Wood County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1897 (part 15 of 17)

Dr. Thomas has always had a penchant for politics, and is by nature intended for a leader among men. He served as clerk of Henry township for eight years, and resigned the office of mayor to accept the Federal appointment as postmaster. He had been chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Wood county for three terms, and a member of the County Central Committee a number of times. He has repeatedly been a delegate to Congressional and Gubernatorial Conventions, and in other ways has for years been prominently identified with the politics of the city, county and State. He is a man of ability, keen foresight and shrewd judgment, and has the confidence of the people to a large degree. After resigning his position as postmaster, in 1893, he attended the Chicago Polyclinic, in which he took a post-graduate course. He is very popular in the community, and has an extensive practice. The Doctor is a contributor to the St. Louis Medical Brief.

By his first marriage, to Miss Nancy De Rode, Dr. Thomas had two children: Jessie and Susan. His present wife, to whom he was married July 2, 1888, was Miss Flora Clough, who was born in Perrysburg, Ohio, March 12, 1859. They have one child, Bertha, born July 29, 1891. Dr. Thomas is an active member of the I. O. F. , the K. of P. and the Woodmen of the World.

James Johnston is one of the honored pioneers of Portage township who, by developing a good farm from the forest, has materially aided in its growth. He has met with a well-deserved success in his calling, and his fine, well-ordered farm (pleasantly situated in Section 9), with its carefully cultured fields, its neat buildings, and all their surroundings, denote the skillful management, industry and well-directed labors of the owner.

The birth of Mr. Johnston, our subject, occurred Richland county, Ohio, March 1, 1819, and he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Humphrey) Johnston, the former a native of the North of Ireland, and the latter of Irish descent, but born in Pennsylvania three weeks after the landing of her parents in this country. When a young man the father came to the United States and was married in Pennsylvania. Before the war of 1812 he came to Ohio, and participated in that struggle under Gen. Harrison. By occupation

Richland county, becoming one of its earliest settlers. His family consisted of the following children: Thomas died in Fostoria, Ohio; Jennie, who was never married, died at the age of sixty years; Fannie married William Underwood, and died in Portage township; Cynthia first wedded James Scott, and later married Edward Coyne, who died in Libby prison; James comes next; William died in Portage township, in September, 1895; John lives in Toledo, Ohio; Robert died in Portage township; and Cyrus resides in Illinois.

In the district schools of his native countv James Johnston began his education, and in April, 1837, came with his parents to Wood county, locating in Section 10, Portage township, where his father had entered 480 acres of land some years before. They made the trip by wagon, driving the stock, and their first home here was made of round logs. Here the father died at the age of sixty-six, and the mother at the age of sixty-seven years. Their remains were interred in Sargent cemetery. In politics he was a Whig, and always attended religious services, his sympathies being with the Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized when a child, though he never joined any denomination.

James continued his studies in the village cf Portage after coming to this county, and at the age of twenty years left home, beginning work as a farm hand. He also drove stock east of the mountains in Pennsylvania. On March 16, 1843, in Portage township, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Durler, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, April 29, 1824, and when five years old was brought to America by her parents, John and Mary (Unkey) Durler. They embarked on a sailing vessel at Havre, France, which, after a voyage of seventy-five days, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Their first location was in Starke county, Ohio; later they removed to Tuscarawas county, and in 1837 settled in Portage township. Wood county, in Section 2. The parents both died in Fulton county, Ohio. Mrs. Johnston was one of their family of six children, two sons and four daughters, and is entirely self-educated, having never attended a school a day, but taught herself to read.

On the farm which his father had entered in Section 9, Portage township, Mr. Johnston began his domestic life, and there has continuously resided, with the exception of two years spent in the village of Portage. The home was brightened by the presence of seven children: John, born ship; James, born June i, 1846, was killed by a falling tree in June, 1867, in a storm, while on his way home from Indiana; Lewis, born December 11, 1849, died at the age of five years; Cyrus, born July 28, 1853, is an agriculturist of Portage township; Parsida, born March 4, 1856, is now Mrs. Aaron Crom, of Portage township; William, born November 16, 1858, carries on farming in Center township, Wood county; and Mary E., born September 29, 1862, is the wife of George Sterling, of Henry township, this county.

The parents are faithful members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has served for over forty years as steward. They have traveled life's journey together for more than half a century, sharing its joys and sorrows, successes and reverses, and throughout the county they are widely known and highly respected. As a representative man of the community, and an old pioneer, Mr. Johnston stands pre-eminent, and his public-spiritedness and charity are proverbial. His first Presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate, and on the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He has served as supervisor and school -director in District No. 2.

Charles Bateman Saxby, editor of the Wood County Herald , of Weston, is conducting the paper with signal ability and success, and holds a prominent position among the young journalists of Ohio, none of whom have better prospects for a brilliant future in their chosen career. He is a native of Wood county, born at West Millgrove February 8, 1865, the fourth in the family of five -children born to Bateman H. and Martha H.

His father was born at Normanton, on the river Trent, England, Thursday, July 6, 1826. He left his native place on Sunday, May 13, 1855, at 10 A. m., and on the 22nd of the same month boarded the sailing vessel "Calhoun," bound for America. He arrived at Austinburg, Ohio, Wednesday, July 18, and the following fall removed to Fostoria, where he worked at the tailor's trade until October, 1864, at which time he went to West Millgrove. While living in Fostoria he was made a Mason, becoming a charter member of Fostoria Lodge. In 1857 he started on a tour through the Western States, and after his return he was united in marriage, on Wednesday, October 13, 1858, with Miss Martha Henrietta Musser. He conducted a tailor shop and grocery at West Millgrove, but in 1885 gave up the former. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army, but was not permitted !

to serve on account of disability, though he drilled with the home guards. He made the old silk battle flag of the noted 49th Regiment. His death occurred at West Millgrove, Monday, September 12, 1892. His wife, who was born at Deerfield, Portage Co. , Ohio, Sunday, December 16, 1838, removed with her parents to West Millgrove in 1853, and still makes her home there. Before her marriage she taught school in this county. She became the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters, but only two survive: Charles B. , the subject proper of this review, and Edgar Allen Saxby, a druggist of Pemberville, Ohio, who was born at Fostoria Wednesday, July 8, 1863, and is a registered pharmacist; he is now serving his second term as grand trustee of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ohio.

Jacob Musser, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born at Petersburg, Ohio, in 1803, and in 1824 was married to Miss Syndonia Garrison, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1808. They became the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Saxby is the fifth in order of birth. Mr. Musser located in the wilderness of Portage county, Ohio, at Deerfield, when the wolves were so numerous that they would howl about the cabin, and even look in at the windows. In 1845 he removed to Ravenna, Ohio, and eight years later became a resident of West Millgrove, this county. By trade he was a blacksmith, and he followed that occupation all through life. In 1827 he was elected first lieutenant of the Second Rifle Company of the First Regiment, Second Brigade, Fourth Division in the Ohio Militia, and was afterward made captain, being sworn into service Monday, August 30, 1830, by Samuel D. Harris, brigadier-general of that brigade. All his old military papers are now in the possession of the brother of our subject. He died at West Millgrove, Friday, February 11, 1870, and his wife departed this life Thursday, March 10, 1884, at the age of seventy-six years.

The early life of Charles B. Saxby was spent at West Millgrove, where he attended the public schools, and during vacations worked in his father's store or upon farms, very seldom being found out of employment. During the summer months of 1882 and 1883 he served an apprenticeship with a house painter. On Tuesday, September 30, 1884, he went to Weston, where he secured a position on the paperwhich he now edits, and commenced to learn the printer's trade, working four months for nothing, and paying his own personal expenses with the exception of his board. S. E. Burson was at that time proprietor of the paper. When Mr. Saxby arrived in Weston he was possessed of $1.05, having refused to accept financial assistance from his father, as he desired to make his own way in the world as his father had done before him. After serving four months he received a salary of $3 per week for two years, and industriously stuck to his position until his apprenticeship expired. On Saturday, January 1, 1887, Mr. Saxby, through the assistance of Judge Frank M. Young, secured a position on the Wood County Gazette , published then at Bowling Green, Ohio, and on that paper remained until Saturday, March 2, 1889, working for A. W. Rudulph, its able editor and manager. He held every position from "cub," to solicitor, reporter and collector.

On Wednesday, March 6, 1889, Mr. Saxby was united in marriage with Miss Nettie L. Dull, only daughter of John L. Dull, then a prominent dry-goods merchant of Weston, who is now engaged in selling agricultural implements. Our subject secured a position in his father-inlaw's store, and there remained until Wednesday, , May 1, 1889, when he again resumed newspaper work as collector and solicitor on the Sentinel , which had just been consolidated with the Gazette. He remained five months, settling up the large subscription accounts of both papers, and after its completion collected delinquent tax in Perry, Montgomery and Bloom townships, for the county treasurer, which was a very responsible position for a young man to hold. He commenced work in his father-in-law's store again on Monday, December 2, 1889, and remained in his employ until the twenty-sixth anniversary of his birth, February 8, 1891, but during the previous summer he had driven a huckster wagon ' ' for his health " as well as for the revenue connected with it. However, the newspaper desire could not be overcome, and he returned to Bowling Green, where he took his old position on the Sentinel-Gazette, as reporter and general utility man. On Friday, July 31, 1891, in connection with J. D. Conklin, then postmaster of Weston, he purchased the Wood County Herald , the paper on which he had set his first type, and has held the position of editor and manager up to the present time. On December 4, 1891, Mr. Conklin sold his interest to A. S. Coward, and the firm is now Saxby & Coward. It is a bright spicy paper, and, the editor being a versatile writer, it is eagerly sought by the intelligent reading public.

Politically, Mr. Saxby is a Republican, having, cast his first Presidential vote at Bowling Green, for Harrison and Morton. He was elected clerk of Weston township, Monday, April 7, 1890, was re-elected Monday, April 4, 1892, serving two full terms, and was nominated for the office of mayor of Weston at the spring caucus of 1895, but failed of election by a small vote! On Monday, April 6, 1896, he was elected cemetery trustee for a term of two years. He was elected a member of the central committee in 1891 and '96, and a member of the county executive committee in 1895. During the year 1892 he was Wood county's representative of the Ohio Republican League on the executive committee, and at the State Convention held at Columbus, in 1893, he was chairman of the Wood county delegation. He was a delegate to the State Republican Conventions in 1892-3-4-6. Mr. Saxby has been a member of the township election board, either as clerk or presiding judge of every election held since the fall of 1891, and has received the appointment as presiding judge for the spring of 1897.

Mr. Saxby takes considerable interest in civic societies. On Tuesday, January 31, 1893, he joined Anthony Wayne Tent No. 140, K. O. T. M., as a charter member, and was elected past commander. He was also elected a representative to the Great Camp, and during its session at Piqua, Ohio, August 15 and 16, 1893, was elected great sentinel of that body, and re-elected at Toledo, Wednesday, August 15, 1894. At Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, August 14, 1895, he was elected great second master of the guard for a term of two years, and is now serving as record-keeper of the lodge at Weston. He joined Weston Lodge No. 681, I. O. O. F. , Friday, February 2, 1894, and in July was appointed warden, installed vicegrand in January, 1895, and noble grand, Friday, July 19, 1895. On Tuesday, May 19, 1896, he took the Grand Lodge degree at Lima, Ohio. On Friday, May 29, 1896, he was elected recording secretary. In the month of September, 1894, both he and his wife joined Kokosing Lodge No. 303, D. of R. , and on Wednesday, May 6, 1896, he joined Kenilworth Lodge No. 340, K. of P. , and was elected K. of R. & S. , August 26, 1896. Mr. Saxby holds membership with the Buckeye Press Association, and is a member of its executive committee, and also belongs to the Wood County Country Press Association, in which he is serving as treasurer. He is a popular and influential man, possessing an energetic spirit, good executive ability and an excellent judgment, which will not fail to bring him success.

Wood county, Tuesday, January 12, 1869, and is the daughter of John Lewis Dull, who served in the Union army during the Civil war as a member of Company I, 144th O. V. I. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, Neibling Woman's Relief Corps, Emerald Hive No. 42, L. O. T. M., and Kokosing Lodge No. 303, D. of R. She takes a very active part in all Church work, and is a most estimable lady. At the marriage of our subject and his wife, Rev. James Long, her grandfather, officiated. They have three children - Helen Kathryn, born Monday, November 17, 1890; John Bateman, born Friday, January 26, 1894, who died Sunday, M[ay 27, following, and Mildred Nettie, born Sunday, July 5, 1896. They have a very pleasant home of their own at the corner of Locust and Clark streets, where their many friends always find a hearty welcome. - [October 20, 1896.]

John Sattler, a prominent agriculturist of Perrysburg township, and one of the oldest residents of that locality, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1830. His parents, Philip and Christina (Rau) Sattler, were natives of the same province, and came to America in 1851, passing thirty-one days on the voyage between London and New York. After their arrival they spent three months in New York City, and then went to Hamburg, N. Y. , a year later coming to Ohio, and, locating first in Cuyahoga county, and then in Mercer county, where they remained three years. In 1 863 they came to Wood county, and bought 100 acres of land, still in its primitive condition, near Stony Ridge. Here the father died in 1875 at the age of seventy, his wife surviving him until 1 894, when she departed this life, aged ninety-one years. They had four children, of whom our subject was the eldest; Philip died in Perrysburg township in 1879; Joseph resides in the same township; Catherine married Joseph Armbruster, and died in 1876.

Mr. Sattler received a good education in the schools of the Fatherland, but he learned to read and write the English language by private study, after he came to this country. He was married, in 1857, in Rockport township, Cuyahoga county, to Miss Magdalena Haller, a native of Baden, Germany, and of this union seven children were born: Catherine married Paul Greulick, of Troy township; George died February 20, 1879; Helen married Barny Grabenstetter,' and died March 4, 1888, leaving two children, Matilda and Marie; John B. married Louisa Beaurigard, and resides in Virginia; Joseph A. also lives in Virginia, and Philip and Josephine are at home.

In politics, Mr. Sattler is a Democrat, and he takes an influential part in local affairs, having been township supervisor for two years, and a member of the board of education of his township for sixteen years. Since 1882 he has been a director and agent 'of the Lime City Farmers Mutual Fire Association.

Amos Rogers, his father, was a native of New York, and by occupation a cooper and farmer. From the Empire State he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1851, when he came to Freedom township, Wood county, and there operated a farm for a time. Subsequently he engaged in the hotel business in Genoa, Ottawa county, where his remaining days were passed. In Seneca county he was married to Effie Booram, a native of New York, and they became the parents of nine children: Amanda, wife of John

Russell, of Bowling Green; Harriet, wife of Joseph Long, of Genoa, Ohio; Frank; Alanson, of Center township; Edward, a cooper of Findlay, Ohio; Martha, wife of Thomas Waugh; Emery, an operator at Toledo; Francis, deceased; and James, who is justice of the peace at Scotch Ridge. The father is deceased; the mother is now living at Scotch Ridge.

The subject of this review acquired his education in the public schools of Wood county, and gave his father the benefit of his services until after the breaking out of the Civil war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted, January 1, 1864, in Company K. 21st O. V. I., under Capt. Canfield and Col. Neibling. He participated in the battle of Buzzard's Roost and in the Atlanta campaign. After the fall of that city he was on detached duty during winter, participating in the battle of Nashville. Rejoining his regiment at Goldsboro, N. C. , he was in the battle of Jonesboro, with Sherman in his march to the sea, and was in the grand review at Washington, in 1865. On July 11, 1865, he was discharged, having made for himself an honorable war record. He was with his regiment all the time, attached to the 14th Army Corps, ist Division, 3rd Brigade. Returning to his home in Freedom township, he there attended school for six terms, afterward removing with his father to Genoa. He then located in Clay township, where he purchased forty acres of land that he operated and improved, in connection with work at the cooper's trade, which he followed some six years. He then purchased a bowl factory, carried the same on for a year, and in 1882 he removed to Dunbridge, where for four years he was engaged in the manufacture of bowls, also of hoops and lumber. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Middleton township, upon which he erected a residence at a cost of $3,000; also built a substantial barn and added other improvements, thereby making his farm one of the best in the county. In connection with agricultural pursuits he is secretary of the Dunbridge Oil Company, and a stockholder in the Elevator Company.

On February 24, 1870, Mr. Rogers married Melvina Wentworth, daughter of James Wentworth, of Erie county, Ohio, and they have one child, Nettie, born in 1872, now the wife of Dr. J. Pope, of Dunbridge. The family are identified with the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Rogers is an elder. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace and notary public of Wood county. Socially he is a member of Wood County Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Crystal Chapter, Bowling Green, Ohio; also a member of Robert Stewart Post No. 690, G. A. R. , of Dunbridge. His integrity is above question, his life has been an honorable and upright one, and he has the confidence and good will of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

George W. Urie, who has spent his entire life in Wood county, was born in Bloom township, October 4, 1847. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Urie, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Ohio at an early day, first locating in Richland county, and later became one of the pioneers of Ashland county. His next removal made him a resident of Cass township, Hancock county, but his last days were spent in Eaton county, Mich. When he came to Ohio there were few settlements in the western part of the State, and in his efforts to secure a home for his family, he endured all the hardships of a true pioneer.

Joseph Urie, the father of our subject, was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 5, 1825, and was reared on the frontier, his education being such as the district schools of those early days afforded. He removed to Hancock county when that portion of the State was almost entirely in its primitive condition. On November 19, 1846, he was married to Miss Elinda Robbins, who was born in Columbia county, Penn., July 9, 1824, and was a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (McCarty) Robbins, early settlers of Bloom township. The wedding ceremony was performed by Squire Chilcote, of Perry township, Wood county. They located upon a farm in Bloom township, and, as Mr. Urie was in limited circumstances, his start in life was slow. For a time he followed threshing, working for Ora Baird, and later removed to Ashland county, where the only brother of our subject, Milton T., was born February 17, 1850. While there the family resided upon the land which now comprises the County Poor Farm of Ashland county. From there the father removed to Eaton county, Mich., renting a farm of John McConnell, a great hunter, though he owned at that time land in Montcalm county, Mich. , and, after a residence in Eaton county, he returned to Bloom township, Wood county, buying a farm in Section 35.

At West Millgrove, Joseph Urie enlisted in the Union army August 6, 1862, becoming a member of Company B, inth O. V. I., which was later made a part of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. At the battle of Lenoir Station, Tenn., he was taken prisoner, and was confined in Libby prison and at Anderson ville, Ga. , where, after nine months he starved to death, dying August 10, 1864. His sufferings were terrible, and his body was never recovered by his family. Like so many brave and loyal men during that struggle he laid down his life for his country. Urie Post, G. A. R., of Bloomdale, is named in his honor. This left the widow with her two sons, who carried on the farm, where she lived for many years. She died at the home of our subject in Bloomdale, July 9, 1891, a most highly respected lady, and an earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The primary education of George W. Urie was obtained in the district schools, and he completed his studies by one term's attendance at the schools of Findlay, Ohio. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Rosendale, nee Noecker, widow of Thomas Rosendale, Sr. , and to them was born a daughter, Lorena, who died in infancy. The wife died in 1874, and was interred in Shenandoah, Richland county. Up to the spring of 1872 farming had been the chief occupation of our subject, but at that time he joined the surveying party, then locating the B. & O. railroad through Bloomdale, being thus employed for about two years. After the death of his first wife he began the erection of a house for the accommodation of travelers in Bloomdale, which he conducted for some time in connection with the operation of his farm near that place. This property he later sold, and devoted his entire

In Cass township, Hancock county, in September, 1893, Mr. Urie was again married, his second union being with Miss Lizzie Overholt, a native of that township, and a daughter of Christian Overholt, one of its representative farmers and citizens. This worthy couple hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they contribute liberally, and he has served as steward and secretary of the board of trustees. Politically he is a stalwart Republican, and is at present serving as constable of the township. Though a quiet, unassuming man, he wins many friends, and his integrity, manliness and true Christian character have won the respect of the entire community.

Clarence W. Thomas, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Plain township, is a native of the same, having first seen the light in that township, June 26, 1859, and is a worthy representative of a pioneer family of Wood county. He is a son of Silas and Eliza (Beach) Thomas, and a brother of L. P. Thomas, of Middleton township. In Plain township he attended school, and from an early age has been familiar with farm work in its various departments, for as soou as old enough to handle a plow, he began work in the fields on the old homestead. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until 1879, when he started out in life for himself, and in partnership with his brother, J. G. Thomas, purchased thirty acres of land which they cleared and improved. As success attended their efforts, they added to this property until they had more than one hundred acres at the time our subject sold out. The latter then purchased the old homestead of one hundred acres which he now operates, being successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has made excellent improvements on his land, and is a progressive, energetic and capable farmer.

On February 1, 1880, Clarence W. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Maggie A. Jewell, daughter of Aaron Jewell, and their union has been blessed with two sons and one daughter - Albert, Orin and Mabel, all of whom are now attending school. Mr. Thomas is a warm friend of the cause of education, believing it to be the best preparation for life work, and for three years he served as school director. In religious faith he belongs to the United Brethren Church, holding membership with the Union Hill Church, of which he is trustee and assistant class-leader, also superintendent of the Sunday-school. He does all in his power to promote the cause of religion, and has been an important factor in educational and social interests.

Mandeville Milbourn, a leading agriculturist of Bloom township, is a member of one of the most prominent pioneer families of that locality, and has himself passed through experiences, the like of which can never occur again in this now civilized region.

The Milbourn family is of old Virginia stock, their home being in Campbell county. His grandfather, Andrew Milbourn, reared a family of six children, among whom was Lot T. , our subject's father, who came to Ohio when a young man and located for a time in Columbiana county. Here he met and married his first wife, Miss Abigail Reed, and in the summer of 1835 came to Bloom township and bought a tract of 160 acres of timber land, upon which he built a small log house for his family, who joined him in the fall. At that time there were no roads there except the irregular wagon track cut by the settlers from one house to another, and our pioneers were obliged to clear their way from Eagleville to their new home, following what is known as Bull creek most of the distance. Lot T. Milbourn was a leader in the community, active in politics, in early days as a Whig and later as a Republican, and he was for years a justice of the peace, and the clerk and a trustee of Bloom township. He was a great hunter, and the woods afforded him every chance to gratify his taste. In addition to farming he carried on the blacksmith trade, and made hoes and other implements of unusual strength for the rough work of that day. Notwithstanding his early disadvantages, he acquired a fair competence, and his later years were spent in quiet comfort.

Our subject, who was born December 18, 1841, was the youngest of eight children: Harvey, now a farmer of Bloom township; Julia A., Josiah, and Lycurgus, all three of whom have passed away; Leander, now a resident of Kansas; Lot R. , who lives in Columbiana county; Thomas E., a resident of Iowa, and Mandeville. The mother of our subject died in 1848, and the father subsequently married Mrs. Hannah Mc- Neely Whitacre.

Mandeville Milbourn attended the schools of District No. 3, his first teacher being Richard Martin. He assisted on the farm until the death of his father, which occurred in 1874, relieving him of care in his old age. He shared his father's love of hunting, and his single-barrel rifle, which weighs twelve pounds and carries a ball that weighs forty-five to the pound, has brought down all sorts of game excepting bear. On one occasion he went out to hunt rabbits with his dogs, and startled a wild cat, which took refuge on the roof of the old log barn, where he crouched pending a renewal of hostilities. Fortunately the father returned from a hunting trip just then, and shot at the wildcat, wounding him so that be jumped down and was killed by the three dogs after a desperate fight, our subject carrying the carcass home with much pride. At another time he and his brother Lycurgus were hunting deer in Henry township, and, seeing a drove of six or more, they shot a large buck, who left the main herd and was pursued by the boys. Another shot rendered him desperate, and when the boys neared him he charged at Lycurgus, who bravely stood his ground, and by a well-directed blow with a hatchet laid the monarch of the woods low.

On January i, 1864, Mr. Milbourn married Miss Rebecca Whitacre, daughter of Reason Whitacre, a well-known pioneer of Bloom township. They began housekeeping on a part of the old homestead, which he inherited from his father. Here he has made many improvements, including a handsome residence built in 1889. Five children were born of this union: Reason

E. , a dentist of North Baltimore; Lydia C. , who married George Zody, of Sugar Ridge; Mary L. , married to C. H. Sanderson, of Perry township; Horace M. and James A., at home, the latter attending school at Jerry City. The mother died November 14, 1895, aged fifty-two years, nine months, fourteen days, and was interred at Jerry City.

Mr. Milbourn's father helped to organize a company to take part in the war of 1812, but news came of the close of the struggle, and they stayed at home. The patriotic devotion of our subject was also thwarted, as, after enlisting in Company D, mth O. V. I., and staying at Camp Toledo for three weeks, he was rejected on account of an accidental injury to his knee received some time before. He returned home and resumed his place in local affairs, befriending every progressive movement, and serving for three years as constable, and five years as township trustee; of late years, however, he has declined to be a candidate. His able discharge of his duties has given him an extensive influence among the Republicans of this county, and has won for him the esteem of all classes, regardless of party. He is a leading member of the Christian Church at Jerry City, in which he was

George Furry, a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this county, is a native of Ohio, born in Stark county, in 1831, and is a son of Jacob and Fanny (Butler) Furry, both natives of Franklin county, Penn., the former born in 1797, and the latter in 1804. In their native State they passed their childhood days, were married, and in 1829 removed to Stark county, Ohio, where the father followed his trade of shoemaking until coming to Wood county in 1833. In Troy township he entered a tract of land in Section 5, which he began to clear and improve, but later sold that property and purchased a farm in what is now Lake township, but was then a part of Troy township. He was the first settler on the Ridge, and was the second to make a purchase there. He died in Lake township, June 21, 1866, and his wife, who survived him many years, died on the old homestead on August 21, 1887.

Their family consisted of nine children. (1) Jacob H., who died at Pemberville, in July, 1895, bad enlisted in the Union army in 1861, as a member of Company E, 72nd O. V. I., was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, after which he was honorably discharged and returned home, but in 1864 he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, and was sent to the hospital. He was discharged in 1865. (2) George, of this sketch, is the next in order of birth. (3) William, who became a member of the same company as his brother Jacob, was taken prisoner at the battle of Guntown, and confined in Andersonville and Florence, being incarcerated for over nine months. He now resides on the old home farm in Lake township. (4) Mrs. Jane Whitemore makes her home in Haskins, Wood county. (5) Margaret died at East Toledo, Ohio, in July, 1890. (6) John, who also enlisted in 1861, in

Company E, 72nd O. V. I., died at Woodville, Sandusky Co., Ohio, May 3, 1887. He gallantly served for three years in the Union army. (7) Catherine is the wife of J. B. McCutchen, of Troy township. (8) Mary wedded Martin Shook, of the same township. (9) Charles resides at Gibsonburg, Sandusky county.

Our subject was but two years of age on coming to Wood county with his parents, the trip being made with an ox-team and cart. He was educated in the district schools of Troy and Lake townships, and remained a member of his father's household until seventeen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he would follow during the summer season. At the age of twenty-four he again took up his books and continued his studies for four years, at the end of which time he commenced teaching. That profession he has since followed during the winter months with the exception of two terms. In 1865, at Toledo, Ohio, he enlisted in Company G, 189th O. V. I., and was mustered into the United States service at Columbus, Ohio. He was appointed first sergeant, was stationed near Huntsville, Ala., and was mustered out as sergeantmajor, being honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., September 28, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Wood county.

In Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1862, Mr. Furry was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Manchester, a native of Fremont, Ohio, who died in Lake township, Wood county, in 1867, leaving two daughters, namely: Adda Luella, who died in September, 1892; and Sarah Jane, wife of Dr. A. G. Snyder, of East Toledo, Ohio. In Lake township, in 1870, Mr. Furry was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Wicks, whose birth occurred in Sandusky county. Her parents, John and Sarah (Hartsell) Wicks, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence the^ moved to Wayne county, Ohio, later to Sandusky, and finally located in Lake township, Wood county, where they both passed away, the mother in June, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Furry have seven children: Frank, who is married and

In his political views, Mr. Furry is a Republican, and he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For sixtythree years he has now made his home in Wood county, has witnessed almost its entire growth and development, and has been instrumental in helping to bring about the wonderful changes that have taken place. He has many warm friends throughout the county, and by all who know him is held in the highest regard.

J. Q. Adams, a representative agriculturist of Washington township, was born in Orleans county, N. Y. , October 8, 1824, and is a son of Elijah and Phcebe (Crosby) Adams, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York State. Elijah's parents were both drowned while crossing Lake Champlain on the ice, with a team, leaving to the care of others their only child, Elijah, who was adopted and reared by Jesse Hard, of near Manchester, Vt. But little is known of our subject's ancestry, not even the names of his grandparents. To Elijah and

Phoebe Adams were born seven children : Marietta, deceased wife of David Kempton; Sallie, who was the wife of William Turner, and died in Indiana; Lydia, who was the wife of Ransom Hollis, but both are now deceased; William, who was a cooper by trade, and has also passed away; J. Q., the subject of this sketch; Lyman, who resides in Monroeville, Huron Co., Ohio; and Guilford, who died in Huron county, in which county the father also departed this life, September 30, 1839, where he. had resided since 1833. The mother then made her home with our subject, her death occurring December 26, 1877.

The district schools of Ridgefield township, Huron Co., Ohio, afforded J. Q. Adams his educational privileges; but at an early age he was compelled to lay aside his studies, and take up the sterner duties of life. From the age of fifteen he supported his mother, engaging in farming on shares. In March, 1857, he came to Wood county with his family, having the previous year purchased eighty acres of land in Washington township, which he at once began to improve, erecting thereon a good house, also barns, and planting an excellent orchard. To his original purchase he afterward added forty acres, but has now deeded that part of his property to his son.

Mr. Adams was married in Huron county, October 14, 1847, to Miss Jane J. Cadwell, of Lorain county, Ohio, and to them were born four children, of whom Garry and Harrison both died in 1863, and the youngest in infancy. Frank, the third son, was born August 11, 1857, on the old homestead, where be grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and he' has always aided in' the operation- of the home farm. For the past three years he has served as trustee of Washington township. In 1880 he wedded Mary Killyen, and they have four children: Floyd, born October 19, 1882; Ray, born July 8, 1884; Paul F. , born October 1, 1885; and May, born May 21, 1887. The wife of our subject, who was a most estimable lady, died June 6, 1886. leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss. She was a daughter of Daniel D. and Laura (Williams) Cadwell, who were married in Pittsfield, Ohio, September 26, 1816, and had two children both born in Troy, Ohio: Mary Ann, born January 11, 1818, and Jane J. (Mrs. J. Q. Adams), born April 9, 1820. The mother of these died June 23, 1831, and the father subsequently remarried; the date of his death is not known.

Mrs. Jane J. Adams. . J. Q. Adams

Republican, unwavering in his allegiance to his party, whose principles he believes are calculated to promote the country's best interests. While in no sense a politician, he has always taken an interest in his party, and several times has been delegate to conventions - both Congressional and county. For a number of years he served as trustee and supervisor, was also a member of the school board, and from April, 1886, to April, 1892, was a justice of the peace, during which time he solemnized several marriages. No case has ever been appealed from his court, showing that he held the hands of justice with a balance that was beyond the interference of any court, and to the satisfaction of all. In religious belief he is a Universalist, although his family attend the Presbyterian Church. For a time he was a member of the National Guards, and in the Masonic order he has attained the seventh degree in the Royal Arch Chapter, belonging to Lodge No. 451, of Tontogany, and the Chapter of Bowling Green.

J. Wininger, who for many years has been the postmaster at Hatton, and is also a prosperous merchant of that village, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, December 2, 1839, the son of Adam and Mary (Sheller) Wininger.

The father of our subject was a Pennsylvanian by birth, but was a pioneer settler of Seneca county, and, at the time of our subject's birth, was living one mile from what is now Fostoria, on land which is now included in the limits of that city. When he was a child his parents removed to near Berwick, Ohio, where they owned eighty acres of unimproved land. He attended the district schools in the intervals of hard work, and was often prevented from even this scanty amount of schooling on account of high water, which covered the wet, swampy land in this section, near Fostoria. The young people of to-day have but little idea of the trials and privations the youth of those pioneer times had to undergo in order to procure even the limited schooling which they received, and it is to their credit that they grew up to be, in most cases, intelligent, well-informed men who laid the foundations for one of the most prosperous commonwealths among the States.

Mr. Wininger remained on his father's farm until reaching his majority, when he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked at intervals for a number of years. On October 6, 1856, he was married, in Fostoria, to Miss Sarah Stevens, who was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Stevens, Two children were born of this union: Laura E. , who

Mr. Wininger began his active life without any assistance, at first renting land near Fostoria, which he farmed until his removal, in the spring of 1873, to a tract of eighty acres of wild land in Section 3, Perry township, for which he paid $1,000, a legacy which was left to his wife, about this time aiding him materially in its purchase.

' No improvements whatever were on this place; but the young man was a worker, and the effects of many days of hard labor were soon noticeable. Each year saw the land increasing in value, but by the time it had reached a high state of cultivation, the incessant work had begun to tell on its owner, and he was compelled to seek some less laborious employment. He concluded to start in the grocery business at Hatton, but so cautious was he about investing in an enterprise entirely unfamiliar, that he bought at first only about $75 worth of goods, and not until 1885 did he remove his family to Hatton. It was soon necessary, however, to seek other quarters for the transaction of his rapidly-growing business, which has proved successful beyond his highest expectations. He now owns his store, the greater part of which he has built, and carries a stock of general merchandise, his trade being an extensive one, both in the immediate vicinity and throughout the township. He also owns and resides in the finest house in Hatton, and in addition to his farm of eighty acres, which he still carries on, is the owner of other valuable property.

On October 1, 1861, Mr. Wininger enlisted in Company D, 72nd Regiment, O. V. I., under Capt. Neufer, and participated in all the battles in which his company took part until the latter part of June, 1863, when he was taken seriously ill at Vicksburg, Miss. , and was sent to the hospital at Memphis. Later he was transferred to the Invalid Corps at St. Louis, where he remained two months; then was sent to Rock Island, 111., and from there to Washington, D. C., where he was discharged in November, 1864. During the administration of President Arthur, Mr. Wininger was appointed postmaster at Hatton, and has retained that office ever since in spite of the changes in political leaders. He is a popular man, and has been successful in pleasing all classes by his excellent management of the duties of this responsible position. He is a stanch Republican, and has held a number of minor offices, though in no sense an office-seeker. He is deserving of much credit for the active share he has had in the growth and development of his section.

and it is to such men as he that Wood county owes her position as one of the foremost among the best counties of Ohio. His worth is appreciated by his fellow citizens, who hold him in high esteem. Mr. Wininger has had the sorrow of losing his estimable wife, who departed this life August 4, 1892, at Hatton, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Fostoria.

Peter S. Painter, one of the most progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Bloom township, is a member of an old and highly respected pioneer family of that vicinity.

His ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Adam Painter, came from that State to Columbiana county, Ohio, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, where he bought and improved a large tract of land. His son, Peter S., our subject's father, was born there August 21, 1798, and was reared as a farmer boy and given a good start in life, financially. He was a mechanical genius, and learned various trades without any instruction, being an expert carpenter and shoemaker. He was married August 29, 1822, to Miss Elizabeth Musser, a lady of English descent, who was a native of Maryland, born October 10, 1805, the daughter of Michael Musser. Although he owned an excellent farm in his native county, our subject's father decided to seek "fresh fields and pastures new" on the then frontier line of western Ohio, and disposing of his property he bought 600 acres of land in Bloom township, to which he brought his family in the spring of 1839. They traveled in an old-fashioned scoop-shaped wagon drawn by horses and oxen, and slept many nights in their rude vehicle or camped out near the road. A hewed log house was their first home, with wolves, deer, wild turkeys, and bears for neighbors, the latter making free with their stock unless guarded against constantly.

died in infancy; J. Adam, born February 9, 1824, was a member of Company D, 99th O. V. I., and died at Nashville, Tenn., where he was buried; Margaret A. (deceased), born July 11, 1829, married Dr. D. K. Pratt, of California; Michael M., September 1 1, 1828, died at Mc- Comb, Ohio; Henry, November 11, 1830, lives in Nebraska; Samuel, December 8, 1832, lives in Oskaloosa, 111.; Catherine A., December 15, 1834, married J. M. Sweeney, a native of Scotland, now deceased, and she resides in Hartford, Conn.; John, January 28, 1837, died in Wood county. Four other children were born in this county: Sarah E., September 10, 1839, married William Russell, and died in Bloom township; Peter S., Jr., August 7, 1841; Nancy, November 11, 1843, married Abraham Hampshire, of Ottumwa, Iowa; and Hiram Z. , born July 15, 1846, died in Bloom township. Our subject's father was a powerful man, six feet two inches in height, and weighing over 200 pounds. After a few years of toil at the new home, he died - December 7, 1845 - and was buried at West Millgrove, his wife surviving him nearly fifty years, bringing up their large family of children to take useful and honorable places in life. She was known for miles around as the "Doctor," and was called for wherever there was any serious illness to nurse, and often to prescribe for the sufferer. She made many long trips through the woods on these errands, protected from the wild animals by a large,- brown dog, " Beldy, " who had more than one desperate and bloody encounter with wolves after which his wounds would be dressed as if he were a human being. The devoted labors of this noble woman were but poorly paid, and sometimes not paid at all, so far as outward return went. She possessed marvelous vitality, and lived until June 6, 1895, the last twenty years being spent in the home of our subject. During her first years in Wood county, she had a remarkable escape from death. Her husband was chopping a tree, and she came near without attracting his attention, and the tree fell toward her; but a large fork in it separated the branches, which struck the ground on each side of her, so that she was not injured. Her remains were interred in Bloom Chapel cemetery.

Peter S. Painter, our subject, went to live with an uncle, John Snyder, when he was seven years old, and at twelve began to work for neighboring farmers, doing any work suitable for his strength, which was unusual fora boy of his age. He was "at home wherever he took his hat off," and he did a great deal of work at cutting wheat by cradle in this and adjoining counties. He attended the district schools of his time, and the realization of their deficiencies makes him anxious that the rising generation should have the best advantages that can be given them. On August 15, 1861, he enlisted, in Bloom township, in Company H, 49th O. V. I. under Capt. O. B. Hays, and Col. W. H. Gibson. After training at Tiffin and Camp Dennison, they went to the front, taking stock cars from Cincinnati to their first engagement at Green River, Ky. His regiment was the celebrated " Black Swamp Jayhawkers, " and during their entire service they were at the front, never being assigned to guard or picket duty. Mr. Painter took no furlough, but remained on duty throughout the war, and participated in every battle of his regiment, except for a term of four weeks, in hospital, from a wound received at Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863. He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, April 10, 1864.

After his return home he began farming ' ' on his own hook," renting a place in Bloom township. On May 25, 1865, he married Miss Mary J. Swinehart, who was born March 31, 1841, in Perry township, where her parents, John and Elizabeth (Hale) Swinehart, were pioneer farmers, having come from Jefferson county, at an early day. Four children were born to this union: Clyde R., a lawyer of Bowling Green; Eva, a teacher in Bloom township; Malissa, a teacher; and Mollie, a teacher in Milton township, all three living at home.

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Painter bought forty acres of land in Perry township, making his first payment with $250, saved from his $13 per month as a soldier. Two years later he sold it, and bought the homestead in Bloom township, containing forty acres. In April, 1871, he moved to Clay county, 111., buying a farm there, but in November, 1874 he returned to Ohio, having lost in the meantime about $2,500. He rented land in Bloom township, and afterward bought eighty acres of it, which he improved, setting out fruit and ornamental trees, and erecting buildings. In 1894 he built a new barn, 45x75, which is one of the best of the fine modern barns of the township. His success is well deserved, as it is based upon hard work and wise management, and his fair dealing and upright principles have won for him the high esteem of his neighbors. He is a great reader, and keeps himself well informed upon the topics of the time. Politically, he is a Republican; but although he takes keen interest in the success of his party, he has declined all tenders of official positions, either in the township or county. He is a member of Urie Post No. no, G. A. R., of Bloomdale.

Rev. David Brandeberry, one of the most highly-respected citizens of this section of the country, is engaged in the work of the Methodist Episcopal ministry, serving the people of Bettsville Circuit, Seneca county. He was born in Bloom township, Wood county, December 6, 1854, and is the second son and fourth child of Thomas C. and Catherine (Miller) Brandeberry. He obtained his early education at District School No. 8, his first teacher being W. S. Richard, and, as he learned easily and rapidly, he soon mastered the common English branches taught there. The greater part of his knowledge, however, has been acquired since leaving the school room, mostly by reading and observation. From the time he was old enough he assisted in the work of the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on November 21, 1878, when Miss Lydia Bowers became his wife. She is a native of Ohio, born in Licking county, October 9, 1858, and is a daughter of Lewis and Rebecca (Bailey) Bowers. Her education was also secured in the common schools,- and by her marriage she became the mother of a son - Edward D. , who died at the age of seven months.

In June, 1890, Mr. Brandeberry was licensed as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He then pursued a four-years' course of study arranged by the bishops of the Church, and was graduated in 1894, receiving the highest grade in a class of nine. In 1 895 he entered the Conference in a traveling relation, and is now pursuing another four-years' course of study in connection with his work. In 1894 he was appointed to serve Hammansburg and South Liberty. The following year he was on Hoytville Circuit, and in 1896 received his present appointment at Bettsville. Though only in the work a few years, Mr. Brandeberry has developed those qualities that have advanced him from one of the minor places to one of the best circuits in the Central Ohio Conference. He is an earnest Christian worker, and gains the love and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. From the time he cast his first vote up to 1893, he always supported the Republican party, but is now a strong Prohibitionist. By his friends he has been offered political positions; but his aspirations are not in that line, though he takes quite an interest in public matters, desiring to see the most competent men placed in office. He possesses a farm of forty-one acres in Section 35, Bloom township.

John W. Fark is an enterprising farmer of Troy township, pleasantly located in Section n, and although his residence in this county is of comparatively short duration, he has already identified himself with the representative and progressive citizens. In April, 1883, he located upon his fine farm of 116 acres, then only partially improved, which he had purchased the previous year, coming here from Toledo, Ohio, and has since devoted his time and attention to general farming and stock raising.

Sandusky Co., Ohio, in 1854, and is a son of Ernst Henry and Louisa (Miller) Fark. The father, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, was unmarried on locating in Sandusky county, and at an early day he also worked in Perrysburg, Wood county. For his first wife he wedded Mary Borchesding, who died in Woodville township, leaving two daughters - Caroline, wife of Henry Ernsthausen, of Freedom township, Wood county; and Mrs. Eliza Hartman, of Lucas county, Ohio. In 1853, in Woodville township, Sandusky county, was celebrated the marriage of Ernst Henry Fark and Miss Louisa Miller, who was born in Germany, and is a daughter of Diedrich Miller, one of the early pioneers of Woodville township, where he helped to build the pike, and there spent his remaining days. Mr. and Mrs. Fark still make their home in Woodville township, where he developed a farm from the forest, and reared a family of seven children, who are still living, namely: John W. , of this sketch; Henry, who resides upon the home farm; William, who is foreman of a telegraph line of Toledo; Mrs. Kate Aufderhide, of the same city; August, who is married, and is, engaged in bookkeeping in Toledo; Mrs. Emma Hoodlebrink, of Woodville; and Fred, at home.

Like most farmer boys, John W. Fark was reared, and in the schools of Woodville township obtained his education. At the age of twentytwo he left the parental roof, being for two years employed as a farm hand, and then went to Toledo, where he worked at car repairing for two months during the day time, and then was made night inspector, which position he held for one year. His next employment was in a foundry, but after a short time he entered a sash factory, and on leaving that place secured work on a telegraph line. He next came to Troy township, Wood county, where he has since resided.

At Toledo, in 1881, Mr. Fark was joined in wedlock with Miss Louisa Havekost, whose birth occurred in Monroe, Mich. Her parents, John and Anna (Behrens) Havekost, were both natives of Germany. The father, who was an ocean sailor, went in 1849 to California, where he worked in the mines for a time, after which he returned to the Fatherland, and on again coming to the United States located near Monroe, Mich., where he and his wife still live. Seven children have been born to our subject and his wife - Ernest John, Charley H., Lewis, Annie, Lorena, Gertrude and Mabel, the latter of whom died September 7, 1896, aged eleven months. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church at Woodville, and in politics he is a Democrat, by which party he was elected in 1890 as trustee, and still continues to fill that office. For six years he efficiently served as a member of the school board, and for two terms was supervisor.

George Hampshire, for many years one of the leading well-to-do farmers and extensive landowners of Portage township, Wood county, is now living retired from active work, enjoying the prosperity which he acquired by hard work during his early years. He is a native of Ohio, born February 1, 1831, in Morgan county, near Eagleport, son of Jonas and Mary (Swope) Hampshire.

Jonas Hampshire was born October 16, 1808, in Baltimore county, Md., son of Barney Hampshire, who in 1 8 1 1 removed with his family to Ohio, locating first in Muskingum county, where they lived seven years, and thence removing to Morgan county. Barney Hampshire was drowned in the Muskingum river. He was the father of eleven children - four sons and seven daughters. Jonas Hampshire was married in 1830, in Morgan county, to Mary Swope, daughter of Jacob Swope, and two children were born to them there - George and Henry. In the fall of 1832 the family removed to Seneca county, locating in Jackson township, where Mr. Hampshire had entered 160 acres of land, and they were pioneers in that region, the country being very sparsely settled at thp time of their arrival. They continued to reside there for over twenty years, in 1858 removing to Wood county and settling on a farm in Section 34, Portage township. Here Mr. Hampshire had invested in 200 acres of farm land, on which the timber was still standing, no trees having been chopped except by coon hunters. He cleared the land, however, and continued to improve it during his lifetime, converting it into a valuable property. A hardworking man, he met with well-merited success, at the time of his death being the owner of 316 acres of land east of Jerry City, and thirty-three acres south, residing on the latter place for some years previous to his decease. He gave each of his children a farm. He became quite prominent in Jackson township, Seneca county, where he served as township trustee and assessor, and he was an ardent believer in the principles of the Democratic party. Having a natural aptitude for military tactics, he took great interest in such affairs, and was captain of a company of home militia in Jackson township, Seneca Co., Ohio.

Mrs. Nancy Hampshire. George Hampshire Wood Oountt, Ohio

Emanuel, of Garnet, Kans. ; Abraham, now living in Ottumwa, Iowa; Rachel, who married Solomon S. Frederick, and died in Henry township; and Catharine (Mrs. John Cupp), of Hammansburg. The mother of these died in 1866, in Portage township, and for his second wife Mr. Hampshire wedded, on December 11, 1866, Mrs. Hannah (Clinger) Sanderlin. To this union were born three children - Jonas W. , of Portage township; Aminda, who died in young womanhood; and John, who is a farmer of Bloom township. Mr. Hampshire passed from earth July 29, 1892, in Bloom township, and was laid to rest in Jerry City cemetery. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hampshire possessed a strong will, and force of character, traits which marked the whole course of his life, and which were no small factors in his success and popularity.

George Hampshire passed all his early life in a pioneer region, and he was initiated into the mysteries of agriculture in a new country at a tender age. They lived two miles from a school, and, work at home being plenty, he as the eldest son could not be spared from the farm, so that the greater part of his education has been acquired by his own efforts. On December 4, 1851, he was married, in Jackson township, Seneca county, to Miss Nancy Foster, who was born in that township February 8, 1833, daughter of Christian Foster, who came to Seneca county from Perry county, this State, in an early day. After his marriage our subject farmed on his father's land, in Seneca county, until January 31 , 1865, when he removed to Wood county, taking up his home on an eighty-acre tract in Section 33, Portage township, of which at that time but two acres were cleared, and seven acres chopped, and the dwelling and farm buildings were but rude structures. Mr. Hampshire was obliged to go in debt $500 for this tract, and he at once set to work to make it productive, succeeding so well that he was later enabled to buy eighty acres adjoining his original purchase. He also has 1 10 acres in Bloom township, being the owner, altogether, of 270 acres of excellent farm land. Mr. Hampshire does not now engage in active farm work, having acquired a snug competence for his declining years. He is, indeed, a self-made man, and throughout his business career he has retained his honorable standing among his fellowmen, who esteem him for his many sterling qualities. He has been trustee in his township two terms, and has also served as school director, but he is no politician, and, though he is a Democrat in sentiment, he supports the best man, regardless of party ties.

Liberty township; Mary E. (Mrs. A. W. Lefler), of Toledo; Jonas H., who was deputy sheriff of Wood county and a registered pharmacist, and now living on a farm of ninety acres of his own, one and one-half miles from Bowling Green; Magdalena R. (Mrs. J. D. Simons), of Findlay, Ohio; Lucinda, living at home; Alice M. (Mrs. Charles Harnard), of Jerry City; Amelia (Mrs. John Harrison), of Portage township; Christ C. , a farmer of Bloom township; Charles W., at home; and Cora E., who died when four years old. In religious connection Mr. and Mrs. Hampshire are active members of the Radical United Brethren Church, and he is at present serving as trustee.

George M. Palmer, a leading citizen and representative farmer of Montgomery township, residing in Section 28, was born in Penfield township, Lorain Co., Ohio, January 17, 1857, and is a son of Randolph P. and Esther C. Palmer. His father, whose birth occurred in Camden, N. Y. , in the year 1820, migrated to Penfield township, Lorain county, in 1835, with his parents, Edward and Lucretia (Babcock) Palmer, where the former died, but the death of the latter occurred in Wood county. Both, however, were interred in Lorain county.

Randolph P. Palmer had good educational advantages for his day, and for six years was a successful teacher in the schools of Lexington, Ky. On November 16, 1847, in Grafton township, Lorain county, he wedded Mrs. Esther C. Pearmain, who was born at Mayfield, N. Y., April 29, 1820, and was the widow of Edward Pearmain. Her father, William McConnell, was the son of George McConnell, a native of Scotland, and a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, who at one time was the tutor of a son of the Duke of Hamilton, and later of Noah Webster. Her father, who was a cripple for many years, was a man of much more than ordinary intellect, and for thirty-five years served as justice of the peace in New York, in which State he lived before coming to Ohio. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jerusha Hale, was born in Pittsfield, Conn., a daughter of Joseph Hale, and a relative of the celebrated John P. Hale. Mr. McConnell died at Lagrange, Ohio, December 30, 1863, where he located on coming from New' York, and his wife passed away at Grafton, Ohio, August 9, 1856. They were devout Methodists. They reared a family of ten children - three sons and seven daughters. Al- though he owned a farm, he never actively engaged in its operation, as his crippled condition would not permit it. Being a good scholar, he was also an able writer.

It was in i860 that the father of our subject came to Wood county, locating first in Montgomery township, but after a short time removing to Freeport (now Prairie Depot), where he conducted a hotel in an old log building. Later he replaced this by a frame structure, where he continued to carry on the hotel business in connection with work at the carpenter's trade, and also owned a farm adjoining the village on the north. On May 2, 1864, he joined Company K, 144th O. V. I.; and died July 14, 1864, of typhoid fever in the hospital at Fort Dix, Md. His remains were interred at that place. He was considerably above the average man, intellectually, and being a great reader was well-informed on topics of general interest. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican. After the death of her husband Mrs. Palmer sold the hotel property, and removed to the farm, where she remained until her children were grown. Her death occurred at the home of a daughter in Oneida, Kans., January 26, 1891. In the family were four children: Wilton, born December 24,

1849, who is a physician of Los Angeles, Cal.; Cleantha E., born September 19, 1852, Mrs. George Dale, of Los Angeles; George M. and Laura I., born September 25, 1858, now Mrs. David Gilmore, of Oneida, Kansas.

George M. Palmer was only a child when brought to Wood county by his parents, who first located in Section 13, Montgomery township, near the county line, after a short residence there removing to Prairie Depot, where our subject attended the common schools. Being a warm friend of the cause of education, the improvements made in the schools are in accordance with his ideas. During his youth he assisted in the work of the home farm, but at the age of twenty-one he entered the general store of S. E. Tilton as a clerk, and there remained for seven years. On February 1, 1883, in Montgomery township, Mr. Palmer was united in marriage with Miss Agnes W. Telfer, who was born in Pennsylvania, January 7, 1 859, daughter of John and Martha (Craig) Telfer, the former of Scotch and the latter of Irish extraction. They came from Deerfield, Ohio, to Montgomery township, Wood county, and here the father died. In their family were seven children - three sons and four daughters. Seven children graced the union of our subject and his wife: John R. , born May

Palmer's addition to Prairie Depot was so named because it was taken from a part of Randolph P. Palmer's farm, and our subject purchased the remaining thirteen acres, which adjoined the village. After residing there for some time, he traded it for a tract of land in Section 13, Montgomery township; but on March 20, 1892, he removed to his present farm in Section

28, comprising sixty acres of excellent land. He also owns 120 acres in Marseilles township, Wyandot Co., Ohio. Upon his present farm he has five producing oil wells, and upon the old farm adjoining Prairie Depot, was found the most fertile field in the township. He is one of the most progressive and prosperous farmers of the locality, and is well-informed on the leading topics of the day. A stanch Republican, he has much more than a voting interest in the success of his party; for three terms was clerk of his township, and since 1894 has been trustee. Socially he is identified with the I. O. O. F., the Sons of Veterans and the Patrons of Industry, and he merits and receives in the highest degree the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives.

29, 1866, the fifth in a family of seven children born to his parents, who were natives of Lehigh county, Penn. , where the ancestors of both had settled at an early period. His father's people were of Scotch and English blood, but had lived so long among the Pennsylvania-Dutch that they spoke their language.

Solomon Fries, our subject's father, was born November 24, 1824, and his mother, Louisa Charlotte Steckel, a lady of Dutch descent, was born in 1835. They were married in Tiffin, Ohio, where for several years Mr. Fries followed the bricklayer's trade, and in 1 862 they removed to their present home in Bloom township.

After some years of attendance at the district school, our subject spent two years in the academy at Fostoria, and the same length of time in the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, taking the course in civil engineering in addition to his work in the literary department. After leaving school he taught one year, and then entered the employ of the L. E. & W. R. R. as civil engineer. A year later he went to Seattle, Wash., where he remained eighteen months, working for the city engineer and for a land company. Returning to Ohio, he took a course in the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in 1893 with the degree of LL. B. He then came to Bowling Green, and after a year of preliminary work in an office he became a partner of Robert S. Parker. His fine native talents and thorough training give warrant to his large circle of friends in their expectations of a successful career. In politics he is a Republican.

George W. Hedge, an extensive lumber dealer residing at Prairie Depot, is one of the best-known aud most popular citizens of Montgomery township, and was born in the town of Abbey ville, Medina Co., Ohio, February 22, 1848. He is the eldest child of his parents, George B. and Catherine M. (Crawford) Hedge.

When our subject was seven years old the family moved to Wood county, and he entered District School No. 3, in Montgomery township, which was taught by Mrs. S. C. Guernsey. He had already attended school in Medina county, entering at the early age of four years. He was very apt at learning, and after spending some time in the district school was sent to a private institution at Prairie Depot, taught by a Mr. Mc- Peck. His father was at this time in the sawmill business, and the lad early acquired a knowledge of its details, so that when seventeen years of age he took entire charge of the mill, early displaying the ability which has manifested itself in the more extensive operations of his later days.

Mr. Hedge remained at home until his marriage, December 28, 1873, in Prairie Depot, to Miss Melita Graham, daughter of John and Melita (Anderson) Graham. She was born January 8, 1852, in Montgomery township, and was educated in the district schools of that locality. The young couple located on twenty acres in Section 20, Montgomery township, which, with the exception of a clearing of three acres, was in its primitive condi- .tion, covered with trees and brush, which had to be cleared away before a house could be erected. On this place Mr. Hedge lived, cultivating his land, and at the same time working in the mill with his father, who had made him a partner in the business when he was only twenty-two years old. They had in operation at this time a selfacting shingle machine, which was the first one of the kind in this part of Wood county. This partnership continued until February,

1889, our subject started the mill w'hich he is now operating. On January 5, 1874, Mr. Hedge was the victim of a terrible accident, from the effects of which he will never recover. He was caught in a belt, and dragged under the shaft and thrown some distance, his right arm being torn into pieces, the hand being thrown in one direction, and other portions in different places, while the bone at the shoulder was entirely stripped of flesh for some nine inches. It was a horrible sight, but Mr. Hedge walked unassisted to his house, a distance of thirty rods. Many a man would have succumbed to such a shock, but his great vitality aided his rapid recovery, and in four weeks he was again ready to attend to business. Although the loss of his arm has been a great hardship, he has mastered every detail of his business, and has been remarkably successful in all his undertakings. His saw, planing and feed mill is an extensive plant, built in modern style, equipped with the latest machinery, and from ten to twelve men are employed the year round. In connection with this he has a large lumber business, and handles all kinds of woods, both native and foreign. He has erected the dwelling in which the family lives, his home place has been transformed into fertile fields and fruitful orchards, and comfortable buildings, with all modern conveniences, have taken the place of the primitive structure in which he at first made his home. Mr. Hedge now owns 284 acres of land in Montgomery township. He is a stockholder in the Wood County Fair Association, and is one of Montgomery township's leading men and representative citizens. His grand success in a business, wherein a majority fail, can be attributed to his thorough knowledge of its requirements, and to his fair and honest methods of dealing. There is no detail in his establishment, no matter how intricate, that he is not perfectly familiar with. While suffering under the disadvantage of having but one arm, he can skillfully operate machinery that many men with both arms would not be able to manipulate. While he had no capital in the way of money with which to start in life, his association with his father, as a member of the firm of George B. Hedge & Son, gave him great prestige and credit, which in later years he has never abused, and as an individual he stands as high as that firm ever did. Mr. Hedge has a delightful home, in which he takes great pleasure, and there are few men in Wood county in private life who have so extensive and so valuable a circle of acquaintances. One child, only, has blessed the union of our subject and his wife, a daughter, named Carrie. For many years she was a great sufferer from inflammatory rheumatisrrt, but through the best medical skill that money could procure, and the tender nursing of her devoted parents, she has finally recovered. In his political views Mr. Hedge is in sympathy with the Democratic party, but supports good men for office, even if they happen to be of some other political faith. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Prairie Depot, and both he and his wife are members of the Rebekah Lodge.

John W. Knight, one of the worthy citizens that England has furnished to Ohio, was born September i, 1852, in Taunton, England, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza (Warren) Knight, also natives of the same country. He was about four years of age when his parents removed to the Isle of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. There he attended French schools and became thoroughly conversant with the French language ; he also had an English governess at home. When a youth of nine summers he was brought by his parents to America on a German vessel, which landed at New York, October 10, 1861, and the family took up their residence in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio.

Our subject attended the public schools of that place, and completed his education in a business college in that town. Subsequently he was for five years employed in the printing office of the Sandusky Journal , but was obliged to abandon that vocation on account of ill health. He then came with his parents to Wood county, and here followed farming continuously until 1891, when he turned his attention to the development of oil wells, and now owns and controls fifteen wells, from which he derives a good income. He also served as postmaster at Trombley, to which position he was appointed during President Cleveland's first administration, being the first incumbent in the office.

Mr. Knight was married in Liberty township, October 30, 1878, to Mrs. Apalinda (Mercer) Whitacre, widow of Samuel Whitacre. She had two children by her first marriage: Olearius T. and ElethaO., both students in Bethany College, West Virginia. The children of the second marriage were Lloyd, who died at the age of sixteen months; and Deyo R. , at home. Our subject has prospered in his business undertakings, owing to his well-directed efforts. He is now the owner of 490 acres of land, lying in Liberty, Henry, Jackson and Weston townships, 120 acres of which came by inheritance to Mrs. Knight, from her father, Daniel Mercer, late of

Bowling Green (familiarly known as "Uncle Dan"), and from the Whitacre estate. Mr. Knight has erected a handsome barn, as good a one as the county affords, also a poultry house and yards, which are worthy the notice of many poultry owners. He also owns on his premises an electric-light plant, lighting his residence and barn, all the building and fixing being done during the year 1896. In politics our subject was formerly a Democrat, but is'now a stalwart Prohibitionist. For many years he has served as school director, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, while in Church work he takes an active part, and is now elder in the Disciples Church.

Joseph Bender is one of the industrious and skillful farmers, fruit growers and gardeners of Center township, and one of the representative men of that portion of Wood county. He is the owner of a splendid farm, all of which is highly cultivated; his residence, which is a very handsome and commodious one, his fine barns and outbuildings, add materially to the appearance of the place, and to its value from a financial point of view. He is a native of Crawford county, Ohio, born June 8, 1830.

His father, George Bender, was born in Cumberland county, Penn., where he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed there, but when still a young man removed to Crawford county, Ohio, and there engaged in farming. He wedded Mary Failor, and they became the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, wife of Nelson Close, of Crawford county; Andrew F. , a retired farmer of Michigan; Mary, wife of John Ealy, an agriculturist of Crawford county; Susan, wife of John Kyser, a very systematic and industrious farmer, a prominent Grange lecturer, and a representative of his county in the State legislature; George, a timehonored minister of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ; Samuel, deceased; and Joseph, of this sketch. The father died in Crawford county, and the mother, who preceded him to the world beyond, passed away in 1832.

Joseph Bender continued on the home farm until reaching his majority, receiving as good an education as could be obtained in the common schools of that period, which education he supplemented by two years attendance at Otterbein University, and then spent three years teaching school. He then went to Wyandot county. Ohio, which was mostly inhabited by Indians, and remained there several years, devoting his time and attention to the cultivation of a farm of seventy acres, which he converted into a valuable tract. On selling out, he came to Wood county, buying forty-six acres of land in Center township. There he built a fine residence at a cost of $2,000, put up good barns and outbuildings, and, besides general farming, gives a great deal of attention to fruit growing - having an excellent orchard, and other land planted in berries. He finds a ready sale for his products in the markets of Bowling Green, and on his place has some very fine Jersey cows - the best in the county - in which he takes an especial pride, and he is fast becoming an extensive breeder and shipper of A. J. C. C. stock.

August 14, 1855, received his primary education in the district schools, and was graduated with high honors from Otterbein University in the classical course in the class of 1 880, of which class he was elected orator; he then took a course in theology, and was ordained a minister of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in 1883; he is now a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the Central Ohio Conference, and is at present stationed at Port Jefferson, Ohio. His wife was Miss Kate Kershner, of Bowling Green. Sherman Larkum, the younger son, was born July 5, 1857, received his primary education ( in the district schools, and was a student in Otterbein University until his junior year, when he was obliged to give up his literary pursuits and cherished desire of the profession of law, on account of failing eyes; he is now in the employ of the United States Express Company at Toledo, Ohio. He married Miss Jessie Stackhouse, of Fremont, Ohio.

Mr. Bender is classed by his fellow citizens as one of the public-spirited and representative men of the township, and merits and receives the warmest confidence and esteem of the entire community. He is a worthy and sincere Christian gentleman, holding membership with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, of which he has been trustee, besides holding other offices, and his family also hold the same faith. He and his two sons take an active interest in everything for the welfare of their township and county, and use their right of franchise in support of the Republican party.

John H. Monasmith. Among the young and energetic farmers of the county is this gentleman, who is successfully operating a fine farm in Bloom township. He is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families, his parents being Elias H. and Elizabeth (Flaugher) Monasmith, and was born October 14, 1865, in Section 28, Bloom township.

The father's birth occurred in Mahoning county, Ohio, March 10, 1831, and he was one of the eleven children of George and Esther Mona* smith, the others being John P., Susan, Elizabeth, Samuel, Henry, Mary A., Lydia E., Martin, Levi and Martha C. Five of the number served in the Union army during the Civil war - Samuel, Henry, Martin, John P. and Elias H., the latter belonging to Company E, 144th O. V. I. , serving until honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. He was first married in Mahoning county to Elizabeth Musser, who there died, leaving one child - W. E., now a resident of Bloom township. It was in 1859 that the father arrived in Wood county, entirely without means, owning only a horse and buggy. He had recently passed through a siege of typhoid fever, which, together with the expenses of his wife's sickness and death, exhausted his resources, and he was $100 in debt. Rinehart Simon kindly offered him a home until he could obtain work. For his second wife he wedded Elizabeth Flaugher, one of the fifteen children - seven sons and eight daughters - of Jacob and Elizabeth Flaugher, and they became the parents of three children - Flora, now Mrs. Adam Exline, of North Baltimore, Ohio; John H., subject of this review; and Frank W., a farmer of Bloom township. The mother, who was a Methodist in religious belief, died in September, 1890, and was laid to rest in Bloom Chapel cemetery. Later the father married Elizabeth Kistler, of Newton Falls, Ohio. At the time of his first purchase of forty acres of land in Bloom township he had $80 to pay on the same, and he took up his abode in the house once occupied by Smith, the noted horse-thief, who had fled from the community at the time his thefts were discovered. Besides his farming operations, Mr. Monasmith also engaged in ditching to a considerable extent, and continued to make his home in Bloom township, engaged in improving the farm to its present fine condition, until April 1, 1895, when he removed to Newton Falls, Ohio, where he is now living retired, though he still owns ninety acres of valuable land in Bloom township. He became one of the well-to-do farmers and highly respected citizens of the community, honored alike by young and old, rich and poor. His political support is given to the Republican party.

to his farm duties, at the age of fifteen years he began ditching for his father, which business he followed until after reaching his majority. On April 13, 1891, in Bloom township, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella Ridgely, a daughter of William H. Ridgely, and their union has been blessed by the birth of three children - Emma C., born March 22, 1892; Pearl M., born September 7, 1893; and Ervy C., born August 27, 1895.

Mr. Monasmith is a straightforward agriculturist and business man, honorable in all his dealings, and is destined to win success in his chosen calling. He has done much in the work of placing the old homestead under a high state of cultivation, so that it yields him bountiful returns. He is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife belongs to the Disciples Church. They are earnest Christian people, and are the center of a large circle of warm friends.

John H. Cox, who carries on farming operations in Plain township, is a native of the county, having been born June 2, 1853, in Center township, and is a son of Joseph and Jane (Underwood) Cox.

Joseph Cox was born September 30, 1802, in Virginia, whence, in 1816, he moved with his parents to Findlay, Ohio, which at that time was but an Indian village, known as Fort Findlay. On September 2, 1838, he married Jane R. Underwood, and to them were born twelve children - eight sons and four daughters - of whom seven sons survive. Five of the eight sons served in the war of the Rebellion, fighting for their country, and one of them, Joseph U., never reached home again, dying from wounds received at the battle of Murfreesboro. Of the four daughters, two died in infancy, the other two growing to womanhood, and dying within about one year of each other. The father was a pioneer of Wood county, and his life was one of hardships; but he was always upright and honest in all his dealings; was equally patriotic, and zealous for the right. He died December 7, 1878, aged 76 years, 2 months and 7 days.

Our subject was educated at the district school of Perrysburg township, and worked on his father's farm until 1889, when he bought eighty acres of land in Plain township, known as the "Chapman Farm." On this he has placed many improvements, and converted it into a valuable property. In 1879 he married Miss Naomi De Seims, who was born in Ottawa county, in 1855, a daughter of Jason De Seims. Of this union have been born eight children, namely: Ethel G. ; Jessie M. (deceased); Lucretia L. ; John W. ; Ralph E. ; Clyde H.; Jason D., and Dwight L. (deceased). Mr. Cox has served as school director in both Perrysburg and Plain townships, and is a member of the United Brethren Church, at Bowling Green.

James Miller, a retired agriculturist, residing in Bowling Green, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, July 12, 1838. When he was about four years old, his father came to America with his family, and after a voyage of six weeks landed at New York, from there going to Cleveland, subsequently to Medina, Ohio, and finally settled in Wood county, April 15, 1854.

The father of our subject, William Miller, was born in Soham, Cambridgeshire, England, September 13, 1801, and was married in 1828 to Elizabeth Turner, whose birth took place December 11, 1802, in Reading, Berkshire, England, William Miller was a tailor by occupation, and after coming to this country worked at his trade in the various places in which he lived, owning a shop in Medina. After coming to Wood county he purchased a farm in Liberty township, on which his family resided while he carried on his occupation, working for some years for Austin VanBlarcum, of Portage, He afterward went to Kansas with one of his sons, and died at Clifton, that State, June 28, 1877, his wife having passed away many years previous, her death taking place March 28, 1848.

Mr. Miller, Sr. was a man of fine proportions and weighed 180 pounds. He was an intelligent, active man, a great reader and well-informed. He and his wife were devoted members of the Episcopal Church, and were consistent Christian people. In politics he was a Republican, and was a loyal citizen of his adopted country. To him and his estimable wife the following children were born : Sarah married Charles Waters, now deceased, and lives in Medina, Ohio; Henry, died when fourteen years old; Ann married Isaac Waters, and they now reside in Kansas; Robert is a banker in Tiffin, Ohio; William died February 16, 1887, in his fifty-third year; James is our subject; Thomas is a farmer in Clifton, Washington Co., Kans; Eliza is the wife of Arbor Tebbit, of Medina, Ohio; the ninth child died in infancy.

James Miller grew up on his father's farm in Liberty township, and obtained a good education in the district school of Liberty township. He was first married August 14, 1861, to Miss Mary Parmenter, who was born at Portage, Ohio, De- died October 26, of the following year; John Sherman, born September 3, 1865, married Mrs. Johnson, and lives in Bowling Green; Clara E., born October 21, 1872, died April 1, 1892. Mr. Miller was again married April 15, 1877, his bride being Miss Zerelza C. Aller, who was born June 20, 1854, in Geauga county, Ohio. Of this union four children have been born, namely: Ernest Wm., born March 28, 1878, is attending school in Bowling Green; Grace E. , born October 22, 1879, and Royal J., born June 20, 1885, also in school; and True E., born January 30, 1888.

Mr. Miller owns a good farm of eighty acres which is in the oil belt, and has some wells upon it; he is now living retired from active business, but takes an interest in the growth and welfare of his town and county, and is always ready to do his share to assist in public enterprises. With his estimable wife he is a member of the Disciples Church, to which Mrs. Miller has belonged since thirteen years of age. He was at one time a Republican, but of late years has affiliated with the Prohibition party, and uses his influence in the promotion of temperance principles. He has many warm friends in Bowling Green and vicinity. Mrs. Miller is a daughter of Zacheus and Lucy Ann (Martin) Aller, both of whom were born near Syracuse, N. Y. , of which place their parents were early settlers, and where they were married. In 1861 they removed to Wood county, settling in Liberty township, where the father died in 1863, when fifty-one years of age. The mother subsequently married Daniel Mercer (whose sketch will be found on another page of this work), and is residing in Bowling Green; Daniel Mercer died September 23, 1896, leaving a widow and seventeen children.