enlisted in the Civil War and served until its close, when he returned home and took up farming on forty acres which his wife had inherited from her father, John

George C. DeVore was born on a part of the John Bracy, Sr., farm, in the south central part of Blanchard township. This place is now owned by John Bracy, Jr. A year or two later his parents moved to Blanchard township, Hancock county, and here George C. spent his childhood and youth, attending the common schools of that township. After finishing school he continued to help his father on the old home place, until twentyone years of age, when he began farming for himself. He rented neighboring farms for about four years, and the next year he worked for John Moffat, Sr., by the year. Following this he rented a farm for one-third of the crops.

George C. DeVore was married on August 23, 1893, to Leah Alecta Engle, who was bom in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, December 28, 1869, and who is the daughter of Noah and Mary Catherine (Stover) Engle. Mrs. Engle taught school for five years in Putnam county. Her father, Daniel Stover, came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 183 1, and was one of the first pioneers of Putnam county. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Riley township, and it was on this farm that Mrs. DeVore was born, as was also her mother.

After his marriage, in 1893, Mr. DeVore rented a farm of eighty acres in the northern part of Riley township, belonging to his father, and the following year, in 1894, he purchased the same farm from his father. At this time the farm had a one-roomed log house and a frame barn. Fifty acres of the land was cleared, and Mr. DeVore has managed to clear the remainder, with the exception of six acres. In addition to other improvements, he has built a modern residence of ten rooms and a bath and other buildings, in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. DeVore has added one hundred and twenty acres to his original holdings, until he now owns one of the finest farms in Putnam county.

To Mr. and Mr§. George C. DeVore two children have been born, Howard Engle, born on August ii, 1894, who is now a junior in the State University, where he is taking the agricultural course. He served on the editorial staff of the agricultural department of the State University, having won his scholarship, a two-year free course, in oratory and examinations from Putnam county, and Mary Laoma, born on November 16, 1898, who is a student in the Pandora high school. She won a free trip to Columbus in domestic science.

for ten years and president of the board for seven years. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and his wife is also a member of this church. Mr. DeVore is a class leader and chairman of the board of trustees. George C. DeVore is one of Riley township's and Putnam county's most substantial citizens. He is a wide-awal<e and enterprising farmer and citizen; a man well and favorably known, whose reputation and integrity are above question.

John A. Lewis

One of Sugar Creek township's agriculturists and stock men, who is deserving of a place in this work, is John A. Lewis, a man of courage and self-reliance and of the utmost integrity of purpose, as a result of which he stands high in the estimation of his neighbors and friends whose interest he has sought to promote while endeavoring to advance his own.

John A. Lewis was born in Butler county, Ohio, on September 5, 1861, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Lewis. In his paternal line, he is descended from Welsh ancestry, his grandfather, Ellis Lewis, having been born in 1796, in North Wales, in the Parish of Llanbrynmair, and died in Butler county, Ohio, in the spring of 1879, at the age of eighty-three years. Mary Rowlands, his wife, was also born in North Wales in 1795, and died in 1878, at the age of eighty-three years. Ellis Lewis was reared on a farm in his native land, where his marriage occurred, and to this union was born one child, Evan, before the family came to America. Their immigration occurred in 1829, passage being taken on a sailing ship, which required about three months in making the journey across the Atlantic. Dense fogs interfered seriously with the navigation of the vessel and it is noteworthy that it was his grandmother who first discovered the much-sought land-mark which guided them safely to harbor. _ After landing in America, they came directly to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Ellis Lewis engaged in glass blowing, the family remaining in that city for a few years. There William, the father of John A., was born, and when he was about seven or eight years of age, the family moved to Butler county, Ohio, making the trip in a covered wagon, as was common in those days. Ellis Lewis bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Butler county, of which only a few acres had been cleared, and on it, he erected a two-story, four-roomed log cabin and a log barn where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, rearing their family of seven children, four boys and three girls, all of whom grew to maturity. These children were Evan, William, Mary Ann, Margaret, Martha, David and Richard, all now deceased, with the exception of Martha.

William Lewis, the father of John A., spent his boyhood days in Butler county and there, in 1858, at the age of twenty-nine years, he was married to Elizabeth Jones, who was also a native of North Wales, bom on March 14, 1832. She came to America, about 1856, with her brother, Israel, and sister, Leah, all of whom are now deceased. After AVilliam Lewis's marriage, he took charge of his father's farm for several years and then entered upon agricultural pursuits on his own account. His wife, Elizabeth, died on August 28, 1868, two of her sisters also dying within a few days of that time. To William and Elizabeth Lewis were born four children, John A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary, the wife of J. B. Edwards; David, who died at the age of two years, and one daughter who died when two weeks old. William Lewis continued his occupation of farming in Butler county until within about seven years of his death, when he came to Putnam county and made his home with his daughter, Mary, until his death, which occurred on April 10, 1900.

John A. Lewis spent his childhood years under the parental roof and received his education in the common schools. At the early age of fifteen years, he began to take up life's burdens on his own account, working on neighboring farms in the county, and in testimony of his faithfulness and efficiency, it is noteworthy that during all the years of his employment, he worked for but three men. About the time he attained his majority, Mr. Lewis came to Allen county, where he remained for three years, and then for two years was employed as clerk in a store in Vaughnsville. After his marriage, in 1889, he located on eighty acres of land, two miles west of Vaughnsville, a part of the Williams estate, and here he has since remained, giving his undivided attention to his farming operations, in which he has won well-deserved success. At the time he took possession of the land, about thirty-five acres were cleared and the improvements consisted of a six-room frame house. Mr. Lewis proceeded to clear the remainder of the land, except about fourteen acres, and has also done a large amount of tiling and drainage. He has added to his residence, making it a commodious and wellarranged house and, in the spring of 1894, built a large barn with modern conveniences, besides other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Lewis bought forty acres adjoining his farm on the west in 1892, which gives him a total acreage of one hundred and twenty acres, comprising one of the choice farms of the township. Up-to-date in his ideas and progressive in his methods, Mr. Lewis has won an enviable reputation as an enterprising farmer and is numbered among the influential men of his community

John A. Lewis was married on January i6, 1889, to Kate Williams who was born m Licking county, Ohio, on October 14, 1863, the daughter of David L. and Mary Williams. When about three years of age, she was brought by her parents to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, where she lived' until her marriage to Mr. Lewis. To John A. and Kate (Williams) Lewis have been born two children, Mary Elizabeth, on May 8 1800 and David William, July 20, 1892.

John A. Lewis is a stanch Republican and has taken an important part m local public affairs, having served as township assessor from 1905 to 1907 and m other ways evidencing an interest in the advancement of his community. He is a member of Vaughnsville Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias of which he has been master of finance for the past fourteen years Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Congregational church, to which they give their earnest support. Mr. Lewis is a close observer of modern agricultural methods and a student, at all times, of whatever pertains to his chosen life work and he has, therefore, met with encouraging success all along the line and taken his place among the leading agriculturists of the community, which is noted for its fine farms and progressive husbandmen

Ignatius Rieman

Union township, in Putnam county, is noted for the substantial character of the farmers which compose the greater part of its sterling citizenship Not only in the main are these farmers men of the most enterprising and energetic type, but .they are firm believers in the efficacy of many of the newer methods of farming which in recent years practically have revolutionized the ancient science of agriculture, in consequence of which they are prospering probably beyond what would have been thought possible even m the wildest flights of fancy indulged in by their forefathers, the stalwart men who cleared the forests, making possible the wonderful development of this favored region a measure of development which places this county in the forefront of all that inspiring galaxy of counties which makes up the noble commonwealth of Ohio. These farmers are not only good agriculturists, bringing to the tillage of the soil the best of their intelligendy-directed industry, but they are ardent home-livers, which homes in tht section will compare well with those of any section in the Union, in point of comfort and genial hospitality. Among the well-known and prosperous farmers of Union township is Ignatius Rieman, a member of one of Putnam county's oldest and most respected families, to whom the reviewer here calls the attention of the reader.

Ignatius Rieman was born on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 6, 1869, a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary (Karhoff) Rieman, both of whom were members of old and well-known families in this county. The genealogy of the Rieman family is set out at length in the biographical sketch relating to Frank Rieman, Sr., father of the immediate subject of this sketch, which the reader will find presented elsewhere in this volume.

Ignatius Rieman was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the schools of Greensburg township, remaining at home until his marriage, in 1897, in which year he moved upon an eighty-acre farm in the same township, purchased from his father. He lived on this place for five years, at the end of which time he moved to his present farm in section 33 in Union township, where he has lived ever since. Upon entering upon this farm he had but eighty acres, but as his affairs prospered, he prepared to enlarge his holdings, and in 191 1 bought an additional forty acres, this addition giving him a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected a fine type of buildings, the latter being regarded as among the neatest and best-kept in that part of the county. In other respects, also, Mr. Rieman has improved his place and demonstrated that he is a good farmer.

On June I, 1897, Ignatius Rieman was united in marriage with Bernadina Smith, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith, members of two of Putnam county's oldest and most influential families, for many years prominent residents of Union township, the former of whom is still living on his farm of two hundred and nineteen acres in that township. Mrs. Smith died on November 25, 1914.

To Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith were born children, in order of their birth as foflow : Mary, who married Joseph Warnecke, a wellknown farmer of Union township, this county, to which union were born nine children, eight of whom are still living; Bernadina, who married Mr. Rieman ; Helena married Henry Erhart and has one - child ; Amelia, who married Joseph Missler, of Ottawa, this county, and has three children, and Francis, deceased, who married Harry Nienberg, of the town of Glandorf .

two of whom died in infancy, the survivor, Cletus, was born on March 17, 1904, now being a student in St. Michael's parochial school at Kalida, Ignatius Rieman and wife being devoted members of this parish and active in its various good works. Mr. Rieman, for seven years, was a trustee of St. Michael's church, to the affairs of which he gave his most intelligent attention, his service having proven of no small value to that parish. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and Catholic Knights of Ohio, in the affairs of which organizations he is deeply interested.

Mr. Rieman is a good farmer and a good citizen in whom his neighbors repose the utmost confidence, and both he and Mrs. Rieman are held in the highest regard throughout that whole community.

Walter E. Williams

The occupation of farming, to which all of the active life of Walter E. Williams, a well-known farmer of Sugar Creek township, has been devoted is the oldest pursuit for a livelihood known to mankind. It is the one which will ever be the most independent. The Williams family have long been connected with the progress and prosperity of Putnam county, of which Walter E. Williams is a native and where, in fact, he has spent all of his life. While primarily attending to his own farming interests, his life has been devoted somewhat to the interest of his neighbors and fellow citizens. Mr. Williams has been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and he has been ready at all times to lend his aid toward uplifting the civic and social spirit of the community where he has lived.

Walter E. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, on November 26, 1878. He is the son of David L. and Mary Elizabeth (Griffith) Williams, whose family history is to be found in the sketch of John D. Williams, a brother of Walter E., on another page in this volume. Walter E. was born on the old homestead of his father, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he spent his childhood and youth. He first attended the old Michael district school and later the public school of Vaughnsville. After finishing school, he continued to help his father on the old home farm and remained here until his marriage.

Garner. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on March 4. 1876. The complete family history of Mrs. Williams is to be found in the sketch of J. H. Miller, whose wife, Mrs. Carrie Miller, is a sister of Mrs. Williams and which history is to be found elsewhere in this volume. To Walter E. and Ellen (Garner) Williams two children have been born. The first on August 3, 1903, died shortly after birth; the second, Leland L., July ^7, 1904. Mrs. Williams died on August 8, 1904. She was a member of the Christian church and a devoted and faithful wife and mother.

Mr. Williams was married on September 25, 1905, to Sicily Elizabeth Garner, a second cousin to the first Mrs. Williams. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on December 14, 1876, and is the daughter of Rev. George B. and Sarah Anna (Webb) Garner, the former a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, born on September 18, 1850, and the latter born on October 18, 185 1, at Pittsfield, Lorain county,' Ohio. 'Rev. George B. Garner was reared and educated in Putnam county and here entered the ministry. He was twice pastor of the Christian church at Vaughnsville, which charge he filled with rare credit. He is now attached to the Northwestern Ohio Christian conference and presides over the Christian church at Berkey, Ohio. Rev. George B. and Sarah A. (Webb) Garner had five children, Joseph Franklin, born on June 9, 1874; Sicily Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Williams ; Zoe and Zella, twins, July 28, 1878, died in infancy! and Mrs. Blanche Hefifner, November 20, 1880. Mrs. Williams's mother,' Sarah Anna Garner, died September 17, 1902.

Walter E. Williams has continued to live on the old home place, where he was born and where he now resides. After his first marriage, he took charge of the home farm. It consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, which his father bequeathed to him and to which he has added forty acres' since his father's death. Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has engaged, to a limited extent, in raising thoroughbred Shorthorn Durham cattle. He has also fed a considerable number of cattle for the market. To Walter E. and Sicily E. (Garner) Williams, his second wife, six children have been born. Garner L., on August 13, 1906; Anna Marion, May I, 1908; Maurice W., February 3, 1910, died on August 8, 1912; Arthur L., October 15, 191 1 ; Joseph F., May 27, 1913; and Charlotte B., March 28' 1915-

Walter E. Williams is a member of the Christian church at Vaughnsville and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Williams is a member of the First Christian church at Lima, Ohio, and was a charter member of that church. Mr. Williams is a member of Knights of Pythias

Lodge No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Republican, he having served as township assessor from 1910 to 1912, inclusive. Mr. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's clean-cut and progressive young farmers. He is well liked and favorably known throughout this section of Ohio and enjoys the respect'and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. From any standpoint, he is a farmer who is thoroughly entitled to representation in a volume of this character.

Thomas S. Williams

Thomas S. Williams, long one of the leading farmers and stock men of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is noted for his strong individuality, breadth of wisdom and indomitable perseverance. He used wisely and well the talents with which he was endowed, and has directed his efforts along the lines pointed out by good judgment and discrimination. Mr. Williams is possessed of a rare measure of native sagacity, fidelity to purpose and sincerity in all the relations of life. He belongs to one of the old-time families of Putnam county, and from many standpoints is entitled to rank as one of its representative citizens.

Thomas S. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on the old homestead of his father, south of Vaughnsville, on January 16, 1867. He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffiths) Williams. David L. Williams was born in North Wales, on January 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams homestead, south of Vaughnsville, on February 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months. He was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales. Hugh Williams was a quarryman and was killed as the result of a blast in a stone quarry. His death occurred when David L. Williams, father of Thomas S., was a mere lad. His wife, who before her marriage was Catherine Lloyd, survived him a few years. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David L., the father of Thomas S.

David L. Williams spent his youth in Wales and, while a lad, he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of the eye. He also suffered an injury to his knee which caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker. Fortunately, the injured knee grew better in later years and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker. David L. Williams received a limited education in his native country, but he later improved himself by home study and became a well-informed man. He was very fond of music in which he was quite proficient. For many years he was the leader of the choir in the Vaughnsville Congregational church. Mr. Williams helped to organize this church and was a charter member. When he was twenty-four years of age, about 1856, he came to America and located first at Rome, New York, where he was employed for about a year on a farm. He then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, and resumed farming. It was a few years later, February i, i860, that he was married at the age of twenty-eight, to Mary Griffiths, who was born in South Wales, September 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffiths. She came to America with her parents when a very small child. They settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here that they spent the remainder of their lives. There were nine children, seven daughters and two sons, born to Mrs. David Williams' parents, of whom she was the third child.

After his marriage, David L. Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, Ohio, continued to farm there for about six years. In the spring of 1866, he moved to Putnam county, settling in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres more to his original farm. This farm was pretty well improved by that time. It had a large frame house and barn, and had about sixty acres cleared. David L. Williams was a very successful farmer, who came to America a poor boy and by dint of energy and perseverance accumulated about five hundi'ed and sixty acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, originally, but in later years became a Democrat. He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian and a man of especially high ideals and of unquestionable integrity. Mrs. Mary (Griffiths) Williams was also a member of the Congregational church. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and a woman admired by her neighbors. She died two years prior to the death of her husband. May 19, 1907. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity. They are as follow: William G., on November 15, i860; John D., March 10, 1862; Catherine, October 14, 1863; Charlotte, August 7, 1865, and died at the age of twenty-three years in July, 1888; Thomas, S., the subject of this sketch, January 16, 1867; David L., December 21, 1869; Henry R., November 5, 1871 ; Hugh, November 19, 1873; Mary, January 30, 1876; and Walter E., November 26, 1878. All of these children married except Charlotte.

Thomas S. Williams was born on January 16, 1867. He spent his -childhood and youth on his father's farm. He attended the old Michael district school and, after finishing the common schools, continued to help his father on the old home place, where he remained until twenty-three years of age or until the time of his marriage.

Thomas S. Williams was married on February 19, 1890, to Mary J. Edwards, who was born on the homestead of her father, August 23, 1865, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards. Josiah Edwards was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, on May 30, 1826, and was the son of Josiah, Sr., and ^'largaret (Jones) Edwards. Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation and lived and died in Wales. Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife and one child came to America in 1855, settling first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall, in 1855, they came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Corner. His first employment was with Criffith John, a contractor who built the Pennsylvania railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico Ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county. Here he lived for about seven years when he moved in 1862 to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, and settled on eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville on the old Ridge road. This farm he bought in its virgin state, only an acre or two being cleared. Josiah Edwards proceeded to clear and drain his land and improve it and succeeded in getting it all under cultivation except about eight acres. He built a large frame house in 1873, consisting of ten rooms, and a large frame barn in 1879. He was always engaged in general farming. He was a very successful farmer and attributed his success mostly to raising corn and hogs. He was also successful in raising good horses.

Josiah Edwards, Jr., enlisted in the One Hundred and Eifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, near the close of the Civil War. He was a "hundred days" soldier, having been mustered in. May 13, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered out on August 27, 1864. The regiment was first stationed at Forts Sumpter, Mansfield and Simmons. During the active operations of the rebels against Washington, D. C, on July 11 and 12 the larger part of the regiment was under fire. Several of the companies were in the forts which were engaged in the battle.

Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had one child before coming to America. This child, John, who was but four years old when his parents came to Allen county, died the day after their arrival at Comer. The parents came by canal boat from Utica, New York, to Buffalo, and thence by steamer to Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie. Then they followed the Miami and Erie canal from Toledo to Delphos and walked from this place to Comer. There were five children born to Josiah and Susan (Breese)

Edwards, John, born in Wales, January 21, 1851, died at Gomer, November 8, 1855: Margaret, the second child was the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas; Joseph B. is the subject of a personal sketch in this volume; Mary married Air. William, the subject of this sketch ; John W. was the fifth child. Josiah Edwards died on August 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one years. He was a member of the Gomer Congregational church and a deacon of this church for many years. His wife also was a member. He was a Republican in politics, a devout Christian and a man of high ideals.

After his marriage, Thomas S. Williams was employed during the first summer on neighboring farms. The following spring he and his wife moved to the old James Clevenger farm just south of his father's old homestead. He rented a part of the farm from his father and here remained for about two years. He then traded a forty acre farm in Allen county, which he received from his father, for sixty-seven acres, one and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville on the Valley road. In this transaction Mr. \A'illiams paid the difference in money between the forty and sixty-seven acres. This new farm had an old plank house of four rooms and a frame barn. On January 24, 1895, this house was destroyed by fire. In this fire Mr. Williams and wife lost their two children, David and Minnie, four and one-half and one and one-half years, respectively. It is an event that will live forever in their memories as the greatest tragedy of their lives. David was born on November 23, 1890, and Minnie on June 23, 1894, both of whom died on January 24, 1895. After this, Mabel was born on June i, 1896; John AA'alter, April 24, 1899; Homer, November 24, 1903, and Robert Earnest was born on April 24, 1907.

Thomas S. Williams has continued to live on the present farm since moving here. He has greatly improved it by the erection of a commodious eight-room residence which is nicely situated. In addition to this, he has added to his farm and erected other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Williams has been successful in raising wheat, but of late years he has been devoting his attention to corn and hogs, and has been very successful.

Thomas S. Williams and wife are members of the Vaughnsville Congregational church. Their two eldest children, Mabel and John Walter, are also members of this church. Mabel is a senior in the Vaughnsville high school, a member of the class of 1916. Thomas S. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's substantial citizens and well and favorably known in this section of Putnam county and is entitled to representation in this volume.

Mathias J. Kerner

AriKjn-- the well-known and popular citizens of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is he whose name heads this sketch Mr. Kerner is of a sociable nature, who readily wins friends and retains them by virtue of his sincere friendliness and generous disposition, tie is considered one of the most up-to-date farmers of the community, having a splendid equipment for his chosen life work, and the e^^cellent condition of the residence and other buildings bespeak success in his undertaking.

Mathias J. Kerner is a native of this county, having been born on a farm in section 22 of Greensburg township on April 6, 1874. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Schaeffer) Kerner and is the eldest of their family. The other children are Elizabeth, Caroline, deceased; Amalia Kathrina, Mary Theresa. Mary Ann, John Edward and Rosa. Joseph Kerner, father of our subject, is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner, who were among the early settlers of this county. The father was a native of Germany and the mother was from Pennsylvania. The parents were married on November 6, 1872, and after marriage continued to live on the farm formerly owned by Joseph Kerner's father, and on that farm he has lived almost his entire life Mary Schaeffer, mother of Mathias J. Kerner, was the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Hoffman) Schaeffer, both of whom were natives of Germany, coming from Hanover, where they were married, and shortly after marriage left for this country. After living on one or two different places they finally settled in Glandorf, this county. They were the parents of three children, John, Clara and Mary.

Mathias J. Kerner attended the district schools near his home when a boy and in young manhood worked with his father on the home farm and for twenty-one years followed the occupation of a thresherman. He was united in marriage on October 21, 1896, to Mary Merschman, daughter of John and Clara Merschman, both natives of this county, where they still reside. Mrs. Kerner is one of a family of eleven children, namely Frank Mary. Amelia, AVilliam, deceased; Veronica, Lucy, Emma, Helena, Harry' deceased; John and Petronella. John Merschman, father of Mrs. Kerner' is a son of Barney and Katherine (Hageman) Merschman, both natives of Germany, who came to this county at a comparatively early date in its history and settled on a farm, where they lived for many years. Mrs. Kerner's mother is a daughter of Joseph and Gertrude Gattman, also natives of Germany, who lived in this county for many years and were accounted among the worthy residents thereof.

Mathias J. Kerner and wife have an interesting family of five children, the eldest of whom is their daughter Eleanore, born on March 13, 1898; Harry, August 26, 1900, assists the father in the work of the farm; Loretta, November 22, 1902; Emma, November 15, 1906, and Victor, December 26, 1912. All of the children still remain under the parental roof. Mr. Kerner has a well-kept farm of forty acres and is one of the progressive men of the community. Mrs. Kerner is a charming and intelligent woman and the entire family is well liked by a large circle of friends. Their pleasant home is the center of a delightful spirit of friendliness, which includes both well established friend and stranger alike.

The entire family are communicants of the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and Mr. Kerner holds his fraternal affiliation with the I-Cnights of Columbus, while in politics he votes the Democratic ticket.

James H. Miller

Fealty to fact in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the type of James H. Miller, a well-known successful farmer in Sugar Creek township, is always required to make a biographical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the community honored by his residence, because it is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs more than any other consideration that gives character and stability to the body politic. While advancing his individual interest, he has never lost sight of his obligation to the community in general, and for many years he has held a high place in popular confidence and esteem.

James H. Miller was born in Sugar Creek township on September 9, 1866, the son of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) 'Miller, for personal mention of whom the reader is referred to the subject's brother, George W. Miller, elsewhere in this volume.

James H. Miller was reared on the paternal homestead and there spent his youth and young manhood, attending to the duties of the farm and securing his education in the schools of the neighborhood. In addition to the ordinary duties he also applied himself to the clearing of about sixty acres of the home farm. He has spent practically his entire life here, and has earned a high reputation among those who know him because of his success as a farmer and because of his high standing as a citizen in private life. He is now the owner of one hundred acres of land considered as good as anv in Putnam county, and his place is improved with a substantial eleven- room residence, finely situated, located one-eighth of a mile south of the Ridge road and one and three-cjuarter miles east of Vaughnsville. A large barn, cattle shed and other buildings go to make up the group of structures which make his farm one of the up-to-date and pleasing views of the community. In the operation of his farm Mr. Miller has not specialized along any one line, but has followed a general system of farming, raising such crops as are common to this locality. He has also given considerable attention to the breeding of Double Standard Pure-bred Polled Durham cattle, of which he has a herd of twenty head. For a number of years he has been a feeder of cattle for the market.

James H. Miller was married on ^Slay i8, 191 4, to Carrie Garner, who was born in Sugar Creek township on March 10, 1880, the daughter of James W. and Lydia Ann (Slusser) Garner. James Garner was born in Virginia on July 3, 1837, and was the son of William and Elizabeth (Stone) Garner, also natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio in an early day, settling in Sugar Creek township, one mile northeast of Vaughnsville. At the outbreak of the Civil War James Garner proved his patriotism by enlisting as a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command was assigned to the western army and, with his regiment, Mr. Garner took part in many of the most arduous campaigns and battles of that great struggle, including the memorable march to the sea, with its attendant skirmishes and conflicts. At the conclusion of hostilities Mr. Garner returned home and was married to Lydia Ann Slusser, after which he settled on a farm one and three-quarter miles east of Vaughnsville, where he remained until his last years, which were spent on the farm now owned by George W. Miller, where his death occurred on November 29, 1907. His wife, Lydia Ann Slusser, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, on February 8, 1847, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Abbot) Slusser. She came to Putnam county with her parents when only a child, the family settling one and onehalf miles east of Vaughnsville on the Ridge road. To these parents were born ten children, Nora Belle on August 12, 1867, died on December 16, 1893; EHza Ann, September 16, 1869; Viola May, September 4, 1871 ; James Madison, October 25, 1873; Delia Jane, March 22, 1876; Ella Leora, February 8, 1878, died on August 9, 1904; Susan Carrie, November 10, 1880; Charles Sherman, May 21, 1882; Mary Elizabeth, January 25, 1886, and an infant son, who died at birth. Lydia Ann (Slusser) Garner died on July 27, 1912.

In his political views Mr. Miller gives his support to the Democratic party, though too busy with his own afifairs to give much attention to matters of- public importance. His religious connections are with the Christian church, of which his wife is also a member. The testimony is ample that Mr. Miller is a good citizen in the full sense of the term and worthy of honor and public trust, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do.

John A. Schutz

Success in life comes to the deserver. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, with a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value, is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man who starts in the world unaided and, by sheer force of will, controlled by correct principles, forges ahead, and at length reaches a position of honor among- his fellow-citizens, achieves success such as representatives of the two former classes cannot understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent, the subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country, and has added to the stability of our government and its institutions.

John A. Schutz was born on November 30, 1861, in Berne, Switzerland. He was the son of Jacob and Anna (Gruber) Schutz. Jacob Schutz was born in April, 1829, in Berne, Switzerland, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Schutz. Jacob Schutz, Sr., and his wife were farmers and reared a large family. He was a cheesemaker.

Jacob Schutz, Jr., moved from the canton of Berne to the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, when John A. was only one and one-half years old. This county is along the French border, and here his parents again took up farming. John A. Schutz attended the schools in his neighborhood until he was thirteen years old. For three years afterward he attended the night school. He helped his father until he was twenty-one years of age and then came to America in 1883, direct to Pandora, Ohio. Jacob Schutz, Jr., and wife were the parents of fourteen children - Elizabeth, Jacob, Gottfried^ deceased; Albert, John A., Mary, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Anna, Amiel and Louisa. Four children died in infancy.

county, Ohio, in 1884. Four years later they moved to Tippecanoe county, ten miles southeast of Lafayette, Indiana, and here he died about seven or eight years later, in 1895. His wife then returned to Ohio and lived with her son, John A. Schutz, and her daughter, Louisa, until her death, in October, 1906.

John A. Schutz was twenty-one years of age when he arrived in America, April I, 1883. He came directly to Putnam county, and worked in the stone quarries in that district. He followed other odd jobs for about three years and then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for two years. At the age of twenty-six Mr. Schutz had saved considerable money. At this time. May 24, 1887, John A. Schutz was married to Mary Bixler, who was born on the old Bixler homestead, June 22, i860. She was the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Welty) Bixler, the former of whom was born in Wayne county on June 4, 183 1, and the latter in Wayne county on April 14, 1832. Jacob Bixler was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kammerman) Bixler, both of whom were natives of Switzerland, the former of whom was born in 1801 and the latter on September 28, 1797 They emigrated to America on the Danish ship "Tetes," whose voyage took, forty-four days to cross the water. Mrs. Bixler was the daughter of John and Barbara (Lugibihl) Welty, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter a native of France. She came to America in 182 1. Jacob Bixler and wife had two children, Sarah, who married Albert Schutz, and Mary who married John A. Schutz. '

Jacob Bixler, Sr., started for America on May 14, 1821, and landed in July of that year at New York City, and later became a pioneer of Putnam county. Jacob Bixler and wife were the parents of the following children- Anna, who died in infancy; Abraham, deceased; Barbara, Peter, Christian John, Elizabeth, Jacob Jr., Anna, Abraham, Daniel, deceased; Daniel Catherine, deceased; Mary and David, only two of whom are living

John Welty was born on November 14, 1797, a native of Switzerland He came- to America in 1824 and settled in Wavne county Ohio Later came Barbara (Lugibihl) Welty, his wife, who was born in February 1807 and who died on November 4, 1883. She came with her parents to America m 1825, when she met and married John Welty in AVayne county To them were born nine children-Christian, Catherine, Barbara, Peter, Anna Madalena, May, Fannie and John, who died in infancy, only two of whom are living at this time.

one-half miles east of Pandora, which he later bought. At this time it comprised eighty acres, to which Mr. Schutz later added twenty acres, and then he purchased the old John Suter farm of one hundred acres, on which he now lives. Mr. Schutz has always done general farming, and during recent years has made a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs.

Mr. Schutz purchased a lumber yard and planing mill at Pandora about 1902, where he moved on account of his wife's failing health. He operated this mill for five years, and then sold out and returned to the farm. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Schutz is a stockholder in the Farmers' Banking Company at Pandora.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schutz - Martha, who died in infancy ; Lavina, who is the wife of Walter Geiger and lives on the old home place; Hiram, who lives with his sister, Lavina; Elmer, who is unmarried and a student in Otterbein University; Hula, who is unmarried and at home, and Matilda, who died in infancy.

John A. Schutz has been a member of the Putnam county fair board for eight years. He is a Democrat and has served his township as trustee for twelve years. He and his wife are members of the Grace Mennonite church. John A. Schutz is one of the most substantial citizens of this community. He is a man of resolute determination and high ideals, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people who live in his community. No better evidence of this can be cited than the long term which he has served the people of Riley township as trustee, the duties of which oiifice Mr. Schutz has discharged to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

Charles Rhodes

One of the well-known farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, who has long been prominent in the agricultural life of this county, is Charles Rhodes, a native of Sugar Creek township and the grandson of one of the pioneer settlers of this county. The Rhodes family has long been connected with the history of Sugar Creek township and in all of these years have gained for themselves an enviable reputation for sobriety, intelligence and congeniality. They have long been known for their success in agricultural affairs and for the large measure which they have contributed to the progress and prosperity of this section of Putnam county.

ship, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of James and EHzabeth (Guffy) Rhodes, the former of whom was born in FrankHn county, Ohio, March 12, 1828, and who died on October 12, 1914. James Rhodes was' the son of Peter and Catherine (Huffman) Rhodes. Peter Rhodes came to Putnam county in 1834 and entered land from the government on Hog creek in the western part of Sugar Creek township, where he afterward operated a gristmill on the banks of Hog creek. He also operated a store in the early days, was one of Putnam county's first citizens and passed through all of the pioneer experiences of his time. He died while still a comparatively young man. His wife survived him only a short time. They had eight children, six sons and two daughters, John, Jacob, James. William, George, Mary, Elizabeth and Joseph, who died in childhood. James Rhodes, the father of Charles, was only four years old when he cam.e with his parents to Putnam county.' He spent his childhood on the old Rhodes homestead and here grew to manhood. When he was thirty-two years of age, he was married on May 6, i860, to Elizabeth Guffy, who was born in Sugar Creek township, August 20,' 1840, and who was the daughter of William and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Guffy.' William Guffy was born on November 22, 1806, in Franklin county, Ohio, and was the son of John and Nancy (Pendleton) Guffy. John and Nancy Guffy were natives of Kentucky. Henry Guffy, the father of John, came with two brothers from Ireland and settled in Kentucky at a very early date. He was killed by the Indians. John Guffy had one full brother, one full sister and five half-brothers and sisters. - Of these, the full brother, Henry Guffy, was killed by the Indians near Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1812 or 1813. John Guffy was a young man when he came to Ohio with his mother and stepfather, who settled in Franklin county. John was married there and lived on leased land. He came to Putnam county in 1829 and entered a tract of land in Sugar Creek township. He did not come permanently to reside however, until 1831, when he entered additional land, making a total of three hundred and four acres, upon which he made his home until his death, July I, 1874. Of his land, forty acres were obtained with a warrant granted him for services in the War of 1812. This tract was increased to three hundred and four acres, and he owned, besides, one hundred and twenty acres in Kansas. John and Nancy Guffy were the parents of the following children - Isaac and William, twins, of whom Isaac died in Kansas in 1885 : Margaret' deceased, who married Samuel Parker; Henry, deceased; Jane, who married James McKinley; Joseph, who was killed by a falling tree in 1835- Aquilla, who died leaving a family of six children ; Sarah, who married Jacob Rhodes; Nelson, who lives in Michigan; and Elizabeth, who married Will- iam McLain. William, one of the twins, married Mary Ann Jacobs and they have the following children, Samuel, Elizabeth, Alexander, Anetta, George, James, Sarah and Alice. Mary Ann Guffy died on November 8, 1864.

James Rhodes went to California in 1850 and worked in the gold mines for four years. Later, he returned to Putnam county and, after six years was married and settled on a part of the homestead of his father, just north of Rimer, in Sugar Creek township, where he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of three years which he spent in Columbus Grove. He died on the old home place on October 12, 1914, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. He was a member of the Ottawa River Christian church and a Republican in politics.

James and Elizabeth (Guff) Rhodes had five sons, Francisco, who died at the age of eighteen months ; William, who married Mary Blosser and lives in Sugar creek township ; Frank, who lives in Texas ; Charles, the subject of this sketch ; and James, who died in infancy.

Charles Rhodes, who was born on the old homestead where he spent his childhood and youth, has resided on the farm since that time. He attended the Rimer district school, and after finishing school, he continued to help his father on the home place. At the age of nineteen years, he took charge of the place and at the age of twenty-seven he was married on February 12, 1896, to Elizabeth Stevick, who was born in Allen county, in Marion township, December 3, 1868. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Thomas) Stevick.

Jacob Stevick was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1843, and was of German descent. His wife, Mary Thomas, was born in North Wales, on July 13, 1840, and was the daughter of John W. and Mary (Arthur) Thomas. She came to America with her parents when five years old and spent the remainder of her life in Allen county. She died in July, 1872, and Jacob Stevick died in February, 1906, at the age of sixty-six years. He and his wife had five children, three sons and two daughters, John, who married Emma Eoote ; Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Rhodes ; William, who died at the age of five years; Margaret, who is the wdfe of P. N. Patton; and Archibald, who died in infancy.

After Charles Rhodes was married, he continued to farm the old home place, which has been his residence since that time. He has always done general farming and has been very successful. Mr. Rhodes' farm has a seven-room, modern residence, a commodious barn and other outbuildings which are neatly kept. He owns fifty-five acres and, with his brother William, farms one hundred and eighteen acres.

Charles Rhodes attends the Ottawa River Christian church of which yirs. Rhodes is a member. He is a RepubHcan. He is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, of Vaughnsville. He is one of Sugar Creek township's well-known and substantial farmers. He is a clean-cut and progressive citizen and, from every standpoint, is highly deserving of representation in this volume.

William D. Rhodes

The success of men in business, farming or, iii fact, any other vocation, depends upon many things, but among the things upon which it depends is character in the individual. The relations of life between farmers and business men demand confidence, and where that is lacking business relations of the farmer end. In every community some men are known for their upright lives, common sense and moral worth. Neighbors and acquaintances respect them and the younger generation heed their example. They win their way as a consec|uence of untiring energy and correct principles and through proper application hold the respect of their fellow-men. Among the wellknown farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, who has won in the battles of life by sheer merit is William D. Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes belongs to one of the pioneer families of Putnam county, and his name is one that has been honored for several generations in the history of this county. William D. Rhodes was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on August 30, 1861. He is the son of James W. and Elizabeth (Guffy) Rhodes. James Rhodes was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on March 12, 1828, and died on October 12, 1914. He was the son of Peter and Catherine (Huffman) Rhodes. Peter Rhodes came to Putnam county in 1834 and entered land from the government on Hog creek, in the western part of Sugar Creek township. He established a grist mill on the banks of Hog creek, and also operated a store in the early days. He was one of Putnam county's pioneer citizens and passed through all of the pioneer experiences of the day. He died when still comparatively a young man. His wife survived him only a short time. They had eight children, six- sons and two daughters, John, Jacob, James, William, George, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph, who died in childhood.

James Rhodes was only four years old when he came with his parents "to Putnam county. He spent his childhood and youth on the old Rhodes homestead and here he grew to manhood. When he was thirty-two years of age he was married on May 6, i860, to Elizabeth Gufify, who was born in Sugar Creek township on August 20, 1840, and who was the daughter of Wilham and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Guffy. Wiliiam Guffy was born in FrankHn county, Ohio, on November 22, 1806, and was one of twins, the first-born children of John and Nancy (Pendleton) Guffy, natives of Kentucky. John Guffy's father, Henry Guffy, came with two brothers from Ireland and settled in Kentucky at a very early date. Henry Guffy was killed by the Indians. John Guffy had one full brother, one full sister and five half-brothers and sisters. His full brother, Henry Guffy, was killed by the Indians near Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1812 or 1813. John Guffy was a young man when he came to Ohio with his mother and step-father, who settled in Franklin county. John Guffy was married there and lived on leased land until in 1829, when he came to Putnam county. Fort}- acres of his land was obtained by a warrant granted him for his services in the War of 1812. This tract he increased to three hundred and four acres, and owned, besides, one hundred and twenty acres in Kansas. Mr. Guffy was a well-known farmer in Putnam county. He was married to Mary Ann Jacobs in 1834, and to them were born ten children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who lived were: Samuel, Elizabeth, the wife of James Rhodes; Alexander, who died a prisoner in the Civil War; Anetta. who married Noah Meyers; George and James, farmers ; Sarah, who married John Cratty, and Alice, who married Christopher Sakemiller. U'illiam Guffy's wife died on November 8, 1864.

James Rhodes went to California in 1850 and worked in the gold mines for four years. Later he returned to Putnam county, and six vears afterward was married. He settled on a part of the homestead of his father just north of Rimer in Sugar Creek township, and here he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of three years, M-hich he spent in Columbus Grove. Here on the old homestead he died on October 12, 19 14. He was a member of the Ottawa River Christian church and was a Republican in politics. James and Elizabeth Rhodes had five sons, Francisco, who died at the age of eighteen months; W^illiam, who is the subject of this sketch; Frank, who lives in Texas; Charles, who is a farmer in Sugar Creek township, and James, who died in infancy.

AVilliam D. Rhodes spent his childhood and youth on the old Rhodes homestead north of Rimer, at which time he attended the Rimer district school and, with the exception of one term spent at the Keirns district school received all of his education in this school. After finishing school he continued to help his father on the farm, where he remained, with the exception of one year, until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was married.

^Yilliam D. Rhodes was married on December 9, i88'6, to Mary A. Blosser, who was born in Fairfield comity, Ohio, on May 14, 1859. She is the daughter of Jacob and Sophronia (Seitz) Blosser. Jacob Blosser was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1830. He came to Fairfield county, Ohio, when a young man and here he met and married Sophronia Seitz. After their marriage they resided for a few years in Fairfield county, and when Alary A. was an infant they moved to Union township, Putnam county, about three miles east of Kalida. In later years they moved two and onehalf miles south of Kalida, where they now reside. Jacob Blosser died at this place in August, 1892, where his wife, Sophronia, still survives. Jacob Blosser was a lifelong member of the Baptist church. He was a Democrat in politics and a successful farmer, who owned one hundred and four acres of land. He was a faithful member of the church, a devoted husband and a loving father. His wife is also a member of the Baptist church. Jacob Blosser and wife had thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters, Lydia, Mary A., Catherine, Alice, Sarah, Elizabeth, Sophronia, John S., Charles D., Enoch, deceased ; Noah, deceased ; Ida and Edson. Mrs. A'Villiam D. Rhodes received her early education in Union township and remained there until her marriage to Mr. Rhodes.

After his marriage William D. Rhodes lived on the old home place for three years, and the following spring, in 1889, he moved to a farm owned by his father just south of Rimer, which farm consisted of fifty-eight acres. Four years later he purchased this farm from his father, it having at the time only an old frame house and a log barn. Mr. Rhodes proceeded to drain, clear and fence the farm. He built a substantial eight-room residence and a commodious barn, thirty-six by fifty-four feet, and other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. Today Mr. Rhodes has one of the finest farms in the township, and it is almost wholly the result of his own efforts. In addition to operating this land, Mr. Rhodes is in partnership with his brother Charles, who farm altogether one hundred and twenty-one acres. William D. Rhodes has always done general farming and attributes his success to the raising of hogs.

To William D. and Mary A. (Blosser) Rhodes two children have been born, Elizabeth and Harvey J. William D. Rhodes is a member of the Ottawa River Christian church, of which Mrs. Rhodes and both the children are also members. Mr. Rhodes is a Republican.' He served as township assessor for two terms. Both of the Rhodes children were graduates of the Vaughnsville high schol of the class of 1909.

Joseph B. Edwards

It is with pleasure that the biographer has an opportunity to place before the readers of this work the life record of the honorable gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph. The history of Putnam county would be wholly incomplete were the name of Joseph B. Edwards not included in the list of well-known citizens, who have contributed so much to the progress and prosperity of this county. Joseph B. Edwards has spent many years of influence and usefulness in this community and is a broad-minded, conscientious worker and a successful farmer. He is honored and respected by his neighbors, and his career is a splendid example of what the young man of today may accomplish if he starts out in life with worthy ambitions and right ideals.

Joseph B. Edwards was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, November 29, i860. He is the son of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards. Josiah Edwards 'was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 30, 1826, and was the son of Josiah, Sr., and Margaret (Jones) Edwards. Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation. He lived and died in Wales. Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife and one child came to America - m 1855, arriving here in the spring. They settled first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall, in 1855, he came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Gomer. His first employment was with Griffith John, a contractor who built the Pennsylvania railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico Ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, and here he lived for about seven years. He moved to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county in 1862, and settled on eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville on the Old Ridge road which farm he purchased. The land was in a virgin state and had only an acre or two cleared. Josiah Edwards, Jr., took this task in hand and succeeded in getting it all cleared except eight acres, and drained. He built a large frame house in 1873, consisting of ten rooms', and a large frame barn in 1879. He has always been engaged in general farming and attributes his success mostly to raising corn and hogs. He has also been successful in raising good horses.

Josiah Edwards, Jr., enlisted in the Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, near the close of the Civil War, and serv^'ed one hundred days. He was mustered into the service on May 13, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was mustered out on August 27, 1864. The regiment was first stationed at Forts Sumpter, Mansfield and Simmons. During the active

Operations of the rebels against Washington, D. C, on July ii and 12, the larger part of the regiment was under fire, and several of the companies were in the forts which were engaged in the battle.