Jerome Township (part 16 of 19)

George M. Wilber was the only child in his father's family. He received a very good elementary education in his early years by attending the common schools and completing the studies in the high school. With a view of fitting himself for a business vocation he entered a commercial college in Cleveland and completed the course in that institution. He then engaged in the grocery business in Marysville and followed this occupation for a few years. Agricultural pursuits and life on a farm appealed to him as being more desirable and more remunerative than the grocery business, so he gave up his grocery business and took up farming and the live stock industry. In this business he brought with him the experience and training obtained through close contact with business affairs in town, and he made use of this experience and training in broadening his views and in fully preparing himself for the task of operating a farm in such a way as to bringabout the most profitable results. In this he has demonstrated his ability to measure up to the requirements for a successful farmer. He has made a close study of the problems of the soil and the management of the rotation of crops, so that the best results can be obtained with the least exhaustion of soil. In the live stock industry he has given especial attention to sheep raising in which he has made a marked success.

Mr. Wilber was twice married, his first wife [)eing Lou Robinson, daughter of R. Robinson, to whom he was married in 1884. His first wife is buried in Oakdale cemetery. Tlic twn cliildren bnrn to this union were Robert M., deceased, and Ruth C, wiin married E. H. Sclu'cifer. His second wife was Alice Pearse, whom he married June 6, 19 14.

of Pvtliias and the B. O. Elks. Politically, he is an advocate of the principles of the Republican party and is an active and an influential worker in partv politics. He was honored by his party by being chosen as representative from his county in the general assembly for two successive terms, 1878 and 1879. As a member of this body he served with credit to himself and to his constituents. In all his relations of life, as a public ofificial and as a private citizen, he has commanded the confidence and high esteem of the community.

The career of Lafayette iMcIlroy began in Liberty township. Union countv, Ohio, almost sixty years ag'o, on the farm where he is now living. A native of this county, he has spent all of his life where he was born, and such has been h'is daily life that he fully merits the high regard in which he is held by those who know him. He and his wife have reared a family of children to lives of usefulness and honor, while at the same time he has performed all those duties which fall to the lot of the good American citizen. In every phase of his county's development he has borne his share of the burden, and for this reason is justly entitled to representation in the history of his county.

Lafayette Alcllroy was liorn October 20, 1855, o" the farm where he is nnw lixing. His parents, Zachariah and Catherine (Heminger) Mcllroy, were born in Harrison county and Tuscarawas county, Ohio, respectively, and l.)oth nf them came with their parents to Union county, Ohio, in their childhood days. They were married in Union county and located in Liberty township, and resided there until their death. They reared a family of eight children, ^i.x of whom are still living: George F., a farmer of Liberty townshi]); Jacol) I'., (jf Oregon; Lafayette, with whom this narrative deals; Susan, the wife of C. W. Shirk; Cassie B., the wife of Frank Shirks, and Alay, vile wife of Lewis Taylor. The two oldest sons, John M. and James W. died in childhood.

Lafayette Mcllroy was reared on his father's farm and educated in the rlistrict schools of Liberty township. He remained at home until his marriage in 1878, and at once located on the home farm, where he has since resided.

in Liljert}' township. January 28, 1857. Her parents were married in Lici<- ing count}-, Ohio, and came to this county in 1850 and located on a farm. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Huhbard had four children: Emeline, the wife of John M. Mcllroy ; Lucy, Columbus, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Clarence McIIroy; Mrs. Laura IMcIlroy. Mrs. Hubbard died in July, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Mcllroy have one son and three daughters: Clarence H., who married Eva Shawan, and is now a train dispatcher on the Big Four railroad with head- Cjuarters at Bellefontaine, Ohio; Hazel K., who is unmarried and still at home; Lucy B., the wife of Paul ^I. Downs, of Van Wert, Ohio; Fannie M., who is single and still lix'ing with her parents.

Mr. Mcllroy is a member of the Free and Accepted ]\Iasons Xo. 249, at Raymond, and also holds his membership in the Knights of Pythias at the same place. Li politics, he has always been identified with the Reiniljlican party, and has taken an active part in local political matters.

Berxhard J. Bishop

A worthy descendant of one of the early German settlers of Lnion countv, Ohio. Bernhard J. Bishoji, ranks as one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers of Paris township. The Bishop family came from Germany in 1837 and located in Paris township, in this county, in the same year and became large land owners in the county. Mr. Bishop has always taken an active part in the civic life of his community and has been prominent in political circles. He measures up to a high standard of American citizenship, and has always so conducted his affairs as to win the esteem of his fellow citizens to a marked degree.

Bernhard J. Bishop, the son of John G. and Barbara (Loschky) Bishop, was born July 10, 1877. on the farm where he is now living in Paris township, about two and one-half miles south of ;\Iarysville. His father was liorn in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America with his parents, Bernhard and wife, in 1837. Two children were born to Bernhard Bishop and wife, John (i., the father of Bernhard J. and ^Irs. Anna Burns, the daughter being born in L'nion county. John G. Bishop was a successful farmer and one of the largest land owners of the county, owning o\"er seven hundred acres of good farming land at the time of his death. He and his wife reared a family of se\en children: Anna, deceased: Bernhard J., of Paris township; Mrs. Lina Troetchel, who has two children, Freda and Jeannetta ; Mrs.

]\lr. Bishop received a good education in the district schools of his home township, and also spent some time in the German school in Darby township. He remained at home with his parents until his marriage and then lived in Alarysville for about eight years, after which he moved on his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres. He is an extensive stock raiser and has found that this is the most profitable part of farming.

Air. Bishop was married October i6, 1901, to Elizabeth Mader, the daughter of Andre\\' and Klizabeth (Scheiderer) Mader, and to this union three daughters have been born, Lucile, Elizabeth and Clara L.

Mr. Bishop and his family are all loyal and consistent members of the Lutheran church. Politically, he has always been identified with the Democratic party since reaching his majority, and has been one of the leaders of his party in local politics for many years. At the present time he is serving as president of the school board of Paris township, in which capacity he has the opportunity to advance the educational interests of his community. He is deeply interested in eveiything pertaining to the welfare of his fellow citizens and favors all measures wliich he feels will make his communitv a better one in which to live.

William M. Brown

The three score and ten years which have elapsed since the birth of William M. Brown he has spent on the farm where he is now living. The Fjrown family have been residents of Union county, Ohio, since 1822, and during this long period of time have contributed in no small measure to the advancement of the county. William M. Brown has been a life-long farmer. He has always so conducted himself as to merit the high esteem in which he is held by everyone.

William M. Brown is the son of J. K. and Angeline (Lyon) Brown, and was born May 31, 1845, on the farm in Dover township, where he now resides. His father was born in Connecticut in 1798, and came to this county about 1822, having spent the previous year in Huron county, this state. Ten children were born to J. K. Brown and wife: Anna E., Elijah W., Clarenda. John K., D. H., Adclia V., Sarah M., Alpheus W., William AI. and Mrs.

Angeline Lyon, the mother of William M. Brown, was the daughter and only child of Daniel and Deborah (Moe) Lyon. Daniel Lyon came from Connecticut and settled in I'nion county. Ohio, in an early day. and here he spent the remainder of his days. He was the .son of Peter Lyon, an early settler in America. Peter Moe, the father of Mrs. Lyon, was born August 5, 1750, and his wife was born May 20, 1752. Eight children were born to Peter Moe and wife: Charlotte, born May 2, 1779; Hester, born January 24, 1783; Peter, born February 22. 1785; Kufus, born January 3, 1787: Deborah, born March 4, 1789; Clonda B., born July 6, 1793, and Isaac, born January 10, 1796, together with one other who died in infancy.

William M. Brown was educated in the old log school house at Mt. Hermon. and later went t(j a select school at Ostrander, where he completed his education. Before reaching his majority he worked with his brother, John K.. who was a ci\'il engineer, and at the age of twenty-two, he began renting land from his father. Eventuallv he bought out the other heirs to the old home place and for more than half a centurv has farmed the land where he worked as a boy.

Mr. Brown was married February 2"], 1867, to Rosa A. Carr, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Crane) Carr, natives of Virginia, and early settlers in Union county. Benjamin Carr is the son of Solomon Carr, who brought the family from Virginia to Delaware county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of four children: Frank W. and Willa H. are both deceased and are buried in Oakdale cemetery at Marys\'ille. Leroy, the only son li\'- ing, has been twice married, his first wife being Mary Rittenhouse, and after her death, he married Nellie Dunn. He has two children, Minetta and Frank. Floy, the only daughter living, is the wife of William Maugans, and has one daughter - \\'ilma Ruth.

Fraternally, Mr. Brown is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he has been a member of this order for the past forty-five years. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for the past thirtvfive years, and during all that time, has been actively interested in e\'ervthing pertaining to its welfare. Politically, he has long been identified with the Democratic party, and has filled various official positions in his township. He has served as township clerk, and was on the school board for a number of vears. He served as justice of the peace for thirteen \-ears. during which (63) time he married thirty-seven couples. JMr. Brown has Hved a successful and honorable life, and has exercised those qualities of generosity, hospitality aiid lovalty to friends with the result that he is a man who is esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.

Pearl Tossey

One of the earliest pioneer families of Union county, Ohio, was the Tossey family, whose ancestors were prominent in the early history of Connecticut. Pearl Tossey, a worthy scion of this honored family, is the third in direct line bearing this name who has been born in Union county. During all of the years which have elapsed since the first member of the family made his home in the wilderness in Mill Creek township, the Tossey family have been prominent factors in everything pertaining to the welfare of the county.

Pearl Tossey, the son of William and Eliza (Lowe) Tossey, was born June 27, 1880, in Dover township. William Tossey, who was the son of Philemon and Judith (Graham) Tossey, was born in Mill Creek township, where his father, Philemon, was born before him. Philemon Tossey was the son of Aaron Tossey, a genuine Connecticut Yankee, who came to this county early in the nineteenth century and entered government land when practically the whole county was covered with primeval forests. William Tossey lived all of his life in this county, died in 1912, and is buried in the Oakdale cemetery. Fi\e children were born to William Tossey and wife, Iro, Pearl, Frank, Pride and Rutli.

The education of Pearl Tossey was received in the schools of Mill Creek township, the school known as the Watkins school. He worked on his father's farm during his boyhood days, and at the age of twenty-one began farming on the home place on the shares. Later he bought his present farm of eighty acres on the Watkins road about five miles east of Marysville. In addition he rents one hundred and sixty acres and lives on the farm which he rents. He is an up-to-date farmer in e\'ery respect and keeps well abreast of the latest advances in agriculture. He divides his attention between the raising of live stock and grain and feeds most of his grain to live stock.

^Ir. Tossey was married September 26, 1900, to Eifie Dodge, the daughter of John R. and Ella (Boring) Dodge, both of whom are now living in Marysville. Mr. and Mrs. Tossey have two children, Paul and Clarice, both of whom are now in school.

Mr. Tossey and his wife are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Do\'er, and Mr. Tossey is a trustee of his denomination. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has been one of the leaders in local politics in his party for several years. He has served as clerk of his township for two terms, and is now a member and the president of the Dover township school board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, holding his membership at D(i\er. Air. Tossey has tried to measure up to the standard of correct citizenship, and his township is proud to number him among its progressive and representative residents.

John Henry Hush

There are many citizens living in Dover township, Union county, Ohio, who have spent all of their lives within its limits. This fact speaks well for the township and also for the stability of its citizens. It shows that they have been satisfied with life in this township and that they have been able to make a comfortable li\-ing for themselves and their families in the township where they were born. One of the many citizens of Dover townsliip, who has spent his whole life here, is John Henry Hush, who was bom in this township nearly sixty years ago.

John H. Hush, the son of Peter and Louisa (Bell) Hush, was born September I, 1857, in Dover township, and has never been seized with a desire to roam from the community where he was reared and where he has since maintained his home.

Peter Hush was born in Pennsylvania, the son of Valentine Gi:il(Ismith and Martha (Blackburn) Hush, and came to Licking county witli his parents early in the history of the county. Peter Hush married Louisa Bell and later came to Union county. Peter Hush and wife had eight children, Basil, Valentine, Ninion, Henry, Harriett, Alfred B., George B. and John Henry.

John H. Hush received a limited common school education in the Buckskin school house in his own township. .At the age of sixteen he began farming for his mother and has since de\'oted all of his life to this honored occupation. He continued working on the home farm until his marriage in 1888 and some time after that, moved on his present farm of ninety-two acres in Dover township, about one mile east of New Dover. Here he has engaged in general farming and stock raising and lias been very successful in his efi^orts.

Mr. Hush was married in 1888 to Molly Stewart, the daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Savage) Stewart. To this union has been born one son, Henry Alfred, who was born November 26, 1899, and is now attending the public school at Dover.

The father of Mrs. Hush was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, near Brownsville. Alexander Stewart was the son of John Hamilton and Alcy (Hardin) Stewart, and the grandson of Joshua Stewart. The Stev/art family was prominent in the history of colonial Pennsylvania, as was the Savage family. The Savage family was of English and Welsh descent and first settled in Baltimore, Maryland, and from there moved westward.

Fraternallv, Mr. Hush is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his family are memliers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, he is a Republican, but has confined his activities to the casting of his ballot at election time. He is interested in e^-erything pertaining to the welfare of his community and lends his hearty support to all worthy measures.

Watt R. Sharp

A large land owner and a prosperous farmer of Dover township, Union county, Ohio, is Watt R. Sharp. He owns two hundred and eighty-two acres of fine land on the Hinton mill road, about two miles southeast of Dover. He was born and reared in this same township, and his father before him was a native of this same county, so that the Sharp family have been identified with the history of Union county for many years. His grandfather was a large land owner, and his father a veteran of the Civil War, and an influential man in the community where he lived.

Watt R. Sharp, the son of Russell B. and Melissa (Ritchie) Sharp, was born September 22, 1872, on the old Ritchie farm in Dover township. His father was born in this county, the son of Robert Sharp, and lived here most of his life. Robert Sharp came from Pickaway county, Ohio, and became a large land owner in .Union county. Russell B. Sharp was a member of the Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio \"olunteer Infantry and served throughout the Civil War with distinction. He was twice married, his first wife being Melissa Ritchie, and Watt R. was the only child of tins union. After the death of his first wife he went west and married Julia McAllister. IMelissa Ritchie, the mother of Watt R. Sharp, was the daughter of Joseph K. and Nancy (Lf>ngbrake ) Ritchie. Joseph K. Ritchie was a prominent citizen of L'nion county and a large land owner. Seven children were born to Joseph K. Ritchie and wife, Adam. Ja}', Leonartl, George. Airs. Melissa Sharp, Mrs. Mary Loveless and Mrs. Lida Turner. All of these children are now deceased with the exception of Jay antl Lida.

Watt R. Sharp was educated in the schools of Hardscrapple and Dover in his home neighborhood. He was reared by Mr. and ]\Irs. William Lo\eless after his mother's death. After his marriage in 1900 he moved to his present farm of two hundretl and eighty-two acres, and has been living here ever since. He divides his energies between the raising of live stock and the tilling of his fields with a success which stamps him as one of the most progressive farmers of his township.

Mr. Sharp was married January 25, 1900, to Myrtle Robinson, the daughter of Alfred and Jane (Rittenhouse) Robinson, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Union county, Ohio. Mr. Sharp and his wife have two sons, 'Max Richard and Curtis Howard.

Politically. ]\Ir. Sharp is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in its councils. He and his wife are loyal and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose welfare they are deeply interested and to whose support they are liberal contributors.

The oldest resident oi Raymond, Union county, Ohio, is John Hartshorn, who has lived in this \illage since 1851. When he came here from his honxe in New Hampshire the village was then called Newton, and it was not until several years afterwards, that it was rechristened Raymond. The sixty-four years which have elapsed since Mr. Hartshorn came to this state have all been spent in this village with the exception of the time he spent in the service i)f his c<iuntry during the Civil War. He has been engaged in carpentering most vi his life, although he has also followed house-moving and is still able to do a good day's work. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and is one of the grand old men whom every one delights to honor. He is an honored and an honorable citizen, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him, having always been conscientious, himest antl upright in all his dealings. He has seen Union county grow from a wilderness and remembers well when deer, turkeys and wild g-ame of all kinds were in generous abundance. He has killed all kinds of game on the present site of Raymond and has seen wild pigeons in the sky SO numerous that they obscured the sun. In those days before the war, the boys used to take their girls to the circus in a lumber wagon, or on horseback and they enjoyed themselves fully as well as the young men do today with their fancy painted buggies or automobiles.

John Hartshorn, the son of John and Susanna (Curtis) Hartshorn, was born in Xew Hampshire, at Lineboro, January 30, 1830. His parents were nati\"es of Xew Hampshire and li\ed all of their lives in that state. They reared a familv of seven ciiildren : Susanna, who married Rodney Hutchinson : Marv, who died at the age of seventeen ; Serepta, who married Rodney K. Hutchinson; John, of Raymond, and three who died in childhood. Mr. Hartshorn's father was a carpenter and died in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, at the age of ninety-four. His wife died at the age of fifty-two.

John Hartshorn was reared in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, on a farm and lived there until 185 1. In that year he came to Ohio and settled in Raymond, and here he has remained ever since. He came for a visit to his uncle. Sewell Hartshorn, who induced him to remain, and gave him work as a carpenter. This trade he has followed most of his life, although he clerked in a store two years before the war. This store, which was torn down in August, 1914, was owned in the early days by P. Manchester, wdio used to make a trip to New York once a year to buy goods. It would take months to haul them here, as that was in the days when there were no railroads wending their way to Raymond. At the time Mr. Hartshorn came to this county there was only one buggy in the township, and the women, as well as the men, always came to market on horseback. Mr. Hartshorn has built some of the finest buildings in Union county, and has also moved many large buildings.

Mr. Hartshorn enlisted during the Civil War as a member of Company F., Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly two years. While in the service he was elected second lieutenant, and did not know that he was being considced for the position until notified that he had been elected. He was in many of the Iiardest fought battles of the war, and was with General Sherman on his famous march through Atlanta to the sea. At the close of the war he returned to Raymond in Union county, and here for more than half a century he has been following the trade of a carpenter anrl linuse mover, and is still at work. It is probably true that there is no man of his age in the county can do as good a day's work as ]Mr. Hartshorn, anrl this speaks well for his rugged constitution and the exemplary life he has led.

were born: John C, clerk of the court in Union county; Kittie, the wife of Chester Evans, of Bokes creek, this county; Bessie, the wife of Carman Wilson, of Raymond; Zura, better known as "Sweet" who married Joseph Titus, and li\es with her father, and two, the first born, who died in infancy. J\Ir. Hartshorn's wife, and the mother of these six children, was born in Raymond and lived here all df her life. She died in i<)00. Airs. Hartshorn had three sisters and a brother.

Mr. Hartshorn has been a stanch Democrat since the war. He has served as township supervisor, township trustee, school director and as one of the selectmen of his \-illage. For many years he was sexton of the Ray mond cemetery. I-fe owns a house and lot in Raymond and has accumulated a comfortable competence for his declining years.

Fred Ormerod

It is the progressive, wide-awake luan of affairs who makes the real history of a community and his influence is hard to estimate. It is doubtless true that the self-made man usually takes a more active interest in the life about him than does a man who was not compelled to start in life dependent upon his own resources. A man essentially self-made, who has been a resident of Marys\'ille, Ohio, since 1897, is Fred Ormerod, the present marshal of Marysville. He has been successful where his efforts have been directed and enjovs the friendship of the representative men of his community. He is a man who merits the name of a good and true American citizen.

Fred Ormerod. the son of Henry and Martha ( Critchley) Ormerod, was Jjorn in Spencer. Medina county, Ohio, May 27, 1870. His parents, both of whom were natives of Manchester, England, reared a family of ten children, four now living: Dr. Henry V.. of Xiles, Ohio: Dr. George, of Warren, Ohio: Fred, of Marysville: and Lizzie, the wife of William AI. Owens, of Medina county, Ohio.

Henry Ormerod was reared in England and first learned the butcher's trade. Later he learned the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of six years. L'pon coming to America with his wife in 1856, he first located in Sing Sing, Xew York, and in i860 moved to Rochester, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Ci\il War, Henry Ormerod enlisted in Company H, One

Hundred Twenty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for four vears at the front. After liis return from the army, he and his family located in Spencer, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith for twenty-five years. He died February lo. 1890, at the age of sixty-four and his wife survived him twenty years, passing away February 28, 1910, at the age of seventy-nine years, four months and twenty days. Henry Ormerod and his wife were both devout members of the Methodist church. His wife was a deeply religious woman and was an ardent Methodist for sixty-five vears. She had a natural, persuasive eloquence in prayer and her last faint breath was given in an audible prayer and thanksgiving to God. She and her husband were members of the same church and they always attended church and prayer meeting despite the inclemency of the weather. They held in a marked degree the love and high esteem of the entire community where they lived.

The paternal grandparents of ¥ved Ormerod were natives of England and lived there all of their days, rearing a family of several children: Henry, Mrs. Charlotte Scjuires. Richard and others of whom no record has been presented. The maternal grandparents of Fred Ormerod were also lifelong residents of England.

Fred Ormerod was reared in S]3encer, Ohio, and received his education in the public schools of that place. When twelve years of age, he began working at farm work during the summer season while continuing his education during the winter months. He worked upon farms until he was twenty-two years of age and then went on the road as a commercial traveler for a poultry food house. He came to Marysville in 1897. For fourteen years he worked as a canvasser, then eighteen months at the Adams Husker factory and following this worked nine months as an employee of the Standard Stamping Company.

Mr. Ormenirl was marrietl June 17, 1903, to Mary Elizabeth Cassadiay, the daughter of John and Mariah (Long) Cassadiay, and to this union one son has been born. Herbert Lutrell.

Mrs. Ormerod was born in Claibourne township in this county. Her father diefl in 1910 and her mother married a second time, her second husband being Charles Ward. To her second marriage has been born one son, George. John Cassadiay and wife were the parents of seven children: Clarence, Bert, Fiirman, Mina, Stella, Edgar and Mary.

Politically. .Mr. Ormerod is a stanch Republican and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his party. He was elected in November, 1913, as marshal of Marysville and took the office in January, 1914. He is also serving as constable of Paris township, in which Alarysviile is situated. The family are members of the Congregational church. Fraternally. JVIr. Ormerotl is a memljer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Order of Fagles.

Solomon Turner

The Turner family is of English descent, an ancestry of which they may well be proud. To Englantl more than an_v other county is America indebted for the class of early immigrants who came to our shores and established homes in the new world. These were people of high ideals and of strict integrity, and their character for morality and religion was of the sterner sort. These were people whose religious practice might be characterized by some as intolerant, but, whatever may be the opinion as to that, it must be conceded that they were honest and sincere. It must also be conceded that the patient industry of these first immigrants and their intelligence and strict morality were the <|ualities of citizenshij) that established a cixilization in the wilderness where they founded a home. They laid the foundation for the institutions of government and the high civilization which we enjoy.

The Turner family were not among these first immigrants and are not resijonsiljle for any alleged intolerant conduct or criticism laid against their countrymen who were among the pioneers. For more than one hundred years after the first settlement at Jamestown, the people coming from England were of the best class of citizens in that country, and they are found among the best class of citizens in this country. Solomon Turner, who is the subject ni this review, is of this class. He was born in Sussex county, England, January 6, 1847, the son of Edmond and Martha (Brooks) Turner, who were also natives of Sussex county, England.

Edmond Turner's father was also a native of the same county in England and never left the native country. Edmond Turner, our subject's father, brought the family to this country and joined some of their relatives here and engaged in farming. He first worked on a rented fann on the Peiiria ]iike. the land at that time lieing mostly covered with timber. He built a house in these woods and fixed a home for his family. Then he went to work to clear off the timber and get some land in shape for cultivation, and in time, after much hard labor, he had quite a good sized farm under cultivation. He had a family of six children, namely: Edward; Stephen, deceased ; Harriett, who married Mr. Barker ; Sampson, deceased ; Solomon, subject of this sketch; Richard. Three of these sons were soldiers in the Civil \\'ar. Sampson and Stepiien Turner enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry and were both killed in battle. Edward enlisted in Company E, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was part of Colonel Fyffe's brigade, \'an Cleve's division, in the Army of the Cumberland, commandeil bv General Rosecraiis in the iiattles of Stone's River and Chickamauga. Edward Turner was with his regiment in all the battles and campaigns until the close of the war, when he returned home and is still living. The father and mother of our subject are both dead and rest in Oakdale cemeten-. Edmond Turner was a man of unusual energy and diligence and a splendid type of the self-made man. The Marysville Tribune in the fall of 1890, the week after his death, published a two column article on his career. The article contained a vivid account of Mr. Turner's early struggles in Union county which he himself had written. It is interesting to note that he was an experienced well-digger and Mr. Turner gives a list of sixty-two residents of the county for whom he dug wells. These wells varied in depth from ten to sixty-two feet.

Solomon Turner, our subject. recei\-e(l his education in the country schools, working on the farm when not attending school. At the age of twenty-two lie rented his present farm and began farming on his own account, witlmut an}' capital except energy and muscle and a disposition to use ecoiiiini}- and industry. He started with a li\-e stock equipment consisting <if line hiirse and one cow and incurred a debt to the amount of the full value of tlie same. But. by patience, perseverance and unremitting energv, and by tlie [iractice of close economy, he overcame obstacles and won out. In a slmrt time he had accumulated sufficient means to pay the debt incurred for the horse and cow and to add to his live stock. At the end of twelve years he was al)le to buy the farm on which he had continued to live. Later he bought the old home place where his son Benjamin is now living. At the present time his real estate possessions consist of two hundred and twentyseven and a half acres of as fine land as can be found in Paris township.

Mr. Turner was united in marriage with Armintha Armine, March 3, 1870, the daughter of Smith and Elizabeth (Westlake) Armine. To this union tlic- f')llf)wing named children were born: Edward, who married Maude W i)<Ml;ird : Hallie: Josiah. wlin married Rose Gates, has three children, Moyd. George .and Jane; Minnie, who married Burle Southard, and has five cliildren, Eawrence, Mary, Martha, Charles and Dorothv, deceased;

Charles, who married Margaret Boulger, and has two children, ]\Iary and Robert; and Smith -\. Air. Turner's second marriage was, to Julia Staley. To this union three children were born, all of whom are living, Benjamin, Hazel and Ralph.

Fraternally, Mr. Turner is an active and influential member of the Knights of Pythias. His church relations are with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a faithful and consistent member. He is enlisted in e\'ery cause fi>r the promotidu of the interests of church and for the moral welfare of the community In political matters he is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Republican party and takes an active part in political campaigns. He is at present a member of the school board and is specially interested in the public schools and in educational matters generally.'

Mr. Turner's farm is on the Kenton pike about one mile and a quarter northwest of Marysville. On this farm is a large house furnished with all conveniences and comforts essential to make a complete and pleasant home. His Ijarns and other farm buildings are models of neatness and convenience, and show excellent taste and careful management.

Marion D. Pratt

Although a resident of Union county, Ohio, but a comparatively short time, Marion D. Pratt has already become identified with the life of the community where he is residing. He has lived in various counties in Ohio and Indiana and ha's been a farmer of Liberty township, in Union county, Ohio, since the spring of 1912. Mr. Pratt is an enterprising and energetic young man and is a very welcome addition to the farming population of Liberty township.

Marion D. Pratt, the sun of \\'altiin D. and Sarah (Rader) Pratt, was born June 30, 1855, in Delaware county, Ohio. His parents, who were both born in Perry county, Ohio, are now deceased. Six children were born t(i Walton D. Pratt and wife, five of whom are now living: Thomas E., of Stone county, Missouri; Marion D., of Union c< )unt}- ; Isaac \\'., of Hardin county, Ohio; John J., of Delta, Ohio; and Amanda, the wife of John Wilcox, of Franklin county, Ohio. Amanda is a half sister of Mr. Pratt.

Clarion D. Pratt was reared in Delaware county, Ohio, and in Paulding county, where his parents moved in 1863. In 1865 his parents returned to Delaware countv, Ohio, and shortlv afterwards moved to Indiana, where thev lived a vear. They returned to Delaware county, Ohio, and after a short residence there moved to Hardin county, where they lived the remaindei' of their lives. \\^alton D. Pratt was a soldier of the Civil War and gave his life in the defense of his country, dying at Camp Chase in this state.

Marion D. Pratt continued at home until he reached his majority and then went to Paulding county, Ohio, where he married. Mr. Pratt came to Union countv in 19 12 and bought his present farm in Liberty township. His farm of eighty-eight and one-half acres lies three miles south of Raymond and under the skilful management of Mr. Pratt is yielding very satisfactory returns each year.

]Mr. Pratt married ^^'ilda Boroff, a native of [Mercer county, Ohio. To this union four children have been born, Wilton, Floyd, Joseph and Clarence. Wilton and Floyd are of school age and are attending the public school of Raymond, Wilton being a student in the high school and Floyd in the grades. The other two sons are not yet of school age.

- Mr. Pratt and his wife are members of the Friends church. He is a member oi the Patrons of Husbandry at Pottersburg. In politics, he has always gi\-en his adherence to the Republican partv, and before coming to Union county was a township trustee and also served as road supen-isor in the same township.

Wilbert H. Jolliff

The whole career of Wilbert H. Jolliff has been spent in Union county, Ohio, and such has been the character of his life that he has always maintained the respect of his fellow citizens. A teacher in the public schools of this county for twehe years, he exerted no little influence upon the rising generatii m, and the school room lost an excellent instructor when he decided to leave the teaching profession and engage in farming. In everything which goes to make up the good American citizen, Mr. Jolliff stands high in his county, and his influence has alwa}-s been cast for those things which make good, substantial citizens.

Williert H. Jolliff, the son of George W. and Isabel (Maskill) Jolliff, war, Ijorn in Taylor township. Union county, Ohio, January 4, 1877. His father was born in Holmes county, Ohio, of English parentage, and came to Union county with his parents when four years of age. He was married in 'I'aylor township to Isaliel :\laskill, the daughter of John ]\Iaskill, who iiad been an early settler in Union county. George W. Jolliff' and wife moved to York township in 1883. and there they have since resided. To them have been born five children, four of whom are still living: Perry A.. who married ]\Iyrta Aliddlesworth, of Mississippi; Ada M., the wife of Frank Fawley. a farmer of York township; Ethel, the wife of Clarence Lindsley. of York t(.iwnship, and W'illiert II. Chauncey H. was killed h^- lightning in 1 906.

The education of Wilbert H. Jolliff was received in the schools of York township, and this was supplemented by two terms in the normal school at Bethel and West Mansfield, Ohio. He always took much interest in educational matters and at the early age of eighteen began to teach in the [niljlic schools of Union county. For tweh'e years he followed the teaching \)vofession, and with a success which speaks well for his abilit)' as a teacher as well as his sterling character as a man. In 1907 he decided to de\'ote all of his time and attention to farming, and on his excellent farm of sixty-three acres in Libertv township, he has been laboring successfully for the past eight vears L nder his skilful guidance the farm is yielding a handsome return annually, and by good management he is making it mrire productive year by year.

]\Ir. Jollift was married Jamiary 15, 1898, to Florence Jiihnson, who was born in Liberty township, this county. She is a woman of refinement and culture and has always been \-ery much interested in music. To this union one son, Victor E., has been born, his birth occurring August 31, 1899. He is now a student in the high school at Raymond.

Mrs. Jollifl:' is a daughter of John F. and Arminda ( Sodduth ) Johnson, natives of Liberty township. Her paternal great-grandfather, Ji:)hn Shirk, was a veiy early settler in this county, coming here from \'irginia in 1836. Her grandfather. Daniel Johnson, was also a very early settler of this county, coming from eastern Ohio. John F. Johnson and wife had two children : Ella, who died at the age of twenty-four years, and Florence, the wife of ]\Ir. JolliiT. Mrs. Jollift"s parents are still living in this township.,

^Ir. Jolliff and his wife are members of the Disciple church and are much interested in all church and Sunday school work. 'Sir. Jollift' is a member of the Newton Lodge No. 249, Free and Accepted Masons. Politically, he is a Republican, and while he is frequently consulted by the leaders of his party in local matters, yet he has never been a candidate for puljlic office or taken an active part in political matters. He favors all measures of good government and gives his 'hearty support to all movements which ha\-e for their end the betterment of the communitv in which be li\-es.

Austin F. Gary

An inriuential citizen of Leesburg township, Union county, Ohio, is Austin F. Cary, whose whole life has been spent in this township. His father came to Union county about ninety years ago, and was one of the early pioneers of the county, and one of the first teachers. Mr. Cary is essentially a self-made man and the well improved farm which he owns in Leesburg township is the result of his own efforts, together with those of his worthy wife. In addition to carrying on general farming and stock raising he was for many years one of the largest road contractors of the county, and has built many of the excellent roads which are now found in Union county. Austin F. Cary, the son of George W. and Mary E. (Frankling) Cary, was born in Leesburg township, in this county, December 4, 1859. His was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 25, 1821, and came to this county in his boyhood days with his parents. His mother was born February 23. 1827, in Leesburg township. George W. Cary was one of the first settlers in Leesburg township, and in his early life taught school as well as farmed. His wife was also a school teacher and both were highly respected in the community where they lived most of their lives. George W. Cary died October 19, 1888, and his widow passed away December 16, 1901. Seven children were born to them, three of whom are living: Nancy M., the wife of Frank M. Riley, a farmer of Leesburg township; Ruth, the wife of H. T. Jones, of ]\Iarion, Ohio; Jennie, deceased; Dora, deceased; Byron, deceased; Austin F., of Leesburg township, and Hannah, deceased.

-Austin F. Cary was educated in the district schools of Leesburg township, and earlv in life began to work for himself. He married before he was nineteen years of age, and he and his wife valiantly started out to make a home for themselves. That they have succeeded is shown by the well improved farm of fifty-five acres in Leesburg township, where they are now residing. This farm is well improved, has a good house, barns and other outbuildings, and under the skillful management of Mr. Cary, has always yielded very satisfactory returns. In addition to his farming, Mr. Cary w^as a road contractor for twelve years and built manv of the excellent turnpikes in the county.

Mr. Cary was married l""ebruary 2-:,, 1878, to Ada M. Simpson, and to this union have been born two children, Millard F., born January 13, 1879, now living in this township, and Porter £., ])orn December 9, 1881, and now lix'ing in ('ohimbus, Ohio.

Mrs. Gary was born in Union county, her parents being natives of Clarke county, Ohio, and New York state, respectively. Mr. Simpson and his wife were the parents of se\en children, three <if whom are living: Cora, the wife of E. H. Grooms, of Buffalo, New \'ork ; Olive B., who died at the age ol eleven; Ada ]M.. the wife of Mr. Gary; Bradford, who died at the age of twenty-five; Julia B., the wife of Sherman Gurnutt, of Lima, Ohio; Lillie, who died in 1889, and Bessie, whu died at the age of a year and a half.

The Republican party has always claimed the hearty support of Mr. Gary, although he has never been an aspirant for public office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also of the Knights of Pythias, holding his membership in both of these lodges at Pharisburg. Mr. Garv is a man of genial disposition and is well known and uni\'ersally liked in the township where he has always lived.

George M. Sanderson

A lifelong farmer and a resident of Union county, Ohio, for many years, George M. Sanderson has been a prominent citizen of Liberty township, where he has long maintained his home. He has led the simple and unostentatious life of a fanner and so conducted his affairs as to bring him the favorable commendation of his fellow citizens. During his long career of more than half a century in this county, he has taken his share of the burdens of community life and discharged them in a manner worthy of a true, patriotic American citizen.

George M. Sanderson, the son of Burr and Eliza (Adams) Sanderson, was bom March 21, 1852, in Fayette county, Ohio, on the bank of Rattlesnake creek. His father was reared in LTnion county, Ohio, while his mother was a native of Fayette county, in which county they were married. In 1861 Burr Sanderson and his family came to York township, in Union county, wliere he lived until his death. Three children were born to Burr Sanderson and wife. George M. and two others wdio died in early childhood.

George M. Sanderson was about nine years of age when his parents moved from Fayette county, Ohio, to Lhiion county and here he has made his home since that time. He completed his education in the schools of York township and at the age of eighteen started out for himself by working upon the farms in his immediate locality. As soon as he reached his majority he married and at once began farming for himself in this county. He now owns sixt-^'-fixe acres of well imprr)\ed land, four miles southwest of Raymond, in Liberty township. He is an intensive farmer and under his skilful management his fami yields satisfactory returns year after year.

Mr. Sanderson was married March 9, 1873, to Ellen H. Brooks, the daughter of Hiram Brooks, of Paulding county, Ohio. To this union two children have been born: Cora M., the wife of Marion Middleton, a farmer of Taylor township, and Ray H., of Peoria, Ohio, who married Floy RuUing. Mr. Sanderson and his wife have four grandchildren.

Mr. Sanderson and his wife are loyal members of the Friends church at Flat Branch. I-"raternally, he is a member of Broadway Lodge No. 704, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he gives his stanch support to the Repuljlican party.

L'nion county, Ohio, has a number of excellent physicians and surgeons and among them should be mentioned Dr. Charles L. Thompson, who has been practicing in York Center since 1S96. He was born, reared and educated in this county and with the exception of five years which he spent in medical college, has lived all of his life within this county. He is thoroughly abreast of the times in his profession and has built up a large practice.

Dr. Charles L. Thompson, the son of Tyler and Samantha (McClung) Thompson, was born in Mill Creek township, L^nion county, February 15, 1 87 1. His grandfather. Col. James Thompson, was born in the same township. Tyler Thompson and wife reared a family of eight children, all of whom are still li\ing" : S. H., of Do\er township; James, of Dayton, Ohio: Frederick, of Mill Creek township: Dr. Charles L., of York Center: R. ^V., of Dayton, Ohio; N. P., of Jerome township: May. the wife of Charles Hagenloder, of Mill Creek townshi]); and John, of 'SUW Creek township.

Dr. Charles L. Thompson was reared on his father's farm in Mill Creek township and remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He graduated from the Mill Creek township high school and then read medicine one year with Doctor Henderson at Marysville. Li the fall of 1891, he entered the medical college at Columbus and graduated with the degree of Doctr)r of Medicine in the spring of i8q6. He at once located at York Center and has luet with unusual success in his chosen life work.

Doctor Thompson was married June 17, 1896, to Louisa A. Piersol, of Mill Creek township. She is the daughter of John and Susan Piersol and is a woman of education and refinement. Two children have been born to Doctor Thompson and wife : Cleo P., a graduate of the Marysville high school, and Charles H., a student in the public schools of York Center.

Doctor Thompson and his family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at York Center and interested in all church and Sunday school work. The doctor is one of the trustees of the church and has taught a class in the Sunday school for twelve years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the Grand Lodge of this fraternity. Politically, he has always been identified with the Republican party and has been prominent in township and county politics. He has been chairman of the county central committee and taken an acti\e part in the political campaigns of his party for many years. He is a member of the Lnion county and State medical societies and takes an active interest in the work of these organizations. He has a beautiful home in York Center, which was built in 1898, where he and his wife extend their genuine hospitality to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

John Elbert Howe

A residence of forty-tive years gi\es John Elbert Howe the right to be classed among the old settlers of Richwood, Ohio. Coming to this village after his marriage in i860, Mr. Howe has been continuously identified with the business interests of this place since that year. He is a man of good judgment and foresight, and has always managed his affairs successfully. He has been a very material factor in the business life of Richwood, while at the same time, he has taken a part in the civic life of his community.

- John E. Howe, the son of Julius and Eleanor (Richardson) Howe, was born near East Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, September 26, 1845. His father, the son of Samuel Howe and Mary Rosebrook Howe, was born in Vermont and reared to manhood in that state. He followed the trade of a lumberman in Vermont and when a young man came to Ohio and located in Logan county, where he engaged in farming and lumbering. In that county lulius Howe died in 1846 in middle age. His wife sunnved him many years, <64) and was nearly seventy-five years of age at the time of her death. JuHus Howe and his wife were both Free Will Baptists. His wife had been previously married, having first married Seldon Howe, a brother of her second husband. By her first marriage she had two children, Rosa L. and Seldon N., both of whom are now deceased. Seldon Howe was a soldier of the Civil War. The grandparents of John E. Howe were born in 1756 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and in 1771 in Union, Connecticut. The grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. The grandparents of ]\Ir. Howe later mo\ed to Guildhall, Vermont, where they lived until their death. They reared a family of seventeen children, among whom were three sets of twins. IMost of this large family lived to be from seventy to eighty years old. The names of all of these children have been preserved and Mr. Howe has the old family Bible now and will show with pleasure to those wishing to see that of a pioneer New England family.

The maternal grandparents of Mr. Howe were John and Fanny Richardson, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Ohio. Upon coming to this state the Richardson family located near Plain City, and afterwards moved into Champaign and Hardin counties. From Ohio, the Richardson family removed to Cass county, Michigan, and located close to Cassopolis, where they lived to a good old age. Mr. Richardson and his wife, the grandparents of Mr. Howe, reared a family of fourteen children : Hiram, Christopher, Joshua, Barney, Elbert, Sarah, Peggy, Polly, Minta, Fannie Ann, Mary, Rebecca, Eleanor and one who died in infancy.

John E. Howe was reared to manhood in Logan county, Ohio. He remained on his father's farm until he was twelve years of age and then started out for himself. Fie received onlv a limited common school education and when a mere lad, went to work in a w'oolen mill, where he learned the manufacture of cloth. He was married in i8'69, and at once came to Richwood, Ohio, where he built a small woolen mill and continued in the business until 1890. In that year he discontinued the manufacture of cloth, but has since engaged in the purchase of wool, buying from two hundred thousand to one million, two hundred thousand pounds every year.

Mr. Howe was married July 3, 1869, to Lizzie Gum, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Martin) Gum, and to this union two children have been born, George R. and Joseph E. George R. is a contractor living in Marceline, Missouri. He married Lillie Davis and has three children, Ned, Elbert anfl Dorothy. Joseph E. is assisting his father in the wool business in Richwood. Mrs. Howe was born in Logan county, Ohio, and lived there until

Mr. Howe has long been identified with the Republican party, and has served as a member of the school board for two or three terms in Rich wood. Mrs. Howe is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and although Mr. Howe is not an active meml)er, he gives to its support. He has been a stockholder in the Richwood Ranking Company for se\eral years, and was for a time the vice-president of the company. He takes an active interest in the general welfare of his village, and lias so lived that he has gained the high esteem and good will of all those with whom he has been associated. He would be pleased to see all American citizens live by the Golden Rule and bring the United States to the highest standard of any nation, without the use of army or navy.

Isaac Walter Saxaft

The whole career of more than half a century of Isaac Walter Sanaft, has been spent in Union county, Ohio, where he was born. He has been a farmer most of his life and lived on the farm until 1903, when he moved to Broadway, where he has since resided. Since moving to the village he has been engaged in the grain and elevator business, although he still keeps a close supervision over his farm. He has taken a very prominent part in the civic life of his community and has been an active worker in the Christian church for more than a quarter of a century. He is the kind of a citizen who makes for the stability of our country, and no public-spirited enterprise ever appeals to him in vain. He is a man of irreproachable character with the highest ideals of honesty and uprightness and well merits the high esteem in which he is held in his county.

Isaac Walter Sanaft, of the firm nf Sanaft & Sanderson, dealers in grain, flour, feed and coal, was born in Liberty township, this county, on a farm one and one-half miles southwest of Broadway, October 18, 1859. His parents were Isaac J. and Elizabeth (Greene) Sanaft, natives of Perry county, Ohio, and Vermont, respectively. Five children were born to Isaac J. Sanaft and wife: Irena, deceased, who was the wife of William P. Hisey: Serepta, Marilla and Delphine, who died within four days of each other in i860, of diphtheria, and Isaac W.. with whom this narrative deals.

Ioi2 Union County. Ohio

thrifty farmer and a horticulturist, deaHng largely in apples and cherries. In earl\- life he settled near Milford Center, and died in Taylor township in 1901. at the advanced age of eighty-three. His wife died May 23, 1892, at the age of seventy-five. Both were loyal members of the Christian church.

The paternal grandparents of Isaac W. Sanaft were Henry and Jane Bonie (Davis) .Smiff, pioneers in Perry county. Ohio, where he died. His widow later moved to Alilford Center, Ohio, where her death occurred at a good old age. Henry Sanaft and wife were the parents of a large family, among whom were the following children : Henry Harrison, Isaac James, Juan, Alary, Rhoda. who became the wife of Harrison Hopkins. The maternal grandparents of Isaac W. Sanaft were Robert Clark and Ruth (Draper) Greene, natives of \'ermont and early settlers in Liberty township. Union countv, Ohio. His wife died before 1859, and he died shortly after the war. Robert Greene and wife were the parents of several children: Elizabeth, Ira D.. John C, Sallie, Ruth, Almira, and some who died in infancy.

Isaac \^'. Sanaft was reared on his father's farm in Taylor and Liberty townships, this county, and received such education as was afforded by the district schools of his time. He remained at home until grown, then married and went to housekeeping in the house in which he was born. Here he resided for a numljer of years. He owns a part of the old home farm and he and his wife own the old farms of John C. Greene and Ira D. Greene. Mr. Sanaft was a successful farmer and in 1903, he moved to Broadway. Wanting something to do, however, he engaged in the grain business, and for the past six years has been a member of the firm of Sanaft & Sanderson, and has handled grain, flour, feed, coal, salt and other commodities.

Mr. Sanaft was married February i, 1882, to Sarah L. Dixon, the daughter of John and Mary O. (Evans) Dixon. Mrs. Sanaft was bom in Liberty township, this county, and was the only child of her parents. The father died in 1868; the mother in 1906. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Sanaft were Joseph and Margaret (Harlan) Evans.

Mr. and Mrs. Sanaft are both devoted members of the Christian church. Mr. Sanaft was trustee of his conference for twenty-four years, and is now a deacon, and is also president of the Ohio Central Conference of his church. He has l)een a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since August 4, 1881. and a member of the Knights of Pvthias since 1901. In politics, he has given liis loyal support to the Republican party. His worth as a public-spirited citizen is shown liy the fact that his party nominated and elected him as treasurer of Taylor township, an office which he held for five years. He was also a member of the .school board of his township for five years, and in both capacities gave his fellow citizens faithful and conscientious service. He is a man who is deeply interested in the moral welfare of his community, and has lived a life consistent with the Golden Rule in all matters.

Reuben Poling

One of the most highly honored and respected citizens of Allen township, Union county, Ohio, is Reuben Poling, who was born, reared and has spent his entire life in this township. He served with notable distinction in the Civil War. He served in many of the severest engagements of that terrible struggle and was fortunate to escape without being wounded or captured. A complication of measles and a cold while in the service caused rheumatism, from which he has never recovered.

The old veterans are fast passing away, and it seems eminently fitting that the lives of many of them should be included in this history of their county.

Reuben Poling was born in Allen township, April 6, 1841. His parents, James and Mary (Carpenter) Poling, both were born in West Virginia, and came to Union county, Ohio, after their marriage. Here they passed the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of seven childrn, three of whom are still living: Orsamus, of Raymond, Ohio; Sarah A., the wife of Edward Ryan, of Delaware, Ohio, and Reuben, of Allen township.

The boyhood days of Reuben Poling were spent amid the pioneer conditions which surrounded the settlers of the early forties. He attended school in his neighborhood. On January 17, 1862, he started to school as usual, but, learning that a regiment was leaving, walked to Woodstock, where he enlisted. He became a member of Company H, Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being under the command of Colonel Candy. His regiment was attached to the Twelfth Army Corps, and later was transferred to the Twentieth Army Corps. His first fight was at Port Republic under General Shields. He was with Sherman on his famous march through Georgia to the sea and fought in all of the blood}- battles which occurred on that march during the summer of 1864. He was in the battles of Cedar Mountain. Chancellors\ille and Lookout Mountain. He was also in the battle of Gettysburg and attended the reunion of the survivors of that battle on the fiftieth anniversary in July, 191 3.

At the dose of the Ci\il \\"ar. :\Ir. PoHng returned to his home in Union county, and on October i_\ 1865, was married to Sarah Faulkner, a native of Delaware countv, Ohio. To this union, five children have been born: Eva; Lawrence, who married Kate M. Lillie ; Ella, a teacher in the public schools of Union countv; Jerome, married Lockey M. Spain, who died in 1904, and a few years later married Lucy Davidson ; and Clara, a teacher of music and a graduate of the musical department at the O. N. U., Ada, Ohio, and of the O. W. U. School of Music, Delaware, Ohio.

Mr. Poling has been a lifelong Republican and during his younger years ser\ed for ten years as treasurer of Allen township. He is a prominent member of the Grand .\rniy of the Republic post at ]\Iarysville.

The Wilkins family ha\e been residents of Union county, Ohio, for more than eighty years, and during all of this time have been actively identified with the history of the county. For the past quarter of a century John M. Wilkins has been engaged in mercantile pursuits in Richwood, and by his good business ability and careful management, has become recognized as one of the substantial men of the village. He is a worthy scion of a family which has always stood for high ideals, and he has conducted his life in such a way as to win the hearty approval of his fellow citizens.

John ;\I. Wilkins. the son of Alfred F. and Harriet J. (Stewart) Wilkins, was born in ]\Iarys\ille, Ohio, December 29, 1857. His father was born in Saratoga. New York, in 1821, and his mother was a native of the same city. Alfred F. Wilkins came w^ith his parents from New York to Ohio in 1832. and located in York township. L'nion county, where he grew to manhood. The parents of Alfred F. Wilkins were Beriah and Amanda (Rhodes) \\'ilkins. natives of New York state, and residents of L'nion county, Ohio, after 1832. Three children were born to Beriah Wilkins and wife. Alfred F., Charles and James Rhodes.

Alfred F. Wilkins was one of the early surveyors of L'nion county, and later moved from the farm where he was reared in York township to Alan-sville. where his death occurred in 1876, his wife surviving him many years, passing away at the age of eighty-five. He was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a stanch Democrat in politics. For many years he served as mayor of Marysville, and he also held the office of county treasurer. Six children were born to Alfred F. Wilkins and wife: James C, of Washington, D. C. ; Beriah, deceased; Keziah, the wife of Col. A. B. Robinson, of Alarysville; Ciiarles F., deceased; John AL, of Richwood; and Joseph S., deceased, who was a paymaster in the regular army. The maternal grandfather of John M. Wilkins was Nathaniel Stewart, a native of New York state, and an early settler in Liberty township, Union county, Ohio. Nathaniel Stewart died in Marysville, after passing his eightieth birthday, and his wife also lived to a good old age. Nathaniel Stewart and his wife reared a large family, among whom were Ephraim, Joseph, x^deline, Mary, Harriett Jane and others who died in childhood.

John AI. Wilkins was reared in Alarysville and received all of his education in the schools of that city. ^Vfter leaving school, he went to work for Colonel Robinson in the old factory store and remained there from 1876 until 1883. He then went to Maynard, Ohio, where he operated a mining store for eight years and a half. In 1890 Mr. Wilkins formed a partnership with Col. A. B. Robinson and James W. Robinson, and this firm opened a general store in Richwood under the firm name of Robinson & Wilkins. In 1896 the firm was incorporated under the name of the Robinson & Wilkins Company, and the firm still conducts a prosperous business in Richwood.

John M. Wilkins was married to Ella M. Lee, the daughter of William Lee, and to this union three children have been born, Lee, Alfred F. and one who died in infanc}-. Lee married Alary \^an Brunt, of Saginaw, Michigan, and is now the manager of the Wilkins store in Alarysville. Alfred V. is single and works in his father's store in Richwood.

Airs. Ella M. (Lee) Wilkins was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was born in Alarysville, Ohio. Her parents were natives of Connecticut and early settlers in Alarysville, where her father conducted a general mercantile establishment. Air. and Airs. Lee died in Alarysville. They reared a family of three daughters and two sons. Alary, Alartin, John, Kate and Ella.

Air. Wilkins was married to Alartha T. Godman, the daughter of Daniel W. and Susan (Thornhill) Godman, of Adrian, Alichigan. Airs. Alartha Wilkins was born in Richwood, Ohio. Her father was engaged in the hardware business in the firm of Blake & Godman, and later of the firm of Godman & Thornhill. He is deceased and his wife is still living. There were five children born to Mr. Godman and wife, Mary, Fannie, Alartha, Anna and Kate. Airs. Wilkins' maternal grandfather, French Thornhill, was a member of the Ohio house and senate for many years, and was acting lieutenant governor of the state at one time, and a man well known in early Democratic circles.

:\lr. W'ilkins and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Mount Carmel Lodge No. 303, Free and Accepted jMasons ; Marion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Marion Commandery of Knights Templar ; Aladdin Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds his membership in the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 71. In politics, Mr. Wilkins is a stanch Democrat and has been a member of the county council and executive committee for several

George W. Ream

One of the many young men who enlisted from Union county, Ohio, in the Civil War, was George W. Ream, now a prosperous farmer of Liberty township. He has spent the last half century farming in this county and his success speaks well for his good management and ability. He has taken a prominent part in the civic life of his community and for many years was trustee of Allen township. In this position, he rendered efficient service to his fellow citizens.

George W. Ream, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Featherlin) Ream, was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 10, 1842. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother, of Virginia, both coming to Ohio with their parents in their childhood. Samuel Ream was four years old when his parents moved to Ross county. Here he later married Elizabeth Featherlin and in 1S49 "^hey moved to Union county. They located in Allen township, where they lived the rest of their lives. There were seven children born to Samuel Ream and wife, four of whom are still living: George W., of Liberty township; Matthias, of Jennings county, Indiana; Elizabeth, of Warren county, Ohio, and Adelia, living in Logan county.

George W. Ream was seven years old when his parents moved to L^nion county, where he received an education in the district schools. He went to school a short time in the winter, working the rest of the time on his father's farm. He was at home at the beginning of the Civil War. He enlisted May 2, 1864, as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served f(xir months, being mustered out September 4, 1864.

Mr. Ream was married Septemljer 2-], 1881, to Mrs. Ortinsey Victoria (Eaton) Rohinson. and to this union one son was born, G. C. Ream, now living in Allen township. The first wife of Mr. Ream died in 1897, and May 24, 1906, he married Mrs. Zelda Clegg, born and raised in Union county. Mr. and Mrs. Clegg had adopted a girl, Etta Reed, who is now the wife of Pearl Clark.

Mr. Ream is a Democrat and served as trustee of Allen township for twelve years. He is a quiet man who takes an active interest in the welfare of his community. He is a go<5d man and highly respected by his fellow citizens.

George W. Spragg

There are many excellent farmers in Mill Creek township. Union county, Ohio, and a large majority of them were born in this township. George W. Spragg, who owns a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres in this township, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county, attracted by the fine farming lands which are to be found here.

George W. Spragg, the son of Adam and Lydia (Pettit) Spragg, was born July 4, 1867. His parents, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, lived all of their days in that state and reared a family of four children, three of whom are now living: Nancy H., the wife of George E. Phillips, of Pennsylvania ; Otho, who married Anna Whitlatch and lives in Pennsylvania in the old Spragg homestead; and George W., of Union county, Ohio. His father died when he was only five years old.

The boyhood days and early manhood of George W. Spragg \vere spent on his grandfather's farm and he remained on the old homestead until he came to Ohio in 1909 and located on a farm near Jerome, in 19 14. He then bought the farm on which he lives of one hundred and twenty acres in Mill Creek township. He engages in general farming and stock raising and has met with much success in this dual capacity.

Mr. Spragg and his wife are loyal members of the Methodist Protestant church. Politically, he gives his allegiance to the Democratic partv but fias not been active in its councils since coming to this county.

Leonidas Turner

To have lived in one place for nearly fourscore years and to have followed one occupation in that same place for threescore years, is a record somewhat out of the ordinary. Such a life experience is, in itself, an evidence of stability of character and a disposition to make the best of circumstances in which the lot of the individual is cast. To have followed a trade in one place for a long time is e\idence of efficiency as an artisan and a reputation for honest dealing and an established confidence of the community. Such a life experience and character is that of the man who is the subject of this review.

Leonidas Turner was l)orn in Clark county, Ohio, February 24, 1832. He is the son of Thomas and Diana (McMillan) Turner, the father being a nati\e of Maryland, the mother, of Ohio. They had five children who lived to maturit}-, namel}- : Augustus, deceased ; Leonidas. the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of John Rathburn : Naomi and Archimides (twins); Naomi is the widow of Aaron Turner and lives in ^larysville ; Archimides was accidentally killed by the premature discharge of a cannon at a celebration for Bell and E\'erett, in the presidential campaign of i860. There were other children in the family who died young. Mrs. Diana Turner died when she was a young woman, and Air. Turner was married the second time to Jane Tacj. To this union three children were born, namel)*: Margaret, who married Eee Wentz ; Viloris, and Emily, who married John Wenner and are now living at Richmond, Kansas.

The father of our subject was a blacksmith and wagon maker. He came to Ohio from Maryland with his parents when he was a young man and settled in Clark county, where he married and engaged in business for himself. While living in Clark county his wife died and sometime later he removed to Marysville and was among the early settlers of Union county. His first home in Marysville was in a log cabin, a common place of abode for people of those primitive times. He married his second wife after coming to Marysville; he died here at the age of about sixty-two years. The ])arental grandfather of our subject was Thomas Turner and his wife was feininia Turner, both natives of Maryland. Tliey were among the earliest settlers of I'nion county, Ohio, and lived for several years in Marvsville. where they died at an advanced age. Their five children were: Acquilla, John, KWtn. Thomas and James. The maternal grandfather was Samuel McMillan and his wife was Elizabeth (Chatfield) McMillan. Thev were also among the pioneers of Clark county, Ohio, settling on a tract of land in that county on which they developed a farm and established a home in which they lived their allotted days. In addition to his farming interests Mr. McMillan was a blacksmith, and was also a justice of the peace. The children of this family were: Arcliimides, Lura Hany, Naomi. Amanda, Mianda, Samuel, Duncan, and Soluii. who died young.

Leonidas Turner, the subject of this sketch, was only seven years old when lie came with his parents to Marysville, in 1839, and he has been a resident of this town ever since, more than seventy-five years. He grew up as a farmer boy and was trained to habits of industry and accustomed to the work of an a\erage boy's life on the farm. When he became of sufficient age, he went to work in his father's shop to learn the blacksmith trade and succeeded his father in that business, continuing in this business for sixty years. As a boy and young man he had little reason to complain of opportunity for work but the opportunities for education were not quite so good. The schools of that time were not up to the present day standard and the boy on the farm was often of necessity deprived of such advantages as these schools afforded. Our subject, however, was privileged to attend these district schools with sufficient regularity to obtain a fair education.

Mr. Turner was united in marriage with Miss Lucv Emilv Alexander, daughter of James Smith .Vlexander and Nancy Cou\'er (Twiford) Alexander. Ma}' 7, 1857. Five children were born to this union, nameh" : Lerov, Lester T., LeTroune Brough, Leonidas D. and Diana Turner. Leroy is a blacksmith by trade and is now employed l)v an ice cream companv in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Addie j\L Bomees, now deceased. They had one daughter, Mary May, now the wife of Charles Hickish, of Denver, Colorado, and is the mother of three children, Frank Leonidas, Alwilda and Charline. Lester T. is a carpenter and lives in Richmond, Indiana. He married Carrie Dell Elliott and they ha\e two children. Lee ^loon and Lucv Earlv. Le- Troune Brough died Alarch. 1908. He was a traveling salesman for manv }-ears. Leonidas D. died June 18, 1892. He was a photographer. He married Katie Louisa Eversen, of Cincinnati, who died in 1892. Nancy Diana is a bookkeeper in Columbus, Ohio, and is unmarried.

Mrs. Turner, the wife of our subject, was born in Amity. Madison county, Ohio, December 6, 1838. Tier father was born in Alt. \'ernon. Ohio: her mother in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1814, and died November 12. 1857. Her father died in 1895. nearly eighty-two years of age. Thev had a family of fourteen children, ten of whom were living when the mother died, namely: \\'illiam, James S., Pamelia Eli;;abeth, Luc\' Emilv, Nancv

Jane, Mar\- Louisa, Henry Clay, Zachary Taylor, Samuel Couver, Winfield Scott, Charles and Augustus (twins). The father of Mrs. Turner was a tailor bv trade and afterwards merchant, hotel keeper and stock dealer.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Turner was William Washington Clement Alexander, and his wife was Lucy ( Sprague) Alexander, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married. Their four children were, \\'illiani. Joseph, Louisa and James. The maternal grandfather was Clement Twiford; his wife was Alilcah (Hicks) Twiford, natives of Maryland. Their children were : Mary. Thomas, Nancy, Parmelia, Stephen, Elizabeth and \\'il!is.

;\Ir. Turner, the subject of our sketch, is living a quiet retired life in his comfortable home at 427 East Fifth street, in the enjoyment of the friendship and esteem of the community in which he has so long been a resident. He is a Republican in politics and has always taken an active interest in party affairs. He has at various times been called by his fellow citizens to the discharge of public duties, filling the office of street commissioner at one time, and, for sixteen years he filled the responsible office of township trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are faithful and respected members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are actively enlisted in every cause in the interest of the church and for the moral good of the community.

James H. Myers

As long as history endures, the American nation will acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes who fought from 1861 to 1865 for the preservation of the Union and the honor of that starry banner which has never been trailed in the dust in a single struggle in which this country has been involved. Union county, Ohio, contributed its quota and answered every call of the governor of the state, and many of these gallant boys who ofifered their services in the sixties are still living in L^nion county. One of the youngest soldiers to enlist from l^nion county was James H. Myers, who was only fourteen years of age when the Civil War broke out. Notwithstanding his tender age, he volunteered his services, was accepted as a volunteer and served for a year and a half with credit to himself. As a lad of fifteen he fought at the terril)le battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and during the summer that he was sixteen years of age he marched the full length of the state of Georgia with General Sherman.

Union Col'Ntv, Ohio. J021

James H. Al3'crs, the son of John and Hannah (Winn) Myers, was born February 13, 1S47, on the farm where he is now residing. His father was a native of Licking county, this state, while the Winn family were early pioneers in Ross county, Ohio. The father of John Myers was born in Pennsylvania, and brought the Myers family to Licking county early in its history and lived there until his death. His widow then brought the family to Union county and located in Do\-er township, where she reared her seven children to lives of usefulness. These children are as follows: Lewis, Adam, Michael, John, Joseph, Anna and Jacob.

John M}-ers was reared to manhood in this county and married Hannah Winn, and to this union were born eight children : Mary, William, Joseph, Anna, James H., Samuel, Jehu and Adam. Three of these sons, James H., William and Joseph, \\ere soldiers in the Civil ^Var. William lost his life while at the front.

James H. AI}-ers attended school in the old log school house in Dover township and worked on his father's farm during his boyhood days. He enlisted as a member of Company F, Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio V^olunteer Infantry and ser\-ed eighteen months under Colonel Candy. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and saw hard fighting in eastern Tennessee and in the state of (jcorgia. He participated in the "grand review" at Washington, D. C, May 24 and 25. 1865, and was finally discharged from the service at Chicago, where he was stationed for detail service.

Mr. Myers resumed farming in Union county after leaving the army and after bis marriage bought out the other heirs to his father's estate, and has since resided on the home farm. He has given his attention to general farming and stock raising, specializing in Jerse}' cattle and other stock.

Mr. Myers was married in March, 1871, to Isabella Rittenhouse, and to this union six children have been born : Memi)his, who married Mintie Cline, and has two children, L^rsal and Opal ; Milo, who married Ester Conrad: Ivan, who married Ethel DeGood and has one daughter, Christavelt; Benjamin E., who married Kate Weidman; Glenna, the wife of Chester Lowe, and has one son, Arthur : Asa, who married Carrie Rodgers, and has one daughter, Winnette.

The Myers family are all loyal members of the Baptist church, in whose welfare the}- are deeply interested. Mr. Myers is a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Grand .\rmy of the Republic, and is acti\Tl\' interested in evervthing pertaining to the welfare of the old soldiers. He is rpiiet and unassuming in his manner and because of his material success, his influence in local matters, and the unblemished character which he bears, there is accorded to him the fullest measure of confidence and esteem throughout the community where he has spent his life.

William C. Davis

Since the year 1902; William C. Davis has been a resident of Union count}-, Ohio, coming to this county from Morrow county, where he was born and reared and had lived up to that time. He is a man of excellent education and is a welcome addition to the citizenship of this county. He is essentially a self-made man and the success which has come to him is the direct result of his own individual efforts.

William C. Davis, the son of Joshua M. and Elizabeth (Dalrymple) Davis, was born in IMorrow coimty, Ohio, October 22, 1859. His father was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and when a child came with his parents to Morrow county, Ohio, where he lived on the same farm until his death. The Dalrymple family were natives of New Jersey and were early settlers in Morrow county, Ohio. Joshua M. Davis and wife were the parents of four children: Harriett, the wife of Wilbur Thomas; Mary J., who died at the age of twenty-three; George RL, who married Rose Sheffer; and William C., of LInion county.

The boyhood days of William G. Davis were spent on his father's farm in Washington township. Morrow county, Ohio. After completing the education which was offered by the public schools of his home neighborhood, he became a student at the Ohio Xorthern L'niversity at Ada, and later graduated from the commercial course at Fostoria, Ohio. He did not enter the teaching profession or the business world, but decided to engage in farming as his life's work. He returned to Morrow county after his college course was completed, married and began farming. He rented the old home farm until his parents' death and in 1902 sold his interest in the paternal estate and in the same year came to L^nion county and rented a farm in Washington townslu']) for one year. He then purchased a farm in York township upon which he mo\ed in 1904. He li\ed on this farm until 1909 and then sold it and liought the farm where he li\ed until tlie spring of 1915. Li September, 19 1 4, he sold the farm on which he hail lieen living for six years and bought a farm of fifty-five and one-half acres in Claibourne township, on which he moved in the spring of 191 5.

Mr. Davis was married August 31, 1884. to Dora Harris, a daughter of Nathan and Racliel (L'llum) Harris and a native of Ilhnois. To this union have been born eleven children, ten of whom are living : Pearl, the wife of Ernest Doudna; Glenn, who married Effie Potts; Orville, who married Lelah Johnson; Ruby, the wife of Benjamin Paugh; Grace, the wife of Grover Dickson ; Edna, single ; Cebert, single ; Clara, single ; Corrinna, single ; Dever, single; and Walter, who died at the age of seven months.

Mr. Davis and his family are members of the Methodist E])isc()pal church of Somerville in York township and actively interested in its welfare. Politicallv, he is a member of the IVohibition party and firmly convinced that it is the one party which is making a stand against the greatest curse of this country. ]Mr. Davis and his family are highly esteemed in the community where they reside and have many warm friends who delight to partake of their hospitality and enjoy their friendship.

A farmer of York township, I'nion county, Ohio, who has spent all of liis life within this county, is Vinton D. McCrary, who now has a farm of fiftv-fi\e and one-half acres, one-half mile west of Sommersville. Mr. Mc- Crarv's father lost his life in the Civil \\'ar and left his widow with four small children. .\t the age of sixteen, Mr. McCrary started out in the world to make his own wa_\' and the farm which he now owns he has made himself.

Vinton D. IMcCrary, the son of Benjamin F. and Somelia ( Leeper) AlcCrarw was born in Eeesburg township. Union county, Ohio. Feliruary 12, i860. His father was hcjrn in Bedford county. Pennsylvania, and his mother in Union county, Paris township, the daughter of William Leeper and wife. The Leeper family was among the first settlers of [Marysville. Benjamin McCrar\' was a soldier in the Civil \\'ar as a member of Company K. Xinetv-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, this company being under the command of Captain H. C. Hamilton. After he was in the service about six months, he was killed in battle. bViur children were born to Benjamin F. McCrarv and wife: Clara, the wife of Obe Cooksey, of Lima, Ohio; \'inton D., of York township; Mary, the wife of John Richards, of Perry county, Ohio; and Benjamin F., Jr., who married Lena Chambers.

I024 Union County, Ohio

mother with the work on the farm. He then started out for himself, working b\- the day and month and at the age of twenty-three, he married and started farming on his account. In a few years he was able to purchase his present farm and has since devoted himself to general farming and stock raising.

Mr. McCrary was married January 19, 1883, to Aurilla White, a daughter of Daniel A. and Minerva (Bennett) White, natives of Indiana and early settlers in Union county, Ohio. Mrs. McCrary was born in Union county, Ohio, January, 1865, and died December 27, i8g8, leaving her husband with four children: Asa, who married Iva Rush: Guy, single; Edna, the wife of William Green ; and Edward, single.

Mr. McCrary was married a second time July 30, 1900, to Alberta Hedges, who was born in Union county, and is a daughter of Abraham and ]\Iary (Winfield) Hedges. To this second marriage two children have been born: Paul R., born in 1901, and Mary, born in 191 1.

Mr. McCrary and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sommersville and are active in all church and Sunday school work. Mr. McCrary gives his hearty support to the Democratic party but, while believing in good government, has never taken an active part in the councils of his partv. Mr. McCrary is a quiet, unassuming man, and by a life directed along proper lines, has won the high esteem of his fellow citizens.

Sylvester M. Lentz

The whole life of Sylvester M. Lentz has been spent in Allen township, 'Union count)-, Ohio, where he was born in 1861. His father died in service in the Ci\il War. Sylvester Lentz has made this county his life-long home, farming from his earliest days.

Sylvester M. Lentz, the son of Samuel and Catherine (Poling) Lentz, was born May 5, 1861, in Allen township, Union county, Ohio. His parents were born and married in West Virginia, and came to Union county, Ohio, about i860, locating in Allen township. His father enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company K, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and died of the measles while in service. His widow later married .Samuel C. Boord. and to her second marriage two children were born, a son and daughter, C. M. and Viola, the son now living in Richwood, r)hio.

he was born. He was educated in the district schools and managed his mother's farm until he was forty-three years old. During this time he had acquired land of his own and n(jw owns one hundred and fifty-six acres, eighteen acres of which was a part of the Iiome farm. He is a general farmer and stock raiser.

Mr. Lentz has been a Republican all his life. He is a member of the Marysville lodge of Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in this order. ^Ir. Lentz has not cnncerned himself solely with his own interests, but has taken an acti\'e part in the busy life of the community in which he lives. Such men are a help to their community. Mr. Lentz has won the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the township and county.

John F. Wilkins

Born on the same farm where he is now living in York township. Union' count}'. Ohio, John F. Wilkins has spent practicallj' his whole life on this farm. He was in Kansas for two years during the early seventies l)Ut, with that exception, he has lived all of his life in York township, where he has been engaged in agricultural jnu'suits. He has a well improved farm of sixtv-two and one-half acres, two and one-fourth miles north of Sommersville, where he has been farming for himself since his marriage, thirty-tive years ago.

John F. Wilkins, the son of Charles E. and Martha M. Wilkins, was liorn July 12, 1856. His grandfather, Beriah P. Wilkins, was born in Saratoga county. New York, May 26, 1792. He was a son of James Wilkins, a distinguished soldier in the Revolutionary War. Beriah P. ^^'ilkins was reared to manhood in New York and married Amanda Rhodes, who was born October 19. 1797, a daughter of Captain James Rhodes. The grandparents of John F. Wilkins reared a family of three children: Charles E., the father of John F. : Joseph R. and Alfred F.

Tn 1836 the father of Charles E. Wilkins came to L^nion county, Ohio, and bought two hundred and ten acres of land in York township. In 1837, he located on his farm with his family and for the first few \'ears endured (65) all of the hardships and privations connected with pioneer life in a new country. On this farm the father of Charles E. Wilkins died in October, 1858. He served as trustee of York township and was an influential citizen of the community where he resided. His widow died in August, 1877.

Charles E. Wilkins was born March 6, 1822, in New York state and when fifteen years of age, came with his parents to Union county, Ohio. He was married May 18. 1847, to Martha M. Raymond, who was born July 26, 1826. in Saratoga county. New York. Her father, Nathan Raymond, was born in 1779, in Connecticut, and his father, Nathan, was a soldier of the Rexolutionary War. When a boy, Nathan Raymond moved to Saratoga county with his parents, where he married Martha Chard, and to this union seven children were born. In 1839, Nathan Raymond came to Union county, Ohio, where he remained until his death, November 7, 1847, his wife having died September 4, of the same year. Charles E. Wilkins and wife are the parents of six children: Edwin R., deceased; Amanda, deceased, who was the wife of W. H. Cusick; John F., of York township: Mary, the wife of P. J. Jones, of Chicago, Illinois: Hattie ^I., the wife of John W'. Davis, of Delaware county, Ohio; Kizzie, the wife of J. S. Reed of York township.

John F. Wilkins was reared on his father's farm in York township and attended the district schools of his home neighborhood until he was eighteen years of age. He then went west in company with his brother and located in Kansas, where the two brothers farmed during the years 1873 ^"d 1874. In 1875, Mr. Wilkins returned to his home in Union county, Ohio, where he has since resided. He made his home with his parents until his marriage and then located on the farm where he is now living, it being part of the Beriah P. W'ilkins homestead.