Cardington Township (part 18 of 26)

WILLIAM CHASE; P. O., Sparta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., in 1825; he passed his early youth on the farm, but when 16 years old, went into a wool-carding and cloth-dressing mill, owned by his father, at Sparta. At the age of 20 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Blinn, and by her had a family of four children - Mary E., who married J. P. Vail, and lives in Sparta; Benjamin L., who married Rosalba Yocum, and lives in Hayesville, Ohio; Clara E., who married Doctor Buxton, and lives in Sparta; and William R., who is completing his education in the college at Westerville, Ohio. In 1846, Mr. Chase went to Galena, Ohio, where he remained about three years, clerking part of the time in B. C. Brown's dry goods store; in 1850, he came back and became a traveling salesman for C. Cooper & Co., of Mt. Vernon; about 2 years afterward, he was employed to clerk in Dr. A. W. Swetland's dry goods store, at Sparta; he bought Dr. Swetland out in 1854, and began a partnership business, with a general assortment of goods, with his brother John; eight years afterward, another brother was taken into the partnership, which then became W. J. & R. Chase, but in 1866 this company was dissolved, the brothers dividing the stock; William Chase continued the business with his son-in-law, Mr. Vail, and shortly afterward, Benjamin, son of the senior member, was admitted into the partnership; in about 1871, the entire business was sold to Vail & Bliss, and Mr. Chase then purchased 174 acres of land near Sparta, but immediately rented it, going into a general business of buying and selling lumber and wool, in which last pursuit he is still engaged; since then he has bought two small farms, of 48 and 54 acres respectively, near Sparta; he also owns one-third interest in the grist-mill at Sparta, together with two or three acres of lots, upon one of which is an elegant house, which cost $2,600 ; Mr. Chase is one of the heaviest property holders in the township; he has perhaps done as much to improve and build up the business interests of Sjjarta as any other man. He is a Republican, and is also a member of the Methodist Church ; he has shown sufficient business sagacity throughout his diversified business career to accumulate much property, and place it in permanent shape.

FRANK COTTON, blacksmith; Sparta; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, July 31, 1852; he is the only son of Omer and Sarah (King) Cotton; the grandson of Emmett W. Cotton, and .great-grandson of Harrison Cotton, one of the early pioneers of South Bloomfield Tp. The father of Frank is at present in Mobile, Alabama, a speculator in cotton ; the mother lives in Illinois. Frank's youth, until he was 14 years old, was passed at home, going to school; when he arrived at that age, he started out in life for himself, working on a farm by the month; in 1870 he commenced learning the blacksmiths' trade at Green Valley, Knox Co., O. In the spring of 1874, he engaged to work at his trade with Abraham Herron, at Sparta, with whom he remained until 1877; he then erected a shop of his own, where he has remained until the present. Mr. Cotton's marriage with Melissa, daughter of Boyd and Ann (McKee) Clark, was celebrated Jan. 1, 1874; his wife's death occurred July 17, 1875; his second wife was Mary, daughter of William and Lavina (Keller) Helt, to whom he was married Oct. 1, 1876; to the second marriage was born one daughter, Hallie O., born June 9, 1879. Mr. Cotton is a Democrat in politics, and a Universalist in religion; besides doing a general blacksmithing business, he makes a specialty of horse-shoeing, and repairing mowing and reaping machines. Mr. Cotton is said to be one of the best blacksmiths in southern Morrow Co.

ANN DUFFY, tailoress; Mount Liberty was born in New York, in 1799. Her father, Jacob Vosseller, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served his country with distinction; her mother was Sarah Castner, daughter of a farmer in southern New York. These parents had a large family of children, and all are now dead except Peter, George and Ann. These children are Jacob, Katie, Mary, Lanah, John, Sarah, Phoebe, Daniel, Ann, Peter and George. Ann passed her early years in New Jersey. She received but a limited education, her life having been too busy to permit extensive schooling. On the 21st of January, 1831, she was united in marriage to James Duffy, and to this union was born the following family - Mary, born April 18, 1832. Sarah, born June 14, 1835; Jane, born March 31, 1838, Martha, born Oct. 21, 1840, and Margarette, born June 18, 1843. Sarah and Mary are both dead, the former dying March, 1847, and the latter April, 1867. Jane and Margarette are unmarried, and are still living with their mother. On the 8th of July, 1869, Martha married John Barr, Son of Allen and Rebecca Barr, and has two children - Robert Duffy, born March 1, 1873, and Eugene Delano, born Aug. 26, 1876. James Duffy died June 2, 1852. He was a tailor by trade, and came to Ohio in 1848, when the country was yet quite a wilderness. He purchased the farm upon which his widow now lives, but as he knew nothing about farming, he rented the land and worked at his trade. His widow, since his death, with the help of her daughters, has managed the farm, usually renting it, and receiving a share of the proceeds. The farm consists of 100 acres of good land. John Barr was in the 121st Reg. O. Y. I., and during the war was twice wounded - once in the neck, the ball still remaining in his shoulder, and again in the knee, by the fragment of a shell. IdiS4 occupation is that of farming. Though Ann Duffy is 81 years of age, she is yet quite strong, and bids fair to live many years to

LOUI GAYNES, barber and confectioner; Sparta; was born in Arkansas in July, 1850. His father was a Frenchman, named Alexander Gaynes, who owned a plantation in Arkansas; his mother was an Indian of the Blackfoot tribe, a remnant of which remained in Arkansas after the main tribe had gone Westward. The father died in 1854.- Loui, when 9 years old, was taken by his mother to Paw Paw, Mich.; while here she was married again, and Loui being misused by his stepfather, started out into the world to do for himself. After many hardships, he arrived at Detroit; and while standing in the depot crying with hunger, and being so young, he attracted the attention of some Christian lady, who, after learning his destitute condition, gave him $5.00. Some kind gentleman started a subscription for him, which soon amounted to $15.00; he went to Canada, but soon returned and engaged as servant on board a steamboat; at the end of six months he secured a situation as valet to a gentleman of sporting proclivities, with whom he remained three years, learning to read and write in the meantime; he served in the late war as bugler and part of the time as cavalryman; in 1879 he was married to Alice Hampton, a former slave of Wade Hampton, and moved to Sparta, where he now resides. He is the only barber in Sparta, and in connection with his shop has a confectionery store.

NATHAN HARRIS, farmer and carpenter; P. O., Sparta; was born in Chester Tp., Ihen Knox Co., Ohio, in 1824; the son of Isaac M. and Mary (Barrow) Harris, who were married in Jan., 1813, and moved from New Haven, Conn., to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1817. The father, though a farmer, was licensed to exhort in 1824, to preach in 1827, and was ordained in 1831. In this family were ten

. children - James M., Charles, Robert, Susan, Nathan, Nancy, John C., Nelson, and Polly A. and Rachel J., twins; all are dead, except James M., Robert, and Nathan; the former is married, and has a family of two children, and lives in Illinois. Robert is married, and has a family of ten children, and lives near Cardington, Ohio. In 1839, Nathan apprenticed himself to a carpenter, with whom he remained for three years. His marriage with Ann Jackson was celebrated in Sept., 1848. The wife died Feb., 1852; they had no children. By his second wife, Jane Severe, to whom he was married Sept. 21, 1854, he has a family of four children - Francis M., Edward C., Charles C., and Adie M. Francis M. was born Aug., 1855, and died when 18 years old; Edward was born Dec., 1856, and is at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, clerking in a dry goods store; Charles, born Oct., 1858, and died when ten months old; and Adie, born Sept., 1860, and married to C. W. Barre in March, 1878. They have a family of two children - Carlton C., and Luther A. Mr. Harris is a member of the M. E. Church, and belongs to the Democratic party.

ABRAHAM HERRON, farmer and blacksmith; P. O. Sparta; was born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1830, and is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Householder) Herron, who had a family of thirteen children - John, Samuel, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth, Nancy, George, Margaret, James, Abraham, Sarah and one that died in infancy; Abraham's father was a farmer. When 18, he started learning the blacksmith trade, a business in which he is yet engaged. Pie was united in marriage March 26, 1854, to Harriet L., daughter of Reuben and Eliza (Loveland) Beard, by whom he has a family of three sons and one daughter - Emma A., Manly M., Burton D. and Warren S., all of whom are yet living. Emma is the wife of S. W. Lyon; the rest are living with their parents. Mrs. Herron was one in a family of six children, their names respectively are - Philander H., Almond, Louisa, Samantha, Randall and Harriet L. Mr. Herron, on his father's side, is of Irish descent, and on his mother's, German; he owns fifty acres of land adjoining the village of Sparta, which he works in connection with his trade. He is a Prohibitionist, but was formerly a Republican. Himself and wife are members of the M. S.

Church. Mr. Herron commenced his life without any pecuniary assistance whatever from any one, but by industry and frugality, he has acquired the nice home and property he now owns.

JOHN HOLT, Sparta; son of James and Elizabeth (Rees) Holt; was born Sept. 8, 1826. The father came to Chester Tp., then in Knox Co., in about 1806, and was thus among its earliest pioneers. John received a common school education, and remained at home helping his parents until h'e was 22 years of age. By his first wife, Susan Howard, daughter of Elias and Mary Howard, he has one daughter and one son - Jerusha and James H. The former was born in 1849, and the latter in 1855; Jerusha is the wife of O. C. Chase, of Delaware, O., and by him has a family. James for a while was a student in the school of Oberlin, but at present is attending the schools of Delaware. Mrs. Holt died in 1855, and Mr. Holt re-married March 14, 1858, to Abigail Barr, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Lyon) Barr, with whom he is at present living. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are members of the M. E. Church at Sparta. Mr. Holt is a staunch Republican, a straight forward and honest man in all his dealings. They are highly esteemed by their friends and neighbors.

WILLIAM HENRY HULSE, merchant; Sparta. Jabez Hulse was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec, 25, 1807, and is the son of Thomas and Leah (Weatherby) Hulse. Jabez's family consisted of his wife, Maria (Slack) Hulse, daughter of Theophilus and Mercy Slack, and seven children as follows - Francis G. Albert S., William H., Jesse, Cornelia, James K. P. and Maria, all of whom are married, except Jesse, who lives with his father. Jabez was married Jan. 1, 1832, and came to Ohio in the fall of 1835, locating in South Bloomfield Tp., Morrow Co. His wife died March 10, 1870. Feb. 28, 1872, he was again married, his second wife being Maria Henry, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Henry, with whom he is yet living. His son William Henry, or " Hank," as he is more familiarly known, was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1837; he lived with his parents until he was 15 years old, and was then apprenticed to learn the carpenters' trade. During his youth he obtained a thorough knowledge of the chair making business, which trade was followed, more or less, after he became a man; he learned the carriage makers' trade and worked at that in connection with his other trades. When about 33 years old, he began clerking for S. L. Newcomb, in Sparta, who was in the general mercantile business; was also at Pulaskiville in the same business for a few months. On the 13th of October, 1875, he formed a partnership with Wesley Chipps, at Sparta, to be known as Chipps & Hulse, dealers in general merchandise. The partners advanced equal amounts of capital, and bought the stock of W. C. Harris, which invoiced at $31.25. These young men have been in the business ever since, and have the liveliest business in their lively town. Mr. Hulse was married June 13, 1869, to Miss Ellen Bliss, daughter of Caroline and Mason Bliss. The wife is one of a family of six children, and was born Dec, 4, 1846. Henry Hulse is Deputy Postmaster at Sparta. He is a Universalist in his religious belief, and is one of thb most enterprising and successful business men of Sparta.

DANIEL S. HOPKINS, farmer; P. O. Bloomfield; was born in Greene Co., Pa., Aug. 13, 1845; his father Levi Hopkins, was born in 1813, and his mother, Elizabeth (Patterson) Hopkins, was born in 1814, and they were married in 1838; they had a family of seven children - John, twins (one of them being Esther Ann, the other dying in infancy), Mary Jane, Daniel, Thomas P. and Elizabeth. John is in Centerburg, Knox Co., engaged in the mercantile business; he married Lucinda Swart, and has two children - Ida D. and Emma E.; Esther is also in Centerburg; her husband, William Smith, is a warehouseman; she has five children - James H,. Arie Alice, Frank, Homer and Stanley. Thomas P. is practicing the profession of medicine in San Francisco, Cal.; he is unmarried; Elizabeth is at home. Daniel passed his youth on his father's farm in Pennsylvania; in 1864 he enlisted in the 140th Reg. Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until he was mustered out of service in July, 1865; he was in the bloody battle of the Wilderness; was atSpottsylvaniaand Cold Harbor, and was in the battle before Petersburg, and in numerous other engagements of less note; after being mustered out of service, he worked upon his father's farm on shares until he was married, Aug. 13, 1870, to Kate

H., daughter of James and Mary (Harvey) Throckmorton, who had the following family: Joseph, Maria, Kate, Elizabeth, William, Margaret, Sarah, Clara and Emma; all this family are living except Maria. Daniel S. has two children - James L., born Sept. 16, 1871, and Charles S., born Aug. 20, 1875. The father moved to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1867. Mr. Hopkins is a Republican, and is a member of the M. E. Church; he owns one-half interest in the grist mill at Centerburg, together with four lots, upon which is a dwelling; he is at present working on his father's farm, on shares.

F. G. HULSE, carpenter and joiner and farmer; P. O. Sparta; was born in New York, Aug. 13, 1833; his parents Jabez and Maria (Slack) Hulse, had a family of five sons, and two daughter - Francis G., Albert S., William H., Jesse B., Cornelia, James K., and Margaret M. All of these are living and all married except Jesse. Francis G. passed his youth and early manhood with his parents; when but two years old, his parents moved to Ohio; he received a limited education; when he was 20, he started out in life for himself. His marriage with Miss Rebecca Shaw was celebrated Dec. 28, 1860, and by her he has the following children - Almina, born Sept. 28, 1861; Mary E., born July 10, 1864; Jabez, born Aug. 8, 1868; Martha D., born Dec. 10, 1870; Edward, born Jan. 20, 1872; Frederick, born Aug. 2, 1874, and Samuel L., born March 15, 1877. All these are living at home, with their parents, who live on a well improved farm of 100 acres, about a mile and a half north-east of Sparta; he moved on the farm he now owns in 1865, and has lived there ever since. Mr. Hulse's wife is a member of the M. E. Church, while he is a Universalist, and an adherent to the principles laid down in the platform of the Demoeratic party.

WILLIAM H. HARPER, wagon and carriage maker; Bloomfield; was born in Licking Co., Ohio, May 15, 1834. His parents, Linton and Susan, (Gal er) Harper, were married Aug. 24, 1831. The father was born Dec. 24, 1800, and the mother, June 25, 1812. These parents had six children - Harriet Jane, William H., Lydia C., Thomas A., Abel M., and Aaron. Harriet married David Harrigle; has quite a family, and lives in Hardin Co.; Lydia married

George Shackelford, and lives in Marion Co.; Thomas married Maria Easterday, and has a small family, and lives in Union Co.; Abel married Bell Loutzenhiser, and has a small family, and lives in Tama Co., Iowa; Aaron is dead; William lived with his father until he was 18 years old, when he went to Granville for three years, to learn the wagon and carriage making trade; he has worked at his trade almost all the time since, although at present he does much carpenter work. He worked one year at Mt. Liberty, about five years at Lock, and then about twelve years at Bloomfield. In 1857, he bought the building he now owns in Bloomfield, into which he put a general assortment of goods, worth about $1,100; he shortly afterward added $400 to the stock. The goods have been sold out, and the store is now closed. On the 1st of March, 1857, he married Ann Y. Cooper, and by her had one son, George I., born March 24, 1858. This wife died Nov. 18, 1858, and on the 10th of May ,1859, he married Mary J. Boner, by whom he had three children - John E., born May 1, 1860; Delia A., born Jan. 16, 1865, and Charles B., born May 22, 1874. On the 5th of February, 1876 Charles was so terribly scalded, that he died, after several hours of suffering. Mr. Harper's son, George, married Molly Powell, July 30, 1879. They live in Illinois; the other two children are at home. Linton Harper died in 1875 and his wife in 1876. Linton, the father, came to Muskinghum Co., O., in 1816. William Harper in 1876 patented a door check which proves very useful and valuable. The invention consists of a bell cone having ears from its base by which it may be fastened by screws to the floor or door-casing; through the top of this cone passes a screw upon which is pivoted a catch which holds the door open. At right angles to the catch and fastened to the cone is a lug to which a spiral spring is attached, the other end being fastened to the pivoted catch. When the door is pushed back it strikes the catch which yields until the notch is reached, when it springs back, catches the door and holds it. Mr. Harper has territory to sell on easy terms to responsible agents.

i JOHN INSCHO, undertaker, cabinet- A maker, carpenter and joiner; Sparta; is the son of John and Susanna (Schrack) Inscho, and was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Jan., 31, 1811. The father was a native of New Jersey, and the mother of Penn., and they were among the first settlers in Licking Co., coming in, in 1806. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom reached their majority. Their father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He moved to Huron Co., in 1815, thence to Richland Co., and afterward to Knox Co., where he remained until his death, Oct. 17, 1848. The mother followed him Oct. 19, 1850. When the father moved into Knox Co., John was 10 years old; he remained on his father's farm until 18 years of age, when he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He was married to Elizabeth Rilea, April 28, 1836. They have a family of seven children, four of whom are yet living, as follows: Lucy V., Royal D., Wesley A. and Adelphine. Both before and after his marriage, he worked industriously at his trade, starting with scarcely a penny, and with but one suit of clothes; after his marriage, he lived for many years at Mt. Liberty, Knox Co., but in 1864 he moved to Sparta, and began in the general business of making and selling furniture, repairing or building houses, and undertaking; he keeps on hand an excellent stock of furniture, at all times, and sells as low as the lowest. His children are all married and settled in life. Mr. Inscho owns his shop, and a nice little home in Sparta. He is a Democrat, and is also an enthusiastic Universalist. He has been Township Treasurer for many years; has been Justice of the Peace, and in years past, was Captain of a company of State militia. He is industrious and honest, and is a good citizen and neighbor.

EUGENE KENT, fruit-grower ; P. O., Sparta; was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sejff. 19, 1853; his father, Ashford, and his mother, Eleanor (Evans) Kent, were married in 1849, and had a family of six children - Sylvester, Eugene, Frank, Victorine, and twins, who died in infancy; Sylvester died when one year old; Frank and Victorine are both at home, and are yet unmarried. When Eugene was about 2 years old, his father came from Williams Co., and settled in South Bloomfield Tp. After living for short periods on various farms, in the northwestern part of the township, the father finally settled on the farm he now owns; this was about the year 1870.

Eugene received but a common school education, and when old enough, assisted his father on his farm; at the age of 21 he began to accumulate property for himself. In 1874, he was united in marriage to Ella E. Sackett, daughter of James Sackett, of Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio. There was born one child - Myrtle O., Nov. 22, 1875. Eugene, after his marriage, lived with his father two years; he then moved to Henry Co., Ohio, and at the expiration of about four weeks, left that county and went to Marengo, Bennington Tp., where he remained nearly two years, after which he returned to South Bloomfield Tp., and lived for a short time in the house just opposite his father's residence. He then bought the place upon which he now lives, and moved there in 1879. While in Henry Co., he ran a saw-mill, one-half interest of which he owned; he did the same while at Marengo. At present he owns one-third interest in a steam cider-mill; he cultivates and sells about 250 bushels of apples per year; also about 200 bushels of grapes, 75 bushels of raspberries, 20 bushels of peaches, and other berries and fruits. He is a Republican, and is a Universalist in belief, though a member of no church. His wife, Ella (Sackett) Kent, can trace her lineage back to 1620. It is said that three Sacketts came over in the Mayflower. The descendants of one of them settled in northern New York, and gave rise to the name Sackett's Harbor; the descendants of one of them came to Columbus, Ohio, one of them being the surveyor who platted the original town; this man was Elijah, Mrs. Kent's grandfather. Elijah had three different wives. By the first, Mary Cunningham, he had one child, James Sackett, the father of Mrs. Kent. Mr. Kent's grandfather, Kent, was in the war of 1812, and at his death a military salute was fired over his grave in honor of his gallant services for his countrv.

SYLVENUS KILE, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born March 6, 1823; Jacob and Elizabeth (Towser) Kile, his father and mother, had a family of ten children - Sylvenus, William, one that died unnamed, John, Jesse, David, Mary, Nicholas, Nancy and Washington. The father came from Virginia to Ohio, in 1823, stopping at Rushville for about eight months, after which he moved and settled in South Bloomfield Tp., Morrow Co., Ohio, just east of the place now owned by his son Jesse; like all the boys and young men of those times, Sylvenus passed his youth in improving his father's place, getting once in a while a glimpse at his books; he remained thus until of age, and then began to farm his father's place on shares, and soon afterward to rent the land of neighbors - living in the meantime at his father's; in September, 1856, he married Naomi, daughter of Solomon and Sarah Dehaven, and has a family of four children - Caroline, born in 1857; George D., 1859; Sarah E., 1862, and Flora V., 1866. Flora died while an infant; the others are yet living. Solomon Dehaven was a soldier in the war of 1812, and by the special act of Congress, drew a pension of $96 per annum until his death. Mr. Kile owns 103 acres of land, is a Democrat, and his family is well-known in the southern part of the township. Mrs. Naomi Kilo is a member of the Methodist Church.

JESSE KTLE, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Mt. Liberty, is the brother of Sylvenus Kile, whose biography is found elsewhere in this work. Jesse was born in this township, Jan. 17, 1829. His early years were spent like those of other boys of that early day in going to school in winter and in cleaning up and farming his father's place in summer. He worked on the old place until his father died, all the proceeds of his labor going into the general family fund. In 1863 he began buying and selling stock, and being a shrewd financier, he managed to lay up considerable money during the seven years he was engaged in that business. Since 1870 he has been farming almost exclusively, though still dealing in stock to a limited extent. When his father died, the old place was divided among the different heirs; but Jesse has since bought all the claims, and he now owns the old homestead, and has it all paid for. There are 115 acres, and all the land is weil improved. On the 14th of February, 1866, he was united in marriage to Martilla (Cotton) Barrick, the widow of Daniel Barrick, who died while in the service of his country. Mrs. Kile had by her first husband one child - Flavia, born in 1861, who is now married to Charles Brokaw, and lives east of Sparta. Mr. and Mrs. Kile have a family of lour children - Bertram C., born June 2,

1867, Leveretta, March 7, 1871; Stanley B., March 11, 1875, and William L., May 31, 1879. Mr. Kile is a Republican; his wife is a Methodist. He is a good citizen and a kind neighbor; he is well known in the southern part of the county, and his word is as good as his note, and.both are as good as gold.

MARVIN B. LYON, shoemaker. The present Postmaster at Bloomfield, is Marvin B. Lyon, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 24, 1830. His father came to Ohio in 1834, and located in Hilliar Tp., Knox Co., where Edwin Lyon now lives. Mr. Lyon's early years were passed on his father's farm; he received a good common school education, and at the age of 21 was united in marriage to Selina, daughter of Daniel Chadwick, and by her has the following family - Orlin M., born Dec. 24, 1852, and Ernest W., born Feb. 26, 1857; his marriage was celebrated Jan. 1, 1852; in Aug., 1875, his son Orlin, married Hena, daughter of Robert Gray, of Delaware Co.; Orlin has one son, Clarence, born in Feb. 1877. Mr. Lyon's parents are David S. Lyon and Ivah, daughter of Elmer Chase, Esq.; and in his father's family were the following children - Sherwood, who died in infancy; Marvin B., Cornelia, Edwin L. and Daniel E.; Cornelia is dead; Edwin L. married Fannie, daughter of Isaac Brokaw; has three children, and lives in Hilliar Tp., Knox Co.; Daniel E. married lone, daughter of Wesley Clark, and has one child. After Mr. Lyon married he lived with his father about four years, and then moved to Johnson Co., Iowa, where he remained almost a year, and then came back to Ohio. He settled in Bloomfield and worked at his trade - shoemaking; in 1873 he bought 80 acres of land, ad joining the town. In 1878 he started a store in Bloomfield, with an assortment of groceries, notions, boots and shoes; he has quite a lively trade, with a stock worth about $1,000. He is at present justice of the peace. Is a Republican and Prohibitionist, and a member of the Advent Christian Church at Sparta. He is one of the most prominent men in the township.

SMITH LYON, farmer; P. O., Bloomfield; was born in Connecticut in 1811, and lived there until he was nearly 7 years old; his father and mother, Walker and Mary Ann

(Tuttle) Lyon, came to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1817, and thus were among the earliest settlers. The father was born in April, 1779, and was married in Aug., 1808; he had a family of three children - Smith, born as above; Jennet, born July, 1817, and Harriet, born Sept., 1823; all three are yet living. When Smith was 21 he married Sally Jane Marvin, and by her has one child - Newton T., born in January, 1833. After his first wife died he married Deborah J. Lounsbury, and by her has one chikU-Sally Jane - who is the wife of Col. A. H. Brown. Mr. Lyon is a Republican; he owns 475 acres of land, and is one of the few oldest settlers in the township. His father came here late in the fall of 1817 - so late that cold weather set in before he could finish his log cabin; he could not make mortar, and had to fill up the chinks with moss and sod; he taught school at an early day, and was among the first teachers in the township. He was a Justice of the Peace, and performed many marriage ceremonies, receiving for his services some sort of produce, such as potatoes. Smith Lyon received but a meagre education in youth, as his services on his father's farm were indispensable, and he was kept at home chopping and clearing. He is well known and universally respected.

JOHN McGUIRE, plasterer; Sparta; is the son of John McGuire, a wheelwright, and was born in New Jersey, April 27, 1835; when he was 2 years old his mother died; his father then bound him out io John McGrady, who in 1840 moved to Ohio, bringing young McGuire with him ; he remained with McGrady until he was 22 years old. In 1858 he married Emetine, daughter of Franklin and Harriet Way, and by her has a family of four children - Ada, F. M. E., Charles and Mary. Ada married James Work. Mr. McGuire is a mechanic and builder, as well as a plasterer. He owns seven lots in Sparta, and is one of the nine men who own the Sears Cemetery. He served in the 30th regiment O. V. I., during the late war; he is an active politician, and in 1878 was candidate for County Recorder on the Democratic' ticket. His wife died in Feb., 1877.

1846. He is the son of Lucius L., and Elizabeth Jones (Mabbett) Minard, who had a family of five children - John M., George B., Seth A., Anna M. and Lenard L. The youngest child died when but an infant; the balance of the family are all living, and all married, except Anna who is living at home with her parents, in Milan. John is married, and has a famiyl; he is a machinest, and lives in Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio. Seth is a carriage-maker, is married, and lives in Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. George B. passed his youth with his parents, and going to school. He was united in marriage Oct. 4, 1867, to Ida C., daughter of Henry and Florinda Ruggles, and by her has one son and one daughter - Maggie L., born Aug. 15, 1868, and Newton L, born Oct., 1870. The wife was born Oct. 28, 1848. Mr. Minard came to Sparta in the fall of 1876, and entered into a partnership with Robert Mullenger, to be known as Minard & Mullenger. This firm does a general blaeksmithing business - exept horse-shoeing - in connection with carriage-making. They do quite an extensive business, and keep from three to four men busily engaged all the time. They also own in partnership 80 acres of land in Christian Co., Mo. Mr. Minard owns a house and lot in Sparta, and also the carriage shop in which they do business. He is a Universalist, and a Democrat in politics.

LEWIS MITCHELL, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Mt. Liberty; his father and mother were married in Knox Co., O., in 1836, and to them was born a family of fifteen children; Harris, Emer, Lewis, Alice, Betsey, Albert, Welthy, Torrence, Maria, William, Laura, Dana, Mary, and two that died while infants. Out of this large family, twelve lived to reach their majority. Lewis spent his youth in arduous labor improving the farm. He attended the district schools until 15, and then his father needing his services, kept him at home. When 19 years of age he began in business for himself; he was married to Lenora Orsborn, and by her has a family of four sons and two daughters - Charles M., born July 17, 1861, Myrtle E., Nov. 24, 1863, Lulu M., May 12, 1866, W. Delano, May 7, 1871, Edwin W., July 9, 1873, and Emer C., July 15, 1875; all of these survive and live with their parents in South Bloomfield Tp. In 1862 Mr. Mitchell enlisted in Co. F.,

121st Reg., O. V. I., and was with this Reg't until after the battle of Perry ville - then owing to sickness was discharged; after recruiting his health for one year at home, he enlisted in the 100 days' service and was appointed Second Corporal. His grandfather was an officer in the war of 1812. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican, and himself and family are members of the Disciple Church.

WILLIAM McKINSTRY, farmer; P. O., Sparta; Matthias McKinstry was born in Hunterdon Co., New Jersey, Feb. 12, 1796. Effie Young was born in Sussex Co., New Jersey, in 1799; they were married and had a family of five sons and one daughter - John, William, Phillip, Matthew, Samuel and Mary M.; John and Matthew are dead; Phillip married Julia A. Dexter; he is a carpenter, and lives in Michigan; Samuel is married, and lives in Michigan, and is a tavern-keeper; Mary married William Miller, and lives in Michigan. William McKinstry was born June 16, 1821; his parents moved to Ohio in 1831 ; after stopping three years in Knox Co., they moved to South Bloomfield Tp., and located where William now lives; when William was 20 years old he hired out to clear land, at $9.50 per month; Sept. 2, 1841, he married Maria, a daughter of James Fletcher, and by her has nine children, seven of whom are yet living - Matthias, born July, 1842, married Jane Keys, and has three children; he is in the mercantile business in Hardin Co.; Rebecca, born March, 1844, married N. A. Yocum, and has twin boys; her husband is a farmer; William, born Oct. 10, 1846, was married to Jane White, and has a family, and lives in Knox Co.; David, born Oct. 24, 1848, and died Sept. 5, 1877; he was the husband of Lora Rinehart; Isaac, born Sept. 25, 1850, and died Feb. 22, 1871; Jefferson, born Jan. 7, 1853, was married to Sarah White, by whom he has a family; John J., born July 21, 1855; James, May 24, 1858; Anna M., Sept. 3, 1861. Mr. McKinstry is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He owns 196 acres erf nicelyT-improved land, all of which he has made by hard labor and close economy. When married, he had but $5.00, and after the expense attending such an occasion, had but fifty cents left; he then started out in life to make a home for himself and wife; after two years hard work, at $9.50 per month, he bought his first team of horses; his mother then re-married, and the estate was divided among the heirs, each receiving about $250. Mr. McKinstry immediately invested his share in real estate, and has continued to add thereto until he now has one of the best farms in the township.

NATHAN MOORE, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Sparta; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., inl813; his parents, Isaac and Clarissa (Wilcox) Moore, had the following family: Charlotte, Mary A., Isaac, Nathan, Lytle, Samuel and Elizabeth. Charlotte is dead; Mary Ann is married, and lives in Delaware Co., Ohio; her husband was George Manville, who is now dead, she being a widow with four children living; Isaac died in Kansas, and Lytle in Missouri; Samuel married Miss Williamson, and has a family of six children, and lives in Fremont Co., Iowa; Elizabeth married John Gore; she lives in Bennington Tp., and has two children living. Nathan passed his early years on his father's farm. The father came to Ohio in 1815, first settling at Lancaster. After living in several counties at different times, he at last settled in Delaware Co. When Nathan was 19 he came to South Bloomfield Tp., and rented twelve acres, where his son now lives; he had one yoke of steers and an old horse, all of which he had got by trades and by hard labor; finally he traded a horse and wagon for thirty-six acres of tax land; he was then 20 years old. At this time he was married to to Sarah, daughter of James and Methena (Edmunds) Crawford, and by her had ten sons and one daughter - Clarissa, Andrew, Norton, Royal, Lytle, Lafayette, Lorenzo, Burr, Jerome and two that died in infancy; Clarissa married Joseph Lewis; she has four children and lives in Harmony Tp.; Andrew is dead; Norton married Elizabeth Evans; has four children and lives in Bennington Tp.; Royal married Rachel Evans and has a family of four or five children, and lives in Bennington Tp.; Lytle married Susan Potts and lives in South Bloomfield Tp.; Lafayette married Lydia Manville, and has one child and lives near Mt. Vernon; Burr married a Miss Titus; has one child, and lives in Bennington Tp.; Jerome is single, and is yet living at home with his father. Mr. Moore is a Republican, and is also a Universalist in belief. He owns about eighty acres of excellent land, upon which is a fine spring of pure water. He is decidedly a self-made man beginning life with scarcely any education; with nothing but his hands and native wit to keep him afloat. His wife and himself are yet quite strong, and have always been good neighbors and citizens.

WM. N. ORSBORN, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born in this township, June 24, 1824. His father, Thomas Orsborn, was captain of a merchant vessel, plying between New London, Connecticut, and the East Indias. On one of his return trips from the It^dias, in 1812, his vessel was attacked by a British man-of-war, but by the bravery of the officers and men, they escaped, and landed their goods safely in New London. After his arrival, he enlisted in his country's service, but soon resigned. Then owing to a request of his wife, Olive (Manning) Orsborn, he quit the sea and emigrated to South Bloomfield Tp., and engaged in the then new occupation (to him) of farming. This was in 1817, when the country was an unbroken wilderness, full of wild beasts. Having never been accustomed to wood-craft, the following is related as an incident connected with his early career in Ohio: The first tree he chopped down, not knowing in which direction to make it fall, he chopped it so that it fell directly on the cabin he had just erected. By hard labor he in time acquired some 300 acres of land, which, at his death, was divided among the children - Abigail, Amanda, John H., James

N. The latter remained at home during his youthful days and improved his opportunities for an education. Nov. 5, 1845, he was married to Harriet Dustin, by whom he had a family of six children - Emeline, Melinda, Lucy J., Eliza A., William F., and Harriet D.; his wife died Jan. 23, 1864. Mr. Orsborn's second wife was Sarah Miller, to whom he was married Jan. 25, 1866, and by her has three sons and one daughter - -Nelson D., David G., Mary A., and Claud. Mr. Orsborn is independent in politics, in every case voting for the man, instead of the party. He is a Universalist in belief, but a member of no church. He owns 253 acres of nicely improved land in Morrow Co., but does very little towards farming, owing to a stroke of paralysis received in 1875.

born, the Soutn Bloomfield pioneer. His great grandfather Osborn was captairi of a merchantman on the Atlantic Ocean. On one of the voyages the sailors arose in mutiny, killed the captain and manned the vessel for piracy and plunder. His grandfather was reared upon the sea, and being a man of great resolution and vitality, became captain, but becoming tired of the sea he moved his family into the wilderness of Ohio in 1815. Thomas E. was born in Knox Co., O., Nov. 28, 1841, and was one in a family of seven - Thomas E., L. Ellen, Byron H., one that died in infancy, Mary J., Roslinda and Clarinda M. Clarinda is dead, but the others are living in South Bloomfield Tp. Byron married Emma Brokaw; Roslinda married Thomas Scott; Ellen is the widow of Orange Hollister, and Mary is unmarried. Thomas' youth was passed on the old place; when the war broke out he enlisted in the 121st Reg. O. V. I., Co. E., and in 1863 was discharged for disabilities. In early years he served an apprenticeship at house-painting, which business he followed until his marriage to Maria, daughter of Solomon and Mary (Coleman) Roberts Nov. 1, 1860; he has by her the following family: Mina Adell, born April 9,

1861; Wilbur B., Jan. 29, 1863 (deceased); Frank L., Aug. 1, 1864; Kate M., Oct. 24, 1865; William B., May 5, 1867; Nellie M., Dec. 2, 1869; Brice O., Jan. 15, 1872; John FI., Feb. 28, 1874; Lillie E., April 31, 1876; and a daughter, as yet unmarried, born Feb. 14, 1880. After his marriage, Mr. Osborn farmed and dealt in stock until April, 1879, when he opened a butcher-shop in Sparta, on the corner of Main and Church streets; he is doing the principal business in his line in the town. His residence is half a mile southwest of Sparta.

HARVEY L. PARKS, carpenter and joiner; Sparta. Is the son of Alexander and Mary (Clinton) Parks, who were married in New Jersey, Feb. 16, 1839; in this family there were seven children - Martin, Robert, Clarkson, Lydia, Harvey, Malinda, and V arren; Warren is a blacksmith in Sparta, and he and his sister Lydia are living with their mother at that place; these two and

Harvey are the only children in the family living. Harvey L. was born in South Bloomfield Tp. March 11,1851; he attended the public schools in Sparta until he was 13 years old, when his father's death occurred, which left him and his brother to provide for the family; he continued living at home until his marriage with Miss Maria Hulse, daughter of Jabez Hulse, which event was celebrated April 30, 1874. To them was born one daughter, Mary Maud, Sept. 29, 1877; the wife was born May 28, 1846. Mr. Parks can trace his relationship with Gov. Clinton, who was at one time Governor of New York. His family has also quite a family war history, which shows they took part in the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812, and the late civil war between the North and the South. Mr. Park's father and brother, Clarkson enlisted in Co. K, 174 Reg. O. V. I., in 1874, and both died from disease, contracted while in the service of their country; the father died at Washington, D. C., and the brother at Murphreesboro, Tenn. Harvey owns eight acres of land northeast of Sparta, upon which he now resides. He is a Democrat, and is a Universalist, although a member of no church.

THOMAS J. PIERCE, fruit grower and farmer; P. O. Sparta; was born in this township, Dec. 26, 1820; he spent his youth upon the farm, and also attended schools near his old home; he remained with his father until he was 21 years of age, and then began doing for himself. His life has been given to a variety of pursuits; shortly after he was of age he sold medicines, traveling throughout the country, at this business, for about ten years; he has sold books, and has also farmed more or less; at present he is engaged in selling fruit trees. He owns one-half interest in the fifty-six acres of land upon which his brother, Columbus; now lives. This place is made his headquarters, and for the last twelve years, he, with his brother, Columbus, has traveled more or less, over five or six counties, engaged in selling fruit trees on commission. Himself and brother deal quite largely in raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, grape and other plants and vines; they keep constantly on hand a general nursery stock, but with the exception of the smaller fruits and berries, sell almost entirely on commission. The Pierce Brothers

COLUMBUS D. PIERCE, farming and fruit-growing; P. O. Sparta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Nov. 1, 1839. His father, B. C., and mother, Nancy (Wildinan) Pierce, were married May 1, 1819, and had a family of seven children - Thomas J., May E., Nathan W., Perry N., Betsey J., Daniel H. and Columbus D. May, Nathan and Betsey are dead; Columbus D. passed his youth on the farm, and when he became 18 years old, began to do for himself ; he taught school a year or two, and when the war of the Rebellion broke out, enlisted in the 121st Regt.,0. V. I., and served three years; was in thirty engagements and skirmishes; was with Shefman on his march to the sea, and in all the perilous movements of that noted campaign; was at Lookout and Kenesaw mountains; was at Perrysville, Dalton and Mission Ridge and many other noted battles; he was married Nov. 1, 1867, to Hortense, daughter of Elizur and Maria (Manville) Price, and by her has a family of three children - Frank L., born April 22, 1870; Bertha W., March 16, 1872, and Florence May, May 22, 1875. Mr. Pierce owns 88 acres of land and his principal business is fruit-growing; he has 41 acres in orchard, which is now eight years old; in it are all the best varieties adapted to this climate. Mr. Pierce is a Republican, and is a member of the Christian Advent Church at Sparta, as is also his wife.

ANDREW JACKSON ROBERTS, carpenter and joiner; Sparta; was born in 1822; he is one of the best carpenters in South Bloomfield Tp., and nearly all the buildings for miles around were planned and built by him; his father, Solomon Roberts, settled near Sparta, in 1830; Andrew had but little schooling, and was subjected to hard work on his father's farm; at the age of 22 he learned his trade, and while thus engaged worked for $5 per month; his mother's maiden name was Mary Coleman, who bore her husband a family of ten children - Almira., born 1816; Ann Eliza, 1818; Adaline, 1821; Andrew, 1822; Curtis G., 1824; one that died in infancy; Mary, born 1828; William, 1831; Perilla, 1833, and Maria, 1835. Almira married Abraham McNair, and lives in Iowa; she is a widow, and has four children; Ann Eliza married William Roberts, had four children, one of whom is living; Adaline married Thomas Hughes; she has five children, and lives in Missouri; Curtis married Arminda Beebe; he has a large family, and lives in Iowa; Mary married J. C. Cook, lives in Sparta, has one child living; William, married Lydia Ann Swetland; he lives near Sparta, and has four children, three of whom are living; Perilla married George Orsborn, and lives southeast of Sparta, and has five children; Maria married Thomas Orsborn, lives near Sparta, and has nine children. In 1846, Andrew married Alvira,' daughter of Jacob S. Thompson; the next year he moved to Michigan, stopping four years at the capital (Lansing), then containing but two or three houses. While in Michigan, his wife died, leaving an infant daughter, who is now the wife of Alexander Tims, and lives near Sparta. Mr. Roberts came back to Ohio in 1851; he remained a widower until 1879, when he married Mrs. S. J. Bradfield, widow of Daniel Bradfield; his father and mother had poor health, and during the long years before their death, were dependent upon their son Andrew for support and protection. Mr. Roberts is a Demo-Prohibitionist; is not a member of any church; he takes pride in opposing the inconsistencies of church dogma; he has been Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Notary Public, etc.; he owns 14 acres of land. His father died aged 72, and mother died aged 82. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Sparta, and is one of the prominent men in the township.

ALONZO RAMEY, farmer; P. O. Mt. Liberty; the grand-son of Peter Kile, one of the oldest settlers in the Tp., was born in South Bloomfield Tp. in 1842; his father is T. A. Ramey and his mother Melinda (Kile) Ramey, daughter of Peter Kile. There were ten children in Peter Kile's family: John, born in Oct., 1815; Reason, Aug., 1817; Melinda, Nov., 1819; Simon, Dec., 1821; Washington, March, 1824; Ransom, Sept., 1826; Harvey, March, 1829; Catharine, Feb., 1832; Mary E., Oct., 1835; and William W., April, 1839. In T. A. Ramey's family were four boys and two girls - Alonzo, Arminda, Washington, Brown, Emmett and Orpha. Alonzo passed hisyouth at Mt. Liberty, going to school; at the age of 15 he went on a farm, where he remained until he was 20 years old; in 18(»2. he enlisted in the 96th Reg., O. V. I., and served ten months, but at the e.id of that time he was so reduced by disease that he was discharged; after his discharge he remained with his father until his marriage with Sarah A. Mortley, Oct. 4, 1864. He has two children - Delma, born July 9, I860, and Burton, Jan. 4, 1867. Mr. Ramey owns 100 acres of land, it being the same fractional quarter section upon which Peter Kile lived, when he first settled in the Tp. He is a Republican.

WILLIAM L. SWETLAND, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Sparta; is the son of Giles and Sarah (Lewis) Swetland, and was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Aug. 31, 1838. He spent his youth on his father's farm, where he remained until he was 24 years old; but began to accumulate property for himself at the age of 21. On the 25th of Dec., 1861, he was united in marriage to Cornelia E., daughter of Jabez and Mariah (Slack) Hulse, and has by her a family of five children - C. Duane, born Aug. 1, 1863; Minnie R., Aug. 1, 1867; Silonda L., Aug. 28, 1869; Manning L., April 1, 1872, and Burton V. E., Aug. 31, 1874. Mr. Swetland own 235 acres of land, all well improved; he has in his possession a watch which belonged to his great-grandfather, Luke Swetland; he also has an old wooden moleboard plow, used by his father in early times, which he values highly as a keepsake.

WARRE& SWETLAND, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Sparta. The Swetland families, living in or near Sparta, are- the descendants of Artemas and Lydia (Abbott) Swetland, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, in 1810, first locating in Delaware Co., in 1818; they moved to South Bloomfield Tp., and remained there until their deaths, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter - Augustus W., Giles, Fuller, Seth and Marilla. Warren Swetland is the son of Giles and Sarah (Lewis) Swetland, who were the parents of five sons and one daughter. Warren was born in South Bloomfield Tp., in April, 1834, and, until about 1856, he remained with his father, clearing and improving the place. He farmed, with his brother, one year in Chester Tp., and was then united in marriage with Magaret A., daughter of Daniel and Mary (Davis) Thomas. They have no children, but have raised and educated an orphan girl, named Arrilla Lewis, who was married to Daniel Potts, in 1869. Mr. Swetland owns 129 acres of well-improved land, near Sparta, and is one of the nine men who own and have charge of the fine cemetery north of Bloomfield. He was formerly a Democrat, but at present supports the Prohibition party. His wife and himself are members of the M. E. Church, at Sparta. Artemas Swetland, the grandfather of Warren, when a boy, was in the fort at the Wyoming masacre, and escaped death only by remaining with his father, Luke, who was on picket duty inside. Warren's great-grandfather, Abbott, was murdered shortly after this, by the savages. When the Indian scare was over, the settlers began to return to their farms. One day, while at work in the field, with another pioneer, Mr. Abbott saw the Indians coming, and started to run, but was shot, crippled, and overtaken by them, and dispatched with the tomahawk. Artemas was in the war of 1812, enlisting while in Delaware Co., Ohio. He was one of the first settlers in South Bloomfield Tp., and his sons, Augustus, Giles and Seth, vividly remember the hardships through which they passed, in their new home in the wilderness. This famiiy is noted for longevity, and, although some of them are nearly four score and ten, yet they are full of vigor and strength. The family is well known, and universally respected.

IRA SALISBURY, retired farmer; P. O. Sparta; is a native of New York, and was born in 1811; his parents were old settlers in the State of Ohio, and were closely identified with its history. When the father came to Ohio, in 1815, having considerable money, and not thinking it wise to carry it with him, he placed it in* a trunk, which was sent by rail, but in its passage to Ohio it was broken open and rifled of all this hard earned money. This loss baffled his calculations, and he had many hardships to undergo before he had a home he could call his own. Upon his arrival in Ohio he stopped for four months in the old fort at Delaware, and at the expiration of that time, moved to a farm that he had rented, five miles north of the town; he remained there about twelve years, working, economizing and saving, and then purchased a farm of 130 acres, in Harmony Tp., where he moved in about 1828, first stopping for a short time near Mt. Gilead; both the father and mother were born in 1780, and were married in Sept., 1805. These parents, Ephraim and Lydia (Windsor) Salisbury had a family of seven children - Ceiinda, Ennis, Ganza, Ira, Ephriam, Amv and Rebecca, allcf whom are married and have families of their own. Ira's education was limited because of demand for his services on the farm. At the age of 21 the proceeds of his labor went to hiinseif, yet he continued to live with his father. He was united in marriage Dec. 12, 1833, to Hannah, a daughter of Rev. David James, and by her had a family of eight children - - David, Ephriam, Elizabeth, Dinah, Ennis, Adin, Minerva and Brunson. Mr. Salisbury lived with his father until he died; supporting him, but using the proceeds for himself. In June, 1847, the father gave Ira a deed to the 130 a<jres, purchased when he first came to Harmony Tp. At different times this was added to, until, he owned 380 acres; but since that time he has disposed of it alj. Mr. Salisbury at present owns some lots, and a few acres of land in and near Sparta. His wife, Hannah, died Dec. 13, 1865; and on the 26th day of Nov., 1868, he married Diana (Hamill) Manville, the widow of John Manville. Mr. Salisbury's sons Ephriam, Ennis and Adin, were in the late war. Adin lost an eye at Chattanooga, Ennis was in sixteen battles, going on the march to the sea with Sherman. Ephriam and Ennis are both married, and live in Missouri, and have families; Diana is married and lives in New York. Mr. Salisbury is a member of the Baptist Church; he became a member in 1824. lie is also one of the most radical and influential Republicans in the southern part of the county.

WM. B. SPECK, miller; Sparta; was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1822; son of Augustus and Sarah (Reed) Speck; he is a miller, as was also his father, and is said to be one of the finest sawyers in the southwestern part of the county; his grand- father was a Saxon, and, while. passing through Germany, was seized and pressed into the army, and his regiment was employed by the British, to assist in quelling the rebellious colonies in America, but while the troops were coming to this country, he succeeded' in making his escape. Mr. Speck's grand-father, Reed claims to have built the first log cabin where Steubenville now stands. His grand-mother Reed had three brothers, who were, present at Crawford's defeat. Mr. Speck was married in 1858 to Elizabeth Lewis, and has by her a family of three children - Clinton B., Flora A., and Augusta Y. Clinton is in the draintile business in South Bloomfield Tp; Augusta is married to George W. Butler, and lives in the same township; Flora A. lives at home with her father, and is the possessor of unusual musical talent, Mr.- Speck oWns the present saw mill at Sparta, which is said to be one of the handiest in the county. There were eleven children in Mr. Speck's father's family, and when the father died, there had not been a death before in the family for forty- five years.

FLOYD SEARS, farmer; P. O. Bloomfield; is the son of Enoch Sears and Laura (Marvin) Sears, and was born in New York, Jan. 7, 1817. The father was a farmer, and of English decent. The parents were married in 1816, and came to Ohio in 1834; there was born a family of eight children, three of tvhom died in infancy - Floyd, Lewis, George, Harriett, Aaron Burr, Rufus, and two that died in infancy. George W. married Rebecca Love, and lives in South Bloomfield Tp.; Aaron B. married Catharine Struble, lives in South Bloomfield Tp.; Lewis died; Harriet married Dr. L. T. Dewitt; Rufus married Mary Struble, and lives in Richland Co., Floyd spent his youth at home, receiving a limited education. In March, 1839, he married Victorine P., daughter of Sheldon Clark, and to them there were born three sons - Clark G., born July 13, 1840; Smith, born Feb., 1843; the third son died in infancy. In 1863, Clark married Deborah J. Cavert, daughter of John and Rebecca Cavert; they have one son, Charley A., born Dec. 6, 1871. Smith married Susan Vail in 1864, and lives in the village of Bloomfield; as does Clark and family, also. Enoch Sears died in 1876, and his wife in 1871. Mrs. Soars' grand-parents, on her fatherVside, were Daniel Clark and Phedima (Curtis) Clark, who had a family of four children - Roswell, Marshall, Ransom and Sheldon. Sheldon's wife was Selina McEwen, daughter of Ephraim McEwen. In Sheldon's family were two girls - Victorine 1\, born 1822, and Rebecca .1., born 1828. Rebecca married

Charles Jackson; he died, and she afterward married Allen S. Moffett. Sheldon Clark came with his family to South Bloomfield Tp., in 182G. Floyd is a Republican, and himself and family are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Sears has held various township offices of trust; he owns 310 acres of well improved land; he is one of the trustees of the Bloomfield Cemetery. His father sowed in wheat the first summer-fallow ever sowed in the township, and raised quite a good crop. Mr. Sears is one of the most prominent men in the township, and is universally honored and respected.

WILLIAM TAYLOR, miller; Sparta; was born in Steubenville, Jefferson Ohio, in December, 1837; he is the son of Robert and Rachel (Scott) Taylor; the father was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and was born in 1798; the mother was born in 1808, and these parents were married in 1836; to this union was born a family of twelve children, all of whom are living, and are grown men and women; their names respectively are - William, Susan, Jane, Alexander, Robert, Joseph, oJosiah, Samuel, Mary, Rachel, John and Scott. Jane is the widow of Mr. Manville, and lives in Knox Co.; Alexander married Harriet Babcock, and lives in South Bloomfield Tp.; Josiah married Betsy A. Bradfield, and lives in the same township; John married Caroline Peeler, and lives in same township; the other members of the family, except William, are living with their mother in Bennington Tp. The father was a miller of forty years' experience; in 1849 he discontinued the milling business at Steubenville, and moved to Morrow Co., where he engaged in farming; he lived there until his death, which occurred March 36, 1876; William assisted his father in the mill at Steubenville until he was 33 years of age, and then came with his father to Morrow Co.; in April, 1861, he enlisted for three months in Company G., 30th Regiment; at the expiration of that time he re-enlisted for three years in Company A, 30th Regiment O. V. I., and was mustered out of service Feb. 16,1865; he was at the battles of Shiloh and Fort Donelson, and numerous other en^aarementsof lesser note; since the war, he has been engaged in the milling business at Sparta. Mr. Taylor is a Republican, but in local politics votes for the man and not for the party. He is a Universalist in belief, though a member of no church; for five consecutive years he was the Assessor of Bennington Tp.; Mr. Taylor has the reputation of being one of the best millers in Morrow Co.

JOHN THOMPSON, farmer; P. O. Mt. Liberty; was born in South Bloomfield Tp. in 1830; his parents, James and Nancy (Cotton) Thompson, had a family of nine children - William, Harris, Elizabeth, John, Mary, O'Connell who died in infancy; Serena, Margaret A., and Berthena; all are living except Harris and O'Connell. Mr. Thompson's early life was passed upon the homestead. When 16, he went to Milford, where he remained eight years, but then came back to the old place; after staying there six years, he went to Mt. Liberty, and at the end of 31 years returned to South Bloomfield Tp., where he has remained ever since, engaged in farming; Mr. Thompson's father came to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1819; he was a blacksmith, and made for the early settlers iron cow-bells, buttons, bridle-bits, reapingsickles, stirrups, etc.; he also made domestic articles - such as spoons - out of pewter, yet not very extensively; he and Aaron Jackson at an early day owned a small distillery, where whisky and brandy were made from corn and rye; he also owned a small gristmill where corn could be ground; he was a Justice of the Peace in early times, and often had quite a full docket of assault and theft cases; he lost $500 in Owl Creek money depreciation. John Thompson was married in 1843, to Matilda Cornell, and has four children - Frances, born Feb., 1844; Almeda, Dec., 1845; William A., Jan., 1847, and Mary A., Dec., 1853. Frances married Josephus Sanders, and has two children; Alftieda married Lewis Crumpston, and has two children; William married Angeline Robertson, and has two chidren; Mary A. married Amza Robertson, and has one child. Mr. Thompson owns 105 acres of land; is a Democrat; also a member of the Disciple Church, at Mt. Liberty. His family is well known in the township.

JOHN TAYLOR, farmer and stock- raiser; P. O. Sparta; was born in Virginia, Dec. 33, 1843. He made his home with his parents, Robert and Rachel (Scott) Taylor, until he was married; this event was celebrated Dec. 16, 1876, his wife being Nancy Peeler, widow of the late Elijah Peeler, and daughter of Robert M. and Nancy (Ely) Marshall. By her first husband Mrs. Taylor had two daughters - Hattie, born Aug. 1, 1868, and Norah Oct. 27. 1870. She has one daughter by her present husband - Katie, born Dec. 31 1878. Mrs. Taylor was born Feb. 28, 1847; and she was married to her first husband July 3, 1867. Mr. Taylor is an excellent farmer living half way between the villages of Sparta and Bloomfield; his political views coincide with those of the Republican party, and his religious views with those of the Universalists; his wife is a Lutheran; she owns one house and lot on East Chestnut street in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

W. SCOTT VAN SICKLE, hotel-keeper; Sparta; was born in Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio, Dec. 30, 1848. His parents were Peter and Alma (Price) Van Sickle, who had the following family - Drusilla, Winfield Scott, John C. and Addison. The first three are now living. Mr. yarn Sickle's life has been interspersed with a variety of pursuits, among which may be mentioned that of farmer and stock raiser, clerk in a drug and grocery store, and hotel-keeper; he was married Aug. 23, 1868, to Orpha E., daughter of John and Salona (Hayden) Manville, by whom he had two sons - Harry B., born Aug. 29, 1872, and Monford C., born May 18, 1876; his wife was born May 14, 1847. In Dec., 1877,- he purchased the Sparta House, in Sparta, Ohio, but soon exchanged that for the Hulse House, in which he now lives, engaged in keeping hotel. Mr. Van Sickle owns one of the best hotels in Sparta, and has the principal hotel trade at that place.

JAMES P. VAIL, merchant; Sparta; was born in Bennington Tp., Morrow Co., Ohio, in 1845; his father, B. T. Vail, a native of Connecticut, came to Bennington Tp. in 1830, and settled at what was afterwards called "Vail's Cross-Roads." He purchased 85 acres of land there, and began farming. His wife was Mary A. (Crane) Vail, by whom he had a family of twelve children - Elizabeth, Amza, William P., Jane, Ira, Mary, James P., John, Frank, William, Malvina and Ella, all of whom are living, except Elizabeth, William P. and Amza. The father died in 1864, but the mother is yet living at Bloomfield. James P. was married Jan. 22, 1865, to Mary, daughter of William Chase; he has a family of two children - C. Clifton, born Dec. 11, 1870, and B. Clyde, born July 31, 1873. Mr. Vail remained on his father's farm until he was 17 years old, when he began clerking in a general store at Sparta, owned by William Chase, who afterwards became his father-in-law; he continued here for three years, and then went into business with J. P. Wright, at Bloomfield, under the firm name of Wright & Vail, keeping a general assortment of goods. At the end of a year this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Vail returned to Sparta, and entered into business with his father-in-law, under the firm name of William Chase & Co. Three years after, this partnership was dissolved, and Dr. D. P. Bliss bought Mr. Chase's interest in the store and became Mr. .Vail's partner, with the business name of Vail & Bliss. Two years afterwards Dr. Bliss sold his interest in the store to the senior partner, Mr. Vail, who has continued the business at Sparta ever since. Mr. Vail carries a stock of from $6,000 to $9,000 worth of goods, and is doing a good business; he has a wagon on the road all the year round, and has run it for eight years. His books will show a business of about $30,000 per year. Mr. Vail owns a farm of 85 acres of well- improved land, adjoining Sparta. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a radical Republican in politics.

JOHN Q. WORLEY, farmer; P . O., Centerburg; is a native of Licking Co., Ohio. In his parents' family were five children - William, Joseph, Andrew, Vianna, and John, all of whom are living, except Vianna. When John Q. was 2 years old, his mother died, and he was given to a Mr. Saucer to raise; he remained with this man until 19 years of age. In Sept., 1854, when he was 21, he married Margaret Baughman, and by her has a family of twelve children - George, born Sept., 1855; Orel, April, 1857; Abbey, Jan., 1859; Elmer, who died in 1861; Rose May, who died in infancy; John, born Dec., 1863; Olive, March, 1866; Hugh, May, 1868; Virgil, Dec., 1871; Cara, April, 1875; Ida, March 1877; and Maud, Dec., 1879. Elmer, Rose, John, George and Ida are dead. Mr. Worley enlisted in 1861, in the 76th Reg. O. V. L, and served sixteen months, but was then discharged on account of kidney and heart diseases; eighteen months after his discharge, he enlisted in the 178th O. V. I., and served for one year; he was in many prominent engagements, such as Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Pea Ridge, Murfreesboro, Goldsboro, Kingston, etc. Mr. Worley is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. His son George was killed in 1873, while excavating under an embankment of earth on the railroad near Granville, Ohio. It was estimated that one hundred tons of earth and stone fell upon him. He had made an effort to escape, and when found was bent double backward. Orel married Mary Davis in 1879, and lives in Centerburg, Ohio. Abbey married Charles Tivenan Sept. 24, 1878; she lives at Utica, Ohio, and has one child, Bertha. In Mrs. Worley's father's family were seven children - William, Rebecca, Jane, Elizabeth, Catharine, Mary Ann, and Sarah. William was killed at Ringgold, Georgia; he was shot through the head in battle. Joseph was ninth color-bearer in the 82nd O. V. I., and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Eight color bearers were shot down before him in the same battle, yet he bravely took the stars and stripes, when his turn came, but was shot and instantly killed. Mrs.Worley's father and mother are both dead.

S. F. WAY, Sparta; was born in Summit Co., Ohio, July 22, 1843; he is the son of Franklin and Harriet (Beebe) Way, who had a family of two sons and four daughters - P. F. Beverly, Harriet E., Lydia A., S. F., and sister

Clarissa, and Merrilla D. The latter is the eldest, and died in childhood. P. F. Beverly is a graduate of the medical schools of Ann Harbor and St. Louis; he is now a practicing physician of Columbus, Ohio. Harriet E., was the wife of John McGuire, whose biography appears in this work. The father of this family was born Feb. 28, 1812, and died Aug. 23, 1847. The mother was born Oct. 20, 1809; she is yet living, her home being with her son in Sparta. S. F. Way, made his home with his mother, assisting her and going to school until he was about 16 years old. The winter after he was 17, he taught district school, and afterward alternately taught school and attended the college at Oberlin, for three years. His health then failed, and he was compelled to relinquish his studies for the time. When he was 20 years old, he was employed as instructor in commercial studies of the business college at Oberlin, for one year. After this he was employed as teacher of penmanship in the college at Delaware, Ohio. Here his health again failed him, and he was obliged to give up active life altogether. He is now a licensed preacher of the M. E. Church, and is engaged in evangelistical work. He was married Dec. 5, 1872, to M. E. Harris, daughter of G. N. and Christina (Tussing) Harris, and by her had one daughter - Hattie E., born April 12, 1874, and died Aug. 25, 1875. He is now living in Sparta, where he has made his home for the past twenty-eight years. He is a prohibitionist.

MICHAEL ALSHOUSE, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is a native of Northumberland Co., Penn.; was born Nov. 23, 1822; there, were twelve children in the family, he being the second; his father, Henry Alshouse, died Sept. 11, 1876, being 76 years and 9 months old, in same county, and was married to Catharine Blottener, both of same county; she died Jan. 3, 1848, and was 53 years and 2 months old. Michael was but 2 years of age, when his parents moved to Starr Co., this State. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but Michael, not satisfied to follow in his father's footsteps, left the sledge behind, and sought employment better suited to his tastes and inclinations; he did not leave his father until he was 23 years of age. At the age of 26, March 22, 1849, he was married to Sevilla Reed, who was born in Richland Co.; she lived until Jan. 6, 1855. He was married to his present wife, Nov. 4, 1858; her name was Sarah Caldwell; she was born Dec. 4. 1841, in Richland Co.; she was the daughter of Francis and Catharine (Erb) Caldwell, who was from Maryland; Mr. Caldwell was born in Richland Co. After his first marriage, he moved to Crawford Co., where he had purchased land; here he remained until 1863, when he moved to the north part of the township, and purchased 120 acres of land; here he has remained ever since, and will, in all probability, spend his remaining days. They have two children - Charles Elmer, born May 21, 1862; Sarah Etta, born Aug. 5, 1873. Mr. Alshouse had few school advantages, and has made his property through the medium of hard labor and frugal management.

WILLIAM BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is the third child of the family, and was bornin North Bloomfield Tp., April 17, 1836, and whose parents were Frederick and CatharineBeck; at the age of 17, he went out to work by the month; two years later, himself and two brothers bought the home place. Dec. 13, 1857, he was united in marriage to Anna Heiash, who was born Jan. 16, 1834, in Washington Co., Pa., the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Heiash, who were natives of Hesse Darmstadt, and were eighty-four days crossing the ocean, coming out the same time with J. M. Snyder; Mrs. Heiash's uncles were in the war under Napoleon; Mr. Beck's uncles were also engaged in those contests, and were killed; Frederick was the only one left of the family to bear the name; Frederick Beck the father of William was born in Sept., 1800; his mother, Catharine, was born in Aug., 1809. Mr. Beck has always been a hard worker; he began life poor, but was determined to make his way in the world, and in the course of time have a good farm of his own; he began work at fifty cents per day, and he is now in possession of an excellent farm of 227 acres, and a first-class farm-house thereon, built of brick, which compares favorably with any in the township. They have five children - Edward E., born Oct. 21, 1859; Catharine, Feb. 15, 1861; Elizabeth A., March 13, 1863; Mary A., July 21, 1868; Ella May, Dec. 25, 1873. Edward and Catharina are teachers of promise. Mr. Beck has been identified with Democracy; he has held the office of Township Trustee for several terms*

PETER BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; was born Jan. 13, 1843, in Bloomfield Tp., and was among the youngest of a family of twelve children, born to Frederic and Catharine (Smith) Beck, who were natives of Germany. At the age of 10 years Peter's father died, and he was jjlaced under the guardianship of Michael Snyder, and remained under his care until the age of 20; he then purchased fifty-five acres of land in section 17, where he now resides, and has since added to the same, having now ninety acres. Feb. 25, 1862, he was married to Mary Ann Scolds, who was born April 26, 1845, in Pike Tp., Knox Co., the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Shiria) Scolds. The Shirias are of Dutch, and the Scolds are of Irish extraction. In 1862 Mr. Beck was out for three months in the 87th O.

V. I., Co. I, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, but released shortly afterward. In May, 1864, he was out in the onehundred-day service, in Co. C, 136th O. N. G. They have seven children - Bartlett C., born Nov. 10, 1864; Craig, Dec. 30, 1866; Sarah, July 9, 1869; Ida Dell, Feb. 13, 1872; Hattie, May 13, 1874; Martha, March 4,1876; James M., June 25, 1878. Mr. Beck had $300 left to him in. the settlement of his father's estate, which was all the assistance he has had, pecuniarily; he has a good farm, and is making a success of his business, being energetic, and attending to his farming operations with zealous care.

DENTON BREWER, farmer; P. O., Andrews; was born Oct. 12, 1833, in Bedford Co.; is a son of William and Mary (Peck) Brewer; there were eight children in the family - Denton being the third. He came to this county with his parents when but 2 years of age, where they located on the farm now owned by John Synder, where his father took a lease for several years. At the age of 13 he began to do for himself, and worked one year for $3 per month, and the next summer received an addition of 50 cents per month. He continued working out until he was 20 years of age, when he and his brother bought a saw-mill, which he was engaged in running fo'r about five years. April 7, 1859, he was married to Sarah E. Fish, who was born in this township, July 19, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Fish; after marriage, he located on the farm he now owns, consisting of 80 acres, which is located one and a half miles north of Williamsport; they put on all the substantial improvements that now appear on the place; they have had five children - Mary V., who died April 12, 1870; Joanna, born June 15, 1861; Albert Franklin, April 1, 1863; Henry L03M, Nov. 15, 1864; Ada May, Jan. 25, 1867.

CRISTLEY BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; was born in Richland Co., Jan. 28, 1833; the second child of Frederic and Catharine Beck. Having no assistance pecuniarily, except his apportionment of his father's estate, which amounted to $300 in all, he struck out boldly for himself, and made the best of his time and talents. In his 25th year, April 7, he was married to Lizzie Snyder, who was born in 1836, in Mansfield, Richland Co., daughter of J. M. Snyder of this township. Soon after their marriage they settled 011 Section 8, where he bought sixtytwo acres of land, paying $25 per acre, which he farmed five years, and then moved to a plat of land consisting of ninety acres, purchased of J. B. Cook, which he occupied for eleven years, and in 1875 moved to his present place of residence, where he now has, in all, 127 acres, and considers himself permanently located. They have four children - Webb, Lulu, Anna C. and Frederic; he and his wife are identified with the Lutheran Church; he, like his brother, is true to the political sentiments entertained by his paternal ancestors.

DANIEL BIDDLE, farmer, P. O., Andrews; was born July 24, 1812, in Bedford Co., Penn., the seventh of a family of twelve children, who were born to Jacob Biddle and wife. Jacob was born 1771 in Pa.; his wife, Rachel (Todd) Biddle, was born in the same state, Dec. 25, 1773; when Daniel was three years of age his parents moved to Beaver Co., Pa., where they lived eighteen years; Daniel's schooling was obtained in a log school house, sitting on a slab seat, his feet resting on a puncheon floor; his writing-desk was a board fastened up against the wall by the aid of pegs; what light they had was admitted through greased paper, which answered the purpose of window-glass; during his minor years, he attended school some, and assisted his father in clearing up his land, and thus early in life learned the lesson of patience and economy, which understood, was to "labor and tt) wait." January 1, 1836, he was married to Susannah Todd, who was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Aug. 17, 1811; she is a daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Shivers) Todd; they were born in Baltimore Co., Md.; his date of birth was in 1796, his wife one year later. They were of English and Welch descent. The Biddle family are of Dutch extraction. Mrs. Daniel Biddle was the youngest of a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to maturity, and their marriages were all witnessed by their mother. Samuel and Lucy Todd were converted under the ministrations of John Wesley, of Methodist fame. Samuel was an overseer on a plantation, and was first awakened by listening to his preaching to the slaves; from the time of his conversion to his death, which was fifty-nine years, he was a zealous worker in the church; his home was ever the resort of the ministers; Mrs. Biddle can remember seeing as many as ten at a time. From Beaver Co. the Biddle family came to Wayne Co., Ohio, remaining two years, when Daniel went back to Beaver Co., Pa., and married; they were raised together in that county; returning, they located in Wayne, where they lived fourteen years - the two families living together - after fourteen years residence in Wayne, they moved to Perry Tp., (what is now Morrow Co.) living at Johnsviile, where they purchased 144 acres; Mrs. Biddle (the elder) died Aug. 7, 1842; Mr. Biddle, Jan. 24, 1-851. In 1866 our subject moved to the place where they now live, where they have a good home and a competence for their old age, after dividing among his children a liberal amount; they are both members of the United Brethren Church; his father was one of the first members of that order in the county, and had three sons who were ministers of the same body; Mrs. Biddle has been a member of a church for 43 years.

G. W. BROWN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0., Shaucks; is among the young men of enterprise in the township; was born July 12, 1842; is the seventh of a family of twelve children, born to Payne G. and Elizabeth Brown, who were among the early arrivals in this township. Payne Brown was born in York State, Jan. 4, 1803, and came to this township about the year 1827, and was married April 29, 1830, to Elizabeth Vanator, who was born in Tuscarawas Co., Dec. 25, 1808; he entered 80 acres of land in 1830, built a cabin, which with its contents, burned down a few months afterwards; the second cabin was built and the first winter was spent in it without doors or windows; blankets were hung up instead; he raised no crop the first year; Mr. Brown having to go to Utica for corn to live on during the winter, at a cash of $1 per bushel; Mrs. Brown yet remains on the farm of 160 acres; Mr. Brown died Aug. 31, 1871. At the age of 21 George W. launched out upon his own responsibility; in Aug., 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 179th O. V. I., and remained until the expiration of the war; in Feb., 1867, he was married to Elizabeth C. Kelker, after which he moved to

Van Wert Co., where he and his brother Benjamin bought 230 acres of land; his wife died here Nov. 18, 1869; he subsequently sold his interests and returned to this township; in Dec., 1874, was married to his present wife, Mary E. Maxwell, born April 24, 1849, in this township, a daughter of James and Susana Maxwell. They have two children - Martin, born Nov. 12, '76; Orrie May, born July 13, 1878. Since 1864 Mr. Brown has been engaged in the breeding and growing of thoroughbred cattle, and has established quite a reputation in that line, as his stock is strictlv first-class; his bull, Royal Duke, coming from imported Royal Duchess Second, is too well known by lovers of " Short Horns "to be mentioned here; he keeps full blooded Berkshire hogs, also, and for sale.

FREDERICK BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is second of a family, of which there were eight in number; he was born Dec. 28, 1831, in Washington Co., Penn.; son of Frederick and Catharine (Smith) Beck, who were born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1831, stopping at Washington Co., Pa., where our subject was born; after two years' residence in that county the family came to this county in 1833, and located on eighty acres of land in the Hickory Bottom, which he had entered while at Wooster, in Wayne Co.; here he remained until 1847; having sold out, he moved to Congress Tp., in the spring of 1848, and bought 110 acres in Section 8, and died five years afterwards, Sept. 3, 1853; Jan. 19, 1853, Frederick was married to Eliza Hipnar, who was born July 13, 1833, in Hesse -Darmstadt, and is a daughter of John Adam and Mary M. (Smith) Hipnar. After their marriage they lived on the home farm a short time and carried on farming; the first purchase of land he made was ten acres, and went in debt for it, yet soon paid for it; he then purchased forty acres and moved to his present residence in the year 1866, where he has since lived; he has now 160 acres of land; they have had eleven children, five of them living - Maggie Floretta, now Mrs. Wm. Batcheler, of Richland Co.; Alice J., Sarah A., Melville F., and Anna M. E. ; he and wife are both members of the Reformed Church.

Gilead; was born Jail. 6, 1846, in Wayne Co., Ohio, and is the youngest of a family of three children, born to Daniel and Susan (Todd) Biddle; both were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this State in 1848, locating in Perry Tp., and remaining there until the year 1865, when they removed to Congress Tp., where they located permanently. John spent his minority at home and at school, and at the age of 17 he went to Gabon, where he engaged as clerk, in which capacity he served one year and a half. At the age of 21 he was united in matrimony to Margaret .T. Fish, daughter of Henry Fish, June 27, 1867. She was born May 5, 1850, in this township, and located in the southwest corner of the township in 1874, and bought eighty-six acres of land, where he now resides, and has a good, snug farm, well improved. Mr. Biddle is a good manager, and will in time become one of the affluent farmers in the township. They have one child - Judson A., born March 6, 1873.

J. W. CRAWFORD, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Among the descendants of the early settlers in this county, and who were among the brave defenders of our nation, is the above, who was born Jan. 17, 1839, in North Bloomfield Tp.; son of John and Margaret (Braden) Crawford, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., 1808, and emigrated to this State, Columbiana Co., with his parents in 1812, remaining there until 1832, when he moved to North Bloomfield Tp., where he entered land, and remained on the same till his death, which occurred April 23, 1877; he Avas a man very highly respected, and whose intelligence and good judgment always won for him the confidence and esteem of all who knew him; he filled every office of trust in the township; he served as Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and Avas one of the most useful and influential men in the tovraship. Mr. Crawford Avas raised to farming pursuits, and has had several years experience in teaching the young "idea"; he remained at home until he was 24 years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, 87th O. V. I.; he served also in the 136th O. N. G., wearing the blue for three years; upon his return home he went to PoAvesheik Co., Iowa, remaining three years; and in 1868 he Avas married to Mary Harriman; born in this township in 1841; the daughter of John and Edith (Busby) Harriman. He Avas a soldier in the Avar of 1812, and helped to build Fort Meigs, and was corner man when laying up the logs. He entered 320 acres of land in Perry Tp., and subsequently moved to Congress Tp., where he remained until his death; he was born June 10, 1791, and died Sept. 4, 1871; his wife was born Jan. 24, 1804, and died Feb. 13, 1867. After Mr. Crawford Avas married, he spent ten years in Gilead Tp. In 1871 he bought 101-j acres of land in Congress Tp., Avhere he now resides; and has two children - John H., born Nov. 21, 1870; R. Harriman, Nov. 24, 1874. Mrs. Crawford is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Crawford is a member of the Republican party.

MARK COOK, merchant; AndreAvs. The rising young merchant of Williamsport, Mr. Mark Cook, was born March 14, 1851, in Peru Tp.; is a son of McArthur and Nancy Cook, whose maiden name was Mitchell. Mark began business for himself at the age of 16 years, making his father's house his home; bought and sold lumber in logs and groAving timber, and farmed; he wielded the birch as "ye schoo. master " one term, which vocation he abandoned, and continued farming and trading up to November, 1879, Avhen he bought out J. E. Reynolds, of Williamsport, and has since been engaged in merchandising; he keeps a good stock of dry goods, groceries, queens ware, notions, etc., etc., and sells strictly for cash ; call and see him, and you will get bottom prices, and more for your money than at any other store in the town. He is also agent for buggies and harness, which he has made to order, and sells them under his guarantee, and at prices that will command natronage.