Marion Township (part 1 of 8)

Marion Township

When Marion County was organized, the territory now comprising Marion Township was named Center Township, and retained that name until 1827, when, by reference to the Commissioners' records, is found the following order:

" Wednesday, December 5, 1827 - Ordered, that the name of Center Township be and is hereby altered to the name of Marion Township, and shall hereafter be known and designated as such;" which name this division o-! the county has retained to the present. Its territory is best described as Township 5 south, Range 15 east. It contains thirty-six full sections, and is bounded on the north by Grand Prairie Township, on the east by Ciaridon Township, on the south by Pleasant and Green Camp Townships, and on the west by Green Camp and Big Island Townships.

Marion Township was originally covered with fine timber, except the low grounds, or swales, which were covered with grass, and would be so covered to this day were it not for the art of drainage, which the agricultural community have so assiduously cultivated of late years, with the hope that soon these low grounds will become permanently more fertile and profitable than the uplands. As a single tract of land, this township is the highest between Columbus and Toledo, according to the railroad survey, and is drained by natural water-courses toward all points of the compass except eastward, and in that direction ditching has been done to so great an extent within a few years that the land is, as it were, being raised up many feet above water level.

An inexhaustible supply of good building stone exists in this township, and even within the corporate limits of Marion Village, for an account of which see geology in the first chapter, and a sketch of the quarries in the chapter on Marion.

Agriculturally, this part of the county is finely developed, as the following account will show: Wheat, acres sown, 2,990; bushels produced. 41,601; number of acres sown for harvest of 1883, 2,333. Rye, acres sown, 4; bushels produced, 100. Oats, acres sown, 478; acres sown for crop of 1883, 339; bushels produced, 12,329. Corn, acres planted, 3,747; acres planted for crop of 1883, 3,769; bushels produced, 143,610. Meadow, acres, 1830; tons of hay, 2,216. Clover, acres, 614; tons of hay, 729; bushels of seed, 352. Potatoes, acres planted, 85^, bushels produced, 7,687. Butter, 32,550 pounds. Bees, 41 hives; pounds of honey, 350. Eggs, 29,950 dozen. Apples, acres occupied, 145; bushels produced, 3,695. Peaches, bushels produced, 214. Pears, bushels produced, 68. Lands, number of acres cultivated, 6,349; number of acres pasture, 4,275; number of acres woodland, 1,458; total number oE acres owned, 12,120. Wool, 24,452 pounds. Milch cows, 306. Dogs, 93, Sheep killed by dogs, 43; value, $144; injured by dogs, 45; value, $131. Losse3 by floods: Grain, etc., value, $150; fences, etc., value, $220, expense of $1,344.50. The total value of school property at present is $9,805. Enrollment of pupils within the past year, 426, of whom 210 were boys and 210 girls. Average monthly enrollment, 325; 156 boys and 169 girls. Average daily attendance, 274; 132 boys and 142 girls. Percent of last on enrollment, 81. Pupils enrolled between sixteen and twenty-one years of age, 97: 42 boys and 55 girls. Of the foregoing, 15 pupils were in the alphabet classes, 410 in reading and spelling, 376 in writing, 384 in arithmetic, 297 in geography, 167 in English grammar, and 99 in United States history.

During the past year, twenty -two teachers were employed - eleven gentlemen for the winter season and eleven ladies for tbe spring term; average wages for the former, $40 a month; for the latter, $25. Average number of weeks the schools were in session, thirty-six.

Cemetery

The old Marion Cemetery, just north of the present New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio depot, is still under the control of the Trustees of Marion Township, and is still reserved as a burying- ground, though but little used if at all. Some of the remains have been removed to the new cemetery. This old cemetery is now a neglected place.

1883 - Trustees, F. R. Saiter, B. Tristram, C. B. Merchant; Clerk, G. S. McGuire; Treasurer, H. R. Young; Assessor, Martin Uncapher; with four other Assessors for the city.

Biographical Sketches

rping very important branch of the township and village history must com- L mend itself to every one. That it contains much interesting and valuable information, and an account of a series of events more or less historical, must be acknowledged. Therefore it is considered just that anything which pertains directly to the men who were the founders of the town, and whose lives were instrumental in its growth, should be passed lightly over in the pages of the o-eneral history, so that it might be treated more extensively here, repetition avoided, and the more precise facts intermingled with biography:

HENRY ACKERMAN. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, on February 2, 1815. He was the son of George H. and Margareth Ackerman. The father died in 1858. Henry, with his mother and one brother, emigrated to this country in 1867, settling at Crestline, Ohio; they came to Marion County in 1868. His mother still resides at Crestline, in her seventy - second year. * He took advantage of the common schools of Germany, and since coming here has acquired a good practical English education. He consummated his marriage December 26, 1867, with Elizabeth Mathes, a lady who came to America in the same vessel with him. Their children numbered six, only one of whom is living, William H, born May 11, 1870. Elizabeth, Henry Albert, Catherine, Caroline and an infant are deceased. His wife was born in Germany May 18, 1847, and her people still live there. Mr. Ackerman learned the barber's trade when fifteen years of age, in the fatherland, and, after settling in Marion, followed this business eleven years. Since 1879, he has been engaged in the sale of pianos, organs and sewing machines, which business he has successfully conducted, and at present his is the only place of the kind in town. He also has a similar establishment at Delaware, Ohio. He is an energetic and industrious business man, meriting the patronage of the public. Politically, he is a Democrat, and, with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church.

CURTIS ALLEN, deceased, one of the pioneers of Marion, was born in Connecticut. He emigrated to Ohio in 1832, and settled at Marion, then a small town in the primitive West. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and by consecutive elections he rilled the office for twenty-one years. He was ap- pointed Postmaster in 1841, under William Henry Harrison's administration, and served four years. He established a book and stationer}- store on Center street, and continued to follow that business until his death, which occurred September 10, 1853. He was several times Mayor of Marion. He married Miss Alma Ashley, a native of Vermont, by whom he had three children ; of these, two are living - Cory don, of Hamburg, Iowa, and E. G. Mrs. Allen now resides with her youngest son. E. G. Allen, the youngest son, was born in Marion, Ohio, November 10, 1834. He was reared in his native town, and was educated in the Marion Academy. In 1852, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Courts, and served two years. He then took the position of Teller in the Marion Deposit Bank, and subsequently that of Assistant Cashier, which relation he still holds with the bank. June 5, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary Anna, daughter of Charles Baker, one of the oldest pioneers of Marion. Four sons are the children by this anion, viz.: Charles H., Herbert E., Robert G-. and Tracy R.

JOHN ANDERSON is a native of Hampshire County, Va., and born March 4, 1803, the son of James and Priscilla (House) Anderson, of German, English and Scotch lineage, but natives of Virginia. Having married in 1800, they moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1806, April 6, where they resided until 1833. They then removed to Clinton County, Did., where they remained until death. The}- had eleven children, five surviving - John, Mahala, Elizabeth, James M. and Hiram. The deceased were Samuel, Rebecca, Ruth, Priscilla, Thomas J. and Devi H. The father was born February 17, 1768, and died October 25, 1844 ; the mother was born in 1778, and died August 15, 1847. Our subject, having obtained a pioneer education, married, January 20, 1829, Martha Roult, a daughter of James and Abigail (Parks) Roult, of Protestant Irish lineage, and nine children were born in this family, five living - Francis M., born February 12, 1830; Minerva J., November 24, 1831; Susan R., September 29, 1S37; Nancv E., October 1, 1844, and Margaret A., October 14, 1846. Charles W. was born August 8, 1833, and died February 25, 1840; John M. was born Angust 29, 1839, and died April 25, 1859; Devi R. was born February 17, 1842, and died December 28, 1863; Thomas J. was born September 20, 1835, and died January 2, 1865; he was the Captain of Company E, Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving in the late war over three years. He was one of 110 men selected to enter and do special duty in Mississippi. John Anderson's grandfather, Thomas Anderson, was a Revolutionary soldier; his son, James Anderson, was a Captain under " Mad " Anthony Wayne. Mrs. Anderson's death occurred August 29, 1847. Mr. A. married again, Mary Kinnear, February 14, 1849, and one heir, Mary M., has been born to them. She was born April 22, 1850, and died July 24, 1854. This wife died April 23, 1850. His third marriage was consummated April 24, 1851, with Fannie N. Hunter, the widow of Zadoc Hunter, and the daughter of Cornelius and Hannah (Holmes) Kortwright. of German and English descent respectively, but natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut severally. She is the mother of five children, two living - Saloma, wife of I. B. Etherton, and Hannah K., wife of Henry Fulwider. The subject of this sketch, having learned the cooper's trade, plied it during the winter months for many years. He owns 131 acres of fine land and two valuable town lots in Marion, where he has been a resident since 1836. For twenty years he was Trustee of his township. He possesses a great deal of vitality and freshness for a man of his years, being probably one of the youngest-looking men for his age in the State. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he for sixty years, and she for forty years. He is also a stanch Republican.

his parents in March, 1821, and settled where the town now stands. He and his brother, George \V. Baker, sawed lumber with a whip-saw, and with it constructed the first house on the original town plat. He resided in this rude pioneer house with his parents for seven years." The land forming the site of the present prosperous town of Marion was then covered with woods, and Mi- Baker aided in clearing a good portion of it. In 1824, he took charge of a tanner}', a part of which his father had bought of A. C Priest, and, in 1826, erected one of his own, near where J. S. Reed's residence now stands, up to 1830. Two years later, he removed to Lima, Allen County, and engaged in the mercantile business for five years. He was appointed Postmaster of Lima, in 1833, by Postmaster General Barry, and served during Andrew Jackson's administration. In 1835, he was elected Treasurer of Allen County, and filled the office one term. By appointment, in 1839, he assumed the duties of Clerk in the office of Register of the United States Land Office, and served in that capacit}' two years. He laid out an addition, called " Baker's Addition," to the town of Lima, in 1848, and the following }rear returned to Marion and again engaged in merchandising, but retired after one year. He clerked for Ault & Gorton four }rears, J. Hood two years, and Reed & Johnson one year, and since that time has devoted his attention to his farm. March 20, 1828, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Anderson. She was born January 11, 1809, and died at Lima, Ohio, August 2, 1838, leaving three children, two of whom are now living - Lucetta. wife of Grimes McConahy, of Van Wert, Ohio, and Lydia A., wife of Elijah Copeland, of Lucas County, Iowa. Alonzo W. died September 9. 1878. Mr. Baker's second marriage took place January 10, 1839. with Mrs. Tacey T. Anderson, widow of James A. Anderson, and daughter of Abel Thomas. She was born November 25, 1809, and died November 5, 1882. Of four children born to this marriage, three are living - Mary Anna, born February- 29, 1840, and married E. G. Allen June 5, 1860 ; Sarah E., born August 11, 1842, and died February 13, 1848; Charles E., born March 15, 1845, and married November 10, 1869, Susan H Stevenson, and now resides in Chicago ; El wood T., born July 13, 1853, and married April 7, 1880, Sallie Wilson, and resides in Eransville, Ind. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican, and he is an old and respected citizen of Marion.

GEORGE F. BARKS was born in Marion Township February 25, 1855. His father, Joshua Barks, was born March 26, 1809, in Fairfield County, Ohio and his mother October 13, 1810, in Cumberland, Penn., who were married in this county in 1832. The father died June 4, 1876, and the homestead, consisting of eighty-nine acres, fell to George F., the youngest of the sons, who also received ten acres in Pleasant Township. He obtained a fair common school education, and May 9, 1878, married Emma J. Eple}-, who was born in Claridon Township June 22, 1860, a daughter of David and Sarah Epley. They have two children - Orlando E. and Zoa M. At present Mr. Barks owns 101 acres, and keeps a large number of farm animals. Politically, he is a Democrat.

S. H. BARTRAM, attorney, was born in Marion, Ohio, December 22, 1828. He is the son of Judge John Bartram, whose history is given elsewhere in this work. He was reared to manhood in Marion, and educated in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and Washington College, of Washington, Penn. In the fall of 1846, he was compelled to quit college on account of ill health. He read law with his father until the spring of 1849, when he went to Lancaster, Ohio, and continued his legal studies with Hon. John T. Brasee. He took a course in the Cincinnati Law College, and graduated in the spring of 1850, and soon after formed a partnership with his father, under the firm name of J. & S. H. Bartram. He took a reviewing course in the Cincinnati Law College in 1852-53, and in 1859-60 practiced in New York City. At the expi- ration of this time, he returned to Marion, and continued his profession with his father till the death of the latter, and since then has practiced alone. He served as Prosecuting Attorney of Marion County two terms. September 3, 1857, was married to Miss Harriet R. Kline, daughter of Peter D. and Esther (Randolph) Kline, and has had six children; of these, five are living, viz.: Emily, Katie, Jennie, Reune R. and John H. Mrs. Bartram is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

REV. SAMUEL D. BATES, the subject of this sketch, was born near Utica, N. Y., October 13. 1828. He is a son of Daniel and Harriet N. (Hungerford) Bates, the former a native of Hartland, Conn., and the latter of Madison County, N. Y. They married in Oneida County, and in the fall of 183-1 moved to Ohio, and settled in Trumbull Count}', where Mrs. Bates died in February, 1875, at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Bates removed to Wooster, and. in 1881, to Richmond, Ind. They had four children, viz.: Samuel D., Ira H. Edward P. and Lyman M. Mr. S. D. Bates was reared on a farm, and educated in Geauga Seminaiy, now a part of Hillsdale College, Mich. He engaged in teaching in 1847, and in the winter of 1848-49 he had charge of a school in the " Boynton District." where Gen. Garfield's mother lived. Garfield had just returned from the towpath, and a part of that winter he attended Mr. Bates' school. The following spring Mr. Bates induced young Garfield to return with him to Geauga. This was an important crisis in the career of Garfield, for up to this time he had cherished no ambition save that of following the lakes, and from this decision he rose step by step to the brilliant scholar and statesman. During the Fitz-John Porter court-martial trial, Mr. Bates called upon Gen. Garfield, and after being introduced to his staff. Gen. Garfield said, "To this man I owe more than to any other living man for what I am to-day." Mr. Bates and Gen. Garfield were fellow-students at Geauga for two years, until the former completed his course in 1851. and were warm friends until his tragic death. Mr. Bates continued to teach till the spring of 1851, when he entered the ministry of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He settled in Green Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he was pastor of a church six years, during two of which he taught a select school. In the spring of 1857, he came to Marion, and took charge of the Free-Will Baptist Church, over which he presided as pastor for nineteen years. He organized the Grand Prairie Free-Will Baptist Church, February 22, 1867, and the Claridon Church in 1870 ; for nine years he was pastor of the Green Camp Baptist Church, and has had charge of the Claridon Free-Will Baptist Church since the formation of that societ}', and of the Grand Prairie Church for nine years. He has now the following appointments in his pastoral work : Claridon. Grand Prairie and Morral Churches. Mr. Bates has been President of Ridgeville College, of Ridgeville, Ind., since 1872, and was for fifteen years Trustee of Hillsdale College, of Hillsdale. Mich. In October, 1851, Mr. Bates was united in marriage with Miss Lodeeury, daughter of Alanson and Maria Brockett, of Trumbull County, Ohio, where Mrs. Bates was born February 10, 1830. They had three children, two of whom are living - Elbert A. and Harley A. Harriet M. is deceased. In 1864, Mr. Bates was Chaplain of the One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio National Guards. During the years 1865 to 1867, he solicited the funds and superintended the erection of the Free-Will Baptist Church edifice in Marion, costing $16,000, more than half of which was donated outside of the society. He has also been connected with the erection of five other church edifices in the county. He taught one year in the Union Schools of Marion, and has been one of the Board of Examiners of the teachers of these schools for over twenty years, and is such at the present time.

J. BATTENFELD, late of the firm of J. Battenfeld & Co.. was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 29, 1846. His parents. Lewis H. and Elzabeth Batten- field, were natives of the Province of Hesse and Wurteraberg respectively They came to the United States with their parents when eighteen years of age. The subject of this paragraph is the third of a family of four children. When he was three years of age, his parents died, and he was taken by his maternal grandfather, Conrad Beber, of Crawford County, by whom he was reared till seventeen, when he went to Columbus and served an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade, with Scott St. Clair. In 1865, he came to Marion, and after working a year and a half for S. & F. R. Saiter, he entered the employ of Jacob Fribley, and remained with him till August, 1882, when the late firm of J. Battenfeld & Co. was formed ; in September, 1883, Mr. B. retired from this firm. December 5, 1861, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Morgenthaler. Mrs. Battenfeld, a native of Philadelphia, Penn., was born Julv 26, 1848. To them were born two children - William H. and Carrie B. Mr. Battenfeld is identified with the I. 0. 0. F. and K. of P.

PHILIP BAUER, grocer, was born in Richland Township December 14, 1847. His father, Croft Bauer, was a native of Germany, and emigrated to America with his parents, Philip and Riga Bauer, who settled in Richland Township, where Mr. Bauer entered ninety-six acres of land, on which he died in 1870. His wife died prior to the late war. Croft Bauer went to Crawford County, where he married Ragina Miller, and afterward settled in Richland Township, where he died from the cholera in August, 1854, leaving three children - Angeline, wife of Christopher Gracely, Philip and Croft. Mrs. Bauer now resides in Big Island Township. Philip Bauer was brought up to farming, and followed that vocation in Richland till 1873, when he removed to Big Island, and in 1877 to Marion. He was employed in the Huber works till January 1, 1879. when he embarked in the grocery and provision trade. He makes a specialty of shipping butter and eggs. August 20, 1867, he married Mary, daughter of Cunrad and Catharine Neidhart. Seven children were born to them ; of these six are living, viz. : Amelia L., Mary A., Adam, Philip, Frank and Willie. John Wesley is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and he also of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Bauer's father and grandfather walked all the way from Buffalo. N. Y., to Marion, to purchase land. They were among the early pioneers of Richland. His grandfather was a soldier in the French Revolution two years, 1806-7.

FRANCISCO C. BECKLEY, Deputy Sheriff, is the youngest son of Capt. George and Eliza (Miller) Beckley, born in Bucyrus, Crawford Co., Ohio, September 13, 1848. Having obtained a practical business education, he married, December 24, 1871, in Springfield, Mo.. Miss Ann Hileman, adopted daughter of J. B. and M. L. Sharp, of Marion. He commenced to learn the trade of machinist when aged sixteen years, and followed that successfully until 1873 ; was elected the first Mayor of Caledonia, Ohio, in 1874 ; one year later, he resigned this office. January 1, 1880, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of this county, in which capacity he continues to serve acceptably. This season (1883), he is nominated for Sheriff, which position he will probably obtain. He is an energetic young man, a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Knights of Honor.

PETER BEERBOWER is among the living pioneers of Marion County, aged at present (1883) nearly seventy-five years ; came from near the village of Hancock, Washington Co., Md. He arrived in Marion July 22, 1834, where he continues to reside. His parents, two brothers and one sister, followed about ten years later. March 12, 1835, he married Miss Eliza P. Geiger, whose widowed mother, brothers and sisters arrived in Marion in the spring of 1834. That same autumn our subject was employed as clerk in the offices of Clerk of Common Pleas and Supreme Courts and County Recorder, with

Col. George H. Busby, who held those offices at the time. He continued in those offices until the fall of 1837, when he was elected County Recorder, holding the same one term, and was succeeded by Robert King. He remained in this office as Deputy until 1842, when he was elected County Auditor, which office he held for three successive terms. Most of the time thereafter he was employed in the Clerk's office under Capt. W. L. Kendrick, the son-in-law of Col. Busby, whom he succeeded. About 1851-52, he became interested in railroad enterprises with Capt. Kendrick, Hon. J. H. Godman and many other citizens. He assisted in the preliminaries, such as aiding and preparing charters, making surveys, etc., and subsequently employed as assistant in the office of the Secretary and Treasurer of the B. & I. Railroad Company, which road extended from Gabon, Ohio, to Indianapolis. He continued there some two years or more. Some time in 1858, Mr. Beerbower took charge of the Marion Post Office, John Durnble holding the same at the time. In 1859, he was appointed Postmaster and held that office until 1861. For a year or more after this, he was engaged in the management of the Marion Gas Works, at a moderate salary. He then formed a partnership with his brother Samuel in the marble business ; this company was dissolved a few months later, and Mr. Beerbower continued that business until the fall of 1875, when he was elected County Treasurer. He was re-elected in 1877, thus holding the office two terms. Since retiring from office, Mr. B. has been engaged in clerical and collecting business, which has afforded only a moderate remuneration. He holds, among other trusts, the treasurership of the Marion Count}' Bible Society, and has maintained an uninterrupted membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years. Though hale and active, he confesses with sadness that so few of his early associates survive- - not more than eight or ten are living. He recalls the names of a long list of his early and valued friends, among professional gentlemen and the entire citizenship of the county as well ; and though nearly all are now insensible to praise, yet he desires to record, with the warmest gratitude, his appreciation of remembered kindnesses of so many generous-hearted friends.

SAMUEL T. BEERBOWER was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 10, 1842. His parents, Eleazer J. and Matilda L. (McKelvey) Beerbower, were natives of Maryland and Missouri respectively. They moved to Delaware, Ohio, in 1849, then to Marion, in 1850, where he worked as a saddle and harness maker, which trade he had learned when a young man. He continued this until 1866, when he went to Indianapolis, Ind., taking his family one year later. His business there was to upholster palace cars in the C, C, C. & I. R. R. shops. He was chief of this department until within a }rear of his death T which took place October 24, 1882, aged sixty-six years and six months ; his widow still resides in Indianapolis. Samuel T. is the eldest of nine children. He spent his jrouth in Marion, and was educated in the public school. October 23, 1861, he enlisted in the civil war, in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was nineteen years of age at the time, and served in the Army of the Cumberland, fighting at Penyville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge ; at the storming of the latter, he' was struck by a ball in the right shoulder, which came out at the right side of the spine, near the shoulder blade. This confined him in the hospital at Chattanooga and Nashville three months ; the wound caused a paralysis of his right hand and arm. He was honorably discharged March 23, 1864; he was promoted as First Sergeant of his company. Having recovered from his wound. he, in 1865, became cashier in the store of Lucas & Seffner, and occupied that position two years : he then clerked for Reed & Yake a }*ear. In 1868, he was appointed Postmaster by Gen. Grant, re-appointed by him in 1872, and also by President Hayes in 1876 ; having served thirteen years in this office, he retired.

January 13, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Irene L. Peters, daughter of Nathan and Mary Peters ; she is a native of Marion, and was born February 19, 1846. They had two children - Wilson (died, aged one }rear and four days); Cornell R., survives. Mr. Beerbower owns a residence, with two acres, two other town lots, and a business room adjoining the People's Store, which he built in 1881 at a cost of $4,000. He is a respected citizen, a member of the I. 0 0. F. and of the G. A. R. Lodges. Mrs. Beerbower's grandmother, Lucia Russel, resides with her, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years ; she came here in 1838, from the State of Connecticut; she has one great-grandchild, aged sixteen years. Mr. Russel was a Captain in the war of 1812 ; he died November 4, 1872. Mrs. Russel has a house and lot in the city, 160 acres of land adjoining the town, and 600 acres located in Big Island and Marion Townships.

J. L. BELL, whose parents were among the early pioneers of Claridon Township, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 12, 1824. His father, Benjamin Bell, was born in Orange County, N. Y., October 22, 1786, and his mother, a native of New Jersey, was born September 14, 1787. They married and moved to Claridon Township in the fall of 1822. Mr. Benjamin Bell entered 160 acres of land, to which he made subsequent additions until he owned a large farm. He reared a family of eight children, viz., Israel C, Sarah J., John H, William J., Alexander L., Martha E., J. L., the subject of this sketch, and Kezia ; Martha E. is the wife of William Wyatt, of Williams County, Ohio. Of these all are deceased but the last three. Mr. Bell died October 29, 1853, and his wife October 20, 1837. Mr. Bell served as Justice of the Peace a number of years. J. L. Bell, the subject of this biography, was reared on the old homestead in Claridon Township, and educated in the common schools. He followed farming until 1853, when he engaged as clerk for S. V. Harkness, of Caledonia, and latterly with F. C. Ruehrmund, whose stock he and H. Hunter purchased in 1862. Bell & Hunter continued in mercantile business till the fall of 1875, when the former was elected Auditor, and moved to Marion ; he was re-elected in 1877, serving two terms. February 1, 1881, he started in the grocery business, from which he retired March 15, 1883. Mr. Bell served as Clerk of Claridon Township four years, and as Postmaster at Caledonia from 1855 to 1862. In 1867, he was elected a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors, and served one term. He was City Councilman three years, and he rilled other local offices. November 18, 1847, he was joined in marriage to Miss Matilda, daughter of Adam and Samantha Hipsher. Mrs. Bell was born in Scott Township April 24, 1829, and died March 18, 1869, leaving two children - James M., who married Caroline Foster ; and Charles L., who married Clara Clayton. Mr. Bell married the second time, April 5, 1871, Anna, daughter of William P. and Susan Thew. By this marriage, there were two children - Harry T. and Tom C. Mr. Bell is identified with the Masonic order and Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a Democrat.

JONATHAN BELL was born in Mill Creek Township November 1, 1826, the son of Jesse and Margaret (Sanders) Bell, the former of Washington County. Ohio, and the latter of Bourbon County, Ky. Jesse Bell was born August 15, 1801, and Mrs. Bell February 17, 1804. His grandparents, Daniel and Hannah (Underbill) Bell, were natives of New Jersey, coming to Wahington County about 1800, or even earlier. Soon after the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier, he removed to Delaware County, thence to Holmes County, and in 1840 to Union County, where the parents died, Mrs. Bell in Jackson Township in 1840, and her husband in Mill Creek Township. Our subject's grandfather, Samuel Sanders, also participated in the war of 1812. Jesse Bell was reared principally in Washington and Delaware Counties, and was married in the spring of 1822 to Margaret Sanders, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom are now living - William, Samuel, Jonathan, Nancy (wife of Job Beardsley), Hannah (widow of Wesley Hinton), Elizabeth (wife of G-. S. Robertson), and Mary (wife of J. H. Sifrit). In February, 1831, they moved to Bowling Green Township, entering fifty acres, thus becoming the first land holders in that township. They remained there but one year, when they returned to Union County. In 1863, they went back to Bowling Green Township, purchasing forty-eight acres, where the father, a member of the Disciples Church, died Ma}- 5, 1873 ; his widow continues to reside upon the homestead. Mr. Jonathan Bell's youth was entirely passed upon the farm. He taught two terms of school, commencing in his nineteenth year. In the spring of 1848, he went to Bowling Green Township, and bought fifty acres of land, which he has increased to 210 acres ; he has put this in a good state of cultivation, and while living upon it he reared good stock, such as French horses and graded cattle. In March, 1882, he moved to Marion, where he continues to reside. He was joined in matrimony November 13, 1847, to Miss Sarah Harraman, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, July 2, 1823, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Harraman. Six of their nine children are living - Lewis C, La Fayette, Margaret (wife of Charles Kersey), Samuel, David and Jesse ; Elizabeth, Samilda Charles and Mary E. are deceased. The following record demonstrates that Mr. Bell is a worthy and influential citizen : He was the Assessor of his adopted township three years, Town Clerk four or five years, Land Appraiser in 1880, Trustee six years, and Magistrate twelve years ; he has also been Director of the County Infirmary six years. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the I. 0. 0. F., and, with his wife, of the Baptist Church.

SAMUEL BELL, County Surveyor, the third son of Jonathan and Sarah (Harraman) Bell, was born in Bowling Green Township March 23, 1858. Having acquired a good knowledge of the common branches, he chose to gratify his love for mathematics. He accordingly sought instruction of Hon. Hylas Sabine, of Richwood, Ohio, and later of Prof. Park, of Ada, Ohio. When aged eighteen years, he commenced teaching, continuing five winters. Having obtained a knowledge of civil engineering, he was elected in 1881 Surveyor of the county, which office he still holds acceptably to the public. He is young, energetic and industrious, and consequently a man of promise. He is an official member of the K. of P., and is also a Freemason. Politically, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM BLAND, contractor and builder, was born on the Island of Jerse}', in the British Channel, July 28, 1849. He is a son of James and Julia (Wilkinson) Bland, the former a native of Norfolk County, England, and the latter of County Galway, Ireland. Mr. James Bland served twelve }'ears and 128 days in the Fifty-fourth Regiment of British Infantry. He was discharged when in the rank of Sergeant in May, 1856, at Kingston. Ontario, having emigrated to British America in March, 1852. He was engaged in railroading in Ontario till 1863, when he came over to the United States, settling at Akron, Ohio; in 1864, he came to Marion and followed his former vocation on the A. & G. W. and N. Y., P. & 0. Railroads till his death, June 10, 1874. Mrs. B. died September 10, 1868. They were the parents often children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest son. He came to Marion in 1864, and worked two 3'earson the N. Y., P. & 0. Railroad; then two years for Godfrey Leffler, after which he learned the mason trade. He was a member of the firm of Culbertson & Bland and Bland & Seibert six j-ears. June 24, 1881, he became a member of the firm of Leffler & Bland, which partnership still continues. Mr. Bland was married, November 19, 1874, to Miss Belle Treese, and has two children - Charles H. and Carrie E. Mr. Bland is a member of the Masonic order and K. of P.

Mary A. (Johnson) Boyd, of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was a native of Ireland, but his mother of Ohio. His father emigrated with his parents to America in 1820, settling for a short period in Jefferson County, Ohio, but came to Coshocton Count}r, about 1823, where his father entered land, upon which Robert R. has since resided, adding many acres to the original tract. He owns at present 700 acres of valuable land. He is a prominent farmer and a highly respected citizen. Our subject obtained a good education at the Athens University, and entered the sophomore class at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1871, hoping to complete a scientific course, but was obliged to abandon this project on account of failing health, and he taught school one year. September 20, 1875, he married Jane A. McMurray, born July 12, 1846, a daughter of James and Eleanor (Virtue) McMurray, of Scotch ancestry. By this marriage two children were born, Maud V., born September 15, 1876, and Eleanor, August 28, 1878. Three years subsequent to marriage, Mr. Boyd engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his father's farm. He removed to Marion in the spring of 1880, engaging in the grocery and provision business with J. M. Heller, under the name of Heller & Boyd. They did a successful business, Mr. Heller retiring at the close of one year, and George Brown purchasing his interest. This firm has a thriving and profitable trade, and are known as the " Rock Bottom " grocery. Mr. B. is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Beta Theta Pi of Delaware College, of the Republican party and of the official board of the M. E. Church.

MICHAEL BRIGEL, senior member of the firm of Brigel & Eibling, harness-makers, is a native of Wurtemberg, German}-. He was born January 9, 1833, and is a son of Michael and Christina Brigel. He came to the United States in the fall of 1854, and began the trade of saddler and harness-maker with T. J. Magruder; he worked until 1859, when he formed a partnership with Lucas Klingle, under the firm name Brigel & Klingle. This firm dissolved soon after, and in 1866 he admitted F. Everly as a partner, and continued five years, when J. C. Walters bought Everly 's interest; then Walters & Brigel did business until January 1, 1872, and Brigel continued alone until 1882, when the present firm was formed. July 4, 1862, Mr. Brigel married Miss Frederica Eibling, b}T whom he has had six children; of these five are living, viz.: Sophronia. John M., Mary, Willie and Lewis; Henry is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the German Reformed Church, and Mr. B. is also connected with the V. A. 0. D.

GEORGE BROWN, one of the proprietors of the " Rock Bottom " store, was born in Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, April 29, 1846. His parents were of English extraction, and natives of the Buckeye State. Our subject is the first son of Ezekiel and Harriet (Hance) Brown, who were united in marriage at the above place, residing there from 1842 or 43 to 1874. They then removed to Delaware, where the wife died, in December, 1878, aged about fifty or fifty-one vears. Mr. B. still survives, a resident of the same town, aged (1883) sixtyfour years. He was a pioneer in his adopted county. The subject of this sketch obtained the rudiments of an education in the common schools at Galena, attending two terms at the Belleville High School, closing his literary pursuits when nineteen. His nuptials with Almeda Carhart, a daughter of Isaac and Rosy (Peckham) Carhart, were solemnized June 28, 1871. She was born in September, 1848. Effie, their only child, was born May 9, 1873, and died February 12, 1875. Mr. Brown applied his attention to various vocations in his native county until 1870. when he began manufacturing horse hay-rakes and hand corn-planters, doing a successful business, under the firm name of Brown & Hughes. He reth'ed in 1874. entering as clerk the mercantile trade at Galena. In 1880, he purchased in Marion a store of diy goods and notions, which he carried on ten months: then with R. A. Bovd. he enara^ed in the sjro- eery and queensware trade, doing business at No. 20 Main street. They are prosecuting a driving trade. Mr. Brown served two years as Trustee of his native township. He is a stanch Republican, and belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. He has been officially connected with the M. E. Church for nearly twenty years. Mrs. B. is also a member.

JAMES E. BRYAN is a native of Marion, born December 28, 1850, to Thomas E. and Elizabeth (Bowen) Bryan, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia. The Bowens originated in Germany, but came to Virginia in 1650. His paternal grandfather is a resident of Marion, aged (1883) ninety-five years. His father's family consisted of four children - James, Mary (teacher in the public schools at Prospect), Arthur (telegraph operator at the C. & T. depot), and Martha (deceased). His father of Scotch extraction, also lives in town, a carpenter by trade. James E. received a good education at the Marion schools, completing his literary career by taking a commercial course at Prof. Sharp's Business College, at Delaware, Ohio, graduating in 1871. When eighteen years of age, however, he entered the Huber establishment as a common laborer ; but upon his return from Delaware College, he became foreman of the rake department, which position he still holds. He has under his charge from twelve to forty men continually. He makes all the hay-rakes patented by Mr. Huber, from 6,000 to 8,000 annually. He also superintends the wood machinery for the scrapers, separators and engines. Mr. Bryan became a stockholder in the Huber Manufacturing Company in 1872, entering $3,600. June 8, 1873, he was married to Miss Emily Shur, daughter of John and Mary Shur, descendants of German ancestors. To them have been born two children - Charles and Harry, aged six and three years, respectively. He has just completed an inviting residence on North East street at a cost of $2,000. He also has two other town lots. Politically, Mr. Bryan votes the Democratic ticket. He belongs to the K. of P., and to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

B. J. CAMP was born in Delaware (now Morrow County) July 18, 1829. and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Shaw) Camp, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Morrow County, to which place Mr. Camp had come prior to the war of 1812. Mrs. Camp's parents. John and Sarah Shaw, emigrated to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1804. They afterward moved near Cardington. on Shaw's Creek. Benjamin and Sarah Camp were married in 1826. and in 1834 removed and settled in Scott Township, where Mr. Camp purchased land. He died February 14, 1837, and his widow February 8, 1861. They were the parents of three children, of whom only B. J. Camp is living. He was married the first time to Rachel Merwin, by whom he had seven children - Truman, Olive (widow of John Allen), and Eliza, wife of Daniel Welch, are living. Mr. Camp was brought up on a farm, and learned the carpenter's trade, beginning when sixteen. He came to Marion in 1845, and followed his trade up to 1863, since which time he has been engaged in manufacturing scroll-work and in stair-building, employing two men. and doing a good business. May 27, 1852, he married Miss Phebe J., daughter of Frederick Court. Mrs. Camp was born in Pleasant Township, July 25, 1827. To them have been born six children. Of these four are living - George T., William B., Mary E. and Joseph E. Sarah and au infant son are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Camp are members of the Christian Church, of which he is a Deacon. He is connected with the Sons of Temperance, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. He owns a commodious residence, situated at the south end of South Main street.

FRANCIS CAMPBELL, one of Marion County's pioneers, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, July 12, 1808. He is a son of Thomas and Catharine (Case) Campbell, natives of the same county. His father died at the age of ninety-four years, and his grandmother on his father's side lived to be one hundred and fourteen years old. Of eight children, Fraucis Campbell is the youngest. He was reared <>u a farm and educated in the high schools ; emigrated to the United States in 1829, and settled on laud two and a half miles west of Marion. He purchased a tract of 1.70(1 acres, 120 of which were located in Pleasant Township. All was woods, and Mr. Campbell cleared a site for a log cabin, which he erected and occupied until 1835, when he built a brick house. This was one of the first brick residences in the township, outside of the city. Mr. Campbell cleared and improved a large portion of his extensive lands, and made many valuable improvements. Soon after he settled in the county he engaged in buying and driving cattle over the mountains to Eastern markets ; followed driving and shipping for over forty years, and was one of the leading stockmen of Marion County ; also dealt in real estate for a number of years. He has been an industrious, hard-working man, and has acquired a large and valuable property. In April, 1864, he removed to Marion, and now lives retired. February 15, 1834, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Elizabeth Mc- Whirter, daughter of Henry and Margaret McWhirter, who were natives of Bath County, Va. They were married in Virginia, and prior to the war of 1812, removed to Pickaway County. Ohio, and in 1820 to Marion, now Wyandot County. They subsequently removed to Hancock County, and in 1829 came and settled in Marion Township, where Mr. McWhirter died, in June, 1864, at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. McWhirter died May 2, 1835, at the age of fifty-two. Mrs. Campbell was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 28, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of eight children ; of these four are living - Sarah E., wife of P. Geddes Harvey ; Thomas H. ; Catharine A., wife of John S. Riley ; and Ida M., wife of William C. Rapp. William J., Margaret J., Mary E. and Francis J. are deceased. William J. died November 23, 1882, while on his way to Ireland. He married Emma Bunker, who died Februar}' 25, 1876, and left one son - Edson F. Margaret J. was the wife of Samuel Mahaffey, and died, leaving one child - Francis J. Mary E. was the wife of William MahafFey. Francis J., the youngest, died at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell reared one grandson, Edson F. Mrs. Campbell is an earnest,, consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

DR. J. M. CHRISTIAN, deceased, was born in New Kent County, Va.. March 21, 1821, where his ancestors had resided since the immigration of the Huguenots from France, and the eighteenth century migration of the Mauks. The family at that date was numerous, and possessed extensive land estates and large holdings of slaves, and were powerful after the fashion of Virginia. Enjoying the prestige of the early colonial people, the family became connected by intermarriage with many of the noted personages of the Old Dominion. '- Dolly " Madison, wife of President Madison, was of the connection, as then styled ; and the first wife of John Tyler was Letitia, daughter of Robert Christian, of New Kent. Dr. Christian, reared with the advantages thus secured to him. after the fashion of young Virginians of the time, was ill prepared for the adverse fortune of shattered estates, and left him to a life struggle alone. He was educated at Rumford Academy, and afterward graduated at Athens Universitv. Ohio. He moved to Ohio in 1843, and was married, in 1846, to Pauline, daughter of George H. Busby. Save a period from 1847 to 1854. Dr. Christian resided al Marion, practicing his profession of medicine. He began the practice at Lawrenceburg, Ind.. after an arduous preparation, under circumstances that must have seemed discouraging to one reared with all the comforts of wealth. On the first day of his career as a physician, he secured two patients, and to the day of his last sickness was in active and successful practice. He died March 29, 1882. His children - George B., Carrie (wife of John M. Garberson, residents of Marion County) and Mary (wife of Francis Kent, of Boone County, Mo., survive him. After the death of the above-mentioned wife. I >r. C. contracted a marriage. September 12, 1867, with Josephine

Norris, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 7, 1843, the daughter of Daniel and Florenda (Wood) Norris, natives of Ohio, and of Scotch and English descent respectively. Her parents were early settlers in Marion Coun - ty. There were born to the above union three children ; they are Daniel N., born August 17, 1868 ; Hettie M., December 25, 1869 ; and Berenice J., January 13, 1876. His- widow is left in comfortable circumstances, carefully rearing and educating her children.

JOHN G. CLARK, deceased. The subject of this sketch was a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., born in 1799. While he was a boy, his parents moved to Trumbull Count}-, Ohio, and, having acquired a knowledge of the blacksmith trade in early life, he, unmarried, came to Marion in 1826 and built a shop, in which he followed his trade the rest of his life. When he first located here, he exercised a good deal of skill as a gun and silversmith. In 1828, he was married to Miss Isabella Kennedy, daughter of Edward and Susanna Kennedy, natives of Harper's Ferry, Md., and who emigrated to this county in 1826. Mr. Kennedy kept the tavern situated where Conrad's block now stands, for a Dumber of years. He died about 1860, and his wife May 18, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had seven children, three of whom survive - John W., Arthur L. and Susan E., wife of C. F. Seffner. The deceased were James R,, George E., Thomas A. and Robert 0. Mr. C. died October 11, 1846. Mrs. C. resides with - \

ARTHUR L.J who lives in the town of his birth, which took place August 11. 1842! "He' lias" a Common school education, and from 1863 to 1866 he was in the employment of the Government as book-keeper, in the ship yards at Nashville, Tenn., and as clerk in the Ordnance Department. Returning home, he, in 1867, took up the sculptor's trade with James M. Beerbower, under the firm name of Beerbower & Clark. This company continued three years, when he formed a partnership with Edward K. Clark for one }"ear, known as A. L. Clark & Co. In September of 1877, he admitted Levi Benedict as partner, and Clark & Benedict did business until February of 1880, when A. L. continued it for himself. His particular business is dealing in marble, but, with T. R. Roberts, he handles sewer pipe, cemetery vases, etc. They are doing a successful business. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the K. of P. and Uniform rank. He is at present serving his third term as Corporation Clerk.

J. W. CLARK was born in Marion, Ohio, September 22, 1830, and is a son of John G. and Isabella (Kennedy) Clark. From the age of eighteen until of age, he worked in the Mirror office; he then learned the blacksmith trade, and in 1855 went to Dodge County, Wis., where he worked at his trade until May, 1861, when he enlisted to serve in Company F, First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; having recruited that compan}', he was appointed its Captain. He participated in the battle of Stone River, after which he was taken and sent to Nashville, Tenn. After his recovery, he was appointed Captain of Ordnance, under Capt. E. F. Townsend, and served in that capacit}' until his discharge at the close of the war. He went to Louisville, Ky.,and in 1867 came to Marion. Since 1875, he has had charge of the blacksmith department of the Huber works. He married Elizabeth H.. daughter of Joseph and Margaret Turnej', and a native of Delaware, Ohio. They had eight children, six of whom are living, viz.: Edward K, Turney W.. Cora B., Gertrude L., Susie M. and Ethel L. Mr. Clark is a member of the Masonic order, P. 0. S. of A. and G. A. R.

ROBERT T. CLARK was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 7, 1822, the son of Harvey and Nancy (Travis) Clark; the former was born in Windham County, Conn., June 1, 1797. and the latter in Rockingham County, Va., June 26, 1 804. Robert's grandfather. Israel Clark, came to the above county (Delaware) in 1815, and removed to Richland Township in 1823. where lie died, in 1827, aged seventy-six years. He served three years in the war of the Revolution. Robert's parents moved to Marion Township and entered 240 acres in the fall of 1829; here they lived until 1864-65. They had twelve children, Robert T. being the oldest son and second child. They then moved to Marion, and the father died in the spring of 1873, while the mother survives. Mr. R. T. Clark, having secured a fair education, remained with his parents till nearly of age. In 1847, he bought his present farm of 200 acres, moving upon it. He has made all the improvements, and is engaged to a considerable extent in stock-raising. February 9, 1843, he married Harriet Clark, daughter of John F. and Patience (Mittin) Clark. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 1, 1823. They have had fifteen children, seven living - Nancv E.. wife of H. Jumf ; Flora L., wife of E. Burt; R.Franklin; Callie E., wife of G-. W. Hiamon; Minerva E., wife of H. Foos; Harry E. and James K. Mr. Clark is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., of the Republican party, and, with his family, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He contributes to every benevolent and charitable purpose, and is a respected citizen.

MICHAEL CLARY, blacksmith, was born in County Queens, Ireland, in September, 1843. His parents, Timothy and Mary (Reed) Clary, natives of the same county, removed to Fifeshire, Scotland, when he was but six years old. His mother died in 1847, and his father still resides in Scotland. Michael was reared on a farm until fourteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, at which he served four years. He then followed journeyman work till 1869, when he embarked for America, landing at New York on New Year's Day, 1870. He went to Akron, Ohio, thence to Sidney, and April 1 came to Marion, where he has since pursued his trade. He removed to his present shop in 1871, and now employs from two to three men. October 19, 1868, he was married to Margaret Haxton, daughter of James Haxton, and a native of Fifeshire, Scotland. To them were born four children - Thomas, John, Margaret and Timothy. Mr. Clary and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

J. Q. CODDING, attorney, is a native of Summit County, Ohio, and was born May 20, 1848. His parents, R. F. and Betsey M. Codding, were respectively natives of New York and Vermont, and were married in Summit County. Mr. Codding now resides in Bucyrus, his wife having died April 10, 1879. Mr. Codding, the subject of this notice, was reared in his native place, and educated in Ohio Central College. He graduated in the class of '72, and immediately began the reading of law in the office of J. F. McNeal ; completing his studies, he was admitted to practice at the bar April 7, 1876, and has since been engaged in the business of his profession. In addition to his legal business, he is engaged also in insurance, and represents the following standard companies, viz.: Insurance Company of North America, Continental, Glens Falls, Mercantile of Cleveland, Franklin of Columbus, iEtna, California, Firemen's of Dayton, and a number of others. Mr. Codding is the leading insurance agent of Marion, a fact attested by his large business; and he is a reliable man. His marriage occurred May 31, 1877, to Miss Sadie M. Roe, daughter of Joseph and Martha Roe. and a native of Richland County, Ohio. They have had born to them four children - Zoe, Paul R., Mildred and Mabel, the two latter being twins. Mr. and Mrs. Codding are members of the Presbyterian Church of Marion, Ohio.

JAMES COFFY, a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, was born December 25, 1813. He is a son of William and Mary (Gordon) Cofly, who were natives of the same county. They emigrated to the United States in 1817, making the voyage on a sailing-vessel, which occupied nine weeks. When at a point about sixty miles south of St. John, Newfoundland, the vessel was wrecked. From there the}" sailed to Philadelphia, and Mr. Coffy with his family settled in Cumberland County, Penn., where they resided till 1834, at which date they came to .Marion County, settling in Pleasant Township. Mr. Coffy died in March. 1835, and Mrs. Coffy July 3, 1838. They had eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity, viz., Alice (deceased), John, James, Priscilla (deceased), Thomas Gr., Mary A. (wife of Aaron Kellogg), William R. ( deceased), Amanda R. (deceased) and Stephen K. Mr. Coffy, the subject of this notice, was reared on a farm, and at his father's death became the owner of the homestead, which he sold in 1840, and purchased a farm of eighty acres of Frederick Court. To this original purchase Mr. Coffy made additions till he now owns 506 acres. He resided on his farm till March, 186-4, when he moved to Marion. In 1862, he made a trip to Europe, and visited England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales ; he made a second trip in 1867. and after attending the Paris Exposition, traveled through France, Wales, England and Ireland. He has been a member of the Marion Count}- Importing Company since its organization in 1868, and has made five trips to France - in 1868, 1870, 1881, 1882 and 1883 - in the interest of the company. He also attended the Paris Exposition with his son in 1878. Mr. Coffy devotes his whole attention to fine horses, and in that respect he is one of the leading men of Marion County. September 30, 1839, Mr. Coffy was married to Miss Amanda, daughter of Frederick Court, an early pioneer of Marion Count}'. Mrs. Coffy was born in West Virginia August 6, 1817. Of six children born by this marriage, three are living, viz., Mary (wife of John Simpson), Susan E. and Stephen A.; William R. died January 5, 1877, aged twenty-five years ; James and Jane died in childhood. Mrs. Coffy is a member of the Disciples Church. Mr. Coffy is a member of the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Republican, formerly a Whig.

W. W. CONCKLIN, one of the oldest residents of Marion, was born December 14, 1799, in New York City, where he was brought up and was in mercan tile business until 1822 ; coming to Marion County, he entered from 2,500 to 3,000 acres, mostly in Salt Rock Township. This land was then entirely wild ; not more than fifteen or twenty families in the township, nor more than 300 inhabitants in the county. He commenced improving his land, and succeeded after three years in fencing it in. He then devoted it to grazing purposes, pasturing cattle for various stockmen throughout the State. He dealt to some extent in cattle himself, his farm being known as the Concklin farm. It is nearly all in one body, and is the largest in the county. He resided upon this place until the spring of 1839, when he moved to Marion to take charge of the Auditor's office, to which he had been previously elected. He was re-elected in 1840. and when he retired from office he engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, Charles W. Concklin, under the firm name of Charles W. Concklin & Co. He thus continued until the death of his brother, in the fall of 1852. He also had large banking interests ; was a stockholder in the Bank of Marion seven years, serving as Cashier and President a good portion of this period ; he was one of the founders of that bank. In 1844, he was a Presidential Elector for this Congressional district, and he has been more or less identified with the public growth and improvement of Marion and the county.

EDMUND CONLEY was born December 20, 1829, in Huntingdon County, Penn., the son of Henry and Sarah (Kerr) Conley ; having received a common school education, he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade three years ; came to Marion County in 1850, and worked at his trade several years, two years with John Naylor. November 9, 1852, he married Jane A. Ballantine, daughter of John and Marietta Ballantine. who came here about 1820. entering a large tract of land, and building one of the first frame houses outside the village of Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Conley have had ten children, three dying young;

The names of those who grew up are Harry B., killed by a stroke of lightning at the age of twenty-two years ; Ellen M., wife of James B. Riley ; John B.r Anna L. and Edmund, twins ; Frank D., deceased, and Charles. Mrs. Conley inherited their farm of 195 acres from her grandfather Bowdish, who was in the war of 1812, and who came to Marion County at an early day. This farm is underlaid with limestone for building material, and $100 per acre is a very low estimate of its value. Mr. Conley rears fine stock, and has in his possession a registered Durham and Jersey. He is a Democrat, and his family have been members of the Presbyterian Church for the past fifteen years.

GEORGE W. CONRAD was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 3, 1825. He is a son of David and Margaret (Dean) Conrad, the former a native of Pendleton County., W. Va. and the latter of Sussex County, N. J. Mr. Conrad's parents removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1801, and Mrs. Conrad's parents about 1815. David and Margaret Conrad were married February 21r 1822 ; they lived and died in the same county. Mr. C. died Mav 11, 1835, and his widow January 18, 1842. They are the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third. He lived till sixteen on a farm, at which time he went out into the world to care for himself. About 1846, he engaged in buying and driving cattle over the mountains to Eastern markets - Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore - and followed it twelve years. He moved to Marion in 1857, and in 1862 bought a bakery, which he ran one year. In 1877, he erected the Conrad building. December 21, 1857. he was married to Mrs. Catharine Corn, widow of Solomon Corn, and daughter of Martin Miller, of this count}*, formerly of Maryland. This marriage was blessed with one son, Harry. Mrs. Conrad had four children by her former husband ; of these, two are living, namely, Lizzie, wife of S. R Dumble7 and Susie, wife of Clark Turnev.

HARRY CONRAD was born in Marion January 29, 1859 ; learned his trade with Clark Turney, serving three years, from 1875 to 1878 ; took charge of the business while the firm was George W. Conrad & Son, which dissolved in 1881. Mr. Conrad carries a full line of jewelry, silverware, etc. July 27, 1879, he was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Ball, and a native of La Rue, where she was born July 18, 1864. Mr. C. is an efficient member of the Marion Band.

ELKANA COON, who lives in one of the finest residences in Marion County, about three miles from Marion, upon the Sandusky & Marion roadr was born February 17, 1833, son of Jacob and Susanna Coon, who came from Vermont in 1819, settling in the Sandusky Plain, near a little place called Little Sandusky. They entered 160 acres of land, which in time they increased to 500 acres. Their children numbered seven, all of whom are farmers. The father died in 1882, aged eight}T-three years, but the mother's decease took place ten years earlier, aged sixty years. Elkana, having obtained a limited education, purchased and inherited, in 1871, his present farm, then 540 acres, now 620 acres, in good repair, having 5,000 rods of tile draining it. This farm is valued at $80 per acre. Mr. Coon is devoting his attention to fine stock, all registered, principally Durham cattle, of which he has twent}- head of fullblooded and eighty head of grade, and two very fine specimens, aged three and four years respectively, weighing 2,300 and 2,400 pounds. He usually receives the first premiums at the count}' fairs, and has been fortunate at the State fair. February 5, 1862, Mr. Coon married Miss Ellen McBeth, daughter of Thomas and Jennie McBeth, and born September 3, 1843, in Washington County, Penn.T of Irish ancestry. The name of their one child is Francis E. Mr. Coon's grandfather was in the war of 1812. Prosperity has attended the labors of this family, and their $10,000 home is an ornament to the county. Mr. Coon estimates his wealth at $50,000.

JOSEPH COURT, an old and respected pioneer of Pleasant Township, was born in Hard}- County, Va., May 11, 1812. His father, Frederick Court, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1806 and settled in Baltimore. A year or so later, he moved to Hardy County, Va., where, in 1808, he married Ozilla Cuherly. the mother of Joseph, next mentioned. They emigrated to Ohio in 1814. settling in Ross County, in Frankfort. February, 1825. they came to Pleasant Township, this county, where Mr. Court purchased 160 acres of land, a part of which, forms the site of Owen's Station. Mr. Court was Trustee and Treasurer of Pleasant Township for a number of years. He died in November, 1841, aged sixty-eight years. Mrs. C. departed this life July 2 5. 1826, at the age of forty-three years. Of their eight children, seven are now living - George, Joseph, Amanda (wife of James Coffy), William (of A lien County), Elizabeth (wife of John Decker), and Phebe (wife of B. J. Camp). Mary, who married William Riley, is deceased. Mr. Court married for his second wife Mrs. Rachel Pomroy, who died near La Rue. Mr. Court, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and secured such an education as the primitive schools of the day afforded. He spent his e arly manhood till of age in clearing up the homestead. He entered, in 1834. eighty acres of land, of which he cleared forty acres. Selling this, he bought e ighty acres near Owen's Station. He made additions to this original purchase u ntil he owned about 500 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. He disposed of much of his real estate among his children, till he now owns but 166 acres. He lived on the farm and followed its pursuits and stock and grain raising until his removal to Marion in the fall of 1875, since which time he has lived retired. Mr. Court was married, June 29, 1834, to Miss Maria, daughter of Wheeler and Jane Sherman. Mrs. Court was born in Vermont October 1, 1814. By this marriage there were ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity, and are now living - George W.. William F., Sarah J. (wife of Caleb Almendinger). Mary (wile of Byron Folk). Louisa (wife of F. J. Folk). John I.. Joseph N., Stephen A. and Benjamin F. Mr. Court has tilled a number of places of public trust in his township and county, as Trustee and Clerk of Pleasant Township, holding each office three years, and Treasurer ten years. Justice of the Peace nine years. County Commissioner six years, and Infirmary Director for the same length of time. Since his residence in Marion, he has filled the office of Township Trustee two years, and various other local offices. Mr. Court embarked in life a poor man, but by perseverance and energy he succeeded in acquiring a goodly portion of this "world's goods," atone time owning about 500 acres of valuable land. He has borne his part in all public enterprises and improvements of his county that Mere intended to contribute to its growth and development. As a representative pioneer of Marion County, we give the portrait of Mr. Court in this work.

STEPHEN A. COURT, Prosecuting Attorney, was born in Pleasant Township May 11, 1855. He is a son of Joseph and Maria (Sherman) Court, whose history is given in this chapter. He attended the Northwestern Ohio Normal School at Ada. and graduated in June, 1877. He engaged in teaching at fifteen, and followed it winters for several years He read law with J. F. McNeal. beginning his studies in 1875. His admission to the bar was in January, 1878 ; 1879-80, he was a member of the firm of Abston & Court, and 1881-82, of the firm of Codding & Court. In 1880, he was elected City Solicitor, and re-elected in 1881, and, in 1881, was chosen to the chair of Prosecutor, the position he now occupies. September 20, 1877, he married Miss Olive F. Inskeep, daughter of James J. and Maria Inskeep. Mrs. Court was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 7, 1857. Two children were born to them, of whom one. Arthur B . is living ; Clvde C. is deceased. Mr. Court is identified with the I. O. O. F.. K. of P. and I. 0. of R. M.. and politically is a Democrat.

JAMES CULBERTSON is another of Marion's successful, enterprising citizens. His people were Scotch, but he was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, August 1, 1824, where he followed agriculture until he came here in 1850, whither his brother William had preceded him ten years. In 1862, he purchased his present home, consisting of a house and two lots. He also owns the store room occupied by Davis & Gates, and thirty-eight acres of land, located in the western part of the corporation, and 240 acres of wild land in Iowa Mr. Culbertson is well known throughout the county as a mason and contractor; and as a monument of his labor stand the Bartram, Campbell, and the Masonic Blocks of Marion, and the Prospect and Newman Bridges over the Scioto River. He has plied his trade here industriously for thirty-three years, being associated with his brother William a number of years. January 31, 1860, Mr. Culbertson married Miss N. C. Haldeman, daughter of Henry Haldeman, at one time editor and proprietor of the Independent, then known as the Buckeye Eagle. This union has been crowned with five childre l, one dying an infant. Their names are Harry W., Jennie (deceased), Grace and Mary. This family have been members of the Presbyterian Church for years, Mr. Culbertson for all his adult life. He is also an Odd Fellow. Mrs. Culbertson's people we're from the East, but were married in this county in 1833.

JOHN CULL is a native of Richland Township, born December 20, 1837; he is the son of Charles and Anna (Kile) Cull. Both Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cull's parents came from Germany, locating in fhe above township about 1830. Our subject's people were married in 1836, and they have had four children, three of whom are living - John, Margaret (wife of Jacob Klingel) and Jacob; Callie (wife of Samuel Kraner) died in the summer of 1881; Charles Cull died August 24, 1844, aged thirty-three years. Mrs. Cull is a resident of Claridon Township, aged (1883) sixty-seven years. She married Jacob Kaufman, and is the mother of his five children. Mr. John Cull was reared upon the homestead and educated in the district schools. Having assisted in the clearing-up of his farm, he, when eighteen, took up the blacksmith's trade, in Marion, with William Cull, serving three years. He followed his trade until 1870, whe i he engaged in the bakery and restaurant business. He was wedded, in 1856, to Mis9 Margaret Stoup, born also in the Fatherland, Atril 4, 1844. Her parents were Henry and Susan Stoup. Of their four children, three are living - Alice, Agnes and Vevena. Mr. Cull owns th > Cull Block, built in 1875, at a cost of $3,'»i»0, the adjoining block and one and a half acres on East Center street. He i an energetic citizen, a Democrat in political sentiment, and is connected with the I. O. O. F. and Encampment.

T. S. CUMMIN, one of Marion's old retired merchants, was born in Perry County, Penn., June 13, 1834. His father, Dr. William Cummin, was twice married, and was the father of six children, viz., T. S. (the subject of this sketch), Mrs. Rebecca J. Beatty, Mrs. Margaret S. Leonard (of Marion, Ohio), Hon. H H. Cummin (President Judge of the Twenty-ninth Judicial District, Lycoming County, Penn.) and Mrs. Mary A. Watson, all of Williamsport, Penn.; and R. I. Cummin, merchant, of Dayton, Ohio. Early in life, Mr. Cumm n, the subject of this sketch, began the career of a clerk at Duncannon, Penn., and followed it for six years; in 1855, he came to Marion and after clerking a short time for J. S. Reed &Co., he became a member of the firm of Johnson, Uhler & Co., which succeeded the former firm. He remained a partner till 1874, when the firm dissolved; but Mr. Cummin continued in the mercantile business up to the spring of 1880, when, on account of il! health, he was compelled to retire. He was a successful merchant, and was identified with the public interests of the town. He erected, in 1872-73, his residence o i East Center street, which is the most expensive residence in Marion. In 1881-82, he erected the Cummin Block, an imposing three-story brick, on the corner of Main and South streets. Mr. Cummin was married on the 24th of September, 1867, at Wooster, Ohio, to Miss Lavinia R. Hart, a daughter of William and Prudence Hart. Mr. Hart died in Juniata County. Penn., in 1855, an i in 1867 his widow moved to Wooster, Ohio, where she now resides. Mrs. Cummin was born in Juniata County, Penn., July 26, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Cummin have one daughte - Winifred. They are both consistent members of the Presbyt. rian Chruch.

H. H. CUNNINGHAM is a native of this county, is forty-three years of age, and the son of James and Nancy J. (Barks) Cunningham, who came from Berkeley County, Va., with their parents to Fail-field County, Ohio; the former was born in 1803, and the latter in 1805. His mother's father, John Barks, kept as a pioneer the old Blue Ball Tavern, south of town. His parents came to Marion County in 1826, entering forty acres, and clearing in his time 120 acres of forest land. He brought up ten children, five of whom are dead. He died in 1860, aged fifty-seven years, and the mother died in 1849, aged forty- four years. His grandfather, Robert Cunningham, was a Major in the war of 1812, and died from a wound received in service. The Barkses formerly originated in Germany. H. H. having received a common school education, enlisted April 19, 1864, in Company K, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at Rich Mountain, Romney, Winchester, Port Republic, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Martin's Ford, Mine Run and the Wilderness; was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, and honorably discharged after a service of three years. In 1882, he visited England, and imported some fine Clydesdale and English draft horses. In 1864, Mr. C. married Miss Mary A. Fncapher, daughter of George A. Uncapher, one of Marion County's early pioneers. This union has resulted in five children - Zoe (deceased), Louesa, Grace, Hortense and Inez. Mr. Cunningham has been Trustee of his township several t©rms, and 1868-72 was Sheriff of the county. He is a stirring man in business. In politics, he is an avowed Democrat, voting for Vallandigham and fighting in two battles the same day.

' BARTHOLOMEW CUSICK was born in County Mayo, Ireland. August 15, 1832, the fourth child in the family of Michael and Mary (Burk) Cusick, natives of the same county. The mother died in the old country in the spring of 1849, aged forty-five years, but the father came to America in 1880, and now resides with his children. B. Cusick sailed for the " land of the free" in his eighteenth year, the voyage requiring two months, in the sailing vessel Siddens. He first worked by the month in Luzerne County, Penn., for two years; he then went to Cleveland, Ohio, working his passage from Buffalo on board the vessel. He engaged there as a laborer upon the Cleveland & Erie Railroad, saving $500 in thirteen months. Having a limited education, he attended night school at Erie, Penn., laboring during the day. He thus passed two years, and then returned to Cleveland and was hired again by the same company for eight years, as night yardmaster in Cleveland; then laid tracks for the Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad Company one year; next want to Wellsville and became foreman and conductor on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad for seven years. At this time he married, and moved to Cleveland, taking charge of the C. & P. yard for one year. Thereupon he went to Akron and worked upon the A. & G. W. Railroad from 1863 to 1874, serving in the capacity of Trackmaster ten years of that time. In 1866, he bought 130 acres here, adding in 1870 seventy acres, in 1876 160 acres, and in 1882 forty-five acres, making in all 405 acres of land, which he keeps in a fine state of cultivation. In 1859, he married Eliza V. Welch, a daughter of Jacob Welch, of Warrenton, Jefferson County, Ohio. Eleven children have been born in this family, nine now living - Anna M., Agnes, Patrick H., Charlotte. John. James, Eliza, Joseph and Bartholomew Thomas B. and William are deceased. He is a Republican, and, with his family, members of the Catholic Church. JOHN E. DAVIDS, the oldest member of the Marion County bar. was born at Radnor, Delaware Co., Ohio, September 4, 1816. His parents, William and Magdalena (Jenkins) Davids, were both natives of Wales, the former of Montgomeryshire, and the latter of Carmarthenshire. His paternal grandparents, Thomas and Isabel (Morris) Davids, emigrated from Wales in 1803, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they resided two years, and then, in 1805, came to Ohio and settled near Radnor, Delaware County, where Mr. Davids died in 1810, of typhus fever. His maternal grandfather, Evan Jenkins, came from Wales with his family in 1802, and settled in Frankiinton, Franklin Co., Ohio, from where they removed in 1808 to Radnor, Delaware County, where they both died. In 1822, William Davids removed and located in Pleasant Township, this county, where he entered 160 acres of land. He cleared up and improved this land, and occupied it till his death, which occurred April 20, 1870, at the age of seventy-seven. He was a private in Gen. Hull's army in the late war with Great Britain, and served one year, 1813. He was Trustee of Pleasant Township, and and also filled other local offices. Mrs. Davids died November 26, 1866, aged seventy- three years. They had born to them eleven children, six of whom are living. John E. Davids, the subject of this notice, is the second son and child. He was brought up on the homestead, in Pleasant Township, and educated at the common log cabin schools and in Granville College, at Granville, Ohio, and at Delaware Academy. At the age of sixteen, he engaged in teaching, and followed it winters ten years. In 1838, he took up the study of law in the office of Gen. James H Godman. He was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of the State July 2, 1842. He practiced law three years, and engaged in merchandising, which he followed till September, 1867, when he sold out and resumed the law business. In October of the same year, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has since filled that office. He was appointed Notary Public in 1848, and has served as such to the present time. He was Mayor of Marion from 1858 to 1861 ; member of the Union School Board six years, and two years as its President; member of the City Council five years, and has been Secretary of toll pikes in the county for fifteen years. During the war, he was active in filling out the quota of the county and in furnishing supplies for soldiers' families. July 22, 1814, Mr. Davids was married to Charlotte Bain, daughter of William and Mary Bain. Charlotte was born in Franklin County. Ohio, July 19, 1826. To them were born eight children; of these, six are living, viz.: William B., of Fremont County, Colo.; Henry L., of N. Y., P. & O. Railroad; John H., of Minnesota; Chauncey N., of Saiida, Colo.; Libbie M. and Jennie M. John J. and Mary C. are deceased; the former died at the ago of two years, and the latter March 20. 1870, aged twenty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Davids are members of the Presbyterian

Church. Mr. D. is also connected with the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and temperance organization, and up to this date he has never drank a glass of lager beer or ale, and for fifty- five years not a drop of any intoxicating drinks. He owns a residence on West Center street, where he has resided since 1845, and twelve acres in West Marion, and other real estate in the city.

B. W. DAVIS, M. D., was born in Loudon County, Va., February 6, 1813. He is a son of Zephaniah and Mary (Irey) Davis, natives of the same county, in Virginia, the former of Welsh and the latter of English descent. John Irey, the father of Mrs. Davis, was also a native of Loudon County, Va. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was serving under Gen. La Fayette at the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. He came to Marion County in 1830, and settled in Claridon Township, where he died in 1838. and was buried in the old Caledonia Cemetery. In April, 1830, Zepbaniah Davis removed with his family to Marion County, ami settled in Claridon Townsnip, where he had entered land. He sold this land, and purchased another farm, to which he added by entry eighty acres. The same year (1830), Mrs. Davis had four brothers - Samuel, John, Enos and Stephen Irey, who came and settled in Claridon Township. Mr. Davis died on the homestead in March, 1858. His widow resided here till 1866, when she removed to Marion County, 111., at which place she died in 1871. Her remains were brought back, and interred in the Claridon Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had six children ; of these only the subject of this sketch is now living. John, since 1850, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and for many years the most prominent physician of that city, died June 10, 1883, and was buried in Marion Cemetery; Samuel died in 1830, aged fourteen; Emeline A. died in 1837, aged twentytwo; Susan married William P. Thew, and died August 6, 1852, aged thirtytwo, leaving live children, and Abel, who married Matilda Merritt, and had five children. He died in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 6, 1875. Dr. Davis, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the homestead farm, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen, he engaged in teaching in Columbiana County. He remained in Marion County most of the time till 1835, when he went to Belmont County. He followed the profession of teaching till 1819. During this time, he read medicine with Dr. William Estep, of Loydsville, and entered upon his practice in Belmont County in 1849, where he followed his profession till 1855, when he removed to Osborn, Greene Co., Ohio. He remained at that place until 1857, when he came to Caledonia, and in 1860 to Marion, where he has since successfully practiced his profession. Dr. Davis was one of the organizers of the Marion County Medical Society, and served as its President two years, and as Secretary for the same length of time. He is also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. In 1862, he was appointed by Gov. Tod as Examining Surgeon, to examine persons subject to draft. In 1872, he received from Wooster University the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine. He is now a member of the Board of Examiners, to examine pension applicants. November 23, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Hatcher. Of their four children since born, two are living - William Z. and Ellen. Laura F. died November 16. 1881, aged thirty-six, and Mary A. died in infancy. Mrs. Davis was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 13, 1819, and departed this life April 27, 1871. She was an active and useful member of the M. E. Church for many years Dr. Davis has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1839, and most of the time in an official relation.

WILLIAM Z. DAVIS, attorney, was born inLoydsville, Belmont County, Ohio, June 10. 1839. His early life, till sixteen years of age, was passed in the villages of Loydsville and Somerton, in his native county. In 1855, he went with his father, Dr. B. W. Davis, to live at Osborn, in Greene County, and attended school at Dayton and Miami City till the removal of his father to Caledonia in 1857. He came to Marion in 1859, and after attending the high school he entered the office of the County Clerk as assistant. While in this situation, he commenced reading law, under the preceptorship of Gen. James H. and H. C. Godman. In 1860, he turned his whole attention to law, and devoted himself assiduously to his studies, except while in the three months' service, till February, 1862, at which time he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio. While preparing himself for his profession, Mr. Davis, in response to the first call for troops, in April, 1861. enlisted as a member of Company H, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned to Marion and resumed his legal studies. August 5, 1862, he again entered the ranks of the army, this time in Company E, Ninety-sixth Regiment. He served in his regiment till seized with a sickness that disabled him from further military duty. He participated in the engagements of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in March, 1863. After recovering from the illness he had contracted in the service, he entered upon the practice of law with Messrs. West & Walker, of Bellefontaine. He had charge of the office of this firm while Judge West was in the State Senate and Mr. Walker was attending to his duties as United States Internal Revenue Assessor. In April, 1864, Gen. James H. Godman having been elected Auditor of State, Mr. Davis was admitted to succeed him in the law firm of J. H. & H C. Godman, which was changed to "Godman & Davis." In succeeding Gen. Godman, Mr. Davis took the place of one of the oldest and most successful practitioners at the Marion County bar. The law firm of Godman & Davis enjoyed an extensive practice during its existence, which terminated on the removal of Mr. Godman to Delaware in October, 1871. Mr. Davis has, since his engagement in the law business, devoted himself exclusively to its pursuits, and has advanced to the front ranks of the bar. He is an honorable, upright man, an excellent lawyer, and has established a large civil practice, extending into all the courts of the State and of the United States. Hehas frequently been solicited to become a candidate for important offices, and, although being in Senatorial and Congressional Districts that would insure his political success, he has hitherto declined political honors, preferring the profession of law, in which he has acquired a worthy reputation. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics, and has always taken an active part in the leading campaigns since 1860. December 3, 1868, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Harriet M. Search, daughter of Thomas Search, Jr., of Marion. Their three children are Griselda, Ernestine and Helen L. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Marion.

L. DENISON, of the drug firm of L. Denison & Co., was born in Youngstown, Penn., August 9, 1836, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah Denison. He came to Marion in September, 1851, with Dr. Gailey, for whom he clerked three years. At the latters death, in September, 1856, he entered the drug store of H. Peters as clerk. He subsequently became associated with P. O. Sharpless, remaining with him till October, 1871. He was then employed by H. True, and H. True & Co., druggists, from that time to

November 7, 1881, when the present firm was organized. Mr. Denison is probably the oldest druggist in Marion. October 22, 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Pancoast. daughter of Hezekiah Pancoast, and a native of Pennsylvania.

WILLIAM C. DENMAN, M. D., was born in Piqua, Ohio, January 29, 1851. His parents were Nathaniel and Catherine Denman. The Doctor grew to manhood in his native city, graduated at the high school at that place, in the class of 1870, and the same year went to Huntington, Ind., where he was connected with the First National Bank of the place for five years. He commenced reading medicine in Cincinnati in 1875, and after prosecuting a regular course, graduated at the Medical College of Ohio, with honors, in 1878, after a competitive examination by its staff, he was theo House Physician and Surgeon in the Good Samaritan Hospital of Cincinnati, for one year, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of surgery. Since then he has performed a number of important operations. In August, 1880, he came to Marion and formed a partnership with Dr. T. B. Fisher, the oldest physician in the county, with whom he continued ti 11 April, 1882, when the latter retired, and since that time the Doctor has had no partner in his practice. He has an extensive and increasing patronage, enjoying the confidence of the people, and is successful in his treatment. Dr. Denman is Secretary of the United States Board of Examining Surgeons for examining pension applicants ; a member, by invitation, of the American Medical Association since 1883 ; a member also of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Marion City Board of Health, and is Vice President of the Marion County Medical Society, of which he has also been Secretary two years. He is prominently identified with the material interests of the cily, and is an enterprising and public spirited citizen.

WILLIAM C. DENNIG, born in Baden, Germany, February 2, 1829, is the son of George A. and Mary (Daub) Dennig, natives of the same place. Mr. Dennig was born February 23, 1805 ; Mrs. Dennig in 1804. They were married in 1828, and came across the Atlantic in 1849, settling in Northampton County, Penn. Mr. Dennig died in the spring of 1851, and Mrs. Dennig passed away in 1861. They had six children, of whom William C. is the eldest. His father was a stone-cutter by trade ; so, while a boy, he learned the art, finishing an apprenticeship at fifteen. He went with his father to work before they left the old country, and so continued in this country some two years. He then found employment on the B. & O. R. R., nine months ; thereupon he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and labored there until November of 1852. He then returned to Pennsylvania for two years. Having married he moved to Cincinnati, and thence to Marion, where he has since resided. He followed his trade all the time except an interval of three years, when engaged in packing and shipping butter and eggs, handling tin, and the last year keeping a provision store. He was united in marriage February 21, 1854, with Miss Margaret Boyer, who was also a native of Baden, Germany, born February 23, 1828. Her parents were Christian Boyer (who resides with them, aged eighty-two years), and Christina Boyer, who died in 1879. Being compelled to retire from stone-cutting, he has been representing, since 1868, the Am-ora Fire Insurance Company. He owns a residence with one and a half acres, and a Lot ance Company. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Donnig belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.