Benton Township (part 2 of 2)

Joseph Preston is a thriving agriculturist of Blue Creek township anda worthy citizen of Paulding county. He was born January 27, 1858, in the state of Illinois and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Atchinson) Preston, natives of New Jersey. Mr. Preston was reared in Shelby county, Ohio, and was educated at the common schools. He was taught the lessons of industry and economy in his youth, which have been the characteristics of his subsequent life, and at his majority began the pursuit of farming with limited means. January 4, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Enola F., daughter of Daniel J. and Lydia Leapley, natives of Ohio. Mr. Preston removed to Paulding county in August, 1882, and located in Blue Creek township, where he has since resided upon a profitable farm. He is industrious and upright in his mode of living, and has many friends who wish him well. Mr. and Mrs, Preston are the parents of John F., Clayton E., Nellie A., Bertha E. and Don A. Mr. Preston affiliates with the democrats and is interested in the welfare of his party.

August Rahrig, a successful merchant of Blue Creek township, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, November 5, 1858, the son of John and Barbara (Bocky) Rahrig, of German extraction. He was reared to manhood'in his native county and here married on the 16th of May, 1882, Miss Elizabeth Ardner, of German parentage. The children born of this union are: Susan, Agnes, William, Laura, Emma and Thomas Edward. Mr. Rahrig is extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits and is the proprietor of two stores, one in section 8, and one on his home farm in section 30. He handles a full line of groceries, dry goods, etc., and is an energetic and progressive citizen. He located in this county in 1888, and has held the office of clerk of the school board. Politically he is a democrat, and with his family belongs to the Catholic church, toward which he is a liberal contributor.

Robert Rankin, son of Robert and Ester (Dennison) Rankin, was born in Pennsylvania, August 23, 1822, and was married, in Van Wert county, Ohio, January 9, 1862, to Catherine Susan Blythe. Their family consists of Cyrus B., born July 4, 1863; Mary E., August 22, 1865; Cora M., August 24, 1867; Ida C., November 30, 1869; Robert I., March 28, 1872; Rosa A., December 16, 1874; Lillie E., August 24, 1877; Nellie C., March 19, 1880. He has been justice of the peace for ten years; township clerk eight years; also district assessor. His wife's parents are Henry and May S. (Moore) Blythe. Three of his sister's sons were in the service, one killed and one wounded. Mrs. Rankin was born in Jefferson county, August 2, 1841. Mr. Rankin settled in Paulding county in 1862, having purchased his land in 1851, and is engaged in farming in Blue Creek township.

S. C. Robinson, a successful merchant and lumberman of Blue Creek township, was born in Shelby county, May 10, 1850, the son of John and Elizabeth (Colland) Robinson, natives of Ohio, of Scotchand Irish birth. Samuel Robinson, the paternal grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and later he located upon a tract of land which he had previously entered. John Robinson was a pioneer settler of Champaign county, and by hard work made a good home for his family. He served during the late war as a member of company H, One hundred and thirtysecond regiment Ohio volunteer infantry. He and his wife were members of the M. E. church. Mrs. Robinson died in 1872, at the age of forty-seven years. Her husband still resides on the farm where he located thirty-nine years ago. Fraternally he is a member of the lodge I. O. O. E. 8. C. Robinson, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the common schools of his county, and at the age of seventeen years began teaching school. Later he attended the select school at St. Paris and then entered the college at Urbana, Ohio. He taught during the intervals of his school career and then took a course at the business college of Grand Rapids, from which he graduated with honors, being one of four out of a class of 900 to pass the rigid examinations with great credit to himself and teachers. He had early thought of studying law, which profession he intended to follow during his life, but ill health compelled him to abandon this and he went to Pemberton, where he engaged in lumbering remaining here until 1881 at which time he located on section 32 of Blue Creek township. Here he erected a saw 'mill in the southwestern part of the township which in 1882 he removed to Dague, where he built a band mill with a capacity of 15,000 feet of lumber per day, and which was styled as the Robinson lumber company. Mr. Robinson purchased 800 acres of land, and after locating at Dague floated his lumber down Blue Creek He makes a specialty of one fourth sawed oak, and sycamore and does an immense business valued at $33,000 per year. Mr. Robinson is one of the substantial business men of the county, and his public spirit leads him to take an active part in all matters relating to the advancement and prosperity of the community. In 1874, he married Miss Lydia M. Woolley, of Shelby county, daughter of William Woolley, a representative citizen of the county in which he lives. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, namely, James O. and Emmet Earl. In politics,Mr. Robinson is a republican and an ardent supporter of his party. He and his wife are highly esteemed in the social circles of their community.

Granville Sayler is a man of much prominence and influence in the community in which he resides. He was born in Harlan county, Ky., September 14, 1845, the son of John G. and Polly (Hall) Sayler, of English parentage. Mr. Sayler was reared to manhood in his native county, and during the war was a soldier. He enlisted, in 1863,in company F, Forty-ninth Kentucky regiment, and participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and Memphis. He was discharged December 26, 1864, at Lexington, Ky. Returning home he married Miss Louise Farmer on the 18th of October, 1865. Mrs. Sayler is the daughter of James and Susan (Skidmore) Farmer, and a lady widely and favorably known in the com-

_munity. By her marriage she became the mother of Angeline, the wife ` of Milton Belcher; Albert, Sarah (deceased), Ritta, John, Susan, Polly,

James, Laura and Joseph. Mr. Sayler acted as sheriff of Harlan county, Ky., for two years and was justice of the peace for six years. He located in Paulding county in 1890, and has since been engaged in farming. Politically he is a republican and a pensioner.

Andrew A. Schillinger was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 4, 1861, and is of the enterprising young men of Blue Creek township. He is the son of Jacob and Magdalena (Follmer) Schillinger, of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1853 and located in Richland owns 160 acres of land in section 13, and here he is engaged in tilling the soil. Andrew A. Schillinger, the immediate subject, of this sketch, is the fourth child and second son born to these parents. His early life was spent in Mercer county, and he was educated in the common schools. As a democrat he has acted as constable of Blue Creek township for one year and has acceptably filled this office. His marriage occurred on the 24th of May, 1891, at which time Miss Maggie Arter, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, born December 26, 1872, became his wife. Mrs. Schillinger is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Snyder) Arter,

J. T. Scott, manufacturer of drain tiles, was born near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, March 25, 1851, the son of Richard and Margaret (Lynn) Scott, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish and Irish descent, respectively. Thomas Scott, the paternal grandfather, was a of that state and a farmer by occupation. The great-great-grandfather was one of three brothers who came from Scotland to the United States and located in New Jersey, he being the progenitor of the family in America. Richard Scott, the father of the subject of this sketch, was reared in Warren county, Ohio, and married in early life. He was a pioneer farmer, and in 1861 sold the homestead farm, removing with his family to Putnam county, Ohio, and locating upon asection of land. Subsequently he owned 2,100 acres, and removed to the state of Tennessee, where he died at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years, but withdrawing from that body, joined the United Brethren church, of which he served as local minister for the rest of his life. Mrs. Scott still survives, and is making her home with her children. J.T. Scott removed with his parents to Putnam county, where he worked on the farm and received a common education. At the age of nineteen years he started in life for himself, and worked on a farm, receiving but small compensation. In 1870 he went to Liberty township, Van Wert county, and made his home with a brother-in-law, who was prominent in the county, and while residing here formed a marriage alliance with Miss Margeret, daughter of William and Catherine (Huston) Uhrick. Mrs. Scott is a native of Tuscarawas county, and was born June 12,1851. For a time Mr. Scott farmed on rented land, and after his marriage returned to Putnam county and located at Kalida, where he was engaged in teaming. In 1878 he purchased forty acres of land on the present site of Scott, Van Wert county, to which he moved in 1881. He built the railroad depot after the completion of the railroad at that place, and has since added many acres to the town of Scott. As one of the representative and progressive men of the county, Mr. Scott takes first rank. He divides his attention between farming and the manufacture of drain tile, in which latter pursuit he has been very successful. He is a charter member of the order of Red Men, and with his wife is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Under his direction a society was formed and a good frame church has been erected, in which regular services are held. Mr. Scott was also a prime mover in obtaining a special school district on the south side, and the citizens voted a tax of $300 with which to erect a school building. When the bonds for which to build the school were offered for sale there was no purchaser, and therefore Mr. Scott resigned from the school board and bought the bonds himself. The school is graded and has an enrollment of 300 pupils. Mr. Scott was also one of the charter member of the Patrons of Industry, and he is a valued member of the community. As a citizen, he has ever looked to the best interests of his town and county, the improvements and enterprises of which have been in a large measure due to him. He is the father of these children: Mitta L., Richard S., Margaret C., William Hayes, S. M., Anna E., Jessie (deceased), Fortress, Elizabeth and Ruth.

Andrew L. Shafer and his son, Zadock S. Shafer, are among the successful manufacturers of drain tile and pressed brick in the county, and established their factory in 1890. Its daily capacity is 8,000 tile, or 12,000 brick. It is the largest tile and brick factory in the county, the goods being of a superior order. Mr. Shafer, who is a skilled mechanic, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, September 29, 1832, the son of John and Adecima (Ashbaugh) Shafer, the former being of German parentage and the latter of English extraction. Jacob Schafer, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany, who came to America in his youth. The maternal grandparent, Andrew Ashbaugh, was born in England, and emigrated to America at the age of twenty years. John Shafer was afarmer by occupation, and reared a family of four sons and seven daughters. He was a pioneer settler of Mahoning county, a member of the Presbyterian church, and died at the age of eighty-two years. Andrew L. Shafer remained with his parents until he reached the age of nineteen years, at which time he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for fourteen years, In 1864 he abandoned this pursuit and removed to Hancock county, where he engaged in saw-milling. In 1887 he removed to Scott, Paulding county, Ohio, and became interested, in company with his sons, in the lumbering business, until the fall of 1890, at which time he sold to his sons, A. A. and F. E. Shafer. Mr. Shafer is a progressive business man, and the life he has led has been active and useful. He owns land adjoining the village plat to the extent of thirteen acres, and other town property. Politically, he is a republican. Mr. Shafer was married in June, 1855, to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Aultman) Rummel, of German parentage. She was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, December 13, 1832, and by her marriage became the mother of Alason A., Zadock S., Freeman E., Clarence L. and Alta E. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer are highly respected citizens of Blue Creek township and widely and favorably known.

J. R. Shotwell, dealer in real estate and loans, established his business at Scott, Ohio, in March, 1889. Here he has worked up a large and lucrative trade, and by his integrity and strict attention to his business affairs enjoys the respect and confidence of the community. Mr. Shotwell was born in Perry county, Ohio, September 18, 1855, the son of John C. Shotwell, an early settler of the county. He was given a good education, and at the age of nineteen years started in life for himself by farming on rented land. In time he was enabled to purchase land in Hocking county, where he lived until 1882, when he removed to Van Wert county, and, locating in the woods east of Scott, began the process of making a home. In the fall of 1889 he located in Scott, of which place he is a worthy citizen. Mr. Shotwell was married February 13, 1876, to Miss Phebe Paling, of Hocking county, Ohio, but a native of West Virginia. Mrs. Shotwell is the daughter of Remus Paling, of Hocking county, Ohio. Our subject is a member of the improved order of Red Men, and though not a partisan in the sense of seeking office is a worker in the ranks of the republican party.

Joshua Slusher, a thriving farmer of Blue Creek township, was born in Clay county, Ky., January 20, 1854, the son of William and Nancy (Howard) Slusher, of German parentage. Our subject grew to manhood on the homestead farm, and was educated in the common schools. Here he was joined in wedlock on August 14, 1873, with Miss Easter, the daughter of Elisha G. and Sarah (Howard) Bingham, of Kentucky. They are the parents of nine children, whose names are: Mary, William, Sarah, Philip, Benjamin Franklin, Gillis, Green, Nancy and Calloway. Mr. Slusher is one of the stanch democrats of the county, and a man highly respected, both as a farmer and private citizen. The family are members of the Baptist church, and enjoy high social standing. Our subject located in this county in November, 1889, and has since resided here en, gaged in tilling the soil.

Hiram Stanley was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 16, 1846, the son of James and Susan (Scott) Stanley, of Irish parentage. The ancestors on the maternal side came from Dublin, Ireland, about the year 1810, and located in Ohio. Hiram Stanley grew to years of maturity in Logan county, and here received his schooling. In Harding county, on August 12, 1866, he was united in marriage to Emily C. Decker, the daughter of Ithamore and Charlotte (Wilson) Decker, Germans by birth. The union resulted in the birth of James F., Charlotte, Theodore and an infant not named. Mrs. Stanley departed this life in 1875, and October 12, 1876, Mr. Stanley took as his second wife Miss Julia Cox, the daughter of Dennis and Mary (Davis) Cox. During the late war Mr. Stanley was a member of company F, One Hundred and Ninety-first regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and on the 22nd of June, 1865, he received his honorable discharge. He contracted several diseases while in the service, and is now a pensioner on account of disabilities received while in the army. Politically, he is a democrat, highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.

David C. Stewart. - Prominent among the leading farmers of Blue Creek township David C. Stewart is deservedly mentioned. He was born in Shelby county, January 6, 1842, and is the son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Hartsell) Stewart, of German extraction. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and was married Miss Mollie Coe, in Logan county, July 12, 1874. She is the daughter of Alonzo and Anna (See) Coe, and was born in Miami county, December 21, 1854. The result of this union is the following named: Anna M., Susan M., William H. and George H. The family are communicants of the Christian church, in which they enjoy good standing. Politically, Mr. Stewart is a republican and a member of the grange, He located in this county in 1880, and upon his farm he raises fine horses and the Holstein cattle, The family of Mr. Stewart enjoy high rank in the social world.

George Stillwagon was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 12,1842, and his parents are Charles and Rebecca (Swoverland) Stillwagon, of German parentage. The early life of the subject of this notice was passed in Van Wert county. He enlisted in April, 1861, in company C, of the Eighteenth regular United States, for five years, and he served until 1862, or until after the evacuation of Corinth, at which time he suffered a sun stroke and was sent home as unfit for service. His health improved and he re-entered the army as a member of company H, Fourth Ohio cavalry, and under Capt. King, in the army of the Cumberland; he served until wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. He was again sent home on a furlough and after 'a wound received in February, 1865, he was never able to report for duty. He was taken to Camp Dennison, and there remained until June 22, 1865, when he received his final discharge. For eighteen months Mr. Stillwagon was compelled to use crutches while walking. He was married on Christmas day, 1864, to Miss Sarah Price, a native of Pennsylvania, born August 2, 1843, She is the daughter of Amos and Sarah (Bergg) Price, and bore her husband the following children: Charles (deceased), Minnie, wife of William Burnsides; George P., John W., Harry (deceased), Asron (deceased), Francis M., Clarence E., Sadie M. and Avery. Mr. Stillwagon was a locomotive engineer on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. for nine years; acted in a like position on the G. R. & I. R. R. for five years, and on the Clover Leaf for three years. He isa member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and a republican in politics. The family are members of the Christian church and stand well socially in the community.

John Tanner, one of the expert agriculturists of Blue Creek township, was born in Morgan county, August 24, 1836, the son of Jacob and A. (Warner) Tanner, of English and German parentage. The paternal ancestors came from England, and located in Chester county, Penn., about the year 1775, and here reared a family whose descendants were to be good citizens in their respective states. John Tanner received his educational training in the common schools and grew to manhood in his native county. His father was a carpenter, and he also learned the trade in connection with cabinet-making. He located in this county in 1879, settling upon the farm where they now reside. October 22, 1857, Miss Sarah J. Williams, a native of Morgan county, born January 27, 1835, became the wife of Mr. Tanner, and they have been blessed by the births of Hannah L., the wife of M. I. Kline; Mary A., the wife of John Shultz; Sarah E., Melissa J., Harriet, the wife of Frank Smith; Josephine, William J. and John F. Mrs. Tanner is the daughter of William and Sarah (Watson) Williams, of Welsh and English descent. The family are members of the Disciples church, and among the oldest settlers of the township. Politically Mr. Tanner is a democrat, and one of the widely known and respected citizens of the county.

George D. Tope first saw the light in Allen county, on the 28th of January, 1843. His parents are elsewhere mentioned in this book, He grew to manhood in Van Wert county, and there received a common education, to which he has since added by thorough reading from works by the standard authors. He chose the occupation of the farmer as his life work and has been successful in his calling, He located in Paulding county, in 1876, and by his life of probity and uprightness has become the possessor of many warm friends and well wishers. He has been trustee of his township for three years, acted as constable for one year, and as supervisor for the same length of time. Mr. Tope is a democrat politically, and was an efficient officer in these positions, serving the people with credit to himself and satisfaction to them. On the first of May, 1876, Miss Lavina, daughter of Jackson and Margaret (Kear) Pence, became his wife, and their children are: Fern D., Helen Y., Jessie A. and Mary M. Mrs. Tope was born in Champaign county, January 5, 1852, and is a lady favorably known.

Hiram J. Tope, born in Carroll county, October 30, 1839, is the son of Levi and Sarah (Davis) Tope, of German parentage. He was raised and educated in Allen county, and while in Van Wert county, for a time, was united in marriage,on the 3d of December, 1866, with Miss Frances Gates. She is a native of Clarion county, Penn., and first saw the light on the 23d of December, 1846. She is a daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Black) Gates. The children born into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tope are: Emma, wife of P. Roush; Almina L., Sarah A., Levi F., Edna J., Dora M., Edith B. and Elza. Mr. Tope is a democrat and located in this county in 1874. He and family enjoy general popularity and have many friends who wish them well.

William H. Vogel. - Among the prominent farmers and stockraisers of Blue Creek township is William H. Vogel, born in Huron county, Ohio, November 15, 1846, the son of Frederick and Adelia (Forbes) Vogel, natives of Germany and Connecticut, respectively. The former came to America while young man, and located in Orange county, N. Y., where he followed farming. He married in this county and then removed to Huron, where he became a well-to-do citizen, and at the time of his demise owned 350 acres of land. He died in 1873, at the age of fifty-five years, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1863, at the age of fifty-two years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church during their lives. Upon attaining his majority, William H. Vogel, after obtaining a common school education, began the struggle of life as a farmer, At the death of his father, the homestead farm was divided between the brothers, and in 1884 our subject sold a part of his land and removed to the county of Paulding, where he purchased his present property of 147 acres. Of this, Mr. Vogel has cleared 120 acres, and by his life of probity and industry has became one of the substantial men of the county. When eighteen years of age he enlisted in the United States service, as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Sixtysixth regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry. He, with his regiment, was assigned to the army of the Potomac, and assisted in doing guard duty around Washington, D.C. Mr. Vogel was married to Miss Margaret J., the daughter of Robert and Drucilla (Ringle) Willougby. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vogel, and their namesare: Chauncy O., Warner (deceased), Frederick and Eva G.