Wood County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1897 (part 13 of 17)

The Whitacre family came originally from Virginia. The grandfather, Edward Whitacre, married Martha Brown, and their son Mahlon, our subject's father, was born in the Old Dominion. When a boy of ten he was brought by his parents to Harrison county, W. Va., where he was married to Miss Phcebe Beck, also a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Preston Beck. Soon after marriage they moved to Columbiana county, which was then on the frontier line, and subject to Indian attacks and rumors of attacks, the family being so alarmed on one occasion as to seek refuge in the nearest settlement. In the spring of 1833 he came to Wood county on foot, and entered 160 acres in Section 6, eighty in Section 6, eighty in Sections 31 and 32, in Portage township; 160 acres in Section 5, forty in Sections 7 and 8, and eighty in Section 22, in Bloom township. He selected a spot for his future home in Section 6, near the present site' of Cygnet, and returned to bring his family, which included seven children. They left Columbiana county April 18, 1834, and traveled in a wagon drawn by oxen via Minerva, Canton, Massillon, Wooster, Mansfield, Galion, Bucyrus and Upper Sandusky. They brought one cow with them, the younger members of the party walking by turns to drive her. Whenever they could, they stopped at hotel for the night, but often camped out, and after leaving Upper Sandusky they lived in that primitive fashion until their log house was built from trees felled after their arrival on May 4, 1834. The roads were so bad for the latter part of the trip that seven miles made a good day's travel. Their nearest neighbor lived two miles away, and their milling was done on the Maumee river, the trip taking five days, coming and going. Their first crop was corn, planted in small holes made in the solid ground, the stumps and roots making plowing impossible, and much of the grinding was done by hand-mills, made from stones found on the farm. The yield was abundant and wild game plentiful, so they fared well. They secured considerable ready money by selling coon skins at one dollar apiece. Our subject's father was a large man, weighing ordinarily 225 pounds. He possessed fine abilities, and great force of character, and when there were but few to give was a liberal supporter of the Disciples Church, of which he and his family were members. His large tracts of land were divided among his children, with the exception of forty acres, which he gave to a preacher. In politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and he took great interest in public questions. He died in 1847, at the age of sixty-three, and his wife in 1849, aged sixty-two, both being interred in the family lot in Sugar Grove cemetery. Of their children only two are now living. Preston was married in Columbiana county to Martha Lucy, and died two years after coming to Wood county; Gula E. was married at the old home to Abiah Stackhouse, and died in Wood county in 1838; Edward was married, before coming West, to Hannah McNeely, and died in this county in 1846; the fourth child is the subject of this sketch; Isaac was married in Wood county to Elizabeth McCrory, later to Eliza Wolfe, and now lives in Bloom township; Lydia A. married John McCrory, and died in Plain township; Sarah J. died of consumption three years after coming to this county.

Reason Whitacre in his childhood attended first a subscription school, and later, when public schools came into vogue, he availed himself of them. He was trained to farm work, and when a young man worked out for three shillings a day; for one year before coming to Wood county he had worked in a gristmill at Minerva. In all the work and hardships and pleasures of the pioneer days in this county he took his full share, and his reminiscences are most interesting. On March 22, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary McCrory, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1820, daughter of Samuel McCrory, a prominent citizen of Henry township. They commenced housekeeping on seventy-two acres of land in Section 6, Bloom township, a gift from his parents. It was in its primitive state, and his little log cabin was the first house upon it. He cleared eighteen acres, and after his father's death traded the tract for his sister Lydia's interest in the homestead, where he has ever since resided.

By his first marriage Mr. Whitacre had eight children : Mahlon was a farmer in Liberty township; he died leaving two children - Conrad and Elmer. Hannah R. married Mandeville Milbourn, of Bloom township, and died leaving five children - Edward R. , Lydia, Horace, Mary and Arthur. Phoebe married Horace C. Mercer, of Liberty township, and their children are Milton, Alburtus, Mary, Delorma, Clarence, Rosa, Jefferson, Frank and George. James, deceased, was a farmer in Liberty township; he left one child - Frederick. Samuel was a farmer in Liberty township, and died leaving two children - Ellelha and Olerious. Daniel is a farmer in Liberty township; he married Amanda Loe, and they have nine children - Mahlon, Hayes, Rhoda, Ardie, Wildie, Naomi, Carrie, Howard and Karl. Lewis S. is a resident of Cygnet, and has one child - Frank. Thomas lives in Liberty township; he has two children - Charles and Floyd. Mrs. Whitacre died in 1861, and was buried in Sugar Grove cemetery. On March 22, 1866, our subject was married to Miss Mary M. Bullis, a native of Durham, N. Y. . born December 24, 1835, daughter of Isaac and Amanda (Hervey) Bullis, who came to Wood county in 1845, and located in Plain township. Four children were born of this union: Herman W. is a farmer in Liberty township; Arthur I. is a farmer in Bloom

Mr. Whitacre still operates his farm of 200 acres, and also 100 acres in Liberty and Plain townships belonging to his wife. In 1886 he leased his land to a Mr. Scott, who did not operate, but sold to Barnum & Boden, and they began operations in March, 1890, drilling two wells. Then Mr. Barnum bought out his partner, and sold a one-third interest to a Mr. Hughes, and this firm now control the territory. At this writing they are operating eight wells, and will probably drill two more. The whole production amounts to about $4,000 per month, our subject securing one-seventh. On Mrs. Whitacre's property in Plain township there are three wells, one in operation. Politically our subject is a Republican, he has been a favorite candidate of his party for various offices, and has served thirteen years as trustee, one term as justice of the peace, and has also been supervisor and school director. He is an elder in the Disciples Church, of which the family have so long been leading members, and has always been among the most generous helpers of any worthy movement.

William Heyman, a well-known saloon keeper of Tontogany, this county, was born in the village Kaltenholzhausen, Kreis Diez, Nassau, Germany, February 19, 1840. At the age of fifteen years he started for this country, and the voyage across the Atlantic occupied sixty-three days, the ship being an old sailing vessel; and two weeks more were passed in coming from New York to Monroeville, Ohio, the point of destination. Young Heyman first went to work on a farm in Erie county, for which he was paid fifty cents a day. He then hired out by the month, first at eight dollars, and afterward at ten dollars. Later he became employed by the year, receiving, for his services the first year, $ 1 40, and , for the second, $150. He remained and worked for this same man - John Wright - for six years, his wages being increased until they reached $200 per year. During this period Mr. Heyman saved about $600, and then began farming for himself in Erie county; and in 1865 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Nickel, a native of Germany, whose parents had been farmers in Erie county for some years. Two children were born of this union, namely: Louise, who married Gustave

Thorn, and they have three children - Gustave, Ella and Goldie; and William F. , who is in the saloon and restaurant business at Ogden, Utah. Mrs. Heyman died in 1869, and in 1871 Mr.

Heyman married Miss Margretta Erbe, who was born in Erie county, near Castalia, in 1850. Shortly after the latter marriage he moved to Bellevue, in Huron county, where he clerked in a store, and two years later came to Tontogany, where he opened a sample room. To the second marriage were born eight children, and all at Tontogany: Albert, John, Frank, George,

Charles, Cora, Avery and Eddie. Through the energy, industry and good management of our subject his business has proved a profitable one. He is one of the progressive citizens of this locality. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church.

Ezra J. Moe was born in Lorain county, Ohio, February 4, 1840, and is a son of Isaac and Angeline (Moon) Moe. The father, a native of Genesee county, N. Y., was a child of six years when he went with his parents to Lorain county, the family locating on a 160-acre tract of wild land which the grandfather, Isaac Moe, purchased in 1802. He had journeyed to this State on foot, pre-empted his land, and planted a few acres of corn, and in the fall returned for his family. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Ridgeville township, about 1850. The members of his family were Edwin, who died in Wisconsin; Charles, who died in Lorain county; Betsy, deceased wife of Gersham Gillett, of Lorain county; Polly, deceased wife of Abraham Moon, of Lorain county; Jane, wife of Leander Wilcox; Philand, wife of Otis Gilmore, and Hannah, wife of Husted Moe.

Isaac Moe was married in Lorain county to Miss Moon, who was there born in 1804. She became the mother of seven children, namely: Edwin, who died in infancy; Ann, deceased wife of George Hinger, of Sandusky, Ohio; Rosanna, Isaac and Wellington, who died in infancy; Ezra J.; and Rosanna, deceased wife of George Gill. After the death of his first wife, the father was married in Clyde, Sandusky county, to Mrs. Polly Heydon, and they had three children - Isaac, Mary and Emeline, all deceased. Mrs. Moe died in Clyde, Ohio, and the father afterward removed to Michigan. In 1S73 he came to Wood county to live with our subject, and died in 1881.

When a child of eight years, Ezra Moe accompanied his parents to Clyde, where he acquired his education. When only ten years of age he began earning his own living, and for seven years rode race horses for Tuttle Brothers, of Clyde. He then worked as a farm hand until October 23, 1861, when, having obtained permission from his father to go to the train to wit- !

ness the departure of Company A, 72nd O. V. I., he, instead, joined the troops and went to the front, where he participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and aided in building a fort at Memphis, Tenn. With Grant's command he then went to Holly Springs, and after their supplies were cut off returned to Memphis, proceeding down the river to Milliken's Bend. After making the canal at Vicksburg, his command marched to Grand Gulf, and later participated in seven battles which drove the Rebels into their works at Vicksburg, where they then entered upon the famous siege, which ended with the surrender of the city July 4, 1863. Beforq, sundown that night they were fighting Joe Johnston sixteen miles away, and engaged with that general in three battles. The troops afterward returned to Memphis, subsequently going to Little Rock, Ark., and following Price, who threatened the destruction of that city. They afterward marched to Cape Girardeau, were loaded into transports, and subsequently proceeded to Sedalia and Lexington, Mo. They then marched to Kansas City, and captured Price on the Big Blue river. Returning to St. Louis, they were at once ordered to Nashville, but Mr. Moe remained in St. Louis for about twelve hours. He rejoined his. regiment in Cairo, and took part in the battle of Nashville. Later the troops marched to New Orleans, and were engaged in service in the gulf district for some time. This included the capture of Spanish Fort, after which they started for Montgomery, where the news was received of Lee's surrender, and the restoration of peace. They then proceeded to Vicksburg, and Mr. Moe, who had veteranized in 1864, was honorably mustered out September 11, 1865, after almost four years of military" service, in which he made for himslf an honorable record.

It was just four years later - September 1 1, 1869 - that he was married in Perrysburg to Ellen Spoors. They removed to Garden Grove, Decatur Co. , Iowa, but after a year removed to Wood county, and for three years operated the Hendricks farm near, Bowling Green. Mr. Moe later rented the Starr farm for nine years, the Lathrop farm for four years, and the Todd farm for four ; years. In the spring of 1892 he purchased twenty acres of land, erected a good residence thereon, and has since made it his home. His wife died in May, 1882, leaving five children: Charles, of Milton township; William Allen, of Liberty township; John, Maud and Fred, at home. One son, Frank, was accidentally shot at the age of thirteen years, and death resulted. Mr. Moe is a Democrat, and a member of the

United Brethren Church. He discharges his duties of citizenship with the same loyalty and fidelity that marked his honorable soldier record.

E. F. Metzger, the efficient town clerk of Troy township, and postmaster of Stony Ridge, is a native of Wood county, born in Troy township, January 15, 1867, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Reninger) Metzger, both born in the German Empire, emigrating to America in 1835. In Medina county, Ohio, they were reared and married, but, as early as 1856, became residents of Wood county; in 1850, the father purchased his present farm in Troy township. They reared a family of sefen children, namely: John, who died in Perrysburg township, November 7, 1894; Charles, who died in Troy township, November 3, 1888; George, a resident of Paulding county, Ohio; Henry, who died in Troy township, in 1883; E. F., of this sketch; and Carrie and Allen, both at home.

Our subject was reared to rural life, receiving his primary education in the district schools, after which he pursued his studies for two seasons in the Fostoria Normal School. On leaving school he began teaching, which profession he followed for eight years in Wood county, meeting with excellent success as an instructor. In his political affiliations, Mr. Metzger is a Democrat, and for the past six years has taken an active part in local public affairs, being one of the leaders of his party in the township. In 1892 he was appointed town clerk, and afterward elected for three consecutive terms; in December, 1893, he was appointed postmaster of Stony Ridge, to succeed J. E. Stewart. He has proved a capable official, discharging the duties of the offices to the satisfaction of all concerned. He holds membership with the Lutheran Church of Stony Ridge, and Fort Meigs Lodge No. 774, I. O. O. F. , of Perrysburg, and is universally respected as an honorable, upright young man.

Abraham Huff (deceased) was one of the straightforward and honorable citizens of Wood county. He was a native of the Buckeye State, born on January 20, 1825, in Sandusky county, near the city of that name, and was the fourth of six children, the others being Nancy, Mary, Snowden, George and Benjamin. He received his early education in Missouri, and followed farming as a means of livelihood.

Mr. Huff was married February 11, 1847, in Washington township, the lady of his choice being Lucy Ward, daughter of J. M. and Maria (Cowen) Ward, prominent farming people of that township. In religious belief her father was a Dunkard, while her mother held membership with the Lutheran Church. They are both now deceased, the latter passing away March 21, 1884. They had four children: (1) Elizabeth, born June 4, 1825, has departed this life. (2) Mrs. Huff is the second in the order of birth. (3) Ira, born August 16, 1831, became a member of Company H, 21st O. V. I., during the Civil war, and died in Rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga. He had married Charlotte Jeffers, by whom he had two children - Elizabeth Maria, wife of Charlie Thompkins, a resident of Missouri; and Alice Ann, wife of James Madison, also of Missouri. (4) Eliza died at the age of fifteen years. -

July 27, 1850, is the wife of David McCombs, a contractor of Toledo, Ohio, by whom she had five children - Clinton, who died in infancy; Vernie Minnie, born August 20, 1871; Effie Myrtle, born September 20, 1873; Orlando Lester, born March 20, 1876; and Lucy Pearl, born December 15, 1879. (2) Ann Eliza, born December

Mr. Huff, for the last twenty-five years of his life, traveled the greater part of the time. His death occurred in California, September 7, 1876. In politics, he was a Republican, and by his fellow citizens was chosen to fill several offices of honor and trust, including that of supervisor, which he held for two terms, while for several terms he was constable, and his duties were always faithfully discharged. He and his estimable wife were ever faithful and devoted members of the United Brethren Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community.

G. W. Smith, a well-known farmer of Plain township, Wood county, comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfathers on both sides of the family having fought and died in the struggle of the colonies for liberty, the one being killed at the battle of Brandywine, and the other at the battle of Trenton.

The parents of our subject were George and Mary (Wirts) Smith, the former being born in Pennsylvania in 1791, and dying in Summit county, Ohio, in 1854. The mother was a native of New Jersey, born in 1795, and died in Summit county in 1874. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father followed farming as an occupation. He was a Democrat, and a loyal citizen. The parental family comprised seven children, namely: Malinda, who married Joseph Hall, and died in Kansas; J. J., a physician, who resided at Akron, Ohio, and practiced there many years, but died December 7, 1884; J. B., who was assistant surgeon in the 14th O. V. I., and died at Nashville, Tenn. ; Hannah, who married W. C. Smith and died at Rock Island, 111. ; Thomas, who was killed accidentally in Missouri; G. W., the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, the wife of L. M. Newton, residing in Kansas.

G. W. Smith was born in Summit county, Ohio, September 26, 1826, was educated in -Akron, Ohio, under the superintendence of Gen. Leggett, and lived at home until twenty-one years old, when he went to California. There he was taken ill with typhoid fever, and, after thirtydays unconsciousness, had but partly recovered from that terrible disease, when dread cholera broke out, and he was seized with that. He fortunately escaped with his life, and, strange to say, for twenty-eight years afterward did not have a day's illness. In the spring of 1853 Mr. Smith took passage for Australia, reaching there in July, and for three years was engaged in mining in that country. He then decided to return home, and came by way of England, landing at Bristol, and stopping at London and many of the principal cities in Europe, and, being, in all, two hundred and eleven days, and traveling about 25,000 miles on the water before he reached the United States. He says, these were the happiest days of his life.

Mr. Smith finally settled in Wood county, Ohio, and in 1857 was married to Miss Matilda Eaton, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 10, 1829. Of this union three children have been born: Era G., born June 24, 1866, is the wife of J. W. Le Galley, and has two children, Harry and Marguerite; Carl L. , born March 11, 1 868, was married February 6, 1895, to Miss Gertrude Hopkins, of Brownhelm township, Lorain Co., Ohio, who was born January 20, 1871 (he was educated at the High School in Bowling Green, and at Ada Normal School, and at present is assessor of Plain township); Lulu E., born March 3, 1874, is at home with her parents.

Mr. Smith is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and is a man of good business ability and of progressive ideas. He is a Democrat in politics, and is highly esteemed as a loyal citizen and good neighbor, who wants justice to all and special privileges to none.

Benjamin F. Pratt. This pioneer farmer of Perrysburg township was born March 9, 1824, on the place where he still resides. He assisted in wresting the now fertile acres from the primeval forests, and the wonderful growth and development of the surrounding country have all taken place before his eyes. He can relate many most interesting reminiscences of those early days, and of the people whose struggles and privations sound like a fairy tale to the youth of to-day.

Gen. William and Bathia (Brown) Pratt, the parents of our subject, were natives of Massachusetts, where they were married, and whence, in 1814, they came to Ohio, settling in Orleans, Wood county, on the Maumee river, near Fort Meigs. They had previously lived in Canada, where the father owned a store and a farm; but when the war of 1812 broke out he came with his family to the United States, leaving behind him all his property, and cast his .lot with the young republic. They crossed the lake in an open boat to Orleans, and there entered land. In later years a part of the property in Canada was reclaimed by one of the children. The father served during the war of 1812, and rose to the rank of general.

When the family took possession of the land now owned by our subject, which was in the year 1818, it consisted of eighty acres of dense forest. They made the first clearing, back from the river front, which was made in that locality, and w'hich became known as the ' ' hole in the woods." William Pratt ran the first schooner on the Maumee river, and followed boating for many years. He died February 3, 1824, and was buried on the farm; his wife died at Grand Rapids in July, 1858, and was buried in the cemetery at Perrysburg, where her husband's remains had been removed. Seven children were born to this estimable couple, namely: Jonas, who was a farmer, and died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1854; William served with his father in the war of 1812, and died in Grand Rapids in 1869; Hiram died in Wood county, in January, 1854, his wife surviving him until January, 1894; Amos was a steamboat captain on the lakes, and resided a part of his life in Maumee, near Fort Miami, Lucas county, and died in Buffalo, some time in the "fifties;" Sarah became the wife of Judge Jerome, and died in Lucas county; Jane married Francis Hinsdall, and lives in Toledo; James makes his home in Illinois, and Benjamin F. is our subject.

township, and assisted his father in clearing and improving the home farm which he now owns, and to which he has added until his property comprises 192 acres, all well-improved and valuable land. He has built a comfortable residence, and is engaged in general farming. He was married in Perrysburg township, March 20, 1850, to Miss S. J. Perrin, who was born in Nova Scotia, and is a daughter of James and Nellie (Byers) Perrin, the father a native of France, the mother of Scotland. In 1838 her parents went to Indiana, where they both died in less than one week. After their deaths the children all returned to Wood county. Of these, Charles is deceased; Jane is now Mrs. Young, and lives at Albion, Mich. ; Mary married Benjamin Langel, and is deceased; John resides in Roachton; William lives in Perrysburg township; Catherine married Stephen Langel, and is deceased.

Mexico; Ella (now Mrs. Kerr) lives in Grand Rapids; Arthur is in New Mexico; and May, Guy, Clifton and Benjamin F. , are at home. Mr. Pratt is a Republican, and a member of the M. E. Church. He is a man of fine character, devoted to his home and family, and has never cared to hold public office. As a representative of one of the old families in the county, and for his many sterling qualities, he is held in the highest estimation by all who know him.

William Le Galley, Sr., one of the oldest of the honored pioneers of Plain township, was born December 20, 1812, in Colerain, Mass. He was the son of John and Margaret (Wilson) Le Galley, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts.

When he was seven years old his parents moved to Ohio, and located in Lower Sandusky, where both died a few years later, and our subject was left to make his own way in the world. He went to Seneca county, where he lived with an uncle for nine years, attending school for a short period, afterward working upon the farm. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the tanner's trade, which he followed for twenty-eight years in Seneca and Huron counties, where he also engaged to some extent in farming. He was married in Huron county, in 1836, to Miss Terry, who was born there in August, 1819. They had six children: Myron, John H., William T. ,

Silia and Charles, all living; and Fannie, who died when six years old. In 1856 he moved to Wood county, and purchased 200 acres of land in Plain township, which was but little improved.

With the help of his sons, he succeeded in changing this wilderness into a cultivated farm, ditching, tiling, planting fruit trees, and building a good dwelling house, and commodious barns. He has divided seventy-five acres of his land between two of his sons, and still retains 125 acres, which is under the management of his son, Charles, who resides at the homestead. There are four oil wells in operation upon the property, developed by the Ohio Oil Company.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Le Galley have passed the allotted three score and ten years, both are hale and hearty, and happy in the enjoyment of the fruits of their past labors. Their children occupy useful and honorable positions in life, and their declining years are without a cloud. They have been for many years leading members of the Baptist Church in Bowling Green. Mr. Le Galley votes the Prohibition ticket, and he has always taken an influential part in local affairs. In i860 he was elected justice of the peace, serving for one term, and :he was school director for a number of years.

Titus Beck was born in NewRumley, Harrison Co., Ohio, March 9, 1845. His early life was spent in Ashland county, Ohio, where he studied the elementary branches of an English education in the district schools. He enlisted in the Union army at Ashland during the Civil war, joining, on February 28, 1864, the Western army, with which he stayed for twenty-two months, being most of that time connected with the artillery corps at Fort Steel, Ark. In 1865 he returned to Ashland county, and on March 5, 1868, was married to Miss Lausa E. Campbell, a daughter of James and Isabell (Robertson) Campbell. They moved to Wood county, where he at once settled on eighty acres of land he now owns, adjoining the corporation of Bowling Green. The property contains three oil wells, which he has leased, and he is occupied in general farming. Mrs. Laura E. (Campbell) Beck was born in Ashland county, Ohio, July 8, 1847. They became the parents of thirteen children, namely: Allen Sanford, born January 30, 1869; Myrtle E., born October 13. 1871; Alice G., born June 27, 1872, was accidentally burned to death November 19, 1876; George Campbell, born March 18, 1874, married to Miss Maud Case, of Toledo, June 15, 1896, a niece of President Garfield; Mattie May, born December 13, 1875, wife of Gilbert Harriss; Ida L. , born February 19, 1878; John L. , born November 17, 1879; Earl J. born November 23, 1881; Walter B., born May 19, 1884; Verah E. , born June 20, 1886; Benson Foraker, born December 19, 1887; Orlie

George Beck, father of our subject, was born in New Brunswick, on the St. Johns river, February 23, 1815. He came to the eastern part of Ohio when sixteen years old, and settled in Harrison county with his mother and family, where he lived until 1848, when he went to the northern part of Ashland county, and there died March 20, 1890. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics he was a Democrat until the beginning of the slave agitation, when he became an anti-slave agitator. His wife was a Miss Delila Miller, who was born and reared in Harrison county, Ohio, and died at Troy, Ashland Co., Ohio, at the age of seventy years. To this couple were born the following children: Martha, born October 2, 1840, is now the wife of John Porter, of Lorain county, Ohio; William, born June 20, 1842, died in 1864, at Tullahoma, Tenn. (he was a member of Company K, 102nd O. V. I.); Titus is our subject; Mary, who married William Latham, died at Sullivan, Ashland county; David and George died in infancy; Eliza, the wife of George Pixley, resides in Troy, Ashland county; Ollie is the wife of John Criss, of Lincoln county, Kans. ; Enoch Goiiah lives in Ashland county.

Our subject's grandfather died in New Brunswick, and his great-grandfather Beck was a soldier in the German army. Although a small man, he was very powerful and was able to put five barrels of flour on top of one another, being the only man in the army who could accomplish this feat of strength. His wife was a Miss Sherman, of Yankee descent. Mr. Beck's father was one of seven children, the others being: Titus, Martha, Margaret, Mary, Austin and Elizabeth. All of them are deceased except the two latter, who live in Ashland county.

James Campbell, the father of Mrs. Beck, was born May 20, 1820, in Ashland county, and the mother was born in Steubenville, Ohio, December 22, 1828. They were married June 10, 1846, and settled in Wood county, April 4, 1868, where he died in 1876. He was a Democrat before the war, and afterward became a Republican. During the war he enlisted in Company K, 82nd O. V. I., for the first three-years' volunteer service. He served until February 24, 1863, whqn he was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability. He participated in the battles of Bull Run, Shiloh, and others. He lost his health while in the army, and died after returning home; he received a pension, which his widow, who still survives, now draws. Two of their five children

Grandfather Campbell came from Pennsylvania and died in Ashland county. He married a Miss McKinsie, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. The maternal great-grandmother's name was Elliot, and she and her husband were Scotch- Irish, and lived and died in Steubenville. The Robertsons were from Jefferson county, Ohio, and were of Scotch-English descent. The paternal grandmother's name was Paterson.

William B. Kerr, who has been a trustee of Grand Rapids township since its organization, was born in Point Creek township, Holmes Co., Ohio, July 9, 1835. His grandfather, William Kerr, a blacksmith by trade, married Margaret Miller, and lived for some years after his marriage, in Pennsylvania, where his son Jesse, our subject's father, was born in 1810. Three years later the family moved to Holmes county, Ohio, and there Jesse Kerr grew to manhood, and followed the occupation of farming. He was there married to Miss Jane H. Barton, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, November 12, 1812, the daughter of one of the earliest settlers of that county. Our subject was the eldest of their family of eight children; Eliza, the second child, married Isaac Van Horn, a prominent resident of Wood county, Ohio; Nancy died in 1846; James E. is an ordained minister of the U. P. Church, at Coulterville, 111. ; Mary married Perry Heeter, a well-known agriculturist of Grand Rapids township; Joseph W. is a minister of the United Presbyterian Church in Piqua, Ohio; Villa married John Caton, of Grand Rapids township; the youngest child died in infancy. From 1850 to 1886 the family lived upon a farm in Wood county, where our subject's mother died in 1886, and his father seven years later, at the age of eighty-three.

William B. Kerr was started on the road to knowledge in his native county, and afterward attended the schools of W ood county. He worked upon his father's farm until he attained his majority, when he bought thirty acres of land, which he improved. In 1861 he enlisted at Napoleon, Ohio, in Company H, 68th O. V . I. (Col. H. Steedman and Capt. J. J. Vorhees, commanding), which was assigned to the 17th Army Corps, with Gen. McPherson as Dept. Commander, and Gen. Logan as Commander of the Division. On the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Kerr re-enlisted at Vicksburg, and served throughout the war. He was in a number of hard-fought battles, among them the engagements at Fort Donelson,

Fort Henry and Vicksburg, and he took part in the Atlanta campaign, and " marched down to the sea " with Sherman. On receiving his final discharge at Cleveland, he went to Henry county and bought ninety acres of land which he cultivated for eight years, when he returned to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres near Grand Rapids, upon which he has made many improvements, and provided a comfortable-home for his family.

On October io, 1865, he was married to his first wife, Miss Jennie Culbertson, a daughter of J. G. Culbertson, a well-known citizen of Henry county. They have had three children: James

H., born December 23, 1 868, resides in Henry county; John W. , born December 4, 1872, is now attending the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland; the youngest child died in infancy. Mrs. Kerr died in 1875, and our subject married again, choosing for a second wife Miss Mary J. Mitchell, of Knox county, Ohio, who was born August 18, 1840.

Mr. Kerr and his family attend the United Presbyterian Church, and are among the leaders in its various lines of work. In politics Mr. Kerr is a Republican, and his influence in the local organization is widely recognized. He is noted for his sound judgment and upright character, and has been intrusted with many public duties, which have been discharged with energy and discretion. Throughout his eight years residence in Henry county, he was justice of the peace in Damascus township, and since coming to this county he has been assessor of Grand Rapids and Weston townships for four terms, and has held the office of trustee in the former since 1891. He is a member of the G. A. R., Bond Post No. 24.

Hon. J. E. Stevens, the able and popular mayor of Grand Rapids, was born May 29, 1851, in Huron county, Ohio. He is a son of John A. and Linda (Heath) Stevens, prominent residents of Grand Rapids township, and has lived in this county since he was three years old, receiving his education mainly in the schools of Weston. He learned the blacksmith's trade with S. Sterling, of Weston, and remained with him for sixteen years, when he moved to Grand Rapids and worked for eight years with T. J. Sterling in the same trade. In 1892 he bought out his employer, and has since conducted the business for himself, enjoying the patronage of the entire community.

in life as a blacksmith, and Louisa, who lives at Muncie, Ind. In 1882, Mr. Stevens married his second wife, Miss Emma Carson, daughter of the late John Carson, of Grand Rapids. Five children were born of this union: Alma, Ruth and

Harry, who are now attending school, and Guy and Ruby, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Stevens is one of the most active workers in the Relief and Aid Society Oof the Presbyterian Church, of which her husband is a prominent member, and she is a ready supporter of any philanthropic movement.

Mr. Stevens holds in an unusual degree the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, and is a leading member of the Republican party. He has twice been elected councilman of Grand Rapids, and in 1895 was chosen mayor by a large majority, fully justifying the faith of his friends by a wise, honest, and business-like administration.

Fred Heeter, the able young postmaster of Grand Rapids, who is one of the most enterprising and prosperous business men of that locality, is one of the " Wood county boys " who are doing credit to the place of their birth. Born in Grand Rapids, September 2, 1865, he attended the excellent public schools there during boyhood, and later took a course in a business college. After graduating, he returned to his native town, and engaged in mercantile business, dealing in groceries, glassware and crockery, and has achieved a success which speaks well for his ability, judgment and fair dealing. His reputation in financial circles is of the best, and in local politics he is also among the foremost, being an influential worker in the Democratic party in his vicinity.

Mr. Heeter was married June 12, 1895, to Miss Etta Thomas, born June 8, 1876, one of the most attractive young ladies of Grand Rapids, and a member of one of the leading families in the Methodist Church there. He is a member of the fraternal order of the K. of P. and of the I. O. O. F. With hosts of friends and so firm a vantage ground gained for success in business and political life, Mr. Heeter's future is confidently expected to bring to him still greater opportunities to give proof of his ability.

Judge George C. Phelps, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Bqwling Green, has been identified with the leading interests of this county ever since 1853, when he came to Webster township with his bride of a year, and established a home in the clearing. He is descended from an old New England family. His grandfather, Abel Phelps, lived in Tolland county, Conn., and reared a large family, among whom were: Sallie, born February 28, 1792, who married Mr. Manley, and died in Pennsylvania; Abby, born June 1, 1794; Harriet, born January 7, 1 797; Patty, March 21, 1799 - all of whom died in Connecticut; George A., born October 10, 1804, who died in Medina county, Ohio; and Abel, our subject's father, who was born October 10, 1804. He was married in Hebron, Conn., to Miss Sallie Barber, born April, 1807. In 1834 they moved to Brunswick, Medina county, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives, honored and influential citizens, and leading members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Phelps was a Democrat before the war, but in later life was a Republican. He died September 13, 1887, and his wife February 8, 1891. They reared a family of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest now living. Of the others, Elizabeth is the wife of George Hamilton, of DeKalb county, Ind. ; Ralph lives in Medina county, Ohio, and Mary Jane is the wife of Hiram Davis, of Cuyahoga county, Ohio.

The subject of this sketch was born at the old home in Connecticut, October 25, 1827, and at the age of seven came to Ohio with his parents. He grew to manhood upon the farm in Medina county, and July 7, 1852, married Miss Emily A. Park, who was born in New York State March 1, 1827. Her father, William Park, was a native of Canandaigua, N. Y. , and was descended from some of the early settlers of East Bloomfield, N. Y. Her mother was Miss Axa Reed, a native of Massachusetts, whose father, Uriah Reed, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a life-long resident of Taunton, Mass. They settled in Medina county, Ohio, in 1837, and there their five children grew to maturity; Phoebe, Mrs. Joseph Simmons, of Cuyahoga county, Ohio; Emily A., Mrs. Phelps; Albina, deceased; Evaline, Mrs. Isaac Dake, of Medina county, and William, deceased. After their marriage Judge Phelps and his wife remained in Medina county, for a year, and then moved to Wood county, settling upon a farm where they lived for twenty years.

Our subject's rare fitness for public life was speedily recognized, and he was not permitted to remain in obscurity; for many years he held various township and county offices, school director, justice of the peace, township clerk and probate judge. To the last position he was elected three times, and held it, in all, over nine years. During this time the contest over the removal of the court house to Bowling Green took place, and he was one of the leaders. He has been engaged in various business enterprises also. He helped to build the old Tontogany railroad, and of later years he has been interested in the gas business, as his farm in Webster township lies within the "oil belt."

In September, 1876, he moved to Bowling Green, where he and his wife spend their declining years in well-earned repose, surrounded by their family of five children, three of whom are married and settled near by: (1) Albina A.,

Muir, and has two children - Emily and Darwin. (2) George A., born November 16, 1857, married Margaret Wiley; they have four children - Clara, Bessie (deceased), Wiley and Helen. (3) Effie M., born May 9, 1862, is the wife of Charles Southwell; they have one son - George C. (4) Mary A., born September 17, 1865, and (5) William A., born July 1 1 , 1869, are still at home.

Samuel R. Junkins belonged to one of the pioneer families of the Maumee Valley, and was numbered among those to whom the present generation is indebted for the high position Wood county has attained among the sisterhood of counties of Ohio.

His father, Samuel Junkins, was a native of Maine, descended from Scotch and Irish parents, and when a young man removed to the State of Pennsylvania where heengaged in the manufacture of brick. Here he was married to Nancy Smith, and to them were born children as follows: Clarissa, Thomas, Julia Ann, and Samuel R. Later the family removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, where at Fairview, March 30, 1829, was born the subject of this sketch. The father dying here in 1829, the family returned to Pennsylvania, and in Washington county, of that State, the widow was subsequently married to John Rice. In April, 1833, the latter with family removed to what was then Weston township (now Grand Rapids), this county, and settled in Section 18, where they resided some six months when Mr. Rice died, and the family removed to Section 21, and occupied a small house built by John Gingery, which was owned by a relative, John Mc- Kee. Mr. Rice had entered land from the government, but his affairs were in such a shape that it was lost to the widow, and so she with her children had to work out the problem of life i alone; but well they accomplished it, for all have j so lived as to become useful members of society I and highly respected citizens of the communities in which they resided, and all have been possessed of a full share of this world's goods. The mother died in 1851. Samuel R. , when old enough, assisted his older brother in the support of his widowed mother, and grew up to habits of industry and economy. He assisted in clearing up considerable land, and in every sense was not only the son of a pioneer, but a pioneer himself, for in his boyhood the primeval forest was here in all its density and wildness, and in growing up he played a conspicuous part in converting it into the fertile and beautiful fields of to-day. His educational privileges were, of course, limited, and as a boy he had only such advantages as fell to the lot of country boys of that period and surroundings. Later he attended for a time the common or high schools of Perrysburg, and with such a foundation, by frequent reading and study, he became a well-informed man, and practical in business affairs. He ever took a deep interest in the educational affairs of the county, and served as school director in his township.

On May 2, 1864, Mr. J unkins enlisted in Company I, 144th Regiment, O. N. G., and served as a corporal under Capt. John McKee until mustered out with company, August 31, of the same year. While the period of the regiment's service was short, yet it was an honorable one, and bore well its part in the Shenandoah Valley, on the Peninsula in the operations about the James river, and about Petersburg, the trials of all of which our subject participated in.

Mr. J unkins was in every sense a self-made man; beginning with nothing save a determination to make for himself a home and a name, he by strict attention to business, and by industry and economy, became a man of means and influence. He had so successfully managed his own affairs that the people of the county selected him as a good man to care for the interests of Wood county, and, in 1882, he was elected a county commissioner. For more than a year he was actively engaged in attending to the duties of this office. Ill health, however, stepped in and prevented him from serving out his term, and in the fall of 1885, after being confined to his bed for several months, he resigned. In politics he was a Republican, though when chosen to the office of commissioner it was by means of the People's party. He was a Granger in the days of the Grange movement, and a member of Milton Center Lodge of Odd Fellows. While during life Mr. Junkins had not identified himself with any Church, he was a moral man and ever prided himself upon an upright life; he was consistent in all things, and was one of the most highly respected citizens of the county in which he had passed upward of half a century. He died February 27, 1887, fully reconciled to the change of Worlds, and with perfect confidence in the Lord. His death was caused by stomach and kidney complaints after a sickness of nearly three years, during the last two of which he was confined to his room. His widow, who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary Olney, is a daughter of Benjamin and Lucy (Emerson) Olney, and to her he was married March 12, 1857. She now makes her home with her brother-in-law, George Kimberlin, Esq., of Bowling Green. There were no children born to the marriage. Mrs. Junkins is identified with the Baptist Church.

The Olney family was one of the early and conspicuous families of Colonial days. Thomas Olney, the ancestor of the Olneys in America, was born in the city of Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, which city formed a part of the Parish of St. Albans, the seat of one of the most ancient monasteries, and long celebrated in English history as the center of spiritual influence. He received a "permit to emigrate to New England," April 2, 1635, and came to Salem, Mass., by the ship ' ' Planter . ' ' He was appointed a surveyor in January, 1636, and granted forty acres of land at Jeffrey Creek, now known as Manchester, near Salem. He was made a freeman the same year, and early associated with those who accepted the peculiar views of Roger Williams. With a number of others he was excluded from the colony March 12, 1638. Previous to this, however, in company with Roger Williams, he visited Narraganset Bay while seeking some place where they might live outside the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Colony, and had decided upon the west side of the Seekonk river. Accordingly, with eleven others, they formed a new settlement at the head of the bay, which they named "Providence," in grateful remembrance of their deliverance from their enemies. They thus became the original thirteen proprietors of Providence.

The father of Benjamin Olney, Stephen Olney, was a native of Rhode Island, but removed to the State of New York and there made his permanent home. Benjamin Olney, the son of Stephen, and father of widow Junkins, was born in Saratoga county, N. Y. , May 23, 179 7. He was twice married, first to a Miss Elizabeth C. Berry, whose birth occurred in 1797, and to the marriage were born: Mary M., July 14, 1819, died October 10, 1820; and Stephen, born October 13, 1821, died in 1888. The mother of these passed from earth in 1824, and Benjamin Olney subsequently married Lucy Emerson, who was born in Saratoga, N. Y., March 16, 1800, a daughter of Broadstreet and Lois (Phelps) Emerson. To the second marriage of Mr. Olney were born the following sons and daughters who lived to be men and women: Mary, widow of

Samuel R. Junkins; Prof. Edward Olney, a native of Saratoga county, N. Y. , born July 24, 1827; Adeliza, who became the wife of George Kimberlin; George E., born October 24, 1832, and who died in the army July 24, 1863, a member of the 1 nth Regiment, O. V. I.; Harriet, born October 27, 1835, died Novembers, 1839; and Estella, born February 28, 1845, died February 4, 1873.

Benjamin Olney and family became pioneers of Wood county, settling near Grand Rapids in 1833. He was a useful citizen, and his name frequently appears on the early records of that part of the county. He served the citizens of that township as trustee, justice of the peace, and in other official relations, and was associate judge in Wood county for a number of years. His death occurred near Grand Rapids, April 1, 1854.

Prof. Edward Olney was a natural-born student, and was especially gifted in mathematics. He was self-made, fitting himself for a teacher in Wood county by private study, and here taught his first term in the district school when nineteen years of age. At the time the schools of Perrysburg were graded he took charge of the grammar department, and subsequently was appointed to the chair of mathematics in the college at Kalamazoo, Mich., and there remained until 1863, when he was elected to fill the chair of mathematics in the University of Michigan, which he occupied until his death, January 16, 1887. He published several works, among which were the Olney series of school books on mathematics.

David K. McQuinn is well known throughout Montgomery township as one of its most thorough going farmers and prominent citizens. He is a native of Wood county, born in i860, and is the son of James and Nancy (Ritchy) McQuinn, who came to this county from Wyandot county, and made their first location in Freedom township. The father was born under the shadow of the mountains of Scotland, and came to this country when a young man, poor in this world's goods, but possessed of a pair of willing hands and a determination to succeed in life. Though small, he was robust, and became one of the leading agriculturists of Wood county, owning, at the time of his death, ninety acres of valuable land in Montgomery township, where he had made his home

Alvira, who became the wife of Dolene Turner, and died at Fostoria, Ohio; Mary, now Mrs. Martin Lein, of Portage township, Wood county; William, a farmer in Montgomery township; Cinderella, wife of James Lindley, of Fostoria; and David K. , of this review. The father departed this life in Montgomery township, in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife, who survived him until 1878, died at about the same age. He was a stanch Republican in politics, regularly casting his ballot in support of that party, and, religiously, both he and his wife were consistent members of the United Brethren Church, with which he was officially connected.

Since the death of the parents, our subject and his brother, William, have purchased the interests of the other heirs, with one exception, and now operate the farm with good success. Their educations were such as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded, but their training at farm labor was not as meager as their educational advantages, and they grew up to be useful and respected members of society. In manner, our subject is quiet and conservative, is energetic and industrious, and wins the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He has never taken an active part in politics, but performs the duties of an American citizen, and, at the polls, votes the straight Republican ticket, which his brother also supports.

Paul Greulich, an agriculturist of energy and ability, who resides in Section 7, Troy township, is a native of Medina county, Ohio, born in Liverpool township, in 1858, and is a son of John and Catherine (Weigle) Greulich. The birthof the father occurred at Frankfort, Germany, and at the age of eight years accompanied his father, John Greulich, Sr. ,to Medina county, locating in Liverpool township. At the age of nineteen he went to Cleveland, Ohio, but at the end of six years returned to the farm. In 1868 he removed to Toledo, where he was engaged in the dry-goods business on Cherry street for three years, and then again located on his farm in Liverpool township, where he passed his remaining days. His wife had died in Toledo. A brief record of their children is as follows: Christ died on the home farm; Joe, John and Louise, all died in Toledo; George is a resident of Lorain county, Ohio; Paul, of this review; Albert is engaged in the

The early life of our subject was spent in his native township, and at Toledo, where he acquired a common-school education, and, on starting out in life for himself, he engaged in the drygoods business with his father. In 1879 he came to Troy township, and in 1 890 purchased his present farm, selling at that time fifteen acres of the farm now owned by William Armbruster. When he located upon his land only twenty of the sixty acres had been cleared, but now forty-five acres have been placed under the plow. In 1892 he built a barn. 40x60 feet, and in 1895 erected his comfortable two-story dwelling, 18x26 feet, with an L, 16x20 feet.

Mr. Greulich was united in marriage with Miss Katie Sattler, a native of Rockport, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and a daughter of John Sattler, who now resides upon a farm in Perrysburg township, Wood county. By this union one child has been born - J. Don..

The political support of Mr. Greulich is given to the Democratic party. In 1888 he was elected a trustee of his township, which office he held for six years, and has also been a member of the school board. He served as adjuster and appraiser for The Lime City Insurance Company. Socially, Mr. Greulich holds membership with Perrysburg Lodge No. 774, I. O. O. F. He is pursuing the even tenor of his way as an honest man and good citizen, and to general farming devotes most of his time and attention.

John Sherman holds a good position among the agriculturists of Troy township, where he is engaged in general farming in Section 12, and from which he derives a comfortable income. He was born upon his present farm in 1851, and is a son of Carl Henry and Mary (Myrose) Sherman. The father's birth occurred in 1826, in Hanover, Germany, and when about thirteen years of age he accompanied his stepfather, John Hartman, to America. The latter opened up a farm in Troy township, on which his death occurred.

For about seven years after locating in Wood county, the father sailed on the lakes between Buffalo and Toledo. In 1849, in Troy township, he wedded Miss Mary Myrose, who was also a native of Hanover, Germany, and a daughter of Frederick Myrose, one of the pioneers of that township. Both of her parents are now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sherman bought eightyseven acres of wooded land, of which about six acres had been cleared, and thereon erected a log house, in which the family lived until 1861, when the present residence of our subject was built. Politically the father was a Democrat, and served as a trustee of Troy township. Upon the home farm his death occurred in 1871, and there his wife died in 1 886. In religious belief they were Lutherans, belonging to Salem Church, in Troy township. Seven children were born to them, all still living, and in order of their birth they are as follows: John, of this sketch; Mrs.

Louisa Hoodlebrink, of Woodville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio; Mrs. Julia Niebhausmyer, of the same township; Mrs. Carrie Link, of Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Sophia Akenberger, of Lake township; Louis, who is married and resides in the same township; and Henry, who is married and lives in Perrysburg township. Wood county.

Mr. Sherman, of this review, grew to manhood upon the home farm, receiving his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. He aided in clearing the land, has tiled the entire place, and to its cultivation and improvement still devotes his time and attention.

In 1880, in Harris township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage with Miss Nina Gilson, who was born there, and is a daughter of Richard and Eliza (Putnam) Gilson, both natives of New York, whence they removed to Ottawa county in 1851, locating, upon an undeveloped farm in the midst of the wilderness, where both parents are still living. In connection with farming the father also worked at his trade of a millwright. They reared a family of five children - George, who is married and resides in Ottawa county; Mrs. Mary Gilson, of the same county; Nina, the wife of our subject; Mrs. Ella Waldock, of Erie county, Ohio; and Ebon, of Ottawa county. To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman has been born a daughter - Grace.

Our subject's farm comprises 122 acres of rich and arable land, and besides general farming he is also engaged in stock raising. Like his father before him, he is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Troy township, and has seen the full and complete development of the locality.

John C. F. Wansitler. In this State, midway between the east and the west, are found the best representatives of that class of men known as self-made. They partake of the spirit of dauntless enterprise characteristic of the latter section, and this is tempered and guided by the more conservative methods of the East. Our subject is one whose success may be attributed to his own efforts, and his career is worthy of perpetuation in this volume. He was born on a farm in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 13, 1858, and is a son of Samuel Wansitler, also a native of Ohio, where for forty years he followed the carpenter's trade. He was married, in Columbiana county, to Mary Esther Carr, who was born in Scotland, and during her girlhood was brought by her parents to America. Some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wansitler removed to Ross county, Ohio, where the mother died in June, 1862. Several years passed, and the father then wedded Mary E. Frantz. The children of the first union are Elizabeth, wife of John Nittrouer, of Columbiana county, Ohio; John C. F. ; Charlotte, wife of Albert Scheltz, of Fostoria, Ohio; and Charles, a railroad employe, of Allegheny City. After residing at several different places, the father took up his residence in Fostoria, Ohio, where he is now living retired. In politics he is a Republican.

At the age of ten years our subject first attended school, and his privileges in this direction were somewhat limited. After the death of his mother, he became an inmate of the family of Mr. Boice, where he remained for about seven years. At the age of eleven he began working for Jesse Dicken, of Portage township, Wood county, and while with him he attended school through the winter season. At the age of fifteen he continued his studies in Jerry City, Ohio, and for three years was a student in the school conducted by Prof. Edwin Hubbard. At the age of eighteen he secured a teacher's certificate, and began teaching in a district school in Jackson township, following that profession until 1891.

Mr. Wansitler was married in Jackson township, in August, 1881, to Martha M. Mellott, who was born August 31, 1862. They have four children - Bertha E., Wellington George, Sarah E., and Elias McKinley. They began their domestic life on their present farm, a portion of which Mr. Wansitler had purchased previous to his marriage. He now owns 160 acres, of which ninety acres are cleared and under a high state of cultivation, while upon the farm are three dwellings. He also owns a very nice residence in Bowling Green. He has taken quite an active part in public affairs, and is an influential citizen of the county, whom all esteem. Our subject figures quite prominently in politics as a supporter of the Republican party, and has served as a member of the county executive committee. He was census enumerator in 1890, and was deputy postmaster under Harrison. In the spring of 1890 he was elected constable, but resigned the following spring, and since that time has been township trustee. He has also been chairman of the school board for six years, and is now serving his third term as notary public. Socially, he is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, of Custar, also the Odd Fellows society of Jerry City, and the Encampment Lodge of Milton Center. He is a man of scholarly attainments, broad-minded and progressive in his views, and an intelligent, esteemed gentleman, whose affable, courteous manner has won him hosts of warm friends among his wide circle of acquaintances.

Levi Simon, one of the leading pioneers of Bloom township, is the oldest living member of a family which has given to that township more good, substantial citizens than any other, barring none. They have been farmers, officials and supporters of Churches from its early history, and the very name is synonymous with good citizenship.

The first American ancestor of this family was Johann Adam Simon, our subject's great-grandfather, who left Switzerland in 1735, when a young man, and after a stormy voyage of three months set foot upon American soil. He located first in the eastern part of the colony of Maryland, but his last years were spent in Washington county, Penn., where he died when nearly one hundred years of age. His love of civil liberty, and his invincible integrity during the Colonial period, and the Revolutionary war, subjected him to heavy losses and privations, but his undaunted spirit sustained him through all, and in the end triumphed. He was the father of ten children: Michael, Nicholas, Andrew, Adam,

Jacob, Mrs. Stahl, Mrs. Belz, Mrs. Deutzer, Mrs. Right and Mrs. Stark, all of whom reared large families. The first eighteen years of his married life were prosperous; but on the breaking out of the Narragansett war the Indians burned his house and its contents, the occupants having barely time to escape with what clothing they wore at the time. Michael, the eldest, escaped, though he was shot at several times. Andrew, then a lad of seven years, was working in a sugar camp some distance from the house with said Michael, and was captured. He suffered many cruelties, even being scalped; but after seven months he was exchanged and returned to his father, and our subject remembers seeing his denuded head.

acres of wild land of Henry Boardman, who at that time owned the entire township. In 1802 he moved to his new property, his son Adam having settled upon it previously, and made some improvements. Michael Simon was married three times, and by his first marriage had twelve children: Michael, Jr., Peter, Andrew, Adam,

George, Jacob, Barbara, Elizabeth, Margaret, Ann Mary, Esther and Mary C. His second wife, a Miss Althans, died within a year, her child dying also. By his third marriage, to Mrs. Dice, he had two sons, Abram and Henry. At his death, which occurred in 1839, his descendants numbered 485, sixteen of whom were in the fourth generation.

Jacob Simon, our. subject's father, was born in January, 1783, the youngest child of his father's first marriage. His education was self-acquired, without teachers or even books, except the Bible; but he became a man of notable intelligence, and be taught school successfully for many years. At first a Whig, he later became a Republican. He married Elizabeth Stemple, a native of Preston county, Va. , born in 1788, the eldest daughter of David Stemple; whose wife was a Miss Rinehart. Nine children were born of this union: David, who married MissGamber, and died in Mahoning county, at the age of fiftynine; Lydia, the wife of Eli Ruppert, who died in Allen county, Ind. ; Delilah, Mrs. George Wormley, who died in Mahoning county at the age of sixty; Levi, our subject; Stilling, who first married Miss Fox, and for his second wife wedded Miss Gentholtz, who survives him, residing at their former home in Bloom township; Gideon, who married Leah D. Pfister, and died in Bloom township when seventy-five years old; Salome, the widow of Moses Webber, of Mahoning county; Selinde (Mrs. John Shaffer), of Allen county, Ind. ; and Jesse, a farmer of Mahoning county, who married Elizabeth Williamson. The father of this family died in Mahoning county, in 1858, aged seventy-four years, the mother in 1875 aged eighty-seven.

Levi Simon, the subject of this sketch, was born January 21, 1817. He was remarkably precocious, but the schools of his day and locality were poor, and, except for forty-three days of better instruction at Ellsworth, he is practically self-taught. It is to be regretted that his richly endowed mind did not receive the highest possible development, as he has accomplished such unusual mental feats with so little help. The rapid and seemingly easy manner in which he solved the most difficult mathematical problems was widely noted at an early age, and he has never yet found one which he could not solve. His contributions in prose and poetry to various newspapers have been read with interest, and display ability equal to that of many professional writers. Although he has been an industrious and painstaking farmer throughout his mature years, he could always find time to read the Bible, and his equal as a student of that book of books can seldom be found. He can quote any passage at will; in the expounding of abstruse texts, many preachers have found him a valuable aid. to their own studies, and he has himself delivered many sermons. He was reared a Lutheran, but on moving to Wood county, where no Church of that denomination existed, he joined the Methodists. As he was not encouraged to express his honest convictions when called upon to speak, he, therefore, severed his relations with them and attended the Disciples Church, in which he was a preacher for four years. His start in life was obtained by teaching school at $13 per month, and clearing land at meager wages.

On April 18, 1844, Mr. Simon was married in Trumbull (now Mahoning) county, to Miss Mary A. Pfister, a lady of German descent, and a native of Youngstown, born October 29, 1822, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Hewitt) Pfister. They had ten children whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Myconius N., March 3,

1845; Rubellus J., August 9, 1846, (a leading physician and surgeon at Pemberville); Damiette, December 18, 1847 (she married Frank Ledyard, of Bloom township, and died August 23, 1884); Jerusha, October 10, 1850 (she died November 10, 1872); Belenia, August 6, 1852 (she married D. A. Deal, and died November 1 1 , 1884); Poliander, July 22, 1856 (a remarkable child, and at the time of his death, August 30, 1863, was intellectually equal to many of double his years); Montibello and Mettilene (twins), March 28, 1859 (the former .now a farmer and dairyman of Bloom township; the latter died September 4, 1863); Phoebe E., June 11, 1861 (an unusually gifted child, possessing mental development far beyond her age at her death, December 30, 1877); and Elma O. , February 19, 1863 (now Mrs. Jacob Fischer, of Helena, Montana).

For a short time after his marriage Mr. Simon followed farming in Mahoning county, but in April, 1846, he came to Wood county with his wife and one son, traveling by wagon and spending seven days en route. In 1839 he had bought forty acres of timberland in Bloom township, and here he built a log cabin and lived in primitive style. He taught school for one term in the neighborhood. He has made a success in life, owning now ninety acres of excellent land, and has been a generous supporter of all philanthropic and religious enterprises. Although he is not a member of any sect, he has contributed toward the building of every church in Bloomdale and vicinity. Despite his advanced age he is as acttive as most persons twenty years younger, and his mental faculties show no sign of impairment. He sympathized in early years with the Whig party, and since has been a Republican, but he is not slavishly bound by party ties. At different times he has taken an active share in local affairs, and he served as township clerk at a time when the records of that office had become very much complicated, requiring great skill and labor to adjust them. His wife died February 15, 1889, after nearly a half century of happy wedded life, and her mortal remains rest in the family burial lot in Bloom Chapel cemetery.

Myconius N. Simon, the eldest son of Levi Simon, now one of Bloomdale's most progressive and public-spirited citizens, received good educational advantages in his youth, making steady progress from his first day in the old log schoolhouse with Miss Clarissa Russell as his teacher. After finishing the course afforded in the district schools he attended more advanced classes, and in 1872 and '73 was a successful teacher in Bloom and Perry townships. Later he was employed in the office of the recorder of Mahoning county, and he was the first station agent at Bloomdale of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, for which he afterward served as clerk, baggage master and night ticket agent at Fostoria. He was accountant of the N. Y. P. & O. railroad at Youngstown in connection with the P. & L. E. railroad. In religious connection he belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In politics he is a Republican with Prohibition tendencies, and he is an ardent lover of the American flag and all it represents. Fond of reading, he is a great student of the Bible, in which he is well informed. "Mac," as he is familiarly called, surely has not one enemy from just cause.

Eber Wilson Junkins is numbered among the early settlers of Wood county, dating his residence from 1858, for it was on August 10, of that year, that he was born in Weston township. He is one of the six children of Thomas and Elizabeth Nancy (Long) Junkins, highly esteemed people of this locality. He attended the district schools, and during the summer months aided his father in the cultivation and development of the home farm- - much of the work devolving upon him as he was the eldest son. He remained at home until twenty-three years of age, and then began working for his uncle, Samuel Robert Junkins, of Weston township, with whom he remained for two years, receiving $220 for the second year's service,

On January 1, 1885, in Washington township, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Junkins and Miss Annie Eliza Bachmann, a native of Erie county, Ohio, born November 24, 1859, and a daughter of Charles and Annie (Kistner) Bachmann, natives of Germany. The father came to America when a young man, and soon after the mother crossed the Atlantic. Their marriage was celebrated in Cleveland, Ohio, but later they became residents of Wood county. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life on his uncle's farm, renting that farm for a year, then purchased eighty acres of land of his father, for which he paid $1,000. Of this tract twenty acres were cleared, but Mr. Junkins has made all of the improvements upon the property, has cleared off an indebtedness of $1,700, has erected a good residence, barns and other buildings, and now has one of the model farms of Wood county. The home has been blessed with four children, namely: Goldie Mabel, Ila Fern,

Mr. Junkins votes with the Democracy, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with excellent success. He has always been an advocate of progress and improvement, and whatever tends to benefit the community receives his support. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows Society, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Temple of Honor, the Patrons of Industry, and the Grange.

Malon Gault, who occupies a fine and wellimproved farm in Perry township, is numbered among its leading farmers, who from a small beginning has built up one of the best homesteads within its borders. The residence and its surroundings are highly creditable to the proprietor, and indicate him to be a man of industry and energy, who has kept his eyes open on what is going on in the world around him, and availed himself of the most favored method of carrying on agriculture.

Like many of the men who have contributed to the development of the resources of Wood county, Mr. Gault is a native of the Keystone State, having been born in Salisbury township, Lancaster county, November i®, 1831, and is a son of William and Margaret (Goodman) Gault, who were the parents of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. Our subject was next to the youngest, and was only four years old when his mother died, while at sixteen he was left an orphan. His education was very limited, and he was early employed as a farm hand, receiving $2.50 per month when fourteen years old. In 1850 he left his native State, going by way of Pittsburg, Beaver, Canton and Massillon, Ohio, to Perry township, Ashland county, where for two years he was employed by Jacob Gardner.

In that township, in April, 1852, Mr. Gault was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Morr, who was there born June 30, 1829, and is a daughter of John and Hannah (Sonda) Morr, German farming people who came from Center county, Penn. Seven children were born of this union: Oliver P., who died at the age of twenty-two years; Hannah S., who died at the age of seventeen; Francis M. , a farmer of Jackson township, Wood county; John M., who died at the age of twenty-five; William E. , a farmer of Hancock county; and Ezra L. and Howard W. , at home.

For a time Mr. Gault rented land in Montgomery township, Ashland county, their little home being meagerly furnished as most of his earnings went to buy tools and equipments to carry on the cultivation of the land. After renting for several years, he became owner of twenty-nine acres, which he sold, and in 1864 removed to Bloom township, Seneca Co., Ohio, where he leased farms most of the time. April, 1871, witnessed his arrival in Perry township, Wood county, where he purchased forty acres of land in Section 30, which is still his home, though he has added to the amount, and now has fifty-five acres. His wife has ever been a faithful helpmeet, and is a member of the United Brethren Church. He was first an Old-line Whig, but now casts his ballot regularly with the Republican party. For almost three months this worthy couple visited in the West, going to Denver, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City and the leading places of interest in California, which made an enjoyable trip.

Samuel E. Brandeberry is the owner of a fine farm in Perry township, the operations of which he carefully superintends, and which is largely devoted to general farming. A native of Wood county, he was born in Bloom township, on March 13, 1847. The birth of his father, Philip Brandeberry, occurred in Westmoreland county, Penn., January 10, 1812, and he was a son of Philip Brandeberry, Sr. , an honored pioneer of this locality. In Wood county the father was married, October 17, 1844, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Burns, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, February 2, 1820, and was a daughter of Samuel E. and Nancy Burns. Her paternal grandfather, John P. Burns, was a schoolmate of George Washington, and could relate many interesting incidents of their boyhood days. After their marriage this worthy couple began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres in Bloom township, which the father had purchased, and eight children came to gladden that pioneer home, namely: Samuel E., of this review; Catherine, who was born September 18, 1848, and is now the wife of Henry Minks, of Center township, Wood county; Albert and Allen, twins, born May 2, 1850, the former of whom died August 9 following, and the latter a farmer of Perry township; John B., of Trumbull county, Ohio, bom June 17, 1852; Nancy J., who was born April 14, 1854, and died July 16, 1872; George W., a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, born December 17, 1857; and David E., who was born September 19, 1862, and was killed by a falling tree, August 28, 1873. The last named was one of the greatest choppers for his age in the township, and when only nine years of age could cut down a tree. Although a small man, the father was strong and energetic, and was a great hunter, killing many deer and turkeys. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He died in Bloom township, September 24, 1876, bis wife on the 27th of May previous, and they now sleep side by side in the cemetery of Perry Center. They were faithful members of the Methodist Church, and in her younger days the mother had been a school teacher, her wages being as low as seventy-five cents per week.

At the Hopewell school our subject received his literary training, and during the Civil war became a member of Company E, 144th O. V. I. Although they attended the drills regularly at Eagleville and Tontogany, Wood county, his company was held in reserve, and never saw any active service. Being the eldest son, he was of great assistance to his parents, and never left home until his marriage.

In Perry township, on June 12, 1877, Mr. Brandeberry led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah A. Tyson, who was born in Portage township, April 18, 1853, and is the eldest of the five children of George and Frances (Snyder) Tyson, who came to this county from Columbiana county, Ohio. Three children have been born of this

After his marriage, Mr. Brandeberry located upon a part of his present farm, having purchased forty acres in 1857, but now owns 180 acres of valuable land. On October 3, 1887, he lost his barn by fire, but it has been replaced by a more commodious building, while all of the improvements upon the place are of a substantial character. He is a natural mechanic, having worked at the painter's, carpenter's and mason's trades. A good manager, he seems to get the best results from everything he undertakes, and has been very prosperous in his business affairs. He is a straightforward, honorable citizen, and a supporter of the Republican party.

Charles Osterhout, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers living in Hull Prairie, and a gentleman whose genuine worth commends him to the confidence and respect of all, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y. , December 6, 1827, and is a son of George and Catherine (Nellis) Osterhout. When quite young, our subject accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and was reared and educated in Huron county. He worked on his father's farm until after he had attained his majority, and at the age of twenty-five, with the hope of bettering his financial condition, he crossed the plains to California.

The long and arduous journey across mountains and prairie was at length completed, and he remained for a year on the Pacific slope. He then returned home, spending two years in Ohio, but in 1855 again went to California, where he remained four years. He reached this State in 1859, and in 1 860 came to Wood county, locating in Middleton township, purchasing 160 acres of land on Hull Prairie. Upon this he made a number of excellent improvements. He afterward sold eighty acres, but has since purchased sixty acres, and now has a fine farm under a high state of cultivation and well improved.

In 1861, in Erie county, Mr. Osterhout married Phoebe A. Montross, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children - George, an oil operator, who married Anna Whickem; Hattie, wife of George Powell, of Toledo; Mae, wife of William Powell, of Toledo; and Charles, who farms the homestead. The mother of this family died in 1882, and in 1884 our subject married Carrie M. Goss, who was born in Vermont in 1856. They have two children, Ross and Helen, attending school.

For five years, Mr. Osterhout has served as school director, for five years has been a member of the township board, was road supervisor two years, treasurer of the township five years, and in all these offices has discharged his duties with scrupulous fidelity. The five oil wells upon his farm add not a little to his income, and he is meeting with success in his business dealings, while among his fellow townsmen hfe is popular and well liked.

William Hamman, who was born in Pennsylvania, December 9, 1825, died in Hammansburg, April 24, 1893, respected by all who knew him, for he was an important factor in the work of public progress, and his life was an honorable one. When a young man he learned the trade of coverlet weaving. With his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Koch) Hamman, he removed to Mahoning county, Ohio, and was there united in marriage with Miss Rose Dustman. They located in that county, but subsequently removed to Bloom township, Wood county, and afterward to Fremont, Ohio. Their next home was in Sandusky, Ohio, and from there they came to Henry township, Wood county. While on a visit in Mahoning county, Mrs. Hamman was taken ill and died. Of that marriage were born six children: Jacob, who died at the age of

Mr. Hamman was again married, in 1852, in Henry township, on this occasion to Miss Mary Henning, who was born in that township, September 12, 1840, a daughter of John F. and Elizabeth Henning. She spent her girlhood days on her father's farm, and acquired her education in a log school house near by. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life in a log cabin which stood on the farm, and his energies were devoted to the development of his land, comprising 160 acres. He continued the cultivation of that property for a number of years, and in 1856 he erected a sawmill in what is now Hammansburg, named in his honor, that he operated for twenty years. Selling that property, he then established a grocery store in Hammansburg, and later was appointed postmaster of the town. In December, 1890, he removed with his wife and family to Cherokee county, Kans. , where he purchased 1 60 acres of land ; but after two years and three months he returned to the old home in Hammansburg, there residing until his death. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a faithful member of the M'ethodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to that class of representative citizens who manifest a deep interest in the welfare of the community. All who knew him had for him the highest regard.

Sterling, of Henry township, and died at the age of twenty-three; she was the mother of two children - Arvilla, who died before Mrs. Sterling, and Willie, born September 15, 1885, who has lived with his grandmother, Mrs. Hangman. (2) Josie is the wife of William Peters, of Henry township; they have had four children - Arthur, Earl, Shirley (deceased) and Lola. (3) George B. married Laura Latham, and has two children - Lillie and LeRoy; they reside in Henry township. (4) Laura died at the age of two years and nine months. (5) Louisa died at the age of nineteen years. (6) Maud is the wife of Jesse Gillespie, and has one child - Lee, born March 18, 1896. (7) Blanche and (8) Grace are living at home. Since her husband's death Mrs. Hamman has disposed of much of the property, including the Kansas farm; but she still owns two houses and lots in the town, and also has a house and lot in Bowling Green. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a most estimable lady.

Henry Hoelter. Among the prominent and enterprising farmers of Troy township, who are of alien birth, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Like others of his countrymen, he brought to the New World those habits of economy and frugality which are an inherent characteristic of his native land, and the exercise of which, accompanied by industry and good management, have secured him a comfortable competence. His residence is located in Section 27, where he carries on agricultural pursuits. A native of Hanover, Germany, he was bornin 1846, at the home of his parents, Joe and Elnora (Boehna) Hoelter, also natives of the same province. By trade his father was a carpenter, and he died in Hanover in 1849, while the mother survived him until 1882. In their family were seven children who grew to maturity, namely: Henry, who was drowned in Hanover; Mrs. Elizabeth Furmeyer, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Eleanor Walker, who passed away in Germany; Mrs. Regina Braucksick, of Hanover; Frederick, who still makes his home in that country; and Mrs. Nora Huffman, who for some years has been a resident of Ross township, Wood county.

decided to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, where, he understood, better opportunities were afforded young men. Therefore, he set sail at Bremen, and after a voyage of seven weeks, landed at New York, whence he came direct to Cleveland, Ohio. In that city, in 1870, he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Marie Braucksick, who was also born in Germany, and is the daughter of John Henry and Elizabeth Braucksick, both natives of the Fatherland. They came to this county with our subject, but are now deceased. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hoelter are nine children: William, who is married, and engaged in business as a member of the firm of Samson & Hoelter, of Luckey, Ohio; Lizzie, Anna, Carrie, Gus, Henry, Fred, John, and Dora.

From the time of his arrival in Cleveland, in 1869, until coming to Troy township, in 1875, Mr. Hoelter worked at the trade of a cooper in that city. Here he first rented land in the eastern part of the township, but in 1879 located upon his present farm of eighty acres, then partially improved. No buildings stood upon the place with the exception of a log house which was destroyed by fire in July, 1884, and the same year he erected his present comfortable frame residence. The land is now under a high state of cultivation, and all of the improvements found thereon are of a substantial character, indicating the owner to be a man of thrift and enterprise.

Mr. Hoelter uses his elective franchise in support of the measures and men put forward by the Democratic party, has been trustee of his township for some years, and also a member of the school board of District No. 5. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of the neighborhood.

Elisha B. Turner, one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Wood county, was born in Fort Ann, Washington Co., N. Y., in the earliest days of the history of that State, his birth occurring March 23, 1813. His parents were Leonard and Dianthy (Blakeman) Turner. Their marriage was celebrated in Washington county, and subsequently they removed to Westfield, Delaware county, the father following farming. He died at the home of his son Charles, in Eaton county, Mich., at the age of eighty-four, and his wife survived him four years. They had seven sons and five daughters: Leonard, a farmer, of

Joseph A., a farmer, who died in Eaton county, Mich.; Charles A., a farmer, of Bellevue, Eaton county; John, a farmer, of Keokuk county, Iowa; Annis, now Mrs. Bean, of Delaware county, Ohio; Marcella Jane, who died in childhood; Louisa, wife of Samuel Sanders, of Kansas; Joel, a farmer, who died in Delaware county; and George, who died in Huron county, Ohio.

Our subject attended school through the winter months until fourteen years of age, and then left home to make his own way in the world, being employed in a dairy most of the time until he had attained his majority. He next engaged in clerking two years, and then removed to Westfield, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he soon engaged in the work of the ministry. His first charge was at Sunbury, where he remained until 1838, being ordained at that place. After a threeyears' pastorate there, and two years spent at Mill Creek, he was sent as a missionary by the Mad River Baptist Association to labor in Union, Logan, Champaign and Delaware counties, over which he traveled on horseback. On his long, lonely rides he made a close study of the Bible. His next permanent charge was at New London, Huron county, and after four years he went to Monroeville, where he spent three years.

Mr. Turner was married in Mill Creek township, Delaware county, December 8, 1840, to Eliza Ann Said, who died near Marysville, Ohio, in 1 845. They had two children - Delia P. , who was born May 3, 1842, and died in September, 1847; and Louisa Jane, wife of A. J. Munn, of Weston, Ohio. In Clarksfield, Huron county, in 1850, Mr. Turner married Mrs. Catherine (Bross) Shaw, widow of Isaac Shaw. They also had two children, but one died in infancy, and Mary D., who was born April 22, 1856, is the wife of J. H. Sands, of Bowling Green, Ohio. The mother was born in Stamford, Conn. , September 14, 1822, and is a daughter of Adam and Eliza (Briggs) Bross, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut.

In 1855, Mr. Turner came to Wood county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Liberty township. After farming for a year, he removed to Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he had charge -of a Church for a short time; then spent eighteen months in Johnstown, Licking Co., Ohio. He afterward returned to Liberty township, and, after selling his farm, opened a general store in Portage about 1861, following merchandising for four years. Again he removed to a farm, but after a year returned to Portage, where he has since resided. He, however, owns thirtyfive acres of land on which are four oil wells.

For years Mr. Turner was a stalwart Republican, but since 1890 has affiliated with the Prohibition party. For eleven years he served as justice of the peace. The snows of many winters have fallen upon him, but his kindly bearing and genial disposition make him still young in feeling and interests, and he is revered and honored by all.

John J. Deuble. The subject of this history, a man of more than ordinary intelligence and business capacity, owns eighty acres of good land in Section 22, Troy township, and is prominent among the agricultural interests of Wood county, contributing largely to its reputation by building up one of the most desirable homesteads within its borders. He is in the prime of life, and the midst of his usefulness - admired and esteemed by his friends and neighbors, and enjoying, as he deserves, a generous portion of this world's goods.

Like a large proportion of the go-ahead men of the county, Mr. Deuble is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth having taken place in Liverpool township, Medina county, January 28, 1840. His parents, C. F. and Christina (Kushman) Deuble, were natives of Germany; but were married in Medina county. In Liverpool township the father opened up a farm, where he made his home until his death in 1872. He was also a tanner by trade. The mother of our subject had died in Medina county, in 1849, leaving seven children: Frederick, of Iowa; Mrs. Mary Henschen, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Christina Hanmon, of Litchfield, Medina county; Henry, of Cleveland; Mrs. Sarah Renick, of Havana, Ohio; Charles, of Cleveland; and John J., of this sketch, who was fourth in order of birth. After the death of his first wife, the father was again married, and by the second union had eight children, who are still living.