Wood County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1897 (part 14 of 17)

The childhood and youth of our subject were passed in Medina county until he reached the age of sixteen, when he started out in life for himself, going first to Indiana, where he was employed. He later worked both in Iowa and Colorado, and in 1863 located at Virginia City, Mont., the county seat of Madison county, where he entered land and became one of its first settlers. He remained there until coming to Wood county in 1890, carrying on both stock raising and mining, and still owns a stock ranch of 160 acres in that State. He became quite familiar with Western life in all its phases. In 1884 he purchased his present farm, where he located in 1890, and two years later built his good barn,

On the 1 2th of October, 1879, in Troy township, Wood county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Deuble and Miss Sarah Kurfess, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 30, 1849. She was educated in Wood county, and is the daughter of Jacob and Frederica (Metzger) Kurfess, both natives of Germany. Her parents were married near Cleveland, but removed to Troy township at an early day, where the mother died in 1884, and the father now finds a pleasant home with our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Deuble have been born two children: John A.,

In politics our subject is an ardent Democrat, and religiously he and his amiable wife are esteemed members of the Lutheran Church at Stony Ridge, of which he has served as elder. They are frank, open-hearted, hospitable people, and have made many warm friends since taking up their residence in the community.

Matthew Park is the proprietor of a general mercantile establishment in Dunbridge, and is a prominent factor in commercial circles. A native of the Keystone State, he was born in Lawrence county, February 6, 1844. His father, William Park, was also born in Pennsylvania, and was a son of James Park, who served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The former followed farming throughout his life, and in his native State married Delila Underwood, by whom he had eight children - Sarah, widow of Eli Reed; Caroline, widow of A. Steven, and a resident of Pennsylvania; Matthew; John, who died in Andersonville prison during the Civil war, while defending the Union cause; Edwin, a soldier of the 2d Ohio Cavalry, and died at Ft. Scott, Kans. ; Elizabeth and Henry, who died in childhood; and one who died in infancy. The father passed away in Pennsylvania, in 1869, and the mother afterward came to Wood county, her death occurring in Plain township in 1882.

Mr. Park acquired his education in Pennsylvania, and worked on the home farm from early boyhood until the Civil war was inaugurated. Loyal to the Union, and anxious to aid in its preservation, he enlisted in 1861, in an Ohio Cavalry company at Lowell, Mahoning county. He served for four years, participating in some seventy battles and skirmishes, among them Cold Harbor, Five Forks, the Wilson raid in 1864, Sheridan's raid in 1865, Knoxville, Strawberry Plains, Cumberland Gap, and battles of the Wil- !

derness. He was at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. At St. Louis, Mo. , September 1 1 , 1865, he received an honorable discharge, and returned home with a war record of which he may well be proud.

Mr. Park located in Mahoning county, where he remained for twenty-two years. During the war, in 1864, he had married Miss Mary A. Kramer, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born the following named children: Edmund, a farmer of Michigan; Armand, a farmer of Wood county; Alma, wife of G. English; Leroy, Jessie, Elsie, Orlie, and Laverna. In 1892, Mr. Park was again married, his second union being with Marie J. Boyer, a native of Fremont, Ohio. Their only child died in infancy.

Our subject came to Wood county in 1879, locating in Plain township, where for two years he operated a farm. In 1881 he came to Middleton township, and purchased forty acres of land which he operated until 1893, when he sold out and opened his present store in Dunbridge. By close application- to business, and honorable dealing, he has built up a fine trade, and thereby secured a comfortable competence. He belongs to Robert Stewart Post No. 690, G. A. R., and the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. He has served as school director for three years, is a Republican in politics, and is regular in attendance at the Presbyterian Church.

Anton Asmus. The fertile lands of Ohio offer excellent inducements to those who wish to engage in agricultural pursuits, and a prominent representative of the farming interests of Wood county is the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. A native of Germany, he was born in Nassau, April 3, 1836, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Hush) Asmus, also natives of that country. He received a good education in the public schools, and his time between the ages of fourteen and eighteen was spent as a clerk in a hotel. He then determined to seek a home in America, and bidding adieu to friends and native land, in 1854, he embarked in a westward-bound sailing vessel, which after forty-three days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. He at once made his way to Sandusky City, Erie Co. , Ohio, and in that county worked as a farm laborer for seven years, after which he operated a rented farm for five years.

During that time Mr. Asmus chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Catherine Shively, daughter of Henry Shively, a farmer of Seneca county, and a native of Pennsylvania. The lady was born in 1838, in Seneca county, and the marriage was there celebrated in 1 86 1. Six children graced their union - Sarah, wife of Henry Philips, of Washington township; Henry, a farmer of Middleton township, who married Catherine Hoffman; Mary; John, deceased; George, and Ora.

In 1866 Mr. Asmus brought his family to Wood county, locating in Middleton township, where he purchased a tract of raw land, which he cleared and improved. To this he has added from time to time until he to-day owns a fine farm of 1 10 acres. It has been drained, plowed and planted, and now waving fields of grain indicate good harvests, and tell of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. The home of the family is a beautiful brick residence, which was erected at a cost of $2,000. A substantial barn, costing $1,000, affords ample shelter for grain and stock, of which he raises considerable.

Mr. Asmus has served as school director for a number of years, and for four years was road supervisor. His political support is given the Democracy. He belongs to the Lutheran Church of Haskins, of which he has been trustee for ten years, and also Sunday-school teacher for a similar period. His life is an upright one, over which there falls no shadow of wrong, and he has prospered in his undertakings by use of the advantages which have surrounded him, and by industry, good management and sound judgment.

Samuel Milligan. Among the honored settlers who gave their energies to the task of making habitable the waste places of Wood county, the subject of this sketch, now a wealthy. retired citizen of Risingsun, holds a worthy rank. Although not so early in this field as some who have happily been spared to enjoy the fruits of their labors, he settled in an undeveloped spot where he contended with primitive conditions with true pioneer spirit. He entered upon life's pilgrimage June 19, 1819, in Walnut township, Fairfield Co., Ohio.

William Milligan, his father was a native of Maryland, born August 8, 1772. He was married there in early manhood, and soon after came to this State, locating near the Ohio river, where his first w'ife died. He was married there for the second time, and later removed to Fairfield county, where death again left his home bereft. He then wedded Miss Ann Crawford, of Fairfield county (our subject's mother), who survived him, living to the age of sixty-eight years, he having died at the age of sixty-three years, after an active life as a pioneer farmer. He was a large, robust man, with curly dark hair. There were eleven children by his three marriages (and five children - two sons and three daughters by the last), and of this large family our subject and his brother David are now the only survivors.

Samuel Milligan was the youngest son and third child of his mother, and was reared as a farmer's boy, gaining a much more intimate acquaintance with farm work than with books, although he attended the schools of the time and locality. He remained at home until he was about twenty years old, when his father died and he became, in a sense, the head of the family, being appointed guardian of his two younger sisters. He was married November 21, 1843, Miss Mariah Palmer, a native of Fairfield county, and settled upon a part of the homestead, where he made a home for his mother and younger sisters.

He made several prospecting trips through this portion of the State, and in 1854 he rented a farm in Perry township, Wood county, to which he removed, driving through from his old home with a wagon. His work there was successful, and in 1856 he purchased eighty acres of new land in Section 35, Montgomery township. It was heavily timbered, and the greater portion of it was under water. Wild game was plentiful, and he has shot ducks many times upon his swamp, and would then get his horse and wade into the expanse of water to get them. On that same spot he has raised as fine a crop of grain as ever ripened in Wood county. He was a hard worker, and his robust health enabled him to accomplish much. As he redeemed one piece of land from the wild state he added another, until he now owns 160 acres, and his handsome competence has been acquired through his own efforts, as he started with but little from his father's estate.

Mr. Milligan's first wife died October 18, 1844, in Fairfield county, leaving one daughter, Mariah (now Mrs. Henry Bennett, of Mercer county, Ohio). Subsequently he married, for his second wife, Miss Louisa Tabler, who died in Fairfield county, on April 29, 1849, leaving a son - William (now a farmer of Trego county, Kans., of which State he was a member of the Legislature, serving one term as a Democrat, and he passed seven bills within the space of three months). Mr. Milligan was again married May 29, 1851, to Miss Rebecca Gessell, his present wife, who was born in Fairfield county, May 3, 1830, a daughter of John and Margaret Gessell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Eleven l children were born of this union: John, who died at six months of age ; Margaret A. , now the widow of Joseph Furster, of Fostoria; Emma, who married Isaac Dicken, and died in Fostoria; James and Joseph B. , farmers in Montgomery township; Mary J., now the wife of Fred Whitman, of Oro Grande, Cal. ; Louisa, married to George Arnold, of Montgomery township; Jesse, who wedded Alta Byers, of Risingsun, and lives in Perry township; Orvilla, married to Ovid Byers, of Risingsun; and Arminta and IraJ., both at home. Increasing prosperity has enabled Mr. Milligan to assist his children substantially, and they are well- fittedr, for useful places in life.

In September, 1892, Mr. Milligan bought a home in Risingsun, and has since resided there, enjoying a well-earned leisure. Both he and his estimable wife have greatly impaired health by reason of their years of hard work, and it is fortunate indeed that their later days can see the reward of their labors. In spite of all the exposures and hardships our subject has experienced, he has never yet, with the exception of one occasion, required medical attention. They have been members of the Old-school Baptist Church for thirty-six years, and are devout and consistent in their faith, their high character, no less their past labors, gaining for them the esteem of all who know them. Although Mr. Milligan is a Democrat on State and National issues, he uses his judgment as to the relative fitness of the individual candidates in local politics. He has served two terms as township trustee, and for a number of years he was school director in District No. 7, where he did much to advance the cause of education, his own lack of opportunities in youth making him desire that the children of this and future days should be within the reach of thorough and practical instruction.

John Davis. The essential qualities of success are not fortunate circumstances and influential friends, but indefatigable energy, industry that stops not at difficulties, a resolute purpose and perseverance. These qualities Mr. Davis possesses, and he is known as one of the leading farmers of Middleton township. He was born in Monroe county, Ohio, January 20, 1842. His father, Michael Davis, was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of farming, and married Catherine Basinger, a native of Germany. Of their union the following children were born: John, Christian, Fannie and Rebecca. The father died in Monroe county, Ohio, and the mother afterward married Jacob Hiphire.

Mr. Davis, of this review, spent his boyhood in the usual mariner of farmer lads, attending school in the winter and working on the farm during the summer months, in Putnam county, Ohio. When only eight years of age, he was thrown upon his own resources, and worked on a farm for his board until fourteen years of age, when he began receiving wages. He was employed at farm work and on the canals until thirty-three years of age, when he came to Wood county, locating in Middleton township, where he purchased seventy acres of unimproved land. This he cleared and transformed into finely cultivated fields, and to-day he owns and operates a valuable farm of ninety acres, improved with good buildings.

In 1875, in Putnam county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Davis and Magdalena Mosier, a native of Allen township, and a daughter of John Mosier. One child graces their marriage - Edward, who was born August 10. 1878, was educated in the common schools, and now aids in the work of the farm. For six years our subject has served as school director, and is a warm friend of the cause of education. In politics he is a Democrat, and with his family attends the Lutheran Church in Waterville. Dependent on his own resources from the early age of eight years, he certainly deserves great credit for himself, and to-day he has the consciousness of know - ing that he has not a dollar that he has not himself honestly earned. He is a popular citizen, well liked, and is deserving of honorable mention in the history of his adopted county.

J. L. Kramer, a progressive and intelligent agriculturist residing near Bowling Green, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, February 3, 1855. Levi Kramer, his father, was a native of Fairfield county, born in 1825. For many years he was a contractor and builder near Columbus, Ohio, but in his later years he engaged in agricultural pursuits, first in Hancock county, and then in Wood county, where he died in 1888. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Margaret Beatty, who was born in Franklin county in 1828. She survives him and resides at the homestead, near Bowling Green. Six children were born of this union, our subject being the eldest.

Mr. Kramer's youth was spent chiefly in Hancock county, and after acquiring an elementary education in the schools near his home, he entered the academy at Fostoria, from which he was graduated February 3, 1881. He was married October 28, 1887, to Miss Christiana Ries, who was born in Huron county, April 8, 1867; she is a very clever woman intellectually, and had taught school up to the time of her marriage. In this union intellect as well as heart are mated, and Mr. and Mrs. Kramer are students together on all the questions of the day, and the best books and periodicals are to be found in their happy home. Both are prominent workers in the Wood County Farmers Institute, of which Mrs. Kramer, a lady of considerable business tact, is now secretary. She has been highly complimented by the press upon her able and scholarly addresses and papers on various occasions,

Mr. Kramer held the office of secretary for six years previous to 1889, when his wife succeeded him. He is an energetic and enterprising business man, owning and operating a farm where he puts scientific theories to the test of practice. He and his wife are active members of the U. B. Church at Portage, taking especial interest in the Sunday-school, of which Mr. Kramer has been superintendent for six years, and Mrs. Kramer, a good musician, is the organist.

John Mercer, whose well-cultivated farm indicates his industrious and energetic nature, was born April 4, 1831, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and is a son of George Mercer, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Wood county, in 1833, locating in Liberty township, where his remaining days were passed.

Our subject was therefore only two years of age when he became a resident of this county. Upon his father's farm he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, early becoming familar with the labors of the fields. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years. With the capital he acquired through his own efforts, he then purchased 100 acres of land in Liberty township, and with characteristic energy began its development and improvement. This work he continued until 1885, when he removed to his present farm in Middleton township. He here owns sixty acres of rich and valuable land, and a fine residence and good barns add to its attractive appearance, and make it a very desirable property. All this he has acquired through his own efforts, and he may well be proud of his wellmerited success.

On April 13, 1858, Mr. Mercer was united in marriage, in Middleton township, with Amanda Creps, a native of Perrysburg, Ohio, born November 26, 1833. and a daughter of David and Rosanna (All) Creps. They became the parents of nine children, namely: Emma A., born February 15, 1859, wife of Henry E. Morris; Shebner A., born May 19, 1862, a farmer of Liberty township; Owen, born June 3, 1865, a farmer of Jackson township; Leonard S., born August 21, 1871, operating the old homestead; Milla, born November 6, 1875;' Walter, who was born September 20, i860, and died February 28, 1864; Clara A., who was born May 29, 1867, and died in January, 1873; and two who died in infancy.

Mr. Mercer has several times been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. He has served as trustee for six years, was school director for ten years, and a member of the township board of education for eight years. He belongs to the Disciples Church, and gives his political support to the Republican party. In all the relations of life he has been found true and faithful to the trust reposed in him, and his friends throughout the community are many.

J. H. Westerfield, a leading farmer of Montgomery township, was born in Scipio township, Seneca Co., Ohio, November 27, 1853, son of J. William and Catherine (Overholt) Westerfield, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany, the former born in February, 1811, and the latter in November, 1816. In that country the name is spelled Westerfieldt. Being the son of poor parents, the father received no aid in starting out in life for himself, and in the fall of 1853, with his little family, he started for the New World in hope of improving his financial condition. After a voyage of seven weeks they landed in this country, and made their first home in Seneca county, Ohio. From there they came, in 1868, to Wood county, locating upon a thirtyfive-acre tract of land in Section 2, Montgomery township, in the midst of the wilderness, where a modest log cabin served as their home.

In the family were five children, namely: Mary E. , who became the wife of Reuben Kiser, and died in Sandusky county, Ohio, March 24, 1869; Engle, who died at sea, October 28, 1833, while the family were coming to America; J. H.. the subject of this sketch; William, a farmer of Montgomery township; and Amanda, now Mrs. Frank E. Wirebaugh, of Montgomery township. The parents are both now deceased, the father dying October 29, 1889, and the mother January 6, 1888, and rest in the Bradner cemetery. Religiously they were Lutherans. The mother, who was strong and robust, was a good weaver, and was of great assistance to her husband in early days. At the time of his death he was the owner of a good farm of seventy-five acres, and

The common schools afforded our subject his educational privileges, and his labors were devoted to the improvement and cultivation of the home farm until he attained his majority, when he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years. In the spring of 1879 he purchased forty acres in Section 1, Montgomery township, from George Bierly, for $2,000, for which he was compelled to go in debt over $1 , 500. On laying aside his trade, he began working as a farm hand for that gentleman, and on January 5, 1882, married his daughter, Miss Malinda E. Bierly, who was born February 3, i860, and they now have four children - Bertie R., Addie, Helena and Milo. Mr. Westerfield began his domestic life upon his forty-acre farm, where he has since resided. In 1885 was erected his comfortable dwelling, and six years later his barn was built. He is numbered among the self-made men of Montgomery township, his accumulations being the result of his own industry, obtained by self-denial and economy, and the exercise of a naturally good judgment, both in regard to agricultural pursuits and business matters. Though not strictly partisan, he usually supports the Democratic party, and for nine consecutive years served as a member of the Bradner school board, filling that position when the new building at that place was completed; for two years he was president of the board. An active member of the Lutheran Church, he is at present superintendent of the Sunday-school at Bradner; his excellent wife belongs to the Protestant Methodist Church.

George Bierly, the father of Mrs. Westerfield, was born in Miles township, Center Co., Penn., July 17, 1819. and as there were no free schools his education was limited to four weeks' attendance at English schools, but he received considerable instruction at Sunday-school. At the age of eighteen years he learned the wheelwright and wagon-maker's trades. On April 25, 1844, in Center county, Penn., w-as celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bierly and Miss Sarah Magee, who was born in Union county, that State, and is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Buchner) Magee, in whose family were seven children, three sons and four daughters. Her father came from Londonderry, Ireland, to the United States at the age of fifteen years, being eleven weeks upon the ocean, and was married in Union county, Penn. By trade he was a weaver, making carpets, table cloths, etc. Both himself |

With his wife Mr. Bierly came to Wood county, April 2, 1857, locating on a partially improved tract of eighty acres in Section 1, Montgomery township, for which he paid $2, 700 cash, and they still live upon that place. They have now traveled life's journey together for over fiftytwo years, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and are still well-preserved old people, highly respected by all who know them. In early life Mr. Bierly was a Democrat, but since Lincoln ran for the Presidency has been a stalwart Republican. His wife holds membership with the Methodist Protestant Church. The following children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bierly - Alfred and Edward, who died in infancy; Cyrus, at home; Nancy, wife of Peter Plants, of Bradner, Ohio; Lorenzo D., who died at the age of twenty-one years; Thomas N. , of Wood county; Emma E., now the widow of F. S. Furbrush, of Bradner; and Malinda E., who is the only member of the family born in Ohio, and is now the wife of J. H. Westerfield, whose name introduces this sketch.

F. E. Wirebaugh, an agriculturist of energy and ability, who is residing in Montgomery township, Wood county, was born near Bucyrus, Ohio, May 6, 1863, and when but a boy was brought to this county by his parents, N. P. and Elizabeth (Anderson) Wirebaugh, who located first in Freedom township, thence removing to Section 30, Montgomery township. Later they took up their residence upon a farm in Section 17, of the same township, and on selling out there located in Section 1, Montgomery township, where the father made his home until his removal to Risingsun, Ohio, his present place of abode. The mother died while living near Bradner, this State. In their family were four children - F. E., of this sketch; Charles E. , who died at the age of twenty-two years; Laura, now Mrs. Charles Aldrich, of Toledo; and Bert E., of Risingsun. Since the death of his first wife the father has been again married.

The education of our subject was such as the district schools near his home afforded, and during the days of his youth he assisted in the labors of the farm, thus becoming familiar with his chosen calling. On leaving home, at the age of twenty-one years, he started out in life for himself as a farm hand. In April, 1888, in Freeport township, Mr. Wirebaugh was united in marriage I with Miss Amanda Westerfield, who was born

June 13, 1861, in Scipio township, Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the youngest child of J. William and Catherine (Overholt) Westerfield. One child now graces their union - Walter R. , whose birth occurred December 15, 1894. Mr. Wirebaugh began his domestic life upon a rented farm in Freedom township, and later one year was passed upon a rented farm in Section 1, Montgomery township. In the spring of 1891 he removed to his present place, then comprising fifteen acres, but now has a fine tract of thirty-five acres, under a high state of cultivation. In 1 893 he remodeled the house, which was the old homestead of his wife's people, and now has a very comfortable and attractive dwelling. Besides his agricultural pursuits he also has charge of two oil leases, having a general supervision of affairs and looking after the oil pumping. Mr. Wirebaugh is a decided Democrat, but is no politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests. An industrious and enterprising man who has already won success, we feel assured that he is destined to become one of the substantial citizens of Wood county. His estimable wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Abraham Keefer, one of the oldest pioneers of Perry township, and a most estimable citizen, was born July 23, 1822, in Orange township, Richland Co., Ohio, son of William and Barbara (Kreps) Keefer.

Our subject, who is the eldest son, when old enough assisted in supporting his parents. He went to school in Orange township until seventeen years of age, at which time he came to Wood county, which was then, for the most part, a dense forest. On December 22, 1844, he was united in marriage with Miss Christina Bare, a daughter of Nicholas Bare, and a native of Pennsylvania. At that time he was $25 in debt, and owned an axe, a wedge and a wife. He was to have, for the clearing, forty acres of land to use for ten years. Commencing work in Section 28, he secured from the profits of this hard bargain a beginning in life, and upon the expiration of the time he left the land and moved to forty acres in Section 2 1 , which he had bought two years before at a cost of $450. Ten acres of this were cleared and had on it a log house, the first home he ever had that he could call his own. From this time he worked and prospered, and later on added, at different times, forty and eighty acres more. In July, 1858, before the last purchase of eighty acres, he moved to his present place, which then contained a log hut, and in July of the following year he moved into the house he now occupies.

M. D., who died in Perry township at the age of thirty-eight, leaving five children; Catherine, married to I. C. Conley, of Perry township; William, who died at the age of ten years; Nancy, who died when seven years old. The mother of these died April 29, 1889, and was buried ,at Center. On May 10, 1891, Mr. Keefer married Mrs. Eliza (Wiseman) Frink, a native of Washington township, Hancock Co. , Ohio, who was a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Sommers) Wiseman. This wife died May 19, 1896, at 2.30 a. m. The previous day she had prepared supper for herself and her husband, conducted the family worship that evening, and retired feeling as well as usual. She is buried in the cemetery at Fostoria.

Mr. Keefer first voted the Democratic ticket; but on the formation of the Republican party he joined it, and in 1892 again changed his political views, and voted in the ranks of the Prohibitionists. He has served as treasurer and trustee of Perry township, as the choice of the Republican party. He is a member and one of the pillars of the Union Methodist Church, to which he has belonged since 1858, and has been a class-leader for thirty-two consecutive years. At present he is one of the trustees, and is a most liberal contributor to the Church work. On May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, 144th Regiment, of which he was first lieutenant, doing guard duty at Wilmington, Del., and serving until August 24, 1864. He is a quiet gentleman, well-preserved, and an earnest worker in the cause of Prohibition. He enjoys the best of health, and. at the age of seventy-three years, "Does not know of an ache or pain." He is the owner of 160 acres of excellent land, which he has drained with 3,300 rods of tile, and all but thirty acres of which he has cultivated from its primitive condition.

William Keefer, father of our subject, was born in October, 1801, in Mahoning county. His parents moved from Pennsylvania to Richland county at an early day, and settled in Orange township (now Ashland county). Mr. Keefer left there for Perry township, where he bought eighty acres in Section 28. He and his wife moved into a small cabin of round logs, with clapboard roof, no doors nor floors, the hearth made of mortar, under which a groundhog had burrowed and made hisi home. The only clearing on the place was the spot oc- cupied by the cabin. There was wild game in abundance, bears, turkeys, etc. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Keefer were : Abraham, our subject; Mary, now the widow of Peter Bare, of Eaton county, Mich. ; Barbara, who married Eli Culbertson, and died in Eaton county; Margaret, who married Andrew Burns, of Eaton county, and is deceased; Catherine, who became the wife of John Hays, and died in Henry county, Ohio; John, who enlisted July 30, 1862, in Company B, mth Regiment, O. V. I., and was taken prisoner in action at Lenoir, Tenn., November 16, 1863, and died in a Rebel prison at Richmond, March 20, 1864; and Christopher, a farmer, in Perry township. Mrs. Keefer died October, in 1837, and was buried in Richland county. Mr. Keefer, for his second wife, wedded Miss Barbara Bare, by whom he had four children: Christina, who died young; Susan, who became the wife of Frank McConnell, and died in Toledo, Ohio; Sarah (now Mrs. William Fox), of Defiance county, Ohio; and Eliza (Mrs. Albert Becker), who died in Toledo. Mr. Keefer departed this life in Perry township, at the age of sixty-four years; Mrs. Keefer died about 1849, and both are buried at Center, Perry township. Mr. Keefer was at one time a Democrat, and later became a Republican, belonging to that party at the time of his death. He was a member of the Lutheran Church when in Pennsylvania, but as there was no Church of that denomination convenient in Perry he joined the Methodist one. He was a man of few words, a hard worker, and possessed of a peaceable disposition.

Allen S. Ferguson comes of a family whose loyalty and devotion to the country was well manifested during the Civil war, and in all the relations of life our subject has been found true and faithful to the trusts reposed in him. This Ferguson family is of Irish origin, and was founded in America by Samuel Ferguson, the grandfather of our subject, who was born on the Emerald Isle and crossed the Atlantic when a young man. In Pennsylvania, he wedded Mary Miller, a lady of German extraction. He was a weaver by trade, and followed that business during the greater part of his life. His death occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, at a ripe old age.

The father of our subject, James Ferguson, was born in Pennsylvania, and was a millwright by trade. At the age of eighteen he accompanied his parents to Belmont county, where he wedded Mary Scroggs, a lady of Scotch descent. For two years they lived in Shepherdstown, Ohio, and then removed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, locating near Cumberland, on Conotton creek. In 1853 they came to Wood county, making the journey by team, and the father entered forty acres of land in Section 33, Jackson township, from the government, and erected thereon a log cabin. He afterward worked at his trade in different parts of the State, but died in Jackson township, October 28, 1878. His wife passed away some years previous. They had seven children, namely: John, a farmer in Jackson township; Allen S. ; Eliza Jane, deceased wife of Demos Leatherman, of Jackson township; James M. , a farmer of Jackson township; Sarah Ann, deceased wife of Jesse Ruff, of Jackson township; Samuel M., of Jackson township; and Mrs. Cynthia Wright, deceased. The father and all of his sons were soldiers in the Civil war. John was a member of Company G, 21st O. V. I., and later of Company K, 1 nth O. V. I. James M. belonged to Company L, 1st O. H. A. ; and Samuel M. to Company K, 29th O. V. I.

Our subject was a child of two years when the parents went to Tuscarawas county, where he acquired his education in the district schools, and learned the trade of a carpenter and millwright with his father. At the age of nineteen he came to Jackson township with his brother-in-law, Mr. Leatherman, for whom he worked during the summer. In the winter he engaged in hunting coons,- deer and turkeys, and the game brought good prices in the city markets, he realizing more from this source of income than from any other work in those days.

In Pleasant township, Hancock Co., Ohio, January 28, 1858, Mr. Ferguson married Alice Mitchell, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., June 18, 1836, a daughter of Robert and Miriam (Butler) Mitchell. The family removed from Pennsylvania to Fairfield county, Ohio, thence to Hancock county, and subsequently to Jackson township, Wood county, where the parents passed away. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life on a farm in Jackson township. Mr. Ferguson purchased forty acres of land, erected a log cabin, and began to improve his property; but when the war broke out, he felt that his country needed his services, and he enlisted in Company G, 21st O. V. I., at Mc- Comb, for the three-months' service. When his term had expired he returned home and engaged in the erection of a school house.

In June, 1863, Mr. Ferguson sold his first farm and purchased forty acres in Hancock county, to which he removed his family. He then re-enlisted in Company L, 1st O. H. A., and going again to the front, served until the close of the war as a valiant defender of the Union cause. When he again came home he sold his Hancock county farm, and purchased eighty acres in Jackson township, Wood county, on which he erected two dwellings. He afterward traded ten acres of this property for forty acres of his father's land, and subsequently sold an additional ten acres. In connection with his brother, J. M. , he also bought a forty-acre tract in Jackson township, and then traded the land which he received from his father for his brother's forty acres, so that he there had eighty acres. This he la'ter sold, and bought forty acres of the farm which he now owns, and which he has since doubled in extent. In addition he owns several town lots, and a third interest in the opera house in Hoytville, also eight shares in the creamery there. He is a man of excellent business ability, of sound judgment and sagacity.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have been born five children - Eliza Jane, wife of John L. Tyner, of Jackson township; Aaron B., of Hoytville; Myrtie M., wife of Milton J. Hoot, of Hoytville; and Maud M., at home. Mr. Ferguson is a stalwart Republican and an active worker in his party. He was first called to public office as assessor, afterward served for three years as supervisor, for four years was trustee, two years township clerk, six years justice of the peace, census enumerator in 1880, and for six years as county infirmary director. He was also mayor of Hoytville for one term, and school director for a number of years. In these various positions he has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that has won him high commendation. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Deshler, Ohio, and to the Grand Army of the Republic at Hoytville, and holds membership with the Christian Church. He is now living practically a retired life, enjoying a wellearned rest and the fruits of his former toil.

William Westerfield. Among the influential and progressive farmers of Montgomery township the subject of this sketch occupies an honorable position. He was born in Scipio township, Seneca Co., Ohio, on February 25. 1856, and is the son of John William and Catherine (Overholt) Westerfield, who brought him to Wood county during boyhood. His education was acquired in the district schools, which at that date were not as far advanced as at the present time. Early becoming familiar with farm work upon his father's place, he decided to follow that vocation throughout life, and assisted in the operation of the home farm until after the death of his parents. For a time he then worked for others, but in 1894 purchased twenty acres in Section 2, Montgomery township, adjoining another twentyacre tract, which was a part of the old homestead belonging to him. In 1891 he erected a very pleasant house upon his farm, where he now makes his home, and devotes his entire time and attention to the cultivation of his land.

Although Mr. Westerfield regularly votes the Democratic ticket, and is a stanch supporter of his party, he cares nothing for political preferment. He is a steady-going, honest, industrious man, quiet and unassuming in manner, and has the confidence and regard of all who know him. By his earnest, persistent efforts he has now secured a good home and farm, and well deserves the success which has come to him. Besides his farming operations he has also worked at tjie carpenter's trade, being employed at tankjbuilding in Bradner.

Elijah H. Hopper, a well-known agriculturist of Webster township, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, June 1, 1841. His family is of English origin, and his grandparents, William and Mary Hopper, were lifelong residents of the county of Kent, England. George Hopper, our subject's father, was born there in 1808, and in early manhood came to the United States, locating first in New York State, where he was married, in 1830, to Miss Annie Robbins, who was born in New York, June 12, 1808. Nine children were born to them: Rufus, deceased; William, deceased; Mary, the wife of Samuel Lyman, of Leesburg, Ind.; Priscilla; James J.; Elijah H; Luella, the wife of Fred Leathers, of Michigan; Augustus H., a resident of New York; and Benjamin, who lives in Toledo. In 1840 our subject's father came to Wood county, and bought 160 acres of land in Troy township, which he improved. He was a man of excellent qualities, much esteemed by those who knew him, a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. He died in 1878, followed two years later by his wife.

Mr. Hopper attended the district schools of Troy township during his boyhood, and in 1863 went to Webster township and bought ninetysix acres of fine land near Fenton, which he has since cultivated. His industry and frugality have met their due reward, and he now has a handsome residence and a barn of the latest model. He is chiefly engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was married in 1863 to Miss Catherine S. Allen, who was born in Sandusky county, in 1842. They have had four children.

In the year 1895, Mr. Hopper lost his barn and all of his out-buildings by fire, occasioned by combustion. He afterward sold his farm and purchased a vegetable and fruit farm in Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio, upon which he and his wife moved, and where they still reside.

Mr. Hopper holds a high place in the community, and has held positions of trust in the township most of the time for twenty years. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church, and has been influential in the Sunday school for thirty-eight years.

William Heuer. In political office, in his business career, and in his private life this gentleman has ever displayed a fidelity to duty and high moral principle, that has justly gained him a place among the prominent and respected citizens of his adopted county, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his life. He was born in Prussia, Germany, May 25, 1848, and is a son of Frederick and Mina (Voga) Heuer, also natives of Prussia. When a young man the father served as a soldier in the German army, being first called out in 1848, and after that, on two different occasions. In the spring of 1857, with his wife and family, he sailed from the Fatherland on the vessel Marcus, " which after nine weeks and three days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. The voyage was a very stormy one, and the vessel was driven far from its course.

Mr. Heuer took his family at once to Lorain county, Ohio, and purchased twenty-five acres in Sheffield township. This he afterward sold, and bought fifty-eight acres where he was living at the time of his death, in 1865, at the age of fortynine years. His widow still lives in the old homestead, and has a life interest in the estate, which was sold by the heirs to the Johnson Steel Company, and a large plant has since been erected thereon. The children of the family were: William; Julius, of Lorain county; Harvey, who was drowned in 1885, at the age of twenty-five years; Charles, of Lorain county; Elizabeth, wife Andrew Robinson, of Lorain county; Mary, wife of J. L. Hohn, of Milton township; and John, of Lorain county.

Our subject began his education in his native land, and completed it in the district schools near his early Ohio home. At the age of sixteen he left the parental roof, and engaged in service on freight boats which plied between the islands and

Cleveland. He was afterward mate on a schooner for five months, and made a trip by way of the lakes to Quebec, Canada, with the intention of going to Prussia, but instead re-shipped on the old schooner, "Van Volkenberg, " which sailed for San FranciSfco, Cal., stopping at different points on the way. The ship was laden with sugar and coffee, and at San Francisco took on a cargo of merchandise. His parents hearing no news of him supposed he had been lost at sea, but after the two-years' voyage of this schooner was over, he returned to his home, and engaged in the manufacture of cheese in Lorain county.

Mr. Heuer was married in Elyria, Ohio, June 26, 1867, to Anna Maria Brown, who was born in Germany. They then removed to Berrien county, Mich., where Mr. Heuer purchased thirty-five acres of land which he operated until 1871. when his buildings and improvements were all destroyed by fire. He then sold his land and returned to Lorain county, where he operated the family homestead for two years. He next began work on the dock at Lorain, as foreman of the C. L. & W. Railroad Co. , and continued in the employ of that company for fifteen years. In October, 1887, he traded his property there for his present farm of 100 acres in Milton township, and has since resided in Wood county. Only eight acres of this was then under cultivation, but he has made excellent improvements upon it, erected a fine residence and good barns, and the well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for his care and labor.

To Mr. and Mrs. Heuer have been born three children - Lorenzo, an oil man of Bays, Ohio; William, who is working in the oil fields at Gibsonburg, Ohio; and Minnie, at home. The family attend the Disciples Church, of which our subject is a member. In politics he was formerly a supporter of the Republican party, but is now a stanch Prohibitionist. He has served his school district as director for some years, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, while to all interests calculated to benefit the community he gives a liberal support. He is himself a well-read man, and is ever found on the side of progress and advancement.

Samuel B. Cessna, an enterprising young business man and agriculturist of Montgomery township, residing near Risingsun, has already won a reputation for his industry, shrewdness, and able management of affairs. He was born in Bedford township, Bedford Co., Penn., September 13, 1862, the son of James B. and Margaret (Elliott) Cessna, and grandson of James

Cessna (deceased), who was sheriff of that county four years, and held the office of justice of the peace some forty years. The family has had a high standing in that locality for several generations, and the members for the most part have been long lived, the grandparents of our subject on both the paternal and maternal sides having attained the advanced ages of over eighty years.

James B. Cessna, father of our subject, was born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Penn., September 28, 1838. In his younger days he taught school, and then took up farming pursuits, in in which he still continues, being owner of 360 acres of fine land in Bedford county, Penn., improved and equipped with substantial buildings. He married Miss Margaret Elliott, by whom he had four children, three sons and one daughter, viz.: Sylvester T. , Samuel B. , Pendleton A., and Alida Blanche, who died in her tenth month. The mother of these passed from earth at Centerville, Bedford county, June 6, 1896, in the sixty-second year of her age, and was buried in Bethel M. E. cemetery, in the Cumberland Valley. She was a strict member of the Methodist Episcopal Church up to the time of her decease. Mr. Cessna is now living in Centerville, Penn. , his business and public cares having been laid aside some years ago. In his active days he held various township offices, and was an influential worker in the ranks of the Democratic party.

Samuel B. Cessna, our subject, was reared as a farmer's boy, with the usual district-school advantages, and plenty of work at home. On attaining his majority he came to Fostoria, Ohio, where some relatives were living, and for two years rented a farm near Longley, Ohio. Although his father offered him 120 acres of land at his early home in the Cumberland Valley, he chose to remain in this region, and in the spring of 1888 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Section 26, Montgomery township, where in 1893 he built an elegant residence, supplied with water and other conveniences seldom found outside of cities. Soon after coming to this county he engaged in various lines of work in the oil fields, such as rig-building and dressing tools, and at times as field-boss, pumper, and operator, and as he prefers this to the actual labor of the farm he employs others to attend to the latter, under his general supervision. Steadygoing, honest, industrious and progressive, his success has been marked, and he is regarded as certain to become one of the substantial men of his locality.

In the fall of 1883, Mr. Cessna was married in Bedford, Penn., to Miss Emma Wertz, daughter of John Wertz, one of the most prominent agriculturists in the Cumberland Valley. Mrs. Cessna is a leading member of the Church of God, and with her husband takes an interest in every worthy movement. Socially he belongs to Risingsun Lodge, K. of P., and politically he is a Democrat on the State and National issues, but in local elections votes for the " best man."

Elias Simon (deceased), who in his lifetime was one of the most highly respected citizens within the limits of Bloom township, is a fit representative of the honored family of that name. He was a son of Henry and Catherine (Stemple) Simon, the former of whom was born June 7, 1796, the latter on July 10, 1798; they were married October 5, 1822, and died May 1 5, 1872, and April 2, 1836, respectively.

Mr. Simon was born August 12, 1827, in Mahoning county, Ohio, where he attended an excellent German school. When he was but a few months over seventeen years old his parents moved to Wood county, accompanied by five of their children - Jonas, Carolus, Elias, Abigail and Joshua. They drove through the woods with three wagons, bringing their household goods. Our subject's father had met with financial reverses in Mahoning county, and he made a new start in life upon a tract of eighty acres of timber land on what is now known as the North Ridge road. A rude log house, which he had built previously, furnished a shelter for the newcomers, and their first meal was cooked by the side of a brush heap. Our subject did many a hard day's work in clearing and breaking the soil of this farm, but he also found some time to attend an English school on the old Leathers farm, where Cornelius Simon, a cousin, was the first teacher. At the age of twenty-one he began to work on his own account, chopping and clearing for one year, and then working in a sawmill as a laborer. His savings were invested in 120 acres of land, his brother's estate, near Bairdstown, bought from the heirs, and its purchase left him nearly $1,000 in debt.

On August 2, 1855, Mr. Simon was married to Miss Margaret Frankforder, a native of Springfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio, born March 15, 1837, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Kugler) Frankforder, who came to Wood county in 1852, and located on a farm in Weston township. They were both natives of Ohio, the father born May 1 1, 1805, in Springfield township, Mahoning county, the mother born August 11, 1804. They were married August 27, 1826; the former died August 19, 1891, at Roca, Neb., the latter having passed away January 2, 1857, in Weston township, Wood Co., Ohio. The young couple began housekeeping upon the farm which became their permanent home. Mr. Simon continued to work in the sawmill and carried on his farm, at the same time hiring some of the work done. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, 144th O. V. I., and was sent to Wilmington, Del. , where he was on guard duty until August 22, 1864, when he was discharged at Columbus.

In 1868 he built a sawmill upon his farm, and, notwithstanding many predictions of failure, his energy and thorough knowledge of the business enabled him to make a success of it, and in three years he had paid off every obligation. He has been noted for his knowledge of milling machinery, often repairing for others. In 1 889 he gave up his mill to his sons, Jackson and Delton, who conducted it for some time. There are two oil wells upon the place, producing about fifteen barrels per day, and on this farm was drilled the second gas well in the township. Mr. Simon's right wrist had been strained by overwork in lifting, and he afterward lived a semiretired life, finding much pleasure in reading. He possessed strong intellectual powers, which should have been developed in youth. In 1878 he built one of the most substantial brick houses in the township, and his old home gives evidence not only of his worldly prosperity, but of his intellectual aspirations and artistic tastes. His wife had but limited educational facilities in her youth, but with ready adaptation she has availed herself of later opportunities at home, as her duties would permit. They have had five children: Mary E., born December 11, 1856, died

February 6, 1857; Jackson, born March 16, 1858, now resides in Hancock county; Delton, born October 7, i860, is farming the homestead and conducting the mill; Maud, born November 3, 1865, married Frank Elston, of Garrett, Ind. , a Baltimore & Ohio railroad engineer, Chicago division; and Tressie, born August 9, 1875, nowa successful music teacher, is at home.

Elias Simon, the subject of this sketch, died at ten minutes past eleven in the forenoon of September 21, 1896, of apoplexy, and was laid to rest September 24, in Bloom Chapel cemetery, Bloom township. He, as is also his widow, was a leading member of the Liberal U. B. Church of Bairdstown, in which he held every office, and was the principal financial supporter. When the new church was being erected he loaned a large sum of money, and afterward cancelled the debt.

Mr. Simon was no office-seeker, but took a keen interest in public affairs, and was in early years a Republican, but in later years voted with the Prohibition party.

John Louy is a strictly self-made man, who owes his success in life to his individual offorts, to enterprise, undaunted perseverance, and unfaltering industry. His career has also made him a man of broad sympathies, and he is ever ready to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. Mr. Louy was born September 1 1, 1831, in Marzlich, near Trier, Prussia, and is the eldest of nine children born to Henry and Margaret (Kirche) Louy. The other members of the family are: Magdalena Clapper, of East Toledo, Ohio; Regina, widow of George Frische, of Toledo; Antony, a farmer of Milton township; Peter, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Diemer, of Toledo; Henry (1), who died in childhood; Henry (2), also deceased; and Mary, who passed away. The father was a farmer in Prussia, and in 1862 came with his wife to America, landing at New York, whence they came direct to Milton township, Wood county, where they resided some years. They then removed to Toledo, Ohio, where his death occurred in October, 1 867 ; his wife died in 1871.

John Louy, the subject of this sketch, received a good education in the common schools of his native land, and at the age of fourteen began work as a farm hand at a shilling per day. He was thus employed until coming to America. On April 12, 1855, he left home, sailing from Havre, France, on the 16th, on the vessel, "Connecticut," which after thirty-three days reached New York. One day, while crossing the deck, he fell down an open hatchway, and was picked up in an unconscious condition, with his shoulder broken. His clothing being removed in order to get at the hurt, someone managed to confiscate some gold coins he had sewed inside the lining of his vest - his only capital. Just before landing he sold his trunk and bedding for eighteen cents, and this was all the money he had with which to begin life in the New World, and this small sum was expended for bread. 'He then started for Tiffin, Ohio. At Dunkirk, N. Y. , he was obliged to wait for some time, and while gazing longingly at the tempting display in a restaurant window, the proprietor came out and asked him what he wanted. He was unable to speak a word of English, but the owner took him to a house some distance away where a German girl was working, who acted as interpreter between the two. On learning that he was hungry, the man took him back to the restaurant and gave him a good meal. After many hardships he reached his destination, but had to walk all the way from Sandusky to Tiffin, Ohio. He there made his home with his uncle, Nicholas Kirche, and after three weeks secured work in a brick yard. Later he was employed as a farm hand, and in grading the railroad near Lima, Ohio. He was afterward made section hand on the railroad, and subsequently served as brakeman. He was next engaged in laying track from Toledo to Lima, and then became section foreman from Toledo to Perrysburg. To Custar he was sent as section boss, and in a short time he became express and station agent at that place. On abandoning that position he embarked in merchandising, and later erected a large store into which he put an extensive stock of general merchandise, which he sold out. He became interested in the lumber business, and at one time owned two sawmills and a stave factory. He also bought and sold 800 acres of land, and has thus been connected with various business enterprises.

Mr. Louy was married in Maumee, Ohio, September 16, i860, to Miss Julia Ann Ganshirt, who was born in Kappal-am-Rhine, Baden, Germany. Their children are: John Henry, who was born September 15, 1861, and is chief train dispatcher at Lima, Ohio; Ellen, born August 4, 1863, now the wife of Henry Rechener, of Lima, Ohio; Josephine, born March 31, 1865, widow of Frank Drummer, of Lima, Ohio; Mary Ann, who was born December 23, 1867, and is living at Lima; Charles, born June 26, 1869, also a resident of Lima; Andrew William, born March 26, 1871, now a medical student at Toledo, Ohio; George Albert, born April 20, 1873, yard clerk for the Dayton & Michigan railroad, at Toledo, Ohio; Joseph H., born April 7, 1875, fireman on the Dayton & Michigan railroad, with residence at Lima, Ohio; Fred Edwas, born February 21, 1877, at present engaged in teaching; Frank Albert, born February 17, 1879, clerking for the Standard Oil Co., at Lima, Ohio; and Genevieve Wilhelmina, born March 15, 1881, now in a convent at Lima, Ohio. When our subject landed at Custar in 1859, there was but one Catholic family in the vicinity, that of Edward Byrnes, and the first mass was performed on the present site of that now thriving town, Father Bauer, D. D., of .Fremont, Ohio, officiating, later in an old log cabin. Now there are seventy-two families who worship in the Catholic church at Custar.

store building with hall rented, and a spacious and beautiful residence in Custar, which was erected in 1872, at a cost of $5,340.00. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, has been treasurer of Custar for two years, and councilman for two years. In religious belief he is a devout Catholic, and has been trustee of the Church.

James Kelley, deceased, was one of the leading and influential citizens of Middleton township, and his death was felt by the entire community. A native of the Keystone State, he was born in Northumberland county, September 5, 1826, and was a son of Joseph and Mary (Reed) Kelley, also natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. In his boyhood days their son James attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and aided in the labors of the home farm.

In March, 1852, in Pennsylvania, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage with Miss Annie Palmer, who was born in that State June 14, 1825, a daughter of Daniel Palmer. Three children were born of this union. Daniel, born June 9, 1853, was educated in Middleton township, and at Toledo, Ohio, and in August, 1879, he married Ettie Chapman, who was born April 25, 1856, a daughter of Sylvester Chapman, of Sandusky county, Ohio. For nine years he has been an employe at the Toledo State Hospital. William, born April 16, 1857, now operates the old homestead. He was married in 1888, to Flora Camm, who was born in Huron county, April 8, i860, and they have one daughter, Alta. Elwood, born in Plain township, this county, July 31, 1862, married Nellie Miller, and has two children. He has been employed at the Toledo State Hospital for seven years.

The subject of this review removed from Pennsylvania to Wood county in 1862, and located in Plain township, where he remained one year, then moved to Hancock county, where he carried on farming for six years. In 1869 he came to Middleton township and purchased seventy-two acres of land, which, with the aid of his sons, he cleared and improved, continuing its cultivation up to the time of his death. He was a man of sterling worth, honorable and upright in all things, was a loyal citizen, a faithful friend and a loving and devoted husband and father. He served as school director of his township, gave his political support to the Democratic party, and was a consistent and earnest member of the Baptist Church. He passed away January 5, 1891, and one more name was added to the list of honored dead, but his memory will be kept green in the hearts of his friends for many years. Mrs. Kelley, a most estimable lady, has since conducted the home farm, and displays excellent business ability, while her many womanly graces of character have won her high regard.

Henry Sarvis. The life of this gentleman has been prominently connected with the history of Wood county since early pioneer days, and many interesting incidents can he relate of the time when this region was but sparsely settled, and gave little indication of its present highly cultivated and properous condition. He was born in England, and was the fifth in a family of nine children - four sons and five daughters. His father was a man in comfortable circumstances until, through the failure of a bank, he lost much of his property. As his children grew up he would say to them: "All I can do for you now is to give you a good common-school education, and teach you a trade; the rest you must do for yourself. Industry, perseverance, a wise economy, and honorable dealing will bring you success in life. Let your reading be historical and practical, and take the Bible for your guide through life." A favorite volume of the father's was a history of the United States.

When Henry Sarvis was a lad of twelve years he was sent to a boarding school in a farming country, where he first became acquainted with agricultural life, and this and his United States history exerted a great influence on his after career. After leaving school he was engaged in making piano keys in the piano factory, of Broadwood & Co., London, until nineteen years of age, his father holding a responsible position in that establishment. When Henry was nineteen, his brother-in-law had to go to Canada to look after some property, and our subject sailed with him. After a short time spent in Canada, he went to New York, where he accidentally met his brother-in-law, and together they returned to England; but Mr. Sarvis had resolved to save money enough to establish a home in America. He resumed work at his trade, and soon afterward married a farmer's daughter, who proved to him an efficient and capable helpmeet on life's journey. An old-time friend, John Wright, proposed to him that they gome, to America, and after consulting with his wife, Mr. Sarvis determined to try his fortune in the New World. They were also joined by a boy of fifteen, and the four started for New York in the spring of 1844.

in Cleveland. Leaving their luggage in Detroit, they made their way to the home of Mr. Sarvis' brother-in-law, about ten miles from Chatham, Canada, but he could not secure the land be had hoped to in that locality, and so returned to Chatham. While sitting outside the "Exchange Hotel," thinking what to do next, he became engaged in conversation with a gentleman there who said he lived in Perrysburg, Ohio, and the result was that Mr. Sarvis and his wife accompanied this gentleman to Wood county. They had a letter of introduction to a Mr. Isaac, living on Hull Prairie. Their newly-found friend, Mr. Spafford, told them of the excellent advantages afforded by this country; but the sight which greeted them soon after their arrival seemed anything but hopeful. For two days they remained in the hotel at Perrysburg, and the next morning started for the Prairie, about eight miles distant. Every few rods, so deep was the mud, they had to stop and clear the wheels before they could proceed. It may well be imagined that the progress was slow, and when they reached the Prairie its appearance was much more that of a lake, for it was covered with water, sometimes several feet deep. They found the driving through the water, however, better than driving through the mud, and finally reached a substantial log house, all surrounded by water. On presenting their letter of introduction - for this was the home of Mr. Isaac - they were cordially welcomed in the true spirit of pioneer days. The prospect for comfortable homes in this locality, however, seemed to be very poor, but they were assured by their newly-found friends that the inundation was an unusual one, and that they looked for a bright future.

The next morning the host drove Mr. Sarvis to the different farmers on the Prairie, who all seemed hopeful, and believed they would soon have good farms. Mr. Sarvis purchased eighty acres of land at $2.50 per acre, on which stood a log cabin, and forty acres at $1.25 per acre. He also bought two yoke of oxen and two cows, and began breaking the land. He planted a crop, but again all that region was flooded, and in the autumn it was parched by. the hot August sun. For several years this was the condition of things, and the families were forced to endure many hardships and trials, such as are entirely unknown to the settlers of to-day. At length a meeting was called, and the settlers on Hull Prairie discussed the advisability of draining the land. Mr. Sarvis was asked for his opinion, and said that he would like two weeks' time in which to study the question. During that time he wrote a letter to the editor .of the Journal , in connection with Mr. Isaac, and the editor requested that they write a communication of this sort every other week. It was done, and as a result the "ditch law " was passed, the Prairie was drained, and was transformed into a most valuable and productive tract of land, its farms being now unrivaled in excellence and richness. It was also through the instrumentality of the settlers on Hull Prairie that the county fair was first instituted, and the work of progress and improvement has been carried steadily forward by them, until they may well be proud of their improved homes, and what they have accomplished.

Mr. Sarvis' first wife died February 25, 1880, and was buried at Perrysburg, Ohio. Mr. Sarvis married Miss Alice Terry, who was born in England in 1858. They have no children. Mrs. Sarvis has two brothers - Thomas, formerly a surgeon in the British army, and now living in England; William, a business man in England. There is also a sister living there - Mrs. Harcourt. Mr. and Mrs. Sarvis are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Republican. His well-spent life, and honorable, upright career have gained for him the warm friendship of the neighbors, and the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

John Perrin, the earlier part of whose life was a most checkered one, is now a most extensive land owner in Middleton township, having to-day a valuable farm of 500 acres, highly cultivated and improved with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the Nineteenth century. He belongs to that class of honored men known as- "self-made," who, dependent upon their own resources, have worked their way upward from humble surroundings to positions of affluence.

Mr. Perrin was born in Nova Scotia, near Pictou, March 19, 1828. His father, James Perrin, was also a native of Nova Scotia, born of French parentage, and followed the occupation of farming in that province. There he married Helen Byers, a native of Scotland, born November 17, 1795, and they became parents of nine children as follows: Jane, wife of James Young; Mary, deceased; John; Josephine, wife of Foster B. Pratt; Catherine, deceased wife of Stephen Langell; William, postmaster at Roachton, Wood county; and three who died in childhood. From his native province the father of this family came to Ohio, afterward removing to Indiana, where he and his wife both died in 1838, the latter on September 27, of that year.

As will be seen, our subject was ten years old when death deprived him of both his parents, at which time the children took up their residence in Perrysburg, Wood county, w'here they remained until the spring of the following year, the family circle being then broken up, John making his home with William Russell. With him he worked for his living some eighteen months, at the end of which period he went to Seneca county, Ohio, there w'orking for Isaac Ingraham, also eighteen months, but from him he ' ' ran away, " returning to Perrysburg. Here for about a year and a half he worked for Charles Shepard, his remuneration being three dollars per month, he part of the time attending school, and then returned to Seneca county, where he was employed on the farm of a Mr. Ingraham, who, later, removed to Henry county, our subject accompanying him, and remaining with him till he was eighteen years old. All he claims he got from Mr. Ingraham was his board and inferior quality, and a sparse quantity of clothes, his wardrobe at the time of leaving Ingraham's employ consisting of but one suit of clothes. Nothing daunted, young Perrin hired out at $12.00 per month, saved his earnings and in course of time, in 1848, bought 120 acres of wild land in Henry county, near Liberty Center, about the same time taking up the pursuit of fishing, which he followed in connection with farming up to 1853. In that year he set out for the then " New Eldorado " - California - to try his luck in the gold diggings. He set out from St. Louis by boat to Council Bluffs; but, the steamer becoming disabled, he, with some 500 others, had to be landed in the woods where they remained four days suffering greatly from hunger. A steamboat, however, arrived opportunely, and took the temporarily marooned adventurers to Independence, Mo., where Mr. Perrin joined a company of 101 other travelers who formed themselves into an "outfit," the entire company setting out for the gold fields in April. The journey occupied six months, our subject walking most of the way, and doing the hunting for the party, his previous experience in that line, in Ohio, and general knowledge of woodcraft, proving of much value to the party.

Arriving at the goljl fields, Mr. Perrin immediately commenced mining, which he followed five years, not with much success, he says, after the first year, at the end of that time taking a prospective trip up the Frazer river, in British Columbia, where he mined for gold three years, in this venture meeting with good success, and a proportionate degree of adventure. He there.

however, experienced the greatest hardships. There were some 30,000 people on the Frazer river, no law had been established, and the Indians killed many whites, while the whites killed many Indians in return, so that each man had to protect himself. Mr. Perrin relates many an exciting tale of his experiences, the Frazer river itself, a large stream of water, in the springtime a perfect torrent, being in itself a source of considerable danger, as it had to be navigated with small boats, and many people lost their lives by drowning. Provisions most of the time were scarce, and death from starvation was not infrequent during the winter of 1858-59. Robbers were also a source of great anxiety to the golddiggers, who had to hide their treasure as fast as they found it. In 1861 Mr. Perrin ascended the Frazer river as far as Cariboo, where a new gold field had been opened out, and he there purchased a rich claim, but in the month of October, that year, the snow was so deep he could not work his claim, and as a consequence had to remain idle there and all alone, monarch of all he surveyed for the time, with nothing to read save the labels on the cans of provisions he had with him; and this highly interesting literature he says he committed to perpetual memory, " canned salmon," "pickled beets," etc., being a sort of mental pabulum, the contents of the cans serving for the inner man. Here he remained some six years, made money, and became the owner of many rich claims, paying for some as much as $20,000. From Cariboo Mr. Perrin went to Oregon and Washington Territory, intending to revisit the Frazer river, but while in Portland, Ore., he made up his mind to return to his old Ohio home, which he did, and has remained there ever since.

Much has been written about travel and adventure, and did Mr. Perrin's innate modesty permit him to give his personal mining experiences to the world, he could fill a good sized volume with exciting scenes and hair-breadth escapes rarely met with in a single lifetime.

On his return home in 1868 after an absence of fifteen years, Mr. Perrin found his land in Henry county sold, his relatives, with whom he had never communicated, having given him up for dead. He now, nowever, purchased 300 acres of land in Middleton township, Wood county, covered with timber and water. Tiling and draining was necessary to make this cultivable, while the trees had to be cleared away ere crops could be planted. Ultimately the boundaries of the farm were extended until it now comprises 500 acres of very valuable land, covered in summer time with waving fields of grain, .and where the

On December 16, 1891, Mr. Perrin married May Halbert, a most estimable lady. Her father, Henry Halbert, was born in New York, April 6, 1838, and throughout life has followed farming. In 1865 he came to Middleton township, Wood county, and purchased a farm which he yet operates. He was married in New York, to Maria L. Hogan, who was born at Rome, that State, September 15, 1842. They have five children: Harriet, born December 27, i860, deceased wife of Dr. H. W. Legalley; Henrietta, born June 17, 1863, wife of Oliver Mears; May F., born August

3, 1869, now Mrs. Perrin; Edward, born September 23, 1879; and Miles, born December 5, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Halbert now reside in Haskins. Mrs. Perrin is a graduate of the Haskins High School, taught school some six years, and is an accomplished lady.

To the Republican party Mr. Perrin gives his support. Aside from his farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Bank of Perrysburg, and he is in all respects one of the best known men in the county. His experiences have been varied; but he has steadily worked his way upward, and today ranks among the substantial citizens of the community, owing his success to persistent labor, thorough application and honorable dealing. Pleasant and genial in manner, he is very popular with all classes, and together with his amiable life partner commands the respect of all.

John Rudolph was born in Germany, September 5, 1848, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Kroeger) Rudolph, who were natives of the same locality. The fgther was born January

4, 1815, and the mother on January 18, of the same year. In the fall of 1 868 they sailed from Hamburg for New York, but after being on the water for twenty-six days the vessel, having been damaged by storms, was forced to put into port at Halifax, where it remained for repairs five days. After reaching New York, Mr. Rudolph and his family came directly to Cleveland, Ohio, and a year later to Wood county. They located on forty acres of wild land which was unimproved save with a log cabin. There the father still carried on agricultural pursuits; his wife died April 28, 1895. In the family were only two children - John and Sophia, the latter now the wife of Joseph Rossow, of Milton township.

Our subject attended school between the ages of six and fifteen years, and afterward worked at various employments until twenty-one years of age, when he came with his parents to America. As he could not secure work in Cleveland, he went to Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm hand at $14 per month, and board. After some time he returned to the Buckeye State, and has since been a resident of Wood eounty. He aided in clearing his father's farm, selling the timber to the railroad company.

Mr. Rudolph was married in Custar, May 14, 1879, to Miss Christina Wismer, who was born in Prussia, Germany, August 25, 1855, and is a daughter of John and Caroline (Henning) Wismer. They now have six children: Frank, a freight agent in Toledo, Ohio; and Fred, Daniel, Mary, Annie and George, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph began their domestic life on a forty-acre farm which our subject purchased of his father. He has made excellent improvements upon this place, and his commodious and pleasant residence is one of the best in the township. He has served on the school board for a number of years, and is deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. His political support is given the Republican party. He is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, and is serving as trustee and Sunday-school teacher.

A. George Gallier. The splendid farm owned by this gentleman, in Center township, is a standing monument to his industry, preseverance and good management. He comes under the category of self-made men, having been thrown upon his own resources early in life, and has succeeded only by the exercise of his steady, earnest application to his duties. Just at this time he is one of the prominent representatives of the agricultural interests of Wood county.

Mr. Gallier was born in Herefordshire, England, February 24, 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Annie (Amond) Gallier, who were the parents of the following children: Millie F., wife of

John Jinkson, of Salt Lake City; Jane, widow of John Dryer; William, a landscape gardener, of Toledo, Ohio; Annie, wife of Robert Barnes, of Wood county; Mary, who makes her home in Salt Lake City, Utah; A. George, of this sketch; Esther, still a resident of England; and two who died in infancy. The father followed the occupation of a common laborer, and died in his native land in 1866, but the mother still makes her home in that country.

Our subject received a very limited education in the schools of Herefordshire, and when a small boy entered a store where he was employed for three years, receiving one pound for the first year and two for the second, together with his board. He then obtained a position as page in the home of a wealthy gentleman, where he remained for five years, receiving only his board and clothing and five pounds per year. On the expiration of that time he became a hotel clerk, being thus employed until reaching the age of twenty-one, when he started in business for himself on a small scale. After a year, however, at the solicitation of a brother who had previously located here, he resolved to come to America. He landed on the shores of the New World in 1871, and in Toledo, Ohio, found employment as a gardener, which occupation he followed there for nine years, when he came to Wood county, locating in Center township on forty acres of unimproved land, which he had purchased. This wild tract he cleared, ditched and tiled, erecting thereon a good house, barns and other outbuildings, besides planting an orchard. To this later he added another tract of forty acres, and now has eighty-two acres of arable, to the development of which he gives his entire attention.

Before leaving his native land Mr. Gallier was married in Herefordshire, July 1, 1869, to Sarah Jones, and they have become the parents of the following children: William, born July

8, 1872; H. A., September n, 1874; John, June 28, 1876; Monroe, January 27, 1878; James, January 2, 1880; George, November 5, 1883; Millie, April 27, 1886; Walter, October 9, 1888; Mabel, September 22, 1891; and Myrtle, May 9, 1894. Mr. Gallier is quite prominent in local affairs, and politically is a stanch Republican. For several years he has served as school director and president of the board of education, and is at present supervisor of his township, which position his son William filled last year, having run on the ticket with his father, and receiving more votes than he. Our subject is a genial, pleasant gentleman, widely and favorably known, and he and his family attend the United Brethren Church.

John R. Marwick, a retired farmer, living at Bowling Green, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, August 13, 1835. His parents were William and Ann (Amos) Marwick, the former of whom, born in England in 1796, died there in November, 1859. The mother was born in 1792, and died in 1853. Religiously she was a Baptist, and her husband was an Episcopalian. They had twelve children, of whom four grew to maturiy: Mary Ann married James Earl, and is home. Sarah is the wife of William Walker, who lives in England. William went to Australia in 1853, and is in the gold fields there. John R. is our subject.

Mr. Marwick grew up in England, coming to America in 1855. His means were limited, and he walked from Toledo, Ohio, to Bowling Green, and went to work by the month on a farm in the vicinity. He had been reared as a drover in " Merrie England," and found life here in the wilderness hard and uncongenial. In 1856 he was married to Miss Susanna Wakefield, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, July 28, 1832. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Barley) Wakefield, who came to America in 1851, and located at Monroeville, Huron Co., Ohio, moving from there in 1857 to Wood county, where they lived in Plain township. Mr. Wakefield built a house in Bowling Green, where he spent the latter part of his life. He was born in 1795 and died in 1869; his wife was born in 1798 and departed this life in 1885. Six of their children grew to maturity, namely: John, who died in Plain township; Mary, who died soon after her marriage; Sarah, married to John Wills, and now residing in Chillicothe, Mo. ; Susanna, wife of our subject; William, living in Bowling Green; and Lizzie Jane, wife of James Wright, living in Weston, Ohio.

Mr. and Mr. Marwick first settled in Erie county, Ohio, then coming to Bowling Green located in Plain township, and finally in Washington township, where they now own eighty acres of land. They have one child, William R. , born May 29, 1857, who married Miss Ella Crum and resides in Bureau, Ohio; they have four children - Earnest, Nellie May, Arthur and Marie.

Mr. Marwick is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. , and his wife is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. They are model citizens of Bowling Green, where they are well-known for their hospitality and philanthropic works.

Jacob Sommers. Among the worthy citizens who claim Ohio as the State of their nativity, none are more deserving of a conspicuous place in the history of Wood county than this gentleman, whose honorable and well-spent life has gained him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, June 2, 1858, and is a son of Frederick and Rosana (Groah) Sommers, who came with their family to Wood county in i860. Our subject attended the district school at Flint

Hill, in Portage township, and also the common schools of Liberty township. His vacation periods were spent at work upon the home farm, and at the age of eighteen he began running an engine in a sawmill, where he was employed for two seasons. He afterward worked as a farm hand in Seneca county for one year, but, returning to Wood county, secured a situation as a farm hand with John Metzger, of Liberty township. Later he operated the old homestead.

On March 8, 1885, in Portage township, Mr. Sommers married Ellen Knight, who was born in Ottawa county, Ohio, December 27, 1864, and is a daughter of Thomas W. and Elizabeth (Warren) Knight. The young couple began their domestic life on the Bradshaw farm in Liberty township, which Mr. Sommers rented for a year, and then returned to the old family homestead, where he resided until removing to his present place in November, 1893. In connection with his brother Fred, he purchased 120 acres of land. His home is a comfortable dwelling, and he has made many excellent improvements upon the farm.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sommers have been born a daughter, Mabel Matilda, born December 4, 1885. The parents are active and leading members in the Disciples Church, and Mr. Sommers belongs to the Odd Fellows Society of Portage. He has served as school director for some time, and gives a hearty and willing support to all measures calculated to advance the general welfare, educational or otherwise.

Jacob Baley. There is probably no man in Bloom township wider or more favorably known than this gentleman, who came to that section of the county in the pioneer days, and- is recognized as one of the important factors in its progress and development. He is a native of Ohio, born in Canfield township, Mahoning county, April 19, 1820. His father was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and married Miss Catherine Sanon, by whom he had nine children, namely: Lavina,

Elizabeth, Jacob, Eliza, Catherine, Peter, Jere- * miah, Amanda and John. The parents departed this life in Canfield township, Mahoning county.

Until reaching the age of seventeen or eighteen years, Jacob Baley assisted in the work on the home farm, and at intervals attended the schools of his day. He was then bound out to William Lyman to remain until twenty-one years old, but left him and for three months worked for William Giger; then he worked for Christian Dustman for seven months, receiving ten dollars per month for his services, and during that time lost only two days. The following winter he lived with Jacob Hammon, and went to school, helping with the work and doing chores. The next spring he worked several months for Mr. Hammon, and at odd times or on wet days young Baley worked in the blacksmith shop for a Mr. Wonsetler, and later on he arranged with him to learn the trade, and remained with him one and a half years, then worked for him on the shares for about a year. Later he went to Poland, Ohio, and worked in the same manner for Jacob Lee. In this way he earned money enough to buy a partial outfit for himself (making the rest), and began business at the four corners of the roads leading to Youngstown, Boardman, Canfield and Austintown, Ohio.

On November io, 1840, our subject was married, in Mahoning county, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Crous) Simon, born May 6, 1822, in Mahoning county, Ohio. In the spring of 1847, Mr. Baley sold out and with a small one-horse wagon brought his wife and three children to Bloom township, locating in Section 21, where he had bought land the year previous. On his eighty-acre farm he built a log shop, and his father-in-law brought his tools here sometime later. He had only received $14 from his father's estate, and by his trade earned the money with which he paid for his land. The settlers in this section were widely scattered, so that at first work at his trade was not rushing, even though his patrons came for miles around, and much of his blacksmithing was paid for by his customers in clearing his land for him. For six weeks the family lived at Bloom Center, while a log house, 16x20 feet, was made ready for occupancy. He continued to work at his trade, in addition to his agricultural pursuits, and as his income increased secured more land until he was the owner of 260 acres, but has now given 160 acres to his sons, still retaining the remainder.

For over fifty-five years, Mr. and Mrs. Baley have now traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrosvs, its adversity and prosperity, and they have reared a family of which they may justly be proud. They are as follows: Delilah, born November 23,

1841, is the wife of W. S. Richard, of Bloomdale, Ohio; Harriet, born May 6, 1844, is now Mrs. Alfred Simon; Mary, born September 13, 1846, is the wife of Thomas Loman, a grain merchant of Newmarket, Iowa; John is a prominent resident of Wood county; Martha A., born August 28, 1851, is the widow of Alfred Stephens, of Knobnoster, Mo.; Amanda, born November 5,

1853, is the wife of Byron Frederick, of Bloom township; Simon C. is a leading citizen of Wood county; Lucy A., born June 11, 1858, married D. L. Kunkler, and died October 26, 1894 (the first death in the family); and Olive E., born August 1, i860, is now Mrs. Morrison Brunstetter, of Butler, Indiana.

Mr. Baley is a fine specimen of physical manhood, being six feet and one inch in height, and weighing 185 pounds, and though he is still quite active, in his younger days he was very strong, being able to perform a big day's work very easily. He still engages in blacksmithing to a limited extent. He has always voted the Democratic ticket, and has been called upon to serve as school director of District No. 5, supervisor and treasurer for three years. He is truly a selfmade man, and there are no more highly respected citizens in Wood county than Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Baley.

W. T. Thomas, M. D. This prominent physycian and surgeon, who, at this writing (1896), is filling the responsible office of mayor of North Baltimore, is one of the best-known citizens of Wood county, where for many years he has taken an active part in political matters. A politician, like a poet, seems to be "born, not made," and the peculiar qualifications which fit a man to fill the many arduous and trying positions belonging to an active public life must be inherent in his nature to make him successful in such a career.

Dr. Thomas was born in Wayne county, Ohio, November 28, 1851. His father, Levi Thomas, was a native of the North of Ireland, and was obliged to leave his native land on account of his religious faith, being a Roman Catholic. He came to America in 1846, finally settling in Ohio. He married Susan Lawrence, who was born at Lancaster, Penn., and, in 1853, the family came to Wood county, where they located in Henry township. The father died December 21, 1850, the mother in 1895. The paternal grandmother of oursubject is still living near Wauseon, Ohio, at the remarkable age of 105 years.

Our subject did not learn to speak the English language until he was ten years old. He then entered a select school at Weston, also attending one at South Toledo, and learned so rapidly that when seventeen years old he began teaching. This occupation he followed some eleven years, in the meantime studying medicine. He was graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1881, after a threeyears' course, and soon after located in North Baltimore, where he built up a successful prac- tice. Under the term of President Harrison, Dr. Thomas was appointed postmaster of the city, serving as such four years, until the opposing political party came into power.