Liberty Township

Liberty Township

PRIOR to 1832. and dating back to 1820. this division of the coianty was known as Town 3 north. Range 14 east. In the latter year it was surveyed into quarter sections by J. T. Worthington. who made his headquarters at James Montgomery' s home in Pleasant Townshi]). In June 1832 the commissioners granted the prayer of petitioners, residents of what is now Liberty, asking to be set off fi'om Seneca Township, and organized. In April, 1833. the first meeting was held. The petition was ]iresented by John L. Flack. In 1830 the whole number of inhabitants in old Seneca Township was only 36'j, of which number only a dozen or so belonged to this portion of it. In 1840 the population of this township was 1,084. and forty years later, 2,157; a reference to the statistics at the close of this chapter will point out its increase in general wealth.

The Northwestern Ohio Raih'oad runs north by west through the township passing through Bettsville, the " Nickel Plate " Railroad runs across the township from Section -M). leaving at Section 12, and the Lake Erie & 'NA'estern Railroad cuts across its northwestern corner, passing through Kansas.

The Niagara rock presents many exposiu-es throughout the township. The boulder formation characterizes a tract in the northeastern sections over a mile wide and extending through three sections east and west. A A\Titer for D. J. Stewart- in 1874. aptly describes this peculiar fonnation: "'In some places the limestone rock literally covers the ground. In other localities in the immediate neighborhood it is not quite so thickly strewn with this stone, and tolerable crops of wheat and other cereals are produced. By contraction with the atmosjihere, the limestone loses its original brownish shade, and is transformed into a white, giving the land a singular appearance when viewed from a distance. The county, generally, is peculiarly fi-eefi'om stony laud, which renders the apjiearance of so much, just in this one spot, rather a remarkable geological feature." The soil of the township is in general very fertile, and large areas show deep and heavy loam. The artificial ili'aius and tributaries of Wolf C!reek, and its eastern fork take off the overflow, and leaves the soil in the finest condition for cultivation. Vi'olt Creek enters the township in the northwest quarter of Section 111, flows in a tortuous course generally nonheast past Bettsville, and leaves the county in the northwest quarter of Section 2. The east fork of this wandering creek flows through the southeastern sections. The county drain runs generally due north from Hopewell and enters Wolf Creek in Section 8. Two or three other artificial channels as well as tributary streams complete a perfect drainage system.

Organic and Official.- Ijiherty Township was established June 5, 1832, and the first annual election held Aju'il 1, 1833. The officers elected were E. W. Brook. Jacob Kime and John Rosenberger. trustees: John Craun. clerk: Eben. Conway and Nicholas Rumbaugh, constables; Adam Flack. Isaac Hartsock, James Jiidson. Levi Crissy and Joseph H. Conway, supervisors. The records from 1833 to 1863 are either lost or in such a bad condition as to leave a list

The officers elected in April, 1885, are Edward Chapman, John Edwards, L'pton Ash. trustees: C. O. Snyder, clerk; M. A. Smith, treasurer: Ammon Freese and George Schuster, assessors; L. T. Ruggles, J. F. Shaull and Alvin Limian, constables; Bradford Struble and J. L. Hosier, justices of the peace.

Pioneers and Old Besidents. - Henry and Eliza (Lott) Abbott, parents of Mi's. J. H. Davidson, of Bettsville (who is a native of Seneca County), were early settlers .... Dr. James A. Andrews, a native of Philadelphia, and who died in 1800. came, in 1837, to the farm now occujiied by his widow, Mrs. Emy (Rozell) Andi-ews, who was born in New Jersey .... Jacob and Sarah (AVillerson) Ash. natives of Maryland, parents of Jacob Ash. of Liberty Township (who was born in the house he now lives in. in 1830), came to Liberty Township in 1832, and here died. . . .Jacob and Sarah (Kouutz) Ash, natives of Manland, parents of Abraham Ash, of Fostoria (and who was born in 1824 in Pennsylvania), came to Ohio in 1831, and settled in Liberty Township. Jacob Ash died in 1853 at the age of si.\ty-three. Abraham Ash laid out and had siu'veyed the present village of Kansas in the interest of his brother Jacob, and was instrumental in getting postoffice established there, being first postmaster.... George and Tishey (Reed) Ash. parents of t'pton Ash. came to Liberty Township in 1S33.

Nathan and I'hoebe (Caulkin) Betts, parents of Mrs. Nicholas Rosenberger, of Liberty Township (who was born in New York State in 1820), located in Liberty Township in 1834 John and Barbara (Boyer) Betts, parents of

Michael Betts, of Liberty Township (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1S(")9), came to Wayne County in 1821, and to Liberty Township, this county, in 1882, locating on Section 3, where John Betts caused to be laid out the twenty-one original lots of Bettsville in 1838 .... John Baity, a German, settled here in 1857. . . .Jacob O. Bowlus in ]8<)4. . . .John Banghmau, father of Mi's. Henry Hostler, of Hopewell Township, was an old settler of Liberty Township .... Moses and Martha (Robinson) Bower, parents of Mrs. Uptou Ash, mother of Edmund R. Ash, of Liberty Township, were among the earliest well-kno'mi settlers here .... George and Julia ( Scott) BjTon. natives of Marj'land, parents of Mrs. Jacob Ash, of Liberty Township (who was born in this county in 1888), were early settlers. . . .David W. Brown came from Frederick County, Md. , to Seneca County in 1834, died in Liberty Township, June 20, 188"). He resided at Tiffin in 1884-36, where he rented the old Lloyd Norris farm, and in 1840 moved on his lands in Liberty Township. . . .George Brown, one of the pioneer residents of Liberty Township, died in July, 1885. Mr. Brown was eighty-three years of age, and had resided in Liberty Township over fifty years.

Ezra and Sarah (Craun) Cromer, natives of ^Maryland, parents of Squire Hiram Cromer, of Liberty Township (who was born here in 1844). were among the early settlers of this county, where Mr, Cromer died in 1881.

David and Diana (Lewman) Dieken, parents of John R. Dicken, of Bloom Township, settled in Liberty Township, this county, in 1831; Da^ad Dicken died in 1871, his widow in 1873.

George and Laiu'a (Hine) Emerine, parents of Andrew Emerine, of Fostoria (who was born in Germany in 1830), came to America in 1835 and settled in Libei-ty Township.

Adam and Mary Flack, parents of the late l\L-s. Abraham Ash, of Fostoria, settled in Liberty Township in 1826 .... "\\'illiam Flack came fi'om Maryland in 1828 . . . -. Michael Fisher fi-om Germany in 1848.

Jacob Hosier, grandfather of James L. Hosier, was among the very early settlers, .... Moses Heffner came fi'om Pennsylvania in 1848 .... Joseph M. Hammer, an old settler of Liberty Township, ended his life tjy suicide in November. 1885

Daniel Martin and his brother Peter built, in 1838, the lu-st house in Bettsville .... Levi McCollom, who died in 1836, owned the west half of the northwest quartei' and the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 25. . . .Mrs. Daniel Martin (nee Mary Betts) died September 8, 1885, in her seventy-fifth year .... David ^Martin, whose widow now resides at old Fort Seneca, was an early settler. . . ."William Montgomi'ry. father of William Montgomery (the latter born near TitMn in 1827 and still living), and grandfather of J. W. Montgomery, of Liberty Townsliip, was one of the first settlers of this county.... J. B. and Sarah (Greene) Murray, parents of Mrs. J. W. Montgomery, of Liberty Towushiji (who was tiorn here in 1863), may have been early settlers of the county.

Jacob and Annie (Beck) Omwake, many of whose family died of cholera in 1855, parents of-lNIrs, Hiram Cromer, of Liberty Township (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1S4()), came to this county in 1844.

tho first, settlers in Liberty Township, coming in 1825 and entering land in Section 28. IMi\ Puffenberger died in 1850, his widow in 1877. . . .In October, 1840. J. W. Patterson lectured on temperance in Puffenberger' s schoolhouse. Liberty Township .... Mrs. Maiy Powell, who died in January. 18S1. in her seventy-ninth year, was born in Bradford County, Peun. , came to Liberty Townshi]> in 183'2, and now rests in the Null Cemetery.

Frederick and Catharine (Shaul) Kosenberger, parents of Nicholas Eosenberger, of Liberty Township, (who was born in Virginia in 1814), came to Seneca County in 182(), and in 1827 to Liberty Township, where they built the third house in the township, in which house was assembled the first meeting for divine worship held in this township. Frederick Rosenberger built in 1829 the first saw-mill in Liberty Township, and in 1831 added the first grist-mill here, and same year assisted in building on the line between Sections 7 and 8 the first schoolhouse in the township .... Authew liingle, born in Pennsylvania in 181 7, settled on his present farm in Lilserty Township in 1846. .... John and Jam" (Twigley) Rozell, parents of Mrs. Dr. James A. Andrews, of Liberty Township, came here in \HW, where they died. . . .Daniel Kinebolt, referred to in the history of Jackson Township, settled here in 1828. . . .John Robertson settled here in 1847.

George Saul, a native of Pennsylvania, located near Tiffin, Ohio, in 1823, and in l831 moved to the farm in LiVtcrty Township, where his widow, Mrs. Mary (McCune) Saul, now lives. He died in 1850. . . .Michael and Rosanna (Seidner) Shaull. maternal grandparents of Nicholas Rosenberger. of Liberty Townshij), were early settlers here .... Emanuel Shoemaker, a native of Virginia, born in 1807, but late of Fairfield County, Ohio, came to this county in 1845, locating in Liberty Townshij), afterward moving to Hopewell .... Francis Seagraves, a Pennsylvauian, came in 1854. .. .George and Rosina (Dunninger) Smith, natives of Germany, parents of ]\L's. Jacob Hunker, of Liberty Township (who was born in this county in 1850), settled here about 1845.

Gerhart and Catherine E. (Fink) Zimmer, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. John F. Gassman, of Lilierty To^Tiship (also a native of Germany, bom in 1819), came to America in 1S82, settling same year in this county, where they died, former in 1S75. latter in 1874. at advanced ages. . . .Barney Zimmerman, a native of Maryland, born in 1804, father of Jacob Zimmerman of Pleasant Township (who was born in Maiyland in 1829), located on his present farm in Liberty Township, in 183(i, and assisted in the construction of the early chm-ches, school buildings, roads, bridges, etc , , . . William and Eva (Latherman) Zeis are also numbered among the old residents of the township. . . .Godfrey and ]\Lirgaret (Sagerl Zeis, parents of Mrs. William F. Shuman. of Pleasant Township, are old settlers in this township.

Bettsville, bounded by Wolf Creek, South Street and East Street, was surveyed April 12, 1838. for John Betts, by James Diu-bin. Daniel Betts' addition was surveyed April 24, 1858, by L. E. Holtz. Betts' third addition was platted in September, 1871, for" Dr. D. H. and John F. Betts. Mrs. Andrews' addition was sm-veyed in 1871 by S. Nighswander. An addition to Bettsville, bounded by Wolf Creek, L'nion and Main Streets, was made in 1872 by P. H. Ryan htr Michael Betts and Catli(>rine Rosenberger. D. W. and J. A. Betts' addition was surveyed in April, 1873, by S. Nighswander.

Incorporation and Organization. - A petition to incorporate Bettsville was presented to the county board December 11, 1882, by A. Kirehner, M. HefFner. H. M. Snyder, M. Bower and forty-nine others. This petition was granted Febniary 20, 1883, and a village election . held April 21, 1883, with the following result: M. Heffner. mayor; J. L. Hosier, clerk; D. W. Betts, treasiu'er; J. Jackson, marshal; M. A. Smith, sealer of weights and measures; H. H. Geyer, John Grover, John Robertson, councilmen for one y6ar; J. Burket, A. Betts, J. Gill, councilmen for two years. The councilmen elected in 1884 were H. H. Geyer, Jacob Trautman and Isaac Stiger. The elections of 1885 resulted as follows: mayor, clerk, treasurer and marshal were all re-elected, with Jacob Schuster, Henrj' Betts, Samuel Yan Meer. members of council. In Mav, 1885. Milo Haller succeeded Jacob " Trautman. who moved to Wood County. John Robertson. H. P Fiy. Ed. Leggett, D. W. Betts, Jacob Schuster and Henry Hollinger formed the board of education, James L. Hostler was re-elected village clerk in April. 1SS5, and was elected justice of the peace for Liberty Township same date.

Cliurrheii. - The Methodist Episcopal Chiu-eh of Bettsville may be said to have been formed in May. 1851, when the quarterly conference of Port Clinton District, held at the Salem Chui-ch near AVolf Creek, set ofF the teiTitory including Swope"s Corners, Bettsville and adjacent places as a mission. " In July, 1851, Newel J. Close was appointed circuit preacher vice S. T. Lane and Thomas Ackennan the circuit preachers of the old district. In August, 1852, the name of the mission was changed to that of Fort Seneca, and Bettsville was attended from Fort Seneca for some years. It appears fi'om the following resolution adopted April U, 1853, by the third quarterly conference of the Port Clinton Circuit, that a churcli was built at Bettsville: "on motion of Brother Brakefield, the church at Bettsville not being used, and it not being probable that it would be for years to come, the trustees were ordered to sell the church and apply proceeds for the benefit of Fort Seneca society." Negotiations for the sale of this church were can-ied on until November, 1859, when the committee on sale ' ' was released.

In 1862 a lot was purchased from J. R. Betts for 1500. Josiah Adams was reappointed preacher with William Deemers assistant, and name of the circuit changed to Bettsville. In 1S()4 L. D. Rogers and T. C. Reed were appointed preachers, and work on building the church at Bettsville was commenced.

In 1865 R. Biggs was ajipointed in charge of Bettsville Circuit, but at the close of the year the circuit was divided, with Bettsville, Fort Seneca, Jackson, Ebenezer and Bascom, forming Bettsville. Charles Astor succeeded R. Biggs: D. Bulle, next; John H. Wilson, 1869: Hill, 1875; L, O. Cooke, 1877: H. H. Harper, 1S80; W. Dunlap, 1882: Rev. N. S. Brackney came in 1884.

The Methodist Episcopal Chiu-ch. Bascom. is the oldest chm-ch in the Bettsville Circuit, having been foi-med !it the house of Abram Miller in 1831, and a meeting-house was built by G. W. Collier some time after.

The Reformed Church. Bettsville. was founded in 1883 by Rev. William Smith, of Fort Seneca, with the following members: M. A. Smith and wife. Hemy Fry and wife, and a few others. A chiu-ch building was beguu in 1882, which was completed in April. 1883, at a cost of about $2,700. The Sundayschool, established al)out two yeai-s ago, claims an attendance of forty. M. A. Smith is superintendent: Charles Zeis and Henry Fry are tnistees.

Tbo United Brethron met at Helena Novcmhor 1"). 1S73, and elected Abram Ash. Jacob Ash, J. A. Johnson, Jesse Mowry. Sam. Mowry, trustees in charge of the Kansas Union Cluircli projierty of the United Brethren society.

St. Josepli' s Catholic Church was founded many years ago, with John Cook, Klaus Nick. John Berean. P. Kibler, Hank Shippey, John Shaugh, John Murphy and. lat(>r, A. Kirchnc>r and others. The church was built aliout eleven years ago. Kev. Joseph Blazier, of Millersville, is the priest of this district, succeeding Father .Ai'noldi. of Fostoria, seven years ago, in charge of this mission. St. Andrew's Catholic Church is also in this township.

Salem Church at Bettsville was formed previous to 1832, when there were about ten members belonging to the Evangelical Society. The Baker family and a few others were the original members. In 1832 the Betts and Lesher families became members; the Osewalts, and Peter Vaitley and wife came shoilly after and joined the chiu'ch. This chiu'ch was reorganized August 25, 187(1. The first trustees were John Kisabeiih. Jacob Thomas, J. Walters, John Dundore and Michael Betts. Kev. E. S. Rife was pastor.

Ebenezer Chapel Society. Bettsville. was incorporated May I'J, 1865, with Rev. L. D. Rogers, chairman; Caspar Cover, secretaiy, A. E. Cover, Henry- Cramer. AVilliam Cramer. David Bosler. Charles Conell, August Elliot and Caspar Cover, trustees.

Unity Council No. 4, O. of C. F. , was organized at Bettsville. Ohio, May 19, 1880, with the following named charter members: John H. Graham, Alfred Mclntyer. A. H. A. Smith, David H. Betts, Levi Mohler. William A. Craig. Alex AV. Day, Irving Abbott, James M. Fry. John Mirer, John A. Martin. AN'illiam A\'. Winch, Francis F. A^'inch, Moses Heffner, Moses R. Bowers, Edward Leggett, Lewis A. Solomon, Joseph Jackson. George A. Yeagley, Lewis T. Ruggles. Reuben Heffner, George Schuster, John F. Betts, Daniel P. Lynch. Elmer L. Jackson, Jacob Fink. Isaac Stiger, Amos Stiger. Henry Brockman. Denis D. Blue. George D. Feasel, Winfield S. Sheets, Joseph Fk)ry, John Gruver, A\'. P. Buckingham. Reuben Heffner was the first chief counsellor.

Maple Lodge No. 700, I. O. O. F., was chai-tered May 13, 1881, and instituted June 23, 1881, with the following members: A. S. Martin, M. D. . Amo.s Deal. Daniel McCowen, Franklin Ringle. John W. Snvder, Amandus Betts, R. H(>ffner, H. H. Gyer, H. S. Raff, H. M. Craig. J. ^\^. Palmer. Henry Brockman, William Flaven, with Reuben Heffner, N. G.. H. M. Craig, secretary. In January, 1882, A. Betts was elected N. G. , and Jacob Schuster, secretary. In July, 1882, Harry Craig, N. G., and S. F. Moore, secretary. In Januarj', 1883. Daniel McCowen, N. G. . and H. S. Raff, secretary. In July,

July, 1884, J. L. Tindall was X. G. , and W. S. Miller, secretary. In January, 1885, Isaac Stiger was elected N. G., and Jacob Schuster, secretary. S. E. Van Horn took Isaac Stiger' s place in June, 1885. The lodge now numbers about forty members in good standing.

Joseph Powell Po.st, G. A. R., No. 174. Bettsville, was organized under charter December 27, 1881, with the following members: John W. Snyder, J. H. Davidson, Ii-win Abbott, John Graver. John Fitzgerald. John F. Betts, F. F. "Winch, Jacob Thomas. T. L. Mills, John W. Palmer. J. Shireman. Elijah Tindall, John Robertson. Lucian Hall, C. J. Thomas. Charles Robinson. John A. Martin, A. Betts, John Robison, L. C. Graves, Anson Lewman. William Shirkey, George Drayton, Joseph Jackson, Joseph Bui'ket, A. A\'hitney and William Craig. John Snyder served as commander in 1881-82: C.J.Thomas, in 1883; John W. Gilbert, in 1884; H. M. Craig, in 1885, and C. J. Thomas, adjutant. This post was named in honor of Joseph Powell, of the One Hundi'ed and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who died of wounds received during the Atlanta campaign. The membership is sixty.

Business Circle. - The business and professional circles of the village in 1884-85, were made up as follows: Bettsville Enterprise, J. L. Hosier; Anna Bollinger, millinery; Caroline Beery, dress-maker; J. R. Betts, undertaker; Wilson Betts. flour-mill: E. L. Boucher, druggist, biu-ned out; Moses Bower, carpenter; Henry Brookman, blacksmith; W. P. Buckingham, physician; George Burkert, cooper; Biu'kert & Robinson, pumps; J. H. Davidson, general store; A. Doherty, limekiln; T. A. Flumerfelt, removed to Mose Heffner's saw-mill: Albert Flora, cooper; John Frv's saloon, now owned by John Snyder; Mrs. M. Gambs, moved to Michigan; Gus Smith, grocery and boarding house: Henry H. Geyer, hardware; John Gills, boots and shoes; John Gruver, blacksmith; Irving and Atjbott Hotel, now barber shop and printing office, building owned by Periy Lynch: Anthony Kirchner, harness-maker; John Lutz & Son (removed), meat market; A. S. Martin (deceased), physician; Miller Bros., flom--mill; Samuel Moore, can-iage and wagon-makers: R. E. Norton, barber; John Shii-eman, boots and shoes; William Cromer, saloon; Dr. Scheib, physician: Ed. Smith, hotel; Smith & Fry, general store; Snyder & Co., general store; J. G. Snyder & Co., stave factory; John Snyder, tinner; John Thomas, cooper; Thomas & Robertson, pump-makers; S. R. Van Meer, cooper: George ^^'. "\^'hitney. shoe-maker.

The great fire of August 7, 1880, at Bettsville, destroyed one of its finest busine:5s blocks, owned by John Betts, Schubert, John Cook, C. Norton, Joseph Massonnette, George Schuster, John Perong and others. This block was never rebuilt.

The .Anchor Mills were built about ten years ago by Betts & Miller Bros., at a cost of about $20.0;)l). The Snvder Bros, leased a share in the business of the mill, and in connection with tho buiklprs were the operators until they disposed of their interests about ISSO, since which time D. W. Betts, ^Villiam, John and Fred. Miller have conducted the business, with H. S. RafP, miller. The buildinjj;s are brick, two and a half stories high. There are live run of stone, two ])uriti(>rs. three cleaners, eight reels and a JIoitIs Elevator Bolt, (h'iven by a sixty-five horse-power engine. The capacity is 125 ban-els per day. This industry gives employment to six men. The elevator, now leased by this company, was liuilt some twelve years ago, by Betts, King & Rosenberger.

Betts\Tlle Stave ^^'orks were erected about thirteen years ago, by Jacob Schuster, as a planing-mill, and converted into a mill for the manufactiu'e of hoops. The buildings were purchased by Fred. Snyder, of Helena, about four years ago, when stave machinery was added. The capacity is about 80,000 staves and 7,000 hoops per day. The sycamore, elm and bass-wood, used in the manufacture of hoops and staves, are supplied in the neighborhood. George Nuernburg is foreman.

Coopers - Merchant & Short established the first cooperage at Bettsville, about nine years ago. John Robinson succeeded this firm aljout six years ago; operated the shop for about nine months, when he sold to S. R. Yan Meei'. who has operated the shops the last live years. This industry gives employment to six men; has a capacity of seventy barrels per day.

The first brickj'ard was established by Michael Betts. John Kerchnor operated it subsequently. Kerchner, Craig & Legget entered into partnership and introduced tile machinery. The works now are operated by H. R. Fry &. Henry Betts. manufacturers of di-ain tiles.

Bettsville Limekiln, owned by Dougherty Bros., of Toledo, was established about fourteen years ago by citizens of Tiffin. The kiln was ])urehased by the Doughertys aboiit five years ago. The full working force of th" double kiln is about twelve men.

Kansas Village was sm'veyed by G. H. Heming for Aliraham Ash. guardian of Jacob Ash, March 0. IS-JO, on the northeast half of the northeast quarter of the .southeast quarter of Section <>. Fo.ster"s addition to the village was platted by Gideon Jones for Charles A\'. Foster in August, 18(55. This is north of the coimty road to alley north of Ash Street. Jacob Ash's addition, north of Main Street, and east and west of Chestnut, was sur^-eyed by D. Maloy in 1807.

The village is located in one of the finest fanning districts of western Seneca, on the line of the Lake Erie & "Western Railroad. Its gi-owth has been of that steady (piality which wins and shows success, and to-day it boasts of being one if the most business-like of the .smaller villages of Ohio.

Secret and benevolent societies, as well as religious organizations and their chiu'ches, have sprung uji here within the last two- decades. The schools are good, and altogether this village stands a monument to the enterprise of this northwestern part of the township.

Small Settlements. - Jacob Kessler, who died in 183G or 1837, was the original owner of the town of Middlebui-g. Among the piu-chasers of lots in 1837 were Joseph Richards. Daniel Bishop, William McChu'e. Fred and N. Eosenberger, Jacob Lisher, Jacob Neikirk. Sylvester B. Clark. Richard J. Sneath, Walter Piyor, Silas Stafford, Christian Poates, John B. Case. Philip J. Price, George SwaiiTty, Abel Rawson, Jacob Baker. Ci. E. Pry or. James M'ells, David Patton and Levi Davis. The location was the east half of the noi-theast quai'ter of Section 9, Town 3 north. Range 14 east, which was platted by D. Eisdon for Jacob Kessler, and approved September 12. 1832, with Findlayaud Detroit Streets forming the central thoroughfares. This town saw its palmy days in 1837-38, bnt since that time it has lapsed into the past.

Carlin was sui'veyed bj' W. B. Gaw February 7, 1359, for James Justin. The location was on west half of north half of southwest quarter of Section 5, Township 3 north. Range 14.

Angus Postoffice was established in 1883 by J. W. Angus, who also established the " Nickel Plate " Station. Jacob Flack was the first resident where this settlement now is. Angus, after whom the station is named, settled here in 1862. The postoffice was subsequently transferred to R. Hartsock.

Linden Postoffice, seven miles northwest of Tiffin, was established in July, 1874, with Louis Von Blon, postmaster. This passed out of existence within a short time. Maple Grove is the new name of this settlement . and of the postoffice.

Cemeteries. - Liberty Cemetery Association was formed May 3. 1S73, with the following members: V. Ash, G. "W. Ash, J. R. Bunn, George Som-s, N. H. Remsburg, John McLaughlin, E. R. Ash. William Flack, W. Flack. Jr., George Hall, E. Dicken and George Woolcott. This cemetery is located three miles southwest of Bettsville. The Null Cemeteiy and the denominational cemeteries, throughout the township, contain the remains of the greater number of pioneers.

The valuation and taxation of Lil)erty Township and Bettsville ^'illage present the following statistics: acres of land in. township, 22,558, valued at $765,490, and personal property valued atS355, 'i70: acres of land in Bettsville, 150, valued at $73,830. and personal property valued at $45,380, aggregating $1,240,470 or $575.08 per cajiita (population of 1880, 2.157). The total tax is $15,553.72, and dog tax $190.

School Sfdtistics. - The school land question was brought before the electors of Liberty Township April 7. 1851. J. Abbott, P. Lewman and John Berkey were judges, and Deimis ]\Ialoy and Joseph Cessna, clerks of election in the case of the sale of school lands. Octol^er 25, 1851. the sale of Section 111, Township 3. Range 14, and the north part of fractional Section 10, Township 1, Kange 1 o, took place. Section 1 (> was disposed of to the following named buyers : Miles Barber, west half of northwest quarter; "Warren P. Noble, east half of northwest quarter and east half and west half of northeast quarter: Jacob Feasel, east half of soiitheast quarter: James Lott, west half of southeast cjuarter; David Martin, east half of southwest quarter; Daniel Lynch, west half of southwest quarter: all realizing §7, 705, together with !?540 realized from 58 jW acres in Section 10, Township 1. Itange 18. being the west half of east half and west half of west half fi'actional. referred to in Big Spring Townshi]).

The tirst meeting of the board of education was held at Feasel' sschoolhouse April 18. 1858. with Jonathan Abbott, presiding, and James Lot. township clerk: J. Cessna, secretary; Dicken. Feasel and M. Edwards, tnistees.

The condition of Liberty Township schools in August, 1884. is as follows: local tax. 18.11(8.84: receipts. $4,961.07; expenditures. I8.118.0U; sehoolhuuses, 10; number of teachers, 22; average salaries, $52, $38 and §27; male pupils, 384; female pupils, 258; total nnmlier in high school, 73.

DR. JAMES A. ANDREWS (decea,«!edl, was Iwrn in Philadelpliia. Peini., son of John and Elizabeth (Abercrombie) Andrews, of English descent, the former of whom was cashier of the old United States Bank, in Philadelphia, for many years. Dr. Andrews came to the farm now (X'cu]>ieil by liis widow in 1887, having man-ied, April 12, of the same year. Miss Emy Ri)zell, who was ooru near Trenton. N. J., daughter of John and Jane (Twigley) Rt)zell. who came, in 1886. to Liberty Township, this county, where they died. Mr. Twigley was a gallant Revolutionary soldier. . Dr. Antli-ews served under Gen. Morgan (who was his cousin) diu'ing the Mexican war. He was the father of the following named chikben: John H.. in Mackinaw City, Mich.: Margaret, wife of Henry Park, in Pelltown. Mich.: Calander. wif(> of David D. Fisher, near Bloomville. Ohio, and (Jeorge \\ . . in Liberty Township, this county. Dr. Antb-ews was a Mast^^r Mason : a man of rare talent and abilitv. He died in 18()().

EDMUND R. ASH. farmer, P. O. Kansas, was born in Liberty Townshii>. Seneca Co., Ohio, Noven)l)er il, 184 + ; son of Ujjton and Barbaia \. (Bower)

Ash, both of whom are still living, the latter born April 22, 1823, son of Mose> and Martha (Robinson) Bower, who were among the earliest settlers of Liberty Township, this county. Upton Ash was born June 8, 1822, in Bedford County, Penn. , son of George and Tishey (Reed) Ash, who came to Liberty Township, this county, in 1833. The subject of this sketch married, in 1S67, Emeline Elder, who was born in Bedford County, Penn., November 13. 1843. daughter of Achor and Eliza (Cessna) Elder, the former of whom died in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1855; Mrs. Elder, who is a daughter of William and Nancy (Barnes) Cessna, is still living, in her sixty-seventh year. To Mr. and Mrs. Ash were born the following children: Curtis A., Lewis, Harvey J.. Willoughby R. and Elsie J. In August, 1802, Mr. Ash enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after ten months' service was discharged on account of disability. He subsequently served in the 100 days" service, as corporal, in Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and in January, 18(35, he enlisted in Company E. One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantiy, and was discharged September 18, 1865. Mr. Ash is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is one of the most enterprising young men of Liberty Township.

JACOB ASH, farmer, P. O. Kansas, was born. October 13. 1836, in the house in which he now live.s. His parents. Jacob and Sarah (Willerson) Ash, natives of Bedford County, Md. , former of whom was a son of Abraham Ash. came to Liberty Township, this county, in 1832, and here died. They were parents of six children: John (deceased, leaving a family in Liberty Township): Edmund (deceased, leaving a family in Liberty Township ) ; Abraham, in Fostoria; Harriett, wife of Benjamin Lewman, in Liberty: Wesley (deceased) and Jacob. Oui- subject was a member of Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was a lifer, serving at Washington, D. C. August 3, 1856. he married Lettia A. Brown, born in Seneca C)ounty, Ohio, March 11, 1838, daughter of George and Julia (Scott) Brown, natives of Maryland, and among the early settlers of Seneca County. Ohio. To this union were born the following children: Julia A. (deceased wifi' of Thomas Terrell; she left two childi'en); Sarah, wife of Lewis Peifer. in Sandusky County, Ohio; Lilly, wife of Jacob Schubert, in Big Spring Townshii): Clarissa (deceased); Charley; John; Beda (deceased); Daisy and Lola L.

AMANDUS BETTS, ra'ib-oad contractor, P. O. Bettsville, was born July 9, 1843, son of Daniel Betts. He received such an education as could be seciu'ed in the common schools, and August 22, 1862, enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Eastern army and discharging his duties faithfully until June 19, 1865, when he was discharged with the rank of sergeant. February 13, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Phoebe (Rosenberger) Halter, who was boi-n in Lilierty Township, this county. January 15, 1844, daughter of Nicholas Rosenberger. By her first husband IVIrs. Betts has one son - Milo - now residing in Liberty Township, this county; by her second marriage she has one daughter - Lottie - born July 14, 1871. Mr. Betts for several years was engaged in farming, and dealt largely in grain. He is the owner of one of the most beautiful farms and picnic grounds in Branch County. Mich. In 1876 he commenced contracting with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for supplying all kinds of lumber and ties, since when he has done a very large business; has also large contracts with the Lake Shore, O. C. and Pittsburgh. Fort \\'ayne <S: Chicago Railroads. Mr. Betts is a member of the K. of H. and of the chapter, a member of the G. A. R. and the I. O. O. F., of Bettsville; also a member of thp K. of P.. Lodge No. 147, and the F. & A. M.. Lodgi- No. JiSCi. at Fremont, Ohio. He is prominent in lodge matters, having tilled the highest positions in the snbordinate loilges.and been representative to the (Irand Lodge,

MICHAEL BETTS, farmer, P. O. Bettsville, was born in Center County. Penn., January -i. ISOU; son of John and Barbara (Boyer) Betts, who moved to ^\'ayne County, Ohio, in 1821. and to Liberty Township, this county, iu 18;J'2, locating on Section 8, where the father of our subject caused to be laid out the twenty-one original lots of Bettsville in IS^iS. John Betts was the father of six children: John (deceased), Michael. Mary (Mrs. Daniel Martin), Harah (deceased wife of Abraham Boiough), Daniel, in Jiettsvillo, Oiiio, and David, in Fremont, Ohio. Michael Betts was married, Ajiril "JO. ISHO. to Catharine Bish, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April Hi, 1821. and is the daughter of Henry and Mary (Zirkle) Bish, natives of Virginia, but early and prominent settlers in Fairlield County, Ohio. To our subject and wife have been born live childi-en: L-ena D., Heui-y A.. Isaiah F., Salome Jl (deceased), and Mary C. Mr. Betts followed the mill-vvright trade for about thirty years in varioiTs States. H(> was active in townshij) affaii-s, and tooli a leading interest in securing the Pennsylvania Railroad through Bettsville, and iu the various enterprises for the good of the peoj)le he has always been among the foremost. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

JACOB O. BOWLLTS, merchant and postmaster, Kansas, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, December 22, 1887, son of Daviil and Nancy (Holloway) Bowlus, natives of Frederick County, Md. , who settled near Fremont, Ohio, in 1822, where they died at an advanced age. They were the parents of six children: Rohanna (wife of Daniel Shook, residing near Fremont, Ohio); Margaret (deceased wife of Greeuliury Biu'dette; she left a family near Fort Clinton, Ohio), Rebecca (deceased), H. A. (a merchant in Melrose, Ohio). Louisa (wife of James Hiett, a merchant in Fremont, Ohio), and Jacob O. Our subj(>ct was engaged in fai'ming until 180"), when he embarked in mer chandising in Kansas, Ohio, where he has since remained. For a time he was in partnershij) with his brother, but has been sole proprietor of the larg(^ an<l commodious store now occupied by him since 187'.l. Mr. Bowlus was married. in 18(il, to Miss Sarah E. Deemer. No children have been born to this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Bowlus have an adopted daughter - Mamie E. Mr. Bowlus is a member of the encampment, Kansas Lodge I. O. O. F., also of the K. of P. of Kansas, No. 188. He was appointed postmaster of Kansas, Ohio, in 1872. He is a man of prominence, and is held in the highest esteem by the people of the communitv in which he lives.

PETER CRAUN. farmer. P. O. Kansas, was born December 2'.t. 182S. in Franklin County. Ohio, .son of Abraham and Rosanna (Miller) Craun: the former, born March 2-1, 17'.M), died May 25, 1888, was a son of John Craun, a native of Holland; the latter, born December 25, 179'.l, and died February 12. 187n, was a daughter of Jacob Miller, a native of Virginia. Their children were Jacob; Raehael, wife of Henry Murphy, in Indiana; John, in Jackson Township, this county; Abigail; Peter; Catyan (deceased); Elizabeth, wife of John Finkenbinder; Rebecca, wife of William Flack; Adaline; Martha: Sarah A. ; James A. and Isaac. The Crauns came to Jackson Townshi]). this county, about 1884. Peter Craun (>nlisted in November. 1802. in Company F. Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio "Volunteer Infantry, serving until July 28. 1868. when he was discluirged on account of expiration of his term of enlistment. Mr. Craun is one of the energetic and enterprising fanners of Liberty Townshij".

HIRAINI CROMER, Esq., farmer and justice of the peace. P. O. Cromer" s. was born in Libeity Township, this county, April 2t), 1844, son of Ezra and

Siiriih (C^ranii) Crouicr. aatives of Marylaiul. but who were among the early settlers of this county, where the former died in I SSI in his sixty-eighth year; the latter, u daughter of John and Deborah (Lee) Crauu, is still living. Mr. Cromer was married. April 4, 18()T. to Rebecca Omwake. who was born in Franklin County. Penn., March 31. 1846. daughter of Jacob and Annie (Beck) Omwake. who came to this county in 1S48. many of whose family died of cholera in 1S55. To Mi', and Mi's. Cromer were born four children: Alton E. . Annie E.. Mary B. and Hiram F. In the spring of 18S8 Mr. Cromer was i>lected justice of the jieace. He is doing a large business, and his decisions are universally respected. He sei-ved two terms as trustee and twelve consecutive years as a member of the school board. secTiring by his untiring energy, an extension of the school year. He is a member of the K. of H. , at Fort Seneca. He is vei-y active in the cause of temperance: is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and has been a rej)resentative to the annual conference. Mr. Cromer served in Comjiany H. On(> Hundred and Sixt}- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, doing duty at Washington. D. C. In politics he is a Repul)li<^an.

J. H. DAVIDSON, merchant and notary. Bettsville. was l)orn in Ottawa County. Ohio. September 1. 1843. son of Htigh and Salina (Poole) Davidson (both now deceased), early settlers in Ohio, and who had seven children, two of whom died without issue: Laura, married to Stejihen Cowell (liy whom she had one child. Alice), her second man'iage was with James ^IcNutt (by whom she had a family), she died in Lucas Cotuity, Ohio; Mary. maiTied to John Fish (she died in Wisconsin leaving a family); those now living are Sarah, wife of Charles Lutz, in Tiffin. Ohio; J. H. and William, iu Rice County, Kas. The subject of this sketch started out in life with but a meager education, and with nothinar but a willingness to do and a strong determination to succeed. He learned the trade of milling, which he followed several years, then engaged in farming and merchandising at Fort Seneca, where he held the office of justice of the ])eace for six years. In Septemlier. 1S81. he came to Bettsville, engaged in merchandising, and the following March received his notarial commission. He enlisted. Augttst 2'2, 18(52, in Company D. One Htmdied and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunte<^r Infantry, serving until June '2'.), ISd."). At the battle of Rude's Hill he was severely woiuided iu the thigh, and with eight others was taken pris(jner upon the field and confined in Libby [)rison. only he and one comrade escaping death at that place. He was married, Fel)- ruary ;>, 18(17, to Emma Ablwtt. a native of Seneca County. Ohi<i. and daughter of Henry and Eliza (Lott) .ibliott. who were among the early and ])rominent settlers of this county. By this union there have been born three children- Maud and Mabel, twins, who died early in life, and Henry, who is still living. Mr. Davidson was a good soldier, and is an energetic and enter|irising l)usiness man:

SOLOMON GARDNER, carriage manufacturer. P. O. Kansas, was born in Sandusky County. Ohio. December 31. 18''i7. son of Horace and Elizabeth (Cary) Oardner. Horace Gardner was born in Connecticut. October (>. 17*.til. and came to Sandusky County. Ohio, in 1832. where ho entered a large tract of land and became prominent among the people of the time: he died November 25, 1S78. Elizabeth Gardner w'as born August 3, 1833. in Richland County, Ohio, died September 9, 1877, she was a daughter of \\ illiam and ^Margaret (Baker) Cary. Both ])arents of our subject were twice mairied and had chilib'on by each union. Of their eight children four died young. Those living are Solomon; Reuben, in Freeport. Ohio; Rosetta. wife of John Bovey. and Emma E,, wife of John D. Fiandt. Itoth residing near Rising Sun. Ohio.

Soldinoii Gardner camo to Kansas. Ohio, in lSS'2. and ciigaged in the manufacturp of wagons and buggies, and in general repairing. He recently l>egau the manufaeture of knives. ,\pril lit, ISTU, he manied Sarah Graves, who was l)orn June l;{. 1S()4. daughter of William and Rebecca fLittles) Graves, and by this union there sire two chilcb'en: Horace and Alljert.

JOHN r. GASSMAN (deceased), son of Philip and Elizabeth (Hummel) Gassman, was born in Eppingen, province of Baden, (lermany, December 24. 1812, and came to America in 1S8S and to Liberty Township, this county, in 1SI54. He married, in 1S3(). Margaret A. Zimmer. who was born in Beinhoim. Hessen Darmstadt. Germany. December 2, ISl'J, daughter of Gerhart and Catharine E. (Fink) Zimmer. who came to America in 1S82. and the same year settle<l in this county, where they died - the former in 1S7">. aged ninetysix years, and the latter in 1S74. aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Gassman is the mother of foui-teen children, five of whom are deceased. Those living are George, in San Francisco. Cal. : Mary, widow of Jacoi) Bi'uder, in Hancock County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John Beck; Amanda, wife of George Beck, and John are in Pleasant Township, this county: Sophia. Tillie, Franklin and Emma are living at home. Jlr. Gassman was a carpenter and woi'ked at that trade for several years. He was a F. & A. M. , a member of the lodge at Tiffin, and of the Reformed Chivrch. a highly esteemed citizen. His death occiured April 28. ISdH. His wddow and her family are living on their farm of I '15 acres, engaged in agriculture, and they rank high among the tMiter|)rising farmers of Liberty Township.

JAilES L. HOSLER. grantlson of Hemy Hosier and son of Moses F. and Amanda (Lynch) Hosier, was born in Liberty Township October 10. lcSr)7: educated in the schools of the district and at Heidelberg College, he taught school for two terms (lS7o-76); was appointed agent of the Lake Erie & Western and Northwestern Ohio at Burgoon. Ohio, which position he held about five yt^irs. when he was transferred to the Bettsville office, where he was employed until July. ISiSH. when he with others, mentioned at page 827. purchastnl the office of the <)])1ic and founded the Eiiffrjirisi-. Hosier was mairied December 24. 1S7S, to Miss EmmaC daughter of Solomon Warner, of Sandusky County. Our subject was elected village clerk in April, 1SS8, and re-elected in April. 1885. Was also elected a justice of the peace in April, 1885. for Liberty Township.

JACOB HUNKER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born near Sulz, in the king dom of A\'urtemburg. December 10, 1842, son of Jacob and Catharine (Smith) Hunker, who came to America in 1858, landing in New York, and the same year locating in Clinton Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. The father of our subject, now ( 18S5) in his eighty-first year, a son of Martin Hunker, lost his wife in 1854; she was a daughter of Martin Smith, and the mother of the following children: Martin, in Clinton Township; ^Slathias. in Hojiewell Township; Jacob, our subject; Mary, wife of Christian Snyder, of Lil)erty Township, all in this county; and Frederick, in Buffalo County. Neb. The father's second marriage was with Mary Schantz,who is still living, and by her he has had one child. Annie, now the wife of Frederick Fhixenhair, of Liberty Township, this county. Owing to the limited means of his parents om- subject received but meager advantages in early life. He was man'ied, Octol)er 5, ISCiU. to Rosa Smith, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio. September 21, 1850, daughter of George and Rosina (Dunninger) Smith, natives of Wiu-teml)Urg, and who settled in this county almut 1845; they are still living and are the parents of John, in Bloom Townshi}); Rosa, ili-s. Hunker, in Liberty Townshij); Melchoir, in Pleasant Township, and Andy, in Clinton Township, all in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunker have been born the following children: John F., William F., David M. , Oliver E. and Ollie M. (twins), and George I. Mr. Hunker is farming 220 acres of land, and is one of the most industrious iind enterprising men in Liberty Township. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church.

GEORGE KING (formerly Koeuig), farmer, P. O. Bascom, was born on the ^'iver Rhine, in the province of Baden, Germany, July 14, 1808, son of Michael and Julia A. (Haas) King, who with a family of four children came to .America in 1817, settling in Frederick County. Md. The children were all sold to service to pay for their passage across the ocean. George, being the youngest, was sold for twelve years. The other members of the family wore Barbara, widow of Christly Schwoverlaud, in Ashland County, Ohio; Christian, deceased, leaving a family in Richland County, Ohio; and Michael, deceased, leaving a family in Noble County, Ind. In 1859 oiu- subject removed to his present farm, coming from Richland County, Ohio. He was married. January 10. 1838, to Catharine Lambright. who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, January 4, 1814, daughter of John and Annie C. (Smith) Lambright, natives of Frederick County, Md., who settled in Richland County, Ohio, in 1812, the former a son of Henry Lambright, and the latter a daughter of John and Ann M. Smith, natives of Germany. To this union were born eleven childi-en : six died young: John died, leaving a family in Jackson Township, this county; Henry, in Jackson Township, this county: liOiiisa. married to William Anderson, by whom she had one son (her second marriage was with John Corigan, of Ba-scom. this county); Susan, wife of Milton M. Grove, in Hillsdale County, Mich. ; and Rachael. wife of Joseph Babcock, by whom she has three children: Charles B., Gertrude and James. Mr. King, who is one of the leading farmers in the county, has accumulated a fortune by his own energies. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Chiu'ch.

DANIEL MARTIN, retired farmer. P. O. Bettsville, was born in Frederick County. Md. . October 19, 1814, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Martin, natives of Maryland, of German descent, who removed early in 1816 to New York State, where our subject learned the miller's trade, which he followed in New York State and Pennsylvania until 1887. In 1838 he and his brother, Peter, liuilt the lirst hoxise in Bettsville. The same year he embarked in general merchandise, in which he continued several years, and then engaged in agriculture; for several years, however, he has led a retired life. Mr. Martin was married, in May. l84(), to Mary Belts, daughter of John Belts, and by this union he has one son. John A., who served in the late war of the Rebellion, and is now engaged in buying and shipping horses. Mr. Martin at one time owned all that part of Bettsville west of Emma Street. He has been active in the various enterprises of the village, and is a most affable and pleasant gentleman.

J. W. MONTGOMERY, teacher. P. O. Cromer's, was born near Fort Seneca, Ohio. October 28, 18.'')r). son of ^^'illiam and Marian A. E. (Hoke) Montgomery, both of whom are still living, the former born near Tiffin in 1827, a son of William M(jntgomer_y. one of the first settlers of this county. The mother of our sxibject was born in 183(). in Franklin County, Penn., daughter of John Hoke. J. ^^'. Montgomery received a college education. He began life as a teacher before reaching his sixteenth year. He is now devoting his leisure hours to the study of medicine, which profession he expects to enter in the future. He was married, April 3. 1881, to Kate Murray, who was born in Liberty To^iiship. this county. July 12, 18(53. daughter of J. B. and Sarah (Greene) Mun-ay. l)(>th living, the former born near Massillon. Ohio, to Jacob

Catbiirino Miuray (the latter still living, and nearly one hundred years old); the latter was born in Virginia, to Valentine and Helah (KobertHon) Greene. Mr. Montgomery has one child - Fay - born May 8, 1884.

JOHN PUFFENBERGEll. farraei^ and stock-breeder, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Frederick County, Va.. May 'li, !S2;l, son of George and Catharine (Null) PufFenberger. who were the lirst settlers in Liberty T(jwnship, this county, coming in 1825. They entc^red land in Section 28. enduring the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and were always ready to render assistance to other new settlers. George Puffenberger died in ISoO, aged about sixty-three years; he was a son of Christian Puffenberger, who was a servant to some of the nobilitj' of Holland. Mrs. Catharine Puffenberger, a daughter of Jacob and Lucy (Ohler) Null, natives of Virginia, died in 1877, aged eighty-three years; she was the mother of nine chiklren: Joseph, in Liberty Township, this ct)unty; Adam, in Jackson Township, this county; Lucy, in Eaton County, Mich. ; Henry, in Johnson County, JIo. ; Catharine, wife of David Shaull, in Eaton County. Mich. ; George and Jacob, in Eaton County, Mich. ; Rosanna, wife of Jacol) Shomaker, in Johnson County, Mo. , and John. Our subject, at the age of thirteen, began teaming, and was away fi-om home most of his time. At the age of eighteen he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he assisted in boat building for a time. He then went to Kentucky and Tennessee. He worked at the carpenter trade in nine different States, and for two years worked at bridge building on the Lake Shore Railroad. He was maiTied, Novemlier 2, 1854. to Margaret J. Shaull, who was born in Virginia March 8, 1828, daughter of Bartholomew and Rebecca (Blue) Shaull, of Frederick County. Va. , the latter born August 8, 1709, died in her sixty-sixth year; she was a daughter of John and Hanniih (O'nan) Blue, who were among the early settlers of Pleasant Township, this county. Bartholomew Shaull, born August U), 17U7. died in his seventy-eighth year; was a son of John and Elizabeth (Benner) Shaull, who were among the earliest settlers of Pleasant Township, this county. The childi-en of our subject were Henry B. , Rebecca C. (wife of Solomon Srodes. in Pleasant Township, this county), Alice (wife of John Anderson), H. V. J. and S. A. D. (twins. H. V. J. died September 4, 1885, at the age of twenty-five years), J. S. and Jessie B. l^Ir. Puffenberger is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is proprietor of the Porcheron horse Silver Mane." The members of Mr. Puffenberger' s family are well educated, and are rapidly rising to a degree of prominence as artists and inventors. The familv is highly esteemed by the community in which they live.

ANDREW RINGLE. farmer. P. O. Bettsville, was Vrorn in Westmoreland County. Penu.. October 11, 1S17, sou of Abram and Elizabeth (Cole) Ringle, who settled in Stark County, Ohio, about 1832. Abram Ringle died about 1836, aged sixty-five years; his widow died in Gratiot County, Mich., in 1870, aged seventy-eight years. They were the parents of nine children, only two of whom are now living: Al)ram, who resides in Gratiot C'ounty, Mich., and Andrew. The subject of this sketch settled on his present farm in 1840. He was m;irried, in SeptiMuber, 1844, to Hannah Reeder, a native of Stark County, Ohio, who died April 1(). 1884, aged sixty-five years. She was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hewett) Reeder, and the mother of ten children, eight of whom died young. Those now living are William and Mrs. Eliza Sechman, both living at home. William was married, December 15, 18(54, to Lucinda Cook, a native of Liberty Township, this county, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Fry) Cook, of Wood County. By this marriage there were nine childnm. seven of whom are now living: Mahala, Irvin, Andrew, Jessie,

Ida E. . Dayion and Hannah, ilr. Kiugle started out in life with but a few dollars, hut by faithful effort he has accumulated a property of '2.80 acres of choice land, after having endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, clearing over 200 acres of the wilderness and swamp of Liberty Township.

NICHOLAS ROSENBERGER. P. O. Bettsville. was borii near Charlestown, Va., January 12, 1814, son of Frederick and Catharine (Shaull) Roscuberger, former a son of Frederick and (Hopewell) Rosenberger, latter a daughter of Michael and Rosanna (Seidner) Shaull, early settlers of Liberty Townshij). The parents of our subject came to this county in 182(), and in the spring of 1S27 to Liberty Township, where they built the third house in the township. In this house was assembled the first meeting for divine worship held in the township. They entered 240 acres of land in Section 4, where in 1820 oiu- subject's father built the fu'st saw-mill in Liberty Township, and in 18'U added the first grist-mill in the township, and the same year he assisted in building, on the line between Sections 7 and S, the first schoolhouse in the township. Our subject's educational advantages were poor, and he was unable to write until after his twenty-first year, but by close application he soon afterward acquired the rudiments of a common school education, and became one of the most prominent of the early ofi^cials of Liberty Townshij). He held the office of constable eleven years, also the offices of assessor and land appraiser, and was first lieutenant of the early militia company of the township. He was married, in 1886. to Jane A. Belts, who was l)orn in Chatauqua County, N. Y. , November 22. 1820, daughter of Nathan and Phrebe (Caulkin) Betts, who located in Liberty Township, this countj% in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger have five children: Marietta (deceased wife of N. Lyberger, leaving family), Clarissa (deceased), Phcebe E. (wife of A. Betts). Avilda and Edgar (deceased).

(jEftRGE SAUL (deceased), was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and settled near Tiffin, Ohio, in 1823. In 182') he married Mary McCime, born in Northampton County, Penn.. Septemljer 19. 1807, daughter of ^^'illiam and Sarah (Johnson) McCuue, the former a son of John and Sarah McCune, the latter a daughter of John and Jerusha (Kitchen) Johnson. In 1831 Mi-. Saul moved to the farm in Liberty Township, Seneca Co. , Ohio, whei'e his widow now resides. He died April 6, 1850. aged fifty-six years. He was the father of nine children, five of whom died without issue; James died leaving a family in Hem-y County, Ohio: and there are now living: William. Phcebe, wife of Jacob Beard, in Hemy County, Ohio, and George, born March 7, 1845, and who enlisted in Company E, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. March 2. 1864, and served fifteen months. May 27, 18()4, he was severely wounded at Dallas, Ga. , which disabled him from further duty. He was married December 23. 1873, to Mary E. Zies, a native of Pleasant Townshi]). this county, born April 8, 1853, daughter of William and Eva (Latherman) Zies, (the former a son of Martin and Chi'istina (Stroub) Zies, and the latter a daughter of John and Eva (Gough) Latherman. George has two childi-eu : Viola B. and Milo E. He is a member of the G. A. R. . at Tiffin. Ohio.

SILAS J. STACKHOUSE, a retu-ed fai-mer residing near Bettsville, was born in Columbia County. Penn., October 6, 1806, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse. His paternal ancestors settled in Pennsylvania at or near the present site of Philadelphia about the year 1682. His maternal ancestors in the Jackson line, viz. : Robert Jackson with his wife. Agnes, were among the first settlers at North Hempstead, L. I., in 1643. Oiu' subject's great-grandfather. Joseph Jackson, was born on Long Island February D. 1710, and with his wife. Aunie. removed to Rockaway, N. J., about 1731. Tt> thfui wwt' lioru rk'ven cbililreii. ime of whom. Diinifl. was thf {^raudfathor of our suhjeet. This Daniel removed with his familj' to Columbia County, J'eun. . and raised a family of eij^ht children, of whom Sarah was one. She married Benjamin Stackhouse ah-mt the year 1808. and died in ISC)-"), at the aye of ei<rhty-three years.

To Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse were born eleven children, our subject. Silas J., bein<; the second, and besides whom there are .still livinj^ Mrs. Hannah Kearney, of Morrow County. Ohio, and Sarah, now Mrs. A\ illiam Blair, of Knox County. Ohio. December 20. 1S2'.». Mr. Stackhouse mtirried Sarah B. . daitgliter of Roliert and Flora (Leio;h) Lockhart. She was born in Northumberland County. Penn.. February 1, ISOy. and died January 28, 1.S59. Of this tinioii ten children were born, fotu' of whom died in infancy in Pennsyl vania. In 1851 Silas J., with his wife and six chikben, removed to Seneca County, Ohio, and in 1S57 settled on the farm in Liberty Township, where he now resides with his son. in the seventy-ninth year of his age. He had two sons in the late war: Joseph G. M. , who served three months in the Fotirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and again enlisted in the fall of ISftl, in the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavidry. and was transferred to Gen. Nelson's stiiff. He died near Corinth. Miss.. Juno 20. 18(12. William L. enlisted at the same time in the Third Ohio "S'olunteer Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He now resides in Jackson County. Kans. His other children, still living, are Benjamin, on the homestead: Ann B. . wife of W. C. Boor, of Wood ("ounty, Ohio: Lockhart, of Sandusky County. Ohio, and A. Judson, in Fostoria. Ohio. Mr. Stackhouse is a member of the Baptist Chiu-ch. in polities a Republican and is a highly esteemed citizen.

BRADFORD STRUBLE. farmer and justice of the peace, P. O. Kansas, was born in TrmnlaiU County. Ohio. June 2fi, 1832, son of John and Lyditi (Bradford) Struble; the former ii native of New Jersey, was a son of George Stnible. who served in the war of 1812. John Struble came to Trumbull County. Ohio, in 1812; removed to Stark County in 1837. and to Hancock County in 1N46. He was a local ])reacher in the X'nited Brethren Church: also agent for the American Sabbath school Union and was most highly respected by the people who knew him. He died November 7, 1872, ageil seventy-two years. His widow is still living. She was born in what is now the city of Cleveland, June 10. 1811. daughter of James Bradford, who was a native of Miissaehusetts ami a member of the lirst stu-veying party to the "Western Reserve." He was a son of Joshua, he of Willitim. of Cantt-rbtiry. Conn., he of Lieut. James, he of Thomas, of Norwich. Conn., he of IMaj. William Bradford, a native of Austertield. England, who was a passenger on the --Mayflower." iuid in lli21 became governor of the Plymouth colony, succeeding John Carver, filling the office for twelve successive years. He man-ied. for his second wife, Mrs. Alice Southworth, of the nobility of his native countrv-. and from this union the family in this countiy sprang. The grandmother of Mr. Stnible was lilizabeth Frazee. wife of James Bradford. She was born in Pennsvlvania in 17s8. came to Trumbull County. Ohio, in

1800. She was a daughter of Jonathan Frazee, a native of New Jersey, who at the age of nineteen years enlisted in the ' ' Dunmore war. ' ' He was a son of Stephen, he of Gen. Frazee, of France. Mr. Stnible married, June 29, ISrtS, Susan Kemble, who died January 9, 18f)4, leaving three children: Flora M. , wife of Arthiu- Hudson, near Dishler, Ohio; Susan I., wife of Thomas Leedy, in Fostoria, Ohio, and Emma (now deceased). His second marriage was May 10, 1804, with Mary J. Clifford, who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, March 1, 1844, daughter of Thomas and Keziah (Darsi) Clifford, and the children born of this union were Charles B. (deceased); Nellie and Lillie (twins, the former the wife of J. C. Long; the latter the wife of J. W. Kies, of Sandusky County, Ohio); Z. D. ; Arthur; I. J.; Minnie; Bertha (deceased); Dor and Duff (twins, deceased), and Clifford. In the spring of 1876, Mr. Struble removed to Seneca County, and in the spring of 1882 was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1885. He is a member of Sandusky Annual Conference, and for more than twenty years traveled as an itinerant United Brethren minister.

BARNEY ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Fort Seneca, was born in Washington County, Md. , November 1"), 1804, son of David and Sarah (Swope) Zimmerman, the latter of whom died in Martinsburg, Va., in 1812. She was the mother of three childi'en: Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Baugher (she left a family in Seneca County, Ohio); Sarah, deceased wife of George W. Sager (she left a family near Oluey, 111.), and Barney, the subject of this sketch. David Zimmerman had foui- children by his second marriage: Jane E., wife of John Kuipe. of Hainesville, W. Va. ; Susan, deceased wife of William Wegley (she left a family in Berkeley County, W. Va.); John W'. (deceased, leaving a family in Berkeley County, W. Va.); and Mary, wife of Joseph F. Poole, living near Harper's Feny, Va. Barney Zimmerman located on his present farm in May, 1886, and endured all the hardships and trials of pioneer life, assisting in the construction of the early churches, school buildings, roads, bridges, etc. He served six years as county commissioner, also six years as county infirmary director, and has filled various township offices; has always taken an active part in public affairs and in the advancement and welfare of the people of the county. He has been a member of the Reformed Church nearly sixty years, and is one of its pillars. He was married, Decem ber 2, 1827, to Miss Sarah Sager, who was born in Washington County, Md. , March 7, 1810, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Fifogle) Sager. and by her he has had six children: Jacob, in Pleasant Township, this county; David (deceased, leaving a family in Williams County, Ohio), Solomon, in De Kalb County, Mich.; Margaret, whose first marriage was with David B. Rosenberger (deceased), her second marriage being with David Sherrick, residing in Pleasant Township, this county; John B. , residing on the homestead; and Sophia, wife of Levi Repp, in Allen County, Ind. Mr. Zimmerman is a public spirited, enterprising man, and much esteemed by the citizens of his county.