Emerald Township (part 2 of 2)

Post, siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss. He was taken prisoner November 3, 1863, in the battle of Grand Coteau, and was sent to Alexandria, La., where he was confined, until, with three companions, he made his escape December 15, 1863. During a severe thunderstorm, these men, thirsting for liberty, rushed out, and, slipping through the guard line, succeeded in getting to the Louisiana swamps, where for eight days they remained in hiding. Boarding the monitor Osage, he went to New Orleans, where he remained but a short time and then joined his regiment in Texas. He took part with them in the engagements of Sabine, Cross Roads, Cane River, Fort Gaines and Morgan, Spanish Fort and Blakesley, and was at the capture of Mobile. Returning home he received his discharge July 7,1865. Politically Mr. Underwood is a prohibitionist, though formerly he voted the republican ticket. He held the office of clerk for two terms, that of assessor the same length of time, and he acted as justice of the peace three years. He is a member of the board of education, and with his wife belongs to the church of Christ at Payne. September 22, 1860, Mr. Underwood married Miss Rachel, the daughter of David and Ann Haines. She was born in Logan county, August 23, 1837, and is the mother of David W., Mary E., wife of William Ballinger; Louisa J., wife of Martin Leeth; Sarah E., Elmore and Edwin, twins, Ida May and Charles A. Mr. Underwood followed his trade of blacksmith till 1876, at which time he engaged in farming in Paulding county. In 1868 he located the splendid farm upon which he now resides and is the possessor of many fine horses. He and his wife are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

George Wahl (deceased). - One of the well-remembered citizens of Harrison township is George Wahl, who died on the 7th day of October, 1884. He was born in Baden, Germany, July 28, 1846, came to this country with his parents in 1852, and at the age of twenty-three, January 2, 1870, married Ruth Philo, the daughter of Asa and Sarah (Hazlitt) Philo. Mrs. Wahl was born December 18, 1851, and was of German extraction. Her children are: George F., Eva, Sarah, Jacob, August, Bertie (deceased), Mary (deceased), Nicholas, Clara A. and Hulda E. The father of these sons and daughters was a republican, and in his death the township lost a good citizen. He had led an industrious and virtuous life, was charitable and hospitable, and his early death was deeply mourned by the citizens of the township and his bereaved family. Other information, touching his ancestry, will be found in the sketch of Frederick Wahl, his brother.

Frederick Wahl was born in Baden, Germany, April 4, 1843, the son of Nicholas and Julia Wahl, who came to America in 1852, and located in Erie county, Ohio, where they died. Our subject was nine years old when brought to America, and at the age of twenty-one he entered the service of his adopted country in company I, One Hundred and Fortyfifth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and did garrison duty at Arlington Heights. Receiving his discharge August 27, 1864, he returned to Erie county and engaged in farming, which occupation he has since followed. In 1871 he located in Paulding county and settled upon the land where he now resides. December 12, 1868, Mr. Wahl married Miss Mary A. White, a native of Prussia, who, when but a few months old, was brought by her parents, Philip and May White, to this country. She bore her husband five children: Frederick E., Christian F., John A. (deceased), Willie (deceased), and Ida (deceased). Asa republican, Mr. Wahl has held the office of trustee for one year and acted as a member of the school board for four years. He and wife are valued members of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Wahl died May 14, 1875, and in April, 1877, Mr. Wahl espoused Miss Ellen Gillen, the daughter of William and Ann (Woodward) Gillen. Their children are: Jacob, Anna (deceased), and Ida E. (deceased), Mr. Wahl enjoys great personal popularity in the county and has many friends who wish him well.

George Webber was born in Virginia February 25, 1847, the son of Solomon and Susan (Shepard) Webber, of German and English extraction. He grew to the years of maturity in Logan county, Ohio, and when but fifteen years of age enlisted Christmas day, 1863,in company F, Twenty-third Ohio volunteer infantry. He enlisted for three years, and took part in the battles of Cloyd Mountain, New River, Lexington, Lynchburg, Cabletown and Winchester. At the last engagement he was wounded, taken prisoner, and sent to Libby Prison, where he remained but a short time. He was then taken to the hospital, which place was styled by the southern men as "Castle Green," and by the unioners, "Castle Thunder," and was placed in confinement for two months. He was then put on parole for sixty days and exchanged at Parole Camp, Annapolis, Md. He then returned to his regiment at Stanton, Va. July 26, 1865, he received his discharge at Cumberland, Md., and returned home. Mr. Webber located in this county in 1879, and on August 10, of the following year, was united in marriage to Miss Louesa E. Banks, who was born in this county, March 6, 1850, the daughter of J. and Caroline D. (Daggett) Banks. Louesa E. Webber's mother was a sincere Christian and a gentle mother, and survived her husband long enough to see their four daughters grow up to womanhood, all of whom now reside in this county. The grandfather of Louesa E. Webber, on her mother's side, was of Scotch extraction. His name was William K. Daggett. He was born in Vermont. One of his forefathers came over in the Mayflower and settled in Connecticut. Three of his ancestors were professors in Ya1e their names were David, John (they served in the Revolutionary war), and Gideon. David was taken prisoner; he was driven at the point of the bayonet all night through rain and sleet, and died three days after from the exposure. John Daggett, grandfather of William K. Daggett, was acaptain. His son, Gideon, the father of William K., served as his attendant all through the war, and lived to be ninety years.old. William K. Daggett came to Antwerp, Paulding county, about the year 1845; his third daughter, Caroline, was married to Jedediah Banks, who was a son of William Banks, Sr., who came to this county in 1827, and were of English extraction. Thomas Bank, father of William, lived in New Jersey, and also died there at the age of fifty years. Mr. Banks was a member of company I, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, during the war, and died from a disease contracted while in the service. Mr.and Mrs. Webber, who are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church, are the parents of two bright children: Callie Ada Dollie and Jedah George Webber.

Augustus F. Wiegel. - _In 1873 Augustus F. Wiegel located in this county, and has been one of the representative citizens during his resi dence here. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, May 27, 1850, the son of Bernhart and Martha (Mantz) Wiegel, of Germany, who came to Amer- ica early life, and were married in Huron. Augustus was the eighth of nine children born to these parents, and he received a good education. He married in Sandusky City, June 3, 1873, Katie Eusteen, the daughter of William Eusteen, of German origin, and these are their children: Cora M., Grace E., John H., Myrtle V., Carl C. and Milton E. Mr. Wiegel, who is a republican, has held these positions: clerk of the township for five years, trustee for three years, assessor for one year, and constable for one year. He has also served on the board of education, and is highly esteemed wherever known.

Samuel Wiltsie, a retired agriculturist of Harrison township, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., January 23, 1827, the son of George and Asenath (Hutchins) Wiltsie, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Wiltsie was left an orphan when but five years of age, and was bound out to a farmer in his native county, with whom he remained until he was nineteen years of age. He then removed to Lancaster county, Pa., where he was employed in the iron works at that place for one year. The education of Mr. Wiltsie was naturally limited, and he learned to read 'by the light afforded by the pine knots in the evenings. The Mexican war breaking out, Mr. Wiltsie enlisted in the First regiment of United States volunteers, and took part in the battles of the Valley of Mexico. Returning from the war, Mr. Wiltsie was employed at various work, and on May 16, 1850, married Miss Mary A., daughter of Peter and Mary (Clare) Mumma, of Lancaster county, Pa., both now being deceased. During the Civil war Mr. Wiltsie served for 100 days in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry. He has resided for twenty-six years upon his present place, and has contributed much toward the development of the county, having witnessed its growth from a dense forest into the cultivated spot it nowis. Mr. and Mrs. Wiltsie became the parents of Asenath (deceased), Aldema (deceased), Samuel H., Emma (deceased), Mollie, Selina, Ella and Bertha. The family enjoy high social rank, and are esteemed throughout the county.

Anson Wiseman. - Among the leading nurserymen and farmers of Harrison township, Anson Wiseman holds a conspicuous place. He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, June 6, 1836, a son of George and Mary (George) Wiseman, of German and English origin. The grandfather on the paternal side came from Germany to New York city at the age of fifteen, in 1774. On the breaking out of the Revolution he enlisted in the cause of his adopted country under Col. Walter Stewart for five years. After serving his time out he drove a government team during the remainder of the war. George Wiseman, father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Penn., and came to Ohio in 1809 and served as a sergeant in Col. William Rayne's regiment of Ohio militia in the war of 1812. Anson Wiseman grew to manhood in Meigs county, Ohio, and received a first-class education. In connection with farming he chose the profession of teacher, and taught eight terms of school. He was the first man in Salem township, Meigs county, to originate the grange hall association. He came to Paulding county, Ohio, in 1883, and is the owner of a fine nursery stock. Wiseman is something of a musician, having taught vocal as well as organ and violin music. In politics an earnest republican, Mr. Wiseman is a quiet citizen, has never been a witness before any court, and has never heard a case tried.

Anthony Worm. - - One of the leading agriculturists of Harrison township is Anthony Worm, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 19, 1855. His parents are Christian and Hannah (Layman) Worm, natives of Germany, who came to America in early life. Anthony was the fourth of five children born to these parents and grew to manhood in his native county. Here he obtained an education in the schools of the neghborhood, and upon graduating, engaged principally in milling and threshing. He located on section 16, in 1884, and here erected a saw mill with a capacity of 12,000 feet of lumber per day. He has been interested in the lumber business quite extensively and in his chosen work is successful. He was married, April 6, 1880, to Miss Victoria, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Falter) Casanova, and to them have been born Isabella, Philomena, John, Henry and Olla. The family are members of the Catholic church and enjoy high social standing in the community where they reside.