Bath Township (part 1 of 3)

Bath Township

BATH is a land of well cultivated farms, groves of forest* trees, pleasant streams, and is altogether one of the most picturesque divisions of Allen County. The principal streams are the creeks, known as Hog or Swinonia, and Sugar Greek - the former coursing through the southem sections and the latter through the northern sections, each stream flowing in a southeastern course. Several tributaries of these creeks course through the township, leaving few, if any, sections without a watw supply. The economical geology of the township is treated of in the chapter on natural history.

Very early in the history of this township, its pioneer, Ohristopher Wood, saw in its southwestern section, a beautiful site for a village, and there, in 1829, he located the Seat of Justice. In 1831 he was appointed Commissioner for the sale of lots in the Town of Lima, whidi belonged to the township until the establishment of Ottawa.

Organization

It appears that the name and organization of Bath Township existed prior to the organization of Allen County; yet there is no record of its establishment either in the, records of Allen or Mercer County. It is conceded, however, that in 1881 it was a regularly organized township, with the town of Lima as a center. Chris. Wood« John Schrouf and Jamea Daniels were Justices. On June 6, 1831, a petition for the organization of Jackson Township, was presented and granted. In December, 1834, the people of Jackson petitioned to have the present township (Con- greesional) organized tmder its original name, which petition was granted, and the two tiers of eastern sections of Bath, which belonged to Jackson np to this time, were detached and added to Bath. This order of affairs continued down to May, 1857, when Bath was ordered to contribute portions of Sections 29 and 32, and all Sections 30 and 81, to the new town of Ottawa. Up to the organization of Lima Village, in Section 31, it too formed a part of Bath, and its affairs were administered bj the Town Board.

The sight of a town meeting in early days was an interesting one. Here the freeholders came, one by one^ from different parts of the town, hard-working, hopeful, earnest, honest men. They met, perhaps, for the first time in a year. They went early in the morning to cast their Totee, and, under one excuse or other, remained until late at night They urged their local political campaign in a homely way, spoke freely their thoughts respecting the candidates, performed their duty at the polls and enjoyed it, and this done, returned to their clearings in the wilderness, to battle with the obstacles of early settlement, until the faJl elections called them from their homes again.

Pioneers: Christopher Wood, his sons, Joseph and Albert G, Wood, and his son-in-law, Benjamin Dolph may be credited with settlement in Bath Township, so early as April, 1824. Early in this month they left Bellefontaine to visit lands, which were entered in the land office at Piqua. The story of their e]q>loratory trip and final settlement is told in the following extract from the original biography of Christopher Wood: ^From Logan County, on the Miami, where resided a man named Stewart, who had married an Lidian wife, they left the borders of the white settlements, and cut a road a distance of twenty-four miles, camping at night in the woods until they reached the Indian town of Wapakonetta. In all this distance, except at Stewarts, they found not a trace of civilization. When they reached Shawnee Town, now Hovers, in Shawnee Township, where ' Pht,' the chief resided in a cabin, and had about .twenty acres of cleared land in good culture, they stayed ail night, and on leaving, purchased com and potatoes for seed. They cut a path, and after two days' hard work, reached their land on Sugar Creek, having been sixteen days in the wilderness, since quitting Logan County. They landed about the 16th of April, 1824. The parties at once com- menced the work of erecting cabins, and clearing land and planting crops, after which they returned to Ohampaign Oonntj, and moved their families ont in the fall. They were at once visited by Wyandots, who assisted them in the erection of their cabins. Captain Wood was appointed and commissioned a Justice of the Peace for Bath Township, when it had civil jurisdiction over nearly all Allen County. In 1829 he was appointed by the legislature one of the commissioners to locate the county seat of Allen County, and upon the erection of the county, in 1881, was appointed one of the associate judges, and when Lima was flatted, the first city director for the sale of lots. He moved to, and resided in Lima until 1856, when, having served faithfully his day and generation, full of years, he was gathered to his fathers, aged about eighty-seven years." Tobias. James and John Wood; the Jennings family; Evans and Everett, came in within a few years. Alex. Allison, who died in 1871, settled here in 1827, Matthew Allison, his son, in 1827; John Crawford, who died in 1889, and his son, David Crawford, arrived in 1828. Previous to the organization of the county in 1831, a number of pioneers settled in the southeastern part of the township, whose names are so intimately associated with Lima Village and Ottawa Township, that they are given in the history of these divisions of the county. In the following history of the purchase and settlement of the United States lands of Bath, many names and dates are given, all historically interesting. Again, in the pioneer chapter, the names of all tax-payers in the township (including Lima) in 1884 are given, so that in this important matter of pioneer settlers, names and dates are based upon the records of fifty years ago, thus avoiding the errors and omissions which generally mark legendary or unwritten history.

A Methodist society was formed in 1835 by Kev. George Swigert, and one year later a log-honse for chnrch purposes was erected on Section 4, near the Sagar Creek trail.

The German Baptist Church may be eaid to have been organized by Abram Miller in 1833, the year of his settlement in Allen County. Within the seTen years succeeding the number of members of this faith who settled in the neighborhood was eleven, increased to thirty in 1845 and to 170 in 1880. In 1853 a house of worship was erected on the south bank of Sugar Creek in Section 7, which is still the church of this society. The pastors have been Abram Miller, David Brower, Benjamin Burley, Daniel Brower, Daniel Miller, Robert Edgecomb, Samuel Metzger, Anthony Miller and Samuel Duver; Elder A. Miller died in 1862, when Daniel Brower was elected Elder. The Disciples established a class here in 1834-35, with Bot. Mr. Wilson in charge, and in 1840 erected the first house of worship in the township. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Section 22, and the Presbyterian Church on Section 12, make up the list of Churches.

The pioneer school of Bath Township was opened by Daniel Bradigan in the Crawford-Allison settlement on Section 3, near where the Sugar Creek school building now stands. Ezra Comb followed Bradigan, Scranton taught in 1832, and William Terry in 1834-50. The receipts in 1884 for school purposes were $3,580.16, the expenditures $2,956.95. There are ten school buildings valued at $9,100. Twenty teachers were employed during the year. The number of pupils enrolled was 404 - 234 boys and 170 girls.

In this sketch of the township only that which is directly connected with its local history is dealt with. This is due to the fact, that, in the chapters of the general history, every name and almost every item which connects its settlement and progress with Allen County, find mention. Again, in the chapters devoted to personal history, the minutiSB or details of the story of its advance in wealth and intelligence appears.

JOSEPH ALDRIDGE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, Jnly 18, 1810, and is a son of Samael and Mary A. (Taylor) Aldridge, who settled in Bath Township, Allen County, in 1829, where they lived until 1842, when they returned to Jackson County, and died there. Our subject was reared in Jackson and Greene Counties, Ohio, and in 1830 came to Bath Township, this county, where he resided about six months. He afterward lived in Greene County three years, and in 1833 returned to Bath Township, and worked at clearing and chopping by the month and job, up to 1835, when he purchased forty acres of land adjoining the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and improved, and where he lived until 1850, when he traded for the farm he now occupies, a part of which he cleared. He also purchased a tract of forty acres opposite, all of which he improved and afterward gave to his son. Mr. Aldridge was married August 12, 1830, to Mary, daughter of William and Mary (Eauf enberger) Rumbaugh, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom he had thirteen children, of whom but three survive: Catherine (wife of D. A Hadsell), Mary (wife of ML Bellingar) and Cassius. Mr. Aldridge never attended school a day in his life, but learned to read by his own application to study. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. In politics he is a Republican.

MICHAEL ALTSTAETTER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Monroe Township; Allen Co, Ohio, April 18, 1848, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Bucher) Altstaetter, and was reared and educated in the common schools of his native township. He was united in marriage October 5, 1875, with Catherine, daughter of Adam and Anna (Art) Olt, of Germany, by whom he has had five children : Albert G. (deceased), George J., and three that died in infancy. In 1876 Mr. Altstaetter located on a farm in Bath Township, this county, the most of which he cleared himself, and on which he has made all the improvements. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church. He has been trustee of Bath Township two terms; in politics he is a Democrat

MARSHALL ATMUR, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Harrison County, W. Va. November 29, 1828, son of Levi and Louisa (Marshall) Atmur, natives of Virginia. Our subject was reared and educated in Champaign County, Ohio, where his parents had settled in 1834, when he was but six years of age. In 1847 they came to Allen County, locating in Perry Township, where they cleared and improved a farm, and lived and died. They had a family of twelve children : Marshall, Mary A. (wife of Nelson McPheron), Ravena (deceased), Jesse H., Elizabeth (wife of George French), Lucy (wife of George Williams), Matthias, Emma (wife of E. W. Parker), William, Martha (deceased), Eliza (wife of C. Aldridge), Harriet (wife of Reuben Meeley). Our subject lived with his parents until twenty-five years of age. In 1854 he located on forty acres of land in Bath Township, which he cleared and improved, and here he lived ten years. In 1864 he settled on the farm he now oocnpies, a part of which he also cleared, on which he erected all the buildings. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, serving 100 days in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was at Georgetown Heights when the rebels raided Washington, and was honorably discharged at expiration of time. Mr. Atmur was married September 8, 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and EHzabeth (Gottwald) Hoffman, of Lima, and formerly of Pennsylvania. The issue of this union was eight children, of whom but two survive: Miner A. and Clarence H. Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Marshall, was a native of Virginia, and among the eary settlers of Perry Township. Mr. Atmur is a leading farmer of Bath Township. In politics he is a Republican.

SAMUEL BEDFORD, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 28, 1808, and is a son of Thomas and Jane Bedford. He was reared in his native city, and came to Ohio in 1830, locating in Warren County, where he resided up to 1849, when he came to Bath Township, Allen County, settling on the farm where he now resides, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He was a blacksmith by trade, which, in connection with his farm, he carried on up to 1884. He was married October 9, 1838, to Mary A., daughter of John- and Sarah (Stewart) Murray of Warren County, Ohio. The issue of this union was nine children : John (deceased), Sarah (wife of Milton Patrick), Mary E. (deceased), Milton D., James M., Margaret E. (wife of Lewis Brentlinger), William A., Samuel S. (deceased), and Isaac N. In politics Mr. Bedford is a Republican. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HARRISON BIBLE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Rockingham County, Va., July 5, 1835, and is a son of Christian and Mary Bible. He was reared in his native county, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, when he located in Coshocton County, Ohio, and worked at clearing land until the breaking out of thev?arof the Rebellion. He enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged after three-months service. He re- enlisted in September of the same year in Company I, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in the battles of Stone River, Murfreesboro (where he was wounded in the right arm). Spring Hill, Fort Doneison, and many minor engagements, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., in the fall of 1864. He then located in Perry Township, this county, remaining about a year, during which time he married Sarah Good, of that township, with whom he lived until her death. In 1866 he came to Bath Township, and worked at chopping wood or in a stone quarry or in a lime kiln« according to the season, for three years; since which time he has been engaged in farming. He has lived on his present farm since 1881. Mr. Bible's present wife is Sarah J., daughter of Joshua Greer, a pioneer of Bath Township, and by this marriage there were bom six children: Moses, Joshua, Allen, Frank, Harvey and John

HENKT BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Somerset County, Penn., January 81, 1832, and is a son of Jfludolph and Susannah (Walker) Boose. He was reared in his native county, and educated in the common schools. In the fall of 1854, when in his twenty-second year, he came to Allen County, and located in Bath Township on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved from what was then an unbroken wilderness. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married December 6, 1855, was Mary S., daughter of Daniel and Phebe (Shunk) Coleman, of Somerset County, Penn., and by her he had four children: Eliza J. (wife of Joseph Neishwitz), Cyrus D., Charles R. and Henry F. On June 27, 1870, he married his present wife - Catherine Westbay, widow of Isaiah Westbay, and daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, of German Township, this county. By this union there were four children : Ellen, Clara R., Harry T., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mr. Boose is one of the representative and leading farmers of Bath Township. The farm he now occupies comprises 160 acres. He has two eighty-acre tracts on Section 8, a part of which he has cleared. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has filled the office of treasurer of Bath Township upward of twelve years, and has held other minor offices ; in politics he is a stanch Democrat.

SAMUEL BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Somerset County, Penn., November 27, 1842 ; son of Rudolph and Susannah (Walker) Boose, natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather. Jacob Boose, was a native of Switzerland, and his maternal grandfather, Philip Walker, was a native of Germany. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and resided with his parents until twenty-four years of age. He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in July, 1862, and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Antietarn, as well as several minor engagements, and received a flesh wound in the leg at Gettysburg. After thirteen months' service he wab honorably discharged on account of disability, at Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. C. Mr. Boose has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married March 19, 1865, being Civilla, daughter of William and Susan (Walker) Hay, of Somerset County, Penn., by which union there was one child - Civilla. March 7, 1867, our subject married his present wife, Jane, daughter of Henry and Susanah (Winegardner) Roush, early settlers of Bath Township. The issue of this union was nilie children : Mary S., Emma J., Henry R., Sarah R., Katie A., Maggie B., Martha A, Cora M., and Gracie I. Mr. Boose located in Bath Township in 1865, on the farm he now occupies, comprising 200 acres, most of which he has cleared himself, making nearly all the improvements. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has served the township as treasurer and trustee, and was infirmary director of the county six years. He is one of the substantial farmers of Bath Township. In politics he is a Democrat.

From five years of age he was reared in Washington County, Tenn., where he received a common school education, and lived until 1861, when he came to Allen County and located in Bath Township. In 1864 he settled on the farm he now occupies, on which he has made all the improvements in erecting buildings, etc. He was married November 4, 1862, to Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Polly (Leedy) Miller of Bath Township, by whom he has had twelve children, ten now living: David, Mary, Daniel, Laura, Jesse, Ellen, Oscar, William, Frederick and Chester. Mr. and Mrs. Byerly are members of the German Baptist Church. He has been a school director of Bath Township for twelve years ; in politics he is a Republican.

SAMUEL CHAMBERS, farmer and cider manufacturer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Franklin County, Penn., April 7, 1819, and is a son of Robert and Catherine (Hise) Chambers, the former a native of Virginia and of English descent, the latter a native of Germany. Our subject was reared in his native county where he remained until eighteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Miami County, Ohio. He was married May 28, 1844, to Harriet, daughter of John K. and Susan (Krebs) Miller, of Miami County, formerly of Maryland. The issue of this union was nine children : Absolom, Sarah J. (deceased wife of Newton D. Hadsell), Catherine, (wife of George Smith), Eli (married to Katurah Spaogler of Henry County, Ohio), Susan (deceased wife of Henry D. Miller), John (deceased), Emma (wife of Joseph M Brower), George, and Harriet L. Mr. Chambers was a resident of Miami County up to 1852, when he came to Allen County and located in Bath Township on the farm he now occupies, which was originally settled by Moses McClure. He was a manufacturer of sorghum for several years, and since 1879 has been quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of cider. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are members of the German Baptist Church, of which he is one of the visiting brethren. In politics he is a Republican.

SOLOMON G. CLEMENTS, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Fleming County, Ky., April 3, 1811, and is a son of Gustavas A. and Mary (Gregg) Clements. His paternal grandfather was John Clements, a native of Lreland, and a resident of Virginia, where he died in 1776. His maternal grandfather was Solomon Gregg, a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent, and a pioneer of Fleming County, Ky. In 1811 the parents of our subject settled in Henry County, Ky., where they cleared and improved a farm on which they lived and died. There the subject of this sketch was reared, receiving a limited and common school education, and lived until twentysix years of age, when he located in Gallatin County, Ky. where he resided twelve years. In 1850 he settled in German Township, Allen Co., Ohio, where he cleared and improved a large farm on which he resided up to 1877, and then removed to Bath Township, on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Clements was married March 20, 1834, to America, daughter of John and Keturah (Clements) Hance of Henry County, Ky. The issue of this union was eleven children, six of whom are now living : John, Mary (wife of George Taylor), Gustavus, William, Elvira E. (wife of Christian Mullenour), and Malinda H. (wife of Elviu Hadsel). Mr. and Mrs. Clements are members of the Disciples

JAMES R. CUNNINGHAM, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Lima, this county, January 13, 1838, son of James and MaQ-tha (Kennedy) Cunningham, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., but reared and educated in Licking County, Ohio. The latter was a native of Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio. They reared a family of eleven children of whom nine grew to manhood and womanhood: James B., Martha L. (wife of N. W. McCormick), Mary (wife of John Winden), Emily (wife of John Hutchinson), Kate (wife of E. C. Baldwin), Thomas L. (killed in the Confederate service during the late war of ^e Bebellion), DeWitt C, Flora (wife of D. D. Nichols), and Nelson W. The father of our subject settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1833, taught school for a time and was also engaged in mercantile business in Lima. He afterward engaged in farming, and cleared up a large tract of land where South Lima now stands. The paternal grandfather of our subject, James Cunningham, formerly of Washington County, Penn., was a Presbyterian clergyman, a pioneer minister of Licking County, Ohio, and died at Martinsburg. His maternal grandfather was Thomas Kennedy, a farmer by occupation, who settled in Lima in 1834. Our subject was reared and educated in Lima, this county. He was married Oictober 17, 1861, to Nancy J., daughter of David and Martha (Custard) Heckathorn, of Bath Township. The issue of this union is three children: May (wife of Oscar L. Edgecomb), Ermina and Earl D. Mr. Cunningham at the breaking out of the late war of the Bebellion, enlisted in Company A, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged after tiiree months' service. He re-enlisted in the spring of 1864 in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged after four months' service. He is a member of the Disciples Church, Mrs. Cunningham of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics be is a Democrat

JOSHUA L. DUNLEVY, superintendent of County Infirmary, P. O. Lima was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 4, 1834, and is a son of Moses and Jane (Ledlie) Dunlevy. He was reared in his native city until eighteen years of age, where he received an academic education. He then went to California where he remained five years, being engaged in mining and stock herding. In 1858 he returned to Pittsburgh, and in 1859 located in Delaware County, Ohio, and engaged in farming, which he continued in up to the breaking out of the late war of the Bebellion. Our subject enlisted September 30, 1861, in Company D, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going out as orderly Sergeant, and was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Baymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, the Siege of Vicksburg and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged at Vicksburg in September, 1864, after three years* service. He then returned to Delaware County, remaining there until the fall of 1866, when he locate in Bath Township, and in the spring of 1867 purchased a farm and engaged in small fruit culture. Mr. Dunlevy was married September 30, 1861, to Mary E., daughter of Moses and Eliza (Smith) Torrance of Delaware County, by whom he has four children: Yuba, Force, George and Grace. Mr. Dunlevy has served Bath Township twelve years as jastioe of the peace, and in the spring of 1879 was appoints superintendent of the Allen County Infirmary, which position he now holds. In politics he is a Democrat

WALTER EDGECOMB, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Trumbull County, Ohio, August 6, 1819, son of Uriah and Betsey (Doud) Edgecomb, natives of Connecticut, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1832, locating on the farm now occupied by John Blaine, which they cleared and improved. They had a family of thirteen children: Uriah (deceased), Marillar(wife of Josiah DeLong), Ezra (deceased), Lansil (deceiEused), Clarinda (deceased), Robert, Walter, Lydia (deceased). Amy (deceased), Ann (wife of Elisha C. Pangle), Marquis, Sarah (wife of Lewis Bassitt) and an infant son (deceased). Uriah Edgecomb afterward purchased the place now known as the Hiram Protsman farm, where he resided up to 1857, when he removed to Richland Township, this county, and died on the farm now owned by his son, Marquis, in 1861, at the age of seventy-four years. Our subject was in his thirteenth year when his parents settled in Bath Township. He received a limited education in the district schools of his time, and when eighteen years of age started in life for himself, working on a farm by the day and month until he was twenty-one. . He was married November 18, 1840, to Laura, daughter of Samuel and Elsie (Lewis) Bassitt, who settled in Bath Township in 1886, and by this union there were eleven children : Ann E. (wife of Reuben White), James (deceased), an infant daughter (deceased), Lewis A. (killed at the Battle of Atlanta, Ga., July 21, 1864), Loretta (wife of Hiram Barber), Sarah E. (wife of Allen Philips), Alba, Mary J. (wife of Willis White), Elsie (wife of S. Philips), Samuel S. (deceased), and Lansil. After his marriage, our subject engaged in farming on a rented farm. He has owned two farms besides the one he now occupies, clearing and improving a part of both. In 1856 he located on his present farm, all of which he has cleared and improved, and where he has resided ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb are members of the Disciples Church. He filled the office of trustee for many years, and held several other minor offices in the township. Our subject is one of the leading farmers of Bath. In politics he is a Republican.

PETER FAZE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Baltimore County, Md., December 4, 1820, son of Nicholas and Cordelia (Zahn) Faze, natives of Germany, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in May, 1833, entering forty acres of land which they cleared and improved, and on which they lived until their death. They moved from York County, Penn., to this county, bringing their goods in a one-horse wagon, and were five weeks making the journey. They reared a family of five children : Paul C. (now in Wisconsin), Mary, Peter, William, Lydia (wife of A. J. Freeman), in Massachusetts. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, from thirteen years of age, and lived with his Barents until their death. He added to his father's farm until he had 200 acres, 130 of which he cleared and improved, and it is now owned and occupied by his eldest son, William B. In 1871 he moved to Bath Township, and has resided on his present farm ever since. Mr. Faze has been twice married, his first wife being Aurelia^ daughter of James and Margaret (Dobbins) McCullough, of Perry Township, by whom he had three chil- dren : William B., Casson, and Ella M. His present wife was Marj Parker, widow of Aaron JParker, and daughter of Andrew and Ljdia (Creps) Winrott, of Lima ; (she had three children by her first husband - Sarah E., wife of Lyman Means, of Wapakonetta, Ohio; Calvin, deceased; and Minnie, wife of Charles Willower). Mr. Faze and wife are members of the Market Street Presbyterian Church of Lima. In politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE FETTER, farmer, quarryman and lime manufacturer, P. O. Lima, was born in Baden, Germany, August 15, 1826, and is a son of George and Barbara (Cupp) Fetter, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1837, locating on Section 21, on the farm now owned by Daniel Wollett, a part of which they cleared and improved. The moUier died on that farm, and the father died in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1856, at the age of fifty-six years. » Their children, who grew to manhood and womanh^Dd, were George, Catherine, (wife of Nicholas Lutz), Jacob (deceased), Daniel, Elizabeth (wife of John Onesman.) Our subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from eleven years of age, and two months' attendance in the common schools comprised his educational advantages after he came to Allen County. He lived with his parents until twenty-six years of age. and began life for himself, working by the month, though his main start was made by cutting and hauling wood to the Pitteburgh Railroad for 80 cents per cord. He rented a farm for a couple of years, then purchased forty acres of land, and has continpied to prosper, until now he is the owner of several farms, aggregating 872 acres. He was for years extensively engaged in buying and selling stock, and for the past four years he has been doing a large business in the manufacture of lime, operating from one to two kilns. He is also the owner of a large stone quarry, comprising sixty acres, the products being used for building and piking purposes. He uses a stone crusher, steam drills, and all necessary implements to carry on that branch of his business. Mr. Fetter was married, August 23, 1853, to Sarah, daughter of William and Sarah (Ridenour) Ward, of Sugar Creek Township, this county, by whom he has nine children : John, Elizabeth (wife of E. E. Gray), Ellen (wife of James Hull), Daniel, George R., Jacob, Ida, Julius and Allie. Mr. and Mrs. Fetter are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is one of the leading and enterprising 'citizens of Bath Township, and has filled various offices of trast In politics he is a Democrat

WILBUR FISK, liquor dealer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Dayton, Ohio, November 14, 1844, and is a son of Samuel F. and Harriet (Lehman) Fisk, the former a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm in Auglaize County, Obio (where his parents had located in 1848) and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted December 10, 1868, as a teamster in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged March 25, 1864. In* 1866 he located at Sidney, Ohio, where h« was engaged in teaming for one year, and in 1867 went to Troy Ohio, where he was superintendent of the gas works for six years. In 1873 he located in Lima, and embarked in the business in which he is at present engaged. He was married, February 25, 1869, to Laura B., daughter of Joseph aQd Margaret (Heller) Wise, of Troj, Ohio. The issue of this union was three children : Maggie, Samuel F. (deceased) and Amsy W. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., in politics a stanch Democrat

STEPHEN H. GBEEB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 7, 1827, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Kelly) Greer. His father settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1841, where he cleared and improved the farm on which he lived until his death ; he was twice married, and by his first wife, Elizabeth Kelly, had three children : Christiana (wife of John Patterson), Buth (wife of Thomas McClure), and Stephen. His second wife was Bebecca Pearson, by whom he had four children : Elizabeth (wife of Moses McClure), Bachel (wife of William Hardeety), Moses, Jane L. (wife of Harrison Bible). Joshua Greer, died May 6, 1875, in his eighty -second year. Our subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from fourteen years of age, assisted his father in clearing the farm, and has always lived on the old homestead. He was married, April 22, 1852, to Malinda A., daughter of William and Buth (Paulin) Neely, of Bath Township, and by her he had five children : William, Joshua (deceased), Loretta J., Matilda E., and Sarah E. Mr. Greer is a representative farmer and citizen, has been elected to the office of assessor three terms, although his party is in the minority in the township. In politics he is a Bepublican. During his residence in Bath Township, Mr. Greer has chopped and split rails for 25 cents a hundred.

ALMON E. HADSELL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., June 10, 1812, son of Dan and Lydia (Boot) Hadsell, who settled in Bath Township, in 1837, coming with our subject with whom they lived until their death. They are buried in the Ward Cemetery. They reared a family of six children: James, Anson (deceased), Almon E.« Bebecca (deceased), Mary (wife of Samt^el Heath), and Georga Our subject settled on the farm where he now resides, in May, 1837, and first bought 190 acres of land, which he cleared and improved. He lived in a log-cabin for several years, and in 1842 built his present residence, which was one of the first frame houses erected in Bath Township. He has been twice married; on first occasion in February, 1834, to Orilla, an adopts daughter of David Campbell, of Trumbull County, Ohio. The issue of this union was six children: Henry, Milo, Caroline (wife of Thomas White), Delana (wife of William Aldridge), Laura (wife of William Smith), and James. On may 11, 1869, Mr. Hadsell married his present wife, Theresa, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Kent) Woodward, of Wauseon, Ohio, and by this union there are five children: Inez, Larolf, Lrma, Theresa and Arthur. Mr. Hadsell was among the chief ones who laid out and made the road running through his place. He has 500 acres of land in the farm where he resides, and 240 acres in another farm close by. He has filled many of the minor offices in Bath Township, and was elected to the office of county commissioner two terms - the first time by sixty majority over his opponent, and tlie second time by 600 majority. During his term of office he selected the site for the new court house at Lima. Mr. Hadsell is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Bath Township. In

1837 , when he first oame bo the county, he paid $12 for a barrel of salt (at that time he coald buy it in no smaller quantity, and had to take it or go without), and invited his neighbors to take some of it off his hands to help him out, many being glad of the opportuninty. By his own exertions Mr. Hadsell has accumulated a fine property. In politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL A. HADSELL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Trumbull Oounty, Ohio, March 9, 1835, son of Anson M. and Sarah A. (Parker) Hadsell, who settled on Section 27, in Bath Township, this county, in 1836, clearing and improving a farm on which they lived^ and died. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, and school teacher (he commenced at the age of eighteen and taught in Trumbull and Allen Counties, in all forty terms), erected many of the buildings in Allen County after his settlement. He was married five times, his first wife being Sarah A. Parker, a native of Connecticut, by whom he had two children: Dan A. and Lemuel P. (deceased). His second wife was Adeline Thayer, of this county, a native of New York, by whom he had ten children, of whom six are now living: Sarah E. (wife of John H. Hart, deceased), Emma (wife of Milo Roberts), Linus H. (deceased), Elvin G., Quincey A. (deceased), Orlo, Ella (wife of John Fetter), Harlen I.^ Alferd (deceased), and Otis C. His third wife was Mrs. Susan Budd, and his fourth wife was Caroline Wood, by whom he had two children: Clide (deceased), and Omer L. His fifth wife was Mrs. Caroline Rhine. Anson M. Hadsell died July 26, 1883, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a prominent citizen and pioneer of Bath Township, served as justice of the peace for twenty-seven years, and held many oUier minor offices. In politics he was a Republican. Our subject was reared in Bath Township and educated in the common schools. He was married, November If,

1853, to Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Rumbaugh) Aldridge, of Bath Township, by whom he has had eight children: Sarah L. (deceased), Joseph M., Mary J. (wife of Rev. N. L. Rockey), Laura (wife of D. M. Bailey), Idella, Delbert, Cora and Lula. In 1854 Mr. Hadsell settled on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved himself. He has held several offices in the gift of the township, and is one of the pushing, enterprising citizens. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

SUMNER F. MASON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., July 14, 1831, and is a son of Jarvis and Elizabeth (Hall) Mason, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Rome, N. Y. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Elisha Mason, of Massachusetts, and his maternal grandparents were Enoch and Esther (Raymond) Hall, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Bedford, N. Y. His parents came to Allen County in 1834, and settled in Bath Township, on the farm now owned by Peter Custer, afterward locating on the eighty acre tract adjoining on the east, which, with the help of their sons, they cleared and improved. The father died, July 21,

1854, at the age of sixty-six years, the mother, now in her eighty-sixth year, resides with the subject of this sketch. They reared a family of fifteen children: Eliza (wife of A. S. Herrington), Henry F. (deceased),

Laura (deceased), Jane (wife of Dr. N. Hartshorn), Jeanette (deceased), Jalia (deceased), Eugenie (deceased), Sumner F., Alden (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Zalmon R, Marcus D., Sarah H. (deceased), Nancy A. (wife of Philip Eoush), and Sarah H. (second wife of James H. Neely). From three years of age our subject was reared in Bath Township, and here received a limited education in the common schools. When eighteen years of age he began work at the carpenter's trade, at which he continued until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted, August 30, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served his time, and re-enlisted in same company and regiment, serving altogether four years, when he was honorably discharged as first lieutenant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Besaca, Lay's Ferry, Rome's Cross-Boads, Bentonville, Big Shanty, Atlanta (July 22 and 28), Jonesboro, and many other engagements, went through the Atlanta campaign, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea, was taken prisoner by the guerrillas at Tennessee River, at mouth of Duck River, Tenn., and sent to Centerville where he remained three months, and was exchanged at Nashville, Tena After the war Mr. Mason returned to Bath Township and resumed his trade, which he followed up to 1873, when he engaged in agriculture on the farm he now owns and occupies. He was united in marriage, November 30, 1873, with Mrs. Marilla Beed, daughter of Peter and Clarinda (Edgecomb) Snyder, of Bath Township, by whom he has one child, Alfonso. Mr. Mason is one of the representative farmers of Bath Township, which he has served as trustee several terms. In politics he is a Bepublican.

ZALMON B. MASON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Bath Township, this county, March 2, 1839, and is a son of Jarvis and Elizabeth (Hall) Mason, who settled in Bath Township in 1834 Our subject was reared in his native place where he received a common school education. He has been twice married, on first occasion, September 30, 1858, to Maria, daughter of Jacob Angus, of Bath Township, and the issue of this union was nine children: Lincoln (deceased), Jeannette, Sumner, Reuben (deceased), Franklin R., Charles E., Ida (deceased), Jessie (deceased), Irvin H. On September 26, 1878, Mr. Mason married his present wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel G. and Rhoda (Jennings) Kidd, of Monroe Township, this county. By this union there is one child - William Z. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Mason located in Wood County, Ohio, where he resided about three years. In 1867 he went to Williams County, Ohio, and resided there until 1870, when he returned to Bath Township, and purchased the farm now owned by Michael Roederer, there Iresiding up to 1882 when he removed to the farm he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Bepublican.

FRANCIS M. MAY, farmer, P. O.Lima, was bom in Bath Township, this county, April 5,1847; son of George and Catherine (Gensel) May, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1834, on the farm now owned by Jacob Monry, which they cleared and improved, afterward locating on the farm now occupied by our subject, where the father died in 1881, in his eighty-first year; the mother is now in her seventy-eighth year; both were natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's paternal grandfather.

John May, was a farmer of Peniisylvaiiia; and his maternal grandfather, John Gensel, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Jackson Township, Allen County, Ohio. George and Catherine May had twelve children, of whom ten grew to manhood and womanhood: John, Albert, Nathaniel, George W., Andrew, Mary (wife of Benjamin Keller), David, Susannah (wife of Lewis Weyer), Francis M. and Jacob. Of these, four sons served the Union daring the late war of the Rebellion: David, George W., Andrew and Francis M. who was in the 100 days' service, enlistinginl865,in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-first O. Y. I., and was honorably discharged at expiration of that time. The subject of this sketch was reared in Bath Township, this county, where he received a common school education. At the age of twenty-two years he purchased the old homestead, in company with his brother-in-law, Lewis Weyer, which they afterward sold, and in 1876 purchased the farm where he (Mr. May) has since resided (he purchased his brother-in-law's interest in 1879), and has cleared a part of the farm, making many improvements. Mr. May was married June 3, 1866, to Melinda, daughter of Andrew and Nancy E. (Nash) Weyer, of Lima, by whom he has four children living: Lewis, Lizzie, Etta and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. May are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN B. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Lima, wf^ born in Rockingham County, Ya., April 27, 1818, and is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Senger) Miller, who settled in 1839 in Bath Township, this county, on the farm now occupied by our subject, and there lived and died. They had three children : Daniel (deceased), John B., and Martin (deceased). Our subject came to Bath Township with his parents when twenty -one years of age, and cleared most of his farm himself. He has been married four times, on the first occasion, December 24, 1840, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Sarah (Leatherman) Rigle, by whom he had six children: Samuel, John (deceased), Jacob, Sarah (wife of Abram Early), Elizabeth and Barbara (twins, both deceased). His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Solomon and Lydia Miller, to whom he was married October 6, 1854. The issue of this union was five children: Rebecca (wife of Emanuel Ridenour), Mary A. (wife of Jacob Early), Lydia (wife of Samuel ClcDrk) and two infants (deceased). His third wife was Christiana King {nee Coppis) to whom he was married October 3, 1863, and by whom he had four children: Diana, George F. and two who died in infancy; and February 14, 1871, he married his present wife, Rebecca Leedy (nee Hockman). Mr. Miller is one of the few pioneers now living in Bath Township, and is one of its leading and substantial farmers. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat

MICHAEL ROEDERER, farmer, P. O.. Lima, was born in Baden, Germany, July 10, 1828, and is a son of Michael and Barbara (Keller) Roederer, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1837, loqiiting on a part of the farm now owned by J. B. Miller, where they lived one year. In 1838 they purchased 240 acres on Sections 15 and 16, which, with the assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved, and there lived and died. They had three children: Michael, Barbara (wife of Jacob Miller) and Jacob M. Our subject was reared in Bath Township from nine years of age, and received a limited education in the common schools. He liyed on a part of the old homestead until 1882, when he located on the farm where he now resides. He has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was wedded November 22, 1854, being Mary, daughter of George and Catherine Gudakunst, of Auglaize County, Ohio, the issue of which union was six children: Elizabeth (wife of Walter Snjtier), William, John, George (deceaseil), Catherine (wife of Isaac Boush) and Franklin. On August 1, 1868, Mr. Boederer married his present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Naas, widow of Christopher Naas and daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bucher) Altstaetter. By this union there are two children: Lewis M. and Louisa A. Mrs. Boederer had four children by her first husband: an infant daughter (deceased), John, Mary (wife of Fred Fry) and Sarah (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Boederer are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has held the office of trustee and school director of Bath Township for several terms. In politics he is a Democrat

FBANELIN BOUSH, farmer and wood stirrup manufacturer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Juniata County, Penn., October 1, 1838, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Morehead) Boush. Henry Boush came to Allen County in 1852, and located in Bath Township on the farm now occupied by his widow, a part of which he cleared and improved. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Morehead, by whom he had nine children: George, John, Joseph, William, Catherine (wife of Willis Cppeland), Henry, Franklin, Philip and Jacob. His second wife was Susannah Winegardner, by whom he had four children: Theodore, Jane (wife of Samuel Boose), Emma (wife of F. M. Boberts) and Ephraim. Henry Boush died in 1882 at the age of seventy-nine years. Our subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from fourteen years of age, and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Bebellion. enlisting in 1861 in Company D, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged after four months' service. He enlisted again, February 28, 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving seven months, when he was honorably discharged. He was married, March 6, 1862, to Mahala, daughter of George N. and Nancy (Sly) Harvey, of Bath Township, by whom he has eleven children: Willis, Bertha (wife of Charles Mumaugh), John, Araminta, William, Mary, Alanson. Ollie, James D., lona and Grace May. Nancy (Sly) Harvey, Mahala (our subject's wife) and Grace May (daughter of our subject), are each youngest in families of eleven children. After his marriage Mr. Boush engaged in farming in Bath Township. In 1865 he removed to Lima, this county, residing there until 1877. In 1867 he embarked in the manufacture of wood stirrups in Lima, in which he has done quite an extensive trade, and is still carrying on this business in connection with his farming interests. In 1877 Mr.. Boush returned to Bath Township, living on the old homestead for three and one-half years, when he purchased the farm he now occupies. He and his wife are members of the Disciples Church, as are also their two eldest children. He is serving his third term as township trustee of Bath. In politics he is a Democrat awel) Boosh, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1852, where they cleared and improved a farm. They were parents of six children: Cornelias, Solomon, Hiram, John, Edward and Isaac, all members of the Lutheran Churcli. Our subject's paternal grandparents, George and Mary (Mick) Boush, were natives of Pennsylvania, of German and English descent, respectively. His maternal grandparents, John and Margaret Kanawel, were of Juniata County, Penn. Our subject was reared in Bath Township from two years of age, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the Dayton & Michigan Bailroad Shops at Lima, where he worked at boiler-mdking for three years and eight months, and was engaged at that kind of work for five years. Since 1876 he has been contractor in different lines of business. Mr. Roush has been married twice; on first occasion, August

15, 1871, to Sarah E., daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Stepleton) Bechtel, of Jackson Township, this county, and by her he had one child - Edith G. His present wife was Ella Whitmer, of Bath Township, a native of Virginia, to whom he was married Maivoh 22, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Roush are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL A. RTJMBAUGH (deceased), was bom in Greene County, Ohio, May 7, 1821, son of William and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1830. Our subject was reared in Bath Township from ten years of age, and received a limited education in the common schools. He was twice married, first on February

16, 1843, to Rosana Whitehouse, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom he had two children: Anna (wife of Robert McEee), and Barton, who died of disease contracted in the army during the late war of the Rebellion. His second marriage, January 5, 1854, was with Susan, daughter of Samuel and Sarah ( Wormsley) Channell, of Randolph County, W. Va., and the issue of this union was six children: Hannah (wife of Garrett Dudgeon), Cornelia (wife of Thomas Wetherill), Josephine (deceased), Grant, Calahan and Icy. In 1854 Mr. Rumbaugh located in Bath Township, this county, clearing and improving a farm on which he resided up to 1867, when he removed to the farm now occupied by his widow, on which he erected all the present buildings and made many other improvements. He was a thrifty farmer. In politics he was a Republican. For eight years prior to his death he was a member of the Christian Church. He died February 15, 1884, at the age of sixty- three years.

BENJAMIN RTJMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Greene County, Ohio, April 21, 1825, son of William and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, the former bom in Virginia, August 6, 1782, the latter in Maryland, December 11, 1799. They came to Allen County in 1830, locating in Bath Township, on a farm now owned by David Hefner, which they cleared and improved, and where they lived until the death of Mr. Rumbaugh, January 8, 1868. The widow, now aged eighty-tive years, resides with our subject. They had a family of thirteen diildren : Jacob (deceased), Samuel A. (deceased), Mary A. (wife of Dan France), Benjamin, Elizabeth M. (wife of Lewis Roberts), Uriah F. (deceased), Lucinda (wife of James McCluer), George, William, John B., Anna (deceased)^

Irena (wife of Alex. McClare), and an infant daughter (deceased). Oar subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from seven years old, and made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age. After reaching his majority he worked by the month for several years, and in 1853 settled on the farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He was married, January 27, 1851, to Mary Jane, daughter of Sylvester and Charity (Lewis) Roberts, of Bath Township, by whom he had six children : Uriah, Martha M. (deceased), Ann E. (wife of Bruce Whites), Scott, Lake and Jason. Mr. Bumbaugh served in the late war of the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged after 120 days' service. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

DAVID L. SEDER, liquor dealer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Berks County, Penn., July 5, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Ulrich) Seder. He was reared in Sidney, Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. He has been a resident of Allen County, Ohio, since 1864, living with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he engaged in business for himself. In 1881 he embarked in his present business, and has had a successful trade. Mr. Seder has been twice married, on the first occasion, December 23, 1874, to Mary, daughter of George Leekings, of Van Wert County, Ohio, by whom he had three children : Qeorgie M, David L. and Arthur L. July 3, 1884, he married his second wife, Alice, daughter of George and l^artha Leekings, of Van Wert, Ohio. Mr. Seder is a representative citizen of Lima. In politics he is a Democrat.

PETER SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., August 13, 1820, son of Philip and Mary (Sharpsteen) Snyder, former a blacksmith by trade, and a son of Philip Snyder, a native of Germany. Our subject's maternal grandfather was John Sharpsteen, a farmer by occupation. Peter Snyder was but four years of age when his father died, and at the age of twelve years he came to l^umbull County, Ohio, with his brother, Lorenzo, with whom he lived about a year. After that he worked by the month on a farm during the summer, attending school winters, until nineteen years of age. In 1839 he came to Allen County, where he worked by the month, in Bath Township, for several years. About 1849 he bought a farm of forty acres, now known as the *' Hiram Prottsman farm," a part of which he cleared and afterward added 100 acres to. Here he resided for several years, and then removed to. Shawnee Township, this county, on what is now known as the " John Breese farm." In 1862 he sold out and returned to Bath Township, and bought the farm on Section 3 (now occupied by his son George), living there until 1875, when he purchased the farm on l?'\pdlay Road where he now resides. Our subject has been twice married, his first wife being Clarinda, daughter of Uriah and Betsey (Doud) Edgecomb, who settled in Bath Township, this ooanty, in 1832, and by this union there were born eleven children : Joseph (deceased), Marilla (wife of S. F. Mason), William (deceased), George, Amy (wife of M. D. Mason), Walter, Henrietta (wife of Charles Shinabery), Newton, Jasper, Cassius C. and Anna (wife of John Prottsman). His present wife was Mrs. Ellen Kollor, widow of George W. Kollor, and daughter of John and Arzilla (Minnis) Baker, of Bath, by whom he has seyen children : Alta, Ida M., Delia, Edward, James, Laura and Ada. Two of Mr. Snyder's sons by his Urst marriage, Josiah and William, died in the service of the Union during the late war of the Rebellion. Josiah was in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and William in the Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Snyder has been trustee of - Bath Township for several terms. In politics he is a Republican.

THOMAS K TUNGET, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 19, 1831 ; son of Peter and Sarah (Holloway) Tunget, former a native of Stafford County, Va., latter of Maryland. They were married December 15, 1828, and their children were nine in number : John (deceased), Thomas H., Hiram (deceased), Eliza (deceased), William, George, Mary A. (wife of JohnO'Neil), Lovinia (wife of William Spencer), Elizabeth (wife of William McPheron). In September, 1833, Peter Tunget came to this county, and located in Bath Township, on the farm now owned by our subject (then an unbroken wilderness), which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and improved, and here erected a log-cabin, in which he resided for several months without any doors, windows or floor, and lived on the old homestead until his death. He died March 28, 1884, at the age of seventy-seven years and six day& His wife died March 16, 1884, in her seventy- seventh year. William, the fifth child and fourth son, has resided on the old homestead since his birth, December 11, 1836. Our subject, who was reared on the old homestead, resided there until the fall of 1865, when he removed to Paulding County, and there lived until 1881, when he returned to Bath Township and purchased the old homestead. He served eleven months in the late war of the Rebellion, and received an honorable discharge. Mr. Tunget was married, May 13, 1858, to Elizabeth N., daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Neely) McClure, who settled in Bath in 1828. The issue of this union was two children : Laura C. (deceased) and Flaura E. In politics Mr. Tunget is a Republican.

ALBERT G. WOOD, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, Allen County, Ohio, was bom in Champaign County, Ohio, April 1, 1808, son of Christopher and Mary A. (Turner) Wood, who reared a family of ten children: Sarah (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Moston (deceased), Nancy (deceased), Albert G., Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Lippincott), Semimirus (wife of Henry Lippincott), Marian (deceased), Caroline (wife of Jackson Lippincot), and William (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W^ood settled, in 1824, on the farm now occupied by John Miller, on Section 7, Bath Township, this county, which, with the assistance of our subject, they cleared and improved. Christopher Wood resided there up to 1856, when he went to Indiana to visit his son, and while on the journey was killed in a railway collision. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Wood, a native of England, came to Baltimore before the war of the Revolution, and was a pioneer of Champaign County, Ohio; his maternal grandfather, James Turner, a native of Maryland, was also a pioneer of Champaign County, and later of Allen County, where he died about 1833. Our subject settled, in 1833, on the farm where he now resides, and has cleared and improved it all himself. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married, December 25,

1830, iras Emily Birch, of Bath Township, the issue of which onion being nine children: James, William, Nelson, Christopher, Elizabeth, Mary A., Melissa, Caroline and Sanford, all now deceased but Sanford, who is a resident ojf Putnam County, Ohio. On March 8, 1860, Mr. Wood married his present wife, Mary, daughter of Philip and Susan (Bird) Snyder formerly of Maryland. By this union there are five children: Albert, Ina (wife of William Smith), Sarah, Nannie (deceased), and Franklin. Mr. Wood is the oldest pioneer now living in Bath Township, having made it his home for sixty years. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. In polities he is a Republican.

AUGUST ALBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Stadt Aldendorf, duchy of Brunswick, Germany, born March 2, 1822, son of Carl and Joanna (Fine) Albrecht, of whose family only four suryive: Amelia, Joanna, Ferdinand and August. Our subject, who was the only member of the family to come to this country, arrived at Boston, Mass., in 1848, and there lived until 1861, then came to Ohio, and lived in Amanda Township, Allen County until 1866, when he again moved to Boston, and resided there until 1879, when he came to Ohio for second time and settled at his present home in German Township, this county. He followed sugar-refining for several years, bat now gives his attention exclusively to farming. Mr. Albrecht was married, May 28, 1853, to Mrs. Eliza (Schiel) Haase, of Boston, Mass. (widow of Conrad Haase, by whom she had one son, John, now a resident of Sidney, Ohio), and to this union were born three daughters and one son: Nettie, Carrie, George A. and Lizzie, all now living. Mrs. Albrecht died October 16, 1881. She was a native of Bavaria, born February 18, 1823. Her father died in his native country, and her mother and sisters came to America and settled in Boston, Mass. (Sophia, who now resides in Lima, Ohio, is the only one of the family now living). In politics Mr. Albrecht is a Democrat

CHRISTOPHER ASHTON, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Eng. land, bom in the village of Einton, Lincolnshire, August 5, 1828, and in 1832, was brought by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth (Mackender) Ashton, to America. They (the parents) settled in Richland County, Ohio, where they remained a few years, and then moved to Hardin County, Ohio, and in 1858 came to this county, where they died. Our subject came from Hardin County, Ohio, to this county, in 1872, and purchased a farm in German Township, on which he still resides. He was married, in 1850, to Susan Throne, of Richland County, Ohio, a native of York County, Penn., bom January 15, 1832, and daughter of Michael and Susannah Throne, who both died in Richland County, Ohio. To our subject and wife were bom seven children: Lewis J., Ann M. Ij., Mary Y., Francis M., William Mc, Charles E. and Elizabeth, all now living, except Elizabeth. Mr. Ashton is a Democrat in politics.

SMITH BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, bom October 10, 1824; son of Samuel and Eeziah (Cremean) Baxter, who were of English and Scotch descent, and^ who came from Ross County, Ohio, to this county in 1828, where the father soon afterward died, and where the mother died in 1853. Of their family of nine children only five survive: James, Curtis, Smith, David E. and Eliza. Our subject was married, March 29, 1845, to Miss Mary Cremean, of German Township, this county, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of William and Margaret (Miller) Cremean (both deceased) who came from

Boss County, Ohio, to this county in 1839, and reared a family of eight children, all now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were born ttie following children : Sarah E., James J., Elizabeth J., Rachel A., Samuel B., Mary M., Freemont W., Boxana M and Flora T., all now living but Samuel and Boxana. Mr. Baxter entered land in German Township in 1847, which he cleared and improved, and about ten years later went into general trading, continuing in same until about 1867, after which he confined himself to the lumber trade for several years, then operated his farm for a few years again, and in 1881 engaged in mercantile trade in Elida, Ohio, disposing of his business there in 1883. Since that date Mr. Baxter has been somewhat retired. He has served in some of the township offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. BaxteV was a Democrat until 1852, since which time he has been a stanch Republican.

BENJAMIN BECHTOL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Centw County, Penn., June 21, 1821, son of Samuel and Mary (Ebler) Bechtol, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and who moved in an early day to Delaware County, Ohio, where Mrs. Bechtol died in 1845. Samuel Bechtol then went to Seneca County, Ohio, and came to this coanty in 1854. He had a family of fourteen children, all now living, excepting one. Our subject was married, September 12, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Waters, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Northampton County, Penn., bom April 8, 1818, daughter of John and Barbara (Elamire) Wateors, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and French-English descent, respectively. Both died in Northampton County, Penn., aged seventy -nine and forty-nine, respectively. Mr, and Mrs. Bechtol are the parents of six children, of whom three are now living : Martha M., Alice v., and Caroline C. Our subject has devoted most of his time to the carpenter's trade, at the same time operating a small farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are members of the Presbyterian Church at Lima,Ohio. In politics he is a Bepublican.

JOSEPH P. BENEBDOM, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Leesville, Va., November 27, 1826, son of John and Mary (Carr) Benerdom, who were married in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1834, settling in Carroll County, where they died a few years sinca Our subject came to this county in 1864, and settled in German Township, where he still resides. He was married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Margaret ( Junkins) Holms, who now reside in Hardin County, Ohio. To this union have been born nine children : William, Mary, John, Charles, Margaret, Oby, Bertha, Thirsey and Ida, all now living but Margaret Mr. and Mrs. Benerdom are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Allentown, Ohio.

JOHN W. BLACKBUBN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, June 18, 1835, and is a son of William and Bebecca (Cully) Blackburn, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, of Irish and German descent, respectively, and who settled at Wapakonetta, Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 1834, where the father served in the office of land receiver for several years, and about 1844 they came to Allentown, this county, where he purchased land, and built a saw and grist-mill. They reared a large family. William Blackburn served several times ii^^lhe Legisla- tnre, and was very active Id the affairs of this county; he died May 7, 1859, aged seventy years. The widow died December 26, 1878, aged eighty-one years. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and has followed general agriculture all through life. He was married, February 27, 1870, to Miss Mary J. McBride, of this county, by whom he had three sons, two deceased, one now living - William J. Mrs. Blackbum died July 9, 1872, and our subject then married, in August, 1877, Mrs. Charity Stull, of this county, widow of John Stull, by whom she had one son - ^Abraham. Mr. Blackburn served over three years in the late civil war, in Company B, First Ohio Cavalry, and passed through fiery battles. He was over seven months confined in rebel prisons. In politics he is a Democrat

DANIEL BROWEB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Rockingham County, Ya., November 24, 1815, son of John and Hannah (Miller) Brower, of German descent, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Virginia. After the death of John Brower, his widow moved to this county, where she died in June, 1856. Our subject came to this county in 1844, settling on Section 4, German Township, on land entered by his father in about 1832, he having made a trip through this county about that tima Our subject was married. May 20, 1841, to Elizabeth Leedy, also a native of Roddngham County, Ya., daughter of John and Eve (Reiser) Leedy, also of German descent, and who died in Rockingham County, Ya. Mr. and Mrs. Brower were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living: Mary C, Melissa J., Joseph M., Sarah E., David B., Lydia M. and Amanda F. Mrs. Brower dying May 7, 1874, our subject married, Pebraary 21, 1875, Lydia Miller, a native of Rockingham County, Ya., and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thomas) Miller, who both died in Yirginia. Mr. Brower has improved many acres of land in German Township, and has followed general farm work, but for the last ten years has given most of his time to the ministry of the gospel, to members of the old German Baptist persuasion. He was received into the German Baptist Church, with his wife, in 1845; in 1849 to the office of deacon; in 1854 to the ministry, and in 1868 to the eldership, where he has been laboring faithfully in observing the ancient order and practice of the church, laboring with his own hands, that he might not be chargeable to any, and in 1883 he took his stand with the old German Baptist Church, which, in the year 1881, had resolved to withdraw from the many innovations that had crept into the church, and fully adhere to primitive Christianity, as taught by Christ and His Apostles, in all His commands and precepts, as practiced by our forefathers.

WILLIAM J. CREMEAN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 26, 1830, son of Smith and Mary (Dillen) Cremean, natives of Maryland, and who were married in 1807, in Ross County, Ohio, where they lived until 1831, when they moved to this county, settling in German Township. Of their family of eleven children only three survive: Curtis, Stephen D. and William J. The father died July 28, 1858, and the mother March 2, 1881, aged seventy-six and ninety years respectively. Our subject was married November 6, 1851, to Miss Malvina Smith, a native of Greene County, Ohio, bom August 24, 1835, danghter of William and Elizaboth (Neely) Smith, natives of Virginia, and who were married in this county. They had a family of ten children. The father and mother now reside in Missouri, aged seventy and sixty-eight respectively. To our subject and wife have been born fourteen children, all living: William A., Eliza J., James H., Frances M.« Edward S., Henrietta E., Emma, John N., Charles W., Lewis N., Jackson A., Addie L.. Bertha M. and Stephen D. Mr. Cremean purchased his ftirm in 1852, and has followed general agriculture chiefly ever since. He served nine months in the late war of the Rebellion, in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and since 1865 he has devoted considerable time to preaching in ''the Church of Christ, in Christian Union,'* traveling from 1,400 to 2,350 miles annually. /

DANIEL CRIDER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Cridersville, Auglaize Co., Ohio, February 15, 1857; son of Isaac and Susan (Searfoss) Crider, natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, where theyfwere married and whence they moved in 1854 to Auglaize County, Ohio, where they lived until 1863, and then moved to Shawnee Township, this county. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom ten are now living, and in the fall of 1884 they removed to Kansas. Our subject was married, March 25, 1880, to Maryettie East, a native of German Township, this county, bom October 16, 1862, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mumaw) East, natives of Pickaway and Knox Counties, Ohio, respectively, and who were married in this county in 1855, parents of nine children, of whom five are now living. To the union of our subject and wife has been given one son, Orvin M., born December 10, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Crider are members of the United Brethren Church at Elida, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat.

JACOB CRITES, farmer, P.O Allentown, was bom in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1822. He was made a cripple for life by accidentally stepping on the knife of a straw-cutter, nearly severing his left foot from the leg. Early in life he commenced to work at the blacksmith trade, an occupation he followed seventeen years. He came to this county, in 1842, and October 2, 1845, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Cremean, who died September 12, 1850, leaving to his care seven children. His second marriage occurred February 5, 1860 with Mrs. Emily Sellars. During his lifetime Mr. Crites served the public in nearly all oflSces of trust in the township, and to the people of the county he has been very useful as county commissioner, to which office he was twice elected, filling the same with honor to himself and to the full satisfaction of the people. A great many private trusts also have been assigned to him, such as administering on the estates of many of his deceased neighbors. It is his intention and desire, however, to retire from public life and devote his entire attention to his farming interests, (which are considerable,) in addition to which he has, for several years, been engaged more or less extensively in raising stock; his specialties being thorough-bred hogs. Mr. Crites was one of the incorporators of Allen Lodge, L O. O. F., and for four years was master of German Orange, of which he has thrice been State delegate. Since the age of twenty Mr. Crites has been identified with some religious denomination, and for several years with the Methodist Episcopal Charch, in which he has been very nsef al, filling several offices of the same, at present being superintendent of the Sabbath- school.

ELIAS CRITES, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 21, 1825, son of John D. and Catharine (Petra) Crites, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berks County, Penn., and moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1812, where they died. Of their family of thirteen children only five are now living: Charles, Amos, Levi, Jacob and Elias. Our subject was married, in 1851, to Miss Catharine Mowery, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Rachel (Dunkel) Mowery, who were among the first settlers in Pickaway County, Ohio, where they lived and died. To our subject and wife were born three children: Mary S. (deceased), John D. and Willison W. Mrs. Crites died in 1862, and in the fall of same year Mr. Crites married Mrs. Leannah (Mowery) Reichelderfer, a sister of his first wife, and widow of Venus Reichelderfer, by whom she had two children, of whom George S. is now living. Our subject came to this county in 1871, and settled in German Township, where he still resides. He' spent his early years working at the carpenter's trade, but now follows farming and pays special attention to raising short- horn cattle exclusively. He has served in some of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL L. CRITES (deceased) was a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, bom October 30, 1833; eldest son of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in 1812, locating first in Pickaway County (where they were married October 4, 1832) and in 1839 moving to this county and settling in German Township. They were parents of twelve children, all living but two. The father and mother are now seventy-six and seventy-one years of age respectively. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and was reared a farmer. He followed teaching in winter and farm work in summer for a few years. He served two years as deputy auditor in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. Crites read medicine in 1854-55, from which time he practiced to some extent until 1862. He served over two years in the late war of the Rebellion as lieutenant in Company E, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1865 he accepted the position as deputy auditor of this county, which he held until 1869, when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term in same of William Dowling, who died in August of that year. In 1870 he accepted the position as deputy clerk of the county, in which capacity he served five years, and in 1875 was elected to the office of clerk of the County Courts until 1882. Mr. Crites served as assessor and land appraiser in his township ; was surveyor of Putnam Counfcy, Ohio; was licensed clerk in the House of Representatives at Columbus, Ohio, during the Sixtyfirst General Assembly. He took great interest in improving the schools of his village. Our subject was married March 3, 1855, to Miss Martha John, a native of this county, bom September 25, 1833, daughter of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, and who is now the oldest person living in the township, who is' a native of it. To this union wei*e bom two daughters: Bertha and Tirzah K. Mrs. Crites' parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and were married in Ross County,

Ohio, in 1816. They reared a family of thirteen children, and settled in this county in 1832, where the father died February 20, 1855, aged sixty-one years, and the mother June 23, 1861, also aged sixty-one years. Daniel L. Crites, the subject of above sketch, died March 30, 1885.

DAVID GULP, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born October 10, 1838, eldest son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good) Cnlp, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and who were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and moved with their family to this county in 1851. Christian Culp died January 5, 1883. His widow still resides in this county. Our subject was married, June 20, 1861, to Miss Nancy Brenneman, of German Township, this countv, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, daughter of John and Nancy (Grove) Brenneman (both deceased) who came from Virginia, and were among the first settlers in Fairfield County, Ohio, and who moved to this county about 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Culp are parents of ten children: John B., Elizabeth A., Emma J.,NancyC.,MelindaA., Christian L., EllaM., Cora M., Martha M. and Sarah E., all now living except Elizabeth A. and Ella M. Mr. Culp purchased land in German Township, this county, in 1871, which he has cleared and improved in many ways. He gives considerable attention to the breeding of Durham cattle, pure bred hogs, etc., etc. He suffered a serious loss a few years since by fire, but is now in a prosperous condition. He owns 152 acres good land, with excellent buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Culp are members of the Mennonite Church.

ISRAEL FRAUNFELTER, farmer, P. O. Lioi^. was bom in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 16, 1834 ; son of Adam and Saloma (March) Fraunfelter, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berks County, that state, moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and here died. Of their family of ten children, eight are .now living. Our subject moved first to Ross County, Ohio, and in 1865 came to this county, where he now resides. He operated a dairy for four years and now follows general agriculture. He is a stock grower, making a specialty of Spanish merino sheep, also graded horses, and has a good class of hogs. Mr. Fraunfelter, was married, February 4, 1860, to Miss Leanna Goodman of Pickaway County, Ohio, a native of Hocking County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) Goodman. To this union have been bom five children : Frank, Otis, Shanon, James and Mary A. Our subject owns 216 acres good land ; has served in some of the township offices ; is now infirmary director. He and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran Church at Elida, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat

CHARLES IRELAND, farmer, P. O. Allentown, is a native of Caroline County, Md., born November 21, 1803, and was reared in Ross County, Ohio, where his parents settled in 1806, and where his mother died. His father died in this county. Our subject came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1835, settling in German Township, where he still resides. He was married in Ross County, Ohio, to Miss Catharine Shobe a native of Virginia, and by her he has nine children. Mr. Ireland has cleared many acres of land in German Township and has given his attention to general agriculture. He and his wife- are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

bara A, (Woods) Eanawl, natives of PenDsyivania, and who were married in Jnniata County, Penn., and there reared their family. They had nine children: Elizabeth M., Maggie E., John F., William W., Oeorge D., Joseph C, Peter P., Henry, and Jacob L., all now living except William W. The mother died in March, 1872, and the father now resides with his second wife in his native county, where he has held the office of commissioner. Onr subject came to this county in September, 1866, and engaged in general job work for a few years. He was married in July, 1868, to Miss Adaline E. Bansbottom, of German Township, this couniy, where she was bom October 80, 1852, daughter of Ck>meliu8 and Hannah (Beese) Bansbottom, who came to this county about 1831, are still residents of the same, and who here raised a family of nine children: Aluste A., Melissa A., Adaline E.,Elzina E., Neutou F., Franklin T., Mabel G., Alonzo L., and Lifus M., all now living except the two last named. To the union of our subject and wife have been born two children: Charles L. and Fannie M. Mr. Eanawl became owner of land in German Township a few years since, and devotes his attention to farm work and con* tracting in stone work. He is township trustee. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

HENBY EIBACOFE, retired farmer, Elida, is a native of Augusta County, Ya., born May 13, 1820; son of Henry and Margaret (Detamore) Eiraeofe, natives of Virginia and of German descent They were married in Augusta County, Ya., and reared a family of eight children. The father died September 2, 1840, in his native country, aged forty-nine years, and the mother died in this county April 27, 1865, aged seventy, four years. Our subject came to this county in 1847, followed general agriculture in German Township until 1877, since which time he has lived a retired life in the village of Elida, Ohio. He was married April 15, 1841, to Miss Margaret Fifer, of Augusta County, Ya., who bore him two children : Bobert and Mary A. (latter deceased). Bobert now ODerates his father's farm in the township. Mrs. Eiraeofe died July 8, lo44, and Mr. Eiraeofe then married, December 5, 1847, Mrs. Elizabeth (Beiler) Metcalf, of this county, who died December 20, 1857, without issue. Our subject married his third wife, Miss Delila Huffer, of this county, September 8, 1859, and by her has three children: Saloma J., Lucinda M and Henrietta. This Mrs. Eiraeofe died August 3, 1884. Mr. Eiraeofe has served in some of the township offices. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, in which he is an officer. In politics he is a Democrat

JOHN W. MTJBBAY, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Ashland County, Ohio, bom February 1, 1820; son of Edward and Christena (Youngblood) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent respectively, and who moved to what is now Ashland County, Ohio, where they both died. Our subject was married, October 28, 18«), to Christeann Beese, of Ashland County, Ohio, and a native of Stark County, Ohio, bom May 8, 1824, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Stockman) Beese, natives of Stark County, Ohio, of German descent, and who moved to Ashland County, Ohio, at an early day, and later to this county, where they died in German Township. To our subject and wife were bom seven children: Daniel, James, Melissa A., Lorenzo D., Boxann,

Isabelle aod Charles D. - all living except Jamee. Mr. Murray purobased land in German Township, this oonnty, in 1858, where he now has 120 acres well improved. He has served in some of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat He is a member of the German Baptist Church.

JAMES H. NEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Bath Township, this county, March 4, 1844; son of William and Matilda (Snodgrass) Neely, who were married in this county August 19, 1840 (of their family only three are now living : Henry C, Alonzo L. and James H.) The father died February 5. 1880, the mother February 10, 1877. Our subject was married October 29, 1864, to Miss Sarah H. Mason, of Bath Township, this county, where she was bom October 29, 1846, daughter of Jarvis and Elizabeth (Hall) Mason, early settlers in this county, and the parents of fifteen children. Mr. Mason died several years since; his widow now resides in Bath Township, this county. To our subject and wife were born seven children: Charles E., Juna L., Jesse M., Clifton L., Rufus M., Olive L. and Bessie, all now living except Bessie. Mr. Neely owns 120 acres of good land, and gives his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Neely is a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Neely is a Republican.

RICHARD RICE, physician, Elida, was bom February 7, 1825, in Oswego County, N. Y.; son of Joseph and Sarah (Buel) Rice, former a son of Asa Rice, and a carpenter by trade, a native of Connecticut; later a native of Vermont, and both of Welsh descent They were married in Oswego County, N. Y., whence in 1844 they moved to Covington, Ky., and from there, in 1868, to Elida, this county, where they both died. They were parents of thirteen children of whom our subject is the only survivor. Om: subject began the study of medicine in Kentucky, and pursued it there for a short time, and graduated in 1853 from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He commenced the practice of his profession in St. Johns, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he remained about two years, then in 1855, came to Elida, this county. Dr. Rice was married in August, 1849, to Miss Samantha M. Carman, of Clinton Co., Ohio, daughter of James and Rosanna (Ellis) Carman, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. To our subject and wife were bom three children of whom two are now living: Carman B. and Charles B. Mrs. Rice died July 22, 1871, and Dr. Rice then married, August 7, 1873, Miss Sarah Brown, of Wood County, Ohio, a native of Perry County, Ohio, bom April 15, 1827, daughter of Rev. Matthew Brown, a native of Virginia. The Doctor served three years in the late war of the Rebellion, in McLaughlin's Squadron, Ohio Cavalry, and was promoted from private to captain in lo62, and in 1863 to major. He returned home in 1864. In politics he is a Republican.

ISAAC SAWMILLER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in German Township, this county, March 28, 1845, son of Jacob and Mary A. (Huflf) Sawmiller, who were married in this county, and reared a family, of whom four are now living: Ruhanna, Isaac, Sylvester and John. The father died in 1877, the mother still resides in this county. At the death of his father, our subject became owner of land in German Township, this county, on which he now resides, and has added to and improved the same. He was married March 28, 1872, to Miss Maggie Herring, of this county, born in Oerman Township, February 18, 1852, daughter of Emanuel and Julia (Orites) Herring, who were also married in this county, rearing but one child, Maggie, wife of our subject. Her father died in May, 1852, and her mother September 22, 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Sawmiller were bom four children: John B., Viola M., Arvilla J. and Addie L. Mr. Sawmiller gives his attention to general agriculture; also operates a threshing marine in the season. He served two years in the late war of the I^bellion, in Company A, First Ohio Cavalry, passing through many hard fought battles, and coming out unscathed. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES N. SHANE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Holmes County, Ohio, January 20, 1831, son of Samuel and Sophia A. (Bower) Shane, natives of Ohio and Maryland, and of Irish, English and Datcb descent respectively. They were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1823, then moved to Holmes County, Ohio, returning to Tuscarawas County, from which Samuel Shane was representative in 1836. He was general of the Holmes County militia at one time. In 1838 they moved to Zanesville, Ohio, Where the father died in 1849, aged forty-nine; the mother died in this county 'in 1874 aged sixty-seven. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are now living: Elizabeth, Alvina and James N. Our subject moved to Iowa in 1855, and returned to Ohio in 1859, remaining in Muskingum County until 1868, and then coming to this county. He engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business in Lima, Ohio, and in 1871 purchased the land on which he now resides, and which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Shane was married August 23, 1855, to Miss Mary McCain, of Muskingum County, Ohio, where she was bom March 3, 1831, daughter of James and Sarah (Croy) McCain, natives of New Jersey and West Virginia., and of Irish and German descent respectively. They were married in Muskingum County, Ohio, and there reared a family of nine children. Here Mr. McCain died, and his widow still resides. To our subject and wife were bom three children : Kate, Frank D. and Sarah E.

DANIEL STAVER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was bom in Lebanon County, Penn.,' in July, 1829; son of Jacob and Catharine Staver, natives of same county and State, and who were parents of eight children, two of whom died when sixteen years old; six now living. Catharine Staver, our subject's mother, died when he was fifteen years old; his fathei^ and five of his children moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1869, where he bought a farm and engaged in agriculture. He remained a widower the rest of his life, and di^ in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years, ten months and six days. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Tobias Staver, had nine children living when he died, and his grandfather on his mother's side, Frederick Sprecher, had four children living when he died. Daniel Staver's great grandfather, on his father's side, came from Germany when a young man. He was the first Lutheran preacher in this section of country, when there were yet Indians in these parts. Our subject remembers seeing, when a boy, the old church wherein his great grandfather preached;, it was of logs and weather-boarded, and was used as a church about ninety years; was then torn down and converted into a dwelling-boase. Daniel Staver came to Pickaway County, Ohio, when twenty-one years old, having then but sixty cents left He hired to work on a farm, and saved his money till he had earned 11,300, and in the spring of 1860 he came to this county, settling in German Township. Mr. Staver was married in the same year to Elizabeth Crites, of German Township, this county, daughter of Cyrus and Catharine Crites, natives of Pickaway county, Ohio, both now deceased, and three of whose children are now living: Amos, Isaac and Catharine. To our subject and wife have been bom nine children, of whom five are now living: Sarah, Jacob, Adaline, Cyrus and Enmia. Mr. Staver owns 260 acres of well improved land. He served his township three years as trustee, and fourteen years as treasurer, which latter office he still filla He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church in Allentown. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES A. SWISHER, farmer, P. O. Elida, was born in Vinton County, Ohio, November 22, 1842; son of Jackson and Melissa (Pilcher) Swisher, the former bom in Rockingham County, Ya., and the latter in Vinton County, Ohio. They were married in Vinton County, and reared a family of seven children, of whom four are now living: James A., Minerva, Lafayette W. and Amanda. The mother died in 1858; the father now resides in Clarke County, Mo. Our subject was married, November 16, 1865, t6 Miss Sarah E. Baxter, a native of German Township, this county, daughter of Smith and Mary (Cremean) Baxter, now residents of German Township, this county, and to this union were, bom seven children: Clara B., Mary A., Linnie M., Edna A., Ama R., Ola M., and Charles E., all living except Charles E. Mr. Swisher served in the late war of the Rebellion from August, 1861, to May, 1865, passing through twenty.two engagements, in the last of which, at Atlanta, Ga., August 7, 1864, he was wounded by a musket ball passing through the left knee, necessitating amputation of the leg just above the knee. Mrs. Swisher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Swisher is a member of Jehu John Post No. 476, G. A. R., at Elida, Ohio. He has given some attention to carpentering. In politics he is a Democrat.

HERMAN TREMPERT, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Saxony, Germany, born in December, 1836; son of John and Margaret (Miller) Trempert, who came with their family of four sons to America in 1850, settling in German Township, this county, where the father and mother died. One of the sons was killed in the late war of the Rebellion; the remaining three are now living: Charles, Edward and Herman. Our subject was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary Hany, of Montgomery County, Ohio (where he was then working), a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Hany, also natives of Germany. Mr. Hany died a few years since, and his widow now resides with our subject To Mr. Trempert and wife have been bora three children: Anna, Ella and Lizzie. He has 120 acres of land which he has improved, and on which he has good buildings, etc. , and here he gives his attention to general farming and stock-raising. In politics Mr. Trempert is a Democrat.