Hicksville Township (part 4 of 6)

George W. Chapman, the subject of this sketch was born in Gill, Mass., on the 29th day of September, 1803, at which place he resided till the year 1821, when he removed to St. Lawrence County, N. Y. On the 31st day of December, 1822, he married Miss Narcissus Hopkins, of the above-named county. Here Mr. and Mrs. Chapman began a life which proved to be one of toil and hardship, yet withal a most interesting and useful one. Mr. Chapman being a skilled carpenter, found no lack for work, but in the hope of finding a more desirable location, he moved with his family to Canada in the year 1828 or 1829. There he resided till the fall of 1837, when yielding to the ambitions of their young natures, they resolved to emigrate to the A\'est and choose them a home from the forest lands of Western Ohio. No sooner was the resolution formed than preparations were begun for its execution. Such of the household furniture as could be conveniently carried was loaded on a wagon, and Mr. Chapman, with his wife and several small children, started with a single team of horses and heavy loaded wagon upon a trip that at this day would seem impossible to accomplish. They proceeded directly to Geauga County in this State, where they stopped for a short time to rest up their horses and decide upon a place to locate. Leaving his family, Mr. Chapman proceeded upon horseback to Milford Township, where he entered 240 acres of land, a part of which was the farm upon which he now resides. He immediately returned to Geauga, and having purchased a yoke of oxen and another wagon, he again set out with his family for his chosen home, where he arrived the 1st of February, 1838. The trip from Canada to Milford Township was one of hardship and fatigue, having been made during the fall and winter months through a new and unimproved country, a great part of the road being through dense wood, with nothing but blazed trees to indicate where the road was. It is almost a wonder that the journey was accomplished at all. After arriving upon his land, Mr. Chapman proceeded at once to erect a log cabin and prepare for the comfort of his f ami ly. Chancy P. Lowry, Dinnis Boyles and Eli Coy were about the only neighbors, and each man had to depend upon himself alone to do his work. The roads had at that time been mostly surveyed, but with the exception of now and then a fallen log removed or a standing tree blazed, there was little else to indicate the line of a road. Mr. Chapman went upon the line of road passing through the center of Milford Township, and, unassisted, felled the trees, removed the logs and cleared a wagon track from his farm west to the St. Joe River, a distance of four miles. Mr. Chapman continued to work at his trade, doing a great part of the building in that section of the county. He also worked at masonry and brick work, and, as well, that of cabinet-making. The first schoolhoiise in that district was built upon Mr. Chapman's land, and the first school taught was by Harriet, his eldest daughter. This schoolhouse was burned down in a short time, and until another one could be built Mr. Chapman's carpenter shop was converted into a schoolhouse. Like most of the pioneers, Mr. Chapman was very fond of hunting, a vocation in which he frequently indulged, and as the woods were infested with game, such as turkey, deer, raccoons, wolves, and a'l smaller game, he was quite a successful hunter, having killed forty deer in one winter, the fore-quarters of which he kept for his own use and gave to neighbors; the hind-quarters he carried to market and sold for from 2 to 2| cents per pound. One day as Mr. Chapman was walking along the road on his way home from Farmer Center, ho came upon a small, pale-looking man, sitting upon a log by fhe roadside. Mr. Chapman approached him and inquired rather abruptly why he was sitting there. The stranger replied that he was sick and had sat down to rest, and that he did not believe he could travel any farther. "Get right on my back," said Mr. Chapman, "and I will carry you. " This was said by Mr. Chapman as a joke, but the stranger after looking at him for a stiort time, arose and said he believed he wouid act on Mr. Chapman's suggestion. Now this was rather more than Mr. Chapman had expected, but he determined not to be backed down. He allowed the stranger to get upon his back, and taking hold of him as a father would his small boy, if he were carrying him on his back, Mr. Chapman started off upon the road, nor did he get relieved of his load till he had carried him in this manner for nearly a mile, when the stranger said he would go Boitth from there and asked to be let down. After thanking Mr. Chapman and saying that he felt much better and believed ho could easily walk home from there, the two men separated, the stranger going south and Mr. Chapman proceeding toward his home. Now this stranger turned out to be none other than Mr. Jesse Haller, a man afterward very well known throughout the county as Squire Haller, he having served for several years as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Haller and Mr. Chapman having never met before, neither knew the other party to the strange meeting. The matter was nearly forgotten when the two men chanced to meet a year or two afterward, and each recognized the other. The matter was spoken of and Mr. Haller, by way of explanation said, " When you came up to me and asked me to get on your back, I looked at you and concluded you were crazy, and I was afraid to refuse your offer for fear of offending you; besides, I thought it would be safer on a crazy man's back than any other place." Mr. Chapman and Mr. Haller were always afterward very warm friends, and often visited each other, but they never met without having a laugh about the latter's ride upon the back of (as he supposed) a mad man. Mr. Chapman has been an active member of the United Brethren Chm-ch since 1840, having helped to organize the first society of that denomination ever organized in Milford, and for which society he labored as local preacher for many years. Mr, Chapman's children consisted of four boys and five girls, viz. : Royal, Lyman, George, Ervin, Harriet, Jemmia, Huldah, Roby and Mary Jane, two of whom are now dead, the others married. Mrs. Narcissus Chapman departed this life August 27, 1870, aged sixty-nine years. Mr. Chapman married Miss Dolly Crary, of Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., on the 5th day of February, 1877, with whom he is now living on his old farm in Milford Township. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Chapman can truthfully be called one of the most interesting characters of piijjieer life in Defiance Couaty; having come here when onr county was one vast wilderness, he has lived to see it developed into a rich county; has seen nearly the whole of the first generation of its people pass away and the second grow to old ag3, and although he is now upward of eighty years old, yet with the exception of a crippled limb caused by an injury received while moving to this county, he is enjoying comparatively good health, and still works at the carpenter bench.

Merrill Otis. Jesse Otis, father of Merrill, was born in Vermont; Charlotte Davey, his mother, was born in Maryland. Merrill, their second son, was born March 4, 1820, in Wayne County, Ohio. He lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, receiving a common school education. On March 4, 1841, he was married to Margaret Saltzman, daughter of George and Mary (Cook) Saltzman. Some time during the same year, they moved to Staik County, Ohio, where they remained until 1843, then returning to Wayne County. In 1847, he made himself a permanent home on a quarter- section of land in the then wilds of Milford Township. Here he still resides, carrying on his farm, and also an agricultural store in Hicksville. Two years of this time - 1867 and 1808 - he lived in Bryan, Ohio, for the purpose of educating his children. Merrill Otis has served four years as County Commissioner, one year by appointment and three by election. The names of the children are as follows: William D. was born December 14, 1841, in Stark County, Ohio. He served three years in the civil war, after which he entered college, graduating in the classical course from Dennison University, Granville, Ohio. Then entered the Medical College at Cleveland, graduating from there in 1873. The same year, he was married to Miss Hattie Howe, of Granville, and is now a practicing physician in Hicksville. George K., born March 11, 1844, in Wayne County, Ohio. He also entered the army with his brother, but health failing, he was obliged to return home after serving his country ten months. He took a commercial coui'se at Cleveland. In 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah Hilburt. November 27, 1882, she died, leaving two children. He is now engaged in the real estate and agricultural business in Hicksv.ille. Eli/;a B., born December 14, 1846, in Wayne County. Was educated at Bryan, Ohio, and taught six years in the public schools of Hicksville. Jesse, born August 17, 1849, in Definace County. He lived at home, working with his f iither on th:^ farm until ] 874, when he was suddenly stricken with pneumonia, and after a few days' severe illness, died, March 17. Mary 0., born June 24, iH53. She has received a liberal education at Oborlin, Ohio, paying special attention to music, Amanda J. was born February 21, 1855. Received her education at Oberlin, Ohio. She was married to Mr. It. F. Kerr, of Hicksville. Salathial, born December

12, 1857; died when seven weeks old. TryphenaM., born April 26, 1859. With the exception of one year, when she was from home attending school, she received her education at Hicksville. Ida O., born May 4, 1863, was educated at the public schools of Hicksville, Otio. With the exception of Mrs. Kerr, the girls are all at home.

Source changes here: from History of Defiance County, Ohio, by Various, published 1883; 35,181 words in this source stream.

Hicksville Township

an) Bunnell, Joseph.........-- « guesnvarn puayes esexeslanvashes sleessntaat car earnpess ===ssvarexensavantzar 302 Bunnell, Joseph § Butter, Ephraim.. Clemmer, Jobn. .....+« Clemmer, George.

Hicksville was Jaid ont in 1836, for John A. Bryan, Henry W. Hicks and Isaac 5. Smith, by Mil ler Arrowsmith, then Deputy Surveyor of the coun ty. As thus surveyed the town remained until 1841, when all the lots except those on High and Main streets were vacated. As mentioned before, it was founded by the inembers of the land companies having large investments in this locality, for the prapose of enhancing the value of their property and enabling them to dispose of it on favorable terms. When Ransom Osborn, whose sketch is given below, moved to Hicksville in 1836, he found only two cabins had been erected by the company: one was ocenpied by Daniel Comstock, the other by Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn's cabin was the third. It stood near the homestead of A. P. Edgerton. When A. P. Edgerton arrived at the village, April 17, 1837, he found here a log cabin in the middle and at the crossing of Main and High streets, where Ransom Osborn kept boarders; a log cabin oeeapied by Buenos Ayers, in which he took his first meal in Hicksville, on Lot 143, where Stull's store now is; a cabin occupied by Ephraim Burwell, on Lot 139, where Dr. Rakestraw's house stands; a cabin occupied by Robert Bowles, on Lot 202, back of St. Panl's Church; a shanty on Lot 200, where Dr. Braecy's house stands, and a shanty oceupied as a store on Lot 216, near the corner where his office is; and a log blacksmith shop where Ben Davis' house stands, on Lot 17, Anditor's plat. The saw mill was raised on Lot 18, Auditor's plat, on the ground now oeeupied by John A. Miller's house, and had been running. There were neither provisions nor money here, and nothing but woods and debts everywhere around. Streper Hinkle was the first Ezekiel Mowry the next. Mr. Edgerton found also the white ash tree, sawed down, in front of Lot 208, near St. Paul's Church, with its stump scooped out, wherein Mrs. Osborn, with spring-pole pestle, pounded corn for hominy Mr. A. P. Edgerton was the first Postmaster. A mail route extended from Toledo to Fort Wayne along the south side of the Maumee River office to Hicksville was at Cranestown, Paulding.

A contract was made September 29, 1838, with David Landis to carry the mail once in two weeks, afterward changed to a weekly and finally to a semiweekly mail. Maria Landis, now the widow of Solon De Long, and Ransom Osborn were the witnesses to the contract. and afterward his brother, Absaiom Landis, then a little short-legged, stubby boy.

Village Of Hicksville

Was incorporated in 1871; the first Mayor was Thomas C. Kinmont, who was elected twice. The second Mayor was James KH. Coulter, who served one term. The third Mayor was A. Summers, who was elected in the spring of 1880. J. E. Coulter.

The first school at Hicksville was taught by Ransom Osborn in 1836. It consisted of but five pupils Joseph Bunnell, Sarah Bunnell, Alexander Yaxley and Mary and Caroline Osborn, the two daughters of

March of that year, an election was held at which it was decided bya vote of 59 to 3 to establish a special school district, and shortly after the following School Board was elected: J. D. Phillips, three years; D. G. Huffman, two years; Subsequent elections for members of the board have resulted as follows: 1874 - William Warner; 1S75 - D. G. Huffman; 1876 - J. 1). Phillips, resigned in 1878; 1877 - Rev. S. S. Hyde, resigned in 1875; 1878 - -J. C. Clay, three years; U. E. Babb, years; J. M. Ainsworth, one year; 1S79 - A, Summers; 1880 --J. E. Coulter; 1881 - J. C. Clay; 1882 - A. D. F. Randolph. In 1874, the main part of the present brick school building was completed. The contract price was $7,400, but with the recent addition, interest, etc., this original cost bas been more than doubled. Henry Harris was the first Superintendent in the new building, serving oneyear. His successors have been F. J. Miller, 1875-77; O. B. Tannehill, 1877-79; F. M. Priest, a few months in 1870; T. Reese Nile lison, 1879-82; C. A. Fyke, There are now seven departments, and the course em

M. Crabb, an itinerant missionary of Maumee Presbytery, old school, with Jesse Fisher and Arthur Cleland as Ruling Elders. Fourteen individuals constituted the membership. These were Jesse Fisher and Nancy, his wife, Arthur Cleland and Mary, his wife, John Miller and Margaret, his wife, Isaac Miller and Nancy, his wife, William Cleland, William Cle-

Rev. Mr. Crabb was the minister of this church until the close of 1857. Rev. John M. Layman succeeded in 1858, and remained until 1865. He was followed by Rev. B. O. Junkin, in the same year, who was the minister of the church until 1869. After him, in 1870, Rev. S. S. Hyde took the field and remained until the ciose of 1877, His successor was Rev. James Quick, in October, 1878, who remained

During these thirty-four years, the membership increased from fourteen, at the organization of the church, to ninety-one, at the close of Mr. Quick's ministry.

Hicksville Presbyterian Church was organized on the 12th of May, 1855, by Rev. J. M. Crabb and Elders Arthur Cleland and Thomas Richardson, who had been appointed a committee for this purpose by Maumee Presbytery. Eleven members had beeu dismissed from Union Church, to enter, with others, into the new organization. These were Daniel Reason and Sarah, his wife, John Reason, Matthew R. Scott and Sarah Ann, his wife, James Maxwell and Elizabeth, his wife, James Miller and Sarah, his wife, Miss Harriet and Mrs. With those were Israel Richards and Eliza, his wife; Abrahain Miller and Eliza, his wife; Mrs. Sarah Moore and Mrs. Eusebia Tustison. Abraham and James Miller were elected Ruling Elders, On the following day, May 13, Isaac Hall and Jane,

Reason and Miss Elleu G. Reason were added to the above, making a membership of twenty-four, which had been increased to sixty-three at the close of Mr. Quick's term of service. These churches have had a common history, as they have had, in fact, a com. mon membership. The same ministers have served them both, dividing their labor equally between them, and, with the exception of Mr. Crabb, having their homes within the bounds of on» or the other of the Those who constituted the early member: ship of these churches were among the original settlers of the conntry. and did their full share toward its development, aud in giving the community a substantial and honorable character.

The first minister of these churches, Rev. J. M. Crabb, a native of Kentucky, was a strong man, whose positive character did much to fashion the elements with which he had to deal. He was a stranger to fear, and no one chose to come under his rebuke. One of his goud members had fallen into the habit of using some louse expressions in his conversation, and thoughtlesssly did so, on one occasion, in Mr. Crabb's presence. His quick ear heard, and was prompt to speak: " What is that you are saying?" That was enough! The rebuke was felt and heeded. He was a good man, and had the respect and confidence of his people.

The next ininister, Rev. J. M. Layman, was of Irish parentage, unostentations, a man who could handle the ax with his compeers, and, at the same time, do effectual work among Greek and Hebrew roots. His Hebrew Bible was his constant companion, and he came to be a recognized authority, as a scholar, in these Bible languages. His term of seryice covered the period of our civil war, and, by his quietness and prudence, he passed through it, sharply watched, but retaining the good will and confidence of all parties, a very difficult feat for any minister to perform.

Rey. B. O. Junkin followed Mr. Layman. He purchased a small farm near Union Church, and made improvements on it, with reference to a permanent home, but after four years returned to Western Pennsylvania, leaving the churches in about the same condition as when he took the charge of them.

His successor, Rev. 8. 8. Hyde, was a native of Massachusetts, and a Congregationalist until he assumed the charge of these churches. But coming to his field in 1870, the year of the re-union of the old and new schools, he entered heartily into the enthusiasm of the time, and stirred up his churches, in the same direction. An active man, he soon secured the confidence of his churches, and of the outside com. munity, in which he was given a position no one of his predecessors had occupied. For several years, he was the only resident minister in Hicksville, and and to solem. In Sabbath school gatherings and conventions, he was more frequently chosen to preside than any other, and was expected to be reedy with a speech on almost any oceasion, and seldom failed to respond, During the seven years of his ministry, both houses of worship were greatly improved, an organ was obtained for the Hicksville church,

Until the Methodist Episcopal house of worship was built at Hicksville, the two denominations worshiped together in the Presbyterian Church, and made one congregation. holding service on alternate Sabbaths, and the Lutherans, who for a time had no separate service, were alike embraced within the circle of the common interest and influence. At Union Church, the congregation was similarly constituted. Besides the work at these two churches, Mr. Hyde preached every two weeks, for several years, at Varmer Center, and for some months at Edgerton, in the one direction from Hicksville, and at Antwerp, in Paulding County, in the other, at which latter place, as the result, a Presbyterian Church was organized July 11, IS71, and a house of worship built, and dedicated November 7, 1870.

But the time came when the two churches, Union and Hicksville, required his whole service, aud the other points were relinquished to other hands. As a citizen, Mr. H. interested himself in whatever pertained to the welfare of the commuuity, particularly in the temperance cause. in which he occupied no half-way position; in the Old Settlers' Association, of which he was made an officer, and in the Cemetery ~ Association as one of its Trustees, for snecessive years. Near the close of his work in the churches, he was ewployed, for nearly. a year, as Superintendent of the Hicksville Union School, in which position, in connection with the teachers with whom he was associated, a higher standard of school work was attained than had hitherto been reached.

In 1878, his name went on the list of " honora bly retired" ministers, but he ,has continned to preach. especially on funeral occasions, as there has been a demand.

Rev. James Quick, his successor in 1878S, was for several years a niissionary of the A B.C. F. M. in Ceylon, and brought to the churches a zeal for foreign missions, which very much quickened their interest, and led to ary associations in each of the churches.

The l'irst Presbyterian Church in Hicksville was built in 1858, on Lots 157, 158, 159, 160, donated for a chureh by A. P. Edgerton. The contract was made by the Trustees of the church, Alfred P. Edgerton, Janues Maxwell, Daniel Reaser, Sr., Matthew K. Scott and Israel Richard, February 15, 1858, with John Adams, Jr,, and Alexander Smith, to complete the church by the Ist day of November, for the sum | of $1,800. The work was done and final settlement - made with the contractors, October 23, 1858, the ex- | in this manner: "To the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Hicksville, Defiance County, and State of Ohio, in trust for said church so long as they shall receive the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechism, according to their substance. Said church to be in ecclesiastical connection with ville was on Sunday, November 9, 1873, when the Rt. Rev. Joseph C. Talbot, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Indiana (visiting his friend, the Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton aud family, at the time) preached,

Wisse, the Bishop taking only such portions as are assigned him by the rubric and the consecration sermon. Thechurch thus built and consecrated is a wooden edifice, finished in the interior in ash - open roof - square Elizbethan windows of stained glass, and

| hymnals, and kneeling stools, and there is a fine cabinet organ. Tho cost of the church as consecrated was $2,000. A full history of the church is found in the parish records of St. Paul's Church, Hicksville."

Methodist Episcopal Church. - Services by ministers of this denomination were held occasionally at Hicksville soon after the first settlements were made and about 1840 Rev. J. D. Martin began to preach regularly once in two weeks. He was sent by

Presbyterian Church on the " Liturgical Worship of the Episcopal Church." service, the Bishop suggested to Mr. Edgertun the erection of a church for the benefit of his family, the friends visiting him during the summer and autumn, and the people of the village, which was promptly accepted by Mr. Edgerton, and was afterward carried into execution. The next seryice by Bishop Talbot .was held in Commercial Hall,

From the Standard gi the Cross, published at Cleveland, Ohio, October 23, 1875, is the account of the Constitution of St. Paul's Church in Hicksville:

'At the suggestion of Bishop Talbot, Mr. Edgerton has erected the past season, opposite the old homestead in Hicksville, a neat little church, at his sole expeuse, and has conveyed it in trust, together with of the Presbyterians, they held services in the meeting house of the latter denomination. The early services in the schoolhouse were often held under the officers for the key of the house, and then made lights and fire, when they expected meeting. But if it may seem a little surprising at first view

Finally the church began to increase both in numerical and financial strength, and in the year 1875 Hicksville was made the head of acircuit. The Rev. B. Wallace was sent upon the new circuit and took up his residence at Hicksville. The same year the Hon. A. P. Edgerton donated to the Methodist a free gift, to be forever held as a free chureh, and on Sunday last, October 17, at the request of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Ohio, acting as the ecclesiastical authority, it was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Talbot. 'The intrument of donations read by the Rev. Mr. Tate, the sentence of conthe prayer by the the Mr.

There is at present a membership of about ninety. They have preaching every Sabbath morning at 11 o'clock; at 7:30 in the evening. They also have a large Sunday school in a flourishing condition.

as 1859. From 1859 to 1877. occasional services were held by the following-named Lutheran pastors, viz: Bartholomew, Herring, Hunt, Synider and Long. The congregation was organized under the pastoral services of the Rev. J. M. Long, in the adoption of a constitution and the election of its officers, September 9, 1877. At the organization, the communicant membership numbered but 21. 'The roll of membership now nimnbers 42, The congrega tion having no house of its own, holds its services in the Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. Wesner, its present pastor, served the congregation since December,

The Christian Chureh at Hicksville was organized 1-74, with twenty-five members, their first meeting being held at Commercial Hall. In 1876, a neat brick church was erected on Main street, since which it has had regular pastoral services, its membership having reached 165, and it has a very large | to its membership and usefulness as a lodge. Names the lot on which the church stands; Mrs. Hicks Lord, of New York, who donated $500; Joseph Spire, $100; and Felix Huber, $5U. Previous to the building of the church, services were held occasionally at the residence of Mr. John Stroband. Services are now held in the church once a month by Rev. A. E. Manning, of Antwerp. The congregation consists of about ten families.

Secret Societies, Etc

Hicksville Lodge, No. 478, F. & A. M., was granted a dispensation September 3, 1873, and chartered October 1, following. The charter members were: E. B. Bracy, John L. Bevington, John A. Parker, Alexander Smith, John E. Hartle, John M. Ainsworth, John J. Shaw, Volney Crocker, Harrison Shaw, Isaac M. Boon, 8. M. Boon, Luther Loveland, J. B. Relyea, Wallace Shaw and Daniel Wentworth. The first officers were: -Volney Crocker, W. M.; E B. Bracy, 8. W.; Harrison Shaw, J. W.; Luther Loveland, Treas.; John N. Ainsworth, See.; John L. Bevington, 5. D.; John A. Parker, J. D.; 5. M. Boon, Tiler. For 1882, its officers were: J. L. Bevington, W. M.;G. I'. Knight, 5. W.; 8. J. Moore, J W.; S. M. Maxwell, Sec.; H. Welson, Treas.; P. S, Pettitt, 8S. D.; A. H. Phillips, J. D.; 8. Wright, Tiler.

Devel, Most Worthy Grand Master of the State of Ohio. The lodge has continued to hold its meetings every Saturday night, with a few exceptions, since it was legally authorized to act asa lodge. It is now in a healthy and prosperons condition: has added largely

Comrade I. Donatin, after whom the Post is named, was a member of Company E, Twenty-first Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, who enlisted from this place under the call for 300,000. Was taken pris - oner at the battle of Chickamauga, and endured the hardships and horrors of Andersonville and other prison pens. Was paroled therefrom to return to family and friends, but inet bis death by the blowing up of the ill-fated Sultana on the Mississippi.

Toward the close of 1881, an enterprise was set on foot to secure a soldiers' monument. The committee appointed to secure funds secured liberal sub- scriptions and the specified amount was raised by April, 1882, and the monument erected, a white bronze statue of a soldier, standing at parade rest, being five feet eleven inches high. The statue stands on a firm foundation of the best dark Quincy granite. This pedestal is ten feet nine inches high. The monument was unveiled July 4, 1882, in the presence of an estimated attendance of twelve to fifteen thousand people. W. D. Otis was President of the Day, and the address was delivered by Hon. A. P. Edgerton.

Dr. Jonas Colby, of Defiance, and afterward Dr. Oney Rice, of Farmer Couter, were the first practitioners in Hicksville aud vicinity. The first resident physician in the village was William S, Goodale, now practicing in Illinois. He came about 1835, and remained only a short time. Dr. B. M. Rakestraw settled at Hicksville in October, 1846, its first prominent physician. He has been in practice here ever Dr. Cosgrove came next, about 1848. He remuined only a short time and removed to Marysville, Ind. Dy. Stephen, of the eclectic school, came a year or two later, remained for about,two years and removed to Leona, Iowa. Dr. Edward Gorgus was probably the next permanent doctor. He practiced here until his death. Quite a number of physicians have located here for a short time, then removing elsewhere. At present, nine are in practice, Drs. Rakestraw, Kinmont, Sabin, Otis and Nichards, ullopaths; Drs. Brookins and Phillips, homceopaths, and Babbit and Wonsetler, eclecties.

Six attorneys are now engaged in practice at Hicksville - S. Summers, Hon. W. D. Hill, Thompson & Griffin, James E. Coulter and C. J. Ryan. Of these, Mr. Summers has been longest in practice here - since 1872.

Press

The Hicksville Independent issued its first nuimber September 10, 1874. with Francis Brooks as proprietor aud J. W. Cummings, as publisher. It has been succeeded by the Hicksville News, of which M. V. Starr and L. G. Dowell are publishers and editors. It is a weekly Democratic paper, newsy, avd has an excellent circulation.

Business Personal Reminiscenses

Alfred P. Edgerton of Fort Wayne, Ind., was born in Plattsburg, Clinton County. N. Y., on the 11th of January, 1813. and is the eldest son of Bela Edgerton and Phebe Ketchum, who were married at Plattsburg, March 24, 1811. His father was born at Franklin, New London Co., Conn., September 28, 1787, and was descended from Richard Edgerton, one of the original proprietors of Norwich. Bela Edgerton was fitted for college in his native town by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Nott, brother of the late President Nott, and graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1809. He was a classic teacher for sev eral years after his graduation, in Vergennes, Vig and in Plattsburg, N. Y. He volunteered at the latter place in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of Plattsburg, September 11, 1864. After the war. he was admitted to the bar, having previously studied law and practiced his profession in Clinton County, N. Y., till 1839. He was a member of the Legislature of New York. in-1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, ata period when it numbered among its members the ablest men in the State, most of whom obtained national fame in after years. Among these Mr. Edgerton was recognized as a peer of the best, and had much to do in shaping the legislation of the State. He moved to Ohio in 1839, and settled at Hicksville, where he was well known to all the people. and no man was more esteemed by old and young. He died at Fort Wayne, Ind.. September 10, 1874, aged eighty-seven years.

Dutchess County, N. Y., March 27, 1790, and died at Hicksville, Ohio, August 24, 1844. She was a daughter of Joseph Ketchum, a merchant and manufacturer, who died in the city of New York in 1795.

Alfred P. Edgerton, the subject of this sketch, was a graduate of the Academy at Plattsburg. He first appeared before the public as the editor of a newspaper, in 1833, and in the fall of that year removed to the city of New York, and engaged in commercial pursuits. In the spring of 1837, he came to Ohio, and assumed the management of the extensive landed interests of the "American Land Company," and of the Messrs. Hicks, their interest being known as the "Hicks Land Company." He laid out the town of Hicksville, built mills, and made extensive improvements in the interest of the parties he represented. In his land office in Hicksville, there was sold by him up to October 5, 1852, 140,000 acres of land - all to actual settlers. In 1852, Mr. Edgerton became the owner of the then unsold lands, amounting to 40,000 acres. A large part of these lands have since been disposed of to actual settlers. In all sales of land a liberal policy was pursued, and long credits given, and prompt payment never exacted when purchasers improved and continued in possession of the property purchased. During all the time Mr. Edgerton resided in Hicksville, he was actively engaged in improving and developing the town and the country generally, and was, and is now, a liberal contributor to every matter of public interest and benefit. In 1845, he was elected to the State Senate of Ohio, from the territory which then embraced the present counties of Williams, Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert, Mercer, Auglaize, Allen, Putnam, Henry and part of Fulton. Up to this time, although accustomed 'to express, on proper occasions, decided political convictions, he had not been active in caucus and conventions, and was only known to the people of the district as a sagacious and upright business man. The public questions of that period involved complicated matters relating to finance, the State banking system, metallic or paper money, the public debt, public eredit and kindred issues. and regarding these matters, the public mind was greatly stirred. Tbe recognized leader of the Whig party of the State was Alfred Kelley, who had been identified with the public improvements and the financial policy of the State, in various official relations, since the origin of the public debt and the commencement of the cana! system. Mr. Kelley was the Whig leader of the Senate, and he had developed his financial policy- - had introduced pills to sanction 'it by legislation- - had unmistakably beaten his antagonists and was master of the field.

Mr. Edgerton had becu an attentive and patient observor of passing events, but except voting when questions came up, had taken no part in the debates. When the conflict, however, was approaching a close, he unexpectedly appeared in the arena, and in clear wnd logical speeches, electrified the body by the ac. curate knowledge he evinced of the principles involved in the proposed legislation, and of all the details regarding the finances of the State and of their management by his political opponents. The battle which was supposed by the Whigs to have been fought and won, it was ascertained had just commenced, and Mr. Kelley soon found in Mr. Edgerton a foeman more worthy of his steel] than he expected or ever hoped to encounter, while the Democrats from that time forward recognized Mr. Edgerton as their leader. It may be stated that while this debate between Mr. Kelley and Mr. Edgerton was one of the most noted in the State, that the respectful deference always shown by the latter to the former. who was the senior, won for Mr. Ed. | gerton the respect of the entire Whig party of the State, and secured to him ever after the warm friendship and respect of Mr. Kelley, which he often exhibited in kind and valuable ways.

In 1850, after the close of a brilliant career in the State Senate, Mr. Edgerton was elected to the | House of Representatives of the United States, from cer, Auglaize, Allen, Hardin, Putnam, Van Wert, Paulding. Defiance, Henry, Fulton and Lucas, and was again elected in 1852, the district being changed by dropping off Shelby. Mercer, Allen, Auglaize and Hardin, and adding Wood and Hancock. During his first term, he was second on the Committee of Claims, but in the next Congress was the Chairman. This was a very important committee, and involved much arduons labor, but his duties at the head of the committee were performed with diligence and fidelity - He gave searching examinations to every claim in. trusted to his cominittee, and from his carefully prepared reports and logical conclusions, protecting alike the Federal Troasury, and extending even. handed justice to worthy claimants, no successful appeal was ever taken. This labor afforded him less time to engage in the current debates, yet, when occasion offered he would enter the field, and his opinions never failed to command the respect of the House.

financial agent in the city of New York. This was tho inauguration of a new policy by Ohio, of having its funds kept by its own agents and at all times in its own control. Mr. Edgerton succeeded the Ohio Life & Trnst Company as the agent of the State, and his appointment met with much opposition from the friends of that institution The failure of the company in {857 was the best proof that the Deimoeratic policy for the New York agency was the best. It was in connectiun with this ageney that Mr. Kelley's friendship and confidence in Mr. Edgerton was particularly manifested.

In 1856, he was Chairman of the Committee on Organization of the National Democratic Conventiov, In 1859, he was appointed by the Legislature of Ohio to investigate the funds in the State Treasury. He made an elaborate report, which was accepted by the public as a full exposition of the frauds and their authors. In 1857, he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., but retained his citizenship in Ohio until 1862.

In 1859, in conjunction with Hugh McCulloch, since Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and Henry Hoagland, he became the lessee of the Indiana Canal, from the Ohio State line to Terre Haute, and assumed the position of Genera] Manager, and controlled the business until 1868.

In 1868, he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Thomas A. Hendricks as Governor, but was defeated by 961 votes.

In 1872, he was nominated for Governor by the O'Connor, or anti-Greeley " straight-out " Democrats, but declined in an able and dignified letter, which concluded by expressing the hope that all Democrats in the State would vote for Hendricks.

Mr. Hendricks was the only candidate on the Democratic State ticket who was elected. Mr. Edyertoh has been called by his friends to fill many minor political positions, but he has persistently preferred a business and not a political field of operations. He was a Senatorial Delegate from Ohio to the Baltimore Convention, in IS{S. and a Senatorial Delegate from Indiana to the Chicago Convention in 1864, but he has held no office of any kind of a political nature since he was a member from Ohio of the Thirty-third Congress. He has, however, been an active and efficient member and President of the Board of School Trustees of the city of Fort Wayne for many years, his present term expiring in 1885, and he is now one of the Trustees of "Purdue University, a State institntion of La Fayette, Ind., his term expiring in August, 1884, liberally to all the churches in the town, six in number, and to each he has given $500 in cash, and the lot on which they stand, except the Christian Church, which bought their own lot and built their own church and asked and obtained only $100 from Mr. E., and except also the Episcopal Church, which was finished complete throughout by Mr. E. only, and conveyed by him to the Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio in trust.

Mr. Edgerton was married at Columbus, Ohio, February 9, 1841, to Charlotte Dixon, daughter of Charles Dixon and Lucy Sage, born at Portland, Conn., June 1, 1816. They have six children living, wife of George Manierre, of Chicago, Ill.; Henry H., now a resident of New Orleans; Alfred P., now a resident of Cincinnati, and Dixon, now a lawyer at Fort Wayne, Ind. Dixon is the youngest and the only one unmarried.

Mr. Edgerton has made many speeches and published many addresses, and the publishers of this his. tory have availed themselves of much information to be found in these addresses.

- Hon. W. D. Hill was born in Nelson County, Va., Octuber. 1833, and, with his father's family, emigrated to Obio in 184%, and settled on a rented farm near Jamestown, Greene County. This son, being the oldest in the family, had principal charge of the farm, and remained upon it until be attained the age of twenty-one years. Meantime, he had attended the schools in Virginia and Ohio during the winter seasons. In 1853, be bought a scholarship in Antioch College, while the institution was under the Presidency of Horace Mann. To maiptain himself, he sawed wood, made fences, cultivated gardens and cooked his own food. He taught school during winters, and, after passing three years in college and for the want of means, left it and never graduated. Meantime, however, he read law with the late James M. Hunt, of Springfield, and was admitted at the spring term of the District Court in Clark County in 1860. In i8d8, he started out in editorial life, and

| Democratic Expositor. This was a business misventure, and he lost not only his seanty savings, but became involved in debt. The law partnership of Hill & | Snyder was formed in 1861, and although surrounded by hostile political elements, prosecuted a fair busii ness. He was elected Mayor of Springfield in 1861, over James L. Torbert, a favorite Republican party leader, and in acity strongly opposed to Mr. Hill's well-understood views upon public men and measures.

In June, 1863, he removed to Defiance. During the Congressional canvass between Gen. Ashley and Gen. Rice, in 1864; the latter, being confined at home by illness, Mr Hill took the burden off Gen. Rice's shoulders, and made speeches at many prominent points throughout the district. Gen. Rice, as a mat- | ter of reciprocity, could not have surrendered his claims to one more gratifying to his own feelings than | Mr. Hill. The Democracy of this representative district, and especially those of Williams, insisted, in 1865, in urging his name as a candidate for nomination for the Ohio Honse of Representatives, and he was successful against great odds, and elected by a majority exceeding two hundred. In 1867, he was re-elected by more than twice this majority.

In 1866, he was a candidate before the Democratic Convention of his district for Congress, but the late Gen. Henry $. Commayer secured the nomination,

In 1875, Gov. Allen appointed him, unsolicited, and when there was a flood of applicants indorsed by powerful infiuenze, State Superintendent of Insur-. ance Department, and he held this position three years, faithfully discharged his duty, retiring after the expiration of his term, and resisting the pressure of many distinguished Democratic politicians in different sections of Ohio to permit the use of his

In 1878, he received the nomination for Congress, and was elected. In 1882, he was re-elected, and is at present serving as the National Representative from this district. moved to Hicksville, where he has since engaged in

John Clemmer was born December 95, 1810, in Rockingham County, Va. When two years old, his father started to move into Montgomery County, Ohio, but had to stop on the road, and was detaine| two years, In consequence of the war. In 1814, he moved into Monigoinery County, Ohio, where Mr. Clemmer resided until he was of age. In 1831, he married Miss Mary Glasmire, in 1537. He then moved into DeKalb County, Ind., and, March 1, 1846, Mrs. Clemmer died, leaving four children. In 1847, Mr. Clemmer married Mrs. E. A. Shaw, his present wife. The farm on which Mr. Clemmer lives was owned by Buenos Ayres, bought when acting as agent from Mr. Edgertou in 1837, and purehased from him by Mr. Clemmer in 1854. He died June 10, 1882. His family is Rebecea Jane, George W., Susan E. and Washington, by his first wife, and Frank J. by his seeond wife.

His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth A. S. Clemmer, was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., State of New York, in 1818, and resided there until 1821, when her parents removed to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., near the banks of the St. Lawrence River. There she spent her childhood days. In 1834, her father, Ira Allen, moved into Richland County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he again moved, to what was then called the far West, and settled in the vicinity of Newville, Ind. Miss Allen, at that time, was mostly engaged in teaching school, in the primary branches of learning, until May 10, 1840, when she was married to Dr. Asa Shaw. They settled in the vicinity of Newville, where he practiced medicine until September 8, 1842, at which time he died. Mrs. Shaw was left a widow, with one child - Sylvester A. - fourteen months old. She went home and lived with her father and mother, but soon went to teaching again, and soon felt quite at home in the school room. She enjoyed the society of the children very much, and loved to see them advance in their studies, and states that she is still very much attached to those who were once her scholars. December 8, 1847, she married, for her second husband, Mr. John Clemmer, and still resides on the home place.

Hugh Elliott was born in Clear Creek Township, in Richland County, August 15, 1819, and married Miss Margaret McFarland September 8, 1842, of the same township. He had one boy by this marriage- - George M_ His wife died August 17, 1843, and the child died September 20, 1843. Mr. Elliott married, for his second wife, Miss Elizabeth A. Richardson, of Orange Township, Ashland County, December 4, 1851. Mr. Elliott sold his home farm and removed to Hicksville Township September 30, 1876, and bought a farm of 160 acres in Section I4, upon which he now resides. The farm has a neat frame residence, a good frame barn and 100 acres of cleared land. The land is productive, and he made a good exchange for his oid home in Ashland County, He was elected Justice of the Peace in Hicksville Town. ship in 1877, and re-elected in 1880, and proved himself a frank, honest and incorruptible officer. His family, by the second wife, is Abraham F , John

J., Jamos B., Mary A., Willie M., Eli R., George R. and Hugh C. All living but George R. Abraham Richardson, the father of Mrs. Elliott, died in Williams County, July 1, 1868, aged sixty-five years, and Mrs. Richardson, her mother, lives with Mrs. Elliott. She is now seventy-four years old.

Jacob Gingrich was born in Lancaster County, Penu., December 17, 1822, attended school in the same place, and came to Hicksville Township in 1854, from Crawford County, Ohio, where he had resided abont ten years. His father and mother came at that time. His father died in 1863, aged about ninetytwo years; his mother di:d in 1865, aged seventytwo. In 1844, Mr. Gingrich married Miss Catharine Warner, who was born July 11,1830. He arrived in Hicksville Township April, 1854. Milling was then done at Clarksville and Hicksville. Preaching at that time was generally in the cabins of the settlers. Rev. Joun Martin, of the United Brethren Church, was then the principal speaker. The family of Mr. Gingrich consists of one son - Emanuel. The first school taught in No. 7 was taught by Angeline Dorham in 1850. The house in No. 7 was built in 1849. Mrs. Gingrich's father died in Crawford County, Ohio, November 7, 1870, aged about eighty years.

William Babbage was born March 4, 1811, in England, in the town of Winklegh in the county of Devonshire. He landed in New York June, 1834, with only $2.50 and about three thonsand miles from home, with no friends to help him. He says: " Two of us, my brother John and myself, left the city of New York at the same time. He went to Lockport, N. Y. I went to Rochester, N. Y., and went to work on a farm at $10 per month, for four months, and afterward hired for $12 a month for one year. At the end of that time, left Rochester for Ohio, and came by way of Buffalo. equinoctial storm.

Got on the lake during an The Captain was obliged to turn around and go back to Erie, and had to remain there three days, as it was considered the worst storm ever witnessed on the lake. After three days, the boat started again, and crossed the lake to Detroit, and then went back to Toledo, where it arrived in the night, and IT footed it from there to Defiance, a distance of about sixty miles, and arrived there in the fall of 1886. I there worked for Curtis Holgate for atime, and, at the building of the canal, was then given the position of Superintendent, to look after the hands in certain sections; entered a farm of 120 acres in what is now Williams County, Center Township, Secton 1), clearing up about forty acres; built a log house; then sold out and came to this township, and purchased where I now live, in 1845, and built another log cabin, and moved into it in June, 1846. The country was all woods then. My farm now contains eighty acres, under a good state of cultivation. Have a good house and barn. He was married, April 23, 1846, to Tryphena, daughter of Rev. E. and Betsy (Ryan) Johnson, of this township, who was born April 11, 1820, in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Has six children - William E., John W., Charles £., Ann E., Emma C. and Addie T. - all living.'' Mr. Babbage is situated about three miles from Hicksville, on the Ridge road. The name of Mr. Babbage's father was Richard, and of his mother, Anne Elizabeth Down. They had seven children, four boys and three girls - William, John, Elizabeth, Anne, Richard, Simon and Mary. John came to this country with William; the rest all remained in England. The children of William Babbage are married, except tho youngest. The oldest lives in Oregon; the rest are all settled at a convenient distance from home.

Peter Hilbert was born in Harrison County, Ohio, near Cadiz, February 20, 1818, and was married, March 8, 1838, to Miss Rebecca Miller, daughter of George and Christina (Sauvel) Miller. Mrs Peter Hilbert wae born April 10, 1819. Her parents were Maryland people, and Mr. Hilbert's parents the same. They had the following children: Franklin, Solomon, William, Abraham, Alfred, Sarah, Daniel and Nathaniel, twins, Catharine. Rachel, George, Lydia M., Amanda M. and Anna A; all living except George, Franklin, Anna A. and Sarah. He came to this township in 1846, and settled on his farm, which he paid $900, and commenced clearing it for a | bomestead. He went to Hicksville to do his milling After the mill at Hicksville burned, he | wife, Miss Catharine Young, who died December 29, 1862, aged seventy-three years eight months and fifteen days. They were from Maryland, and came to Harrison County, Ohio, and from there to this county abuut forty years ago, and purchased a farm adjoining Miller Arrowsmith, known as the Isaac Wartenbee farm. For his second wife, he married Mrs. Barbara Yingling (widow), sister of his first wife, who died

Five sons of Peter Hilbert were in the service of the late war. Solomon enlisted in Company ©, in the Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, July 23, 1861, and was discharged July 26, 1865; William enlisted in Company D, One Hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 4, 1862, and discharged June 20, 1865; Alfred enlisted October 13, 1864, in Company D, Twenty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, discharged July 18, 1865; Franklin enlisted June 5, 1861, in Company F, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infautry, and was discharged, on account of disability October 30, 1862, and died November 20, 1862, from disease contracted while in the army. Abraham did not enlist, but was employed as a teamster at Camp Nelson, Crab Orchard, Somerset, Knoxville, etc.

Michael Tracht was born June 11, 1887, in Crawford County, Ohio, and served in the war of 1861-65, about three years, having enlisted in Company K, Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry August 20, 1862, and was discharged May 20, 1865.

His father, Peter Tracht, and mother, Elizabeth (Heist) Tracht, came from Germany, near to Hessen, to this country in 1829, and settled in Crawford County, Ohio. Shortly after the close of war, came to this county, and settled on a farm in Hicksville Township, Section 2, where they now reside, Michael remaining at home with them, and helping to carry on the farm. They have had a large family of children, Elizabeth, Anna, Margaret, Michael, Jobn, Eli, Catharine, Agnes, Caroline B., George and Mary; two of these are dead, Eli and Margaret.

George 'Tracht, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Heist) Tracht, was born in Crawford County September 18, 1847. He married Matilda, daughter of Jacob and , Fredericka Hofmeister. who was born February 29, 1854. They have four children - -Lillie May, born November 13, 1875: Elmer R., born December 3, 1877; Oscar J., born June 10, 1879; Charles W., born thence going to Mahoning County, remaining eighteen months; removing then three years to Fostoria, Hancock County; then five years to Seneca, and then, March, 1861, settling in this township, clearing up a 100 acre farm, but are now comfortably retired on a two-acre lot in the town of Hicksville. They have eight children, all surviving but John, who died November 8, 1866, aged twenty years. The other children are Margaret, married Christian Bishop; Fredericka. married Antoin Dierston; Jacob P., married Catharine Moore; Paulina, married Edward Tracht;

Baden, Germany, in 1831, and immigrated to America, landing at New York March 20, 1850. He removed to the far West, but, not liking the country, he returned to Reading, Penn., where he learned the cabinet-making, which he followed until 1870. He came to Ohio in 1854, settling in Ravenna, Portage County. He was married, in 1856, to Lena Hilterhoffe. His seven children all grew to maturity. They are Anna, Margaret, Carrie, Susie, George, Henry and Hattie. He moved to Hicksville Township in December, 1877, where he bought sixty acres of land in the woods, most of which he has reduced to a state of cultivation. He has a neat little house, surrounded with fruit trees and many conveniences. In polities, Mr. Henning isa Democrat. He received a good education inGermany. In his habits, Mr. H. is strictly opposed to tobacco and intoxicating liquors.

Ransom Osborn was born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Conn., April 4, 1795, and married Miss Sarah Hurd, of Humphreyville, Conn., January 15, 1815. Sixteen years after, he removed to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining there eight years; from there he went to Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1836 he removed, with his family, to Hicksville Township. When he arrived, he found but two cabins, built by Hicks & Co., and occupied by Daniel Comstock and Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn built the third cabin, near where the homestead of A. P. Edgerton now stands. As soon as he had his family domiciled, he started for Fort Wayne with a load of wheat and corn, and two yokes of oxen, the former to be converted into flour for the use of the family. The distance was twenty-five miles, through a dense forest, and the only road was a winding path, from which a few bushes had been cut. He reached his destination in safety, got his grain ground, and started for home about 8 o'clock in the afternoon. After traveling some miles, it commenced to rain and snow, and the weather, which had been mild, turned bitterly cold. The path lay through a level country, and the heavy fall rains had covered the lower portion of the trai] with water, which commenced freezing, and the oxen soon grew weary, as, at every step, the ice would break. cutting their legs; but he urged them on, with all the skill of an experienced driver. The co'd increased, and he bogan to be alarmed for his safety, as the night was rapidly approaching. He tried to kindle a fire, but everything being covered with sleet, it was impossible. He moved slowly along, and asthe darkness deepened he had to feel his way and guide his team. The weather grew colder and colder - ice formed on his clothing, and his body became chilled and benumbed. For a long time he urged his team forward, but at length they with which he swung himself from tree fo tree, often stopping to rect against some oak or beech while he called loudly for help. But no help came until he had remained in the woods all night, when a Mr.

Brant, at whose house he had stopped on his way up to Fort Wayne, thinking he was probably lost in the woods, started out to look for him. As Mr. Osborn cried again and again for help, and he heard no sound save the dismal howling of the wolves and the echoes of his own voice, he gave up in despair. But hark! What was that? A shout - the barking of a dog. Mr. Brant assisted him to his cabin, where everything was done to alleviate his sufferings that could be done. All this time his wife and children were anxiously awaiting his return. The cold winds whistled among the trees, and after waiting in great suspense until after midnight, they barred the door and retired, but could not sleep. As quickly as possible, word was sent to Mrs. Osborn, of her husband's misfortune, und she went to him,staying a week, and then he was taken to his home in Hicksville. Medical assistance was called from Defianee. Dr. Colby and Dr. Kibby examined the ease, and found that nothing but amputation of the limbs would save his life. The same evening of their arrival, they amputated them, just six inches below the knee. This fearful ordeal was passed through by Mr. Osborn withont a murmur, but he was crippled for the rest of his life. He had a pairof cushions, or sort of kneeshoes, constructed, and as he recovered, with the help of a cane, he was able to walkabout, and taught the first school in Hicksville. It consisted of five scholars - Joseph Bunnell, Sarah Bunnell, Alexander Yaxley,

Mr. Osborn taught several terms, and was also Justice of the Peace. In the spring of 1837, he moved into the double cabin formerly occupied by Mr. Comstock, where Mrs, Osborn kept the workmen that cleared away the dense forests, and also the men that built the first grist mill. Mr. Osborn's family consisted of his wife and one son and five daughters Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Joseph M., Mary and Caroline. He owned the property where Dr. Rakestraw now lives, and also the farm on the Edgerton road where Mr. Herrick now lives. Mrs. Osborn died March 8, 18438, In 1857, Mr. Osborn went to Geneseo, I1]., to live with his oldest daughter, Mrs. Buenos Ayres. October 14, 1872, he ate his dinner as usual, and in the afternoon died sitting in his chair. About three years before his death, he re.

Allen Parker was born near Baltimore, Md., December 25, 1810. He moved with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he came to Hicksville, being one of the first setilers. He married Miss Esther, daughter of Ransom Os born, November 14, 1839, it being the first wedding in Hicksville Township. It was attended by all of their near friends andneighbors. Mr. A. P. Edgerton 'and Miss Mary Platter were the attendants. Mr. Parker was a farmer by occupation, and also kept the hotel of the place for many years. He endured with cheerfulness all the privations and hardships incident to the settlement of a new country, and hopefully labored for and received the rewards due to industry and integrity. He died July 11. 1860, after a brief illness, leaving a wife and seven children, two daughters and five sons - Sarah, William, George, Carrie, John, Charles and Joseph - all living aud married. His wife, Mrs. Esther Parker, survives him, and still lives at the old house at Hicksville, being the oldest settler of the place.

Luther Loveland, born in Hartford County, Conn., October 10, 1816, is a son of Luther and Lucy (Wickam) Loveland, both natives of Hartford County. They immigrated to Huron County, Ohio, in 1832. In 1836, the subject of this sketch came to Hicksville Township, and was employed by the Hicks Company, at $16 per month and board, to drive ox team, carting produce from the Maumee. October 22, 1840, he married Mary Magdalene, daughter of John and Phoebe (Nafee) Clemmer, who was born in Rovkbridge County. Va.,in 1814. The children of Mr. Loveland are Phceebe J., Lucius C., Sarah Catharine, John N., Lucy Ann, Peletiah and Mary. Mr. Loveland bought 160 acres in Hicksville Township, and is now living on Section 6.

William R. Maxwell, farmer, Hicksville, born in Adams County, Penn., on December 13, 1820, was the son of William and Isabelle (Johnson) Maxwell, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled with their family in Wayne County in 1827, purchasing land on which he lived until death, in 1837. the land with our subject until 1877. parents of nine children, of whom two are living in this county - Elizabeth Nash (nee Maxwell) and our subject. James H. lives in Williams County. The early life of our subject was passed in Wayne County, trict school. When of age, he began life for bimself, Six years later, he purchased a farm of 160 acres of wild land, on which, now well improved, he still by the frugality and industry of himself and wife, he has converted into a beautiful farm. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in 1853, and has served in all seven years. He has also been identified with other township offices, and in all has shown good executive ability and fearlessness in discharge of his duties. He has succeeded in making for himself a good home, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is well preserved, and bids fair to enjoy the fruits of his labors for many years. He was married, October 27, 1842, to Miss Eliza Amos, of Wayne County, Ohio, and they have had eight children, tive of whom survive - Frances, Belle, Franklin, James H. and Eliza; the deceased were Mary A., Jane and William. The children are residents of this county, except Belle, who resides in Crawford County. Mrs. Maxwell departed this life October 13, 1864, at the age of forty-one years, eleven months and five days. Politically, Mr. Maxwell has affiliated with the Democratic party, and during his long life has been in full accord with his party. He has always been a friend to any public improvement that was projected.

Simon P. Brinker was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 28, 1845, came to Defiance County March 24, 1874, and located in Hicksville Township. He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret H. Ross, of Westmoreland County, Penn., married October 25, 1866, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter - Adelia M. and Joseph H. (deceased). He married, for his second wife, Elmira Bungard, of Defiance County. They have the following family: Christopber Columbus, Laura Mabel. The father of Mrs. Brinker Adam Bungard, and the name of her mother is Mary Bungard; formerly it was, when single, Heftlefinger, she having resided in Ashland County prior to her removal to Defiance County in the fall of 1863. They have a family of six children, three boys and three girls. All came to Defiance County, and all are living. John M. Brinker, father of Simon P., was born in Butler County, Penn., September 29, 1803; married Elizabeth Henry, of Butler County, Penn., February 24, 1824; she was born October 8, 1808; had fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls- - Margaret B., Louisa, Henry A., Rebecca, Stephen J., Elizabeth, Christopher C., Joseph H., Carson B., Anna M., Simon M. P. and Hartman, and two others dead; came to Defiance County October 15, 1873, from Westmoreland County

John Ryan was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in September, 1790, and received his education in that county. He married Miss Gertrude McCaffree, daughter of Cornelius and Elsie (Lege) McCaffree, in St Lawrence Connty, N. Y., October 5, 1824. Their children were Eugene, William Augustus, Charles M., Francis D., Eliza P., Washington C., (who was in the war of 1861-65, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteef Infantry, August, 1862. and was discharged in July, 1865), Amelia J., Silvia Adelle and Cornelia Theodocia. Eugene, the oldest, died when a babe; William Augustus died in February, 1875; Silvia Adelle died September, 1874. Mr. Ryan came from St. Lawrence County, N. Y., to Hicksville Township in 1844; purchased eighty acres of Jand in the woods; put up his cabin with puncheon floor, chimney of sticks and mud, and moved in and commenced to clear his land, and passed through the usual experience of all the pioneers. He cleared about thirty acres, and then sold to John Hilbert. He then pur chased an adjoining eighty acres of woodland, and made one more start in the woods, put up a cabin and barn, and cleared the farm upon which he died. It is under a fine state of cultivation, and has a fine frame house and good buildings, barn, etc.

The first school in this neighborhood was on the southeast corner of this farm, near what is now the six corners, and built in 1846. The teacher was Elias Cammel. Before this, they had to go to the

Mr. Kyan died May 1, 1880, in his eighty-first year. Gertrude Ryan, his wife, was born April 3, 1799, in Dutchess County, N. Y.; died October 7, 1872, aged seventy-three years. A fine double monument, erected by their children, marks their restingplace in the beautiful cemetery at the six corners; cost $450.

Benjamin Forlow was born April 1, 1810, in Berks County, Penn. His father, John, and his mother, Catharine (Wallsmith) Forlow, were both born in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather on his father's side was of Irish descent, and great-grand- His grandfather and grandmother both died in Berks County, Penn. His father moved, in 1831, to But.

twenty-one years old, where the father and mother both died. trade, which he learned in Pennsylvania, at which he worked in Butler County till he was twenty-two years old, when he married Catharine, daughter of John and Margaret (Wyland) Emerick, by whom he had eleven children, viz., Amos, John B., Susan, George, William, Mary K., Uriah, Ananias, Elizabeth.

ceased - John, George and Elizabeth. His wife. Catharine, was born in Butler County, her parents being among the first settlers of that county. After his marriage, he worked at his trade in Butler County some ten years, then came with his family to Defiance County, in 1843, and settled in Milford Township, where he bought eighty acres and forty in Farmer. the township line dividing. He lived in Milford in Section 36, in Farmer on Section 31. The farm had a small clearing and cabin when he bought of Robert M. Kells. He bonght forty acres of Anthony Huber, who came from Butler County about the same time. His wife died on the farm November 4, 1876. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Forlow rented out his farm, and is now living a retired life at Hicksville, in his seventy-third year. He is still active, and enjoys good health. He has always be. longed to the German Reform Church, as did his parents and grandparents before him. When Mr. Forlow came to his farm on Lost Creek, there was no road ent out to Hicksville from his place except the brush.

He has prospered, and has plenty of this world's goods as the result of industry, economy and honesty. He has a good farm of 120 acres; could sell, if he would, at 375 per acre.

His oldest son, Amos, whose sketch and portrait are in this work, was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted as a private in Company F, One-Hundred and Eleventi Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In all, four of his sons were in the service of their country in the late war.

Robert Filmore Kerr was born February 19, 1851, in the village of Middletown. Salt "reek Township, Holmes Co., Ohio. His father, Joseph Kerr, and his mother, Jane (Dowell) Kerr were born, the former in Honey Brook Township, Chester Co., Penn., September 10, 1820, the latter born in Holmes County, Ohio, September 18, 1827. Their children are Joseph D., Thomas W., Robert F., Alice May, Laura E. (deceased). My. Kerr (Joseph) came from Pennsylvania to Holmes County, Ohio, where he remained about fifteen years, then came to Defiance County, in Octo. ber, 1857, and settled at Hicksville, where he now Was a tailor by trade, but on his arrival at Hicksville he engaged in the lumbering business and cleared up a farm.

Robert F., the subject of this sketch, ut twelve yeurs of age commenced driving oxen to haul logs to the mill, and helped thereafter to clear up the farm, attending district school in winter, till about twenty years of age; then taught school three terms, in winters of 1872, 1873, 1874, in Hicksville Township. In 1S74, he commenced his present business at Hicksin connection with his setae esha D. and Thomas W., and continued till 1877. Thomas W. then sold hie interest to E. W. Crook, and the firm became and is now known as Kerr Bros. & Co. In 1879, they established a branch warehouse at Chicago, Robert F. taking charge. This establishment is, probably, now the largest of the kind in Northwest Ohio, shipping largely to New York, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, Denver, Sacramento, Cal., Portland. Ore., also to Europe. They have an agency at New York. On December 1, 1881, Mr. Kerr was married to Miss Amanda J. Otis, daughter of Morell and Margaret Otis, of Milford Township, who was born February 21, 1855. Mr. Kerr is of the firm of T. W. Kerr & Co., in the grist mill knownas the Hicks. ville Mills, and also connected with the agricultural business of the firm of Otis & Co., of the samestown. Mr. Kerr is now but little over thirty years of age; by industry and economy has worked his way up toa position of affluence and standing in the town seldom attained by many of double the amount of his years. He has put up a fine residence, second to none in the town.

The Kerr brothers al] seem to be enterprising and go-ahead gentlemen. T. W. spirit in business enterprise, leading in the building of the grist mill.

Edward W. Crook was born December 23, 1841, in the village of Elkston, Colambiana County, Ohio. He is the oldest son and the fourth child of a family of seven children, of Thomas and Jane (Bachelor) Crook, who were born in England, were married there, came to America in 1839, and settled in Columbiana County, engaging in the manufacture of woolen goods, continuing in same business till 1868, when he engaged in mercantile life for two years, and then retired from business. Martha L., Mary, Sarah, Edward W., Emma C., John F. and Ida May. Edward W. Crook, the subject of this sketch, remained at home assisting his

He was born in 1793, and was ason of Elden Edward Otis, of Massachusetts, who was a son of Stephen Otis, a Major on the staff of Maj. Gen. Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill. He was wounded in. the same engagement, but recovered, and did his country good service. Jesse made a permanent home in Wayne

May 1, 1856, leaving seven sons and three daughters - John D., Merrill, Anna, William, Jane, Edward, athaniel, E. D., Mary, Henry W. Our subject re- years of age, when, in 1856, he went to Dalton, and In 1857, he engaged in a mercantile business in Dalton, which he successfully conducted until 1879, at which time he sold out and came to Hicksville. Ohio, and in ness, in which he is now so successfully engaged. & A. M., to which body he has belonged for twenty years. He in 1857, to Eliza, daughter' of Jacob siderably interested in political matters, and represented his people in some of the offices of trust and responsibility Mr. O. is one of the leading citizens

. | father in his business and attending school until nineteen years of age. when he went to learn the carriage- | making business, at which he served an apprentice- - ship of three years, when he commenced the business for himself at East Fairtield, Columbiana County, where he continued in the business till December 1, 1877, when he sold out and came to Hicksville, and in the spring of 1878 bought the interest of T. W. Kerr in the handle factory of Kerr Brothers, and the firm became J. D. and R. F. Kerr and E. W. Crook, and is known by the firm name of Kerr Brothers & Co. Mr. Crook married Miss Alice M. Kerr, Joseph and Jane (Dowell) Kerr, July 14, 1870, who was born November 1852. Mr. Crook built his fine residence in Hicksville in 1878, identified with the interests of Hicksville and Detiance County, his public-spiritedness has already won for him a leading place in society, and he is prominent among the solid men of the county.

Abram Henry was born in Crawford County May 4, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Susanna (Xniseley) Henry. They were farmers, and the subject of this sketch remained at home, working on the farm, till seventeen years of age; then learned the carpen- He was married to Miss Emeline, daughter of Edward and Phebe (Young) Wagner, December 22, 1857. Mrs. Henry was born August 20, 1834. Her father, Edward, was Ohio; Six children have been in Company H, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 22, 1863; passed through many battles, but came through all right, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. |

George W. Scott was born at Independence Defiance County, on what is known as the Dr. John Evans farm, January 6, 1839. His parents were Virginians by birth. His parents, John and Catharine (Davidson) Scott, settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, and remained there till 1836, when they came to this county. They made their first purchase by entering eighty acres in what is now Ridgeville Township. Henry County, which he partly cleared up, putting up a cabin. Mrs. Scott died on this farm about 1845. Mr. Scott bought next in Richland Township, and married, for second wife, Mrs. Stacy. He died on this farm about 1852.

By his first marriage, he had eight children, viz., Lydia, Jacob, Eliza, Wesley, Nancy, Mary -I., John H., George W. Twoof these are living, Jacob aud the subject of this sketch. Jacob lives at Florida, 'Henry Connty. George remained at home on the farm till his father's death, being then about thirteen years old. He left home for Pickaway county, where le worked on a farm abont five years, then returned to Florida, Henry County, and learned the milling business. He enlisted as a private in Company F, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in November, 1861, and was honorably discharged as a Lientenant at the close of the war, July 20, 1865; then returned; farmed for about two years; then entered the mill at Evansport, and continued in the same till the spring of 1877. He then came to Hicksville, entering the Anchor Mills, and in 1880 bought an interest, and the firm became Hootman, Scott & Bruce. now Scott, Bruce & Fribley.

Mr. Scott married Clara, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Barnhart) Bowen, September 6, 1860, and has seven children, viz., Mary J., Della, Myrtie, Nelly, George E., Darla. Mr. Scott was in thirty-four battles, which was inscribed on their banner by order of their General. Atlanta, and in Sherman's march to the sea.

B.S. Pettit, dealer in drugs, books and stationary, was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 17, 1850, and is ason of Benjamin Dye and Patsey (Morris) Pettit, who were born in the same county, he July 38, 1822, and she March 21, 1827. He was a son of Jobn and Elizabeth (Dye) Pettit. He came from Pennsylvania to Miami County, in which he died. She was born in Miami County October 8, 1800, and the first. white child born in Miami Connty: with his family to Marion County, Ohio, in 1852, in which he lived till 1866, when he removed to White County, Ind., where he died April 28. 1879. To them were born six children, viz., B. S., David (deceased), E. M., Clara E., B. B. and Mary E. Mrs. P. is living, and resides in White County, Ind. Mr. P. was a farmer by occupation. :

The boyhood of our subject, was passed upon the farm, andin the district schools he obtained the rudiments of an education. He entered the Asbury University, at Greencastle, Ind., in 1873. and took a full philosophical course, completing the same in two years. Previous to entering the above institution, he taught district schools for two terms. After attaining his twenty-fourth year. he entered a drug store, for the purpose of making himself acquainted with the nature of drugs, and located in Hicksville. in business for himself, in February, 1879, where he has since been engaged, and does a thriving business. He is a member of F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 478, Hicksville; is also a member of the Baptist Church. He was married, January 28, 1880, to Miss Estella, daughter of S. H. and Dorcas H. Powell, of White County, Ind. She died August 2, 188]. Mr. P. does a good business in his line, and keeps everything usually found in a tirst class drug retail house.

William J. Kleckner, son of Samuel and Mary A. (Hilbert) Kleckner, was born October 2, 1844, in 'Tuscarawas County, Ohio; came to this county with his parents when about eighteen months old; grew up, and spent his early days on the farm until nineteen years old; then went to the boat-oar factory of J. D. Wilsey, of Defiance County, on the farm of Miller Arrowsmith; worked at this business thirteen years. After following up the oar business for a time, he commenced the manufacture and sale of pumps at Hicksville, and continued the same till September, 1882. He then commenced the grocery business at Hicksville, in which he is now engaged in Mr. Kleckner married Harriet A., daughter of David and So. phia A. (Walden) Powell, January 14, 1866, by whom he has two ebildren - Addie L., born April 30, 1867, and William E., born January 17, 1874. Mrs. Kleckner was born in Allen County, Ohio, February 25, 1846. Her parents, David and Sophia, were born, the fomner Mareh 12, 1812, in Juniata County, Penn., the latter born January 24, 1823, in Portage County, Ohio. hey had four children - Mary J., William C., Harriet A. and George F., all living in county except one daughter (Mrs. States), now living in Allen County, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. W. J. Kleckner were married April 8, 1841. Mr. Powell died April 22, 1849, in Allen

County, Ohio, having suffered for a number of years with necrosis of the bone in one of his legs, which was amputated above the knee, without taking any anodynes, but died about eight months after the operation. William C. Poweli, brother of Mrs. Kleckner, was in the late war; enlisted September, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-first Regiment ; was honorably discharged July 28, 1865; came through all right, after passing through many battles and hardships. Mrs. Powell, in 1850, married Alexander Tharp, brother of Colin and Elisha, early settlers in Defiance County. He died in 1864; died on his farm, and was buried in the cemetery on his farm, where the Lutheran Church now stands. Mrs. Kleckner lived on this place twenty-six years of her life. Mr. Tharp first settled at Williams Center; then bought the farm on which the Lutheran Church stands, near Arrowsmith's land.

Dr. W. H. Richards was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May. 6, 1837. His father, John Richards, was born near Steubenville, Ohio His mother, Jane (Hutchinson) Richards, was born in Westmoreland County,. Penn. The Doctor's younger days were spent on the farm, until a young man. He attended high school at Fredericksburg, Wayne Co., Ohio, and taught school several terms. He commenced the study of medicine in the spring of 1861, and volunteered as a soldier on September 11, 1861, in the Fifth Ohio Independent Battery, commanded by Capt. Hickenlooper, now Gen. Hickenlooper, of Cincinnati. The battery was under Gen. Fremont, in Missouri, till the spring of 1862, then transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, under Grant, and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing was in Gen. Prentice's division, and fired the first shot in that memorable battle. They lost four guns out of six, with the greater part of the men and horses. He remained with the battery till the spring of 1863, when he was discharged in consequence of disability. He then removed to Paxton, Ill.. where he remained until the close of the war, teaching school, with the excention of six months spent in the army again, or in the one hundred days' service in 1864. He again resumed the study of medicine, in the office of Ran. dolph & Kelso, of Paxton, Hl; attended lectiues at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1866 and in 1867; returned to Illinois and commenced the practice of medicine at Ludlow, Champaign Cv., Ill., where he married Miss Mary A. Pinkerton, of Preble County, Ohio, in 1868. In 1869, he removed to Savannah, Andrew Co., Mo,, where his wife died of consumption. He had one child born, and which also died at the same time. He then returned to Ohio, in 1871, and oraduated at Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohia, in the spring of 1872; locatedat Hicksville that spring, in partnership with Dr. T. C. Kinmont, for one yew. He married his second wife, Lodema H., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adamson Tannehil!, of Defiance County, in 1873. From this marriage they have one child, eight years old; named Fordyce B. Richards.

Dr. William D. Otis was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 14, 1841. About this time, hie parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained about five years, then removed to Defiance County, in 1846, and settled in Milford Township, where they now reside. W. D. remained at home until. eighteen years of age, attending district school in the winter season. At this age, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting August 13, 1862, and was in the battles of Loudon Creek, Strawberry Plains, siege of Knoxville, also through the Georgia campaign and Franklin fight, Nashville siege and vietory, winding up in North Carolina, and was discharged at Cleveland,. Ohio, at the close of the war, in July, 1865. He then returned home and resumed his literary education, which had been contemplated before his enlistment. He attended normal school at Bryan, Ohio, for one year; then went to Denison University, at Greenville, Obio, where he remained six years, completing his classical work, and graduating from the institute three years thereafter with honors, receiving the degree of A. M. In 1872, he entered the office of Prof. A. C. Miller, at Orrville, Wayne Co., Ohio, completing his studies with him. After graduating at Wooster Medical College, at Cleveland, he started to practice at Independence, near Cleveland. He remained there one and a half years; then went to Pataskaia, Licking County, where he remained five years; then located in Hicksville, Detiance County, Ohio. November 1, 1880. He married, May 8, 1873, Harriet M., daughter of Harrington Howe (deceased), and Martha (Smediey) Howe. Her mother, Martha, resides with Mr. Otis.

James Casebeer, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Hicksville, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 4, 1818, and is a son of John and Sarah (Smiley) Casebeer, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in the above county in an early day, where they made a permanent home, living therein until they died. He was a farmer and _ blacksmith by occupation. To them were born three children, viz., James, Sarah and Lavina. By his first wife he bad eleven children, viz., Elizabeth, John, David, Mary, Plevy, Ann, Andrew, Adam, Catharine, Jacob and Hannah. The early life of our subject was passed upon the farm, and when old enough and strong enough he began learning the sinith trade, which he pursued for a ntunber of years, saving up enongh in the meantime to buy himself a small piece of land in his native county. For thirteen years after his purchase, he lived in Tuscarawas County, then disposed of his property, and removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where he bought land, on which he lived until 1861, at which time he located where he now lives, near Hicksville; now owns a farm of 270 acres of good land, 110 of which adjoins the village. He was elected to serve as a Justice of the Peace of the town: | ship, and likewise as a Trustee. He was married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth, the danghter of Samuel and Martha (Stevens) Sewer, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. To them have been born eleven children, - seven of whom are living, viz., Martha J., John E.,

Catharine, George T., Elizabeth and Benjamin F., - and Marietta: the deceased, Samuel J., William H., Anna and Alice. John was a member of Company D, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; enlisted October, 1861, as First Lieutenant of Company D; went through the war, and was honorably discharged September 25, 1865. William H. was a with his brother at the same time; was a Corporal: was killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862; shot through the head and instantly killed. Mr. C.'s family are members of the United Baptist Church. Mr. C. began life a poor boy, and by industry and economy he has accomplished the great object of life - made a good home - and is now living amid peace and plenty, the result of a successful life's work. Mr. C.'s parents died nearly at the same time, when | he was only five years of age.

Mrs. Sarah Smiley's mother named Boyd, was captured by.the Indians in childhood, in Somerset County, Penn., during the Revolutionary war, and held a captive by them for seven years. After the close of the war, she was tnrned over to her friends, a treaty having been effected that necessitated the return of all captives, and she, with others, was brought into old Fort Duquesne, where Pittsburgh, At the time she was captured, seven others of the same family were taken, consisting of the child's mother and grandmother and four other children. ruthlessly murdered by the Indians at the time they were captured, but all the children, except one, | captors and their ways, and refused to return to his | white friends and relatives. The eldest son was kept a prisoner three years, when he was released and as- | sisted back to his friends by his Indian captors. About twenty-five women and children were at the time congregated at the house where these people were captured. They all fants were murdered, the rest taken into captivity. They were not captured until after a hard resistance was made, and then only after the cabin was burned.

Asher P. Phillips, son of John U. and Phebe A. (Mark) Phillips, was born in Berrien County, Mich., July 8, 1859. His father was born in Ohio in 1837, his mother, in this county in 1839. They had two childern- - Asher P. and Francis B. (dead). Asher P. married Susan J., daughter of John and Rachel (Depew) Knisely. One child has been born to them, December 12, 1881---Phebe R. Phillips. His mother,

Eldridge. John C. Phillips, the first husband, en. listed in Company C, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served till the close of the war. The second husband, Peter Eldridge, enlisted in Company G, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August, 1862, discharged April, 1862, on aeccount of disability. Re-enlisted in the Nineteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, January 12,1864, and

' discharged July 19, 1865; was in the siege of Atlanta and at Kesaca and Peach Tree Creek, etc. Isaac Donafin was born March 30, 1834, at or near Lancaster, Ohio. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Hartle) Donatin. His mother died when he was about eight years old, leaving him to the cold charity of the world and friends. Nothing in particular is known of his youth from this until 1855, except that he had to shift for himself, and that in the meantime he had learned the cabinet maker's trade. In 1855, he removed to Auburn, Ind., where he became acquainted with Miss Julia G. Gray, danghter of John B. and Julia (Rowland) Gray, to whom he was married August 24, 1853. She was born May 8, 1831, in Ashland County, Ohio, and is a descendent of the Nickerbockers of the East, and can trace her family history back 200 years. The fruit of this marriage was two daughters - Hattie, born Angust, 24, 1857, who who stricken down in the bloom of womanhood in Hicksville, August 8, 1881, much beloved and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends whom she had served for a number of years as clerk in the post office of her native town, Hicks. ville, where she had grown up. The other daughter, Julia M., was born June 25, 1860, and is now elerking in the same office, for her mother, Mrs. Donatfin, who received the appointment of Postmistress at Hicksville, February 16, 1870. In 1858, Mr. Donafin moved to Hicksville and continued the cabinet business until the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the service of his country in Company ki, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September 12, 1861; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and was conveyed hence to the Southern prison pens, and was retained a prisoner un- til near the close of the war, when he was exchanged, and on his way home lost his life by the explosion of the ill-fated Sultana, on its passage up the Mis. sissippi River, consigning the body of Mr. 'Donafin and many other brave comrades to a watery grave. The Post of the G. A. R., at Hicksville, is called "JT. Donafin Post" in honor of the brave comrade, Isaac Donatin, whose remains were carried away by the great waters of the Mississippi.

D. G. Huffman, born iu Ashland County December 9, 1829, was the eighth of a family of ten children of Abraham and Margaret (Cuppy) Huffman. His father was the second person who settled in Clear Creek Township, Ashland County, in "May, 1813. At the age of nineteen, he commenced teaching school, and taught six years in his native county. He then moved to Iowa in 1856, and engaged in the drug business for seven years, then came to Defiance County, and in the fall of 1872 settled in Hicksville. He was railroad agent five years at this place. Then engaged in insurance and land agency. Was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1881. He was married to Fannie J., daughter of Aldrich and Anne Carver, of Ashland County, in 1852. They have had five children, one now living, Fanny J., who married Charles G. Shephard.

James Maxwell was born October 4 1519; 10 Jefferson County, Ohio; remained at home with his parents until twenty-one, helping to clear the farm and carry on same, attending district school in winter. His parents were born, the father in Adams County, Penn., the mother in Westmoreland County, Penn. They afterward came to Ohio, settling in Jefferson County, where they died.

In the spring of 1843, Mr. Maxwell came to Wayne County, Ohio. In 1846, came to Defiance and located 160 acres of land in Hicksville Town | ship, in Section 5. In 1848, he moved on to it, cleared up and put it under cultivation, except forty acres which remains in timber. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Dorotha (Akins) Miller, who was born October 13, 1819, in Holmes County, Ohio. Their family consists of six children, three boys - Samnel A., Isaac M., Robert B.; three girls --Sarah M., Mary A. and Charlotte E. - all liv. ing but Robert. When Mr. Maxwell first came to the county, game was plenty - deer, turkey, wolves, and occasionally abear Wolves were quite troublesome to sheep. Deer were frequently seen in flocks of from five to twenty. They frequently fed on the wheat fields in the spring, and as they were easily shot, venison was plentiful. In 1849, he owned a fresh cow and the wolves were bound to take her and the calf. Mrs. Maxwell was obliged to build a fire near by to keep them not at home, Mrs. M. was obliged to watch all night, frequently hearing the snapping of their teeth in the darkness. They often killed and ate young calves. Mr. M. caught, at one time, a half dozen young wolves ~ in a hollow log. The premium was $2.50 per scalp, paid by the Treasurer from the county taxes. They disappeared about the year 1852.

About 1849, they had no schoolhouse, and Mr. Maawoll was joined by his neighbors, Adamson Tan. nehill, Joshua Hall, Matthew K. Scott and John A. Isaac and James Miller, and put up a hewed-log schoolhouse on the corner of his farm, Mr. Maxwell furnishing most of the lumber and shingles and hewing the timber. Elizabeth Powell was the first teacher. Mr. M. removed to Hicksville in 1878, and lovated on Lot No. 63, on which he now resides. He also owns Lot No. 62 and 64.