Cardington Township (part 9 of 26)

JAMES AULD, retired farmer; P. O., Iberia. This gentleman, whose portrait appears in this work, is a native of Pennsylvania; he was born on a farm in Cumberland Co., Jan. 30, 1803; when he became 5 years of age, the family moved to a farm on the line between Greene and Washington Co's., upon which they lived for eighteen years; they then moved to a farm located near Taylorstown. James lived there with his parents until 1830; he then came West in a wagon, and settled on his present place, upon wliich he has since lived. The country wafe all timber when he came; he entered 150 acres, and erected a frame house, with a shingle roof, probably the second of the kind in the township; the house was 18x20 feet, one room, and one story and a half high, glass windows, and in every way a model palace of its day, and though it has been standing for fifty years, it now, with a few additions, serves as his present residence. While in Pennsylvania, Mr. Auld worked some at carpentering, at first receiving $8 ]ier month. The state road from Mansfield to Marion, passes his residence, and was opened only a short time previous to his coming. He began clearing the land, and making a farm, and soon had some small crops growing. They wore home-sjmn clothing, and did ])rincipally all their own labor; in the early days he also hauled grain to Sandusky and Milan, and shared in general the comforts of the pioneers. Feb. 4, 1831, he married Miss Jane Way, a native of Washington Co., Pa. She died Oct. 12, 1859. They had five children, three of whom are living - Sarah Noble lives in this vicinity; Mary H. Coulter lives in

Clearfield Co., Pa.; Samuel D. farms the homestead; David died while youtig, and Nancy .lane Martin was killed in Iowa by a storm, July 4, 187(>. Oct. 20, 1863, he married Mrs. Walker, formerly Miss Mary Garrett. She was born in Ohio, and died April 6, 1873. His present wife was Mrs. Armstrong;, formerly Miss Catharine Armstrong; they were married May 20, 1870; they live on the old homestead, which contains 146 acres, and is located one-half mile west of Iberia. Mr. Auld became a member of the United Presbyterians in 1828, and has ever retained his Christian principles. His parents, David and Mary (Auld) Auld, were natives of Ireland; they came to the United States - he, when about 30 years of age, and she, when about 26; she came here first; they settled in Cumberland Co., Pa., where they married about the year 1802; they finally settled near Taylorstown, Pa., and lived there until their deaths.

J. D. ARMSTRONG, miller; Mt. Gilead; was born in Knox Co., O., 1841; his parents were among the early settlers of that county, and were formerly from Canada. The ancestry preceding the second generation was of Irish descent. Besides availing himself of the common school privileges in the near vicinity of his home, Mr. Armstrong attended the academy at Danville, of his native county, for two years. At 20 years of age he went to California and remained there six years, and then returned to his early home, and afterwards purchased a grist-mill in Washington, Morrow Co. Mr. Armstrong married in 1870 Miss Linda Wood, whose home since eight years of age has been very near where they now reside. Irma and Orrin are the names of their f^hildren. Mr. Armstrong is now enlarging the capacity of his mill so that hereafter he may secure a larger success in his occupation.

ARCHIBALD BROWNLEE, farmer; P. O., Iberia. Six feet tall, straight as a reed, hair white with the frosts of nearly seventy winters, and brushed back from a massive forehead; an eagle eye, Roman nose, mouth and chin indicative of firmness. Such is a brief description of " Uncle Archie," as he is familiarly called; indeed this is the notn cle 2'>li(me under which he has frequently written for the local paper. He was born in Ohio Co.,

W. Va., in 1811; yet in spite of early associations, was in the days of slavery a strong abolitionist. At the age of 25, he married Miss Danl(>y, cousin of Hon. Wilson Shannon, who was twice governor of Ohio. In the following spring they moved to Ohio and located in Wasliington Tp., two miles from where he now resides; to which place he removed in the year 1852. When he first came to Ohio, this township was a wilderness which was thought impossible to subdue; but the industry of himself and fellow pioneers has caused it to blossom as the rose. The old family Bible' tells the following story: Agnes, born Feb. 14, 1837; H. C, Oct. 9, 1838; Levenia, March 24, 1840, died Jan. 13, 1S79; Martha J., born Oct. 5, 1841; Margaret, April 6, 1843, died June 3, 1869; Sarah, born Oct. 11, 1844; Elizabeth, July 30, 1846, died May 15, 1872; Josephine, born Sept. 15, 1848; Rebecca, Feb. 24, 1850; John, Dec. 17, 1851; Mary Helen, Aug. 16, 1855; Francis A., July 20, 1857. They are all married except John and Helen, who reside with the old couple. The others are in homes of their own, more or less distant. " Uncle Archie " has suffered for several years with asthma, and yet in spite of his disease, is a genial old gentleman, always glad to welcome and entertain his friends at his hospitable home.

EBENEZER BURT, retired; Iberia; was born in Washington Co. Penn., May 3d, 1811 ; Mr. Burt's father was born in Fayette county of the same State about the year 1789; his mother spending her early years in the State of Maryland. In the early part of the 18th century, three brothers came to America, two of whom engaged in the iron business, in the State of Penn. At the breaking out of the Revolution, they sold out their interest in those works, taking their pay in Continental money, which proved almost valueless. One of these brothers was the paternal ancestor of our subject. Mr. Burt came to Ohio in 1830, settling in Guernsey Co., near Cambridge; he married Miss Isabella Rankin, of Janesville, Muskingum Co., who died at Cambridge Dec. 1st, 1840, a little over nine years from date of their marriage. About this time Mr. Burt commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar, his certificate of admission dating Oct. 29, 1841. In August, of the same year, he was married to Mary Ann

Cliitlirio, of Cambriilij^o, who is still living. After pnii-tic'iiif^ law lor upwards of six years, lie reiiiovtHl to Marion Co., where he eiij2^a<red in farmiiijf and stot^k <i^razin<r. He has ever since made a speoialty of raisin<r fine stock; sheep raisinif beinj; tlu^ department he has specialized. In April J<S(J,'), Ik; removcul to Iberia. The family IJihle tells the l"ollowiiii>- story - Silas, horn Au<>^. 17, IS)})}; Matliew 11., April !), ISoo; John F., June 10, IHoT; Klizal)elh J., Vol). 17, 18:i!»; Joseph G., April 17, 1S41; Ebenezer 1)., Sept. :2(), 1840; Wm. W. anil Thos. W. twins, Jvdy 14, 1S48; Robert G., Aufj. 23, 1850; Margaret A., Jan. 18, 185:2; Elnora, April 11, 1855; all of these have been married, and those living are settled in the vicinity of the parental home. Margaret married Mr. James P. Hammond, and with him went to build up a home near Edgar, Neb., where she died in 1870; Mathew joined the 96th O. V. 1., and was killed- at Arkansas Post on White River; John and Joseph were also in the service and went through the war, being honorably discliarged at its close. Mr. Burt is respected and honored in the comnnniity, and a member of the U. P. Church; amid pleasing surroundings, with wealth to couiinand the luxuries of life - the "sunset" of his days cannot but be otherwise than peatx'ful and bright.

W. C. BENNETT, physician; P. O., Iberia; was Ijorn in Cardington, Morrow Co., O., Sept. 16, 1853; his parents were among the early set tiers of that township. Dr. Bennett passed his youth upon the paternal acres. He availed himself of th(! opportunities for gaining an education, such as were furnished by tlie public schools in the near vicinity; ])etween schoollife and farm-life, w(;re sandwiched several terms of teaching common schools. He early chose medicine as a profession, and commenced the study with Drs. Swingley & Shaw, of Mt. Gilead, and attended lectures at the ^ledical Department of Wooster University at Cleveland, graduating with honor in 1877. In May of the same yi'ar, he located in Iberia, enttiring into ])artnersliip with Dr. Reed, and witii Dr. Reed's daughter about a year and a half later. His ability together with a pleasinjr address, must secure to him a large practice.

EV^AN J. CRANE, whose portrait apjiears in this work, was born in Salem Tp., Muskingum Co., ()., April 2(t, 1827; his paternal graiulfather came from P(!nnsylvania to Ohio in the year 1808, and brought with him four sons, one of whom, Joseph, the father of Evan J., is now living in Iberia. Our subject passed his youth on his father's farm, and as he became older he taught school in the winter months, and farmed during the summer; Nov. 4, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Cassan<lra Geyer; they lived on the farm vnitil 1857, when they moved to Sonora (7 miles east of Zanesville), and engaged in the general merchandisi! business. In 1864 he removed to Iberia, and has since conducted a general merchandise business at that place; by his marriage there has been live children - Marion C, Rosetta C, George W., FlonMice M. and Delia V.; his sons graduated with honor at Eastman's business college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and are now engaged with their father in the store at Iberia; in each of the different communities in which Mr. Crane has lived, he has held prominent positions; he has been Post-master almost continuously since 1858; he has also held the office of township clerk and trustee, also justice of the peace, in all of Avhich jjositions he has proven himself worthy of the trust reposed; early in life he connected himself with the M. E. C'hurch, and has ever since maintained the Christian princij)Ies of the Church of his choice; in 1808, when the Iberia circuit was organized, he was elected recording steward, and has served as such since; also as secretary of the board of trustees of the Ohio Central college, of which he has been a member since its re-organization; in the slavery and temperance reforms he has taken a prominent part, and his influence has always been on the side of right, the question with him being the way of duty, and when it is decided he unswervingly walks therein. Aug. 3, 1849, is the date of Mr. Crane's initiation into the mysteries of Free and Accej)ted Masons in Malta Lodge, No. 118, at Norwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and has never severed his connection with that body; he has taken all the degrees in the Blue Lodge, and all chapter degrees, was a charter member of Hubbard Lodge No. 220, at Adamsville, Ohio, also 1st Senior Warden of same, and is now a member of thi' Royal Arch Chapter at Gabon, Ohio.

RPJV. C. L. CONGER, B. S., minister; Iberia; pastor of the M. E. Church and Professor of English Laiifruage and Literature in Ohio Central College; was born in Delaware Co., O., in the year 1854. His parents were formerly residents of New Hampshire, but removed to Ohio in 1852, and s(!ttled in Delaware C'o., where they died. Rev. Mr. Conger entered Ohio Wesleyan University at l^elaware, in 1873, and graduated from the college,of which he is now Professor in 1879, his course being interfered with by the demands of the pulpit; he first joined the North Ohio Conference in 1878, and was regularly appointed to his present charge, having previously labored in that place as a local preacher. Hence he is now completing his pastorate - the longest term allowed by the economy of Methodism. His youth, present ability and success give prophecy of a remarkable future.

SAMUEL COLMERY, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Washington Co., Pa., Feb. 1827. His parents were early residents of that county; his paternal ancestry is Irish, and the maternal, Scotch. When Mr. Colmery was 11 years of age his parents moved to Ashland (then Richland) Co., O., and settled near Hayesville. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Colmery went across the plains to California with an ox-team, occupying five months in the passage between Independence, Md., and Placerville, Cal.; he remained in that State a little more than six years. After his return, his mother having removed near to Iberia, he returned to that place. Mr. Colmery was marrried Jan. 20, 1858, to Miss Elmira Hanmer, originally of Elmira, N. Y. During the following summer he settled in Knox Co., O., where he remained seven years; after one year spent on a farm in the southeast part of the township, he settled on the farm where he now resides. They have eight living children - Wm. W., 21; Walter Scott, 20; Mary Alice {now the wife of Chas. W. McFarland, living in the eastern part of the township); Samuel Finley, 16; Alexander Alpheus, 14; Robert Chalmers (who only lived to be six years of age); .John L., 9; David Ray, 6; and Abbie May, three years of age. Mr. Colmery is an elder in the Presbyteaian Church. He has three brothers preaching for that Church in this State, and one brother teaching in the State of Mississippi.

S. D. CASS, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Portland, Chautau(jua Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1819; his father, Joseph Cass, was a native of Vermont, and his mother. Miss Jane Dixon, of Cherry Valley, N. Y. Mr. Cass came with his parents to Ohio in 1838, and settled near Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., where he remained about twelve years; four years were j)assed in South Bloomficld, Morrow Co., when he removed to Washington Tp., and located where he now resides. In 1855 he married Miss Martha Ann Story, whose early home was near their present location. They have seven children - Vienna, 23 ; J. C. Fremont, 21; G. Dudley, 20; Eugene B., 15; D. Webster, 13; Henry C, 7, and Paul, 5 years of age. Mr. Cass has always been engaged in farming, though he has taught school eighteen winters in succession, superintending his farm the while.

WILLIAM DUNLAP, farmer; P. O., Gallon; was born in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., March 8, 1831, on the farm on which one of his sons is now residing^ about two miles distant from his present residence. His father was among the earliest settlers in the township, and was the first school teacher. Being the eldest son, it was necessary for him to remain at home to assist in clearing up the farm, and so he Avas deprived of any advantages of education, except of common school. He married Miss Abbie Maria Dickerson, in the fall of 185G, whose early home was in North Bloomfield Tp. They have two sons - Frank R., 23, who married Miss Fanny Shear, of Ashland Co., Ohio, and who is living on the home farm, and Harley Mitchell, 17 years of age. Mr. Dun lap has been a member of the Christian Church since 25 years of age. His two farms, numbering 426 acres (about 350 of which are in agood state of cultivation), the care of which he regards as sufficient to fill his time without dabbling in politics, and to their cultivation he devotes all his time and attention.

J. M. DAVIS, farmer; P. O., Iberia Station; was born in Greene Co., Penn., June 12, 1829; his father was engaged in farming in that State, came to Ohio in 1831, and settled immediately in Washington Township, Morrow Co., on the land where Mr. Davis now resides. Mr. Davis has spent his entire life on this farm; he was married Nov. 15,

1S4!I, to Eli/.altotli Dalryinple, whose early home was in (iih'ad Tp.; tlioy liave had four children, three <»1" wiioni are liviii<r - Harriet lyouisa, w;is born Sept. 4th, 1850, (is now tlie wife of Willter Ji. 'I'lionias, and islivinp;in th(> vicinity;) Mary Jane, borji Aup^. :i*.S, 1S,")2, and died June 34th, 1S75; Georo;e Melville, horn Au{T. 21), ItSoG; (married Miss Uosa Shellt-r, and is living on apart of the home farm,) and William Curtis, born Oct. 22, 1859; Mr. ]Javis has interested himself somewhat in politics; he is Democratic, preferring to vote for men of character, rather than follow strictly partisan principles. For several years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he has employed to keep the peace, harmonizing- discordant elements, without allowing them to come to trial; such a character is very desirable in any community, and renders its possessor worthy of preferment.

JOHN T. FRATER, Iberia; was born in Belmont Co., O., Apr. 19, 1848; his parents were originally from the north of England, of Scotch extraction. His mother only is now living - the present wife of Mr. Allen xMcNeal. Mr. Frater first came to Il)eria in 1869, for the purpose of attending school at the " Ohio Central " College, located at that place. He soon afterward settled in this town; and first engaged as clerk for E. J. Crane, and afterwards on his own responsibility, in the grocery and provision business. In the fall of 1874 he married Miss Julia Meyers. Mr. Frater has twice held the office of Town Clerk, and twice that of County Assessor. In politics he is a Republican, active in furthering the interests of his party, and faithful in the discharge of the offices with which he has been identified.

MATTHEW HINDMAN, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Savamiah, Ashland Co., Ohio, Ai)ril 2)}d, 1835; his |)arents were Samuel and Anna (McKeeman) Hindman. Mr. Hindman's ancestry is Scotch-Irish - the paternal descent being Irish, and the maternal, Scotch. His mother died in 1841, and with his father he came to Iberia the following winter, and here he has since resided. He married Miss Lucinda Noble of that place in 1858, and has six children living - Eva, Cynthia, Maggie T., -Fennie P., French M. and Ivalrrace. Mr. Hindman has a fine farm of upwards of a hundred acres east of Iberia, on the Mansfield and

Marion road; this farm he superintends, while he isalso engaged in a Life Insinance Agency, for the Mutual Endowment and Relief Assoc'iation of Cardington, of which association he is one of the directors.

J. S. HUNTER, farmer; P. ()., Iberia; was born in Troy, Richland Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, ]>^'.ili. His father, Wm. Hunter, came to Richland Co.; his mother. Miss Jane Chambers, also when young - both from Pennsylvania. His grandfather was engaged in the Revolutionary War, and was among the early settlers of that state. His maternal descent is Irish. Mr. Hunter attended the Ohio Central College in the year 1857; he taught in the common sohools for three winters. He married Miss Lizzie Story, June, 1858 (whose father was one of the earliest settlers, and still survives), and has one son and three daughters - I^oren A., 21; Etta, 19; Rennie, 17, and Maud, 14 years of age. Mr. Hunter was in the service of his country amongst the " three-months men," in the 136th O. V. I. He lost his wife Jan. 11, 1872; seven years later he married Miss Carrie E. Walker. Mr. Hunter is a farmer, well worthy the high esteem accorded to him by his fellow citizens.

ROBERT KELLY, retired farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov, 8, 1795. His father, James Kelly, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and married Miss Arm McCammis, a native of Franklin Co., Penn. In 1801 the family moved over the mountains to Washington Co., Pa., and farmed there one year, and they there entered 320 acres of land, about 16 miles west of Steuben ville, Ohio, which they occupied, living in a log cabin, and cleared the land. Feb. 13, 1826, Robert was joined in marriage to Miss Jane Young, a native of Ireland, They lived on his father's farm. In 1830 his father died, and in 1832 he moved west by wagons, and settled on his present place, buying out a former settler who had made a slight improvement. In 1835 his mother and family came West, and settled in his'neighborhood. She lived with her children until her death. Robert and family lived in a log cabin. She made home-spun clothes, and he cleared the land. He also did teaming to the lake for himself and others. They did the: milling below Mt. Vernon. He assisted in cutting out the road that now passes his house, and in many ways fij^ured with tlie pionrcr characters ol this locality. By the marriage there was ten chihlren. five of whom are living - James lives in Albia, Iowa; Mary Howard in Missouri; Wm. Y. in Canaan Tp., this Co.; Robert J. farms the old homestead here; John M. lives in Kansas; all are married and pleasantly situated; Sept. 2, 1848, Mr. Kelly was called to mourn the death of his wife. Rol)crt J. Kelly, farmer, P. O. Mt. Gilead was born on the present place in Washins^ton Tp., Marion - now Morrow Co., O., - June 18, ISo*), and made it his home until his marriage, July 2, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Galleher, a native of Congress Tp., Richland - now Morrow Co., O. After the marriage they moved to a farm located two miles north of Mt. Gilead, and farmed there until Jan., ] 874, when they came to the old homestead, having farmed same since. Of their five children, four are living, Chas. E., Albert C, Alice E., and Anna ; Bertha J. died.

J. P. LININGER. farmer; P. O., Gallon; was born in Whetstone, Crawford Co., Ohio, 1833. His father, Henry Lininger, came from Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, and entered land in Crawford Co. among the earliest settlers. His mother, Mary Palmer was united in marriage to his father previous to their coming to Crawford Co., and endured with him all the hardships of pioneer life. At the age of 25 years, Mr. Lininger married Miss Harriet Harding, whose early home was in Washington, Morrow Co. During the eleven years innnediately following their marriage, they lived in Gabon, Crawford Co., two of which years Mr. Lininger spent traveling in Montana Territory. They have two sons living - William H., 17, and Horace H., 11 years of age; also Ida H., born in Gallon March 22, 1860; and died Oct. 25, 1861. They returned to Washington Tp. in 1870, and settled on the farm which had been the early home of Mrs. Lininger, where, blessed with prosperity, thev still reside.

ALLEN M( NEAL, farmer; P. O., Iberia ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1809. At the age of 18 he came wtih his parents to Ohio and settled in Marion Co. In the spring of 1837 he came to Iberia for permanent residence, and four years later returned to Marion Co.; six years were then' passed on his father's farm, when he bought land in

Canaan Township, where he resided till 1870, when he retired from active farm life, and now resides in Iberia. In the year 1837 he married Miss Agnes Struthers, from which union two children were born - J. F. McNeal, of Mnrion, andlVlrs. Thos. D. Riddle, of Canaan, Marrow Co. But death severed the marital relation after four brief, happy years. In 1845 he married Mrs. Rachel Davidson. They had four children, three of whom still survive - two sons, who are editors and {)ublishers of Medicine Lodge "Oes.se^," in Kansas, and one daughter, whose avocation is school-teaching. Sixteen years later he was again a widower, but after nearly nine years of loneliness he married Mrs. Isabella Frater, who is still living, and with whom lie is enjoying the fruits of a long and industrious life; having passed the allotted span of life, he is yet hale and hearty, and a devoted Christian.

JOHN MoNEAL, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Iberia in 1838; his parents were natives of Washinoton Co., Penn., whence they removed to this county with his grandparents about the year 1832, and were married soon after. Mr. McNeal has lived all these years in this county, except a single year in Ottawa Co., and those years in the service of his country. He first entered the army among the three-months' men; when mustered out of this, he entered the Ohio Artillery, in which he continued till the close of the war. He was wounded severely at the battle of Stone River, the last day of 1862, and from this wound still suffers. Mr. McNeal was married in 1876 to Miss Mary Fierer; and they have had two children. His farm containing seventy-eight acres is unencumbered, and in a good state of cultivation; has fine out buildings; and these, together with his well-appointed home, render him well prepared to enjoy life.

JOHN McANALL, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., April 6, 1829. His parents were originally from Ireland. His father came to America when very young, and, a'ter his marriage settled in that county. Both parents lived and died there. Mr. McAnall lived with his parents on the farm till 23 years of age, at wliich time he came to Morrow Co., settling in Washington Tp., moving from time to time, till at length he settled permanently upon the farm where he now rosidos. Tliis farm contains about a quarter socti(»ii, and is undor a liisxH state ol" cultivation. March 20, IS,-)5, he married Miss Sarah Levering. They have two (thihlren - Clement, 21, and Mary Ada, IS years of aj;e. April 2S, 1S(14, Mrs. McAr)alI died. In December, 1804, Mr. McAnail married Miss Minerva .1. Lofjjan; their children are as follows - .lohn Logan, Cora Ann, Marg^aret Agnes, Martha Belle, and Hugh Williiim. Mr. MeAnall is a member of the IVesbyterian (Mum ell at Iberia. He is not a politician, wishing to have as little to do with politics as is consistent wilh intelligent Christian citizenship; he is emphatically a farmer, ])ractical and scientific, striving to get the most out of the soil.

HEZEKIAH MoCLUKK, farmer; P. ()., Gabon; resident of Polk 'Pp., Crawford C >.; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penri., Aug. 10, \S'Zi\; his father was a native of Maryland, while his mother, whose maiden name was Ksther Gross, >vas a native of the abovenamed county in Penn.;in 1S29 they removed to Richland Co., O., wlieie they rcnnained one year, and then moved to Jackson Tp., Crawford Co.; it was on the farm in this latter townshij) Mr. McClure spent the remaining years of his minority; at the time of their first settUnnent in Crawford Co., the nearest improvement was more than a mile distant from his home; his father died Nov. 12, 1S41), while his mother is still living, and though nearly 87 years of age, is fully as active as many another of half her years. Oct. 5, 1853, Mr. McClure married Miss Ann Crider, originally from the same county of Penn. in which he was born; they have two children - Malinda A., 25, and Wilber C, 1(3 years of age; Mr. McClure remained after marriage on his father's farm, till his removal to Washington Tp.. in Morrow Co., which occurred in the spring of 1S()5; prosperity has smiled upon him, and he has accumulated a larg.' property in the extreme norih of this townshij); recently he has removed across the county line into Polk Tp., Crawi'ord ,Co., where he now resides, though he still retains the farms he had in Washington Tp.; with wealth sufficient to own a fine town property, and secure to hitn a prominent place in its society, he still prefers the quiet of the country, and in the management of his farm finds happiness and content.

PKTKR C. McCLUh'K, farmer; P. ()., Gabon; was l)orn in the year 1S;53, in .lac-kson Tp., Crawford Co., Ohio. His parents were amongst th(! earliest siUtlers of that county, having come from Westmoreland Co., Pa. His maternal ancestors were amongst the earliest settlers of the last named county, while his paternal grandfather was from Scotland. Mr. McClure spent his early life on the paternal acres. His father's death occurring wIkmi he was only 15 years of age, he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. In the spring of 1855 he married Miss Eli/abeth IJrokaw, a native of .lackson Tp. To them was born one son, Lawrence Calvin (who is still living at the home of his father). In the month of Sept., 1858, death removetl th(; companion of his (^arly life. In the month of May, 1800, he married Miss Margar.t T.Anderson. They have two children - John Anderson, 18, and Charles Ellsworth, 10 years of age. Mr. McClure has made frequent changes of residence. At first he owned a farm in Williams Co., Ohio. This was exchanged for a farm joining the one owned by his fatherin-law in Jackson Tp., Crawford Co., which, upon the death of his wife, was sold. Next he ])urchased a piece of "town " property in Crestline, and at the same time owihhI apiece of property between Crestline am! Robinson, on the line of the P., Ft. W. & C. K. R. After disposing of the latter, he traded his " town " property for a farm in West Jackson. This farm was sold, and in the spring of 1870, he purchased a fine farm of 130 acres in the extreme north of Washington Tp., where he now resides. Among the fine stock on his farm, he has some thorough-bred swine of the Jersey red variety.

NEELY NOBLE, farmer; P.O., Mt.Gilead; was born in Stark Co.,0., in 1823. Mr. Noble's father - James Noble - is a native of Shenandoah county, Va., and is now living in Washington Township, Morrow Co., ()., and is one of its oldest settlers. Mr. Nol)le came with his father to this township when only 10 years old. All the schooling he ever got was obtained in a log school-house in the vicinity, working on the farm in the summer and going to school in the winter. During his eighteenth year he helped to build the first railroad in the State of Ohio, then called Sandusky and Newark R. R., now a part of the Baltimore and O'lio K. R. Mr. Noble was married April ;20th, 1852, to Miss Martha Elliott, but after eight years' married life she died, and in 1801 he married Miss Jane Walker, who is still living. Their family is as follows - Franklin Pierce, 27; Robert Lee, 24; Chas. Fremont, 18; James Ellsworth, 16, and Lincoln, 13 years of age. Mr. Noble has a fine large farm along the eastern boinidary of the township, but stock grazing is the ])articular branch of industry he follows - raising thorough-l)red stock, horses, cattle and sheep. Of the " Durham " l)reed of cattle he has some as fine specimens and as near thoroughbred as can be found in the county. In this department of husbandry he is already a success.

WILLIAM NESBITT, clerk ; Iberia; was born Sept. 25, 1847, in Northumberland, England, and emigrated to this country when only eight years of age. He first settled in Marion Co., Ohio, but almost immediately removed to Iberia. Mr. Nesbitt selected for a companion and helpmeet, Miss Emma McPeek, to whom he was married in the month of October, 1808. They have one daughter aged ten years. Mr. Nesbitt is a carpenter by trade, but his health forbidding him to work at that occupation, for the past five years he has been engaged as clerk in the mercantile establishment of E. J. Crane. His gentlemanly bearing and activity give promise of success in that line of business.

T. C. NELSON, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Wayne Co., O., July 16, 183o; his father came from Mercer Co., Penn., when about 18 years of age; his mother is of Scotch descent; after their marriage they removed to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., and settled on the farm, where they are now residing. This occurred when Thomas, the eldest, was about 11 years of age. After attaining his majority, Mr. Nelson spent about one and a half years in Iowa. After his return he spent some time with his father, but together with his brother, leased a farm near Gabon, in Crawford Co., for a term of three years; at the expiration of this lease, or in 1802, they together purchased a steam sawmill in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., which they still own and operate. Mr. Nelson married Dec. 9, 1875; Miss Harriet B. La Rue, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of this township, having settled in the south part in 1833 (the date of their marriage.) Mrs. Nelson's father, Wm. R. La Rue, is of Fretich descent; was born in Pleasant Co., W. Va. Her mother, Miss Eliza Amlin, was a native of Washington Co., O.; after their marriage Mr. La Rue entered ^ section on the State road, where they remained only a short time, when they removed to a farm on the Iberia road, and there spent their remaining years; both are buried in the cemetery at Iberia.

A. B. NEWSON, fa m-r; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Gilead, Morrow Co., in 1832. His parents were originally from Washington Co., Ind.; his ancestry preceding the second generation were English. Mr. Newson spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the public school in the vicinity. At the age of 25 he married Miss Phoebe A. Hull; the following four years he remained in Gilead, after which he removed to Washington Tp., and settled on apart of the large farm, which he has since acquired, and now controls. They have three children - Georgiana, now the wife of W. F. Blayney, living on a part of the farm; Laura, 14, and EIry, 5 years of age. Mr. Newson's farm numbers 500 acres, cultivated principally with a view to stock-grazing; while he has a large number of many varieties of live stock, he specializes two branches, viz: fine horses and sheep. He at present has on the farm about a thousand sheep, some thorough-bred,of the Spanish Merino variety; Mr. Newson is also a prominent official in the M. E. Chirch. With a character unimpeachable, with an abundance at his command, with opportunities unsurpassed, the future before him is indeed enviable.

JOHN T. QUAY, farmer; P. O., Iberia; was born in Center Co., Penn,, Sept. 20. 1830. His parents were natives of that county; they moved into Marion (^o., O., when Mr. Quay was but five years of age. Nov. 18, 1852, he married Miss Catharine Holmes, whose home was in this vicinity, though her parents were originally from the State of Pennsylvania. After marriage they settled on the farm of Mr. Holmes, where they remained about two years; they then removed to his father's farm - his parents having removed to Marion Co. They have had six children - Isaac Ervin, (who died when a little over Hve years of aj^e); James ISIelvin, born Oct. 18, 18')4, (and was married May 3, 1870, to Miss Ella Gillis of North liioomfield T|).); Emma V., Sept. 9, 1850, (and was married March 4, 187U to James Hammond; both of these are residing on farms owned l.v Mr. Qnav); John T., Jr., born May 4, 1858; William 8.," May 14, 1859; Eva D., Fel). 13, 1801; and Georjre Elroy, April 20, 1805. Prosperity has, in the main, attended the ettorts of Mr. Qnay. At one time his barns and all they contained of grain and farm implements were destroyed by Hre. More recently a tornado nnroofed his home, ex])Osini>- its inmates to the fury of the elements. Hut alter all these misfortunes he has succeeded, not only as a farmer, but in o-aininj? a high j)lace in the esteem of his fellows. A Trustee of Ohio Central College at Iberia and active in furthering its interests, steadfast in his religious principles and constantly striving for the success of his church, prominent in all movements calculated to better the community in which he resides; and none holds a higher or more secure place in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmeu.

\VM. REED, physician; Iberia; was born in the State of Peruisylvania, in 1824, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. When nearly thirty years of age he chose medicine as a profession, and with this in view he took a course of study in the Medical Dept. of Ohio Western Reserve College, located at Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1853. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1859, and soon after settled in Iberia, where he soon gained a large practic'e. At the lireaking out of the war he tendered his services to the government, and was appointed Surgeon of the 170th O. V. I. He man ied in early life Mary Snodgrass, of Allegheny Co., Penn. They have Hve childreti, all grown to maturity - one, his daughter lielle, married Dr. Bennett, whom he re(;eived into partnership in the medical |)ractice. By close application to his profession, and not being diverted by political honors, he has gained the deserved confidence and esteem of the community in which he has so long resided.

Ireland, while his mother. Miss Sarah Ann Ray was born in Washington Co., N. Y. His father came to America in 1818, and remained in the State of Pennsylvania several years when he removed to Knox Co.. O. He married Mrs. Sarah Ann Eivingstone (nee Ray), then of Pulaskiville of that county, Jan. 10, 1850. Mr. Smith spent the most of his minority on his father's farm. He came to Iberia at the age of 18 years, to attend the Ohio Central College, and then went to Oberlin. After spending some time at the latter place he returned to Iberia to engage in mercantile pursuits. October 31st, 1878, he married Mary L. Paxton, whose home has always been in Iberia. About the same time he received into partnership J. C. Irwin, and together the business is being pushed forward with success. His fellow townsmen have already recognized him as a rising young man by electing him three successive terms to the office of Township Clerk, and more recently he has been made Notary Public. Besides attending to the duties of the offices (where the people have placed him) he is also diligent in business affairs.

JOSEPH H. SHUMAKER, farmer; P. 0., Gabon; was born in Berks Co., Penn., in the year 1814; his parents were always residents of that county, while his grandparents were amongst the earliest settlers of the same. Mr. Shumaker remained with his parents till about 18 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the shoemakers' trade. He first engaged in that business in Lycoming Co., of his native State, where he carried on a shop for more than a year. He was now enabled to enlarge his business, and so removed to Harrisburg, and kept a boot and shoe store for the next four years; then he returned to Lycoming Co., where, this time, he remained about four years. His next change occurred in October, 1844, when he came to the States of Ohio, settling in Fairfield Co., still " sticking to his last;" but, having purchased a farm, his attention was somewhat divid(Ml between shoemaking and farming. His trade seems to have become less and less enjoyed, and his farm more desirable; accordingly, after thirteen years passed in these two occupations, he next removed to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., settling on a farm some two miles west of his present residence, and engaged alto- gether in larming. At length he moved across the county line into Polk Tp., Crawford Co. This was in 1864. Here he engaged in a varietyjof occupations sufficient to crowd the time and attention of a half-dozen different men - farming, stock-droving, the grocery and commission business; at the same time owning and managing a steam saw-mill. Eight years were occupied with these crowding activities; in 1S72 he was weary of this variety of life, and hence returned to Washington Tp., to ])ass the remaining years of his life on a fine farm, in the extreme northeast of the township. When engaged in business in Harrisburg, Penn., he married Miss Susan Walton, whose early home was in Muncie, Penn., who has shared with him, all these changes. The old family Bible tells the following story: John, born Sept. 3, 1837; Ebenezer, Dec. 38, 1839; Harriet, Sept. 9, 1843, (died Nov. 18, 1879;) James, Jan. 30,1845; Joseph A., Sept. 7, 1847; Ann M., Oct. 31, 1849; Elmira C, Feb. 5, 1853; Emily R., June 9,1854; Clarissie, July 17,1850; Franklin P., Dec. 30, 1858. This reveals the fact that all these have lived to maturity; one only has diftd, and of the remainder, all except two are married, and are living in homes of their own, more or less distant, one only beyond the bounds of the State. Such is a brief record of an eventful life crowned with success.

J. M. STIGERS, merchant; Iberia Station; was born in 1844, in Washington Co., Penn. When but 8 years of age he was thrown upon his own resources, and at that time came within the territory of Morrow Co., O., and almost immediately settled in Washington Tp., at Iberia Station. Stigers had merely common school advantages, but these were carefully improved upon. Preferring single blessedness so far of his life, he is yet unmarried. When 17 years of age he commenced working on the C. C. C. & J. R. R.; two years were passed upon the road, one year in the passenger depot, and five years in the freight depot, in Cleveland; all the time in the emj)loy of the same company. In 1869 his health failed, and on account of this lie commenced the business of a peddler; this he continued for five years, when he regained his health and returned to Iberia Station, to engage in the grocery and commission business, and in this business is now engaged with success.

J. W. SHAFFER, farmer, P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., July 17, 1846; his parents (still living on the farm adjoining) were among the early settlers, coming from Mansfield, O., but originally from Germany. Mr. Shatter has spent all these 3^ears on his father's farm, or that portion of it which is come into his possession. His opportuniti s for an education were limited to the public schools in the near vicinity, but these were eagerly seized and conscientiously improved. May 3, 1866, he married Miss Mary Burkhart, whose early home was in Pennsylvania, but more recently in Marion Co. of this State. They have three children; the two oldest are as follows: Sarah Ellen, 13 years, and Ida May, 7 years of age. Mr. Shaffer has a fine farm, numbering 50 acres, in a fine state of cultivation. In this he interests himself, keeping it in good repair, raising good crops, and is making a success as a practical farmer.

ALFRED B. TUTTLE, farmer; P. O., Galion, was born in 1843, in Washington Co., Penn.; when only four years of age his parents came to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., O., and with them he has spent all his years; his mother, widowed in 1868, is still living upon that portion of the home farm which was allotted to him; although young, at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 136th O. N. G., and with that regiment passed the term of service in Ft. Lyon, Va.; Oct. 11, 1870, he was married to Miss Eliza Harding, whose early home had always been in this and in Marion counties; they have two children - Clarence Eugene and Alva Cary : having no political aspirations further than t<ydeposit an intelligent vote, aiming only at the best method of cultivating his farm, which is sure to bring good results, Mr. Tuttle must secure not only a competency, but many of the luxuries of life.

OWEN TUTTLE, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 38, 1837; his parents were natives of that county; his grandfather was engaged in the war of the Revolution; Mr. Tuttle's parents came to Washington Tp., Morrow Co., ()., when he was but ten years of age; on the farm of his parents he spent his minority, and in 1863 lie enlisted in the service of his country in the 4oth O. V. I., which was an old regiment re- oi'iranizetl; alttM- tlut'c months' service he was lionorahly ilischarireil; alter his return to his lionie, he aoain enlisted, this time in the l.'JGth (). N. G., which passed its term of service in Ft. Ly»)n, X'irjrinia; at the ch)se of the war, Mr. Tuttle and his brother leased the home farm, which, at the death of his father, was divided, about 130 acres falling to his share;

June 10, 1HG7, he married Marj^aret Gilliland, whose early home was in the near vicinity; they hav« one daughter, Mary L,, 12 years of aj^e. In the year of his marriaf^e he built a fine house, and now, surrounded pleasantly, with enough to secure a competency, he is prepared to enjoy the best that life brings.

JOHN ALLISON, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Bloomiicld; is the oldest son of O. Allison, whose famdy history is in this work. He was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, June 2\), 1834. John remained with his parents until he reached his majority, and then, in connection witli his father, engaged in stockdealing until he was 2S years of age. He was united in marriage May 4, 1802, with Mary A., daughter of B. F. Vail, by whom he had five children - Franklin M., born May 5, 18(13, died Aj)ril 24, 18G0; Fred, born July 25, 18G7; Carrie A., born April 17, 1870, and died Jan. 23, 1872; Howard, born Dec. 28, 1872; Ralph H., born Sept. 1(1, 187!>. The mother was born Oct. 17, 1842, and was one in a family of twelve. Mr. Allison is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church at Bloomfield. He enlisted for three months in Co. A., 20th Reg., in the war of Secession. He owns 115 acres of excellent land, which he farms in connection with dealing in stock. .Mr. Allison is one of the nine men who have charge of the beautiful cemetery north of Bloomfield. Mr. Allison is one of the most intelligent and infiuential men in Bennington Tp. He is enterprising and public spirited, and is a highly honorable citizen.

BURTON J. ASHLKV,\Marengo, was l)orn in Bennington Tp., Morrow Co., ()., March 17, 1857. He began going to school at the remarkably early age of three and one-half years, and continued this winter and summer until he was clever, years old. His father then requiring his services on the farm, kept him at home summers, but contiiuied to send him to school during the vvint(^r months until he was ]G, when he was employed by an organ agent for $20 per month to show the excellencies of the instruments. In the fall of 1873 he attended the Cardington Union Schools, but came home to attend school during the winter. The following summer he sold sheet music and musical periodicals, farming while not thus engaged. In the fall of 1874 he went to Mt. Gilead to school, and the following winter taught his first term. He was then 17 years old. This school was a difficult one and had a hard name, but after some preliminary skirmishing, during which some of the worst characters received prompt and summary correction, it was easily governed. The next summer he taught his home school, and in the following fall started for Oberly, where he remained two and a half years, completing the scientific course of that college. l)uring his last term he taught two classes in bookkeeping in the college. During the vacations he would teach to get means to continue his college course. On Nov. 24th, 1877, he was married to Addie L., daughter ofAbnerand Abbey A. (Morris) Sherman. Mr. Ashley's parents are Harrison E. and Adaline (Benson) Ashley, Harrisoti ))eing the grandson of the illustrious Eld. William II. Ashley, who figured so prominently in the early history of this and neighboring T[)S. He taught in Harmony township the winter of 1877-8, and the succeeding fall and winter, the fall term being a select school. The following spring and summer he worked with his father. In the spring of 187!» he moved to Marengo, and lived there during the summer, fitting himself for teaching. The following fall he began in the graded school at Sparta, teaching there the fall, Avinter and spring terms. The Board of Education, hig-hly pleased with liis school, has employed him for the coming year. Mr. Ashley has shown more than ordinary talent for music and in the acquirement of knowledge; he began to play the violin when eight years old, and when 14 purchased an organ, paying for it by his own labors and giving a colt he owned as part payment. Since then he has been connected with many musical entertainments and concerts throughout the southeastern part of the county. Mr. Ashley has shown a perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge worthy of imitation. He made his way at Oberlin by his own endeavors, teaching and economizing, and the result is that he has a fine education. He is a Republican and is a member of the Christian church at Sparta. He is also a surveyor and civil engineer, and is a commissioned notary public, his office being in Sparta. He owns forty acres of nice land in Bennington Tp., which is clear of all encumbrances.

JOSIAH BENNETT, farmer, stock-dealer, wool-grower and bee-keeper; P. O., Bloomfield. In about 1825 Josiah S. and Lydia (Cook) Bennett, natives of New York and New Jersey, emigrated to Bennington Tp., Morrow Co., O., locating in the vicinity of what is now known as Vail's cross roads. After enduring much hardship and privation incident to pioneer life, they secured a comfortable home. Here they raised a family of nine children - Daniel C, Phoebe C, Jonathan, Josiah, Charlotte, A. D., Townzend B., Seaner E. and Andrew L. Andrew, Charlotte and Daniel are dead; the others are living and married. .Josiah was born in Bennington Tp., Sept. 16, 1829. He lived with his ])arents until he was 19. He was united in marriage Sept. 6, 1853, to Eunice Greene, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca (Sherman) Greene, by whom he has a family of three sons and two daughters - Rozilla, born July 9, 1857; Douglass", Aug. 29, 1860; Royal T., March 12, 1866; Clara, June 10, 1870. The fifth child died in infancy. Those living are yet at home. Mr. Bennett owns 171t acres of well improved land, upon which he has just erected the finest house in Bennington Tp. The house is very handy and commodious, and is built of the finest materials that could be secured. The wood-work, for artistic finish and design, will rival many a house of greater pretensions in the larger cities. It was planned by Mr. Bennett himself, who proves to be an excellent architectural designer. Mr. Bennett is built like Hercules, and weighs 268 lbs.; he is the largest and strongest man in Bennington Tp. He is a strong Jackson Democrat, and is the Voltaire of the neighborhood, having been an infidel for many years. His wife is a Universalist, Mr. Bennett is a prominent and successful farmer, and manages his large farm with consummate sagacity and skill. The family is intimately connected with the history of Bennington Tp,, and much will be found of them in the body of this work.

CULVER, farmer and stockraiser; P. 0., B'loomfield; is the daughter of Jonathan and Millison (.Jennings) Bennett, who had twelve children - Sally, Robert, .Josiah, Susan, Berthsheba, Mary, Martha, Matilda, Mariah, Elizabeth, William and Mimi; Matilda and Elizabeth are the only ones now living of this large family; Elizabeth was born in New York, in 1810, and moved to Ohio in 1824; she was married May 10, 1827, to William Culver, and by him had nine children - .James, born in Sept, 1828, married Elizabeth I3ecker, and lives in Bennington Tp., as does all the family ;Harriet, born May 7, 1830, is the widow of John A. Taylor; Martha was born in September, 1833, and is the wife of Stephen Gage; >A.aron, born May 19, 1836, and married ^elvina Powell; Asel, born June 7, 1842, and was drowned in "a river in New Mexico July 18, 1875; Mary, born April 19, 1838, arid died August 30, 1859; Jonathan was born in March, 1844, and is the husband of Harriet Dunham; Sarah M., born March 26, 1848, is the wife of Thomas Chase; Jesse B., born July 15, 1846, and was married September 17, 1878, to Nettie Boner, and by her had one child, Daisy, born March 16, 1880; Jesse has always made his home wnth his parents; he has eighty acres of land, while the parents have 190 acres; they came to Bennington Tp. in 1830, and have lived there ever since; two of the boys were in the war of Secession; Asel was a private, and Jonathan was second lieutenant; they, generally speaking, are Republicans, and are large land owners in Bennington.

Ktiox Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, 1822; he remained with his father until he died, which was Aug. G, 1839. His schooling was very limited, consisting of but two or three terms of winter school; the school house he remembers as a log cabin, with a portion of one of the logs sawed out for a window, and oiled jiaper served in the stead of window glass. In this poorly constructed concern he received only the rudiments of an education; since that time and out of school he his acquired quite a good knowledge of books and sufficient to ])ass a teacher's examination. When Mr. Davis first attended school, children that could read, write and cipher were considered graduates. "William remained with his mother after his father's death, until she married John Lash. On the 30th of Nov., 1844, he was married to l^ovina Vining, daughter of John and Abigail (Ganong) Vining. No family has ever been born to this union. They have raised two orphan children from infancy and ])artly raised two others. James Rice and Juliet Davis were brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Davis. These children now are married and occupy responsible positions in the neighborhood in ^yhich they live. Mr. Davis started in life with scarcely a shilling, but by industry, frugality and hard labor, he has amassed quite a fortune. His place is nicely situated on the Mt. Vernon road, one mile east of Marengo, and consists of 269 acres of good land. He has acquired this by farming and stock-dealing, and is said to be one of the most extensive stock-dealers in Morrow Co. Though successful in business, Mr. Davis has been unfortunate in having met with severe accidents Ijy flood and field. Once, when only a child, he fell in a deep spring, and was only rescued from drowning by the timely arrival of his sister. At another time he was on a steamboat in Lake Erie when it collided with a lumber-laden brig, and only escaped drowning by a miracle. He was also in the great railroad hjrror that occurred in Iowa in 1877. In this wreck there was over thirty killed and a groat number wounded. In this accident Mr. Davis received severe injuries, the Iowa State liecfister to the contrary. His last accident occurred the latter part of June, 1880. While riding in his carriage the horse took fright and ran away, throwing Mr. Davis out and kicking him on the hip so severely that the thigh bone was broken al)out two inches from the hip-socket. Though an old man, the vigorous constitution he possesses will carry him through, so that he may again assume his usual prominent position in society. He is a staunch Republican in politics, but has steadily declined positions of honor and trust tendered him. He is one of the most prominent and upright men in Bennington Tp. and south-eastern Morrow Co.

ELIZABETH R. HESS; Marengo. Phillip and Deborah (Flood) Gage were natives of Woodbridge, N. J., the former being born in 1791, and the latter in 1793; they were united in marriage in June, 1813, and to this union was born the following family - Mary E., born April, 1814; Martha in March, 1816; Clarkson, in Aug., 1818; Bloomfield, in Aug., 1822; Sarah A., July, 1825; Stephen, May, 1828; Elizabeth, Jan'y, 1831, and George in 1835. Mary, Martha, Sarah and Bloomfield are dead. Mary married G. W. Hess; she is now dead. After Mary's death, Elizabeth married G. W. Hess, and had one son, Madison C, born Dec. 12, 1873; died Aug. 14, 1874. Mr. Hess is dead, but his widow survives him, and is living with her parents. Clarkson is single, and still lives with his parents; Stephen is maried, and lives in Bennington Tp.; Phillip, though 89 years of age, is yet almost as lively as a boy, being remarkably vigorous and active for a man, almost four-score-andten. His wife is almost as lively as he, and both are singidarly well preserved, for persons who have suffered the hardships of pioneer life. Phillip owns nearly 325 acres of well improved land. His sons now living our farmers. He is a Repul)lican in politics, and a Presbyterian in religion. The Gages are old settlers, and are well known and highly respected in Berinington Tp.

Thomas died May 20, 1874; Samantha married Osgood Duston, the first blacksmith in Sparta; Minerva married Mathias McKinstry, and lives in Hardin Co., Ohio; Sophia married James Carson, and lives in Sandusky Co., Ohio; Angeline married James Gage,* and lives in Iowa ; Martha married Henry Keller, and lives in Morrow Co.; Margaret married Jacob Berry, and lives in Illinois; Mary and Katie are single, and live at home with their mother; the mother was born Sept. 2, 1816; the father died July 27, 1875; his son, Aaron B., passed his youth and early manhood at home with his parents. \yhen twenty years of age, he enlisted in Co. B., 43 Reg. O. V. I. This was Nov. 22, 1861; he first went into camp at Mt. Vernon, where he staid until February the following year; he was then sent to Missouri; he was, until the battle of Vicksburg, in " Fuller's Brigade," and after that time was with Sherman on his March to the Sea. He was in the battles of New'Madrid, Island Number 10, luka, Kenasaw, Corinth, Resacca, Atlanta, Dallas, etc. He was discharged July 13, 1865, having served all through the war, without being wounded. The latter part of the war he held the rank of corporal. He was united in marriage Dec. 21, 1865, to Miss Huldah Sprague, daughter of Alpheus and Jane (Courtright) Sprague, and by her has the following family: Flora B., born Nov. 4, 1866; Calvin D., born March 6, 1868; Charley C, March 12, 1870; Carrie D., July 26, 1876, and Maggie M., August 1, 1879. All of these are living at home with their parents. Mr. Kees's folks owns 220 acres of nice land; and Mr. Kees himself own forty-nine acres adjoining the old homestead. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of th M. E. Church at Bloomfield.

WILLIAM KING, Bennington; was born in Franklin Co., O., in 1872. His parents were Samuel and Martha (McElvain) King, the former being born in 1777 and the latter in 1782. They were united in marriage in 1801, and to this union, were born, the following family: Elizabeth, born 1801; Magdalena 1803; Thurzza, 1805; Samuel McElvain, 1807, Robert, 1809; William, 1812. The girls in this family are dead. Samuel lives in Franklin Co.; he married Nancy.Daugherty, and has a family of nine children, two of whom are dead. Robert lives in Missouri; he married Sarah Anderson, and has four children, one of whom is dead. The father of this family had two wives, the latter being Adaline Vincent, by whom he had one child. William, the subject of this sketch, passed his early years at Columbus, receiving scarcely no education. When twelve years of age he served an apprenticeship at the baking business, finishing at the end of two years; he w^orked at his trade for a short time, and the balance of time before his marriage was spent upon his father's farm. On the 28th of June, 1831, he married Mar\^ Ann, daughter of Isaac and Millicent (Harris) Eastwood, by whom he has a family of fourteen children; Martha Jane, born in 1832; George P., 1834; Susan H., 1837; John Wesley, 1839; Millicent E., 1841; Harriet E., 1843; William C, 1845; Joseph McE., 1847; Mary Frances, 1852; Emma C, 1853; Charles W., 1855, and Samuel W. 1859; The other two died in infancy; Martha married Joseph Goetschins, and lives in Illinois. George has been in California for many years; Susan married Theodore Benedict; John, Harriet and Millicent, are dead; William married Sophia Lucas, and lives in Kansas; Joseph married Emma Cooley and lives in Kansas; Mary married W. T. Armstrong, and lives in Columbus; Emma is at home, single. Charles married Ella Lane, and lives in Franklin Co.; Samviel is at home, single. Mr. King is a local minister in the M. E. Church. He is a strong and prominent Republican. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the 81st Reg. O. V. 1. At the end of eighteen months he was discharged for promotion, and was appointed, by Gen. Dodge, Chaplain of the 110th U. S, Colored Infantry, in which capacity he served steadily, until nine months after the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Athens by General Forest, and after being kept about five weeks at Meridian, and Enterprise, Mississippi,was sent North, where, after some trouble, he rejoined his regiment. His father came to Ohio in 1800, and settled in Franklington, and was the first white man to cut timebr on "High Banks," near Columbus.

JOHN C. MEAD, Marengo; was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1824. His parents were Martin and Mary (Travis) Mead, the former being a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New York. Their children were

- Alva H., Amaziah, John C, A. J. and Abel; Alva was united in marriao^e with Harriet l)oy, who bore him one child, but the father is now dead; Aniaziah married Sarah Courtwri<>;lit, and by lier has a family of seven childrtm, two of wliom are dead; he lives in Dehiware; A. J. resi<h?s in Indiana; he niarriiMl Elizabeth Rineliart, and by lier has two children; Abel (bed when a boy; John C. ])assed the first ten years of his life in New York; in 1854 he came to Ohio, and settled near Mt. Vernon, but, at the expiration of about one year, located in Bennington Tp., Morrow Co., near Vail's Cross Roads; in ISG.'] he moved to Delaware Co., but at the end of nine years returned to Bennington Tp., and bought the place he now occupies. Mr. Mead remained with his father until the age of 21; then, after working for himself for about two years, away from home, he returned and lived withJiis father, who was sick, for four years; after this the proceeds of his labor went to himself. While in Delaware Co. he owned IM) acres of land, but prior to this time he had owned 50 acres near VaiPs Cross Roads; these two farms were disposed of, and Mr. Mead at present owns 115 acres of nice land close to the village of Marengo. On the 18th of Janmiry, 1849, he married Margaret J. Vining, who bore him the following children - Alva, Frank, Henry, Wesley and Joseph; Alva married Martha Vananken - has one child, and lives in Iowa; Frank married Flora Bronson, and lives at Boone, Iowa; Henry is at Boone, Singh;; Wesley is on the C. & N. W. R. R., in Iowa; Joseph is at Belle Plain, Iowa. Mr. Mead's hrst wife died in Jmie, 18G9, and in January, 1870, he married Mary Noe, daughter of George Noe, and by her has three children - Fred, Gertrude and Nellie; these children are all living. Mr. Mead is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church at Marengo. He is nicely located n(;ar a growing town, and the proximity of the new railroad will increase the value of his property. He is one of the most prominent men in Bennington Tp.

ROBERT L. NOE, Marengo; was born in Madison Co., New Jersey, October IG, 1819. His parents were Roliert Noe and Mary (Ta|)pin) Noe, who came to Bennington Tp. and settled a half mile north of Marengo in IS'^'i. The Noes are descended from three brothers of that name who came from France five or six generations ago to escape the terrors of some of the French revolutions. Grandfather Noe's name was .John, who had among others the following children - Marsh, Jonathan, Elias and Rob(;rt. Robert married as alxjve and had the following family - Susan, P^liiis, Samuel, Mary iVnn, William, Margaret, James H., George T. and Robert L. Susan died in infancy, Elias died early in life, Samuel died in early maidiood; Mary Ann married Calvin Vining and lived in Bennington Tp. and has a numerous family; William married Albacinda Crane, and has a fanuly of nine children and lives near Marengo; Margaret married William Johnson, has a numerour family and lives in Illinois; James H. married Caroline Page and moved to Tipton, Iowa. He has a large family. George T. married Sarah Doty; has seven children and lives in Bennington Tp. Robert L. received but a common school education in youth, and as he was the youngest son he remained with his father managing the old farm until the death of the father in 18G1. On the 4th of July, 1849, he married Fannie E. Morris, danghter of Joseph P. and Ann (Voorhies) Morris, and by her has four children - Joseph Augustus and Ann Augusta, twins, born 1852, Mary E. born 185G, and Bell, born 18G0. Joseph married Bida Osborne, daughter of Abraham Osborne, in 1875; they have one child, Maud, born 1878. Ann married .James C. Evans, son of Thomas Evans, in 18G8, and has two children - Charles and Gracie. Mary married Dr. J. W. Pratt in 1878 and has one child, Edna. Bell married Alexander Ramsey, son of Samuel Rams(;y, of Delaware Co. Joseph P. Morris had the following family - Augustus, Abby Ann and Fannie E. The son died in Mt. Vernon in 1843. Abby married Abner Sherman, has four children and lives in Bennington Tp. Fannie E. is the wife of our subject. Robert L. Noe is a radical Republican, and himself and family are members of the M. K. Church. He has occ>]j)ied many }>ositions of trust in the township; he was for eight consecutive years township assessor. He was projector of the town of Marengo, and his land now surrounds the whoh; town. He is one of the most prominent men in the township.

ician, farmer and wool grower; P. O., Pagetown; was born in New York, Jan. 15, 1818. His parents were Isaac and Polly (Bennett) Page; prior to his marriage with Polly Bennett, Isaac had married Betsey Page, but after her death was married to Polly Bennett. Isaac by his first wife had six children - Tyrus, Betsey, John - who was deaf and dumb - Harmon, Alva and Isaac; ail in tliis family are dead. By his second wife Mr. Page had the following family - Irena, who died when young; Lewis, Samuel, Irena, William, Wesley, James and Solon; Samuel and Solon are the only ones living. The mother died in 1S64, and the father in 1848. When Samuel was about 16 years old he conceived the idea of studying medicine; he read under Dr. Griffiths of New York - an alopathic physician - and completed a thorough course of medical lectures at Fairfield, New York, in 1837. He soon afterwards moved to the neighborhood in which he now lives, and commenced the practice of medicine at the age of 19. He continued the work there for ten years, and then moved to Mt. Gilead, where he practiced medicine and engaged in the dry goods business with brother, as a partner. He was a popular physician, and the first one in Pagetown. Dr. Page was often called to go fifteen and twenty miles away to see the sick. At present he is not practicing medicine, having retired a number of years ago. He is now engaged in wool growing, and has been in that business for a number of years. In 1839 he was married to Eliza Marvin, daughter of Stephen Marvin, and has by her one child - Frederick M., born May 24, 18G5. Mr. Page's grandfather Bennett was a soldier in the war of 1812, while the doctor himself served with distinction in the celebrated "Squirrel Campaign" at Cincinnati. Dr. Page is one of the most prominent men in southern Bennington, and is closely identified with its history. He has shown sufficient business sagacity during life to accumulate several hundred acres of nice land.

JOHN PIERCE, Marengo; was born in Bennington Tp., in 1843. He is the son of John and Eunice (Turney) Pierce, who were parents of the following family - Clark, Wesley, John and Elizabeth. Clark was a member of the 121st Itegiment, Co. C, O. V. I, and was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, while valiantly fighting in defense of his country. Wesley married Samantha Beard, and lives in Hardin Co.; Elizabeth is the wile of Albert DeGood, whose biography appears in the history of Delaware Co. John lived with his parents on the farm, going to school until he was of age. On the 4th of June, 1870, he married Berintha Morhouse, and by her has three children - Frank, born in 1871; Ernest, 1873, and Elsie, 1877. Mr. I iercc owns 100 acres of good land in Bennington Tp., upon which he resides. This farm is noted for being plentifully supplied with springs of pure water. Mr. Pierce is a Democrat, and is said to be an excellent farmer.

LYDIA A. (DWINNELL) ROGERS, farmer; P. O., Page town. This lady is the daughter of Allen and Lydia (Harris) Dwinnell, who were among the earliest settlers in the township. Father Allen was the projector of Bennington Tp., and the one who named it. He was born in 1785, and his wife in 1783; and they were married in 1804. To them was born the following family - Sallv, 1809; Clark H., 1812; Phillip P., 1814; Hannah O., 1815, and Lydia Ann, 1821. The father died in 1836, and the mother in 1855. Much of Mr. Dwinnell's life will be found in the history of Bennington Tp. He was a Frenchman, with the native suavity and politeness that characterize those people. Lydia received the best education that the common schools afforded, and finished at the Female Seminary , at Granville in two years. In 1840 she married Seal S. Rogers, son of William and Elizabeth (Wyant) Rogers, who had the following family - Mary and Sarah, who were twins; Uriah, Robert, Hannah, James, Charlotte, Seal, John and Caroline. Lydia and husband have had the following family - Clark D., born 1842, and Mary Eugenie, 1844; Mary E., died in 1862; Clark was married in 18G5 to Polly, daughter of Elias Wilson; he has no family. Allen Dwinnell was an old line Whig, and gloried in that cognomen. Seal Rogers was the same. Lydia Rogers is a Universalist, while her husband was a "New Light." The Dwinnells wore Methodists. Lydia owns 125 acres of fine land, and her son Clark owns 65. The son lives with his mother in the old Rogers place. The mother received a much better education than chi.- dren usually obtained in those early days.

Her father owned large bodies of land, and for the backwoods, was considered a wealthy man. He was a justice of the peace, a lawyer, and was a man of distinction in that section. ^yILLTAM A. OTEKKITT, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born in Pennsylvania, May 24, 1830; his father was born in 17'J4, and mother in 1799; they were married about 1820, their names being, respectively, Alexander Sterritt and Margaret Montgomery; there were six children in their family, as follows: - Rebecca, born Oct. 1822; John, July, 1824, Robert, Jan'y, 1827; William A., Matthew D., Feb., 1833; Thomas, Nov., 1835; his first wife, Margaret, having died, he married Margaret Davidson, and had by her James P., born Feb., 1840, Martha Jane, Nov., 1841, and Mary Ann, June, 1874; his first wife died Feb. 3, 1838, and the father died in 1844, Nov. 24; Rebecca married William Simpson, .John married Emily Oakle}^, Robert married Mary Carnes, Matthew married EUeu Anderson, James married Catharine Burton, Martha married a Mr. Donaldson, and after his death in the army married again; Mary is single, and all these children live in Pennsylvania; William lived with, his father until he was about 14 years old, and then hired out by the month on neighboring farms, and worked thus until in his 17th year, when himself and Vjrother Robert leased a farm and began to improve it; he continued thus working on the farm during the summer season, and chojjping in the lumber country during the winters, for seven years; In 1854 he came to Ohio and began working at the carj^enter trade in Bennington Tp. ; in 18G0 he purchased seventyfive acres of land, where he now lives, and has since added to it at divers times, until he now owns 107 acres of well improved land; in 1858 he married Sarah, daughter of William Noe, and by h;^r had three children - William B., born 1859, Theresa S., 1861, and Ora B., 18G5; Sarah, his wife, died July, 1805, and in September, 1866, he married Ellen Doty, and by her has five children - Elza, born Dec, 1807, Mary E., Jan., 1868, Alfred, Aug., 1871, Mattie", born Sept., 1874, and Robert, April, 1876; all these children are living, and are yet at home; Mr. Sterritt is a staunch Rejiublican, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church; his father was in the war of 1812, and his grandfather was in the Revolutionary war; the Montgomerys settled in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, in 1801, and the Sterritts settled at what is now called " Sterritt's Gap," in eastern Penn., before the Revolution; the Sterritts are of English descent, and the Montgomerys of Irisli; Mr. Sterritt's brother Matthew enlisted in the celebrated 121st O. V. I., and served with it in all its movements of daring and death, until mustered out of service at the close of the war; Mr. Sterritt is one of the most prominent men in Bennington.

EZRA C. STEWART, Page town; is a native of Ohio; he is the son of Solomon and Nancy White) Stewart, who had the following family - Polly, Charlotte, Ezra C, Ruth, Harvey and Emily - Charlotte and Emily being dead. Polly is the widow of David Babcock, and lives in Porter Tp., Delaware Co.; Charlotte married Marcus Van Sickle, and died without issue, Oct. 1850; Ruth married Ira Van Sickle, and lives in Wood Co., O.; Harvey married Mary O. Andrews, and resides in Wood Co.; Emily became the wife of George Page, and died, leaving a family of four children. The father was one of the earliest settlers in the Tp., as well as one of the most prominent, and died in June 1849. The mother is yet living with her daughter, Polly. Our subject was born Dec. 8, 1820. He remained with his father until the age of twenty-eight, and for a few years after that date taught school, and worked at the carpenter trade. On the 15th, of Sept. 1853, he was united in marriage with Lavina M., daughter of Nehemiah and Mary (Austin) Barnhard, and by her had the following children - George E., Martha A., Mi rah, Emma A., Charles E., Elnora, Mary A., William C, Edwin O., James L., Harry, a girl baby, and a child that died in infancy. Mr. Stewart moved to Pagetown in April 1875. He owns four acres in Pagetown, and sixtv acres in Kingston Tp., Delaware Co.; he has'been honored with diiferent township offices, serving as Justice of the Peace ten years, and was commissioned Notary Public for three years. He is at present Collection xVgent, and Notary Public; himself and family are members of the Wesleyan Church at Morton's Corners. The father of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather served in the War of Independence, and was also honored in New York, by being elected to the State Legislature. Our subject is one of the most prominent and intelligent men in the township.

TOBIAS STILLEV^ Marengo. The subject of this sketch is a grand-nephew of the celebrated pioneer and hunter, John Stilley, who settled in Knox Co. the latter part of the last century. The family have become historical, their deeds in the forest becoming traditional and absorbingly interesting. They located on Owl Creek, and were the means of leading the tide of emigration into that fertile region. Tobias was born in Pennsylvania in 1814, his parents being John Stilley, a nephew of the elder Stilley, and Mary (Caykendall) Stilley. These parents had a large family, as follows - Tobias, Eliza, Jeremiah, Ruth, James, Nancy, Rebecca, Mary, Sampson and Joel, all of whom are living except Jeremiah and Joel. Tobias' youth was spent in Chester Tp. When 19 years old he began for himself; and after many years of toil and hardship finally has a pleasant home. In 1833 he married Susan Bowles, daughter of Thomas Bowles, of Chester Tp.; they have four children: Rachel, Jeremiah, Ann and Luvila, all of whom are married and have families. His wife, Su?an, died in 1845, and in a few years afterwards he married Eliza Ann Price, daughter of John Price, of Bennington Tp. He has one child by his second wife - Samuel M., born in 1852. The Stilley family are of German descent, and the father and son are enthusiastic Republicans. Tobias' father came to Ohio in 1818, and located on Owl Creek. In 1878 he died, aged 86. Samuel was born in Franklin Tp., and owns at present 125 acres of land, his father owning fifty adjoining that of the son. The family are good citizens and neighbors, and are prominent in all affairs of benefit to the community.

EDWARD R. SHOTWELL, Marengo, was born in Rah way. New Jersey, Aug. 19, 1811, and came to Bennington Tp. in 1845. His father was Peter Shotwell, who was descended from iVbraham Shotwell, a settler in the Province of New Jersey in 1G65, or earlier. His mother was a descendant of the old Fitz Randolph families of the East.

MARGARET TRAVIS; Page town ; daughter of John and Sarah (Test) Morris; was born in Green Co., Pa., Jan. 18, 1819. When Margaret was eleven years old her mother died, leaving the care and responsibility of the family upon her; she remainad at home one and a half years, and then hired out to do housework for the neighbors. On the 10th of June, 1840, she was united in marriage with Isaac B. Travis, son of David and Deborah (Smith) Travis. Isaac was born Feb. 21, 1818; his father dying when he was a small child; he lived with his mother helping her, until he was married. After this the motlier lived with her son until her death, which occurred in 1846; she was a kind, God-fearing mother, and reared her son under the light of the Gospel of Christ. Isaac learned the shoemaking trade when quite young, and worked at that in connection with his farm until his death, which occurred Aug. 6th, 1877. He came with his mother to Ohio in 1820, and became one of the influential men of his neighborhood; he was often consulted by his neighbors on questions of agriculture and stockraising, and when he died his death was greatly deplored by his neighborhood, and especially by his devoted wife and family; his body was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery between Sparta and Bloomfield. Isaac and Margaret, as the fruit of their union, had the following family - Sarah Jane, born March 10, 1841, and died" March 15, 1851; Adaline, born Nov., 18, 1846, and died March 12, 1851; Mary, born Dec. 27, 1851, and dec'd; and David S., born Jan. 26, 1858; David is still li\ang. Sarah and Adaline died within three days of each other, the former on her death-bed consoled with religion, shouting praises to God. The mother and her son, David, live together on the old place in Bennington Tp. December, 1877, David was united in marriage with Ella Mel linger, daughter of Jacob Mellinger, of Bennington Tp. The Travises own 165 acres of excellent land, and are promising citizens in southern Bennington; all are earnest woi-kers in the Methodist Church, and all are well known and universally respected throughout the neighborhood.

SEMANTHA WELLS; Pagetown; was born July 18, 1808. ' Her parents, Isaac Davis and Betsey Vining, were married in March, 1805, and had a famil}' of three children -

Simeon, born June 21, 180G; Semaiitha and Milton, l)orn in 1811. Tlie oldest and youngest are both dead. Seniantha passed her early years in the woods. Her fath r came into Benninf^ton Tp. when she was ten years old, and was among the first settlers in the township. He was the first man in the township to introduce sheep, and during liis life^figured prominently in the early aiVairs of his locality. Seniantha received but a meagre education. Her life has been one unceasing round of toil, and though 7'1 3'ears old, she is yet blessed with a clear mind and witii good health. In 1825 she married Abraham Wells, and by him had the following family : Roslinda, born lSv*G; James M., 18'28; lietsey Jane, 1830; Milton, 1832; Isaac, 1835, and AVilbur, 1838. James and Betsey are dead; Milton lives with his mother; Isaac lives just north of Morton's Corners, and Wilbur is in Illinois. Roslinda married Edmund Morton in 1844, and by him had the following family: Corydon B., born 184G; Caroline, 1848; Carintha, 1849; Cora Estelle, 1850; Charles Frenaont, 1856, and Clemence Isora, 1859. Corydon married Sarah J. Vansickle, 1878, and lives at Morton's Corners. Caroline married James M. Roberts; has one child, and lives in Delaware Co. Carintha married Henry E. Sh(^rman, and has three children; Cora E. is yet single, and is a dressmaker in Olive Green ; Charles is at home, single; Clemence is a milliner in Delaware, O. Mrs. Morton was left a widow in 1800, and in 1872 she married Harvey Chambers. She has lived all her life at Morton's Corners. Semantha is the oldest living settler at the Corners, and has a distinct recollection when her father came into the townshiji, and of the hardships he endured with his family in prej)aring the backwoods for succeeding generations.

LORIXDA (JOHNSON) WEAVER, Marengo. This lady was born in Ohio in 1820. She came with her widowed mother and grandparents to South liioomfield Tp., in 1826, and after remaining there eight years, moved to Bennington Tp., where she has since resided. Her mother died in 1832, leaving Lorinda to battle with the realities of life at the age of twelve. She passed many years at hard work, suffering all the degradation that motherless girls are compelled to undergo. Arriving at womanhood she had acquired a fair education, through trials and discomforts, and during early womanhood taught six terms of school. In 1840 she was united in marriage with Wright, son of Wanton Weaver, but no children were born of this union. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have devoted their married life to the rearing of orphan children, raising from infancy five or six, which almost at birth were thrown hel])less upon the charity of the world; Mrs. Weaver remembering too well the hard struggle she had in early years for a livelihood, resolved that some poor orphans should escape the trials she suffered. She has taken children from want and destitution, sending them at mature years out into the world, fitted for the battle of life. Not content with merely rearing them to man or womanhood, she has adopted two - one, Hannah L., the present wife of Lafayette Dudley, and the other, Ida May W^eaver, a successful school teacher in Bennington Tp. These adopted children, at Mrs. W^eaver's death, will inherit her property, which consists of 150 acres of fine land. If they die without heirs the property is to be devoted to the maintenance of orphxn children in Bennington Tp., which will stand a monument to Mrs. Weaver's memory, more lasting than marble. On the 22nd of February, 1860, Mr. Weaver died of pulmonary consumption. He lingered many months, suffering great agony, dying with Christian fortitude and faith. He was a man of affectionate disposition - kind and sympathizing, and his death was a great loss to the neighborhood. Mrs. W^eaver's brother, Henry Johnson, served in the Mexican war as a private, and also in. the last war, entering as captain and coming out as major. The life of Mrs. Weaver is a lesson well worth reading.

T. P. ASHBROOK, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was borii in Hampshire Co., Va., Jan. 9, 1806; he is a son of Eli and Catharine Ashbrook, who were born in the same county; his father was born about 1782, and his mother in 1784; in the father's family there were fourteen children, two of whom died in infancy; the rest are living, and have families of their own; there are seven of the family yet living. The father was a Baptist Minister, and labored a great many years in the cause of Christianity; he died in 1878, and Catharine, his wife, died Jan. 1, 1872. He came to Fairfield Co., Ohio, with his parents, in 1810, and from there to Licking Co., in 1823, where his parents died, and where he was married, Jan. 5, 1832, to Annie Coffman, whose parents were born in Pennsylvania. She was born Sept. 21, 1807. From this union there were seven children - Laura J., Milton P., William, Naomi, Welcome, Sa villa and Lemuel. The mother of these children died June 16, 1850. Mr. Ashbrook lived a Avidower until Aug. 3, 1851, when he again married. His second wife was Elizabeth (George) McCrary, a widow lady, with two children; she is a daughter of Henry and Mary George, who came from Wales; they lived a short time in Pennsylvania, and came from thereto Delaware Co., Ohio, in a very early day, and from Delaware Co., they came to Morrow, in 1810. She was married first to George Mc- Crary, who died Feb. 20, 1848. From her second marriage there were three children, one of whom died in infancy - Louis D. and Emma K. Mr. Ashbrook is a mason by trade, a business he followed for over thirty years in connection with farming; he is also a Baptist Minister, and a faithful worker in the cause. He began business for himself in the woods, and with limited means, but by faithful application to his various occupations, he has gained quite a fortune, and has an excellent farm where he lives, consisting of 320 acres. He had one son in the late, war. Welcome Ashbrook enlisted in 1862, was in the

] 5th regiment O. V., Co. C, and served until the close of the war, at which time he was discharged; he was in a number of engagements, but never received a wound. Mr. Ashbrook's second wife also had a son in the war - Davis McCrary, who enlisted in 1861, and was in the 15th regiment O. V., Co. C; he served first a little more than a year, when he was taken sick, and discharged, but after he got able he enlisted again, and served until the close of the war.

J. T. & COLLINS BUCK; Cardington. The Buck family were among the first settlers of Lincoln Tp., in Morrow Co. Edmund Buck, the father, was born in Connecticut, April 9, 1791. At an early age he left the place of his nativity for that of Clinton Co., N. Y., where he remained until the year of 1812, when he removed to Ohio, settling on the west bank of Alum Creek, in Peru Tp., at that time Delaware Co., but has since been changed to Morrow Co., where he remained but a short time, when he moved into Lincoln Tp., in the same county, and on the same creek. Edmund Buck was married about 1815 to Anna Hubble, who was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., June 3, 1795. About the year 1813 she left the place of her nativity and came to Morrow Co., O., being one of its earliest pioneers. In their family there were eight children, two of whom are now dead - Israel E., Phoebe Collins, Priscilla A., John T., Anna M., Ruth M., and Annis. The parents of these children more than passed their fifty-first anniversary together. The father died Oct. 21, 1866; his wife surviving him nearly seven years, and died March 4, 1874. There are a number of the family yet in Lincoln Tp., among Avhom is Collins Buck, who was born in Morrow Co., Oct. 29, 1821. He resided with his parents until of age, at which time he began business for himself. He received a common school education; he was married April 8, 1847, to Nancy Stiner, whose father, William Stiner, was born in Maryland, July 22, 1775. He came to Fairfield Co., O., when a young man; he was married to Marion Smith in 1807, and came to Morrow Co., ( )., in an early day. In their family there were fourteen children - Henry, Jerusha, Harriet, Betsey, David, Joshua, Maria, Nancy, Jacob, John, Sallie, William and Mary; one died in infancy. In Collins Buck's family there are three sons - Gilbert L., born Feb. 27, 1050; Edmund W., June 30, 1851; John S., March 28, 1857. Mr. Buck has always followed farmino-, and owns a farm of 245 acres of well imj)r(»ved land in Lincoln Tp.; he also deals in fine sheep, a business in which he takes o;reat pride, and in wdiich he is very successful. J. T. Buck, a younger brother of Collins Buck, was born May 24, 1832; he yet lives upon the farm that his father purchased when he first came to the township; he is a surveyor by profession, and has been County Surveyor of Morrow Co. since 1859, with the exception of one term; he was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at DelaAvare, Ohio; he is among the ])r()minent men of the county; he was married Nov. 19, 18G3, to Martha A. Nichols, whose parents were natives of Virginia, and came to Morrow Co. in an early day; she was born July 5, 1844. From this union there were five children, one of whom is now dead - Thadeus E., born April 18, 1805; Arthur H., Jan. 24, 1808; Anna M., Oct. 2, 1871; Minnie, Jan. 18, 1870; Ralph W., May 30, 1879; Anna M. died Oct. 20, 1875. J. T. Buck yet holds the office of County Surveyor, an office he has long held with honor. He owns the old homestead, a fine old farm on the banks of Alum Creek, in Lincoln Tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-growing.

JOHN BENNETT, farmer; P. 0.,^Marengo; was born in 1811 in Perry Co. ; his father was born in Virginia and his mother in Pennsylvania; they came to Licking Co., 0., in about 1807, and from there went to Perry Co. in 1808, where they lived until their deaths. In the family there were ten children, three girls and seven bo}' - James, George, Isaac, William, Sarah, .John, Jonah, Samuel, Catharine and Abraham. John Beinictt was raised on a farm and resided with his parents until of age, at which time he began business for himself. He was married Oct. 3, 1833, to Rebecca Donilson, whose parents were natives of Harrison Co., O., and in an early day moved to Perry Co., O., where she was born in 1813; her grandparents on her mother's side came from Ireland. There are six children in John's family - Isaac, Malinda, Martha, Samuel, Mary and John L. I J'tjy came to Morrow Co. in 1834 and settled in Lincoln Tp., where they have lived ever since; Mr. Bennett purchased a farm in the woods which he cleared up and improved, and where he yet lives. His family are now all married and doing business for themselves. They all live in the county where they were born. John L., the youngest of the family, was married Dec. 18, 1879, to Nina Hill, and is living with his father. Mr. Bennett had one son, S. H. Bennett, in the late war; he enlisted Aug, 27, 1804, was in the 179 regiment, Co. A., O. v.; he served until June 17, 1805, at which time he received his discharge. Mr. Bennett and wife, and most of the family, are members of the Baptist church.