Findlay City (part 23 of 28)

ELIAS 8S. RIEGLE, farmer, P. O. Arlington, Ohio, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, October 24, 1836, son of Philip and Catherine (Bibler) Riegle, who are present residents of this county. The father was born in Cumberland County, Penn., October 6, 1810, son of George and Catherine (Schambaugh) Riegle, both of whom were Pennsylvanians by birth; the former a son of Simon Riegle of that State. The subject of this sketch enlisted at Arlington, Ohio, in Company I, of Col. Birge's Indepen- - dent Regiment of Sharpshooters. His company was organized by Capt. Daugherty, of this (Madison) township. This Independent Regiment was first assigned to the command of Gen. J. C. Fremont, afterward known as the Fourteenth Missouri, until the battle of Shiloh, after which, by the re-organization of the armies, 'it became the Sixty-sixth Illinois, and the subject of this sketch became a member of Company H, of that regiment. The regimental commanders were, first, Col. Birge of Missouri; second, Col. Burke of Missouri; third, Col. Campbell of Illinois; fourth,Col. Gambel of Illinois. The principal battles and skirmishes in which the Company was engaged are as follows: Mt. Zion, Mo.; Bunker Hill, Mo.; Ft. Donelson, Tenn.; Owl Creek, Tenn.; Peach Orchard, Miss.; Corinth, Miss.; Second battle of Corinth; Tuka, Miss.; Blackland, Miss.; Jumpertown, Miss.; Hatchie River, Miss. ;

Booneville, Miss. ; White Side Farm, Miss. ; Snake Creek Gap, Ga.; Resaca, Ga. ; Rome Cross Roads, Ga. ; Dallas, Ga.; Lone Mountain, Ga. ; New Hope, Ga.; Big Shanty, Ga.; Brush Mountain, Ga.; Little Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. ; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. ; Nicojack Creek, Ga.; Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; Decatur, Ga.; Atlanta, Ga., 21-26 July; Bald Hill, Ga.; Howard House, Ga. ; Utoy Creek, Ga. ; Ezra Church, Ga. ; Proctor's Creek,.Ga. - two battles; siege of Atlanta Ga. - August 12-26, 1864; Jonesboro, Ga.; skirmish near Savannah; capture of two Napoleon guns; capture of Savannah, Ga.; Rome, Ga. ; capture of Columbia, S. C.; Fayettesville, N. @©.; Goldsboro, N. C.; Bentonville, N. C. He was wounded, in the last week of December, 1863 (near Decatur, Ala.), near the left temple. At Dallas, Ga., in 1864, Capt. Boyd, with the support of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, took the DeGrass battery, and Boyd had one of the guns double charged, which burst on being fired, Mr. Riegle being only fifteen or twenty feet distant from it at the time. During 1862 anda part of 1863, he was a secret scout. These scouts did much for the cause of the Union by way of destroying Confederate property to the value of millions of dollars, besides gaining much useful information and capturing rebel spies. One of the most noted of these was Sidney Johnson, Jr., who was captured near Blackland, Miss., and shot as a spy at Corinth, Miss., in 1862. Their principal field of operation was in the vicinity of Decatur, Athens, Huntsville and Florence, Ala. Mr. Riegle was during his term of service (four years), severely wounded several times, and participated in as many battles as any other man of the Regiment, in all about seventy-five battles and skirmishes. On the 22d of July, 1864, the Sixty-sixth Dlinois Regiment, captured the DeGrass battery. The man who led the charge was Capt. Boyd, of Company A, Sixty-sixth Illinois Regiment. Our subject had the honor of going through the final review at Washington. May the memory of this regiment ever live in the minds of the American people! The company of which Mr. Riegle was a member was mustered out in July, 1865. Our subject at time of discharge held the rank of corporal. Mr. Riegle is an honored member of Welker Post, GA. R., at Arlington, in which he has filled offices of distinction, and now holds the office of S. V. C. He was a delegate to the late National encampment at Portland, Me.,in 1885, and is the delegate to the State encampment at Cleveland, Ohio. He was united in marriage, August 29, 1865, with Miss Catherine Cramer, a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Price) Cramer, natives of Germany, and by her he has five ae dren; John W. S. born July 29, 1866; Charles M., born February 25, 1869; Ettie V. and Nettie V., born September 15, 1872, and Huldah C. born November 1, 1878. Mr. Riegle and family are connected with the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics our subject is a stanch Republican. PHILIP P. WILCH, farmer, P. O. Arlington, was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, September 22, 1823, son of Philip (a farmer) and ig Cite (Brickman) Wilch, who never came to America. Our subject resided in a York and Cleveland a short time after arriving in the United States, an November 7, 1854, came to this county and has since resided on his ieee farm in Madison Township, engaged in farming. March 7, aye ) married, in Germany, Miss Eva Schafer, and by her has a family a our children: Catherine, Margaret, Philip and Susan. The family are al as nected with St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Wilch is ae . the leading representatives of the German settlement in this part ' t) county, and is a much respected citizen. In politics he is a Democrat.

DANIEL ALTMAN, farmer, P.O. Findlay, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 9, 1818. His parents, Adam and Hannah Altman, came to Marion Township, this county, in August, 1833, and here entered 480 acres of land from the Government, and remained until their death; the former died June 17, 1863, in his eighty-fifth year, and the latter October 15, 1848. They had twelve children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, and four are yet living: Daniel; Mrs. Kate Burnap, of Alcona, Mich.; Mrs. Susan Powell, of Eagle Township, this county, and Samuel, of Findlay, Ohio. Daniel Altman was reared on the farm and endured the hardships of a pioneer's son. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mooma, in 1841, and they then settled where they now reside, having a fine farm of 160 acres of well improved land. Their union has been blessed with two children: Joseph, married to Mrs. Ellen Spayde (have one son - Harvey P.), and Eli, married, March 23, 1871, to Christena Plotts (a sister of Joseph's wife), which union has been blessed with four children: Andrew, Clarence, Harry and Carrie. In politics Mr. Altman is a Democrat. Mrs. Altman is a member of the Lutheran Church.

S. W. FINK, farmer and proprietor of saw-mill, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., in 1849; son of Elias Fink, also a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject came to Ohio in 1876, and settled in Marion Township, this county. In 1879 he erected a saw-mill, which he has since carried on. He was united in marriage, in 1880, with Caroline, daughter of Charles Halloway of Findlay Township, this county; this union has been blessed with one child, Charles Glenville. Mr. Fink has built a comfortable house near his mill. He is an enterprising, wide-awake young man, and a good citizen.

MATTHIAS GILLESPIE, lumberman, P. O. Findlay, was born in Findlay, May 10, 1835. His parents, William B. and Eliza Ann (Hamilton) Gillespie, natives of Virginia, were married in Hancock County, Ohio,in 1832; the former came to this county when a young man, and the latter came here in 1825 with her parents, John P. and Martha (Barnes) Hamilton, who entered the farm now owned by Aaron Baker, situate partly within the limits of Findlay. Mr. Hamilton was one of the first commissioners of Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. William B. Gillespie sold their place in this county in 1870, and moved to Kansas, where the former died in 1872; after the death of her husband our subject's mother returned to Findlay, where she died in 1875. Of the six children born to William B. and Eliza Ann Gillespie only two are now living: John P., of Allen County, Kas., and Matthias. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native city and received his education in the schools of that place. He was united in marriage, October 27, 1859, with Mrs. Cornelia P. Webster, a native of Massachusetts, who came to Ohio in 1850 with her parents, Oliver and Lucy Taylor, and to this county in 1854. Our subject has one son, Wellington Oliver. Mr. Gillespie has followed the lumber business nearly all his life, and has carried on a saw-mill in this county during the entire time. He established in his present location in 1874, and here he has a mill site and home on Blanchard River and the Findlay and Carey road. Our subject has led a very busy and useful life, and, in addition to his property here, has acquired a tract of 320 acres of land in the State of Missouri. He is an earnest Republican, and takes an active interest in public affairs, having hardly been free from the duties of office since attaining his majority. He has served his township as clerk, trustee, in fact, almost all the offices of the township have been filled by him at various times. Mr. Gillespie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Gillespie of the Presbyterian. He is a man of strict integrity, a useful citizen, highly respected by the entire community in which he lives. BENJAMIN KISTLER, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 30, 1817, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Kistler, the former of whom died in 1822. After the deathof her first husband our subject's mother married David Hall and moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, where young Benjamin was reared. Our subject was united in marriage December 3, 1840, with Miss Sarah Searfoss, and they came to Marion Township, this county, in the following February, bought a new farm and began the work of clearing it up and developing it. Mr. Kistler has added to his property until he now owns 24( acres of fertile and well improved land. To Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Kistler have been born seven children: the first child died in infancy; David, married to Miss Nancy Ann Brinner (he died June 26,1878); Henry; Benjamin, Jr., now in Henry County, Ohio; Mrs. Clarinda Anderson; John and William. Our subject is a Democrat in politics; has served his township as trustee. ZEBULON P. LEE, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Bloom Township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, July 18, 1828, son of Richard and Lydia (Wyant) Lee, natives of Pennsylvania and early pioneers of Ohio. Zebulon Lee, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject's parents came to this county in 1832-33 and settled in Amanda Township, where they entered land and began pioneer life. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are yet living: Zebulon P., John, Caroline (wife of D. Gilbert), Morison, David, Stephen and Noah. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October Gl. 1847, with Zill Ann, daughter of Aquilla Gilbert, of Amanda Township, this county. This union has been blessed with seven children: Cinderella, wife of L. C. Ewing; Margaret, wife of William Fogler; Lydia, wife of Milton Robison; R. A. Lee, married to Hattie Miller; Mollie, wife of Willis Marvin; Ida, unmarried, and Ollie (deceased). Mr. Lee was trustee of Amanda Township, this county, for three years, and treasurer for three years, and has been trustee of Marion Township for several years. He came to Marion Township in 1877, and purchased the land on which he now lives of Adam Haley. This farm he has since traded, with William Marvin, for the old Stephens property, in Findlay Township. this county. Mr. Lee is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Vanlue, Ohio. ; ' WILLIAM B. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 11, 1825, son of Martin and Catharine (Baker) Miller, who resided in Fairfield County, Ohio, until their death, both living to the age of eighty years. Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Jane Martin, March 27, 1845, and they came to Marion Township, this county, February 8, 1847, where Mr. Miller owned eighty acres of land near the southwest corner of the township, and to this he has added 100 acres by purchase, and has sold twenty acres of it; he at present owns a fine farm of 160 acres of well improved land, on which he has erected excellent buiidings and made other valuable improvements. He also owns other lands in the neighborhood, amounting to 140 acres, aggregating in all 300 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. William B. Miller have been born thirteen children, four of whom died in infancy, and one, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Wisely, died at the age of twenty years, leaving two children: Orpha and Curtis M. The surviving children of our subject and wife are Mrs. Rachel L. Wisely, Sherman M., Mrs. Laura A. Whetstone, Mrs. Mary C. Bennett, Mrs. Harriet A. Lee, Alice C., Flora E. and Henry G. The latter three are still living at home. Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and previous to the organization of that party was a Whig, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He was also nominated by the Republican convention of this county for representative to the State Legislature in the year 1879, and was beaten by Mr. William H. Wheeler 295 votes, while Gov. Foster was beaten 397 votes, and the rest of the State ticket was beaten by over 400 votes. He served his township as trustee several terms, and as treasurer one term. He was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1883, and discharged the duties of that office faithfully and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He and his worthy wife and most of his family are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Miller is one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Marion Township.

HENRY SNYDER (deceased), a pioneer of Marion Township, this county, was a native of Basle, Switzerland, born in February, 1790. He came to America in 4832, and proceeded at once to Fairfield County, Ohio, coming to Marion Township, this county, in 1833, and entering a tract of eighty acres of land, which he began to improve. In the fall of the same year he returned to Fairfield County and married Miss Magdalena Sands. They then located permanently in Marion Township, this county, the following April; they afterward added twenty acres to their farm. Henry Snyder died April 18, 1864, and his widow May 23, 1883, aged seventy-six years. They reared a family of six children: Mrs. Mary Herring, of Wyandot County, Ohio; Henry, Elizabeth, Susan, Anna and Daniel. The family are intelligent and industrious, and are taking good care of the heritage left them by their parents.

HENRY SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Marion Township, this county, August 12, 1837, and is a son of the well-known pioneer, Henry Snyder, Sr. Our subject early engaged in the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully for five terms (four in this county, and one in Livingston County, Ill.); he was known as a faithful and efficient instructor and gave the best of satisfaction. He was united in marriage, February 25, 1869, with Matilda, daughter of Henry Shank, Esq. She departed this life in October, 1874, leaving two sons: Willoughby Albert and Henry Jason. Mr. Snyder is owner of a fine farm of eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, thiscounty. He is a Republican in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs; is a member of the Church of the Disciples. He held the appointment as postmaster of Elm Grove (afterward changed to Lye Creek post office) from 1864 to 1867, when the office was discontinued. Our tirely to the thorough-bred Poland-Ghina hogs, which he produces for breeding purposes, and has over 100 head of this breed on his farm. He is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Marion Township.

ANDREW URBAN, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Saxony, Germany, June 27, 1817, son of Earnest Urban of Saxony. He was united in marriage, in 1848, with Barbara Hane, a native of Germany, came to Ohio December 21, same year, and settled in this county. He purchased the farm where he now resides, in 1858, and erected the buildings upon it himself; the old cabin in which he used to live is still standing opposite his new residence. Our subject and wife have been blessed with twelve children: Peter, Harriet, Earnest, John, Elizabeth, Charles, Lewie, Frank, William, Martin and Mary (twins), and Andy; five of these children are married: Harriett married John Heffnan (he died, and she was afterward married to John Marquot; she is now a widow); Peter married Maggie McKee (he was killed by a falling tree); John married Elnora Fisher; Eliza married Frank Carver, and Earnest married Polena Shoutlemire, all of this county except Elizabeth, who is in Putnam County, Ohio. Andrew Urban is now taking the world easy on his farm of 106 acres of land in this county. He also owns a farm of eighty acres in Putnam County, Ohio, where his son-in-law now lives. Mr. Urban is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and is a worthy citizen of Marion Township.

GEORGE W. WISELEY, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Marion Township, this county, in May, 1848, son of Allen and Amelia (Bright) Wiseley, natives of Ohio. Allen Wiseley, whose ancestors were natives of Holland and Scotland, was born February 20, 1809, in Fairfield County, Ohio. He there became acquainted with his first wife, Amelia Bright. Her father, Maj. Bright, moved to Hancock County, and in a few years Allen Wiseley came to this county, entered a tract of land, and shortly afterward, in October, 1830, married his intended, settled down and has remained here since. He still resides on the first forty acres entered by himself in Marion Township. He entered other lands by proxy, as at that time no person was allowed to enter more than a forty-acre tract. He and his wife were exactly of the same age. Before their marriage they went on horseback, riding single file along the Indian trail (there being no roads cut then) to the court house at Findlay, where they heard Mr. Bowman preach a sermon, and while there they put their horses up at an inn kept by a Mr. Taylor. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wiseley were born seven children, five of whom are living: George W.; Daniel; America, wife of M. E. Glick; Sarah, wife of Henry Davis, and Lurany, wife of Henry Wiseley (a member of another family of Wiseleys). The mother of these children died December 9, 1878, and Allen Wiseley was again married, this time, July 18, 1882, to Mrs. Mary As Clentchy, nee Cahill, and by her he has one child - Jessie. Allen Wiseley has been a successful farmer and is a pleasant, social old gentleman. He has given each of his children a good farm and has now retired from active labors, he and wife enjoying the fruits of years of industry. His house and farm are well supplied with relics of antiquity, such as fossils, Indian tools, curious formed rocks, etc., which he takes great pleasure in discussing. His son, George W. Wiseley, who resides near him, has twice married; his first wife, Amanda Johnson, died a short time after their marriage, leaving him one child - Orion, now an educated young man and residing with him. Our subject's second marriage was with Miss R. L. Miller, and has resulted in four children: Olive, Laura, William B. and J ennie M., the last two named being twins. George W. Wiseley has a well cultivated farm with good improvements. He is an intelligent and pleasing gentleman and a good business man.

JOHN D. ANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Bluffton; Allen County, is .a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, born February 14, 1843, son of Andrew W. and Mary Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, who married in York County, Penn., in 1835, and immigrated to Ohio the same year. They lived in Columbiana County five years, and in 1840 came to Hancock County. They were parents of two children: John D. and Mary J., latter of whom now resides in Allen County, Ohio. The father died January 25, 1864; the mother resides with her son John D. on the old homestead farm. The subject of this sketch is engaged in farming and stock raising, improving the homestead farm in various ways, and has made some additions to it, and now has 240 acres of land, with good buildings and other improvements. Mr. Anderson was twice married; first, in January, 1870, to Miss Eliza Montgomery, a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, and daughter of John and Ellenor (McClain) Montgomery, now residents of Orange Township, this county. To this union were born two children: John A. and Eliza, both now living. Mrs. Anderson died October 18, 1872, and April 3, 1884, Mr. Anderson married, for his second wife, Miss Emma Ruggly, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary (Stauffer) Ruggly, of Orange Township. Mrs. Ruggly died in this cqunty; Mr. Ruggly still resides in Orange Township, Hancock County. The second marriage of our subject has been blessed with one son, named Jesse Edgar. Mr. Anderson jis a man of high standing in the community in which he lives, an enterprising and industrious citizen. He has served his township in several of its offices, and is an earnest and ardent advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

JOHN T. ARNOLD, P. O. Hassan, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born in 1840, is a son of Thomas and Rachel (Moore) Arnold, natives of Rhode Island and Hocking County, Ohio, respectively, who married in Delaware County, Ohio, and were the parents of five children: Wilson, Eliza, William, Stephen and John T. Eliza resides in Delaware County, Ohio; William died in the late war; the remaining children reside in this county. The mother died in 1841, and the father in 1843. He was a Whig in politics, and held the office df justice of the peace for several years. John T. Arnold married, in Licking County, Ohio, February 18, 1864, Miss Jane Lewis, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born March, 1841, daughter of John and Sarah (Hughs) Lewis, both deceased. By this union Mr. Arnold had ten children: Lizzie, Della, Thomas (deceased), Samuel R., James H., Sarah, George (deceased), Ida (deceased), Bertha A. and William J. Mr. Arnold and family came to Orange Township, this county, in 1866. He now has 160 acres of land, which he has improved in various ways, and on which he has good buildings. He served under the three months' call in the late war in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are two of the pioneers of the Riley Creek Mission Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

CHARLES BENROTH, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, born November 6, 1836, near the city of Mainz, son of Charles and Hannah (Schueler) Benroth (the former a cooper by trade), who died in their native country. They were the parents of six children: Charles, Anfhony, (deceased), Susan (deceased), Adam (deceased), Henry, in Putnam County, Ohio, and George in Allen County, Ohio. Our subject came to America in 1854, worked a short time on a farm near Baltimore, Md., lived in Lebanon County, Penn., two years, then came to Richland County, Ohio, where he remained about four years, and in 1861 removed to Allen County, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Orange Township, this county. He has cleared up a farm, and is an industrious citizen. Mr. Benroth married, January 28, 1860, Melinda Light, of Richland County, Ohio, a native of Lebanon County, Penn., born February 14, 1841, daughter of David and Mary A. (Crate) Light, natives of Pennsylvania and parents of nine children, of whom seven are now living: Melinda (Mrs. Benroth); Cyrus, Mary and Henry, in Allen County, Ohio; Amos and Rosannah, in Putnam County, Ohio, and Samuel, in Sumner County, Kas. The father died in Richland County, Ohio; the mother now resides in Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Benroth are parents of nine children: Mary C. (deceased), John O., Margaret E. (deceased), Charles F., Henry A. (deceased), Susan O., George W., Milton H. and Harry C. In politics Mr. Benroth is a Republican.

GEORGE H. BURNET, P. O. Hassan, a native of Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, born February 25, 1858, is a son of Seth 8. and Sarah (Hay) Burnet, both natives of Ohio, and who married in this county and were the parents of twelve children: Mary A., Lomira (deceased), Seth S. (deceased), Eliza L., Sarah A., Ethan K., George H. and Susannah (twins, the latter deceased), Polly and Zillah (twins), Christena and Nettie G. (latter deceased). The father, who was a shoe-maker and tanner by trade, giving also some attention to carpenter work, died at Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, while in the service of his country, and the mother now resides on the homestead farm with our subject. George H. Burnet married, October 14, 1880, Miss Mina Curry, of Van Buren Township, this county, daughter of Charlie and Hannah E. (Agin) Curry, who were early located in this county, but removed to Ionia County, Mich., where Mr. Curry died; his widow now resides in Van Buren Township, this county. They were the parents of two children: Mina and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Burnet have two children: Charles F. and Edgar E. Mr. Burnet, is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He gives his attention to farming, and operates a threshing-machine in the season.

JOHN D. BURNS, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 12, 1826, is the eldest son of Esdras R. and Catharine (Dull) Burns, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent, both deceased. Hdward Burns, father of Esdras R. Burns and grandfather of John D. Burns, was pressed into the English service, and was brought to Quebec, Canada; while there he and two other British soldiers deserted from the British service, came over to the States and joined the American Army, and fought on the side of Liberty in the Revolutionary war. Esdras R. Burns married in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and in 1834 moved to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining for a few years, then to Ashtabula County, and in 1837 came to Orange Township, this county, where he entered land and reared a family of five children: John D., Mary A., George L., Samuel M. and William S.; Samuel M. resides in Allen County. Ohio; William S. is in Kansas; the others reside in this county. John D. Burns married, in 1851, Miss Susan Goldman of Findlay Townsbip, this county, a native of Lebanon County, Penn., and daughter of Peter and Mary (Painter) Goldman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, who married in Lebanon County, Penn. and moved to Richland County, Ohio, about 1837, and from there to this county in 1842; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have a family of five children: Mary C., Esdras H., Melinda E., Dora L., Edward S. Esdras H. resides in Jay County, Ind., and Melinda E. in Hardin County, Ohio. Mr. Burns has improved many acres of land. He has served his township in several of its offices, and has been an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.

GEORGE L. BURNS, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 4, 1831, son of Esdras R. and Catharine (Dull) Burns, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively, who settled in Orange Township, this county, about 1837, where, after many years of hard labor incident to pioneer life, they ended their days. At the age of nineteen years our subject began the trade of cabinetmaking, which he followed two years, giving some attention to wagon making also for a short time; but he finally adopted the carpenter's trade which he followed for fifteen years. He purchased land and began farming in 1862, and now owns 120 acres of farm land. Mr. Burns married, July 29, 1873, Marilla Philips, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Iowa and daughter of Aaron Philips, who lived for several years in this county, but finally removed to Michigan where he died. His wife died in Iowa several years prior to his death; of their family only three girls survive: Mrs. Burns, and her two sisters, Abigail and Julia, who now reside in Tonia County, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have three children: Charles E., Safrona M. and Golden I.

JOHN CHARLES, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born March 15, 1831, is a son of Isaac (a miller bytrade, which he followed most of his life) and Sarah (Moudy) Charles, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, and who were married in Richland County, Ohio, about 1825, and died in Allen County, Ohio, faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of five children: Elijah, Rosannah (deceased), John, Isaac and Anna (latter deceased). John

Charles married, in 1850, Miss Mary Caris, of Richland County, Ohio, anative of France, born in 1833, daugkter of Peter and Mary A. (Styret) Caris, who immigrated to America about 1840, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, where Mrs. Caris died in 1861. Mr. Caris came to Orange Township, this county, and died here; Mr. and Mrs. Charles moved to Orange Township, this county, the same year they were married. He has reared a family of five children: Mary A. (deceased), Isaac, Andrew, Peter (de- ceased) and Sarah M. Mr. Charles settled upon land which had been entered in Orange Township, this county, by his father in 1840, and by industry and economy has improved and accumulated land until he now has 300 acres. In 1884 he built a fine brick residence at a cost of $5,000. He also has good out-buildings and various other improvements on his place.

JOHN CRATES, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born June 1, 1829, while his parents, Christian and Mary M. (Myers) Crates, were en route from their home in Wittenberg, Germany, to America. Christian Crates and family landed in Philadelphia, lived a few years in Washington County, Penn., and in 1844 removed to Hancock County, Ohio, settling in Van Buren Township, where Mr. Crates died; his widow, now eighty-nine years of age, resides in Eagle Township, this county; she is the mother of ten children, of whom only four survive: Caroline, in Hardin County, Ohio; and John, Rosannah and Godfrey, in this county. John Crates married, November 10, 1854, Miss Mary Baldwin, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and daughter of Caleb and Jennette (Smith) Baldwin, who came from Trumbull County, Ohio, to Orange Township, this county, in 1857. Here her father died; her mother now resides with our subject and has four children now living: Mary, in Orange Township, this county; John, in Wood County, Ohio, and Harriet and Jane, in Orange Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Crates are parents of eleven children; those now living are Amelia, Mintie, Lena, Call, Edward, Jennette, Rosannah and Ida, all in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Crates are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

JAMES CUMMANS (deceased), a native of Loudoun County, Va., born September 12, 1804, was the eldest, and at the time of his death, the only living son of Aaron and Eleah (Huff) Cummans, natives of Virginia and South Carolina, respectively, latter reared in Pennsylvania; they were married in Hampshire County, Va., and soon after moved to Loudoun County, Va., but in a few years returned to Hampshire County, where they reared their family of six children: James, John, Elizabeth, Catharine, Aaron and Eleah. The father dying in Hampshire County, Va., in 1813, the mother and family moved to Ohio several years later and settled in Columbiana County, where Mrs. Cummans died. James Cummans came to Orange Township, this county, about 1837-38 and entered land which he improved. He married, October 13, 1831, Sarah Rickey, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 25, 1810, and to this union were born fifteen children: Rueann, John W., Eleah, David, James, Elizabeth J., Sarah C., Aaron, George M., Mary, Harriet, Henry, Nicholas, Oscar and Jesse. Mr. Cummans died March 6, 1886; he was a man of extraordinary strength when in his prime. He was one of the first voters in Orange Township, this county, assisted in the organization of the township, and served in most of its offices. He was always identified with the Democratic party, and was a prominent member of the Reformed Church. ;

AARON R. DALLY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Orange Township, this county, August 14, 1839, is a son of Ohio and Eliza (Reinhart) Dally, natives of Trumbull County, Ohio, and Green County, Penn., respectively, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. They married in Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1832, moved to Knox county, where they entered and éleared the farm on which they now reside. Ohio Dally was a pump-maker by trade, a. Democrat in politics, a member of the Disciples Church. He was the father of eleven children: Marion F. (deceased); Sarah J., now in Grundy County, Mo.; Henry L. (deceased); Aaron R. and Mansir M. (twins), the former the subject of this sketch, the latter now living in Greeley -County, Neb.; Mary E., in Boone County, Neb.; Joseph R., in Burt County, Neb. ; Eliza A., in Greeley County, Neb.; John L., in Hardin County, Ohio; James (deceased), and Benjamin F., in Barry County, Mich. The father died, and the mother resides with her son Aaron R. Dally, and has followed weaving all her life. Our subject married, August 14, 1869, Miss Mary J. Montgomery, a native of Orange Township, this county, born August 18, 1852, daughter of Albert and Isabelle (Warren) Montgomery, and by this'union there are five children: William R., Cora M. (deceased), Anna L., Hattie B. and ° 'bert O. During the late war Mr. Dally served about three years in Compan; B, of Sherman's Body Guards. After his return home, he lived three years in Barry County, Mich., and returned to Orange Township, this county, in 1869. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; in polities he is a Democrat.

FLAVIUS J. DEWESE, farmer, P O. Mount Cory, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 17, 1835, son of Thomas and Sarah (Watkins) Dewese, the former born March 4, 1809, and the latter July 18, 1811; they married in Wayne County, Ohio, October 2, 1830, and came to this county, settling in Union Township in 1886, where they entered and improved land. They were parents of nine children: Mary A., Flavius J., Susannah, Thomas, Eve, Adam, Elizabeth, Sarah J. and Francis M., of whom Flavius J. is the only survivor. Thomas Dewese assisted in organizing the first schools in Union Township, this county, and was prominently identified with the Methodist Protestant Church. He also served in many of the township offices. He passed from this life April 138, 1853. After the death of her husband Mrs. Thomas Dewese was again united in marriage, this time, April 13, 1857, with Levi Showalter, and August 13, 1881, she departed this life. Flavius J. Dewese, the subject of this sketch, married, January 1, 1860, Miss Susannah D. Showalter, a native of Union Township, this county, and daughter of Levi and Mahala (Wade) Showalter. Mr. and Mrs. Dewese are the parents of eight children: Sanford H., born May 6, 1866; Milton O., born June 4, 1868; Alvin V., born March 3, 1871; Grace E., born January 25, 1875 ; Francis M., born October 11, 1876; and Harry C., born November 28, 1881 (all now living), and Louretta O. (deceased) and Victoria A. (deceased). Mr. Dewese enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 22, 1862, at Findlay, Ohio. His regiment was'assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Twenty-third Army Corps. For three years he was actively engaged in all the battles his regiment took part in, including many of the most important engagements of the war. Mr. Dewese was wounded in the left knee at the battle of Resaca. He was in various hospitals for three months, and this wound has been a source of great pain and has impeded him in all labor he has performed since. Mr. Dewese is now engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has one of the most beautiful homes in the county. He is an active member of the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

THOMAS DRAY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in 1804, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was reared and where he lived till 1865, then came to Orange Township, this county, where he still resides. By his first wife, Hannah Willick, born February 29, 1812, to whom he was married by John Carlton September 24, 1829, he had five children: Martha Jane, born in Knox Township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, January 24, 1834; Lemuel, born June 2, 1837, also in Knox Township; Mary, born August 29, 1840, also in Knox Township, died August 17, 1844; William W., born September 22, 1843, in Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio; Hannah L., born May 24, 1848, also in Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, died August 28, 1878. The mother of this family dying July 4, 1848, Mr. Dray was married, by Thomas Duncan, May 12, 1853, to Malissa Sheffelton, born August 24, 1824, and by her had four children: John S., born' February 28, 1854; Charles H., born June 22, 1856, died February 12, 1858; James W., born February 17, 1858; Eliza F. J., born November 13, 1863, died September 5, 1866. Mr. Dray has been a very active man in his day, but is now living a retired life upon his farm, which is operated by his son James W.

JOSIAH DUNLAP (deceased) was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, August 15, 1828, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Philips) Dunlap, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Trumbull County, Ohio, in an early day. In 1856 they removed to Orange Township, this county, where they ended their days. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are still living: William P., in Trumbull County, Ohio; Harlan S. and James F. in Mahoning County, Ohio, and Mary,in Allen County, Ohio. Thesubject of this skejch was married, September 7, 1848, to Mary A. Blunt, of Trumbull County, Ohio, a native of Denbighshire, Wales, born November 26, 1828, daughter of Edward and Ann (Richards) Blunt, who came to America in 1829, located in Schuylkill County, Penn., resided also a short time in Pittsburgh, Penn., and, about 1832, came to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they died. They were parents of ten children, of whom those still living are Thomas and Margaret, in Mahoning County, Ohio; Edward I., in Trumbull County, Ohio; Hannah in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Mary A. in Orange Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Dunlap were born seven children: Sarah A., now residing in Trumbull County, Ohio; Cyntha E. (deceased); Thomas L., in Orange Township, this county; Emma A. (deceased) ; Clara J. (deceased); Ida E. (deceased), and Maggie in Putnam County. Ohio. Mr. Dunlap was a highly respected citizen; a Democrat in politics. His death occurred August 2, 1878. His widow still operates the farm with the help of her son, Thomas L.

WILLIAM ELZAY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 18, 1831, son of Newton R. and Julia (Rolston) Elzay, natives of Virginia, who were married in 1828, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and in 1845 came to this county, settling in Orange Township. They reared a family of seven children: David, William, Angeline, Moses, Mary E., Harriet and Benjamin K. ; Harriet is deceased; Angeline is in Hardin County, Ohio, and all the others are in this county. The father, who died in 1851, was a life-long member of the Methodist Church; a Whig in politics. The mother still resides in Orange Township, this county. William Elzay married, August 28, 1861, Miss Margaret Markley, of Putnam County, Ohio, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Salabury) Markley, buth of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Elzay are parents of eight children: Newton R., Samantha J., Charles L., Wilbert D., Mary E., Hiram W., Benjamin F. and Lawrence C., all living. Our subject purchased land in Orange Township, this county, in 1861, which he has improved. He and his wife are faithful members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

JOHN A. EWING, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Crawford County, Penn., December 25, 1814, is a son of Alexander and Mary (Battler) Ewing, natives of Cumberland and Washington Counties, respectively, who married in Crawford County, Penn., and in 1817 moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, where Alexander Ewing died; his widow died in this county, and was buried beside her husband in Trumbull County. They were the parents of eleven children: William B., John A., Beriah, Benjamin L., Ralph, George, Silas, Nancy, Levi, Mary and Asa. The father of this family was a cooper by trade, but gave most of his life to farming; he served in the war of 1812. John A. Ewing gave some attention to school teaching in early life. He married, in 1838, Elizabeth Clemmens, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, born May 29, 1817, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Stumbaugh) Clemmens (both now deceased), who were parents of eleven children: Philip, Elizabeth, Sarah, William, George, Martin, Henry, Jared, Catharine, Eliza and Nancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Ewing were born six children: Sarah J., Alexander, Frank, Thomas C. (deceased), Myron J. and Eliza A. The mother died February 7, 1859, and Mr. Ewing married, in 1863, Miss Mary Battles, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Fish) Battles (latter deceased), Pennsylvanians, who lived in Trumbull County, Ohio, several years, and from there came to Orange Township, this county, in 1844; they had a large family of children, eight of whom are still living: Eli, Robert, Noah, Mary, Rozilla, Olive, Caroline and Rebecca. Mr. Battles, now old, feeble and blind, still resides in Orange Township. To the second marriage of our subject five children have been born: Florence M., Chase, Calvin, Corey L. and Nettie D. Mr. Ewing has been a faithful member of the Disciples Church for the past forty-five years. He has been an active man in his community, and has served his township in several of its offices. He was trustee five years, justice of the peace six years, notwithstanding the fact that the township is very largely Democratic, and he an old-time Free-soiler and stanch Republican.

THOMAS FENTON, farmer, P. O. Cannonsburgh, born in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 25, 1823, is a son of Robert and Jane (McCrea) Fenton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively. They were mar- - ried in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1808, and the same year, came to Ohio, locating in Trumbull County, and in 1836 removing to Richland Township, Allen Co., Ohiv, where they died - Robert Fenton in 1852, and his widow in 1855. They were the parents of eight children: Samuel (died in Allen County, Ohio), Mary Ann, William, Margaret (died in Allen County, Ohio), Joseph (who also died in Allen County), Thomas, John and Elizabeth. All those now living are in Allen County, Ohio, except our subject, who resides in Hancock County. The father was a carpenter by trade, and an active member of and elder in the old Seceder Church. Thomas Fenton was first married, November 21, 1850, to Miss Delia Russell, of Richland Township, Allen County, Ohio, and a native of Medina

Orange Townsbip

County, Ohio, born August 10, 1833. By this marriage there were seven children: Phebe J., Mary L., Ebenezer, Emma, James T., John and Delia E. Their mother died February 12, 1866, and Mr. Fenton then married, October 2, 1870, Janurah Perse, of Union Township, this county, a native of Huron County, Ohio, born January 5, 1846. She had one son, He

C. Perse. Mr. Fenton came to this county and to Orange Township, in 1861, where he has cleared and improved a large. farm. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, of Cannonsburgh, Ohio. In polities he has been identified with the Democratic party.

JACOB S. GALLANT, farmer, P. O. Hassan, born in Orange Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 20, 1860, is a son of James and Letitia (Stokesberry) Gallant, and was married, February 22, 1882, to Miss Lydia Spacht, of Union Township, this county, and a native of Snyder County, Penn., born March 23, 1862, daughter of Michael and Ada (Musser) Spacht. Mr. Spacht died in the late war of the Rebellion, and his widow, marrying again, removed in 1872 to this county, where she now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Gallant are parents of three children: Jenner O., Oscar 8. and Orlan J., the two latter being twins. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JEREMIAH GREEN, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Armstrong County, Penn., November 15, 1821, is ason of William and Susannah (Hummon) Green, natives of and married in Armstrong County, Penn., who, in 1835, immigrated to Ohio, lived two years in what is now Wyandot County, and in 1837 came to this county and settled in Union Township, where they reared their family of thirteen children: Samuel and Susan (deceased), Jeremiah, Mary A., Margaret, William, Alvira and Robert A., in this county; Eliza J., Saloma and Adelia, in Morris County, Kas.; David, in Brown County, Kas., and Isabelle, in Brown County, Il. The parents both died.in this county, aged seventy-three and sixty-eight years, respectively. Jeremiah Green remained on and operated the home farm until 1868; then purchased land in Orange Township, this county, where he has since lived. He married, January 21, 1849, Rachel J. Routzon, of Findlay, this county, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born July 18, 1828, daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) Routzon, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively; they lived in Columbiana County, Ohio, a few years and then removed to Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1840 came to this county, where Mr. Routzon followed the trade of brick-mason. They had eleven children: Margaret (deceased); Ann (deceased); Elizabeth (deceased); Letitia (deceased); George W., who was a soldier in the Fifty-seventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, was mortally wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and died April 10, 1862; Alice, Rachel J. and David, in this county; Caroline, in Missouri; Sarah, in Kansas, and Clarissa, in Wayne County, Iowa. The parents both died, aged eighty-ope and sixty-nine years, respectively. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Green have been born seven children: Alice Vit now in Morgan County, Tenn. ; John W. (deceased); David E., in this county; Isaac and Robert A., in Iosco County, Mich. ; Susan L. (deceased); Charles E., in this county. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Green is a Prohibitionist.

1818, where they both died; they were parents of thirteen children: Elizabeth; Philip, now in Fairfield County, Ohio; George (deceased); Louisa (deceased) and Mary, twins; Jonathan, residing in Randolph County, Ind. ; Frederick, Peter (deceased); Rebecca, residing in Licking County, Ohio; Leah, residing in Indiana; Barbara, in Jay County, Ind. ; Levi; and Carolina, in Fairfield County, Ohio; Frederick, Mary and Levi are in this county. Frederick Hauser married, in 1841, Miss Elizabeth C. Hisey, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and daughter of Abraham Hisey (deceased). By this union there were eight children, five of whom are yet living. Mrs. Hauser dying, Mr. Hauser was again married, this time to Louisa Tryon, of Van Wert County, Ohio, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and by her he has seven children. Mr. Hauser and family came to this county in 1856; he cleared a large farm and has now 200 acres of land. He has been a prominent and official member of the United Brethren Church for over forty-five years; he organized the first Sunday-school in Orange Township, this county; is a member of the Sandusky Conference and has been engaged in the ministry for ten or twelve years. In politics he is a Republican. =.

DAVID G. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Hassan, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born May 15, 1839, is a son of John and Sarah (Hughes) Lewis, natives of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where they married; they immigrated to America in 1831, and settled first in Licking County, Ohio, where they reared a family of six children: Daniel, Samuel, Mary, Eliza, David G. and Jane. The father died in 1863, aged seventy-five years, and the mother in 1873, aged sixty-six years. John Lewis was a book-binder by trade, but followed farming after coming from his native country. He was a deacon in the Welsh Congregational Church. His son Daniel and daughter Mary are still in Licking County, Ohio; Samuel and Eliza are in Delaware County, Ohio; Jane and David G. are in this county. The subject of this sketch married, March 1, 1866, Miss Hannah Williams, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born August 2, 1842, daughter of William B. and Margaret (Davis) Williams, who emigrated from South Wales to America in an early day, married in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1834, and now reside in Delaware County, Ohio, and have reared a family of six children: William, Elizabeth, Margaret, Mary, Hannah and David. Mr. Williams is a farmer and a prominent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of six children: William J., George W., Grace E., Maggie M., Mary (deceased) and Jimmie (deceased). Mr. Lewis came to Ohio in 1866. He has 160 acres of improved land. He and his wife are members of the Mission Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM M. McKINLEY, P. O. Cordelia, is the eldest son of John and Mary (Marshall) McKinley, the former born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 23, 1801, and.the latter in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 2, 1806; William M. was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, January 22, 1824. ' John McKinley and family moved to this county in 1836 and, in the wilderness, began the work of preparing a home. His faithful wife worked with him, and in a few years they were surrounded by many comforts. For forty-six years John McKinley was an elder in the Christian Church, and was faithful in his attendance at the meetings and services of the same. An esteemed friend, a kind husband and father, he went to his rest March 20, 1882. His beloved wife entered, before him, the borders of that unseon country. William M. McKinley has been a resident of this county since coming here with his parents. He was early united in marriage with Mary A. Burns, daughter of Esdras R. and Catharine (Dull) Burns. Esdras R. Burns was born in 1800 and ended his long and useful life December 3, 1883; Mrs. Burns died August 22, 1875. This family entered Hancock County, Ohio, in 1837, and since that time have wrought much of the change that has been accomplished. The children of Mr. and Mrs. William M. McKinley are Esdras B., born January 20, 1848, now a physician in Putnam County, Ohio; John R., born October 30, 1849, died January 21, 1851; William H., born February 10, 1851, and now residing in this county; Catherine M., born June 16, 1853, died October 6, 1874; Mary R., born January 2, 1856, died October 15, 1860; Samuel E., born June 5, 1858, died September 25, 1884; George H., born November 10, 1860; Robert M., born February 27, 1863; Florence O., born January 18, 1867, and James S., born March 30, 1869. Catherine M., whose death is noted in the record, married J. B. Falk, and when she died left an infant daughter, Cora B., who was born March 4, 1874, and who, since her mother's death, has been one of Mr. McKinley'sfamily. William M. McKinley held the office of justice of the peace for eighteen years, and office of notary public for nine years. He represented his district in the Legislature in 1874-75, with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the manufacture of brick. He is an esteemed citizen of Orange Township.

SABEERS MAIN, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Virginia, January 19, 1813, is ason of Timothy and Rebecea(Wright)Main, of Virginia, who immigrated to Ohio in 1815, settling in Delaware County, where they died. They were parents of a large family, only three surviving: Sabeers and Nathaniel, who reside in Orange Township, this county, and Elijah, now residing in Michigan. Sabeers Main came to this county in 1840, where he purchased land and improved many acres. He married in Delaware County, Ohio, Elizabeth Dial, a native of Virginia, and by her he had eight children, of whom only four survive: Lee, Louisa, Drial and Alice. In politics Mr. Main has always been identified with the Republican party.

WILLIAM M. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, born in Trumbull County, Ohio, August 8, 1815, is the eldest son of Benjamin and Jane (Me- Kinley) Marshall, who were married in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1814, and came to this county in 1838. Of their family only four sons and three daughters survive. The father died and the mother now resides in Union Township, this county. 'William M. Marshall married, November 7, 1839, Mary A. Vermillion, of Orange Township, this county. Her parents, George and Anna (Hardy) Vermillion, came to Hancock County about 1838. To our subject and wife have been born eight children: Anna J. (deceased); Benjamin G.; James (deceased); Calvin W.; Martin F'. (deceased) ; Chancy C. (deceased);-John W. (deceased) and Lydia D. Mr. Marshall has improved many acres of land in Orange Township, and has filled several of the township offices. He has also served the county in the office of commissioner. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Marshall is now a widower, his wife having died some time since.

W. OC. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born in Union Township, this county, May 18, 1853; son of Hiram and Sarah J- (Markley) Miller, early settlers in this county. W. C. Miller was united in marriage, Febru- ary 18, 1875, with Miss Sophrotia Marshall. of Union Township, this county, who was born February 12, 1857, and is the daughter of Isaac A. and Caroline (Lewis) Marshall, early settlers in this county. W. C. Miller came to Orange Township, this county, in 1877, and purchased and improved a farm of 100 acres of land, and, in 1882, built a good residence. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of three children: Clara D., Marshall M. and Emma E. Our subject and wife are members of the Evangelical Association Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O., Bluffton, Allen County. a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born February 1, 1824, is a son of William and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent, respectively, who married in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they reared a family of twelve children, all now living but two; the parents both died in Columbiana County, Ohio; the father was a plain farmer, in politics a Jacksonian Democrat. John Montgomery left his native county in 1844 and removed to Wyandot County, Ohio, where he married Ellenor McClain, a native of Greene County, Penn., who came with her parents to Wyandot County, Ohio, when she was but nine years of age. In 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery came to this county and settled in Orange Township, where he purchased forty acres of timber land. He now owns 240 acres, which he has improved. They reared a family of six children: Eliza, deceased; William, Rebecca J., Jesse W., Marion and Alice, latter deceased. Mr. Montgomery has served his township in several of its offices for a number of years; has been treasurer and trustee. He has always been, and is yet, an active and ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.

ALBERT MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen Co., Ohio, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 1, 1826, is a son of William and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery, both of whom died in Columbiana County, Ohio, the former April. 138, 1884, and the latter June 26, 1883, aged, respectively, eighty six and eighty-three years. John Montgomery, our subject's grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Albert Montgomery came to this county in 1851, and purchased, in Orange Township, eighty acres of timber land, which he cleared and improved, and to which he has added another eighty-acre tract. His farm is well cultivated, and has fine buildings, and other improvements on it. Mr. Montgomery married, February 6, 1851, Miss Isabella Warren, of Orange Township, this county, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born in December, 1829, daughter of William and Isabell (Hamilton) Warren, the former of whom died in Columbiana County, Ohio; the latter, now the wife of William Peppell, resides in Orange Township, this county. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with five children: Mary J., William W., Brice K., Harriet B., and Hamilton (latter deceased). Mr. Montgomery is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a deacon.

BRICE K. MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, son of Albert and Isabella (Warren) Montgomery, was born in Orange Township, this county, August 4, 1858. He was reared a farmer, an occupation he still follows. In 1876 he attended the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada. He married, in October, 1878, Miss Ida M. Harding, a native of Orange Township, this county, born May 17, 1861, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Blair) Harding, who still reside in Orange Township, this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are the parents of two children: Earl F. and Myrtle F. Mrs. Montgomery is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1884 Mr. Montgomery built a frame house on his farm, and he is engaged in improving his place in various ways. He is a man of good natural ability. He is quite active in the ranks of the Democratic party.

ORVID S. NICHOLLS, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, was born June 24, 1851, in Jefferson County, Ohio, in which county his father (James Nicholls) was born November 27, 1821, and married November 9, 1847. His mother, Jane B. (Freeborn) Nicholls was a native of Pennsy!lvania, born November 28, 1821. His parents came to Orange Township, this county, in 1863. They reared a family of six children: Malcom W., Orvid S., Emma, Alton B., Maria J. and James S., all living except Emma. The father died September 18, 1878. He had followed school teaching and superintending all through life. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and the organizer of that church and Sabbath-school in his neighborhood. In politics he was active in the ranks of the Democratic party. His widow, an educated lady, who followed school teaching prior to her marriage, now resides in Wooster, Ohio. Orvid S. Nicholls occupies and owns the homestead farm, and has added to it and improved it in various ways. He was educated in the Northwestern Ohio University, and followed school teaching for several years. He is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits. April 11, 1872, he married Miss Lillie Morehouse, a native of Lorain County, Ohio, born July 11, 1854, daughter of Henry and Maria (Balcom) Morehouse, natives of New York State, who came to Ohio in 1825, and lived until 1840, in Medina County, then moved to Lorain County, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls are the parents of four children: Malcom A., Elda G., Pearl and Helen M. The two latter are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls are both members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he isan elder. In politics Mr. Nicholls is a Democrat.

MICHAEL C. PALMER, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born April 5, 1841, son of Adam and Leah (Cummans) Palmer, natives of Columbiana County, Ohio, and Hampshire County, Va., respectively. They married in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died in the same county - the mother in 1846 and the father in 1885. They were the parents of four children: John, now in Hardin County, Ohio; Mary, deceased; Michael C. and Stephen, now in Mahoning County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch came to Orange Township, this county, in 1862. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade, which he has followed principally all his life. He now resides upon a farm "he purchased in Orange Township, this county, about 1859, and which he has improved in various ways. He married, September 19, 1865, Miss Louisa EK. Hassan, a native of Van Buren Township, this county, born in April, 1846, daughter of Eliab and Polly (Elliott) Hassan, natives of and married in Trumbull County, Ohio, who came to Hancock County in 1843. They had four children: Edward, Marrietta (deceased), Louisa and Margaret. Mr. Hassan now resides in Ada, Ohio. His wife died in 1856. They were parents of four children: Clark (deceased), Cora L., Leona E. and Carl (latter deceased). Politically Mr. Palmer is a Democrat, and takes an active part in politics. He has served his township in some of its offices, and was for twelve years a justice of the peace. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

WILLIAM PARK, farmer, FP: O. Hassan,a native of Hunterdon County, N. J., born February 7, 1811, is a son of John and Margaret M. (McLain) Park, natives of New Jersey and of Irish descent, their forefathers being from Counties Antrim and Tyrone; they married, in 1794, in Hunterdon County, N. J.; reared a family in Hunterdon County, N. J., and moved to Huntingdon County. Penn. The namesof their chiidren are Robert, John, Elizabeth, Mary, James, Margaret, William, Sarah and Joseph. The two latter still live in Huntingden County, Penn.; Elizabeth and James are in Jefferson County, Iowa; Margaret is in Story County, Iowa; and the others (except our subject) are deceased. Robert was a local Methodist preacher from the age of twenty-eight years until 1876. John served two terms in the Iowa Legislature, and was speaker in the Senate; during the last term he was seized with cancer in the mouth, went to Boston to effect a cure, and died at the residence of his brother, Joseph, and was buried with his parents in Cassville, Huntingdon Co.,Penn. The parents died in Pennsylvania. William Park came to Ohio at the age of twenty-five years, lived for several years in Coshocton and Knox Counties. John R. Gamble and he had the contract of Section 23 on the Walhonding Canal, which they completed. Mr. Park also engaged in farm work. He married, March 31, 1839, Miss Mary Riley, a native of Knox County, Ohio, and daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Shrimplin) Riley, both deceased, who were the first settlers in that county, and the parents of fourteen children, of whom Mary, George, Hannah, Susan and Nicholas survive. Mr. Park came to this county in 1849, and purchased over 1,100 acres of land in Orange Township, this county; he has improved many acres of this land, and made liberal distributions to his children, and his homestead farm is well supplied with good buildings of all kinds. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Park, nine in number, were Nicholas, Margaret, Susan (deceased), Hannah, Sarah, John, Jane, Almira and Rachel; all in this county except Nicholas and John, who are in Ada, Ohio. Mr. Park has been identified with the Republican party from its organization to the present time. He has served his township for ten years, as treasurer. He and his wife are faithful members of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM PEPPELL, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Pennsylvania in 1817; is a son of Lewis and Rachel (Jones) Peppell, latter of whom died when our subject was quite young. Lewis Peppell then came to Ohio with the children, only two of whom are now living - William and Catharine - and settled in Columbiana County, where the father biana County, Ohio, in 1840, Mrs. Isabelle (Hamilton) Warren, and they came to this county the same year. Mrs. Peppell is a native of Ireland, born March 5, 1812, the former wife of William Warren, a native of County Down, Ireland, where they were married in December, 1827. In the spring of 1828 they came to America and settled in Erie County, Penn., and about two years later removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, where Mr. Warren died, and where his widow met and married her present husband. By Mr. Warren she was the mother of five children: Jane (deceased), Isabelle, William §., Mary A. (deceased) and Hamilton. - By her present husband Mrs. Peppell is the mother of six ehildren: Warrick, Mary C., Harriet, Stelta, Lewis and Matilda, all living except Warrick and Mary ©. Mr. Peppell's first purchase of land in Orange Township, this county, was cighty acres, and by his industry and economy he has made several additions ta the same, now owning 320 acres, most of which, by the help of his family, he has cleared and improved in various ways.

H. R. PHILLIPS, farmer, P.O. Hassan, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born in 1813, is a son of Samuel and Mary (Russel) Phillips, natives of Pennsylvania, who married in Beaver County, Penn. They came to Ohio about 1817, and settled.in Columbiana County, where were born to them fourteen children, of whom six are yet living. The father died in 1850, and the mother in 1869. H.R. Phillips came to this county in 1842, where he purchased land and cleared up a farm. He married, in 1837, Miss Jane Smart, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born July 29, 1813; daughter of James Smart (deceased), who was formerly from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of ten children: James A., Catharine A., Samuel W.., David J., Mary J., Nancy C., Henry R., Elizabeth A., Hugh S., and John P. James and Hugh are in Platte County, Neb.; Samuel, Henry and Elizabeth, are in Hardin County, Ohio; all the others are deceased. Their mother died June 16, 1878; she was a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Phillips has served as trustee, and in other township offices. He isa shoe-maker by trade, which he did not abandon entirely until about fifteen years ago, since when he has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

DAVID REDICK, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born October 10, 1822, in Columbiana County, Ohio, is a son of David and Margaret (Allison) Redick, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively; they immigrated to Ohio in 1812, and reared a family in Columbiana County, where Mrs. Redick died in 1848. David Redick, Sr., came to this county in 1849, and died in 1852; they were the parents of eight children, of whom only two survive: Sarah, now in Monroe County, Iowa, and the subject of this sketch, who moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1845, and two years later came to this county and settled in Orange Township, where he still resides. Oursubject married, November 28, 1844, Miss Sarah Montgomery, a native of Golumbiana County, Ohio, born June 6, 1822; daughter of William and Sarah (Foutz) Montgomery. To this union were born fifteen children, several of whom died in infancy, and six grew to maturity: William, Margaret, Lemuel, Jane, Mark and Isabelle, all now living except Margaret. The mother of this family died September 28, 1882. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Redick is still a member. In politics he is a Democrat.

NICHOLAS REDICK, farmer, P. O. Cordelia, was born in Van Buren Township, this county, May 23, 1851, son of John A. and Elizabeth (Katzermire) Redick, who emigrated from Germany and settled in this county in a very early day. They had following children: Anna, J ohn, Elizabeth, Mary (half sisters), Nicholas, Adam and George, all living in this county except Mary, who now resides in Chicago. The father died in this county November 17, 1878. The mother now resides in Orange Township, this county. Our subject, Nicholas Redick, married, September 8, 1878, Delila Feller, of Van Buren Township, this county, a native of Eagle Township, this county, born February 18, 1851, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Banhart) Feller, who reside in Van Buren Township, this county. Our subject and wife have two children: Amanda L. and Edward E. Nicholas Redick came to Orange Township, this county, in 1881, and purchased and improved

100 acres of land, upon which he still resides. He devotes his time to general farming, but prior to his marriage he followed the carpenter's trade for several years. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. In polities Mr. Redick is a Democrat.

ZACHARIAH T. SHOWALTER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, born in Union Township, this county, November 7, 1848, is a son of Levi and Mahala (Wade) Showalter. He was married, November 20, 1873, to Miss Mary A. Link, a native of Union Township, this county, and daughter of Andrew and Ursula (Heininger) Link, who still reside in Union Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Showalter have been born three children: Winfield A., Cloyd M. and Ima M. Mr. Showalter has a well improved farm in Orange Township, this county. In 1880 his residence was burned to the ground, but notwithstanding this loss and the expense of rebuilding, he is still in comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

GEORGE SPANGLER, farmer, P. O., Cordelia, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 8, 1835, son of Abram and Elizabeth (Hoops) Spangler, natives of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio, respectively, and of German and Irish descent; prominent members of the Evangelical Association Church. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to Union Township, this county, in 1839, and cleared up a large farm. They were parents of seven children: Jonathan, Nancy and Margaret, all deceased, and Mary A., Elizabeth, David B. and George, all in this county. Abram Spangler was a cabinet-maker, coffin-maker, pump manufacturer, carpenter and farmer. In politics he wasa Whig and Republican. George Spangler, the subject of this sketch, first married November 27, 1856, Nancy Nonnamaker, a native of Eagle Township, this county, and daughter of Ami and Lucinda (Houdeshell) Nonnamaker. To this union were born six children: Ami N., Mary,E., John A., Abram C., David C. and George C. The mother of this family died, March 23, 1882, and George Spangler then married, June 6, 1883, Mrs. Mary E. (Brown) Bloom of Hardin County, Ohio, the widow of Nicholas Bloom, late of Hardin County, Ohio, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Claypool) Brown, latter deceased, former, now residing in Auglaize County, Ohio. Mrs. Spangler has had no children by either marriage. George Spangler operated the homestead farm for eleven years, then rented, for four years, and in 1871 purchased the farm in Orange Township, this county, upon which he now resides and which he has cleared and improved. He makes general farming and handling of stock his principal business. Mr. Spangler has served his township in several of its offices and is now filling the office of justice of the peace. He is astrict Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association church.

ASA STRATTON, farmer, P. O., Bluffton, Allen County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 7, 1841, son of William and Elizabeth (Denning) Stratton, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. William Stratton was born in Vernon Township, Essex Co., N. J., October 8, 1810; came with his father to Beaver County, Penn., in 1815, and to Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1817, traveling in a wagon drawn by oxen. Running ont of money just before they reached their destination, they paid for a night's lodging with dressed flax. William's chances for an education were somewhat limited, the first school- house in the neighborhood being built in 1826; however, he acquired a fair education for that period,together with some knowlege of law, and was elected squire in 1850; resigned his office and moved to Hancock County, Ohio, in the fall of 1852, where he was re-elected squire and served till his death. He was religiously inclined and was for a number of years a member of the Methodist church. In politics he was an active Democrat. His ancestors came from Holland, but at what date is not known. William and Elizabeth Stratton reared a family of ten children: Jasper (deceased); Robert (deceased) ; Joseph, living in Hillsdale County, Mich.; Asa, in this county; Isaac, William Oliver and Cyrus, in Johnson County, Mo.; Ann, in Allen County, Ind. ; Elizabeth, in Ingham County, Mich. and Emma, in Johnson County, Mo.; the mother still resides in this county. Asa Stratton, the subject of this sketch, married, October 7, 1865, Miss Frances J.Cornwell, of Union Township, this county, a native of Eagle Township, this county, and daughter of Anderson and Eliza J. (Coulter) Cornwall, early settlers in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton have nine children: Lizzie J. and Eliza A. (twins); Horace E., Chrisiena, Orton and Orland (twins), John, Charles and Clifford, all living except Orland. Our subject purchased land in Orange Township, this county, in 1865, and now has 240 acres, most of which he has improved. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

ISAAC F. VERMILLION (deceased) was born in Union Township, this county, February 20, 1836, son of Charles and Ann (King) Vermillion, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, who married in Champaign County, Ohio, and removed to this county about 1831 or 1832. Of their family of twelve children nine are still living, who now reside near the town of Dexter, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was married, May 3, 1860, to Mary E. Elzay, of Orange Township, this county, born in Champaign County, Ohio, April 14, 1837. Her parents, Newton R. and Julia A. (Ralston) Elzay, came to this county in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Vermillion were blessed with seven children: Elizabeth A., Harriet A., James W., Levi F., Daniel E., William A. and Turley B., all living in this county. Mr. Vermillion cleared and improved his farm in Orange Township, this county, which his widow still operates. He was a highly respected citizen, and served his township in some of its offices. In politics he was a Republican. His death occurred March 16, 1880.

WILLIAM S. WARREN, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, Allen County, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born November 9, 1833, son of William and Isabelle (Hamilton) Warren, natives of, and married in, County Down, Ireland. They immigrated to America in 1828, first locating in Erie County, Penn., then moving to Columbiana County, Ohio, where Mr. Warren died in 1836, and where his widow married William Peppell, her present husband, who came to this county in 1840, and still resides in Orange Township. William S. Warren also came to this county, where he has since made his home. He married, November 9, 1862, Miss Nancy A. Miller, a native of Orange Township, this county, born April 25, 1844, daughter of William and Roxany (Patch) Miller, natives of and married in Trumbull County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1841. Their family consisted of five sons and four daughters: Samuel (deceased), Arvilla, Levi, Nancy A. (deceased), John A., Ephriam, Henrietta, Susan and William (latter deceased). William Miller, the father, died in 1854; his widow still resides in Orange Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Warren were born four daughters and two sons: Dora M., Minervia §., Rosa J., Arthur S., John A. and Lettie L. The mother of this family died October 8, 1884. She was a faithful member of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Warren, having no financial means, worked by the day and month for several years in his early life, but in 1858 he purchased forty acres of timber land which he has cleared, together with several subsequent purchases. He is a member of the Evangelical Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN H. ZEIGLER, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin Co., born in Columbia County, Ohio, October 28, 1849, is a son of Parry and Hannah (Musser) Zeigler, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively; they married in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they still reside; they are the parents of eight children: Lavina, Charles, Chancy, John H., Harry, Jennie, Alice and Lizzie. Our subject began the blacksmith trade at the age of fourteen years and continued working at it until about seven years ago. In 1878 he came to Orange Township, this county, and purchased 160 acres of timber-land which he has cleared, and improved in various-ways, and on which he has erected good buildings. He devotes his time and at-. tention to general agri¢ultural pursuits. January 29, 1873, Mr. Zeigler married Miss Semantha J. Palmer,a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 28, 1849, daughter of Michael and Mary (Barnett) Palmér, natives of,and married in Columbiana County,Ohio (they had three children: Susan, Mary E., and Semantha J.); Mr. Palmer died April 16, 1877; his widow still resides in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler are parents of one son: Harry, born February 18, 1875. Mrs. Zeigler is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Zeigler is a Republican.

ANDERSON S. APGER, farmer and stock raiser, post office McComb, was born in the Empire State, J anuary 5, 1839; son of John R. and Elizabeth (Atchley) Apger, who were of German descent. John R. Apger, in early life was a blacksmith, but in later years a farmer; in 1848, he came to Wood County, Ohio, and entered land; he was twice married and reared a family of ten children. Our subject, the eldest by his first wife, was reared on the farm, acquiring a common school education in the log schoolhouse. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1862, in Company G., One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving under Capt. Howell. He was a non-commissioned officer, was wounded at the battle of Stone River, participated in several engagements and was a prisoner of war for five months. He came, to Hancock County in 1865, settled on a farm, and same year was marriedto Hannah C., sister of Ira B. Conine, of Me- Comb. To this union were born the following named children: Carrie G., Loretta, Wilber and John H. Mr. and Mrs. Apger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee.

A. L. BAILS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, November 5, 1836, son of Abraham and Rebecca (Alloway) Bails, the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, the latter born in Pennsylvania, of German origin; they were the parents of thirteen children (all attaining maturity), eight of whom are still living. Abraham Bails, who was a brick-layer in early life, came to Hancock County in 1833, settling on land which he entered near Findlay. He died December 29, 1855. Our subject, the seventh born, grew up on the farm, attending the log schoolhouse, where he acquired his education. He is owner of two farms in this county. Mr. Bails was twice married; on first occasion, January 1, 1858, to Elizabeth Hart, who bore him the following named children: Emma A.; W. H., a school teacher; Mary; Chester; Isaac and Ida May (two last named being twins). Mrs. Bails died in 1869. Our subject next married, in 1872, Maria E. Moorhead, of Irish origin, daughter of Josiah Moorhead. To this union were born two children: Adam C. and Harvey E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Bails are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been steward, class leader, trustee, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Politically Mr. Bails is a Republican. Formerly he was an active member of the I. O. O. F.

CAPT. WILLIAM BENSINGER, farmer, P. O. Deweyville, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 14, 1840, son of Reuben and Hannah (Feazel) Bensinger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, and the latter a native of Ohio and of Scotch-Irish lineage. Reuben Bensinger, who was a life-long farmer, settled on a farm in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1858. Our subject, the only child, received a common school education in Medina County, Ohio, where he lived on the farm until eighteen years of age. At the breaking out of the late war of the Rebellion, he promptly enlisted in Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service until 1862, when he, with twenty-one others, volunteered to enter the enemy's camp, in disguise. This they did, and captured a train of cars, which they succeeded in running 100 miles, but they were finally captured and eight of the party hung; the others broke from the guards and got away, though most of them were recaptured. Our subject was among the unfortunate ones and was kept a prisoner for one year. He was then exchanged and promoted to a captaincy. At the close of the war he commenced railroading, first as brakesman, then baggage-master, and later was fireman for two years, and was then promoted to be engineer. Owing to the declining health of his father, about this time Capt. Bensinger came home and operated a steam engine for the stave manufactory at Deweyville for four years. He is now managing his father's farm. Our subject was married in 1863, to Sarah Harris, who was born in North Carolina. To this union was born one child - Charles H. In politics Capt. Bensinger is a Republican. He has served as assessor of his township. He isa member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, of the Sabbath-school of which he is superintendent.

FREDERICK BERGER, farmer and stock-raiser, Deweyville, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 19, 1827. His father, George Berger, a farmer in that country, never came to America. Our subject, the third in a family of four children, received his schooling in his native land and there learned farming of his father. He came to America in 1853, and after living in Big Lick Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, four years, moved to Pleasant Township where he has since resided. He has been twice married. His first wife, Catherine Yawn, whom he married in 1853, died in 1874. The

Lewis, Emma Ellen, Mary A., Jonas F. and Charles C. Mr. Berger was married, on second occasion, to Mrs. Susan Myers, widow of David Myers (by whom she had two children: Laura M., now the wife of Ephraim Trout and Joseph), and daughter of Peter Sherick, a farmer and early settler of Wayne County, Ohio. She is of German origin. This union has been blessed with two children: Barbara E. and Lydia, Mr. Berger's four eldest sons are married. Our subject is owner of 120 acres of land, and his wife has a life lease of fifteen acres more. Their property adjoins the village of Deweyville where they reside. Mr. Berger takes deep interest in educational matters and has served as school director for several terms. In politics he is a Democrat.

EDWIN N. BOWMAN, merchant, Deweyville, was born in Defiance County, Ohio, May 14, 1857; son of Isaac and Jennette (McFarland) Bowman, also natives of Ohio and of French and Scotch origin. Their family consisted of two children: Orville, now residing in Wood County, Ohio, and Edward N. The father, Isaac Bowman, was an architect by profession, which occupation he followed through life. Our subject received his education in the common schools. He learned the bakery and confectionery business which he followed for three years, and since then, was principally occupied in clerking, until 1882, when he came to Deweyville and established his present business. He was united in marriage, in 1881, with Mary C., daughter of Jacob T. Wyckoff, and of German lineage. Their children are Joyce, Ross and Edith. Mr. Bowman is a Democrat in politics.

C. W. BROOKS, farmer, P.O. McComb, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, March 3, 1838, son of Elisha and Margaret (Woods) Brooks, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio and of English and Irish descent, respectively. The father of C. W., in early life a shoe-maker, came to this county in 1845 and bought 320 acres of land, on which he farmed the remainder of his life, dying in 1855. Our subject, the youngest in a family of eleven children (nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood), was reared on the farm and attended the common schools. He is now the owner of 160 acres of well improved land, and has made farming the occupation of his life. He was married, in 1861, to Sarah A. daughter of Cyrus and Betsey Hart, and descended of English and Irish stock, and who died in 1881. The children born to this union are Ellsworth, Norton, Mack, Wesley, Matilda, Eli, Jennie and Lizzie. In polities Mr. Brooks is a Republican. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was elected captain, but by a general order the regiment was broken up and the men detailed to other regiments. He served the full term of his enlistment, and had a close call at the battle of Stone River, receiving a bullet directly over his heart, his life being saved by a small bag of salt which he was carrying in his side pocket, and that so reduced the force of the ball that it only shattered one rib. Since the war Mr. Brooks has resided on his farm, in this township. He served as trustee four years and as treasurer four years in Pleasant Township. In 1880 he was elected county commissioner, but two townships were thrown out, which gave the office to another. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and served eight years as a member of the board of education. In 1883 he was elected vice-president of Hancock County Agricultural Association, serving till 1885, when he was elected general manager. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; was First Chancellor Commander of McComb Lodge of K. of P. No. 179, and

THOMAS BROWN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Maine, June 21, 1835, son of Thomas and Susan (Philbrook) Brown, natives of that State and of English origin. Thomas Brown was a codfisherman, an occupation he followed in early life for twenty-five years. He came to Hancock County in 1841, settling on a farm in Union Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1884. He raised a large family of children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the eldest son, was reared on the farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He acquired a common school education in District No. 4, Union Township. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in Company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years; was transferred to the veteran reserve corps, and became a non-commissioned

He participated in the battles of Corinth, Pittsburgh Landing, the siege of Vicksburg and in other engagements. Mr. Brown was married, in 1859, to Miss Mary Tussing, of German descent, daughter of Henry Tussing, a wheelwright. Their children are Hanna L., wife of Melvin Dellinger; Eliza Jane, wife of Albert Strouse; George W. at home; Freeman D. and Charles Elmer. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has been class leader and steward. He has served as township clerk and trustee, and as school director. He is owner of 130 acres of well-improved land.

WILLIAM C. BROWN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O., McComb, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, September 22, 1851; son of Henry F. and Mary Ann (Ewing) Brown, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent, respectively. Henry F. Brown, a farmer and manufacturer, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1854, and settled on a farm in Blanchard Township. He was twice married, and by his first wife had five children, of whom William C. is the eldest. Our subject was reared on the farm, attending the schools in Pleasant and Blanchard Townships and the Findlay High School No. 9. He operated a saw-mill in McComb one year and a half, but farming has been the principal business of his life. He makes the raising of Jersey cattle a specialty. In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican, He has acted as cemetery trustee; was a member of the town council) while he lived in McComb, and has served as township clerk for several terms. He was vice-chancellor of McComb Lodge, K. of P., to which he belonged and was one of its charter members, and was initiated in the several ranks at the institution of the lodge. The lodge was instituted January 22, 1884.

JAMES H. BYAL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born two miles west of Findlav, Hancock Co., Ohio, April 14, 1847; son of Jacob and Sarah Jane (Watson) Byal. Jacob Byal, born in Ohio and of English origin, was a son of John Byal who came to Ohio in an early day, and came to Hancock County when a young man, settling ona farm. Of the seven children born to Jacob and Sarah Jane Byal four attained maturity and two now survive, viz: James H. and Martha, now the wife of W. Raymond. One son, John, was killed in the late war of the Rebellion. Our subject, who has been a farmer all his life, owns eighty acres of land in Pleasant Township. He was married in 1870, to Anna, daughter of Peter

Boughtall, who was among the'first settlers of Findlay. Their children are as follows: Eva, Emma, Frederick, Belle and Tobias. Mr. Byalisa Republican in politics. During the late civil war he enlisted in Company G, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. He is a member of the G. A. R.

J. B. CHERRY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 1, 1842, son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Lebe) Cherry, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. Ralph Cherry, a farmer by occupation, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1847, and settled a half-mile northwest of Findlay. He reared a family of seven children. Our subject, the fifth born, was raised on a farm, attending the common schools. He worked on his father's farm for a few years, and then engaged in the harness business in McComb, in which he continued for five years. He then rented and conducted a grist-mill for three years. In 1875 he bought a farm of forty acres, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, for which purposes he rents other land in addition to his farm. He was married, in 1867, to Mary E., daughter of James Ewing, of German lineage. Their children are J. R., C. W., J. H., F. B., Luther, J. N. and Vick. Mr. and Mrs. Cherry are members of the Presbyterian Church in McComb. Politically he is a Republican. He has ,served as school director of his township.

REV. GEORGE WASHINGTON CLINE, minister in the Disciples Church, McComb, was born in Waterford, Juniata Co., Penn., April 21, 1848; son of George and Mary (Miller) Cline, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin, and the parents of six children, George W. being the third born. His father, a wagon-maker by trade, moved with his family from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1846; he settled in McComb and worked at his trade for a short time, thence moved to Putnam County, Ohio, where he resided for four years, when he moved to McLean County, Ill., and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1875. Our subject attended the common schools and commenced to teach school when about seventeen years old, continuing in the profession for six years. He united with the Disciples Church when twenty-one years old, and attended the Lexington University, Kentucky, graduating in 1875. His first charge was in McLean County, Ill., but at his father's demise he was appointed administrator, and was debarred from active engagements till he was appdinted to missionary work in McLean County, where he remained only six months, however, returning to McComb, where he has been preaching within the radius of twenty miles since 1876. He is now ministering in Wood County, Ohio, to a congregation which under his labors has increased from six to eighty-six mentbers, and who have built a new church. He also preaches at Freeport, Wood Co., Ohio, but makes McComb his home. He is a diligent student, a historical reader, and much attached to his profession. He was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now a Prohibitionist. In 1882 he entered the political campaign, in the interests of his party, and was in great demand as an able speaker on the temperance question. He served two years as president of the Ohio Missionary Society. Rev. Cline was married, April 22, 1875, to Carrie E. Collins, of English descent, and a daughter of Andrew Collins, who sacrificed his life in defense of his country during the late war of the Rebellion. To Mr. and Mrs. Cline were born two children, who are now at school: Vernine and Merle. Mrs. Cline is a member of the Disciples Church.

WILLIAM H. CONINE, retired farmer, McComb, was born in Morris County, N. J., July 22, 1815, son of Jacob and Sarah (Lawrence) Conine, natives 'of New Jersey, and of German descent, the former a farmer by occupation. Our subject, who early lost his father, was reared by his uncle, who kept a hotel. After receiving acommon school education, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for several years. He was married, in 1840, to Loretta G. Gail, a native of Erie County, N. Y., and to this union were born four children: Ira B., Hannah M., Sarah F. and Statira M. Mrs. Conine died in 1884. Sheavas a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which our subject has served as steward and trustee. Mr. Conine is a Republican in politics; served as school director for twentyfive years and as trustee several terms; was justice of the peace nine years, and mayor of McComb two years. He has lived in Ohio since 1821, and in Hancock County since 1848.