Wood County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1897 (part 16 of 17)

John McLain, a prominent citizen of Grand Rapids township, the owner of a fine farm, and a leader in local affairs, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 30, 1833. He is of Scotch descent, his grandparents, Sarah and John Mc- Lain, having emigrated to America about the end of the last century, and located upon a farm in Mifflin county, Penn., where their son Robert, our subject's father, was born October 12, 1802. During the boyhood of Robert McLain, the family moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where his father engaged in salt manufacturing and the distilling of spirits.

Robert M. McLain was married, in Jefferson county, to Miss Rachel B. Barton, a lady of German and Irish parentage, and a native of Mifflin county, Penn. After their marriage they moved to Holmes county, and lived there about thirty years; then, in 1852, they moved to Wood county, and bought, first, 160 acres of land in what is now Grand Rapids township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1880, the mother preceding him to the grave by two years. They held a prominent place among the early settlers of their vicinity, their sterling qualities of mind and heart winning the regard for them of all who knew them. Twelve children were born of their union, of whom the last two died in infancy. The others were: Elizabeth, now the widow of David Hannah, of Henry county, Ohio; Sarah, who married James Vorhes, both now deceased; Samuel, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and died while in prison at Salisbury; John, our subject; William, a member of the police force at Toledo; Nancy, who died in girlhood; Martha, wife of Emanuel Guyer, a farmer of Weston township; Thomas, deceased at the age of four years; Nancy Jane, the wife of S. Burwell; and Mary J., who died at the age of four years.

John McLain, whose name opens this sketch, received his early education at his native place, the school house of his district being a log cabin, with greased paper in the windows as a substitute for glass. He worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old, when he bought sixty acres of land near Grand Rapids, which he cleared and improved, and to which he has since added until he now owns 125 acres, all under cultivation, and some valuable town property. He no longer shares in the active work, delegating that to other hands; but he still superintends the estate, residing, however, in the town of Grand Rapids. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted at Perrysburg, August 8, 1862, in Company D, 111th O. V. I., under Col. Bond and Capt. J. E. McGowan, and served throughout the struggle. His regiment was assigned to the 23d Corps, army of the Ohio, and participated in over thirty important engagements, including those of Knoxville, Atlanta (entire campaign), Nashville and Franklin. Mr. McLain was fortunate in escaping the bullets of the enemy, but received a serious injury from falling into a washout. He was discharged at Cleveland, June 29, 1865, and soon afterward engaged in the hardware business in Toledo, which he carried on for five years, when he returned to his Wood county farm. He was married October 1, 1858, to Miss Eliza J. Brown, a daughter of Alexander Brown, a leading citizen of Weston township. Two children came of this marriage: Lillie A., born August 14, 1859, died September 21, 1875; and Edward, born August 25, 1868, now a promising young agriculturist of Henry county, Ohio. The mother of these died of heart disease, January 25, 1884, and our subject afterward wedded Miss Angeline Hiner, daughter of Henry Hiner, a prominent farmer of Wayne county, Ohio. They have no children.

Mrs. McLain is an able and generous worker in various lines of philanthropic effort, and a leading member of the Home Missionary Society and the Aid Society of the M. E. Church, in which denomination our subject is also an active worker, having been a trustee for fifteen years, also holding the offices of steward, class leader and Sunday-school superintendent. His good judgment, enterprising spirit and fine executive ability have often been turned to the service of the community at large, and he is a favorite candidate of the Republican party in his locality, having served as supervisor fifteen years, school director fifteen years, and assessor two years; in 1890 he was census enumerator, and he is now serving his second term as township trustee. During the winter of 1875-76 he was in the United States mail service between Sandusky and Chicago. Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 24, at Grand Rapids, Ohio, which he organized, and he has been commander (with the exception of a few years) since its organization, active and earnest in the work of caring for and assisting his needy soldier comrades.

Henry A. Robertson is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Wood county. His father, Amelius Robertson, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1822, and with his parents came to this country during his childhood. The family was one of the first to settle on Hull Prairie, and there the father of our subject secured eighty acres of land, which he transformed into a highly cultivated farm. He soon became recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of the community, and for sixteen years served as a justice of the peace. He was united in marriage with Margaret W. Frazer, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1827. Their uuion was blessed with eight children: Henry A.; Dr. James F., who was born May 22, 1855, and is a practicing physician in Kansas; John A., who was born November 27, 1858, is operating the old homestead; George, born August 23. 1861; Mary A., born September 2, 1863, wife of O. M. Ulrich, of Dayton, Ohio;

Fray A. D., born September 21, 1865; Margaret E. R., who was born April 3, 1869, and died April 24, 1870; Marjory F. , born September 16, 1872, now keeping house for her brother. The father of this family died July 7, 1888, and the mother passed away September 24, 1 894.

Our subject began his education in the log school house near his home, and there became familiar with the rudiments of knowledge; but subsequently he pursued a course of study in the State University at Columbus, Ohio, becoming a civil engineer. Since that time he has followed his chosen profession to a greater or less extent. He is now residing on the old homestead, and is extensively engaged in the raising of fine poultry.

Mr. Robertson gives his political support to the Republican party, but has never been an office seeker. He has, however, served for one term as road supervisor. In manner he is quiet and unassuming, and his genuine worth, his genial and affable manner and his sterling qualities have won him the friendship and regard of many.

Albert G. Henry, M. D. , a prominent and enterprising physician of North Baltimore, is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, born November 5, 1849. His paternal grandfather, John Henry, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Hancock county. The grandmother died in Findlay at the advanced age of ninety-three years.

James L. Henry, father of our subject, was born June 9, 1821, in Perry county, Penn. Coming to Hancock county, Ohio, he bought a farm there, and later served as superintendent of the Hancock County Infirmary; was also elected sheriff of the county. He married Miss Frances Dodge, who died in Hancock county, in 1861; her husband followed her to the home beyond April 1, 1884. Their children were as follows : Albert G., subject of this sketch; Edward; J. C. ; Araminta, who married G. Chase, of Findlay; Sophrona, the wife of Alonzo Baker; Lizzie D., who married Charles Pendleton, of Findlay. Mr. Henry married a second time, and by that union had one son, Claude.

Dr. Henry was reared in Hancock county, and was graduated from the Ada Normal School in 1870. He began teaching when only sixteen years old, going to school in his leisure moments, and reading medicine. His preceptors were F. J. Baldwin dnd S. S. Yoder, M. D., the latter of whom was also a member of Congress. Dr. Henry was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan in 1873, and commenced to practice medicine in North Balti- more on June 23, of the same year. In 1881 he completed a post-graduate course in Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. When the town began to develop Dr. Henry became known as one of its leading spirits and active and enterprising citizens, and gave almost every enterprise the benefit of his assistance, among which were the glass companies, town water works, electric light plants, etc. He built the first drug store, and built and owns the Henry Opera House Block, one of the finest structures in the county. He also instituted and backed a steam laundry company. In 1894 his opera house was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $25,000; however, he promptly rebuilt it. It is 45 by 153 feet, with a seating capacity of 1,000. Dr. Henry is also owner and manager of the North Baltimore Electric Light & Power Company, which is valued at $50,000. He is the owner of eighty acres of land near North Baltimore, on which are ten oil wells, and thus it will be seen that Dr. Henry is a large property owner. He is a prominent member of society, has a large practice, and his genial nature has won for him many friends. He is surgeon for the C. H. & D. R. R., and the B. & O. R. R. ; is a member of the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Surgeons Association, of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, of the State Medical Society, and also of the American Medical Association. Politically he supports the Democratic party.

In 1874 our subject was married to Miss Emma F. Eaton, who was born in Hancock county, October 31, 1851. They have had two children, Carl and Cleah, the latter of whom was taken away March 7, 1896, at the early age of eighteen years; she was an accomplished musician, a devoted daughter and a lover of home, and the void in the family circle can only be realized and understood by those who have passed through similar trials.

John Russell, a wealthy, retired agriculturist residing in Bowling Green, is a native of this county, born in Center township, March 19, 1838.

His father, Joseph Russell, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, where his parents, who came from Pennsylvania, were among the earliest settlers. He married Miss Eliza Dupes, and afterward moved to Wood county, and took up 600 acres of land, a part of which is now in the possession of our subject, by purchase. He returned with the family to his old home several times, and engaged in farming there, but finally settled down in Wood county to stay, and died there in 1865, at the age of seventy-two. His wife departed this life January 9, 1889, aged seventy-seven years. They were true pioneers, patriotic, energetic and courageous. Three daughters and five sons were born to them, and of the latter, five did gallant service in the Union army during the Civil war, and passed through many engagements without receiving any serious wounds. Our subject was the fourth child in this family. The others are: Jane, who married W. Underwood; James; Sarah (deceased), who married Joseph Anderson; Joseph; Susan, the widow of George Garner; Britton, and Charles, all residents of the county.

Mr. Russell made the most of the educational opportunities afforded by the district schools near the old homestead when he was a boy, and later engaged in farming as an occupation. In 1862 he volunteered in Company K, 21st O. V. I., and served under Sherman, taking part in all the principal battles of the army of the West. He was married, February 16, 1864, while at home on a furlough, to Miss Amanda Rogers, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, August 1 1 , 1839. After being mustered out, July 30, 1865, hereturned to the old farm in Center township, where he lived twenty-seven years. He still owns 100 acres there, and holds the original papers which passed the title from the government to his father. A few years ago he bought a fine property at the county-seat, where he and his wife now reside. He has one daughter, Clara E., born June 16, 1867, who was married September 13, 1887, to E. L. Crum, of Wood county; they have two children, Ruth and John. Mr. Russell is a Republican in politics, and a charter member of Wiley Post, G. A. R. He and his wife are among the leading members of the M. E. Church, and active helpers in every worthy cause.

James M. Brown, one of the most prominent citizens of Perrysburg township, residing near Dowling, was born in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, April 27, 1830. His parents, Harlin S. and Mary A. (Colvin) Brown, were natives of Kentucky, but were married in Logan county, in October, 1829, and lived there for some years, the father following the trade of shoemaker. Eleven children were born to them: Elizabeth, deceased; John C., now a resident of Monticello, Ind.; Joseph H., deceased; Rosana and Mahlon S., deceased; Annie E. , now the wife of James H. Linton, of Botkins, Ohio; James M., our subject; Thomas A. and Margaret J., deceased; Wilson W., of Dowling, Ohio; and Charles L., residing in Roscommon, Michigan.

Squire Brown, as his friends call him (and his friends are found wherever he is known), received his early education in the schools of Newtown, Ind. , where his parents moved when he was but four years old. He was bound out to work for his board and clothes when a boy, and at nineteen found employment on the Erie canal. He continued in this occupation until he was married to Miss Euritta J. Egbert, who was born in Findlay, Ohio, October 20, 1834. He then sought a better means of making a livelihood, and in 1870 moved to this county and bought forty acres of land in Perrysburg township, which he has since carefully improved. He is now one of the opulent farmers of the vicinity, and holds an importtant place in the community, his natural ability and integrity of character having gained him the entire confidence of all who know him. He was first elected justice of the peace in 1877, and has now held the office for more than eighteen consecutive years. He has been a member of the school board for the same length of time, and for six years has been a notary public. Wftfere he is well known he receives votes irrespective of party lines, but, being a Democrat, the large Republican plurality in this county has prevented him from entering county office, although the members of his party have often prevailed upon him to lead the " forlorn hope" for the sake of their cause. He has displayed the spirit of the true soldier on many occasion, and in 1861 was among the first to respond to the call of his country, enlisting in Company H, 57th O. V. I., and serving until December, 1863. There were six of the Brown boys, who enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in 1861, thus furnishing Uncle Sam with at least eighteen years of service. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Fort Meigs Lodge No. 774, of the F. & A. M., Phoenix Lodge No. 123, and of Robert Stewart Post No. 690, G. A. R. He is the present postmaster at Dowling.

Joseph Redfearn. Like a giant oak in a forest of weather-beaten comrades, the subject of this sketch stands prominent among those noble pioneers whose best energies have been spent in bringing Wood county forward to her present high position in the magnificent galaxy of Ohio's counties.

He was born February 14, 1812, in Muker, Yorkshire, England. His father, Francis Redfearn, a fanner and miner there, married Ruth Milner, and reared a family of six children. In 1830 they came to the United States on the "Caledonia," landing at Philadelphia after a voyage of seven weeks and four days. He first located at Pottsville, Penn., where he mined coal for some time, and on coming to Ohio spent two years in Wayne county, and then settled in Washington township, Hancock county, in the woods. To reach their new home they had to cut a road for their wagon for most of the way from Fostoria (then Rome and Risdon), and they crossed the Sandusky river by floating their wagon and making their cattle swim the stream. In later years our subject's father bought a large tract of land in Jo Davies county, 111., near Apple River, where he died January 13, 1858, his wife having passed to her final rest November 9 of the previous year. Of their children the eldest, Peter, died at Apple River at the age of fifty years from injuries received in a runaway. Francis died at Warren, 111., at seventy -eight years of age. Joseph is our subject. Ruth was married in the fall of 1830 to Charles Gouldborough, of Minneapolis, Minn., with whom she has now passed over sixty-five years of married life. Elizabeth is the widow of Robert Levitt, of Arlington, S. D. Margaret married John Eaton, and died at Apple River at the age of sixty.

Joseph Redfearn had little opportunity for education, but he was ambitious, and, while working on the farm during the day, he attended night school in England - paying two cents a night. He was eighteen years old when the family came to America, and he quickly found employment as a farm hand, being unusually strong and active. He could mow two acres of grass in a day with a scythe, and has done many a large day's work at threshing with a flail, being paid fifty cents per day, and even that was not always in cash. He was married January 8, 1835, to Miss Ann Phillips, a native of Pennsylvania, born July 19, 1816, the daughter of Benjamin Phillips, an early settler of Washington township, Hancock county. He and his wife began housekeeping on fifty acres of land, a gift from his father, and he entered forty acres more, all "in the woods." He traded this soon after to his brother, Francis, for a tract of eighty acres in Bloom township, Wood county, to which he removed December 7, 1837, their first home being a comfortable log house. Tiffin was the nearest point where a good gristmill could be found, though there were several horse mills in the neighborhood.

Twelve children were born to our subject and his wife, all of whom lived to mature age: Henry and Francis are farmers in Nemaha county, Neb.; Peter died at McComb in 1892; Harrison, a farmer of Perry township, died in 1872; Matilda A. married Dr. E. J. Reed, of Leipsic; Joseph

P. is a farmer in Cass township, Hancock county; James R. is a prominent merchant of Bloomdale; John O. is a prosperous farmer in Nemaha county, Neb., and a leading citizen of his neighborhood; Rhoda S. married Jerry Loman, and died December i, 1894; Margaret R. is the wife of R. B. Drake, an insurance agent of Tiffin; Charles is a farmer in Perry township, and Edward T. is a farmer in Bloom township. On February 19, 1864, Mr. Redfearn's wife died, and she was buried in Fostoria cemetery. She was a woman of rare qualities of mind and heart, a devout Christian and a member of the M. E. Church, and was deeply and sincerely mourned. Mr. Redfearn never married again. Their children have taken honorable positions in life, and the family hold a prominent place in the history of this county. All are abstainers from liquors and tobacco, and their upright lives reflect honor upon the father who, by precept and example, has trained them for useful citizenship. Four sons served in the Civil war, a remarkable record. Henry was a member of a Nebraska cavalry regiment; Peter enlisted in Wood county in the one-hundred-days' service; William H. served in the famous 49th O. V. I. , the ' - Black Swamp Jayhawkers," and Joseph P. was a member of the ii ith O. V. I.

Mr. Redfearn has owned large tracts of land at different times, and had held the title to all the land on the west side of Main street in Bloomdale, but has sold it for building purposes. He has given his children a good start in life, and still owns 325 acres of land in Bloom and Cass townships. Despite his advanced age he is in good health, aside from being a sufferer from rheumatism, and his mental faculties are clear, his native shrewdness and caution being in no way lessened. In politics he has been identified with the Republican party from its beginning, but previously he was a Whig. He served as constable in his younger days, but has never joined in the struggle for political honors. He has, however, been a leading promoter of different measures for the public welfare, and gave liberally toward the building of the first court house at Bowling Green, Ohio. For over fifty years he has been a member of the M. E. Church, in which he has held every office except that of preacher, and he was a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years.

John W. Miller. In the latter part of the eighteenth century Christopher Miller, a native of Germany, sailed with his wife and two children for America. After a long and tedious voyage of nine months they arrived at New York. Delay after delay had occurred, and crew and passengers were on the verge of starvation. At length the vessel reached New York harbor, and Mr. Miller, with his family, proceeded to Allegany county, Md. , where he spent his remaining days. Two of his sons were soldiers of the war of 1812. The father of our subject, Andrew Miller, was born in Allegany county, on December 1 , 1805. He was a man of limited education, and was reared on a farm, while throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Charlotte Duckworth, also a native of Allegany county, born April 8, 1812. In 1865 the father removed with his family to Delaware county, Ohio, locating on a farm of 105 acres in Trenton township, where he spent his remaining days. His death occurred April 30, 1894, and his wife passed away, May 1, 1887.

of Joseph Deremer, and after his death married Monroe Cockrell, her death occurring in Delaware county; Uriah, who died in Delaware county, at the age of forty-five; Harriet Ann, wife of Henry Dash, of Maryland; Almira, wife of James Loor, of Delaware county; Henry H., who is carrying on agricultural pursuits in Delaware county; Lloyd W., a farmer of Union county, Ohio; Sarah, who became the wife of Emery Leak, and died in Delaware county; Altha, wife of Jefferson Miles, of Delaware county; Mary, who is living in the same county; John W. , of this review; Zeltha wife of Franklin DeWolf, of Delaware county; and Rebecca, who died at the age of three years.

Our subject was a child of twelve years when he accompanied his parents to Delaware county. He began his education in an old log school house in his native county, and completed it in the district schools of this State. During vacations and after school hours he aided in the cultivation and improvement of the farm, and continued to give his father the benefit of his services until his marriage.

On February 16, 1881, Mr. Miller was joined in wedlock with Miss Tina Tripier, the wedding ceremony being performed in Trenton township, Delaware county. The lady was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 13, 1857, and is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Payne) Tripier. Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to Wood county, and the former purchased forty acres of land in Section 25, Jackson township, continuing its cultivation and improvement for five years, when he sold and purchased his present farm compris- ing eighty acres. He has made this one of the valuable and desirable properties in Wood county, has erected a pleasant and substantial residence, built barns and outbuildings, and fenced, tiled and ditched the entire place. The neat, and thrifty appearance of the farm indicates his careful supervision, and the place is a monument to his thrift and enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had two children: Sperna, born July 12,

In his political views Mr. Miller is a stalwart Democrat, unswerving in his support of the principles of the party. He has been honored with several local offices, having served as school director, road supervisor and is now trustee. His life has been an honorable and upright one, and he has the high regard of all who know him. As a citizen he is true to every duty, and gives a hearty support to all interests which he believes will benefit the community. In personal appearance he is tall and finely proportioned, and he is one of the most popular citizens of Wood county.

Floyd W. Heald, a prominent resident of Bowling Green, and the deputy collector of the 10th District, was born in Crawford county, Penn. , December 3, 1861. Genial, popular, possessed of fine mental gifts, a sound practical education, a character which inspires confidence, a magnificent physique, he is well fitted to fill any office of public trust to which he may aspire.

Until the age of fifteen, his life was spent upon a farm, assisting his father in the work, and attending the district school. In 1876 his father bought a sawmill, where Mr. Heald was employed for some time. He then worked a while in the oil fields; but at eighteen, entered the State Normal school at Edinboro, Penn., and studied for two terms. For two years following, he was baggage master at Chautauqua, N. Y., during the summer season, and in 1882, he came to Jerry City, and entered the employ of J. D. Wilsey & Sons, as boat-oar finisher in their extensive factory. He remained with them six years, finding - or making - time, in the intervals of labor, to continue his studies in the Normal school at Fostoria, and he now holds a diploma from the business course of that institution, having passed the examination with a grade of 99 per cent.

In 1884, he was elected mayor of Jerry City, by a large majority, on the Democratic ticket, and proved an efficient and popular officer. On leaving the firm of Wilsey & Sons, Mr. Heald formed a partnership with Henry Meyers in the lumber business, buying for Eastern markets; but this soon ceased to be profitable, and he went to work for the Ohio Oil Co. , first as pumper and then as tool dresser, and while thus engaged he was appointed deputy sheriff of Wood county by William B. Bryant. The duties of this office were performed with his accustomed ability and energy, and brought him into favorable notice throughout the county, and in 1895 he was appointed to his present position. He is a member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and the K. of P.

George Brim. Ohio, as well as her sister States, has her quota of citizens of foreign birth, who, coming to this favored land in pursuit of fortune, in addition to the advantages derived from its free institutions, have not only reaped the reward of their labors in the shape of material prosperity, but have added to the resources of their communities, and to the progress and betterment of their people. Among those who claim " Merrie Old England" as the land of their nativity may be found the subject of this sketch, and the story of his life, briefly given here, may form an incentive to some other young man whose start in life may be made under no more favorable auspices than was his.

George Brim was born April 25, 1834, in beautiful Devonshire, England, the son of W. W. and Harriet (Ellis) Brim. His parents were natives of the same locality, the father born August 19, 1809, and the mother October 2, 1810. They came of poor people and when quite young were both bound out to the same man. They grew up together, shared each other's joys and sorrows, worked together and played together, and their love for each other deepened as the boy and girl developed into youth and maiden, finally culminating in their marriage, which took place January 10, 1834. For some time after this event Mr. Brim worked on a farm at $2.20 a week, and when they finally decided to come to America, in 1855, the only capital they possessed on reaching Wood county, Ohio, was one sovereign. They had, however, no end of courage and hopefulness, and with their only child, George, began their life in the new country with brave hearts and a determination to succeed.

From the outset the son cast in his lot with his father, and together the two worked and managed their affairs, the younger man contributing in no small degree, by his business ability and industry, to their success in the New World. They first bought eighty' acres of land in Plain township, Wood county, and added to it as their means increased until at one time they owned 360 acres; all of this was prairie land, which they converted into farms, and cultivated. They were prosperous from the beginning, and at his death, which took place April 5, 1885, the father was a wealthy man. The mother is now making her home with her son George.

The subject of this sketch was married July 4, 1865, to Miss Amelia Austin, who was born in Somersetshire, England, February 10, 1848. Her parents were James and Mary (Keats) Austin, the former of whom, born in England in 1823, died in Wood county in 1865; the latter also died in Wood county. Mr. and Mrs. Brim have had a family of four children: (1) James E., born

April 16, 1866, married Lena Knauss, and lives in Bowling Green; they have three children - Walter, Ethel and Mabel. (2) Walter, born October 16, 1867, was educated at the Ada Normal School, and resides at home; he was married in December, 1895, to Cora Goldsmith. (3) Samuel, born March 25, 1870, died January 3, 1871. (4)

Mr. Brim is recognized as a leading man, and one of the best citizens of Wood county. He is unassuming in his manners, attends strictly to his business and has accumulated a fine property. In politics he is a Republican; socially he belongs to Centennial Lodge No 626, I. O. O. F. , of Bowling Green.

Michael Amos, Jr. This prosperous and intelligent farmer living in Section 3, Portage township, has spent most of his life in Wood county. His father, who also bears the name of Michael, is one of the oldest living pioneers. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, November 28, 1818, and in October, 1837, he was brought to the United States by his parents, Michael and Caroline (Sondheimer) Amos. They took passage on the "Wild Lion" at Havre, France, and after a long and tedious voyage of thirty-six days landed safely at New York. At New Lisbon, Ohio, they remained until January, 1838, when the grandfather hired a team and brought his family to Section 1, Portage township, Wood county, where he had purchased eighty acres of partially improved land. There his death occurred September 29, 1838, from typhoid fever and nostalgia, and he was laid to rest on the farm, but his body was afterward interred in Portage cemetery.

The father of our subject being the eldest son, the care of the family fell upon him, and, in order to better perform this duty, he worked for others as a farm hand. His widowed mother lived with him a great portion of the time, but died at the home of her son Frederick, in Portage township. In 1844, Mr. Amos married Theresa Brackley, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, and a daughter of Michael Brackley, a carpenter by trade. Eight children came to bless their union: Michael, of this review; Philip, a farmer of Portage township; Catherine, who became the wife of Ezra Heminger, and died in Center township; John, who died in the same township, and left a family ; Anthony, a farmer of Center township; William, a butcher of the village of Portage; Charles, a farmer of Portage township; and Mary, deceased wife of Monroe Helm, of Portage. The father bought the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead, and now has a good farm of 132 acres, while he has given each of his children forty acres or its equivalent. He and his estimable wife are two of the few old pioneers left in Portage township, are highly respected people, and members of the Lutheran Church. Although they have now reached a ripe old age, and are bent by years of toil, they are yet comparatively active. The entire life of Mr. Amos has been passed in usefulness and hard labor. He never cared for political preferment, but has served as school director and supervisor, and is a supporter of the Democratic party.

On Section 1, Portage township, October 4, 1848, Michael Amos, Jr., first opened his eyes to the light of day. He attended school a few months each winter in District No. 1, thus acquiring a fair education, and at the age of twenty left home, going to Nebraska, where he remained a month. For a short time he was then employed on a farm in Jefferson county, Iowa, after which he went to Pike county, 111., and later to southeastern Missouri, where he engaged in hunting and trapping. With the money thus earned he returned to Pike county, 111., where he was employed by James Wallace to take rafts down the river to St. Louis, Mo., which proved quite profitable, our subject receiving $2 per day and board. He worked in Illinois for some time and helped to cut 135 acres of wheat, which was bounfl by hand, after which he came back to Wood county. In the fall, however, he went to Missouri, where he again engaged in hunting and trapping, spent the following summer in a fishery in Illinois, and the next winter was also passed in Missouri. On returning to Wood county, he engaged in ditching and threshing for several years.

county, Ohio, and a daughter of Sterling Wilcox. Three children have been born to them : Edward B., who is attending school in Bowling Green, Ohio; and Curtis and "Cap", at home. Soon after his marriage our subject rented a farm of forty acres in Center township, and his first purchase was ninety-three acres in Section 3, Portage township, mostly unimproved, with a log house standing upon it. For three years he made that place his home, and on selling out removed to his present farm of eighty acres in Section 2, in April, 1 88 1 . He is a wide-awake, progressive citizen, and has made his place one of the best farms in Portage township. Besides general farming, he has also dealt in stock for several years, making many friends and acquaintances while engaged in this business. He is one of the leading workers in the Republican party in the community, and in 1886 was elected infirmary director, taking the office January i, 1887, in which he served very acceptably for six years. Both himself and wife are esteemed members of the United Brethren Church.

Isaac G. Rideout, a reliable and progressive agriculturist of Ross township, was born near Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio, May 1, 1839, and is a son of Isaac and Hannah (Galpin) Rideout, both natives of Dorsetshire, England, the former born December 24, 1793, and the latter December 3, 1798. On emigrating to the New World, in 1830, they located at Massillon, Ohio, where the father worked in the Moore & Hart foundry for a few years, but, in 1844, became a resident of Wood county, purchasing forty-five acres of the farm on which our subject now lives. Five of their ten children were born in England, and in order of birth they are as follows: James, deceased; Elizabeth, widow of T. Whitson, and a resident of Iowa; Thomas, of Lucas county, Ohio; Jane, wife of John Kinney, of Lime City, Ohio; and William, deceased. The births of the others occurred in Stark county, Ohio - Anna, deceased; Mary Ann, wife of James Craine, of Lucas county; Margaret, the deceased wife of a Mr. Vickers; Isaac G., and Mrs. Lavina* Mc- Dougall.

Our subject obtained his education in the first log school house erected in Ross township, but his advantages along that line were limited. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when, October 22, 1861, at Toledo, Ohio, he enlisted in the Union army, as a member of Company B, 67th O. V. I., under Capt. Ford, and Col. A. C. Voris, of Akron, Ohio, and after serving his entire term, at Hilton Head, S. C. , he veteranized. He had been discharged, January 31, 1864, and after a thirty-days' furlough rejoined his regiment, and was finally discharged at Richmond, Va., September 1, 1865, after almost four years of faithful and arduous service on Southern battle fields. Returning home, Mr. Rideout has since devoted his attention to general farming, but expects soon to go into fruit raising. He has tiled and drained his land and placed it under a high state of cultivation, and has erected three good dwellings, besides barns and other outbuildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry.

On Christmas Day, of 1867, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rideout and Miss Louisa T. Coy, and to them nine children were born - Darwin, born August 28, 1 868, married Carrie Smith, daughter of W. J. Smith, and they have two children, Frank and Ervin; William, born April 6, 1870, married Alberta Royce, daughter of Edward Royce, by whom he has one child, Addie Elizabeth; Ervin, was born October 9, 1872; Margaret, born December 31, 1873, is the wife of Charles Crane, and they have twin sons, Isaac R. and Thomas C.; Charles, born December 17, 1875; Olive, born June 15, 1879; Anna, born March 2, 1882; Isaac, born July 4, 1890, died on August 4, following; and Richard, born March 24, 1894.

Mr. Rideout affiliates with Ford Post, No. 14, G. A. R. , of East Toledo, and with John W. Fuller Command, No. 49, U. V. U. He served as sergeant in his company, and now has a medal presented to him by Major-Gen. Q. A. Gilmore, commanding the Department of the South, for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of battle. Since casting his first vote he has been an ardent Republican in politics, as was also his father, and has served acceptably as township treasurer for two terms, and was school director for a number of years. In all the relations of life he is honorable and upright, and as faithful to his country in days of peace, as when following the old flag in defense of the Union.

J. W. Long, an ex-soldier and highly-respected citizen of Bloom township, is descended from that race known as Scotch-Irish, which has given to America many of her best citizens. His ancestors were natives of the North of Ireland, whence his grandfather, George Long, emigrated to the United States in 1817, locating in Carroll county, Ohio, where he was married, and became the father of seven children: George, William,

William Long, was the father of our subject. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Sarah Metsker, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and to them were born six children: Mary Jane, who died in infancy; Eliza E., who became the wife of James Byall, and died in September, 1868; J. W. , subject of this review; Catherine and William H., both living in Missouri; and Violet A., who died in that State in 1871. The father was a natural mechanical genius, and worked at various trades, principally carpentering and wagon making. For seven years after his marriage he continued to reside in Carroll county, and then removed to Hancock county, Ohio, near the present city of North Baltimore, where he followed his chosen occupation for the remainder of his life. His tragic death, which occurred in 1861, has few parallels in western Ohio. While engaged in remodeling the largest gristmill in Hancock county, at Gilboa, he became entangled in a belt connected wfith a rapidly revolving shaft, making 105 revolutions a minute, and was instantly conveyed to the shaft and horribly mangled, almost every bone in his body being broken. His untimely death left his widow and family in straitened circumstances, and our subject, then a boy of but fourteen years, being the eldest son, suddenly had to assume the responsibilities of father and provider.

Mr. Long was born in Carroll county, in 1846, and was but a child of three years when his parents removed to Hancock county. As the portion of the county in which they located was quite backward, he was reared midst the trials and vicissitudes of pioneer life, and, being the eldest son of parents whose means were limited, his opportunities in many ways, including those for an education, were very meager. He first attended'the Thicket school, near Van Buren, Hancock county, his teacher being Miss Angeline Warner. The numerous removals of his parents served to further handicap him in his effort s to secure his education, which was concluded at Findlay, Ohio, at the early age of fifteen years. He has seen the vast improvement in the schools of the present over those of his youth, which he heartily favors and fully endorses. While the opportunities were not his, the great school of experience has impressed him with the necessity of education.

As previously stated, Mr. Long was at a youthful age compelled to perform the duties that his father's death thrust upon him, and he remained at home, administering to the wants and cares of the fatherless family, until his enlistment, on August 15, 1862, in the mth O. V. I.

It was necessary at this time for him to represent himself as being eighteen years of age, so eager was he to defend the flag which had been fired upon at Fort Sumter. His career as a soldier was interrupted by sickness, as soon after his enlistment he was seized with the measles and typhoid fever. He suffered the complete temporary loss of his eyesight, and was discharged in March, 1863, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. Our subject returned home, leaving the scenes of carnage for those of a quiet rural life, in Hancock county, a complete physical wreck. Much time and money were spent in his efforts to secure good eyesight, which came to him after a great deal of suffering; but his shattered physical condition could not be restored to its youthful vigbr and vitality. He worked at whatever employment he could secure, his every spare penny going toward the support of his mother and younger brothers and sisters.

On August 16, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Long and Miss Susanna Wineland, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and six children came to bless their union: B. F. , proprietor of a bicycle livery at North Baltimore, Ohio; William H., general agent for the Porter's cure of pain remedies; Martha F., now Mrs. Charles Brandeberry, of Bloom township; James E. , of the same township; and D. W. and Lemuel L., both at home. After his marriage Mr. Long located near Portage, Wood county, where he resided only a short time, and in 1869 returned to Hancock county, buying a small farm, on which he resided until 1885, when he came to Bloom township, this county. He has forty acres of rich and fertile land in Section 33, and in 1895 completed his present commodious and substantial home. He now takes life easy, having all but retired from active farm work. Politically he is a silver Democrat, and while not an office-seeker, manifests keen interest in the success of his party. For many years he belonged to the Independent Order of Good Templars, and is now a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife are consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bairdstown, Ohio, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

His grandparents, Luther G. and Sally M. Hinkle}', came from New York State and settled in Erie county, Ohio, where their son, D. S. Hinkley, our subject's father, was born August

2 7, 1838. He learned the wagon maker's trade in early life, and came to Milton Center, where he married Miss Mary J. Hill, a native of that place, born October 28, 1846. Of late years he and his wife have made their home in Prairie Depot, where he follows the carpenter's trade. They have seven children, of whom our subject is the eldest: Lottie is the wife of W. J. Graham, of Portage township; Joseph J. and Charles are in business at Prairie Depot; and D. S., William and Jessie are three at home.

Mr. Hinkley spent the first eight years of his life at his birthplace, and has since lived at Sandusky on the Bay Shore, for five years, and later at Prairie Depot. He supplemented his commonschool education by a course in the business department of the Fostoria Normal School, from which he graduated in October, 1891. For ten years he was a successful teacher in this county, the last three being spent at Prairie Depot, where he was principal of the high school. He resigned in June, 1895, having been elected the previous November to the position which he now holds. He was installed in office September 2, 1895. Although he is one of the youngest workers in the Republican party in this locality, he has already given evidence of marked ability in public affairs, and his friends predict a bright future for him. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and of the Good Templars Lodge. He was married June 15, 1893, to Miss Effie Mercer, who was born in Liberty township, December 25, 1871, and has one child, Harold Cecil.

Chester L. Powell (deceased) was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 10, 1857, a son of George and Sarah Powell, and was reared near Bowling Green. He taught school for several years, and, later, for two years, kept a hardware store at Portage. This he sold, and then went to Fostoria, where for a time he and his brother, A. V. Powell, conducted a similar business. Afterward he went on the road for a hardware firm, but resigned and came to Weston, where, together with a Mr. Baldwin, he opened a clothing and furnishing-goods store, under the firm name of Baldwin & Powell. Soon afterward he bought Mr. Baldwin's interest, also the stock of shoes and the shoe-shop belonging to Mr. Ames, and he operated the store with marked success up to his death, which occurred July 6, 1893. He was admired Tor his business ability, and his good qualities as a citizen. In demeanor he was quiet, but firm in purpose, and seldom failed in anything he undertook. His death was greatly mourned by the community in which he resided. He was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., having joined the order at Fostoria, whence he " took his card " to Weston; in religious faith he was a member of the United Brethren Church.

On October 7, 1886, Mr. Powell married Miss Elfa Pugh, who was born in Henry county, Ohio, November 15, 1859. John Pugh, her father, was born in the>j parish of Kerry, County of Montgomery, North Wales, on the nth day of February, 1810, of English parents, and when twenty-one years old married and came to the United States, first locating in New York State, then in Perrysburg, Ohio, afterward in Henry county, finally, in 1877, settling in Weston, Wood county, where he died January 9, 1892. He followed the occupation of a farmer; was of the Episcopal faith; was a Whig before the war and a Republican afterward, and he voted for both the Harrisons (his first and last votes respectively). His home was the meeting place of many of the most prominent of the early pioneers of this section, and he was a great friend of the Indians. The adventures that have been rehearsed, and the stories that have been told by himself and others when gathered around the fireside, if preserved, would have been worthy of being immortalized in romance and song; but unfortunately only a faint glimpse of the conditions of life, and the character of those sturdy pioneers, have been handed down to us. Although miles of swamp and woods separated neighbor from neighbor, a common cause and, we might say, a common misfortune united them in bonds of sympathy almost as strong as family ties.

John Pugh, for his second wife, married, in 1845, Clarissa B. Junkins, who was born January 3, 1820, in Preston county, Va. (nowW.Va.). Her father having died in Fairview, Ohio, when £he was two yearsold, her mother subsequetly married John Rice, and in 1833 they came to Wood county; but during their first year's residence in the county, Mr. Rice died, leaving a widow with five children, viz.: Samuel, who died when about fifty-seven years old; Thomas, a farmer of Weston township; Julia Ann; Annabella; and Clarissa B., who now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Powell; she is the mother of five children: Ann M. (now Mrs. L. McKee), of Fostoria, Ohio; Luther S., of Weston; Mrs. William Martin, also of Weston; John A., who died at the age of twenty-five; and Mrs. Elfa Powell. Mrs. Pugh was among the earliest pioneers of Wood county, coming here when but thirteen years old, with the rest of the family. When they reached Beaver creek, their destination in Wood county, they stopped at the home of uncle McKee (who had preceded them), until they could build themselves a log house, after the fashion of the country in those early days (they were not so long in building a house as they are now-a-days). Mrs. Pugh's stepfather, John Rice, having died in the first year of their coming here, as related above, there was much responsibility left on the widowed mother with her five children; but being a woman of tact and foresight, she always provided years ahead for the family. So they suffered but little from the privations of early pioneer life among the Indians, who were numerous on Beaver creek at that time, and all became the owners of good homes in Wood county, except Annabella, who had died at the age of nineteen years. Grandmother Junkins-Rice's home was called "the poor house," because if there was an orphan child in the country she would bring it to her home and care for it until another home could be found for it. At one time she had no less than five infants on her hands to be cared for, and some remained with her until her death. Mrs. James Raymer, of Toledo, was one of grandmother Junkins-Rice's loves. After being left a widow with five children to raise in a new country, God gave her health and strength to help the helpless. Such was the kindheartedness and unselfishness of that noble pioneer grandmother and mother.

Mrs. Chester L. Powell was educated in part at the schools of Weston, and in part at those of Fostoria. After her marriage she resided almost constantly with her parents, and cared for them with a tender hand, her aged mother, now living with her, being an object of deep solicitude. Her one great comfort is her flowers, of which she is a great lover, and which she gathers around her and enjoys. From earliest childhood Mrs. Powell has been the companion of her parents, and through them and their acquaintances learned of the habits of many of the pioneers, and has always felt a deep interest in them, although at a time when life was sweetest and separation hardest to bear, she has borne the death of her husband with a philosophic and Christian-like spirit. She has continued her husband's store, showing excellent capability, and, through the service of efficient employes under her personal supervision, it continues to be one of the flourishing business houses of Weston.

Prior to his death Mr. Powell had established a fruit farm within the corporation of Weston, and his widow also conducts this with marked success. It comprises some twenty-five acres, given to Mrs. Powell by her mother, Mrs. John Pugh, whereon are abundantly grown plums, peaches, strawberries, grapes, and all other small fruits. There are also a house and lot in Weston, and two other farms - one in Wood county, and one in Hancock county - which Mrs. Powell rents. She also owns the store building, 35 x 50 feet in dimensions, and which is recognized as the pioneer building of Weston. Notwithstanding her many business engagements, and the care of a home, Mrs. Powell yet finds time for the study of literature, and for years past she been one of the teachers in the Presbyterian Church Sabbath-school, having an interesting class of girls of which she is justly proud.

Malon K. Manley, a veteran of the Mexican war, and a retired merchant of Haskins, is a native of the Keystone State. He was born in Columbia county, Penn., March 28, 1825, a son of John Manley, who was born in 1799. The grandfather, John Manley, Sr., was a native of Switzerland, and took part in the revolution of 1 776 to 1780. The father was educated in Pennsylvania, and followed the carpenter's and builder's trade. He married Sybilla Case, and their children were: Eli R. , a carpenter, who resided in David City, Neb., and died November 30, 1896; Malon K.; William W., a merchant of Pennsylvania; Anna, deceased wife of Joseph Buck; Mary J., deceased wife of Samuel Culp. The father of this family died in New York, by drowning, and the mother afterward married Francis Burdanier, by whom she had seven children, the only survivor being George, of Pennsylvania. Her death occurred in the Keystone State, January 27, 1888, when she was aged eightyeight years, and six months.

Our subject acquired his education in the common schools near his home, but his privileges in that direction were limited, for at an early age he was thrown upon his own resources. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for forty years. During the Mexican war, in 1846, he enlisted at Danville, Penn., in Company C, 2d Penn. V. I., and proceeded to Vera Cruz. He participated in the capture of that city, and in other service in that locality, and in July, 1848, returned to his home. He suffered intensely from the oppressive heat in the South. Again, during the Civil , war, he manifested his loyalty to the government, enlisting on May 14, 1861. He formed a company at Danville, Penn., which was attached to the Sixth Regiment of Pennslyvania Reserves, and went to Camp Curtin, thence to Richmond, and participated in the

In 1 868, Mr. Manley came to Wood county, and purchased a farm of seventy acres near Haskins, which he operated for five years, when he removed to the town and established a grocery and shoe store, which he conducted for eleven years. He was afterward engaged in business in Toledo for a time as a dealer in shoes, but is now living retired in Haskins, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has aided greatly in the upbuilding of this community, and has been an important factor in its progress and development.

On October 12, 1848, Mr. Manley wedded Mary A. Mellon, who was born in Danville, Penn., June 21, 1828, a daughter of Gideon and Sarah Mellon, the father a boot and shoe dealer, of Danville. Five children were born to them - John, born July 29, 1849; Sarah M., September 26, 1853, now the wife of Philmore Gustin, a blacksmith; Clarence, born April 23, 1865, died April 20, 1889; Mary B., who died at the age of five years; and Anna B., who became the wife of A. L. Herritt, an oil operator, and died July 22, 1895. Mary B. and Anna B. were twins, born July 23, 1869.

Mr. Manley and wife have been faithful members of the Baptist Church for fifty-three years, and he has served as trustee, deacon, treasurer and secretary of the Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and for one term was school director, while in 1880 he acted as census enumerator, being appointed by the general government, has served as assessor and tax-collector several years. Socially ,he is connected with the Odd Fellows society, the Masonic fraternity, and Encampment of Patriarchs. His honorable, upright life, his kindly manner, and his affable and social disposition have won him a host of warm friends.

J. F. Long, a leading merchant and citizen of Bowling Green, and senior partner in the drygoods firm of Long & Rutherford, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, February 8, 1837, and is a son of the Rev. John and Lydia (Fry) Long.

Daniel Long, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1 779, of Dutch descent. He was there married to Margaret Brill, who was born in the same State in 1783, and in 1834 removed with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, where, on May 22, of that year, he entered the northwest quarter of Section 1, in Jackson township. For forty years he worked at his trade as a blacksmith, and he was a soldier in the war of 1812. His death took place in 1871 at the good old age of ninety-two, his wife having passed away in 1853. This estimable couple were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Daniel is living in Stark county, and is now nearly one hundred years of age; Samuel, who was a minister in the United Brethren Church for many years, died in Seneca county, Ohio; Charles migrated to California during the gold excitement, and died in Seneca county; John was the father of our subject; Peggy married Jacob Sprout, of Seneca county, and is still living; Nancy became the wife of Samuel Sprout, of the same county, and died there; Michael became a minister in the United Brethren Church at Upper Sandusky, in 1835, and died recently at Fremont, Ohio (he was born May 3, 1814, was almost a giant in stature, with a voice which could be heard a mile away, and was a famous camp-meeting preacher) ; George died in Seneca county; David spent a part of his life in California, and died in Seneca county; Benjamin, who was born September 12, 1823, spent his life on the old homestead in Seneca county, and died there June 14, 1890; Wesley, who went west after serving in the army, was never heard from again; and Henry, who died when quite small.

John Long, the father of our subject, was born in 1808. When a young man he entered the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and about the year 1847 removed to Gibsonburg, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he made his home for many years, traveling and preaching constantly throughout a large circuit in northern Ohio. About eighteen years ago he came to Wood county, where he continued 'his life work until broken down by years of toil and the feebleness of old age. For some years preceding his death he made his home in Bowling Green. He passed peacefully to his well-earned rest February 9, 1895, at the home of his daughter, in Gibsonburg; his wife died at her home, in Center township, Wood county, April 19, 1878, aged sixty-three years, eleven months, eleven days, a faithful member of the U. B. Church. After many years of faithful duty to her family, her Church and her God, she passed away in the triumph of her faith, thus leaving to her family the best gift a mother could leave. To this honored couple were born ten children, as follows: Louisa, wife of Jacob Sampsel, of Gibsonburg; Samuel, a farmer at St. Louis, Mich.; J. F., our subject; Daniel S. .residing in Bowling Green; Rebecca, married to A. B. Garn, of Gibsonburg; William, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; Wesley, a farmer of Center township, Wood county; Arcanus C. and Michael, residing near Gibson- burg; and Samantha, the wife of Charles Pike, of Bowling Green. The parents of this interesting family became the grandparents of fifty grandchildren, and the great-grandparents of thirtyone great-grandchildren.

our subject), Moses, Mary, Anna, Adam, Josia, Elizabeth, Solomon, and Samuel. All these are living in the West, except Jacob and Samuel, who died in Ohio.

J. F. Long, the subject proper of this sketch, spent his boyhood days in Gibsonburg, where he attended the common schools and secured his education. He was a natural mathematician, and became especially interested in the study of mechanics; in 1865 he removed to Wood county, where he bought a tract of land and put up a sawmill. For several years he carried on the manufacture of lumber, making a handsome fortune, and later, in 1871, removed to Bowling Green, where for some time he was not engaged in any active business except contracting and building. In November, 1892, he opened up his present store, in which he is carrying on an extensive business. It is the largest establishment of its kind in Bowling Green, the firm carrying from $20, OCX) to $30,000 worth of stock, and employing ten clerks. Mr. Long also owns 180 acres of land and town property, and is recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the county. He was formerly a Republican, but of later years has identified himself with the Prohibitionists, in the ranks of which party he is an earnest worker. In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Long was married December 31, 1861, to Mary Klotz, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 9, 1845, and three children have blessed their union, namely: (1) Frank M., who learned the business of a dry-goods merchant in Toledo, and is now chief buyer for his father's firm; he married Bertha Littelle, of Toledo, and they have one child, May. (2) Elsie D. is the wife of S. E. Vail, editor of the Sentinel, and they have one child, Merl DeWitt; and (3) Netta is the wife of R. P. Hankey, a son of Senator J. K. Hankey. The mother of this highly respected family died February 28, 1893, a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. From the year 1872 until her death, a period of over twenty years, she was known as an active worker in the Sabbath-school, much of her time in the capacity of assistant superintendent thereof, having charge of a class of young men, many of whom can give evidence of her faithful work. She spent many hours in looking after the poor and needy of the town, and searching out the lonely homes of strangers, and of the desolate and disconsolate. She was also an active worker in the cause of home missions. Any one visiting the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home and Christ's Hospital will find therein a beautiful room, "No. 57," fitted and furnished in memory of her good life, and for the good of that noble work.

Gideon Underwood, deceased. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare, or advance the educational and moral influence of a community, deserve the gratitude of humanity. Our subject was for many years an honored citizen of Wood county, and one of the prominent pioneers of Center township. Mr. Underwood was born in Lawrence county, Penn., August 22, 1820, and was a son of William and Mary (Wright) Underwood, both natives of the Buckeye State. He attended the common school in his native county, and besides assisting in the labors of the home farm while young, he also worked on the canals. He then went West to California, remaining in the Golden State for three years, and later came to Wood county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land in Center township, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, which occupation he continued to follow up to the time of his death. He cleared and improved his land, building thereon a substantial dwelling, barns and other outbuildings, set out a fine orchard, and supplied the place with all the conveniences found upon a model farm of the ninteenth century. To his original purchase he later added 100 acres, and the entire tract comprised one of the best farms of the county.

In Lowell, Penn., on December 29, 1852, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Underwood and Margaret (McMahan), who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, January 21, 1821, and was then the widow of Henry Humston. Two children graced this union - John W., and Laura C. , who was born November 22, i860, and is now the wife of John Walker, a farmer of Center township, by whom she has three children. By her first marriage Mrs. Underwood had one daughter, Amerilas, who married Simon Crum, a farmer of Center township.

the prosperity of his adopted county, while it is safe to say that few contributed in a larger degree to bring about this result. His death, which occurred April 7, 1895, was deeply regretted by his loving wife and children, and also a large number of friends who loved and respected him in life and mourned for him in death. He was a Republican in politics, and was school director many terms. For many years he was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, but later he joined the M. E. Church. Mrs. Underwood still resides upon the old homestead where so many happy years of her life were passed.

Silas H. Powell. In manner hospitable and kind, disposition genial and social, this gentleman is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Liberty township. He was born March 10, 1852, in Green Castle, Ohio, a son of George and Sarah (Beatty) Powell. In 1872 the father removed with his family to Wood county, locating on a farm of 460 acres in Liberty township, where he made his home until his death, January 26, 1893. The mother died April 27, 1892. Their children were Wesley; Martha, wife of Louis Smaltz; Silas H.; Alonzo V.; Chester L. (deceased); and Laura, wife of James Stafford, of Liberty.

Our subject acquired his education in Green Castle, was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty years came with his parents to Wood county. In 1873, however, he returned to Fairfield county, and was married in Winchester to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Fellers, who was born November1 27, 1853, in that county. Her parents, Joshua and Barbara (Runkle) Fellers, were born February 14, 1821, and June 8, 1822, respectively; they are still living in Fairfield county. In the family were the following children: Eliza, wife of David Smith, of Pickaway county, Ohio; Minerva, wife of Thomas Courtwright, of Green Castle, Ohio; Martha, wife of Joseph Green, of Fairfield county; Clara, wife of George Courtwright, of Fairfield county; Mrs. Powell; Eleanora, wife of Samuel Brown, of Warren county, Ohio; Florence, wife of Henry Hempleman;John, a farmer of Fairfield county; Alice, wife of James Cheney; and Docia, wife of Edward Hickle, of Wood county.

Upon their marriage Mr. Powell and his wife took up their residence on the family homestead which he now ow'ns, his farm comprising 191 acres. He is progressive in his methods, and his \ close attention to business has secured him a comfortable property. In politics he is a Republican, and a strong advocate of temperance. In the family is one son, Chauncey, born April 4, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the United Brethren Church, the one known as the " Powell Church."

Osman A. Diver, a prominent oil operator of this section of the State, and one of the most extensive land owners in Montgomery township, is perhaps more widely known as an able and popular worker in the political field. A Democrat in a Republican stronghold - he has heavy odds against him, yet he has been called upon to fill nearly every office on the township ticket, sometimes carrying the day by 160 plurality against a Republican plurality of 140, and throughout the county he has hosts of friends who would gladly see him serving the public in a wider sphere. At times when the prospect of certain defeat has made it almost impossible to fill the county ticket, he has allowed his name to be used, and this has always meant a hard fight for his opponent, the large vote given him being a high testimonial from the independent voters of the county, to his ability and worth.

He is a native of Montgomery township, born March 16, 1845, *n Section 30, a son of the late Osman Diver, a pioneer farmer of that locality, and his wife, Esther F. Robinson, a woman of rare mental ability and noble character, who was a teacher in this county in the early "forties." As the only son of this worthy couple, our subject was given better advantages in his youth than fell to the lot of some of the boys of that time - his district school course being followed by an attendance at more advanced schools in Fostoria and Osceola, with one year at Oberlin College. He was an active boy, and his energies were given full scope in farm work on the large tracts of land owned by his father.

On February 20, 1869, he was married, in Amherst township, Lorain Co., Ohio, to Miss Sarah Curtis, daughter of Zebulum and Lucy (Belden) Curtis, well-known citizens of that locality. After his marriage Mr. Diver began farming on his own account, in his native township, giving considerable attention to raising and dealing in stock. In 1885 he removed to Prairie Depot, and engaged in mercantile business with A. Fike. Later he became sole proprietor, continuing until 1 894, when, after a successful career, he sold his store. He has large individual oil holdings, and owns 450 acres of land in his township.

His home at Prairie Depot is an elegant one, and Mrs. Diver's fine intellectual gifts and literary tastes give it an additional charm and influence as a social center. She is a member of the Disciples Church, active in various lines of local and foreign missionary work, and is also prominent in the Daughters of Rebekah order, also the Good Templars, at the present time being State deputy and district superintendent in the latter society. She has held different elective offices in the State work in that order, being State superintendent of the Juvenile Department, and organized in Ohio* sixty-six Juvenile temples, re-organized many, also several subordinate lodges, and held meetings in the interest of the order and cause. Mr. and Mrs. Diver have had three children : Flora L. , who was fatally burned at the age of four years, her clothing catching fire from a stove, and death resulting from her injuries forty-eight hours later; Frank E., a law student at Toledo; and Curtis B. , a young man of more than ordinary talent, and an accomplished musician.

Mr. Diver is a skilled reinsman, and has always been an admirer of good horses; his stables contain some of the best specimens to be found in the county. Public spirited and progressive, he is active in the cause of better education, and has served it ably as a member of the school board. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. , and was a charter member of Petroleum Lodge No. 499, K. of P. , at Prairie Depot, and its first chancellor commander. For two years he represented his lodge at the State meeting.

Osman Diver, our subject's father, was born in Deerfield, Portage (then Trumbull) Co., Ohio, August 23, 1807. He was the oldest son of John Diver, a native of Massachusetts, who came to Deerfield in October, 1803, and of Laura Ely Diver, a descendant of the Elys, of England. When twelve years of age he went with a party to Cleveland for supplies, when that city' was but a hamlet of log houses, he driving one of the teams there and back. On November 13, 1832, he married Margaret Kinnaman, and settled in his native town, where two years later a son was born, who lived but a few hours. On March 29, 1836, a second son, Franklin, was born, and in the fall of that same year he, with his wife and child, moved to Montgomery township. Wood county, and settled on a farm in Section 30. The country was then a wilderness, the roads being little more than Indian trails along the banks of streams. In the course of a few months he bought property in Fostoria (then Rome and city. There a daughter, Laura H. (now Mrs. Cline), was born, September 19, 1838. The following year he sold his town property, and returned to his farm, taking up the arduous task of converting it into fertile fields. On January 18, 1841, his home was made desolate by the death of his wife. Placing his two little children in the care of their grandparents, he lived on alone, toiling unremittingly to leave to his loved ones a home. On February 24, 1842, he married Esther F. Robinson, and to them three children were born: Margaret E. (Mrs. Miles), Osman

A. (our subject), and Harriet N. (Mrs. C. W. Lenhart). By this time he had made quite an opening in the dense forest, and in addition to the house of unhewed logs that had served him for a dwelling, he built a hewed log front, one and one-half stories high, with a good cellar - quite a pretentious mansion for those days. He usually went to P'remont (twenty-two miles distant) for flour and groceries, always taking an axe along to chop the fallen trees and remove them from the road. On one trip he stayed two nights at the same place; leaving his wagon in the mire, he proceeded with his team the first night, and returning the second night for shelter.

The constant toil and good management of Mr. Diver and his wife were rewarded; in the course of a few years, they found themselves in possession of 1,700 acres of good farming land. In 1848 he built a sawmill on the east branch of the Portage river, and manufactured the lumber with which he built a new house, one mile east of his first home, on the Perrysburg and Mc- Cutchenville pike. This was the second frame house built in this section of the country. In June. 1849, he moved his family into this house, and occupied it until his death, September 30, 1888, when he was aged eighty-one years, one month and seven days. In politics he was a Democrat, but believed it right to support the most worthy candidate, especially in municipal affairs. In religion, he was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, and was a liberal supporter of every good cause within his reach. In disposition he was quiet and unassuming, a lover of books and his own fireside, and was the friend of the poor and oppressed. Only the pioneers who toiled with him know how much this generation owes to those who changed the despised Black Swamp into the garden of Ohio.

Esther F. (Robinson), our subject's mother, was born April 2, 1818, near New Portage, Portage (now Summit) Co., Ohio. At nine years of age, death deprived her of her father, and at eleven years of age she began teaching, a voca- tion she followed until the time of her marriage. Her labors were confined principally to the Western Reserve, with the exception of two years which were spent largely in Wood county, at West Millgrove, and four miles north of that village, at - what was known as the Morgan school house. Her mother having moved to a farm near Latimerville, Crawford Co., Ohio, she made the journey from these points to her mother's home and return, several times on horseback, during her stay in Wood county. On February 24, 1842, she was married to Osman Diver at her mother's home, in Crawford county, returning with him on horseback. At the age of fifteen she espoused the cause of Christ, and has been throughout her life a faithful, consistent Christian. To her husband she was a helpmeet and counsellor, and to the five children entrusted to her care, she was a most lovable mother, a competent teacher and guide. She still survives her husband, living at the home her hand so industriously helped to carve out of the wilderness.

Wilson W. Brown, one of the heroes of the Civil war, the engineer of the train captured from the Confederacy by the famous Mitchell raiders, is now living quietly on his farm near Dowling, wearing his well-earned honors with the modesty which becomes so brave and distinguished a soldier. He was born in Fountain county, Ind., December 25, 1839, the son of Harlan S. Brown.

Possessing rare mechanical genius, our subject early acquired a thorough knowledge of machinery, and before the war served some years as engineer on the Mobile & Ohio railroad. Just before hostilities began he returned home, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 2 1 st O. V. I., which was assigned to the army of the Cumberland. He took part in the battles of Ivy Mountain, Shelbyville, Ky. , and many other engagements that occurred in the early part of the war. When the 21st was encamped at Shelbyville, Ky. , he was detailed by Gen. O. M. Mitchell to go as engineer on the famous Mitchell raid - the story of whose gallant exploits forms one of the most thrilling chapters in the history of that time. He was more fortunate than many of his companions, i eight of whom were hanged at Atlanta, Ga., | while Mr. Brown, with fourteen of his comrades, | escaped to the North, but not until they had en- j dured three months of suffering and hardship, did they reach the Union lines. Our subject re- [ ported to his regiment, and went into active service again, was appointed corporal by the colonel of the regiment, and soon after was made sergeant of Company F, 2ikt O. V. I., for gallant and distinguished service. He participated in the battle of Stone River, and, for his bravery here, was granted a thirty-days' furlough and went home. While at home he received orders to report at Washington to depose in regard to the execution of his comrades, and while there had personal interviews with President Lincoln, Judge Holt, Gen. Hitchcock, and Secretary Stanton, and, before leaving, was presented with a gold medal from the hand of Mr. Stanton. By a special act of Congress he was promoted to 2nd lieutenant. After 'leaving Washington, he returned to Ohio, and was ordered to report to Gov. Tod, at Columbus, who presented him with his commission. He then returned to his regiment and reported for duty as acting lieutenant until a vacancy occurred, after engaging in many battles, skirmishes and forced marches. He was twice wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, having two fingers shot from the .left hand, and a severe wound in the knee joint, for which wounds and his gallant service on the Mitchell raid, he was given a pension of twenty-four dollars per month by a special act of Congress. He was mustered out May 15, 1864.

In 1863 Mr. Brown was married to Miss Clarissa Loman, who was born in Fostoria, Ohio, March 1, 1845. Ten children were born of this union: Emma H., married Samuel G. Cordery, and died at the age of twenty-four, leaving one son - George W. ; Alice M. died in childhood; Ada Lodisca married Charles E. Ward, of Toledo, and has two children - Rayman Oliver, and Ruby Marie; Harlan S. is a carpenter in Webster township, and married Miss Anna Beard, by whom he has one daughter - Gladys; James W. lives in Toledo (he married Cora Glenn an3 has one child, Ethel G.); Mary M. resides in Toledo; Mahlon T. is at home; Marquis A. lives in Toledo; and Edith G. and Cecil Ulenaare at home.

After the close of the war, Mr. Brown engaged in agricultural pursuits, and spent some years in Logan and Hancock counties. In 1870 he established the home in Perrysburg township, where he now resides. He is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican.

Isaac Van Horn, a well-known agriculturist of Grand Rapids township, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, December 7, 1830. He is a son of one of the earliest settlers of his locality, the late Samuel Van Horn, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, born July 4, 1801, which honored pioneer was married in October, 1824, to Miss Sophia Miner, a native of Pennsylvania, born

In 1831 they came to Wood county, traveling in a wagon, which contained all their household goods. They settled upon a tract of eighty acres of wild land, building a house, 16 x 18 feet, immediately upon their arrival, and went through all the experiences incident to frontier life. They lived upon potatoes, corn, turke}', squirrel and deer, game being so plentiful that the family have known their dog to chase a deer out of the woods and up the lane leading to the house, where the boys would knock the animal down with clubs. Turkeys they would shoot enough of in the morning for that day's supply; and as for squirrels, they were so numerous that Mr. Van Horn says he has gone out in the wheat field by the woods, and shot from ten to twenty of them before picking any up. In spite of the far advanced spring, Mr. Van Horn succeeded in clearing more than an acre of ground in time to raise a crop of potatoes that year, and the second year he raised an excellent crop of wheat without plowing the soil, his pair of oxen having been sacrificed to secure ready money. Mr. Van Horn and his wife had united with the M. E. Church before coming to Wood county, and were among the members of the first M. E. class, which was organized, in 1833, in Weston township, Rev. Elim Day being the leader. Samuel Van Horn died on the morning of February 4, 1886, aged eighty-four years and seven months to the day. The funeral services were held at home the next day, the Rev. George Matthews officiating, and his remains were then laid to rest in Beaver Creek cemetery. His wife, Sophia Van Horn, died June 4, 1890, and the funeral was held at Beaver Creek church, Rev. James Long officiating.

Isaac Van Horn, our subject, worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old, when he bought twenty acres of land, and began farming on his own account. In the spring of 1864, he enlisted in Company I, 144th O. V. I., under Col. Lew Wallace, and Capt. J. Mc- Kee. He participated in several engagements, and was taken prisoner at Perryville, Va. , August 31, 1864. He was taken to Lynchburg, and from there to Libby prison, thence to Belle Isle, and then to Salisbury, from there back to Libby again, serving about eight months of prison life. He was the only one of seven, taken from his county, to survive prison life. From Libby he was sent to Annapolis, Md. , and from there was sent home to Columbus, Ohio, where he received his discharge, March 23, 1865. He then returned to his little farm, which he sold a few years later to buy fifty-five acres near Grand Rapids, upon which he has since resided. The improvements he has made thereon are of a high class, and he conducts the property in a model manner, having constructed ditches, planted orchards, and built substantial structures as needed.

On November 22, 1855, Mr. Van Horn was married to Miss Eliza J. Kerr, a sister of William B. Kerr, a prominent citizen of Grand Rapids township, and they had four children: EllaJ., born June 11, 1858, married George Wolcott, of Deshler, Ohio; Etta May, born May 30, 1864, died in girlhood; Frank W., born August 26, 1866, now conducting the homestead; and one other died in infancy. The mother of this family died May 19, 1884, and September II, 1889, Mr. Van Horn, for his second wife, married Miss Lizzie Dean, of Weston, who was born April 7, 1843. Mr. Van Horn cast his first vote for the Whig party. The issues of the war made him a " Black Republican," and he has adhered to that party since. He takes no active part in political work, and has never held an office, or been a juror, or been engaged in any legal controversy. By his friends and neighbors he is held in high esteem, and he is a leading member of the United Presbyterian Church.

B. B. Buck, the cashier of the Exchange Banking Company, of Weston, and one of the leaders among the younger business men of the county, was born in Milton Center, December 13, 1862. William Buck, his father, was born July 31, 1832, in Stark county, Ohio. He married Miss Ann Hartz, and a few years later moved to Wood county, locating at Milton Center, where they still reside.

Mr. Buck (our subject) attended the district schools near his home during his earlier years, and then entered the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., and was graduated from the commercial department in 1887. On his return home he was made bookkeeper of the Exchange Banking Company, in which he is a stockholder, and later he became its cashier. In the discharge of the duties of his responsible position he has shown himself fully worthy of the trust confided to him. He was married October 17, 1889, to an adopted daughter of Dr. Schooley, of Weston - Miss Jessie Robinson - who was born November 9, 1867. They have one daughter, Agnes.

In politics Mr. Buck is a Republican, and he takes an influential part in all progressive movements in his locality. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , No. 59, Milton Center, the F. &

Hon. John J. Geghan. No man is more widely or favorably known in North Baltimore and vicinity than the one whose name introduces this sketch, and it is to him more than to any other single individual that the city owes its manufactories, railroads, and other improvements which have developed its resources, and brought wealth and prosperity to its inhabitants. The career of Mr. Geghan has been a rather remarkable one. In his years of restless activity he has seen the ups and downs of life in no small degree, yet his persistence, and unbounded faith in his ability to overcome all obstacles, have always brought him out of his difficulties with flying colors, and with a determination to accomplish still greater results.

Mr. Geghan is a native of the " Emerald Isle," where he was born May 9, 1845, 'n County Meath, son of James and Elizabeth (McSweeny) Geghan. His father was a farmer, and spent his entire life in Ireland. After the death of her husband, the mother, in 1854, came with her little family to New Orleans, from there moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where our subject attended the public schools, and afterward took a course in Nelson's Commercial College. After leaving school Mr. Geghan was employed in the tobacco business, and organized the Tobacconists Association, of Cincinnati, of which he was made president. In 1865 the tobacco manufacturing company of Geghan, Porter & McHugh was established, and in the latter part of the year Mr. Geghan bought out the interests of his partners and formed the firm of Geghan & Brashears. He disposed of his share in this connection in 1866, and his next step was to organize a company which took part in the Fenian raids in Canada, being engaged in the fights at Ridgeway and Fort Erie. Havingsunk all his means in this venture, Mr. Geghan returned to Cincinnati, and became foreman in a leading tobacco house, which position he filled until 1870, when, in company with James W. Murphy, he established the Red Cloud Tobacco Works, at No. 18 Hammond street, in that city, which he conducted until 1876.

During this time and for a number of years previous Mr. Geghan took an active part in politics, his first affiliation being with the Republican party. During the campaign of 1868 he, in connection with Hon. J. W. Fitzgerald, organized the Irish " Grant & Colfax " Club of Cincinnati. He was also at the head of the liberal movement in that city which helped to carry Ham- : ilton county against Grant at a later date, and was president of the Greeley & Brown Club. Mr. Geghan has always been an intense Irish Nationalist, firmly believing that Ireland should be an indepenent nation, and, like the majority of Irish Nationalists, believing in the policy of the Republican party. He took an active part in the Presidential campaign of 1884, and at a meeting of Irish-American Republicans held at Long Branch, N. Y., immediately after the nomination of James G. Blaine, he was unanimously chosen secretary of the Irish National Republican League, which accomplished such effective work in that memorable campaign. In 1873 Mr. Geghan was nominated by the Democratic party for member of the State Legislature from Hamilton county, and was elected, serving two years. He took a prominent share in legislative matters, and was instrumental in passing several important measures. Among the bills introduced by him were the amendment to the Adair Liquor Law, compelling parties wishing to bring suit or otherwise, to serve notice on the saloonkeeper to desist from selling liquor, or file the same with the county clerk; the Padrone bill, the Militia law, and the celebrated Religious Liberty bill, known as the Geghan bill. After his term in the legislature had expired, Mr. Geghan went to Washington, D. C., where he engaged as traveling salesman until he secured a position in the Adjutant-General's department. This he held for a few months, and then resigned to accept the office of first assistant to the Dairy and Food Commissioner of the State of Ohio, which occupied his attention from 1886 to 1890. While in the commissioner's service he visited, among other places in his district, the thriving city of North Baltimore, and, at once perceiving its advantages as a manufacturing point, he concluded to locate there. Accordingly, in June, 1887, he took an option on 1 56 acres of land belonging to Joseph Dirk, at $150 per acre, and associating with himself A. L. Pfau and Col. I. Richardson, incorporated the North Baltimore Glass Co., of which he was made vice-president and director - the factory buildings being erected in the fall of the same year. In 1892, Mr. Geghan sold out his interest in these works, and engaged in general contracting, forming a company which built the North Baltimore water works, and in which he held the offices of secretary, treasurer and general manager. A year later he disposed of his stock in this company, and paved Broadway street, and also macadamized Water street, two substantial and much needed improvements. He also bought eighty acres of ground, and deeded six acres of the same to the Zihlman Glass Company, on which to erect their plant. He assisted in organizing a company known as the Missouri Railway & Navigation Company, and spent some time in southeast Missouri looking after its interests and a tract of land he still owns there.

In 1891 Mr. Geghan, in company with G. G. Grimes, began the publication of the North Baltimore Times , which he later disposed off. He has now settled in North Baltimore as a contractor and oil.producer, being interested in seven oil wells in the vicinity, and expects hereafter to devote his entire time and attention to these pursuits. He also put on foot the building of a railroad between Welker and North Baltimore, which will add another to the many enterprises he has conducted for the benefit of this section of Wood county. He is a man of irrepressible energy, always busy, a genial companion, and popular with all classes of society.

In 1888, Mr. Geghan married Miss Sadie Tarr, daughter of the late Levi A. Tarr, one of the first settlers of Henry township. They have one child, Nellie. Mr. Geghan is a prominent Mason, belonging to Blue Lodge, Royal Arch

Peter P. Swinehart, an industrious and thorough farmer of Bloom township, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, is also engaged in operating a feedmill, near Bloom Center. He is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Hopewell township, Perry county, July 23, 1848, and there his father, Andrew Swinehart, was also born, October 29, 1824. The paternal grandfather, John Swinehart, was a native of Northumberland county, Penn., in which State his father, Andrew Swinehart, lived and died. John learned the carpenter's and cabinet maker's trades, which he followed in the Keystone State, and there married Christina Cruber, a native of the same township, a mountain separating their homes. On locating in Perry county, Ohio, in 1802, they had one daughter - Sarah - who became the wife of George Onsbaugh, and there died. Their family later numbered fourteen children, those living to adult age being as follows: Peter, who died in Perry county; Jacob, who died in Wyandot county, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Cooperiole, and died in Perry county; Catherine, who wedded Jerome Stalter, and died in Wyandot county; Jonathan, who died in Portage township, Wood county; Samuel, who died in Perry county; Daniel, who died in Fulton county, Ind. ; Juda, now Mrs. Jacob Lawrence, of Wyandot county; George, a farmer of Sandusky county; and Andrew, the father of our subject. When the last named was only fourteen years old his father died; his mother survived her husband many years, and they were both buried in St. Paul's church cemetery, in Hopewell township, Perry county.