Latty Township (part 1 of 3)

Latty Township

John Baker, farmer and manufacturer of tile, 'is the son of Adam and Delilah (Vance) Baker. He was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., September 10, 1841, and was reared on the farm; 'his education was obtained in the common schools, and in 1861 he enlisted in company K, Twelfth Virginia volunteer regiment of the Confederate States army. He was taken prisoner at Winchester and sent to Camp Chase, and thence to Johnson's Island, where he remained until 1864, when he took the oath of allegiance and was released from prison life. Returning to Columbus, Mr. Baker engaged in various occupations for a time, and then, in 1887, located in Latty township, Paulding county, where he operated a saw mill for eighteen months. He then settled upon his present place and erected a saw mill which was kept running until 1830. In the latter year Mr Baker engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick, and erected a building, 20x100, with a capacity of 8,000 tile per day, and 6,000 brick. He employs four men, and the engine which is used is of twenty horse power. The saw mill turns out many thousand feet of lumber every day, and the ground covered by this enterprise is one acre. Mr. Baker has resulted in the birth of Catherine, Annie (deceased), Irwin, Elsie, Charles and Bessie. Mr. Baker affiliates with the democratic party, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His success has been largely achieved by thrift, energy and wisdom in the management of his affairs.

Joshua Baldwin, a farmer by occupation, was born December 9, 1848, in Madison township, Fayette county, Ohio, the son of John and Jane (Sollers) Baldwin. He remained on the homestead farm many years and received his education in the common schools. At the age of charge of his father-in-law's farm for five years. At the end of this time he returned to the old homestead, and in 1881 located in Jackson town- 'ship, Van Wert county, where he purchased a farm of forty acres. In 1890 Mr. Baldwin removed to Latty township, this county, and there bought eighty-one acres of good land, which he has cleared and well improved with good buildings. On November 17, 1870, he took as his wife Miss Sarah E., daughter of William Davis, of Fayette county, Ohio.

They have had thirteen children, as follows: John W.,born October 7, 1871; Joseph S., born October 26, 1872; Rebecca J., born July 11, 1876; Ella, born February 28, 1878; Loten, born May, 1, 1879; Harley and Harry, twins, born May 18, 1881; Lida A., born April 4, 1883; Guy, born August 21, 1885; Mary M. and twin sister, born April 9, 1887; Maggie, born October 20, 1888, and Nettie E.. born April 2, 1891. While a resident of Van Wert county Mr. Baldwin held the offices of supervisor and constable. His political sentiments are of the democratic order, and he is an ardent supporter of the principles of his party. Mr. Baldwin is a leading farmer of Latty township, and by his life of probity and uprightness has won the confidence and esteem of hosts of friends.

Samuel W. Billingsby, born in Perry township, Franklin county, Ohio, March 1, 1857, is the son of William and Sally (Billingsby) Billingsby, natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and reared upon the farm, where he remained until 1886. At this time he rented a farm where he lived for some time and then purchased, in Latty township, his present property. Mr. Billingsby has cleared his farm and improved it with good buildings. His marriage occurred on the 16th of August, 1883, at which time Miss Elva, the daughter of Robert Patterson, of Medina county, Ohio, became his wife. She died January 23, 1891, leaving two children: Grace and Leslie Billingsby. Mr. Billingsby is a member of the P. of H., Jackson grange, and is found in the ranks of the republican party. He has proved himself competent in his calling and is highly esteemed in the community where he resides.

Dr. Charles A. Bray, a prominent physician of Grover Hill, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, June 9, 1853, a son of Charles and Mary C (Miner) Bray. The parents removed to Van Weri county in 1860, and there the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. At the age of twenty-one he commenced to teach school, and followed this occupation for seven years. During his leisure hours he had studied medicine vuder the tutorage of Dr. J. M. Stutsman of Van Wert, and was graduated from the Fort Wayne medical college in 1881. Dr. Bray commenced the practice of his profession in Gilbert Mills, Ohio, where he remained until 1889, at which time he located in Grover Hill, and opened a drug store, in connection with his professional work. He was happily married to Miss Sophia, the daughter of John Harpester, of Putnam county, Ohio, on the 11th of October, 1877, and seven children were born to them, of whom Lulu J., Mary E., Daniel W., Eva E. and Gilbert O. are living. Formerly Dr. Bray was a democrat, but has voted the prohibition ticket for some time. He is a member of the medical society of Paulding county, and, asa physician, takes high rank. Dr. Bray is a communicant of the Christian church at Middle Creek, of which he is clerk.

Wm. Campbell is one of the leading citizens of Latty township, also an agriculturist and justice of the peace. He was born November 15, 1829, in Miami county, Ohio, the son of John L. and Elizabeth (McCullough) Campbell, whose deaths occurred in Auglaize county, where they have long been honored residents. Our subject recsived his scholastic training in the common schools and was reared upon the homestead farm in Auglaize county, where his parents had settled in 1831. After reaching his majority, he followed various occupations, until in 1857 he engaged in farming in Auglaize county. In 1865 'Mr. Campbell joined the One Hundred and Ninety-third regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, and served faithfully until the close of the war. He settled in Latty township in 1869, purchasing, in 1872, his present place of eighty acres. He has cleared and improved his land, and it ranks as one of the best farms in the township. Whilea resident of Auglaize county, he filled the office of justice of the peace, which position he resigned when he entered the service of his country. In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace in Latty township and this office he has continued to fill efficiently ever since. He was chosen clerk of the township and also filled the office of trustee. Mr. Campbell is an active democrat and takes much interest in the welfare of his party. He is liberal in his religious views, while his wife is a worthy member of the United Brethren church. June 14, 1857, Mr. Campbell was happily wedded to Miss Sarah, the daughter of Samuel H. McCullough, of Auglaize county, and their married children are Clarissa, the wife of William Akerman, of Indiana, and Joseph, of Auglaize county, Ohio. Fraternally, Mr. Campbell is a member of the Masonic order and the Patrons of Husbandry. He isa man of much prominence in the community.

J. H. Dickenson is among the prominent agriculturists of Latty township. Born in Saratoga county, N. Y., on March 6, 1853, he is the son of Edward and Naomi (Denton) Dickenson. In 1861 the parents removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, where our subject was reared and educated.

At the age of twenty years, Mr. Dickenson commenced working by the month, which he continued for four years, when he rented a farm and resided upon it until 1887. One year prior he had purchased his present home and cleared sixty-five acres of the land. His buildings are substantial and supplied with all the modern conveniences, and the farm is ranked as one of the best in the township. While a resident of Fairfield county, Mr. Dickenson held the position of school director for three years, and that of supervisor for nine years. His marriage occurred in 1876, at which time Miss Mary C. Pickering, a daughter of J. C. Pickering, of Fairfield county, became his wife, and their children are: Alfred C , Clarence, Jacob T., Alice M., Clara L. and Alta E. Mr. Dickenson is a valued member of the I. O. O. E. and P. of H. grange of Grover Hill, and is one of the progressive and enterprising young men of Latty township. His career has been marked by uprightness and success, and he is recognized as a good farmer and a first class citizen.

William Eaton, farmer, one of the early settlers of Paulding county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born December 30, 1828, in Erie county, Penn., and is a son of William and Martha Eaton. The elder Eaton was a native of Vermont and his wife of Pennsylvania. He settled in Pennsylvaina when a young man, and subsequently removed to Franklin county, Ohio, where he resided until his death. Our subject was one ofa family of ten children, and was the fourth child. He was raised upon a farm, and his education was of the most limited kind; at the age of ten years he commenced working by the month, and at the age of twenty-one years, he commenced life upon a rented farm. In 1854, Mr. Eaton came to Latty township, what was then Washington, and purchased forty acres of land where his homestead now stands, which at that time was a wilderness, and here endured the hardships incident to a pioneer's life. He now owns and operates about 145 acres, and at one time owned about 700 acres, which he has given to his children. Our subject and his son, William H., laid out thirty acres of the town of Grover Hill. He filled the office of township trustee for eighteen years, and has filled many of the minor township offices. Politically Mr. Eaton is a life-long democrat. He has been twice married, his first wife was Miss Susan A., daughter of William and Mary Agler of Franklin county, Ohio, She died August 8, 1881, leaving a family of ten children: Mary M. J., wife of Benjamin Longworth, of Latty township, Willard E., of Latty township, Lydia A., wife of Jeremiah Fritz, of Grover Hill, Ohio, William H., of Grover Hill, Ohio, James E., of Latty township, Orin L., of Grover Hill, Ohio, Martha A., who resides in Franklin county, Ohio, Laura L., wife of Frank Cole, of Latty township, George and Amanda. Mr. Eaton's second wife was Mrs. Rebecca Miler, daughter of John Knodle, of Washington township, to whom he was married on December 24, 1882, and by this marriage they have one daughter, Lenora. When Mr. Eaton settled in what is now Latty towrship, it contained but four residents: Martin Pease, Lydia Kohn, William Grove and Jorden Bennett. Our subject has never sought public office, but has always been willing to accept any trust that would further the interests of his neighbors, and it is befitting, after a long life of quiet usefulness, some mention should be made of him.

Willard E. Eaton, farmer and tile manufacturer, is a son of William and the late Susan (Agler) Eaton. He was born September 28, 1853, in Franklin county, Ohio, He was raised in Latty township, and received his education in the public schools of the township. He was reared a farmer, and remained upon the homestead farm until he was twentyseven years of age, when he located upon his present farm of eighty acres, which he cleared and improved, and followed farming until December, 1883, when, in connection with B. W. Longworth, he engaged in the manufacturing of tile, and erected their mill, consisting of ending shed, 18x36, drying shed, 18x164, kiln, 20x91 feet and 10 feet high, with a capacity of 8,000 tile per day, giving employment to four hands. Their works cover about four acres. Mr. Eaton also operates his farm. He was married, in 1881, to Lorretta, daughter of John Burkett, of Van Wert county, Ohio, and by this union they have had born to them two children: Carrie M. and John W. Mr. Eaton has filled the office of township treasurer three terms, also township trustee for four years, and school director three years. In politics he isa democrat, and is a member of the P. of H., Latty grange No. 621, of Grover Hill, Ohio, also the county grange. Mr. Eaton is one of the enterprising, pushing business men of his township, and commands the respect of the people of his community.

Levi A. Fast, the son of Abraham and Mary (Ginter) Fast, of German parentage, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 10, 1834. He was educated in his native county, and at the age of twenty years removed in company with his parents to Mercer county, where they engaged in farming and stock-growing. April 7, 1859, Mr. Fast was happily married to Miss Mary A. Bice, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 8, 1837, the daughter of William and Mary (England) Bice. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fast are William C., Mary J., wife of William Bowyer; George M., Allen L., Sophronia E., wife of Charles Fry; Abner D., Alice B. (deceased), and Levi A. Mr. Fast is a democrat in his political belief; has held the office of trustee, and has been the obliging postmaster at Follmer since 1884. He located in Paulding county in 1873. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and with family belongs to the Church of God. In connection with his farming and official duties, Mr. Fast handles an extensive stock of agricultural implements.

James H. Gensel. - The subject of this sketch was born in Carbon county, Pa., January 2, 1837. He is a son of Gideon and Elvina (Easterline) Gensel. The father of our subject was a native of Berks county, Pa. John Gensel, the paternal grandfather, was a son of a German emigrant who settled in Berks county at an early date, and was John Gensel. John Gensel, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the war of 1812; he married Susan, a daughter of Frederick Helwick, and they were the parents of nine children: Gideon, Jacob, Lydia, who married Jesse Spangler; Eliza, who married Enoch Spangler; Katie, who married George May; Betsey, who married Samuel Mowery; Phebe, who married Daniel Hains; Mary, wife of Henry Sherman, and Annie, who married Daniel Sharp, all of whom are deceased excepting Mrs. George May and Mrs. Samuel Mowery. His second wife was Rachel, the widow of Judge Haize, of Mercer county, Ohio, who survived him, But little is known of John Gensel by his descendants, excepting that he was a weaver by trade, which he followed for an occupation until 1815, when he moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, and settled upon a farm in Salt Creek township. He subsequently moved to Allen county and settled in Jackson township, where he died upon his homestead in 1864, at the advanced age of eightyfive, his wife having died some years previous. He was a Lutheran, and a consistent member of that church. He was an old line whig until the formation of the republican party. Gideon, his son, was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1802, and was a carpenter by trade, which he followed for a living in his young days. When the Lehigh canal was under construction, he returned to Carbon county, and entered the employ of the late Judge Asa Packer, as one of his superintendents, constructing the locks apon the canal. He subsequently returned to Pickaway county, Ohio; later settled in Allen county. In 1866 he came to Paulding county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Benton township, where he died June 8, 1881. In 1862 he joined company I, Forty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, served two years, and was discharged for disability. He was three times married. His first wife was Eliza Kendel, who died after six months of marriage. By his second wife, Elvina Easterline, he had four children: John F., who died at Chattanooga, Tenn., while in the United States service as a member of company I, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry; James H., Jacob W., who seryed in the Eightyfirst Ohio volunteer infantry, and Frances M. Her death occurred in 1846. By his third and surviving wife, Elizabeth Hoover, who resides upon the homestead in Benton township, he had seven children: George, who served in an Ohio regiment; Thomas, deceased; Monroe, deceased; Columbus, Alfred, Andrew J. and Stephen A. Our subject, James H., was raised and educated in the common schools, and at the age of twentyone he went to Pike's Peak and engaged in mining. In 1859 he went to Tennessee, and was employed upon the construction of a number of the railroads in that state and in Mississippi; later he went to Texas and engaged in railroad work. He returned to Mississippi, and in June, 1861, enlisted in company K, Twentieth Mississippi volunteers, Confederate states army, and served until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, and sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, and from there to Vicksburg, Miss.,and exchanged. He participated in the engagement at Fort Donelson, and served under Hood and Johnson in the Atlanta campaign, Stone Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and in the North and South Carolina campaign. At the close of the war he returned to Mississippi and followed various occupations until 1867, when he returned to Allen county, and engaged in railroad work until August, 1871, when he purchased his farm in Latty township. Mr. Gensel married, July 25, 1869, Miss Mary S., daughter of William Akerman, of Allen county, Ohio, and by this union they are the parents of nine children: Oliver Clinton (deceased), William Gideon, Elvina Elizabeth, Keziah Ruth, Henry Marion, Mary Lucretia, John Cleveland, Ivey Rosetta and Byron Albert. Our subject was elected township trustee in 1891, and is now filling that office. Politically, Mr. Gensel is a democrat, and is a member of the P. of H., Latty grange, of Grover Hill, and is one of Latty township's enterprising and progressive citizens. |

Philander Gilbert (deceased) was born in Livonia, Livingston county, N. Y., February 5, 1813. He was the son of Reuben Gilbert and was raised in his native county, where he received a fair education. He learned the carpenter's trade and in 1832 came to Ohio and settled in Licking county, where, in connection with his uncle, David Hawley, he erected in St. Albans township a water power grist and saw mill, which was operated until 1861. At this time he removed to Franklin county and purchased a steam saw mill, which he continued to run until 1866. He removed the concern to Latty township and located it upon the land where his widow at present resides. This mill was destroyed by fire in 1870, but, nothing daunted, he rebuilt it upon the same site where it remained until its removal to the present situation. It is now owned by land which he cleared and cultivated until it ranked as one of the finest pieces of property in the township. In 1872 the postoffice of Gilbert's Mills was created and our subject was appointed postmaster, which office he held until 1885. Mr. Gilbert was married threetimes. His first wife was Miss Rhoda Goddard, who died in 1838, leaving two children: Orville (deceased), and Mary C., wife of Andrew Stevenson, of Ringgold county, Iowa. His second marriage was to Miss Margaret, the daughter of William Armstrong, of Franklin county, Ohio, who bore her husband four children, as follows: Olive E., wife of T. E. Du Bois, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; William (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased) and Byron J. Mrs.

Catherine Sewell, of Knox county, Ohio, and a native of Ireland. This union has resulted in the birth of Sarah A., wife of W. W. McClure, of Latty township, and Kate, wife of S. A. Gusler, of the same place. Mr. Gilbert departed this life April 16, 1887. He had been a prominent and active member of the community in which he resided and his memory will long be cherished, not only by his loving descendants, but by all who knew him and for whom he did many kind acts. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and had filled the offices of class leader, steward and trustee. Mr. Gilbert was an ardent republican, and while he never sought office, did not refuse to take upon himself the duties and responsibilities thrust upon him by his admiring friends. He filled the office of justice of the peace and acted as school director for many years, as he was a firm friend of education. Mr. Gilbert was also a member of the P. H., Latty grange, of Grover Hill.

Byron J. Gilbert, the only male descendant of the above mentioned, is a native of Ohio, born in Licking county, October 11, 1849. He was educated in the common schools and at the age of fourteen entered the employ of his father. In 1880, in connection with W. W. McClure, he rented the saw mill which they operated for six years. At the expiration of this time Mr. Gilbert purchased the mill and removed it upon its present site. He now operates it in connection with his farm. Mr. Gilbert has added a planing mill to his former establishment. This mill gives employment to four men and has a capacity of 5,000 feet of lumber per day. Two buildings, one of which is 26x60 and the other 16x60 are used in this enterprise and they are fitted up with improved machinery, the engine being of thirty-horse power. Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage with Mary C., the daughter of Elwood Pease, of Washington township, on the 30th of December, 1870, and the union has been blessed by the birth of six children. They have been named Elwood, Philander, Marion M. (deceased), Maggie C., Emma L. and Edna J. Gilbert. Politically the subject of this sketch adheres to the principles of the republican party and belongs to Latty grange, No. 621, P. of H. Heis a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has served as steward. At present he is superintendent of the Sunday school and has of his township. He is one of the leading and influential men of his county, and a citizen who commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. Mrs. Gilbert, a lady widely and favorably known, is a fitting companion to her husband and with him enjoys high social rank.

T. F. Gillespie, the son of Rev. John and Susanna (Hefner) Gillespie, was born June 27, 1847, in Allen county, Ohio. He was raised and educated in his native county, and in 1863 enlisted in the service, joining the Seventh independent company of Ohio sharpshooters. He served one year in this company and was transferred to the Fourteenth United Returning home he learned the trade of a cabinetmaker, which he followed for seven years at Defiance, Ohio. He then engaged in car work at Lima for some years, when he located at Dupont, Putnam county, and became interested in furniture and undertaking business, In 1883 he purchased his father's farm, situated in Washington township, and resided upon it for eight years. On account of failing health, Mr. Gillespie leased his farm and established himself in his present pursuit, notary public and collecting. He was married in 1867 to Miss Emma L. Boutell, of Defiance county, who died in 1877, leaving these children: Charles A., Albert L., Gilfred L. and Jennie. His second marriage was to Miss Emma C. Pease, of Washington township, and occurred in 1878. The union resulted in the birth of Nettie, Leona, Cloyd and Phebe L. While a resident of Putnam county, Mr. Gillespie filled the office of justice of the peace, his politics being republican. He has proved himself competent in his official duties and in every respect has always been regarded as a first-class citizen. He is a member of Lima lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M.: Dupont lodge, No. 150, K. of P.; Weiser post, No. 93, C. A. R., of Dupont, Ohio, and Ellsworth command, No. 6, Union Veteran's Union, of Grover Hill. He is also a member of the Christian church. While in the service, Mr, Gillespie was wounded by a musket ball in the left hand at Weldon railroad, Virginia, on the 18th of August, 1864.

T. L. Goble, proprietor of a saw mill, tile factory, and by occupation a farmer, was born in the state of Mississippi, May 19, 1847. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Isabel) Goble, and when a youth was taken by his parents to Texas, where he was reared and educated. When sixteen years of age he enlisted in company K, One Hundred and Eighth regiment of the Texas volunteers, Confederate States army, and served for eleven months. In 1866 he removed from Texas to Allen county, Ohio, where he followed farming until 1872, at which time he engaged in sawmilling. In 1884 heremoved to Paulding county and erected a saw mill, building used being 35x60. The engine used is of twenty-horse power the and four men are constantly employed. The capacity of this mill was 6,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Goble became interested in tile manufacture, and in 1891 erected two buildings, one 20x80 and the other 18x40, with a capacity of 6,000 tile per day. The engine is of forty-horse power and four men are also employed in this industry. Lately the capacity of the saw mill has been increased to 8,000 feet of lumber perday. In 1870, Mr. Goble was united in marriage with Miss Harriet E., daughter of Peter Manges, of Allen county, Ohio. Their children are: John W., Robert L., Dora, Edward, Elizabeth, Mabel, Millie, Ada, Leonard, Warren and Miles. In 1889, Mr. Goble was elected township trustee, and is acceptably filling that office at the present time. He is a member of the Baptist church of Blue Creek township, of which organization he is clerk. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a democrat, and is one of the leading citizens of the township. His paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers of Allen county, Ohio. He rented the homestead farm in Allen county of his father, and at his death, our subject took charge of the land until 1872, when he embarked on his business career. Mr. Goble is a public spirited gentleman who takes an active interest in all that promises good to the welfare of the township and county.

George W. Griffith was born in Union county, Ohio, August 17, 1841. He is the son of Benjamin and Susan (Fausnaught) Griffith, the former of whom was a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. The parents settled in Van Wert county, where the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. He remained upon the homestead farm until 1861, when he entered the United States service as a member of company F, Sixtyfourth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until December 10, 1864. He was at Nashville, Tenn., Stone River, and the fall of Atlanta, Ga., and at the close of the war returned to Van Wert county and remained under the parental roof for a few years. He subsequently purchased two farms in his native county, sold them and then rented land for a few years. December 22, 1887, he bought his farm in Latty township, which consists of eighty acres of land, and cleared it, erecting substantial buildings thereon. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Sarah R., the daughter of James Thomlinson, of Van Wert county, and these are their children: Annie, wife of George Geiger, of Latty township; William, Mussetta, Effie (deceased), George A., Harvey, Laura, Minnie, Clifford, Lafayette V. (deceased), Florence and Benjamin H. Mr. Griffith votes the republican ticket, and both as a farmer and citizen is popular with all who know him.

John W. Harp, a prosperous farmer and trustee of Latty township, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, on the 3rd of December, 1853. His parents are Albert and Catherine (Galley) Harp, and he was raised on the homestead place. His education was obtained in the common schools, after which he removed with his parents to Cyrthian township, and lived under the parental roof until August 25, 1863. He learned the trade of a plasterer with his father, and at the age of twenty-two years began business for himsèlf. Mr. Harp settled in Latty township on the 24th of October, 1886, and there purchased his present farm of eighty acres. This land he has cleared and placed improvements upon. He was married in 1877 to Miss

Lydia, the daughter of John 8. Rhodes, and eight children, of whom three are living, were born to them. Those surviving are Levi, Clara, and Perly. Politically Mr. Harp is a republican and was elected to the office of township trustee in 1890. He is a man of much ability, and as as a farmer and citizen is acknowledged as a leader.

Franklin J. Holmes, born June 1, 1833, in Frederick county, Va., is the son of Jesse and Susan (Stewart) Holmes. In 1839 his parents removed to Delaware county, Ohio, and there he was reared and educated. Reared amid the scenes of farm life, Mr. Holmes chose the occupation of the agriculturist as his life work, and remained upon the homestead until he had reached the age of twenty-one. He then rented a farm in Delaware county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he purchased his present place in Latty township. Mr Holmes was married to Miss Rebeeca M. Powers, the daughter of Erastus Powers, of Delaware county, and they became the parents of Jeannette, wife of B. M. Stewart; Jane, now Mrs. Eli Fox; Jesse (deceased), Henry L., Mary, Orrin, of Michigan; William, Andrew, Laura, wife of William Smith; Jefferson, Ida, Emory and Ernest. Mr. Holmes is a republican in his political belief, and has held many of the township offices. In religious belief he and wife are Quakers.

Henry E. Holmes, a leading farmer of Latty township, is a native of Ohio, born in Delaware county, March 6, 1863, the son of F. J. and Rebecca (Powers) Holmes. The subject of this sketch was the second son of these parents and received his scholastic training in the schools of the county. At the age of seventeen he engaged in working by the month at various occupations. This he continued until February, 1888, at which time he removed to Latty township and purchased his present property of forty acres. He has cleared this land and places suitable improvements upon it. On the 22d of January, 1891, Mr. Holmes was joined in matrimony with Miss Alva R. Smelts. She is the daughter of James Smelts, of Hocking county, Ohio, and a young lady favorably known. Politically Mr. Holmes is a democrat, though not actively engaged in party affairs. He is energetic and progressive citizen, who has been successful in his calling and won the esteem of those who came in contact with him.

Sandford E. Kohn, attorney and pension agent of Latty township, is a native of the Buckeye state, and was born in Franklin county, September 5, 1837, the son of Amos and Rachel (Chilcott) Kohn. The preliminary education of Mr. Kohn was obtained in the common schools of his native township. At the age of nineteen years he entered the Central college, situated in Franklin county, and was graduated from this institution in 1859. Although not an enthusiast in the study of law, Mr. Kohn read the same under the supervision of Joshua Graves, of Columbus, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1860, by the district court of Ohio. He then returned to thé homestead farm where he engaged in tilling the soil for a time. In 1863 he moved to Washington township, Paulding county, Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he commenced clearing. Here remained until 1880. Prior to this, in 1878, he had engaged in saw-milling for three years, and in 1881 located at Munannta, in Putnam county, where he practiced his profession. For three years Mr. Kohn remained here, locating, in 1884, at Grover Hill, where he established his present occupation. In 1888, while loading his gun on a hunting expedition, it exploded, and with the exception of the little finger, Mr. Kohn had the misfortune to lose his hand. After this accident he entered his law practice and that of abstracting, and has made a specialty as a pension agent. He was married in 1861, to Clara S.,the daughter of William Smothers. of Delaware county, Ohio, who died in 1876, leaving six children, as follows: Elnora, deceased; Dora A., deceased; Albert S. J., Josephine, Sarah J. and Edward E. Kohn. Politically Mr. Kohn is a democrat. Heis aman of much ability and his whole career has been marked by uprightness and enterprise. As a business man he is keen, progressive and successful, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

B. W. Longworth. - Prominent among the farmers and tile manufacturers of Latty township is B. W. Longworth, born in Auglaize county, Ohio, April 24, 1848, the son of Jonathan and Teressa (Langley) Longworth. His education was obtained in the common schools, and his life was spent upon the homestead untilin January, 1864, when he enlisted in company C, Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and took part in the following engagements: Resaca, Ga., Tunnel Hill, Dalton, Polk Gap, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. Mr. Longworth received his honorable discharge, July 20, 1865, and, returning home, worked at his trade of plasterer for thirteen years. In 1873 he removed to township and entered the employ of

William Eaton, with whom he remained for some years. He then purchased the farm where Mr. E. M. Saun now lives and worked upon it for some years. In 1881, Mr. Longworth purchased his present place, and three years later, in connection with Willard Eaton, established a tile manufactory, under the firm name of Eaton & Longworth. The subject of this sketch was married January 24, 1875, to Mary M. J., the daughter of William and Susan (Agler) Eaton, and the union was blessed by James L., born December 14, 1875, Rhoda A., born August 17, 1877, Anna L. March 6, 1879, and died November 11, 1881, William W., July 12, 1880, died September 25, 1880, Lettie L., born December 7, 1881, Alta L., August 21, 1883, Iva M., born April 27, 1885, Anson H., February 17, 1887, and Laura A., July 12, 1889. Mrs. Longworth was born on the 24th of January, 1852. Mr. Longworth had been married prior to the date above mentioned, his first wife being, Miss Martha A. Widner, who departed this life in 1872. She left one daughter named Flora May, who lived but five months after the death of her mother. Mr. Longworth is a member of the U. V. U., Ellsworth command, No. Grover Hill, and of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a democrat and an enterprising and progressive citizen.

George W. Lynch, a prosperous agriculturist of Latty township, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, February 22, 1852, a son of John and Sarah Lynch, now deceased. Mr. Lynch was left an orphan at the early age of one and a half years, and was reared by ex-County Treasurer Robert Pollock, who indeed proved a father to him. His education was obtained in the common schools, and he learned the carpenter's trade, engaging in active work at the age of eighteen years. This he carried on for some years, and then operated stationary engines. In 1883 he removed to Paulding county and settled upon his present place in Latty township, which is well improved with substantial buildings. Mr. Lynch, who is self-educated, has been reading law for some time, preparing for admission tothe bar. He has practiced in the justice courts of Paulding and adjoining counties, and in 1884 was elected justice of the peace in Latty township, which position he acceptably filled for six years. Mr. Lynch is a democrat politically, and served several years as a school director and member of the board of education. His marriage 'occurred in 1873, at which time Miss Sarah C., the daughter of Jeremiah Hire, of Van Wert county, became his wife. They are the parents of eight children, as follows: Charles, Dorsey, Thomas, Lula, Emmon, Ada, Flossie and Grover Lynch. Mr. Lynch is a member of the I. O. R. M., P. of H., Latty Grange No. 153, and of the county grange. He belongs to the Disciples' church at Grover Hill, and is a good citizen in all the walks of life.

A. J. McClure was born in Bass township, Allen county, Ohio, March 12, 1836, and is the second son of Alexander. He received such education as could be obtained in the schools of that period, and remained upon the homestead farm until twenty-three years of age. He then engaged for himself, working upon W. Raumbaugh's farm, where he remained until 1860, when he settled upon the eighty acres where he now lives, which he had purchased previous to his settling upon the same, and to which he added eighty acres more for his homestead farm. Mr. McClure h&s owned in Latty township five hundred and twenty acres of farm lands, and has given to his four married sons a farm of forty acres each. Our subject. like many of the early settlers of the township, has cleared his farm and built the improvements, and has the only brick house in the township. Our subject joined company K, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, March 3, 1865, and served until July 31, 1865. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Orrenna, a daughter of William Raumbaugh, of Bass township, Allen county, Ohio, and by this union they are the parents of twelve children, named as follows: Marion L., Alexander H., William R., Charles T., Grant AS Horace A., Clara D. (deceased), Lewis A. (deceased), Bruce E., Edward S; Robert G. and Oscar B. Mr. McClure, politically, is a republican, and has filled many township offices. He was elected trustee, to sell the school lands; was three times elected township clerk - in 1867, 1868 and 1869; and in 1869, perhaps he succeeded in doing what will never be accomplished again in Latty township - out of a total vote of seventeen republicans and twenty-two democrats, he succeeded in getting every vote polled. Our subject is a member of Van Wert lodge, No. 218, F. and A. M., and Ellsworth Command, U. V. U., of Grover Hill. He is also a member of the Latty M. E. church, of which he has been classleader and trustee. Mr. McClure is one of the leading citizens of Latty township, and one of Paulding county's progressive farmers.

Alexander McClure (deceased). Among the pioneers of Latty township was the subject of this sketch. He was a native of Bass township, Harrison county, Ky..and wasason of Moses McClure. He settled in Latty town- ship on section 36, in 1858, when a young man he settled in Bass township, Allen county, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of that county. He helped cut the timber from the land that forms the site of the city of Lima. He was a tanner by trade, and erected the first tannery in Lima, and was engaged in the tanning business for some years. He also owned a farm in Bass township, Allen county, Ohio. His son, Jas. N. McClure, had settled in Latty township, in September, 1858, and he, coming to visit him, concluded also to settle in Paulding county, and purchased 160 acres, in section 36, where he resided until his death. He married Margaret Neeley a native of Greene county, Ohio, and a daughter of James Neeley, his family were five sons and five daughters, James N., Elizabeth, who married Thomas Lunget of Lima, Ohio, A. J., of Latty

Mr. McClure died September 29, 1862, at the age of 54, his wife surviving him until 1883. In early life he was a democrat, but after the organization of the republican party he became a strong supporter of that party. In religious belief, he was a Methodist, of which church he was a member and class leader for many years.

Alexander H. McClure, the second son of A. J. McClure, was born October 29, 1862, upon the homestead where he was reared. At the age of twenty he worked out for one year, when he settled upon his farm of forty acres, to which he has added eighty acres, where he now resides. He was married October 29, 1883, to Miss Alice Bigelow, of Washington township. They are the parents of four children: Mary M., Stella J., Arena M. and Bertie O. Mr. McClure has filled the office of school director, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political choice a republican.

William B. McClure is the third son of A. J. McClure. He was born upon the homestead, August 26, 1864. His early life was spent upon the farm. He received a common school education, and subsequently locat- 'ed upon his present farm, in Washington township. He married, Janu- 26, 1886, Miss Byanthe, daughter of H. W. Martin, of Van Wert county, Ohio, and by this union they have two children: Henry H. and an infant not yet named. Mr. McClure is one of the enterprising farmers of Washington township, and a republican in politics.

Charles T. McClure was born August 28, 1866, and is the fourth son of A.J. McClure. He received a common school education, and was raised upon the homestead until he was twenty-four years of age, when he settled upon his farm of forty acres in Latty township, and is engaged in general farming. He was married, April 24, 1890, to Miss Dora I., daughter of Amos Stuckey, of Van Wert county, Ohio, and by this marriage they have one child, Gilford O. Mr. McClure is a republican in politics, and an enterprising, pushing gentleman.

Grant A. McClure, the fifth son of A. J. McClure, was born April 16, 1868, upon the homestead farm. He was educated in the common schools and raised a farmer; at the age of twenty he worked out by the month. He is now engaged in farming upon a place of his brother's. He married Miss Margaret Powell, and by this union they have one child. Politically, Mr. McClure is a republican.

Samuel H. McClnre, the third son of Alexander, Sr., was born in LaFayette, Allen county, Ohio, October 24, 1839. He was bred a farmer, which he has followed through life for an occupation; was reared upon the homestead farm until 1862, when he joined company I, One Hundredth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served three years, and participated in twelve engagements. He married, in 1860, Miss Mary A. Stout, of Carrol county, Ohio, and they are the parents of six children: George,

J. S. Musselman is one of the leading farmers of Latty township, and was born in New Madison, Ohio, in" 1845, the son of Daniel and Rachel (Harris) Musselman. He grew to manhood in Randolph county, Ind., his parents having removed to that county when he was a lad. He remained under the parental roof until 1863, at which time he enlisted in company E, Second Ohio volunteer heavy artillery, and served with loyalty until the close of hostilities. Returning home, Mr. Musselman took purchased his present fine farm of 120 acres. He has cleared fifty acres of this land and erected pleasant and substantial buildings upon it. His marriage occurred in 1867, at which time Miss Nancy A.,the daughter of Abraham Smith, of Jackson township, Randolph county, Ind., became his wife. These children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Musselman: George E., Frances R., deceased wife of John Dillon; Alfred (deceased), H. J., Mary L. B., Cora L., O. J. (deceased) and Arley (deceased). Mr.

Musselman served as township trustee three terms, and for the same length of time was clerk of Latty township. He is a democrat politically, and is a member of the Eli Crosby post, G. A. R., of Broughton. He is also a member of the Union Veteran Union post, No. 6, of Grover Hill. Mr. Musselman is a progressive citizen, and as a business man he has much ability. He and family enjoy high social rank in the community in which they reside.

Henry L. Phillips was born June 15, 1837, in Ross county, Ohio, the son of Curtis and Jemima (Stewart) Phillips, natives of Ohio. He was raised upon the homestead farm, and received his education in the country schools. At the age of sixteen he commenced working for S. N. Higbie, of Ross county, in whose employ he remained for sixteen years. He then rented a farm in Pickaway, for twelve years, and then removed to Van Wert county, where he resided for one year, at the end of which time he purchased his place in Latty township. He has cleared thirty acres of land, and his buildings are of a substantial character. In 1877, Mr. Phillips was married to Mrs. Louisa French, the daughter of William Hart. Politically he is a democrat, and a member of the P. of H. grange. In June, 1863, he entered the United States service as a mem- of company B, First Ohio volunteer heavy artillery, and served faithfully until the close of the war. In 1864, he was detailed for duty in the body guard of Gen. Tilson, and accompanied him to Georgia and Tennessee. He took part in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and was brigade wagon master, which position he filled until the close of hostilities. Besides various skirmishes, Mr. Phillips participated in the battles of Carter Station and Strawberry Plain. He is a member of the Bostwick post, No. 406, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and also of the Union Veteran Union, No. 6, of Grover Hill. Mr. Phillips is a successful and expert farmer, who attends strictly to his business affairs. He is highly esteemed in the community in which he resides.

J. H. Pickering, one of the leading farmers of Latty township, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 13, 1850, the son of J. C. and Mary Catherine (Smith) Pickering. The father was a native of Rockingham county, Va., who settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. The early life of J. H. Pickering was spent upon the homestead farm, and when he had reached the age of twenty-six years, he removed to Illinois and engaged in tilling the soil for six years. He then settled in Shelby county, Ohio, which he made his home for the space of three years, and then located upon his present farm of eighty acres in Latty township, Paulding county. This farm is well improved, and good substantial buildings have been erected upon it. In 1875 Mr. Pickering was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Edward Dickerson of Fairfield county, Ohio, and their children number five, as follows: James E., Rhoda V., Hannah N., Bida B. and Sarah C. Politically, Mr. Pickering is a democrat, though not actively engaged in party affairs. He is one of the energetic and industrious young agriculturists in the county, and is, in company with his wife, highly esteemed.

Willis C. Powell was born in Madison county, Ohio, February 20, 1861. He was reared a farmer, and received a common education in the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Powell located in Van Wert county, where he was engaged in various employments. In 1884 he settled in Paulding county, and engaged in farming for a while, later interesting himself in the butcher business. He conducted the latter trade for one year and then established his present restaurant. Mr. Powell was united in marriage, in 1882, with Miss Hester, the daughter of George Bresler,a respected resident of Lima, Ohio. Three children, Laurah, Claudie and Nellie, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Powell. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a democrat, and one of the progressive aud enterprising young men in Latty township.

Lewis Robinson, agriculturist and engineer, was born in Concord township, Delaware county, Ohio, September 21, 1851, the son of William D. and Eliza (Smith) Robinson. The paternal grandparents were William and Rebecca Robinson, natives of England, who settled in Concord township, where they died, the former in 1868, and the latter in 1890 at the age of ninety years. Lewis Robinson was the eldest son of his parents, and was educated in the common schools. He followed the occupation of the farmer, in connection with mill work, until 1873, when he engaged in saw-milling. In 1881 he turned his attention to farming and running stationary engines, and three years later was appointed engineer at the industrial home in Delaware county, which position he filled for two years. Mr. Robinson settled in Latty township in 1885, upon his present farm, and has been engaged as engineer and sawyer in the mill there. In 1873, Mary, daughter of Fred A. Lehman, of Delaware county, became his wife, and five children, of whom four are living, were born to them. They are William C., Lawrence C., Frederick J., Bessie

(deceased) and Ethel C. While a resident of Delaware county, Mr. Robinson filled the offices of constable, school director, and other township positions. He and family are members of the Christian church of Washington township, and politically he is a republican. Mr. Robinson is highly esteemed for the life of probity and uprightness which he has led, and his friends are legion.

J. M. Smith, an industrious farmer of Latty township, was born in Wayne township, Auglaize county, Ohio, on the 23rd of August, 1853. He is the son of W. B. and Naney (Clark) Smith, natives of Ohio, and was reared and educated in the common schools of his native place. At the age of twenty-five years he came to Paulding county and purchased his present farm of sixty acres, which is well cultivated. In every respect Mr. Smith is a thorough farmer who understands his business and sticks to it closely, the result being that he has obtained success and established himself as a worthy and useful citizen. His marriage occurred in February, 1877, at which time Miss Rebecca Cox became his wife. They have three children, whose respective christian names are: Ernest V., Forest E., and Francis M. Smith. Politically, Mr. Smith is a member of the democratic party, though not deeply interested in partisan contests.

George M. Wallar, a representative citizen of Latty township, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 23d of July, 1837, his parents being Daniel and Susan (Girty) Wallar, of English and German descent. His youth was passed in Jackson and Vinton counties, and his education was obtained in the common schools. He was married June 24, 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of Garret and Phebe (Clark) Timberman, of English and German parentage. The children that have been born to them are: Seth C., Hiram H. and Eliza J. Mrs. Wallar and daughter are worthy members of the Church of God, and fraternally Mr. Wallar belongs to the Masonic lodge and the G. A. R. post. Politically he is a republican. He enlisted November 19, 1861, during the late war, in company G, Seventy-third Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until January 27, 1865. He was a brave and gallant soldier, and participated in many hard-fought battles and skirmishes. He suffers with inflammatory rheumatism contracted during his service and is a pensioner. Mr. Wallar is a citizen much interested in the welfare of his township and county, and enjoys universal respect and esteem.

Samuel H. Ward, farmer, the subject of this sketch, on the paternal side is a descendent of the Wards of the J amestown, Va., colony, and a great-grandson of Gen. Ward, of colonial times; on the maternal side he descends from the Harpers, of Harper's Ferry, Va. Our subject was born in Champaign county, Ohio, May 2, 1827, and is a son of John and Rose A. (Harper) Ward, natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was Abraham Ward, who emigrated from Berkeley county, Va., in 1804, and made his first settlement in Pickaway county, Ohio. He subsequently removed to Champaign county, and later settled in Allen county, where he died. Abraham was twice married and had a family of four sons and two daughters. John Ward the father of our subject was the eldest son; his early life was spent in Champaign county. He'had but few opportunites for an education. He was reared a farmer and when a young man engaged in transporting by team (the only means in those days) the products of the farms to the Cincinnati and Louisville, Ky., markets. About 1830 he went to what is now Allen county, and purchased 80 acres of land in Bath township. When Allen county was organized in 1830, he was appointed clerk of the court, and was elected the second recorder, which position he filled until his death, which occurred in 1842. Atthe breaking out of the war of 1812, he offered himself for enlistment, but, being under size, he was not accepted. His evident disappointment attracted the notice of Gov. Vance, who commissioned him a captain in the state militia, and at his death he held a commission in the state militia of brigadier-general of the Twelfth division. Politically he was a democrat and was a power in his party, and one of the leading democrats of the county. In his religious belief he wasa Presbyterian, in which church he was an elder for many years. His family consisted of six children: Margaret who died in 1849,Samuel W., Joseph of Van Wert county, Rebecca (deceased), Elizabeth, of Lima, Ohio, and Simeon. His wife survived him for some years. Samuel W. Ward received such advantages as the schools of his time afforded; at the age of sixteen he located one and a half miles from Lima, and engaged in farming, where he remained until April 16, 1865, when he located in Latty township, purchased his farm of 160 acres. Inearly life Mr. Ward was a democrat, but at the formation of the republican party he connected himself with that party, and was one of five to sign the petition to organize the republican party of Ohio. He has filled the oftices of justice of the peace, township trustee, and was the republican candidate for county commissioner in 1887. In 1864 he was connected with the national guard of Ohio, and was orderly sergeant of company F, Thirty-third regiment, which was consolidated with a regiment from Hocking county, which formed the One hundred and fifty-first Ohio volunteer, he being attached to company B, and served four months. Mr. Ward was married November 1, 1849, to Miss Effie, daughter of Eli Peterson, of Franklin county, Ohio, and by the union they,have had eleven children, eight of whom are living: William, John S., R. E., Mary, Clara, wife of Henry Leigh, Harry, Elizabeth, wife of O. Lewis, of Van Wert county, and B. G. Mr. Ward isa member of the P. of H. Latty grange, No. 621, of Grover Hill, and a member of the M. E. church of Latty township, of which he is a trustee. Mr. Ward is one of Paulding county's progressive citizens, and commands the respect of his neighbors and the citizens of the county.

Nathan Wyatt, a prosperous agriculturist and stock raiser of Latty township, and one of its leading citizens, was born November 10, 1844, in Wilkes county, N.C. He is a sonof David and Permillia (Wingler) Wyatt, the former of whom is a descendant of-one of the old families of North Carolina. He settled in Wilkes county in early life and lived and died upon the farm which he purchased while a young man. His family consisted of eight sons and six daughters. He was a life long member of the Baptist church and his death occurred in April, 1872, his wife surviving him until 1878. Nathan Wyatt, the immediate subject of this sketch, grew to manhood's estate upon the homestead farm. His opportunities for receiving an education were limited, and consequently he is a selfeducated man. In October, 1863, Mr. Wyatt was conscripted into company D, Twenty-sixth North Carolina infantry, Confederate states army, and served seven months. On being taken sick, he was allowed to go home on sixty days' furlough and never returned to his regiment. In 1868 he removed to Miami county, Ohio, and engaged as a farm laborer for the space of two years. He then embarked in the manufacture of tile for seven years, settling at the end of this time upon his present farm of 160 acres, in the southeast quarter of section 26. This land he had previously purchased, but which was then unimproved. The buildings which he has built are of a substantial order and his property ranks among the best. The marriage of Mr. Wyatt occurred December 21, 1876, at which time Miss Sarah C., the daughter of Chas. Frisloe, of Shelby county, became his wife. They are the parents of Richard P., William H., Maud R., Charles D., Walter A., Oscar C. and Warren L. Mr. Wyatt's political affiliations are with the republican party and he has served as school director. He is a member of Pleasant Hill lodge, No. 574, I. O. O. F., of Miami county, and belongs to the Christian church, with which institution he has been connected since 1870. Mr. Wyatt is one of the prominent and influential farmers of his township and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him.

Paulding Village

H. M. Ayres, physician and president of the Potter bank, is one of the leading practitioners of Paulding county. He was born in Putnam county, Ohio, July 12, 1838, a son of William and Rachel (Crow) Ayres. The doctor's early education was received in the common schools of his native county. At an early age he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. B. Welsh, of Putnam county, as his preceptor; in 1857 he entered the Eclectic medical college of Cincinnati, and one year later commenced practicing. In 1864 he graduated from the same college, and in 1865 he was graduated from Starling medical college, of Columbus, Ohio. The doctor continued the practice of his profession in Putnam county until 1865, when he settled at Charloe, Paulding county, Ohio, _ where he remained until January 1, 1874, when he removed to Paulding, where he continued to practice until 1873, whén he was elected sheriff, and filled the office for two terms. At the expiration of his term of office he engaged in mercantile business, which he carried on for five years, when he connected himself with the Potter banking company, and in ~ 1890 was elected its president, which office he now fills in connection with his practice. Our subject was married, in 1859, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Jacob Varner, of Putnam county, Ohio, and by this marriage _ they are the parents of eleven children: Forest R., wife of Samuel J. Tate, of Paulding; Lillie M., M. D., who is practicing her profession in Paulding; Zoe Z., wife of ex-Judge Vance Brodnix; Arrira H., Faustina F. Zoheth R., Golding B., Lloyd H., Clive S., Dow D. E., and Mary E. B. Politically the doctor is a democrat, and is a power in the councils of his party. In his religious views, though, he is liberal. He is a member of Paulding lodge, No. 502, F. & A. M.; Paulding lodge, No. 577, I. O. O. F., also National Union, No. 37, of Paulding. In connection with his professional duties and banking interest, he is also extensively engaged in farming, and is among the leading, liberal and enterprising citizens of Paulding county, and commands the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives.

James E. Atha, a prominent citizen of Paulding, was born on May 4, 1862, the son of John H. Atha. The latter, at the age of eighteen years, enlisted on the second of December, 1861, in company G, Eighty-second regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years. His death occurred at New Creek, W. Va., July 22, 1862, leaving his wife with two small children, William H. H. and James E.,to care for. James E. Atha, the immediate subject of this sketch, had many obstacles to overcome in his youth, and his manful struggles have met with success. Entering the Northwestern Ohio normal college at Ada, Ohio, he studied there during 1879-80,and then became a student at the Fort Wayne, Ind., Methodist Episcopal college, in 1881, remaining one year and making good progress, A printer by trade, Mr. Atha has advanced step by step until, at the present writing, he is the efficient foreman of the Republican job printing office at Paulding. He had no influential friends to assist him, but has made himself what he is by his own individual efforts. On

'June 12, 1891, Mr. Atha was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Ohio division 5. of V., at the ninth annual encampment, held at Toledo. Mr. Atha is a member of John Barnes camp, No. 424, Sons of Veterans, U. S. A. Prior to this, in May, he had been elected captain of the above camp. He is in every way qualified for his present position and thus makes an in 1889 was elected clerk of the town of Paulding. Mr. Atha was happily married in July, 1886, to Miss Ella E., the eldest daughter of Mr. L. D. and Mrs. Jennie Newton, of Paulding. Mr. and Mrs. Atha are worthy and active members of the Church of Christ, worshiping at

Floyd Atwill, a real estate and insurance agent of Paulding, was born in Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Va., September 24, 1861, the son of James R. and Lucy (Bullard) Atwill, natives of the Old Dominion. He at the age of thirteen years began life as a newsboy in Baltimore. Subsequently he entered the employ of Horace Abbott & Son, of Baltimore as an office boy for three years, and then as assistant bookkeeper in the Abbott Iron company. March 30, 1881, he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Paulding Iron Co.,and remained with them for four years. He was the deputy auditor in 1885,and the same year was appointed postmaster at Cecil to serve until 1887. Returning to Paulding in 1887, as deputy clerk, he established his present business, in which he has been successful. Mr. Atwill represents the Firemen's Fund, of San Francisco; Pennsylvania Insurance Co., of Philadelphia; the North American In-

_ surance Co., the Northern Insurance Co., of London, England; the Glen | Falls Co., of Glen Falls, N. Y.; the Columbia Insurance Co., of Dayton; - Amazon Insurance Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio; the Lancashire Insurance ` Co., of Manchester, Eng., and the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance _ Co. Politically, Mr. Atwill is a democrat, and fraternally belongs to the ` Paulding lodge, K. of P., No. 270, also the Paulding council, National union. Miss Helen, the daughter of Joseph Ice, of Paulding, became the wife of Mr. Atwill in 1884,and she hasborne her husband these children: Joseph B., Lucy (deceased), Clara and Allen.

Gilbert Barnes, merchant and agriculturist, and one of the active and progressive men of Paulding, was born in Medina county, Ohio, February 25, 1839, the son of John and Elizabeth (Lowrey) Barnes, natives of Columbiana county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was among the first settlers of Columbiana county. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived to an advanced age. John Barnes was reared a farmer, and prior to 1830 moved to Medina county, Ohio, where he located in the forest. He cleared a home out of the wilderness for himself and family, and became a prosperous citizen of his township. He purchased for each one of his ten children eighty

, acres of wood land in Paulding county, and later in life located in this 'county with his sons. He was a man highly esteemed, wherever known, for his personal qualities and life of probity and uprightness. Politically, he was a republican, although in his youth he had been a democrat. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died when they had reached the age of seventy years. Gilbert Barnes was reared on the farm, and assisted his father in raising the flax from which their garments were made. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached his majority, and in 1861 came to

Paulding county and engaged in various occupations. Returning home in 1862 he worked on the farm, and enlisted, July 30, of that year, in company I, One Hundredth Ohio volunteer infantry. He was assigned to the Twenty-third corps of the army of Tennessee, and his first engagement was at the siege of Knoxville. He took part in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, siege of Atlanta, and the Atlanta campaign. He was wounded in the thigh and taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, and later to Louisville, Ky., and from there was transported to Washington, D. C. He was furloughed, and later ordered to report to Columbus, where, ir May, 1865, he received his discharge. For many months after receiving his wound Mr. Barnes was compelled to go about on crutches. In the fall of 1865 he came to Paulding county and located on land northeast of Paulding, where he built himself a cabin. In the spring of 1867 he exchanged his land for a saw mill and turned his attention to lumbering, which pursuit he followed until 1890. He purchased land and cut the timber from it, clearing a good farm, and also dealt largely in real estate. For five years Mr. Barnes has been interested in merchandising, and he is also the proprietor of a livery barn, which is under the management of Landis & Hixon. He is the possessor of some of the finest farming land in the county, amounting to 600 or 700 acres, and upon which are many improvements. Mr. Barnes is a self-made man, and he is a liberal contributor to all public enterprises. He has always been a republican in politics, but has never been an office seeker. Fraternally, he belongs to the F. & A. M., and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Barnes was married, in 1865, to Miss Esther C. Lurren, of Huron county. She died, leaving a son named Melville, now a prosperous young merchant of Paulding. Mr. Barnes was again married, taking as his wife Eliza J. Harvey, a native of Indiana. Harvey C. is the offspring of this union. Mrs. Barnes is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Frank M. Bashore recorder of Paulding county, and the youngest of thirteen children born to Frederick Bashore, is a native of Bratton township, Adams county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 9th of September, 1850. He was reared on the farm and given a good education in the schools of the neighborhood. He prepared for teaching at the age of nineteen years and spent some time in the normal institutes. Mr. Bashore taught school for six years and in the fall of 1869 came to Paulding county, teaching in Barnhouse district. He proved an efficient instructor and under his guidance good progress was made. During his vacations, he worked at surveying, and upon giving up his profession as a teacher he accepted a clerkship with W. F. Straw, a hardware merchant of Paulding. Later on, Mr. Bashore was employed by Messrs. A. M. Keyes and W. A. Savage. In 1884 he was nominated by the democratic party as recorder of the county and was successful in one of the hottest contested campaigns ever witnessed in the county. He received the largest majority of any one on the ticket and was re-elected in 1887, running ahead of the state ticket. M... Bashore was one of the most popular and efficient officers the county ever had, and he discharged his duties with satisfaction to all concerned and with credit to himself. He has held nearly all of the minor town and township offices. He owns good property in the town and country and by his life of uprightness and probity has won the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a valued member of the F. & A. M. and is a Knight Templar of the Defiance commandery, No. 30, being the present master of Paulding Blue lodge, No. 502, and a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 577. Mr. Bashore was happily married September 18, 1872, to Miss Martha W. Haines, of Union county. She was born May 3, 1856, and is the daughter of Augustus E. and Emeline (Crowder) Haines. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bashore, as follows: Murrell C., Cory (deceased), at the age of two years; Chloa, Forest C. and Cash. Mrs. Bashore is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a lady favorably known. Mr. Bashore is at the present time engaged in the hardware business, having purchased theentire stock of A. M. Sponsler.

F. W. Bashore was born February 25, 1831, in Fairfield county, near Rushville, Ohio, and at the age of six years removed with his parents to Highland county, where he was reared upon the farm, receiving a very limited education from the common schools. When eighteen years old he located in Adams county, Ohio, on Brush creek. He worked out for fifteen and twenty-five cents per day, and later at $8 per month, until the fall of 1852, when he located in Clinton county, where he worked at cutting wood and usual farm labor. He the following two years secured about one year's schooling and also took a course in surveying. He then taught school in winter and worked on the farm during the summer until 1856, when he went west to Kansas, joining a party of government surveyors journeying to the northwestern part of the territory, and win- tered at Lawrence, Kan. The spring following they started overland with an ox train of twenty-two wagons for California via New Mexico, stopping only a few months and returned through Arizona and Mexico. He superintended the building of Seneca Station, for the Butterfield Mail Route Co., and on completing the same was stationed on the San Pedro river, until spring, when he returned to Adams county, Ohio, and the following winter taught school in Hardin county. Early in the spring of 1861, he, with others at Lima, Ohio, organized a cavalry company, and tendered their services to the government, but was not accepted, and the company was disbanded. Upon the call for three years' men another company was organized, with Hiram Stotts, of Lima, as captain, and, on reporting to the adjutant-general, was accepted and ordered to Columbus, arriving August 7, 1861, and later to Cincinnati, and was mustered in as company F, Fourth regiment Ohio volunteer cavalry. Active service began in November, in Kentucky, but the regiment soon became a part of the army of the Cumberland, and Mr. Bashore took part in all skirmishes and battles in which his regiment was engaged until the close of the war. He acted as first sergeant until April, 1863, when he was commissioned as a lieutenant, and served as second in command until the battle of Chickamauga, when the captain resigned, leaving Mr. Bashore in command of the company during the battles and skirmishes of the campaign in and around Chattanooga. He re-enlisted in February, 1864, and came home from Pulaski, Tenn., on furlough. February 28, 1864, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Craig, of Allen county, Ohio. He joined his regiment at Camp Dennison, Ohio., joining the Cumberland army, and returned to Nashville after the fall of Atlanta with Gen. Thomas, spent the winter at Eastport, Tenn., and was with his command on the Wilson raid, ending at Macon, Ga., when he soon resigned and reached home July 6, 1865. A short time after he came to Paulding county, purchasing a tract of land and building a log cabin, into which he moved September 6, 1865, and has been a resident ever since. He affiliates with the republican party and has been twice elected county surveyor, making an efficient and obliging officer. Mr. Bashore is the author and compiler of the county and township maps contained in this volume.

Charles W. Baughman, a leading attorney and collector of Paulding, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 1, 1844, the eldest son of Robert A. and Margaret (Armstrong) Baughman, residents of Pennsylvania and Ohio, The paternal grandfather, Mathias, was a native of Holland, and married prior to coming to America. He served in the war of 1812, and died at the age of eighty-four years, a German Lutheran in his religious faith. Thomas Armstrong, the maternal grandfather, was born on the ocean while his parents were en route for this country. He was a brick-maker and located in Hamilton county, where he died, while still a young man. Robert A. Baughman, the fatherof our subject, came to America while yet a lad, and was educated in Hamilton county. He learned the trade of a house painter, and followéd it many years as a contractor. He is living at the age of seventy-two years, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Charles W. Baughman was reared in Cincinnati, and at an early age went to West Liberty, where he was educated by private tutors. At the age of eighteen years he acted as clerk in a hardware establishment for some time, and then took to the road, as a commercial traveler, for several years. He purchased goods and worked up a large trade, having his headquarters at St. Louis, Mo. He abandoned this mode of life in 1871, at which time he taught school, and later acted as bookkeeper for five years. During his leisure time he studied law, and in January, 1877, was admitted to practice in the district courts. He removed to Paulding county in 1881, and opened a law office, where he successfully practiced his profession; also, for fifteen mouths, was interested in the grocery business. Since the expiration of that time, however, his whole attention has been given to his law business. He is an energetic and progressive citizen, and is esteemed by all who know him. Politically, Mr. Baughman is a democrat. He was married March 24, 1881, to Miss Eleanor McBeth, of Clark county, and five children have been born to them, as follows: Margaret E., Sarah J., Thomas W., Bethetta and Ralph. Mrs. Baughman was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 20th of May, 1854, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. She isa member of the Presbyterian church, and with her hasband enjoys high social rank.

John Beson, merchant tailor, is a son of F. B. and Angelica Beson, and was born May 8, 1836, in France, where he lived until seventeen years of age. He received a common school education, and learned the tailor's trade. In 1853, he emigrated to this country, and located in New York city, where he remained three years, engaged at his trade. In 1856, he removed to Newport, Shelby county, Ohio, engaged in business for himself and remained one year, when he removed to Versailles, Ohio, and carried on business there for two years. He subsequently engaged in business at Greenville, Darke county, Ohio. He then located in Cincinnati, remaining there for a short time. when he again returned to Versailles, Ohio, where he conducted business for four years. In October, 1882, he located in Paulding, and established his present business. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company I, Ninety-third Ohio volunteer infantry, and was discharged in the spring of 1864, for disability. In the fall of the same year he joined company H, Fifty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war. He participated in tbe battle of Nashville Tenn. Mr. Beson was married August 26, 1856, to Miss Mary V. Perrine, of Darke county, Ohio, and by this marriage they are the parents of five children: Lewis, Joseph, Edward, Mary J., wife of A. F. Fritz, of Strong City, Kans., and Albert. Politically Mr. Beson is a republican, and is amember of Theodore Merchant post, 683, G. A. R. In religion he is a Catholic. A

Joha Brewer, agent for the Cincinnati brewing company, and also dealer in ice, at Hamilton, Ohio, was born in New Vernon, this state, October 31, 1841. His parents were Lewis and Elizabeth (Newby) Brewer, who reared their son to the life of a farmer, giving him an education in the common schools. In 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Brewer removed to Auglaize township, where the youth of our subject was spent. Lewis Brewer was one of the pioneer settlers of the township and county, and owned 300 acres of land. John Brewer purchased 200 acres of ground and followed farming until he was thirty-five years of age, at which time he went to Texas a prospecting tour. Remaining here for one year, he returned to Auglaize, sold his farm, removed to Paulding in 1878 and purchased his present place, where he is engaged in the saloon business. In 1886 he was made agent for the brewing company and opened up his ice house, being the first to run an ice wagon in Paulding. These houses have a capacity of 300 and 500 tons respectively, the latter being situated on the bankof the creek. Mr. Brewer was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Dobson, on February 13, 1862, and they have two sons, Walter, and Charles A., who is in the ice business with his father. April 18, 1861, Mr. Brewer enlisted in the Twentieth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for three months. Politically he is a member of the democratic party, and highly esteemed in his place of residence.

Hon. Vance Brodnix, assistant cashier of Potter's bank, is the only son of J. B. and Sarah (Neal) Brodnix. He was born November 28, 1859, in Van Wert county, Ohio, and received a common school education, later learning the trade of a gun and lock-smith. Mr. Brodnix commenced reading law at the early age of fifteen yearsand was admitted to the bar in July, 1880, at Harper, Kans. In 1881 he settled in Van Wert, Ohio, graduating from the law school at Cincinnati, being admitted to the bar of Ohio in June, 1882. Commencing the practice of his profession in company with his father, J. B. Brodnix, under the firm name of Brodnix & Brodnix, he so continued until 1885, at which time he retired from the practice of law and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed for one year. Entering upon the practice of law again, he was, in 1888, elected probate judge of Paulding county, which office he acceptably filled until February, 1891, at which time he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Brodnix was married, February 28, 1884, to Miss Zoe Z., a daughter of Dr. H. M. Ayres, a leading physician of Paulding. Two children blessed this union, named Cyri and Kent. Mr. Brodnix is a member of Paulding lodge, No. 577, I. O. O. F.; Rebecca lodge, No. 319, and the Defiance encampment, No. 98, and the John Barnes post, No. 424, S. of V. Politically he is an ardent republican, in which party he is an active worker. In his religious connection he is a member of the First Christian church of Paulding.

J. B. Brodnix, a prominent agriculturist of the township, was born at Morris Villa, Bucks county, Penn., October 3, 1832. He is a son of Thomas and Anna (Boyd) Brodnix. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Brodnix, came to America with Gen. La Fayette, and served gallantly through the Revolutionary war. Subsequently he settled at Morris Villa, Penn., where he purchased land and engaged in farming, which oc- cupation he continued until his death, which occurred in 1834, His family consisted of two sons and two daughters, the eldest son, Thomas, - being the father of our subject. The latter was a weaver by trade and _ lived upon the homestead farm until the death of his father, when he - removed to Defiance county, Ohio, where he now resides at the venerable | age of ninety-two years. The education of J. B. Brodnix was limited. He followed the occupation of the farmer until 1861, at which time he joined company H, Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until March, 1865. He took part in all the engagements of the Fourth army corps, and was wounded three times. Returning home from the scene of hostilities, Mr. Brodnix located at Van Wert, Ohio, and was appointed deputy county treasurer. Later, he was appointed cashier of the Emerson National bank, of Van Wert. During this time, Mr. Brodnix was reading law with James L. Price, of Lima; in 1875 was admitted to the bar, and practiced twelve years at Van Wert, removing to Harper, Kans., where he was engaged in the same pursuit for four years. At this time he retired from the practice of his profession and has since devoted his attention to farming. While a resident of Harper, he was judge of the county court. Mr. Brodnix isa warm supporter of the prohibition party, and fraternally belongs to the G. A. R. post, the U. V. U., I. O. O. F. and the I. O. of R.M. Religiously, he is a consistent member of the First

Christian church of Paulding. In 1862, Miss Jennie Neal became the wife of Mr. Brodnix, and they the parents two children: ex-Judge Vance Brodnix and David Fullmer Brodnix.

Frank L. Bryant, jeweler and progressive business man of Paulding, was born at Cadiz, Ohio, August 19, 1865, the second son of John and Matilda (Adams) Bryant, natives of Gloucestershire, Eng., and Ohio, respectively, and of English and Scotch-Irish extraction. Mr. Bryant's early life was spent upon the farm and his education was received in the graded schools of Cadiz. He served an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade of three years, after which he worked at journey work in New York,

¥ Birmingham, Conn., Pittsburg, Penn., Steubenville, Ohio, and Kansas City. He then located at Vermillion, Ohio, with a fine stock of jewelry, and the following year sold, locating at Paulding, where he does a nice business, carrying a full stock in his line, and by his affable and courteous way commands the leading trade of the town. He is an ardent republican and member of the F. & A. M.

George I. Chatterton, attorney, was born in Brown county, Ohio, January 21, 1856, and was the youngest of nine children, five sons and four daughters, born to James and Hannah (Iden) Chatterton, natives of New York and Maryland respectively, and of English parentage. Mr. Chatterton was reared upon the farm, attending the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he entered Clermont academy, where he completed a three years' course, after which he attended a normal school for one year at Worthington, Ohio, preparatory for teaching. Beginning in the fall of 1875 he taught eight successive years in Brown and Clermont counties. His vacations, and also leisure time while teaching, were devoted to reading law, preparatory to entering upon that profession. He then entered the office of W. W. Young, of Georgetown,

| with whom he remained until the fall of 1882, when he entered the Cincinnati law school, from which he graduated in the spring of 1883. In June of the same year he located at Paulding, where he began the prac-

| tice of law, at which he has been very successful. Mr. Chatterton is a shrewd collector and an able counselor, giving his undivided attention to his chosen work. He is an aggressive republican and was elected city solicitor of Paulding, serving two successive terms. He is a member of the K. of P., Paulding lodge, 270. He was married January 13, 1887, to

_and daughter of Richard Champion, of Carryall township. Mrs. Chatterton taught in the Antwerp city schools for a time and was known as one of the leading teachers of the county. Mr. Chatterton has one son, Iden E., born September 21, 1888.

C. E. Cook, P. M., was born September 9, 1842, in Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., and is a son of Abel and Hannah (Ward) Cook. At the age of three years he lost his father, and his mother was next married to D. S. Neeley. They removed to Monroe county, N. Y., where our subject was reared. He received a common school education, and lived upon the homestead farm until August 25, 1862, when he enlisted in the Eighteenth New York independent light artillery, and served until July 20, 1865. He participated in the following ehgagements: Fort Bisten, La., Port Hudson, and the Red River campaign. After the close of the war he went to Orleans county, N. Y., und engaged in farming. He subsequently located at Lockport, N. Y., and engaged in the manufacturing of vinegar. In 1868, he removed to Illinois and engaged in farming for five years. In 1873, he removed to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and engaged in the grocery business. In 1878, he changed to Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, and engaged in the stave business. In 1880, he came to Paulding, and entered the employ of A. B. Holcomb, as foreman, where he remained until the plant passed into the hands of Weidman & Hichling, when he entered their employ as bookkeeper, and remained until he received his present appointment, which was dated February 11, 1890. He was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Alonzo Holcomb, of Monroe county, NIY; and by this marriage they are the parents of these children: Grace, wife of H. D. Reiners, Fred B. and Harry. In politics, Mr. Cook is a republican. He is a member of Theodore Merchant post, G. A. R., Paulding lodge K. of P., and the National Union.

Willis F. Corbett, prosecuting attorney, was born on a farm in Seneca county, Ohio, October 14, 1862; lived on the farm until the age of nineteen; was educated in the public schools of his native county and Heidelberg college, of Tiffin, Ohio; entered the law office of Seney & Schaufelberger in the spring of 1884 as a student, and was admitted to the bar June 4, 1886. Mr. Corbett came to Paulding in the spring of 1887, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession here, where he is recognized by the court and bar as one of the best and most reliable lawyers at the Paulding county bar. He was elected to the office of city solicitor th the spring of 1891. Mr. Corbett is an aggressive politician in the republican ranks, and in the fall of 1891 was elected prosecuting attorney with a handsome majority. He is a close student, applying his whole attention to his chosen profession.

Joseph Coupland, - Among the early residents of Paulding, is the subject of this biography. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 15, 1831, and is a son of William and Ann (Conyards) Coupland. Our subject immigrated to this country at the age of eighteen. He went to Wasson, Ohio, and found employment at railroad work until 1861, when he located in Paulding county, and purchased a farm in section 8, Jackson township. In July, 1862, he joined company I, One Hundredth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until August 11, 1865, participating in many battles, and was with Gen. Sherman at the fall of Atlanta. At the close of the war Mr. Coupland returned to his home, and again engaged in farming, which he followed for three years, when he settled in Paulding and engaged in mercantile business, which he carried on for three years. He then again resumed his farming operations, which he has since followed. Our subject was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary A.,a daughter of Allen Robinett, of Fulton county, Ohio; by this union they are the parents of three children: John C., merchant of Paulding; Sylvester, and Maggie, wife of William Swayne, of Lake county, Ohio Politically Mr. Coupland isa republican. He filled the office of treasurer for Paulding for two terms, and the same office for Jackson township two terms. Our subject is a member of Theodore Merchant Post, C. A. R. Mr. Coupland is one of the extensive and enterprising farmers of Paulding county, cultivating 283 acres, and is one of the leading and respected citizens of Paulding.

Joseph B. Cromley (deceased) late of the firm of Tate & Cromley, livery-men and dealers in agricultural implements, was a native of Hancock county, Ohio, having been bern March 12, 1850. He was the son of Jonas and Mary (Beard) Cromley, early settlers of Defiance county. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and educated in the common schools of Defiance county, to which he had removed with his parents when a boy. At eighteen years of age he served an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, and was employed at Junction, Ohio, until 1876, when he removed to Antwerp and engaged in business in partnership with Mr. Young, under the firm name of Young & Cromley. In 1878 Mr. Cromley was nominated for the office of county clerk, elected by a fair majority, and re-elected in 1881. He made an efficient officer, and served in all six years. In 1884, in company with Mr. Samuel J. Tate, he embarked in the hardware business, and the firm was successful in this pursuit. Subsequently, in 1888, they sold their stock and engaged in dealing in agricultural implements and in livery. Mr. Cromley, who was a progressive citizen in every sense, built the first brick business house in Paulding, and at his death he left an estate which will be well cared for by his estimable widow. He was an active and influential politician in the ranks of the republican party, and was highly esteemed. Fraternally, he was a member of lodge No. 502, F. & A. M., and of the I. O. O. F., No. 577. Mr. Cromley was happily married in 1876 to Miss Anna J., daughter of Lyle Tate, formerly a leading citizen of the county. One child, a son named Lyle Tate Cromley, was born to them. On November 6, 1891, Mr. Cromley died after a short illness, deeply lamented by all who had known him. -

G. W. Crosby, attorney, is a son of Joseph A. and Mary J. (Borchus) Crosby, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was born November 21, 1856, upon the homestead, in Jackson township. His early education was received in the public schools, and subsequently he attended the normal school at Kalida, Ohio. In 1882 Mr. Crosby removed to Holton, Kans., and while there engaged in teaching, and also attended the Campbell university at that place. In 1884 he returned to Pauiding county, and entered the employ of the Vanderbilt stave company, of Broughton, Ohio, as bookkeeper, and there he remained for two years. He then commenced reading law in the office of F. B. DeWitt, of Paulding, and was admitted by the supreme court in June, 1891, and commenced the practice of his profession at once. Mr. Crosby was married to Miss Eva A., daughter of Theodore Poorman, of Jackson township, and by this union they are the parents of six childrn: Arthur W., Delbert R., Anna, Clayton, Carl P. and Jennie. Mr. Crosby has filled the office of township clerk for Jackson. In his early life he was a democrat in politics, but now affiliates with the republican party. He is a member of Paulding lodge, No. 577, I. O. O. F., also of the Christian church, which he connected himself with in 1878. He is one of Paulding county's young and rising lawyers, and commands the respect of the people of the community.

W. H. Cullen. - Prominent among the business men of Paulding county is W. H. Cullen, of the firm of Cullen, Richards & Savercool, agents for various life and fire insurance companies. Mr. Cullen is the son of Seth and Susan (Perry) Cullen, and was born on the 4th of February, 1864, at Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio. The father is a native of England, and the mother of Nova Scotia. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native town, and there attended the common schools, acquiring an education. From his earliest years he developed qualities of accuracy and promptness, which inspired him to make the choice of a strictly business-like vocation. Accordingly, at the age of thirteen years, his first business experience was found in a dry goods store, where he acted as a clerk until 1888. Feeling in need of a wider scope for his business transactions Mr. Cullen embarked in the insurance business, taking as his partner Mr. James Richards. These gentlemen, who are of the energetic and progressive type, continued the business as the firm of Cullen & Richards until June 1, 1891, at which time, their business having increased to such an extent, it became necessary for them to increase their force, which they did by taking in as a partner E. M. Savercool, making the present firm of Cullen, Richards & Savercool, who represent the following companies: Home, of New York; L. & L. & G., of Liverpool; Royal, of London; Phenix, of Brooklyn; Hartford, of Hartford; Connecticut, of Hartford; Ætna, of Hartford; German American, of New York; California of San Francisco; Springfield, of Springfield, Mass.; Queen, of Liverpool; German, of Freeport; Niagara, of New York; Traders', of Chicago; Manchester, of Liverpool; Ohio Farmers', of Leroy, Ohio; Travellers' Accident, of Hartford; Standard Accident, of Detroit, and Union Central Life, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They are business men of much ability, and, as a result of their integrity and enterprise, are enjoying a lucrative patronage. Mr. Cullen was happily married to Miss Lula Huston, of Paulding, in October, 1890, and, with his estimable wife, enjoys high social rank. Fraternally, our subject is a member of the K. of P., Paulding lodge, No. 270. In his political affiliations he is a republican.