Liberty Township (part 2 of 2)

S. C. MOWEN, stone mason, Ada, was born December 12, 1836, in Trumbull County, Ohio. He is a son of David and Nancy (Eudsil) Mowen, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father, when a youth, came to Trumbull County and learned the trade of brick mason. He moved to Allen County in 1889, and spent the latter years of his life in farming; he died in 1864, at the age of sixty-seven years. Our subject received a common school education and lived on the farm until twenty-three years old. He learned the trade of carpenter and also that of stone mason, and has followed both of these occupations, together with farming. He came to this county in 1877 and settled on Section 10 in Liberty Township. In 1860, he married Mrs. Olmsted, a widow, whose name was Nancy Eoberts. She is the daughter of Allen and Mary Eoberts, the former of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania, both of English and German descent. Mrs. Mowen had by her first husband one child, now deceased. Her first husband, Samuel Olmsted, came from England to Alien County, where he worked at his trade, printing, and died in 1857. Mr. Mowen is a Democrat in politics.

JAMES MUSTAED, farmer, P. O. Ada, was bom August 12, 1819, in Pennsylvania. He is a son of Jonah and Mary (Harris) Mustard, both natives of Pennsy lvania and of English and Irish descent. His father, a farmer, came to Ohio at an early date, and in 1844 settled in Lil^erty Towmship, where he has had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living. James was reared on the farm, receiving a limited education, and while still a youth, started out for himself. He first worked at odd jobs, receiving 50 cents per 100 for splitting rails and 15 an acre for clearing off heavy timber. He is now the owner of 320 acres of land, and has been very successful in stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep. In 1872, he was married to Miss Mary H. Sousley, daughter of George D. and Malinda (Cochrjin) Sousley, both natives of Kentucky and of English descent. By this union there are four children - William G., Ida M., J. H. (deceased), and Clara. Mrs. Mustard is a member of the Disciple Church. In politics, he is a Eepublican, has been Township Trustee and is an Assessor and School Director.

J. H. MUSTARD, baker and confectioner, Ada, was born in Washing- ! ton County, Penn., October 3, 1821. He is a son of John and May (Har ' ris), the former a native of Ireland and the latter of New Jersey. John Mustard, our subject's father, came to Ohio in 1844, and settled as a farmer in Liberty Township, three miles south of A»la, where he lived up to the tiiue of his death, in 1853. His wife died in Ada in 1872. J. H. Mustard received a limited education, and chose to be a farmer, but he has also fol- 1 lowed several other occupations. He learned the millwright's trade and followed it for seven years, and for over forty years he has been a builder 1 and contractor. In 1841, Mr. Mustard married Anna McGlumphy. They j are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Mustard has kept a record of the church from the time it was first opened, and Mr. Mustard has kept an accurate account of all the deaths that have occurred in Ada ,

He is a son of David E. and Mary (Wise) Neff, the former of German and the latter of German and English descent; both are natives of Pennsylva- | was spent upon the farm in Northern Ohio, where he also enjoyed the privilege of the public schools of the county, and afterward attended the Nor [ mal School in Ada, and graduated in May, 1880. He then attended the State University at Ann Arbor, Mien. Although not entirely confined to | the schools, most of his time is occupied in teaching, in which he makes a specialty of the sciences. On May 24, 1881, Mr. Neff was united in mar- !) riage with Addie Allen, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Stephenson) Allen, of McComb. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Presby- c terian Church; the former is a teacher in the Sabbath school and takes an active interest in all pertaining to religion or the advancement of morality.

Mr. Neff is one of the proprietors and a member of the faculty of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, and owns besides a handsome property J. in Ada. jl

ELI NEW'MAN, (deceased), was born August 29, 1803, in Es- |f sex County, Mass. - He was the son of Eli and Nancy Newman, and at |i the age of thiideen years removed with his father to Salem, Columbiana ^ Co., Ohio, and at age of 15 engaged as a teamster, which he followed for j; four years. He then engaged in burning charcoal, which he followed un- j til about the year 1826, when he removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and li in the year 1835 was married to a Miss Deborah Reeves. They were the jiparents of eleven children, viz., an infant son, Charles (deceased), Lu- | i cretia (deceased), Benjamin, who was in the Forty-fifth Regiment, Company j*; B, but died at home; Lois (deceased), Louisa (deceased), Lavina, wife of ik J. M. Ewing; Nancy, wife of Robert A. Pattersou; Mary (deceased), f Amanda, wife of Jerome Hoou; and Aurilla, wife of C. O. Hanson. In ji, the year 1840, he removed to Hardin County, Ohio, and settled in Liberty Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred June 10, 1883. Deborah, his wife, died June 26, 1876. j

JEREMIAH NIXON, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born January 18, 1817, h in Virginia. He is a son of William and Pheeba (Wood) Nixon, the former | v of Irish and the latter of English descent. His father, a farmer, died be- Pii fore our subject was five years old. His grandfather, Jeremiah Wood, was jl in the Revolutionary war. Our subject lived with his mother until nearly li, five years old. After his father died, his uncle took him to Virginia and kept him two years. His mother then brought him back to Ohio, and he lived with her four years. After she married again, he lived with her brother until he (our subject) married, when he went on a farm on his own account. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools. He selected the occupation of a farmer for his living. In 1836, at the age of nineteen years, he married Jane Eliza Boyd, who was born in 1816, and is the daughter of John and Susan (Oyster) Boyd. Her mother died when she was but two years old. Two children have blessed this union - John B., a farmer, married, living on his farm in Allen County, and Samuel W., in Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where the former has been Steward and is still a Class Leader. In 1852, Mr. Nixon came to this county and settled on Section 5 in Liberty Township. He took the farm in the rough, and after hard work succeeded in clearing it, and now owns a well- improved farm. He had to go thirty miles to the mill. In politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN NOGLE, harness-maker, Ada, was born April 10, 1840, in Stark County, Ohio. He is a son of Jacob and Rebecca P. (Powel) Nogle, both natives of Pennsylvania. His parents came to Ohio at an early day and settled in Stark Coanty, where his father followed farming; the latter died in 1844. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education at the common schools of Stark and Columbiana Counties. At the age of nineteen years, he went to Plymouth, Ind. , where he commenced learning his trade of harness-maker, and then proceeded to South Bend, where he was employed at the trade. In 1861, he went into the business, but left the same year and enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and served the full term. On his return from the war, he re-opened in his business, and has continued at it successfully ever since. He now owns an extensive stock for a town the size of Ada. Mr. Nogle married in 1864, Laura A. Urich, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio. They have five children - S. W., Cara A., Myrtle L. and Lenette. Mrs. Nogle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Nogle is a Republican in politics; was Councilman of Ada at one time, and is now fully occupied with his business.

A. F. NYE, barber, Ada, was born November 24, 1850, in Wyandot County, Ohio. His mother was Lucinda Cushman, who was born in Ohio and was of English descent. His father, George A. Nye, was born in Virginia and was of German lineage. The latter came to Ohio when a mere lad and settled in Wyandot County with his father. Rev. Adam Nye, a pioneer preacher, who was a Captain in the war of 1812. The father of our subject was a soldier during the rebellion, and is still living, residing in Carey, Ohio. Our subject was one of a family of four; he was reared on the farm until fourteen years old, receiving a common school education and then learned the photograph business. In 1868, he left his former business and learned the trade of a barber, which he has followed since. He is in business with his brother, E. E. Nye. Our subject came to Ada in 1871, since which time he has had the misfortune to be burned out of his shop twice. In 1872, he married Anna, daughter of John Cunningham, of English descent. Four children have blessed this union, viz., Earl, Roy, Mabel and Sylva. Mr. Nye is a Republican in politics and is a Knight of Honor, and has filled all the chairs in Lodge No. 1882.

the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. His mother was of German and his father of Scotch descent. Mr. Park was a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1836, settling in Knox County, where he married and brought up a family of eight children, all living. He was one of the contractors at the building of the Ohio Canal. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Hancock County and the High School of Findlay. He chose farming for his occupation, and to the eighty acres of land which he owned before the war he added until he owned 240 acres, all now sold. In 1861, he enlisted in the Western Sharpshooters, Sixtysixth Rifle Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. At first a private, he was soon appointed Orderly Sergeant in Company H; then, in 1862, Second Lieutenant, and in 1863 he served as Ordnance officer of the left wing of the Sixteen Army Corps, on Gen. Dodge's staff. On his return home, he engaged in farming. In 1878, he came to Ada, and went into the grain business with his brother. He also has an interest in the Ada City Mills. In 1859, Mr. Park married Miss S. E. Crawford, a daughter to E. S. and Linnie George, of Ohio, of German descent. They have six children, viz., W. R., Eva A., at high school, Mary L., Mina J., Almira E. and Roy J. Mr. and Mrs. Park are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a membership in the Blue Lodge, No. 344, and Ada Chapter, No. 138, of Ada, Ohio, and of Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, Knight Templars, of Lima, Ohio, and is a well-known citizen of Ada.

JOHN GAMBLE PARK, professor, Ada, was born in Orange Township, Hancock County, Ohio, September 20. 1849. His father is a w^ealthy farmer, who is well informed on almost all subjects, especially on Biblical history. The early years of the son were spent on the farm, attending the district school during the winter months; the fall of 1868, he entered the Normal Department of the Ada Union School. At the organization of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, he entered into partnership with H. S. Lehr and B. F. Niesz, forming the faculty of the* Northwestern Ohio Normal School. After the first building was completed, he began to teach, while at the same time he continued his studies. He was a close student, mastering every branch as he advanced. He is noted to-day as being broad and general in his views and education. In the fall of 1872, he entered Eureka College, Illinois, where he remained seven months. His work as a student in that college was highly commented on by the faculty. He finally completed his education in the school where he was a partner and a teacher. As a teacher, he has few equals. He is methodical and analytical in his instruction, possessing that peculiar power which every true teacher should have of drawing and holding the pupil's attention. He married Miss Lida Wilson, an amiable and accomplished young lady student of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, and daughter of H. H. Wilson, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Hardin County, Ohio. In the winter of .1879, he entered into partnership with his only brother, N. R. Park, buying a large brick warehouse, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Park Brothers, and is now doing a thriving business. In the spring ot 1882, he bought an interest in a large flouring mill. He attended to his interest in all this business without slighting his work as a teacher in the Normal. Prof. Park is an active and prominent member of the Christian Church of Ada, an excellent instructor, a good business man and a gentleman of unblemished reputation and excellent moral character.

HUGH PETERSON, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Adams County, Ind. , July 7, 1852. He is a son of D. S. and Harriet (IkIcDowell) Peterson, both natives of Obio. His father has spent the greater part of his life in this State and Indiana, where he farmed until 1860, since which time he has I been on the P. , Ft. W. & C. Railroad, at present having charge of the line from Crestline to Lima. Hugh was educated at the schools of Fort Wayne and Lima. He spent a few years on the railroad, and then, in 1872, came to this county and bought, in connection with his father, 460 acres of land in Liberty and Washington Townships, He is a partner with his father, and takes tbe whole management of the farm, at which he has been unusually j successful. He makes a specialty of grain. In 1882, he raised and shipped j 3,900 bushels of wheat (they having a siding at their farm), and shipped I 103 car loads of straw. On November 4, 1875, he was married to Mathilda Dearth, a native of Liberty Township, of which her father was a pioneer. They have three children - D. S. , E. W. and May Prudence. In politics, Mr. Peterson is a Republican.

C. PUGH, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Highland County, Ohio, October 28, 1832. He is a son of Eli F. and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, both natives of Virginia and of German descent. Eli Pugh came with his family to Ohio and settled, in 1828, in Highland County. In 1837, he moved i o Liberty Township. He brought up a family of five children, four sons; j and one daughter. All the former are farmers, three living in this towni ship. The father of our subject died in 1878, but his mother is still living i at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Our subject was brought up on I the farm, on which he learned to work early in his youth, and has followed j that occupation over since. He bought the first ten-horse power threshing ! machine, sold by Mr. Pitt, and tnen went into debt for eighty acres of j land, determined to make the machine pay for the land. He finally suci needed in his design, and he often relates the laughable incident that, at i about the very day he accomplished his object, he left the machine in the j field and he has never seen or heard of it since. Mr. Pugh is now a successful farmer, and owns 180 acres of land in this township. He was married, in 1860, to Huldah J. Runser, who was born in 1840, and is a daughter of Andrew and Isabella (McDowell) Runser. Her parents now reside in Marion Township. Four children have blessed this union - Frank C., Wilbur G. Idella B. and Hattie P. Mr. Pugh has been Township Trustee for three years, and a member of the School Board for sixteen years. Mr. Pugh does not belong to any political party, but votes according to his idea of the best candidate, be he Democrat or Republican.

HENRY PUGH, farmer, P, O. Ada, was born in 1841 in Logan Coun- . ty, Ohio. He is a son of Eli and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, both natives of Vir i ginia and of Welsh descent. His father, a farmer, came to Ohio in 1842 and settled on Section 32, in Liberty Township. He had a family of eight children, of whom five are living. He died in 1879. Our subject learned farming for his occupation, and has followed it through life. >He was married, in 1861, to Elizabeth Hullibarger, a native of Perry Counly, and a daughter of Morgan Hullibarger, of German lineage. Three children resulted from the union - S. A., Ella and William. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The latter is a Democrat in politics, and has been Trustee of the township for three years.

MARTIN V. PUGH, farmer, P. O Ada, was born March 14, 1843, in Logan County, Ohio. He is a son of Eli and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, of whom notice is made in the sketch of Henry Pugh, a brother of our subject. His mother, who is in her eighty-fourth year, is residing with Martin. She had a family of eight children, five of whom grew up, viz., Catherine, wife of Jacob High, a farmer in Illinois; Cornelius, a farmer in Liberty Township; James, Justice of the Peace, residing in Iowa; Henry and Martin V. Our subject received his education from the common schools, and learned farming for his occupation. In 1864, he married Lydia Klingler, of Perry County, a daughter of Oeorge and Erneline (Overmire) Klingler, both natives of Ohio and of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Three children have blessed this union - Mary Jane, George E. and Mertle. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal CLurch. Mr, Pugh owns 155 acres of good land in Liberty Township. In politics, he is a Democrat.

A. BEAM, manufacturer, Ada, was born December 10, 1821, in Stark County, Ohio. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Altman) Ream, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, George Ream, was in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Washington; he was also one of the number sent out to quell Shay's whisky rebellion. The father of our subject came to Ohio at a time it ^vas a Territory, and settled on Bull Creek, Columbiana County. In 1806, he moved with his family to Stark County. At the time of his death, in 1852, he was the owner of 350 acres of land. Our subject was one of a family of thirteen, and received, with his brothers and sisters, an education from the common schools. He lived on the farm up to the age of twenty -five years, spending the winters of the last two or three of these years in teaching school. He then embarked in mercantile business and opened a general store, which he continued for thirty- one years with great success. He then went into manufacturing business, in company with others, in which he failed in a few years, losing nearly the whole of his property. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Anna E. Miller, of Gerrnan descent. They have seven children - Phillip W., a telegraph operator and also a teacher of telegraphy; Henry D., who is well off and owns an exteusive planing mill in Ottawa; Mary C., wife of R. S. Shanks, a farmer and school teacher; Isaac Newton, working with his brother at Ottawa; Jacob B., carriage builder; Levi 0., and Anderson W., teacher of telegraphy. Mrs. Ream is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

W. L. REECE, banker, Ada, was born April 8, 1833, in Highland County, Ohio. He is a son of William Reece, of Welsh and English descent. Our subject received his education from the common schools. Up to the age of seventeen years, he was on the farm, working by the month in the summer, and in winter chopping wood and clearing off land; all at the salary of |10 a month. In 1850, he went to Iowa, where he was engaged as a clerk in a general store, at a salary of ^6 per month. Remaining there for several months, he left for a situation at brick-making, receiving SI 5 monthly and board. He afterward returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1857. The winter following was spent in hunting, during which he passed through many narrow escapes, at one time having his horse shot from under him by the Indians. In 1858, he came to Hardin County, and, in company with Nathan Ahlefeld, opened a general store in Ada, but shortly after dissolved partnership and continued alone till 1859, when he was joined by H. J. Gilbert. After the war began, he and his partner enlisted in the Ohio National Guards. Mr. Reece served most of the time in West Virginia. He was Third Sergeant in his company, and then was promoted to Orderly Sergeant. He was always a faithful soldier, never fleeing from danger or duty. In 1864, on his return home, he re-opened in mercantile trade, and

; continued in the business until 1869, when, in company with I. McJunkin >, and E. Sanford, he organized and opened the Exchange Bank, in which he f now takes full charge. In 1858, he married Henrietta V. Bodge, a native of Franklin County and daughter of .John Bodge, a prominent farmer. Of : the five children that have blessed this union, three are living - Lenna A., ! wife of S. S. Clayton, a prominent merchant; William, at school, and Earnest H. Mr. and Mrs. Eeece are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former has been Class Leader and Trustee in the church ' most of the time since 3 865, and for twelve years he was Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath School. Altogether, Mr. Keece is a noted , man in Ada. For six > ears he served as Postmaster, having been appointed ' b} President Buchanan; was a freight agent for four years; was a Township Treasurer and Corporation Treasurer; is a charter member of the F. & A. M. , Lodge No. 344, and is a member of the School Board in Ada. In business, he is prudent and cautious, and his success is shown by the hand- ) some fortune he has accumulated.

EOBERT REEDY, butcher, Ada, was born April 13, 1845, in Fairfield County, Ohio. He is a son of Samuel and Isabella (Works) Reedy, both natives of Ohio, the former of Dutch, the latter of English descent.

I which occupation he has followed through life. In 1864, he enlisted in r the Thirty- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company B, in Logan County, i I and was discharged at the close of the war, after being in several battles » and skirmishes. In 1878, he married Miss M. E. Redman, a daughter of \ Robert Redman, of English descent. They have one child - Albert. Since ) Mr. Reedy has been in Ada, six years, he has amassed several thousands of ? dollars, and is partner in two butcher shops, and is also the owner of some jj town property, all secured by his own exertions.

LEONIDAS RICHESON, manufacturer, Ada, was born July 17, 1848, in Clinton County, Ohio. He is a son of William and Martha (Darbyshire) -) Richeson. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, and was of English dei scent; his father was born in Virginia, and is of English and Irish line- } age. His father was brought up on a farm, and is still following that honj orable calling, and now resides in Logan County, Ohio. Our subject was ; raised on the farm, and attended the common schools of Logan County.

At the age of fifteen years, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-sixth Ohio ! Volunteer Infantry, and fought in several battles under Gen. Sherman and J Gen. Thomas, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio. At the \ close of the rebellion, he commenced to manufacture bricks, and was emf ployed in Logan County and other portions of the State of Ohio. In 1873, j he came to Ada and commenced the manufacture of bricks and drain tiles,

: which he is still manufacturing in large quantities. In 1873, he married I Eliza J. Matheny, a daughter of Charles and Verlinda (Morgan) Matheny.

I They had seven children, four of whom are living - Armilda M., Verlinda I I., William E. and Lillie E. Mr. Richeson is a member if the Independ- I ent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment.

I In 1854, when eighteen years of age, he emigrated to America and went to [ Kenton, Ohio, unable to speak a word of English. At first, lie worked by I the month on a farm, and then, being better able to converse in English, he went to Cincinnati, whence he proceeded to Kentucky, whore he remained I for five or six years. Returning to Ohio, he stayed until 1861, at which time he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D, in which he served until 1864, having been a hero in several hard-fought battles. On his return to Kenton, he was appointed Provost Marshal, in which position he remained until his removal to Ada in 1865, where he opened a grocery store in company with Ben Elberson. A year after, he bought out !, his partner, and continued by himself until 1874, when he sold out and proceeded to Kenton, and engaged in the hardware business for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Ada, aud there started a hardware store. In 1881, Mr. Hies sold out a part of his business and has since t carried on the remainder. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in Hardin }; County, of four business houses in Ada, and also his house and some town lots in Ada, all of which are owing to his unaided exertions. On Decern- !| her 28, 1875, Mr. Eies married Emma Stivers, who is of German descent | and a native of Hardin County. They have one child - Laura Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Hies are members of the Deformed Church. Mr. Kies was formerly a Democrat, until he went to Kentucky, where his political sentiments changed, and he has since been a Bepublican, He has been a member of the Town Council of Ada, and is regarded by his friends as being thoroughly sincere in all his opinions and a citizen of great worth.

1861, for three years, or during the war. He participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Bidge and in |j all the campaigns from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and was discharged Sep- f| lember 21, 1864, returning to Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio, where he has since I resided up to this date - July 9, 1883. i

C. E. BO WLEY, minister, Ada, was born August 25, 1843, in Warren ! County, Ohio, near the village of Bed Lion. His father, Enos Bowley, a | carpenter and farmer, was born August 25, 1795, near Albany, N. Y. He ' is still living, and resides with the subject of our sketch. The mother of j our subject was of German lineage, and was a native of New York; her maiden name was Susan Montgomery, and she died in 1852, having been suddenly killed by being thrown from a buggy while on her way to visit a S sick daughter in Summit County, Ohio. Our subject received the rudiments I of his education in Ashland County, and attended the school at Mount i Union and also Oberlin College. S. H. Lehr, the President of Ada Normal College, was his room-mate at one time. After leaving school, he went | West, where he engaged in holding musical conventions in Iowa and Illi- | nois, remaining five or six years in the West. Jn 1872, he returned to Ohio, i and accepted a position in the Ada Normal School, where, for five years, he was Instructor iu Elocution and Vocal Music. Since 1876, he has been a minister, and has organized two churches during his service. He is now a regular minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church at Ada. In 1866, he married Miss Hattie L. Munn, of Massachusetts and a daughter | of Charles Munn. Her mother's maiden name was Mary A. Barlow. Mrs. j Bowley is a teacher in the Normal School, of Instrumental and Vocal \ Music. She is remarkably successful as a teacher, aud showed a talent for j music when a child. In politics, Mr. Bowley is a Prohibitionist, and has become a member of the Masonic fraternity since he has been iu Ada, but a renunciation of which fraternity he made in 1875, soon after his conversion to God. The Bev. Mr. Bowley has very pleasant manners, and his i voice is clear and impressive. He. possesses great weight and decision of j character, and is beloved and esteemed by all of his congregation. |

JOHN EUNSER, deceased, was born August 26, 1819, in France, and died April 5, 1875, in Hardin County, Ohio. He was a son of Serphen Runser, He emigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Stark County, Ohio, where he followed his trade of shoe-maker. He afterward moved to Liberty Township, and settled on a farm of eighty acres on Section 34. He carried on farming, and was a teacher in the schools. In 1858, he married Elizabeth, daughter of George Epley. To this union there were born four children - Leonidas Andrew, Hulda Jeannette, Francis L. and Mary Ida. Mrs. Runser is a member of the Reformed German Church. In politics, Mr. Runser was a Republican, and served as Trustee of his township. He died of a disease contracted in the army. He was in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, Company I, and fought in only one battle. Mr, Runser was a scholarly man, and during the time he was teaching was adding to his library, in which he had a choice collection of books. He left a farm of eighty acres, which is being worked by his sons.

B. W. RUTLEDGE, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born December 24, 1826, in Ha,rdin County, Ohio. He is a son of Richard and Mary ^Lewis^ Rutledge, the latter a native of Kentucky and of English descent. Richard Rutledge is also of English descent, and is a native of Maryland; he was a pioneer of Hardin County, where he was a farmer. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received a common school education; for his occupation he chose farming, which he followed all his life, and from which he has now retired. He was also a merchant in Ada for several years. He owns a farm of 200 acres. In 1847, Mr. Rutledge married Caroline Mc- Ginnis, who bore him six children, four of whom are living, viz., Clara, Laura, William Henry and Richard A. Mrs. Rutledge died in 1864. Mr. Rutledge was united in marriage a second time, in 1865, to Mrs. Schockey, a widow, whose maiden name was Catherine Patterson. She is a daughter of Samuel Patterson, a farmer, who came to Hardin County in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is a Royal Arch Mason.

P. K. SALES, dry gouds merchant, Ada, was born December 17, 1841, in Xenia, Ohio. He is a son of Richard and Harriet (Kirk) Sales, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Dayton, Ohio. Richard Sales, his father, was a pioneer of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came to Ohio in 1804, and settled in Greene County. He was a farmer and a merchant, and for years did business in Dayton. The subject of this sketch received his education from the graded schools. At the age of twenty, he enlisted in the Thirty- fourth Ohio Zouaves, Company F, and served three years and four months. He fought in ten battles, and was always on duty. At the end of the war, he traveled through the Territories for two years. He then carried on farming, and in 1873 came to Ada and opened in the dry goods business, in company with John F. Reed, v;hich partnership continued up to 1876, when he carried it on by himself. His place of business is now in the Young Block, on Main street. In 1868, he married Anna Maynard. They have three children - Carrie, Lara and Ralph R. Mr. and Mrs. Sales are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sales is a Trustee of the church, is a member of the Masonic order and also member of the Ada Town Council. In politics, he is Republican.

WILLIAM A. E. SHADLEY, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born October 24, 1832, in Frederick County, Va. He is a son of Asaph and Margaret Shad ley, both natives of Virginia and of German descent. His father came to this county in 1837, and settled on a farm four miles south and one mile east of Ada, where he spent the remainder of his life. He had a family of nine children, eight of whom grew up. Our subject was the fourth child, and was reared on the farm, receiving an education in a log schoolhouse. He learned farming for his occupation, and has followed it through life. In 1856, he went to Kansas, and returned in 1860. He is the owner of a farm of ninety acres of land. He has formed two marriages; his first wife, Mary Peoples, daughter of James and Nancy Peoples, died in 1857, without issue. His second marriage was made in 1863, with Elizabeth Custer, daughter of Peter and Sarah Custer, of German lineage. The result of this union has been eight children - Elmer N., Peter A., Jemima J., Sarah E., Elizabeth, Ellen, Henry Addison, John W. and Early W. Mr. Shadley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Eepublican.

JOHN SHANKS, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born September 26, 1821, in Kichland County, Ohio. He is a son of Thomas and Susannah (Pense) Shanks, both of Westmoreland County, Penn., and descended from the Pennsylvania Dutch. His father, a miller, came to Ohio in 1815, and settled in Tuscarawas County, where he remained five years and then moved to Richland County, remaining there seven years, after which he moved to Goshen Township, in that part that has since been added to Jackson Township, Wyandot County. He settled on a farm of 200 acres of Government land, and spent there the remainder of his life; he died in 1872, at the advanced age of one hundred and one years. The mother of our subject died in 1857, in Goshen Township. Our subject is one of a family of fourteen, thirteen of whom attained the adult age, and four are living in Ohio. He was reared with his brothers on the farm and attended the common schools. He started out in life with a farm of eighty acres, and in 1878 had accumulated 480 acres. He has given 160 acres to his children. Besides farming, he is engaged in stock-raising, at which he has been very successful. In 1846, he was married to Miss Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Harris) Mustard, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch descent. She was born in Pennsylvania, May 22, 1829. Her father was in the war of 1812, and in 1844 came to this county and followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Shanks are the parents of six children, of whom two are living - E. S., a farmer in Liberty Township ; J ohn H. , at home. Mary A. , Charles M. , Clara A. and Ida J., all deceased. In 1864, Mr. Shanks enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I, served one hundred days and was Second Sergeant. Mr. and Mrs. Shanks are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Shanks is a Republican in politics, has served several terms as School Director and in 1872 was elected County Commissioner.

E. S. SHANKS, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Liberty Township January 1, 1851. He is a son of John and Jane (Mustard) Shanks. A sketch of his father appears elsewhere in this volume. Our subject received a good education from the select schools, and at the age of nineteen years became a teacher, in which vocation he was unusually successful, and bore an almost enviable reputation. He finally abandoned teaching for farming, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Section 36, Liberty Township, In 1872, he married Miss Mary C. Beam, a daughter of Abraham Beam, of whom mention has already been made in this volume. This union has resulted in two children - William C. and Trances. Mr. and Mrs. Shanks are members of the Presbyterian (Jhurch in Ada. In politics, Mr. Shanks is a Bepublican, and has been Trustee for two years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 427, and of Encampment No. 226 of Ada. He takes an active interest in the schools and in all literary societies of this district.

H. S. SHANNON, hotel proprietor, Ada, was born in Plancuck County, Ohio, August 7, 1832. He is a son of Joseph C. and Melinda Y. Shannon, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Joseph C. Shannon was a farmer, and Auditor of Hancock County at the time of his death, in 1836, and was among the pioneers of Hancock County. He was brought up on the farm, receiving only a common school education. Our subject decided upon the jeweler's trade for his occupation. He learned it in Belle - fontaine, Ohio, and worked at it for thirty years, spending fifteen years in Findlay, of Hancock County. In 1868, Mr. Shannon pursued the jewelry business in Ada, where he continued it for a number of years. Since 1879, he has been proprietor of the hotel south of the railroad depot, on Johnson street. In May, 1883, became proprietor of the new and elegant " Young " Hotel, on North Main street. In 1875, Mr. Shannon married Eliza Downer, of English descent, who was a widow with two children - Hattie, the oldest, who died January 8, 1882, and Freddie I., who is at school. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Bepublican. In the years 1874 and 1875, he was the Mayor of Ada. He is a member of the School Board, a member of the Board of Health; has been a Township Clerk, and altogether he has filled nearly all the public offices of Liberty Township.

HAMILTON SHAW, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born July 2, 1810, in Ohio. He is a son uf Jonathan and Sarah (Woolam) Shaw, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. His father was also a naNve of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent; his occupation was that of a farmer, in which he was generally successful, and he was also a teamster.

] Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. He learned the carpenter trade in his youth, but farming has been his main . occupation. In 1847, he came to Hardin County, settling in this township, where he still resides. In 1831, he was united in marriage with Abigail Turner, a daughter to Thomas and Martha (Valandingham) Turner. They have five children, viz., Thomas T., a farmer in Indiana; John, a farmer in Iowa; Jonathan, who farms in this township; Martha J., wife of James I Wood, of Dunkirk, and Mary E., wife of Malcolm Nichols, a prominent I farmer and business man.

I ALBEBT SHAW, boot and shoe dealer, Ada, was born in Orange Townjship, Hancock Co., Ohio, September 22, 1846. He is a son of John and ! Jane (Montgomery), both natives of Ohio. Albert received a district school ,i education, and was brought up on his father's farm until fifteen years old. lln his sixteenth year, he learned the tanner's trade, serving at it three lyears. In 1863, he bought the tannery in Ada, in company with William jMcElroy, with whom he continued until 1876, when be bought out the jiatter, and has since carried it on aloue. He is also in the boot and shoe jtrade, having started a manufactoiy and a sale store in Ada in 1879, and jnow carries a large stock, which would often invoice over $10,000, (piite a large figure for a town the size of Ada. On September 24, 1869, Mr. Shaw married Eliza Eothstock, who is of German lineage. They have had three children - William, John, and Elba J. (deceased). Air. Shaw is a Democrat. He served as Mayor for one term; was nine years a Councilman of Ada; has been Justice of the Peace; is an Odd Fellow and member of the Encampment, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor.

W. H. SHENDEWOLF, clerk, Ada, was born October 9, 1861, in Pleasant Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, and was brought up on his father's farm in Hardin County. His parents were natives of Germany, and have been residents of this country for many years. His father is a wealthy farmer, who spends much of his time in reading, and takes great interest in the subject of education. Our subject attended the normal school in Ada, but did not finish the course, preferring to be at business. He went into his uncle's store, where he improved his time in studying the business, and is now installed as head clerk. His plain, outspoken ways in Sjieech serve him in good stead as a salesman, and he is noticeable as being a thorough business man. In the social circles, he is very popular, and takes an active interest in all the gatheriugs of the young people; by his male friends he is regarded as being what they call " a good fellow."

DANIEL SHUSTER (deceased) was born February 22, 1828, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Wingate) Shuster, the former of German and the latter of French descent. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a limited education. He followed farming for his occupation, and came to Hardin County in 1842, and settled in this township, where, with the exception of two years in Allen County, he spent the remainder of his life. He was married, in 1851, to Christine, daughter of Adam and Katherine Kuhn, the former of Dutch and the latter of German descent. There are seven children by this union, living - Clara, wife of George Guyton; Lucy Alay, wife of Anthony A Herding, a farmer in Hancock County; Angela, Charles B., Ada and Ida (twins) and Ralph. Air. and Mrs. Shuster were both members of the Lutheran Church. He was a Democrat in politics, and filled the office of Township Trustee. At the time of his decease, he was in good circumstances, and was highly respected by all who knew him.

JOHN SHUSTER, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born April 20, 1831, in Ohio. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wingate) Shuster, the former of German descent and a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of English descent and a native of Delaware. His father was a successful farmer, and came to this county in 1839. Our subject, the sixth of a family of ten, received a common school edujjation and learned farming, which has been his chief occupation. He was a hard worker in his early days, and, in order to get a start, was obliged to work out by the day and do odd jobs. He is now the owner of 328 acres of land. In 1854, he married Parthenia Gilbert, daughter of Horace Gilbert. They have eight children living, viz., Emma, wife of Noah Long, farmer; Smith, at home; Laura J., wife of Albert Akerman; Frank, at home; Alice, Horace, Eugene and Freeman. In politics, Mr. Shuster is a Democrat.

PROF. L. AI. SNIFF, Ada, was born in Star Township, Hocking Co., Ohio, November 30, 1849. His father, Isaiah Sniff, of English descent, was born in New Jersey in 1804, came to Ohio in 1812 and located with his father in Muskingum County. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Moore, was of Irish descent. She was born in Delaware, and, with her family, came to Ohio about 1812, settling in Aluskingum County also.

The subject of this sketch was brought up in very humble circumstances, in the hills of Southern Ohio. His father was the owner of eighty acres of poor land, and the misfortune of being blind for thirty years before his death helped to keep the family in a state of poverty. It was through this extreme poverty that onr subject passed his early years of training. He could, attend school but a few weeks each year. The summers were spent on the farm or away from home as a hired hand. The winters were usually spent in chopping cord- wood. Three summers were spent in digging iron ore. At the age of seventeen, he saw in the life that his elder brothers were living the life he must live if he did not change his plans. An ambition for power, and the dread of a life of menial service, were the forces that changed his career. At this period he could read tolerably, and knew a little of arithmetic, and found it very difficult to start in the classes of a select school three miles away. After attending this school three short terms, he taught his first school the winter he was eighteen. That brought him $125, $13 of which he kept, and the remainder was handed over to his father and mother. The following spring found him in the iron ore mines, digging for money to attend school. After making $50, he started on foot for the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio; walked forty miles, and took a train the rest of the way. Eight weeks in this school took all his money, except enough to land him forty miles from home. He taught the following winter, clearing $200. This was turned over to his father and mother, all but enough to buy a suit of clothes. Again he goes to the iron mine, again to Lebanon and again to the schoolroom, making $200. We next find him called to the Northwestern Normal School, in Kepublic. Here he is paid his board and tuition for teaching four classes. After five months, he receives his board, tuition and $100 a year; the next year, $400 and boards himself. This year enters the school as a full teacher, on a salary of $800 a year. Before the close of this year, the school was moved to Fostoria, Ohio, and our subject resigned and spent the summer of 1875 in a medical college near Philadelphia. He soon after received a call from the Trustees of the Fostoria school, to conduct that institution. This position he held until the close of that school year, when be took the position of Tutor in English Composition and English Literature in Bethany College, W. Va. The object of this change was to avail himself of an advantage to pursue farther the study of the Greek and Latin languages. After remaining here one year. Prof. E. V. Lollans, President of Kentucky Classical and Business College of Kentucky, offered our subject $1,700 a year to teach mathematics and botany in that institution. The offer was accepted, he remained there two years, and then accepted a call to the Northwestern Ohio Normal School at Ada, Ohio. In