Montgomery Township (part 5 of 5)

1823, in Montgomery Township, Chester Co., Penn. His parents, George and Margaret (Snyder) Miller, were natives of the same county. The grandfather of our subject was George Miller, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was killed while in that service. His wife, Catherine, died at the house of her son George, in Adams County, Penn. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. When T. S. Miller was six years of age, his parents moved to Adams County, Penn., where he lived till thirty-six years old. This afterward became historic ground, as the sanguinary and tiercely contested battle of Gettysburg commenced within a short distance from the homestead. In 1855, in company with his wife, her mother, two sisters and a brother, he came to Ohio and located at La Rue. The place then had the appearance of simply a pioneer clearing, stnmps being the most prominent feature of the landscape. The village then consisted of only about a dozen houses, all told. Seven years after his arrival at La Rue, his wife died. Her maiden name was Margaret Leber, and he married her in Penusylvania in 1849. Within ten years after his arrival at La Rue, all those who came with him had died. Mr. Miller passed his early years on a farm, but while stil] young learned the carpenter's trade at Strasburg, Penn., which business he followed until 1853, since when he has given his time and attention to hotel-keeping at La Rue. He has built four houses in the village for his own occupancy; the first was in 1856, and the last one is the Commercial Hotel building, where he lives. Mr. Miller has a farm adjoining the village, which he also attends to. In politics, he was formerly a Free-Soil Democrat, but since 1861 has been a Republican; he has served the village in various official positions; he was the first Village Treasurer, serving for thirteen or fourteen years; also Treasurer of Schools and School Director for many years, member of the Council, ete., ete. He is a charter member of Day Lodge, No. 328, I. O. O. É., of whieh he has acted as Treasurer for over twenty years; he has been a firm advocate of the temperance cause all his life, and was a member of the first temperance society organized in his section of Pennsylvania; belonged, at different times, to the Sons of Temperance, Good Templars, etc.; he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1855; he was formerly a member of the Lutheran Church, but as there was no congregation of Lutherans here he joined the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller was married again, January 1, 1863, to Margaret M. Bailey, at her father's, William Bailey house, three miles from Gettysburg, Penn. They have two children - Ida Nancy, born August 10, 1864, and Henry F. M., born April 6, 1866. They are living at home with their parents.

WASHINGTON E. MILLER is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, born May 1, 1824, the son of Royal and Mary (Pangbourn) Miller, of English extraction, the latter a native of New York and the former of Vermont They came to Ohio at a very early day, stopping first at Portsmouth, then at Delaware, but settling permanently in Big Island Township, about 1826. They had a family of five children, only two living - W. E. and Emaline. Green G. died May 22, 1858, aged forty-two years; John T. died in 1870, aged about fifty-three years, and Emma A. died in 1851, aged twenty-four years. Our subject acquired a fair practical education in the district schools. He married, April 22, 1850, Sarah S. Mason, a daughter of Rev. Joseph and Sarah (Sprague) Mason, of English ancestry. Mrs. Miller's grandfather Mason, is said to have been the first white man who set foot on Ohio soil at Marietta, this occurring about 1787. The above marriage has been blessed with six children, all living, save Adele S., who died February 8, 1865. Tho surviving are Curtis M., born December 7, 1551; Emily P.. December 25, 1852; Princess L., March 26, 1856; Frank V., May 8, 1858, and Vallandingham E., July 17, 1862. The mother was born September 12, 1824, and died March 6, 1882. Mr. M. began life with limited resources, but through industry and economy has accumulated property to the amount of $15,000, all the work of his own hands; he has been a citizen of the county fifty-six years, and is a stanch Democrat.

HENRY N. MOON isa native of Big Island Township, born May 1, 1846, the son of Rev. Gideon H. and Mary B. (Smith) Moon, of English stock, and natives of Vermont and Maine severally. They came to Big Island and were married there in 1841; ten children were born to their union, six are living: Henry N., Ellen M., Amanda E., Flora B., William R. and Orrin D. Esther, Eber B., Marilla and Thomas are deceased. Rev. Moon moved to Big Island about 1838, settling in the beech woods. Two years later, he was ordained to the ministry, and has preached over forty years. He went to Wayne County, Ill., in 1872, and lives there still. Our subject obtained a good education, finishing at the La Rue Schools, and taught at intervals for three years. January 21, 1869, he married Leah A. Hover, daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Scribner) Hover, of German and English ancestry, and natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio severally; his father came to Marion County in 1837, and his father entered 200 acres of land August 10, 1837, receiving a title from President Van Buren. Isaiah and Mary Hover had thirteen children, nine living - Sanford S., Martha S., Leah A., Sylvanus, Isaiah, Ellen M., Doratha M., Olive E. and Minnie E., Samuel H., aged thirty-three years, and three infants are deceased. Mr. Moon commenced life with scarcely anything, but has to-day (1883) fifty seven acres of good land, valued at $60 per acre. He is a respected citizen, a Republican, and with his wife a member of the Free-Will Church of La Rue.

DAVID MORRAL, the third son of William and Mary (Watkins) Morral, was born in Salt Rock Township September 25, 1857. He obtained a gobd education, and was married, October 31, 1878, to Eliza H. Davidson, a daughter of James and Minerva (Dalzell) Davidson, of German and Irish extraction, and the parents of seven living children - Elizabeth, John, William, George, Jane, Hugh V. and Eliza H. ; two deceased are Mary A., aged nine years, and Albert, aged two years. Mr. Morral receiving but a trifle from his father's estate, has to-day, through unceasing efforts, a farm of eighty acres, valued at $75 per acre. Recently he erected a comfortable frame house, and made other valuable improvements. He is an enthusiastic Republican, and a highly respected citizen.

MILTON MORRAL, first son of William and Mary (Watson) Morral, was born August 19, 1851. He obtained a good education, finishing at the Lebanon Normal School; he taught seven successive winters, but for the past five years, has been devoting his attention to dealing in stock; he owns 150 acres of valuable land worth $65 per acre. He is a prominent and an enthusiastic Republican. In 1879, he was nominated for County Recorder, and made a very creditable race, though not an aspirant for the office; he has been Trustee of the township four years, and in 1883 was elected Assessor; he is an active member of the F. & A. M., and was the first Master Mason at La Rue. IT

WILLIAM L. MORRAL is the fourth son of William and Mary (Watson) Morral, born April 2, 1861. Having obtained a practical education, he was married, December 25, 1880, to Miss Jennie Huff, daughter of

Joseph and Margaret Huff, of English stock, and natives of Ohio. The mother died in 1882, aged forty-four yeurs, but the father is a resident of Scott Town. William L. devotes his energies to his farm of eighty acres, and to stock dealing. His farm is valued at $70 per acre, and in stock matters he has made a success; he is a stanch Republican and a respected citizen.

JOSEPH MORRIS is a native of Marion Township, born August 9, 1835, the son of Benjamin and Sarah A. (Reiley) Morris, of English ancestry, and natives of Delaware. They were married in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 4, 1815, and came to Marion County in 1824. Having acquired a practical education in the common schools, Joseph remained with his parents until marriage, which occurred September 25, 1856, to Caroline McNeal, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth McNeal, natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have had five children, four living - Elizabeth E., Marshall A., William H. and Thomas O. Isaac J. died in 1878, aged sixteen years. Mr. Morris commenced with nothing, but to-day he has a farm of eighty acres (when purchased, all forest), in à good state of cultivation, which he values at $75 per acre. He is worth $7,000. As a citizen be has a good reputation.-Is a Republican, and, with his wife, à member of the Union Presbyterian Church.

REV. WILLIAM R. MORRIS was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 19, 1819, the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Reiley) Morris, of English and Welsh ancestry, and natives of the State of Delaware. At an early age, they came to the above county, and were married July 4, 18165. Mrs. Morris was the daughter of John and Elsie (Mitten) Reiley, and one of twelve children, seven still surviving - William R., Elizabeth, John R., Stephen, Elsie, Joseph and Sarah Z. The deceased were Isaac, born May 4, 1816, died September 22, 1838; Maria, born July 4, 1817, died October 12, 1839; Lydia, born October 23, 1828, died February 4, 1849, and Benjamin, born November 7, 1830, died March 21, 1842, and an infant son. Mr. W. R. Morris was brought to this county when only six years of age, his parents settling in Marion Township, and he has since remained in this county. He obtained a good practical education in the common and high schools at Marion, completing his school-days when aged twenty-three years. He taught more or less for four years, receiving from $12 to $15 a month. He was married in Wyandot County, Ohio, April 10, 1845, to Sarah A. Curlis, daughter of Jacob and Charity (Albertson) Curlis, of German descent, but natives of New Jersey. They were the parents of seven children, three surviving - David; Sarah A., born April 16, 1882; and John F. The names of the dead are - Elizabeth, Citturrah A., Rachel and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have five children, whose names are Olive E., born October 1, 1846; Jacob, November 4, 1848; Benjamin W. January 1, 1851; John F., May 10, 1858; and David M.! April 24, 1856; the four eldest are married. Mr. Morris owns a fine farm, consisting of 265 acres, and is one of the best farmers in the township, and enjoys the full confidence of his neighbors. He is a stanch Democrat; was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners, caused by the death of W. H. Harvey, and subsequently was elected to that office in 1863. He was Trustee of the township eight consecutive years, is a prominent member and liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been officially connected as a minister for many years.

1841, when he moved upon a farm of eighty acres one and a half miles east of Marion. About-eight years later, he sold the 240 acres near Scott Town and bought of Gen. Rowe the Histler farm of 320 acres joining the eighty acres east of Marion. Here he erected a fine residence and other buildings and lived there until the spring of 1864, when he was killed by a train of cars, on what is now the N. Y., P. & O. Railroad. He left"a widow and six children. His son, George Ambrose Mouser, enlisted in the spring of 1861 in the second military company raised in Marion County, to serve as a Federal soldier in the war of the rebellion, and died in October of the same year of typhoid fever, at Cumberland, Md. He was a talented young man, and considered a natural orator. He was popular in his regiment, and would no doubt have made a brilliant record had it not been for his untimely end. Another son, Homer S., was also out in the 100-day service. Isaac Mouser was married to Ann Eliza Strawbridge, a daughter of Justus Strawbridge, who came from England when a boy and settled in what was Columbia County, near Harrisburg, Penn. Justus Strawbridge married Ann Maus, a daughter of a wealthy German family who traced their ancestry to the nobility of Germany. After Isaac Mouser's death, his widow moved to Shelbyville, Ill., where she died in March, 1875; her remains were brought back and buried in the Marion Cemetery. The children of Isaac Mouser and his wife, Ann Eliza (Strawbridge) Mouser, are as follows: J. A. Mouser, a practicing physician at La Rue, Marion County, Ohio; Homer S., a lawyer at Shelbyville, Ill.; Abram O., a lawyer in Sullivan, Ill.; Isaac J., a lawyer in Huron, Dakota. Of the daughters, Mary J. married Daniel Jacoby and resides in Abilene, Kan.; and Emily H. married Rev. George W. Burns, who now owns a farm near Bloomington, Ill, and preaches in the vicinity. All the boys except Isaac J. are classical graduates of the Ohio Wesleyau University and Mary J. is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan Female College of Delaware, Ohio.

J. A MOUSER, M. D., was born in Salt Rock Township, Marion County, Ohio, December 13, 1835, and is the son of Isaac and Ann Eliza : (Strawbridge) Mouser. The Doctor was reared to the life of a farmer. At the age of twenty, he commenced teaching school, and in March, 1856, became a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he graduated in the classical course, June 26, 1862. He soon afterward commenced the study of medicine, with Dr. R. L. Sweney, of Marion, with whom he remained two years. He attended medical lectures at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati two winters, graduating March 2, 1865, and was examined and accepted as Acting Assistant Surgeon of the United States Army, and sent to the post hospital at Camp Butler, Illinois. He was married, March 1, 1864, to Sarah E. Delong, a daughter of Dr. H. P. and Ann S. (Holmes) Delong. From this marriage there were eight children - May Delong, Ambrose Henry, Grant Earl, George, Maud, Lloyd, Howard and Roy Homer. At the close of the war, Dr. Mouser came to La Rue J uly 31, 1865, and commenced the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr. Delong, which continued until 1869; since then he has practiced alone. In polities, the Doctor was a Republican until 1872; since that time he has acted with the Prohibition party. He has ever been an earnest advocate of temperance, and has taken an active part toward the suppression of the traffic in intoxicating liquors within the vicinity of La Rue. The Doctor has served the citizens of La Rue Village as Councilman two terms, and as mem - ber of the Board of Education about ten years, of which he is now the President. He is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and the P. O. S. of

A., and also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and one of the founders of the present Marion County Medical Society. He is very pleas- 'antiy situated in La Rue, but has recently made purchases of property at Abilene, Texas, with which place he was so favorably impressed that he has some idea of moving there with his family.

JAMES C. MUSTAIN was born in Virginia, October 25, 1817, the son of Healey and Elizabeth (Butcher) Mustain, of English and German ancestry respectively, but natives of Virginia. This family migrated to Ohio in 1813,settling in Logan County six years, when they moved to Marion Couniy, locating in Bowling Green Township, among the first settlers. He was born May 6, 1787, and died February 12, 1863, aged eighty-one years; his wife was born March 15, 1791, and died June 26, 1866, aged seventyfive years. James C., having received a limited education, married, Dec- 'ember 16, 1841, Sarah Johnson, daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Lobdell) Johnson, of English ancestry, but natives of Ohio and New York. They were the parents of six children, only two living - - Sarah, born February 23, 18283, and Levi, May 30, 1825. The deceased are Mary, Samuel, Rebecca and Jared. James C. and Sarah Mustain have had two children - Maria A., born May 5, 1853, and James C., born October 6, 1849, died April 27, 1875. Mr. Mustain has always given his attention to farming, but forthirty-one years bas been a resident of La Rue, purchasing the first lot sold in this village; he is a respectable citizen; himself and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for the past twenty years; in politics, he is a Republican.

ELIAS MYERS, a retired farmer, born September 12, 1814, in Hampshire County, Va., is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Puckman) Myers, who came to Licking County, Ohio, in 1816, remaining there ten years, when they moved to Franklin Counts, Ohio, and came to Marion County in 1829. They settled in Montgomery Township. Elizabeth, the wife, died May 12, 1829, and Jacob in 1856, in Missouri, aged seventy two years. The name of their second child is Jonathan. Having obtained a limited education, Elias Myers began when fourteen years of age to learn the tanner's trade, which he completed when twenty years old; that same year he commenced the tanning business for himself in Montgomery township, continuing in that avocation for twenty-five years. When a young man, he with his father, Jacob Myers, and Washington Armstrong, built the first mill, ground the first flour and sawed the first log in this township. La Rue was then a wilderness. Mr. M. married, September 18, 1836, Jane Walker, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Walker, natives of Delaware, and the parents of six children, four of whom still survive - John, Jane, Mary and Eliza Walker. Jane, the wife of Mr. Myers, died September 18, 1839, leaving one child, John, who also died aged twenty-three years. Mr. Myers married again, June 24, 1841, Parmelia, the widow of Richard Tamany, and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Spracklen. 'This family worships at the United Brethren Church. Mr. Myers was a farmer for a number of years, and ir politics is a Republican.

GILBERT N. MYERS, Esq., was born in Montgomery Township May 16, 1842, the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Davis) Myers (see Jonathan Myers' sketch). Having attained a fair education, Mr. Myers followed the business of teaching at intervals for ten years. About this time, he spent three years visiting the West, including Nebraska and Kansas and Colorado, etc. Returning, he married, May 12, 1874, Miss Harriet Ward, daughter of David and Margaret (Pangburnj Ward, and settled in Dudley Township,

Hardin Co., Ohio, and lived there seven years. Two children crowned this union - Gilbert C. (deceased) and Vesta L., nged (1883) six years. This wife died September 22, 1877, aged thirty-two years. Mr. Myers married again May 5, 1881, in St. Elmo, Illinois, Anna Hollis, daughter of Henry T. Hollis, M. D., and Ruth (Teeters) Hollis, and they have had one child - Hattie M. While living in Hardin County, Ohio, Mr. Myers served as Justice of the Peace three years, and in 1873-74 edited a newspaper in connection with J. J. Hopkins. He came to La Rue in 1881, where, in 1882, he was again elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1883 to the office of Treasurer of the township. He is now filling both of these offices satisfactorily He is a respected citizen, and is identified with the I. O. O. F., the Freemasons and the Republican party.

JONATHAN MYERS is a retired farmer, born in Licking County, Ohio, December 25, 1819, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Ruckman) Myers, of German and English ancestry respectively, but natives of Virginia. They were the parents of two children - Elias and Jonathan. The father was born June 14, 1787, and died June 3, 1857, aged seventy years. The mother, born March 14, 1784, passed away May 12, 1839, aged fifty-five years. Mr. Myers first settled in Marion in the fall of 1829, and settled upon the banks of the Scioto, in Montgomery Township, the spring of 1835, among the first pioneers of the township. December 24, 1839, he married Elizabeth Davis, daughter of William H. and Mary (Johnson) Davis, of Welsh and English ancestry, and natives of Delaware. They were the parents of fourteen children. The living are Asa Edward, Gilbert Nelson, Harvey Wilson, Williain Jacob, Joshua Davis, Sarah Mariah, Nancy Jane, Robert Jonathan, Permela Luelia and James Samuel. The deceased are Mary Elizabeth, George, Sr, George, Jr. and John Henry. Mrs. Myers was born January 16, 1823, and died September 10, 1869, aged fortytsix years. Mr. Myers began life a poor boy, and has given his attention almost exelusively to farming (though for ten years he worked some at tanning), and is the owner to-day of 300 acres of well-improved and valuable land, besides town property in Lincoln, Neb., and a beautiful residence in La Rue, where he lives at present. He is not an office-seeker, though he has served as Trustee of the township. He is worthy of the respect of all, and enjoys the same. He is a member of tbe Free-Will Baptist Church, and the Republican party; is still hale and hearty.

WILLIAM J. MYERS is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Davis) Myers, a native of Montgomery Township, born July 5, 1845. He acquired an education in the common schools and remained with his parents until his marriage, which took place October 1, 1873, to Miss Emma Topliff, daughter of Lewis and Dorcas (Bent) Topliff, and five children have been born to them. Their names are Louis E., born October 9, 1874; John S., _ July 19, 1876; Princess L., January 15, 1879; William, December 15, 1882; and Mary E., died September 4, 1881, aged five and a half months. Our subject has been devoting his entire attention to the art of farming, and so successful have been his efforts that he owns 242 acres of fine land, located one and a half miles north of La Rue. Recently, he has made valuable improvements. He is energetic, highly respected, a member of the I. O- O. F., a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

PHARLES NOYES, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 1, 1841, son of Charles and Susan (Fisher) Noyes, of Scoteh, French and German ancestry, but natives of Ohio, and Massachusetts respectively. Our subject came to Marion County, in 1860, and married July 29, 1863, Miss Lydia Hastings, daughter of John and Jane Hastings, whose parents (Jane's) were of Irish descent. This union has resulted in the birth of seven children - Hiram M., Clarence S., Luther A., Edna E., Susan M., Magdalena J. and John C. Mr. Noyes commenced life for himself when aged fourteen years, and so successful have been his efforts, that he owns to-day (1883) 160 acres of improved land, valued at $70 per acre. He makes a specialty of thoroughbred horses. Politically, he is an Independent voter.

LARA O'HARA is a native of the Esmerald Isle, born July 11, 1811, and emigrated to America in 1833. stopping in New York three years, in Connecticut one year, then to Northhampton, Mass., one year, then to Galion, Ohio, where he engaged in a tannery. His advent in La Rue occurred in 1853. August 25, 1855, he married Catherine Golather, daughter of John and Nora A. Golather, residents of Ireland, and the parents of three children - Patrick, Catherine and Ann. Lara and Catherine O'Hara are the parents of six children, four of whom are living-- Andrew, Catherine Lara, Jr., and Anora. The names of the deceased are John and Michael. Mr. O'Hara has been engaged with the C., C., C. & I. Railroad, since its construction in 1853, the most of the time having in charge the water tank at La Rue. His son Andrew has been engaged with the same road, acting for eleven years as operator, and three as train dispatcher. At the age of twenty-five years, he was promoted to the responsible position as master of transportation at Union City, Ind. Mr. O'Hara and family are Catholies; he is a Democrat. :

MRS. JANE (CAREY) OWENS, widow of Hiram A. Owens, was born in Sussex County, Del., August 12, 1830, a daughter of William and Agnes (Pettit) Carey,of Irish and Scotch extraction, and natives of the same county. They eame to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1834, remaining there a short time, thence to Montgomery Township the same year. settling on the banks of the Scioto River, the Indians eneamping across the river; thence near Carey's Station, iiving there about five years. They had six children, five living - Jane, George R., Winget L., Nancy A., Mary P.; William died in infancy. The father died about 1876. Our subject was married, May 18, 1862, to Hiram A. Owens, and one daughter, Augusta, was born to them. He was a son of Isaac and Margaret (Turpens) Owens, of Irish and Scotch ancestry, and natives of Sussex County, Del. They moved to Ohio in 1824, stopping in Pike County eleven years, thence to Putnam County two years, coming then to Montgomery Township. As a citizen, he won the esteem of the community. He died December 21, 1866, aged seventy-nine years; Margaret Owens, his wife, died March 18, 1881, aged ninety-four years. Mr. Hiram Owens acquired his education in the common school, and. married first Miss Satira Sprague, daughter of William and Sarah (Davis) Sprague. There have been born to them three children, two living - Minerva D., born September 8, 1850; William, May 25, 1856. The deceased was Irwin C., died September 28, 1849, aged two years. Mrs. Owens was born August 14, 1864, and died November 7, 1860, aged thirty one years. | Mz, O. was an influential farmer, owning at his death 240 acres. His decease occurred in 1865. By industry Mrs. O. has added 115 acres, owning with her step-son 354 acres, valued at $70 per acre. They make rearing of stock a specialty.

WILLIAM E. PARKER was born in Zane Township, Logan County, Ohio, April 5, 1844. His parents' names were William and Heppy (Ewaus) Parker, the former a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and the latter of Lo- gan County. Ohio. He passed his youth in Logan County, and learned the business of a miller in his father's mill at West Liberty. In 1862, being then eighteen years of age, he was employed as a clerk for the Quartermaster of the Fifty fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then stationed near Clarksburg. Va., remaining in this position for eighteen months. In 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months; was with a detachment of his regimeni that participated in the battle of Cold Harbor, and on the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged October 5, 1864, when he returned home. He soon secured a clerkship in the Bellefontaine Railroad freight office, where he remained until 1869. when he was appointed railroad agent at La Rue, a position that he held for six years; then he was transferred to Anderson, Ind., acting as railroad agent at that place for six months; then returned to La Rue and was employed at the wood-bending works until April, 1883, when he was appointed Postmaster at La Rue, a position which he now holds. Im polities, he is a Republican, and has served the village of La Rue as its Mayor for one term, and as a member of the Council for two terms. He was married in January, 1877, to Miss Emma F. Bechtold, a daughter of Christian Bechtold, and by this marriage there are two children - Margaret and John Christian.

CORD H. PRETTYMAN was born in Sussex County, Del. January 9, 1825, the son of Joseph and Nancy (Walker) Prettyman, of English and Scotch-Irish ancestry, and natives of the same State. They came to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1832, stopping there four years. and they settled permanently in Montgomery Township, Marion County, Ohio. They were the parents of twelve children, five surviving - Cord H., Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah and David. The names of the deceased are Mary, Nancy. George, Robert. James, Kensey and Violetta. The father died September 25, 1840, and the mother January 14, 1871. "Phe subjeet of this sketch, having ob. tained a practical education, was for three years a drover, and two years a bartender for Lyman Walker, of Marion. He married, October 29, 1846, Comfort O. Wilson, born May 13, 1827, a dauzhter of Kendle and Amelia (Dutton) Wilson, of English ancestry, and natives of Delaware. They moved to Ohio, and settled in Bowling Green Township, Marion County, where he died in 1833. His wife survived until 1860. Mr. C. H. Prettyman and wife are the parents of ten children, nine living - Nelson T., born October 93, 1840; Jennie A., November 9, 1851; George W., July 5, 1853; Alice, April 29, 1855; Happy V., February 19, 1857; Malinda B., December 13, 1859; Jeannetta L., November 28, 1861; Lovey A., June 23, 1864, and Nellie V., February 6, 1867. George W. P. was born May 5, 1848, and died May 27. 1852. For two years, Mr. Prettyman bought and shipped stock, but he has been giving his attention principally to the farm, which contains 278 acres of good land. He settled upon it in 1886, when it was a dense wilderness. He has been Trustee of the township several terms, its Assessor one year, and a member of the Board of Education five years, and of the County Board of Agriculture eight years. He is a Republican, belongs to the F. & A. M., to the I. O. O. F., and to the Methodist Episeopal Church.

DAVID PRETTYMAN, son of Joseph and Nancy (Walker) Prettyman, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 4, 1897, of English and Scotch-Irish ancestry. Having acquired a fair education, he married, May 10, 1857, Martha J. Beach, who was born February 2, 1839, and three chil. dren were born to them - Trven. born March 30. 1858: Joseph. born June

19, 1865; and Eloiry, born December 30, 1862, dying April 21, 1863. Mr. Prettyman has been dependent on his own resources since his twelfth year, and so successfully has he labored that he now has eighty acres of valuable land, worth $60 per acre. He is a worthy citizen, Democrat, and a mem. ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE H. POSTLES, sole proprietor of a livery stable at La Rue, Ohio, was born in Sussex County. Del., April 15, 1833, the son of John and Mary (Gray) Postles, of German descent and natives of the above State. They came to this State in 1839, settling in Salt Rock Township, Marion County, among the first settlers. They had four children, three of whom survive - Mary E., Rachel À. and George H.; Eliza J. is dead. Mr. Postles was married August 16, 1855, to Ann Waples, daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Waples, of English ancestry, and natives of Delaware. This union has been crowned with six children - Eluore J., Mary R., John E., Georgietta, Harry B. and Louis. Mr. Postles, having obtained a limited education, engaged when aged eighteen years in farming, continuing ten years, when he followed tanning and other-occupations. Some time since, he moved to La Lue, purchasing his stable of B. W. Miller. He is keeping a good outfit in both buggies and horses, and is commanding his share of the patronage of the traveling publie. He enjoys the respect of the community, aud is a Democrat

SAMUEL R. RILEY is a native of Montgomery Township, born February 3, 1857, the oniy son of William Riley. He was educated wholly at the common school, and was married October 1, 1878, to Hannah M. Miller, daughter of George W. and Mary (Endreken) Miller. The name of their only child is George William, born September 25, 1879. Mr. Riley is a promising young man; being strictly moral,.energetic and business like. Already he has accumulated a property of $3,000. He is a Republican, and a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and she belongs to the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM RILEY was born October 20, 1823, the son of William and Vezy Riley, of English extraction, and natives of Delaware, who came to Ohio, settling in Marion County at a very early date, having obtained a deed of some land in this county even before the war of 1812. They had six children, three still living - John, William and Robert. The deceased were Nancy, Patience and an infant son, George. The mother died in 1829, but the father survived until 1846. William Riley, having received a fair education from the district schools, married, February 23, 1851, Elizabeth Powell, born March 8, 1831, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Powell, natives of Wales. They have had tive children - Lydia J., born January 31, 1852; Mary E., August 22, 1854; Samuel R., February 3, 1857; Sarah E., October 12, 1859, and Princess I., June 24, 1863. Mrs. Riley's death occurred October 9, 1880. Mr. Riley received a small pittance from his father's estate, but has accumulated a snug little fortune, having now 145 acres of land, valued at $70 per acre. He was born, reared, and has always lived in this county. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he resides, is a member of the .Free- Will Baptist Church, and is a Republican.

ALEXANDER ROBINSON was born in Washington County, Penn., September 27, 1888, the son of Daniel and Sarah (Farbie) Robinson, of German ancestry, and natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. They came to Ohio in 1847, brought up eight children, the mother dying in 1875, and the father in 1882. Alexander moved to Marion County when twenty-two years of age, and married, December 31, 1857, Sarah A. Carter, born February 25, 1835, the daughter of James and Christiana (Kepler) Carter, the former of English and the latter of German extraction. They came to Ohio in an early day, and to Marion County, settling on the present farm of their daughter in 1835. He was one of the first settlers, and became prominent in the politics of the day, and in the ownership of large tracts of land. His death occurred in 1846. Mrs. Robinson, his daughter, has resided nearly a half century on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs R. are the parente of one child - James W., born August 277, 1859. These people commenced life with limited means, but through industry and good management have a comfortable home, and a farin of 151 acres, a property valued at $10,000. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in the late civil war, in Company f, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, and was wounded in a battle near Harper's Ferry, being struck on the foot by a fragment of a bursting shell; this took place July 7, 1864. In this engagement, his regiment, numbering: 1,000 strong, lost full one-nalf in killed, wounded and prisoners. His discharge dates, * Camp Chase, Ohio, September 28, 1864." He is a member of the I. O. O. F., at La Rue, Ohio, the Republican party, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHARLES E. SAWYER, M. D., was born near Wyandot, Ohio, January 24, 1860, the son of Alonzo N. and Harriet M. (Rogers) Sawyer, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively, and of English ancestry. When young, they came to Ohio, and became the parents of six children, only Charles E. still surviving. Dr. Sawyer obtained a good practical education at the village school, at Nevada, Ohio, and when aged seventeen years, commenced to study medicine, under the instruction of Dr. W. F. White, of the same place. He graduated at the medical college, at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1881, and began to practice at La Rue, Ohio, April 26 of the same year; during these two years, he has secured an enviable patronage for a young man. August 11, 1879, he married at Nevada, Ohio, May E. Barron, daughter of Rev. James H. and Abbie J. (Walker) Barron, of En. glish ancestry, who were the parents of seven children, all living - Loyal W., May E., Ossian E., Minnie O., Metta D., James W. and Jennie N: The Doctor has one heir, Charles W., born May 30, 1881. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a liberal oP DR. J. K. SCOTT was born in Leesburg Township, Union Co., Ohio, March 12, 1844. He passed his early years on a farm, and having pro. cured a good English education, commenced in 1868 the study of medicine in the office of Dr. S. S. Skidmore, at Pharisburg, Union County, remaining with him three years. During this time, he attended one course of medical lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich., and the following winter a course of lectures at the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, where he grad. uated in 1871. He immediately commenced the practice of medicine with his preceptor at Pharisburg, continuing with him two years, and on the 28th of April, 1873, he came to La Rue, where he has been in continuous practice up to this time. The Doctor was married in September, 1875, to Ella Hastings, who died October 8, 1879. "The Doctor married the second time, December 18, 1881, Alice Corry; they have two children - Maud and Alfred. Dr. Scott enlisted in August, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war in July, 1865, at Charlotte, N. C. He partieipated in the battle of the Cedars, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 7, MM

1864, where he was wounded by a gunshot in the right arm, disabling him until the Ist of the following March, and on the 10th of March took part in the battle of Kinyston, and from this to the close of the war in several skirmishes. The Doctor is a member of La Rue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., and is a Prohibitionist in politics. He is also the owner of a fine livery stable, located in the east part of the village.

LEROY SCRANTON was born March 24, 1834, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the fourth son of Alson and Wealthy (Whitlock) Scranton, the former dying August 20, 1843, and the latter January 19, 1844, aged forty-two years. The subject of this sketch, having received a limited education, was married, November 9, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Myers, a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Davis) Myers, and six children have blessed their home. Their names are Eva A., born August 30, 1866: Elnora J., March 2, 1870; Sarah L, May 16, 1872; John A., February 17, 1876; Ada B., November 16, 1879; and Orra E., died August 23, 1870, aged two and one-third years. Mrs. Myers, born April 1; 1847, was a devoted Christian, a consistent member of the Free-Will; Baptist Church; her death took place March 7, 1881. Mr. Scranton began life with but $50, but at present, through his indefatigable efforts, owns 120 acres of excellent land. He enrolls his name with the honorable list of " 100-day " men during the late war, and having engaged in a spirited contest at Maryland Heights, was honorably discharged September 1, 1864, having served his full time. He is a stanch Republican, and a member of the Free-Will Baptist Chureh at La Rue.

WARNER SCRANTON, sole proprietor of the leading house in the furniture business at La Rue, Ohio, was born in Grange County, Ohio, April 30, 1826, the son of Alson and Wealthy (Whitlock) Scranton, of English ancestry, and natives of New York and New Hampshire respectively. They were the parents cf seven children, four of whom survive - Warner, Edson, Leroy and Edwin; the names of the deceased are Lyman, Sarah and Albert. Mr. Scranton married, January 22, 1852, Martha A. (Ward) Hogle, widow of Jacob Hogle, and daughter of John Ward. There were born to this union two children - George P., born October 6, 1852; and Walter D., who died November 23, 1862, aged eleven months and five days. The wife died in May, 1864. Our subject married again, April 30, 1865, Margaret P. Dillow, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stewart) Dillow. Mr. Seranton, having obtained a moderate education, was thrown upon his own resources at the age of eighteen years by the death of his father. He chose for his occupation farming, and in 1857 moved his family to Hardin County, Ohio, for three years. In 1861 he came to Marion County, losing his wife as aforesaid. May 2, 1864, he entered Company .H, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio National Guard. He was engaged at Harper's Ferry and many skirmishes, and was honorably discharged at Co- : lumbus September 1, 1864. Being later irregulavly drafted in Madison County, Ohio, he obtained a release by the payment of $300. He sold his farm of 114 acres, located in Hardin County, Ohio, and moved to La Rue in October, 1881, purchasing a lot, and erecting a commodious ten-room house. He is conducting a good business with a stock of $1,200. He is an exemplary citizen, and a Republican in politics.

HENRY H. SHARP was born in Montgomery Township December 16, 1844, and is the son of John and Mary Sharp. He enlisted to serve on the Union side in the war of the great rebellion, November 22, 1861, at Marion, in Company D, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and re-enlisted at Blain's Cross Roads, East Tenn., to serve during the remainder of the war as a veteran, and was mustered out of the service January 3, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. He participated in twenty-seven battles, and was wounded September 19, 1863, by a gunshot in the left side at the battle of Chickamauga, and was again wounded ai the battle of Rocky Face Ridge. Ga., by a gunshot through the right shoulder and arm; from the effects of this wound his shoulder on that side is lower than the other. Mr. Sharp was married, March 30, 1870, to Maggie Davis, of Delaware County. They have two children - Belle, born January 7, 1878, and Scott, born August 27, 1879.

H. L. SIMONS, son of John and Mary Simons, natives of Pennsylvania. His birth took place February 19, 1840, in Beaver County, Penn. When aged fourteen years, he was working upon the tow-path of the Penn- Sylvania Canal; his home, however, was in Westmoreland County, Penn., until 1862, when he emigrated to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He enlisted in the late war August 20, 1862, under Capt. Alonzo Robbins, Company F. One Hundred and 'Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. PHe was engaged at Winchester under Mulligan, where he was captured and sent to Libby, Castle Thunder and Belle Isle two months; when taken to Annapolis, Md., he walked to Greensburg, Penn., a distance of 300 miles, rejoining his regiment October 20, 1863. At Newmarket, they lost seventy-six men in fifteen minutes. At Piedmont, June 5, 1864, be assisted in the capture of Gen. Henry Jones. He was at Lynchburg, Parkersburg and Snicker's Gap; at the last place but ten men were left in the company, and but forty in the regiment. He engaged also at Kerren Town, Hall Town, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run (five days' fight,where he captured a rebel flag), Battery George and Appomattox Bridge, when he was again made a prisoner, and retained as such until the surrender of Lee's army, and then he was exchanged. His honorable discharge dates " June 12, 1865. Camp Chase, Ohio." After the close of the war, he worked at the carpenter trade. Mr. Simons was married to Malinda J. Spracklen, October 15, 1868; she was the daughter of the Rev. Alfred and Abigail Spracklen, and was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 17, 1842, and died January 4, 1878. They had two children - Guy H. and Naomi P. Naomi died March 24. 1878. Mr. S. married Lydia Bent March 17, 1880; since then he has been farming. He supports the Democratic ticket and is a member of the Union Presbyterian Church.

MRS. LYDIA SIMONS, the widow of Charles Bent and wife of the preceding, was the daughter of James and Jane (DeMoss) Vezey, and born February 4, 1839, in Montgomery Township. Her parents were natives of Ohio, but of English and French descent. hey were the parents of three cbildren - Lydia, Sarah and Betsy. The mother died about 1850, but the father survived until 1862. Mrs. S. was first married, November 1, 1862, to Charles Bent, born March 17, 1836, son of Elijah and Maria (Carr) Bent. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she re. mains a member. His decease occuyred May 19, 1873. She again mar. ried, March 17, 1880, Henry L. Simons, as above stated. She inherited her farm of 120 acres from her parents; has erected a fine house and made com.

le improvements. > SSPE SLAGLE, deceased, was born in. Scott Township March 5, 1844, the son of Jacob and Dinah (Zuck) Slagle, of German ancestry, and natives of Maine and Ohio respectively. He came with his parents in 1819, to Ross County, Ohio, where they resided until 1840, when they moved to

Marion County, settling in Scott Township. He was one of the first settlers of Ohio, and among the earliest of the above townships. They reared a family of seven children, five living - John, Joseph, Thomas F., Margaret A. and Lydia J. The names of the deceased are Placida and Wesley. Having acquired a fair education, Joseph Slagle enlisted in defense of his country October 7, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the following battles: Chickasaw, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hills, Vicksburg, Jackson and Snaggy Point (capturing buat); this last was attended with fearful carnage; two-thirds of the men. were either captured, killed or wounded. Mr. S. escaped by traveling through the pine regions to Alexandria, where he was assigned to the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went to Alonda, Ala., engaging at Blakely, Ala. He then was sent to Texas, joining the Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged October 14, 1865. Upon bis return he was sick two years. In 1869, he came to Montgomery Township, and was married April 18, 1872, to Miss L. A. Miller, daughter of John T. and Hannah (Elland) Miller, of English stock. The former died December 30, 1871, aged thirty years; the latter is still living. Mr. Slagle owned 100 acres of good land, upon which he grazed a large number of stock. He died June 24, 1883, leaving a kind and affectionate wife, and many friends to mourn his loss. He was an ardent Republican and a faithful citizen.

JOSEPH SLANSER, of the firm of Allen & Slanser, was born October 5, 1835, in Switzerland, the son of Andrew and Catherine Slanser. His father came to America, 1851, settling in Mercer County, Ohio, purchasing forty acres of land, and died at the age of forty-five years. The mother died in her native land, in 1838. Joseph accompanied his father to this country, with a very limited schooling, but by self. exertion he has aequired a good education. He first learned the carpenter's trade, but during the past eighteen years has been devoting himself to milling. He established the present partnership in 1880, planing and manufacturing lumber, and much minor work incident to such a business, at times employing fifteen hands. À

SARAH SPRAGUE was born iu Washington County, Ohio, August 7, 1807, and was the daughter of Elisha and Nancy (Allison) Davis. She was married, December 28, 1826, to William Sprague. From this marriage there were eleven children, four living, as follows: Elisha D., born November 11, 1827; Sarah E., June 22, 1838; William H., October 21, 1840, and Emily O., October 5, 1845. The deceased are Ann E., born December 9, 1830; Viletta, born August 30, 1833; Arinda, August 11, 1835; Louisa A., April 8, 1843; Olive P., April 5, 1848; Wilber N., December 15, 1850 All of the foregoing children died when from two to seven years of age. and Satira was born May 11, 1829, and died November 11, 1860., William Sprague, the father of these children, was born May 2, 1805, and died September 16, 1850, leaving Mrs. Sprague with six children to care for. Those that grew to be men and women are highly respected citizens. For the last thirty years Mrs. Sprague has depended upon her own management of business affairs, which has been successful. Some time since, she sold her farm of 320 acres near Scott Town, and now resides in a pleasant residence on Main street, La Rue, with her daughter Emily. She is amember of the Free-Will Baptist Church. The parents of Mrs. Sprague were of English and Irish ancestry, and natives of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania respectively, and came to Ohio with their parents at a very early period. Her father came to Marion County in 1823, remaining about two years, and subsequently settled permanently in Montgomery Township, where he died aged sixty-seven years. His wife had then been dead twenty. nine years.

` WILLIAM H. SPRAGUE was born October 21, 1840, in Montgomery Township, the son of William and Sarah (Davis) Sprague. He acquired a good education, closing with a few months at Hillsdale Collége, Mich. He continued farming with and for his mother until marriage, which occurred November 24, 1864, to Miss Jane Clark, daughter of John and Huldah (Messick) Clark, and their children are Nettie R., born July 8, 1867, and wife of the Rev. W. B. Strother; Sarah P., born August 1, 1873, and an infant son, died January 14, 1866, aged twenty days. Subsequent to marriage, Mr. Sprague continued farining, but also gave considerable attention to dealing in stock. In 1874, he moved to La Rue, and for seven years engaged in buying and shipping stock, in which he is still dealing. In 1882, he resumed farming, owning at present 116 acres of desirable land. He estimates his property at $10,000. He is a Republican in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church.

HENRY THEW isa native of Lincolnshire, England, born June 10, 1815, the son of Richard and Ann (Bothamley) Thew, who emigrated to America in 1824, settling in Richland County, where they resided until death. They brought up eight children, four of whom are living, all in comfortable circumstances. The mother died in 1828, the father in 1831. Henry Thew, having lived with Robert Ralston three years, came to Marion County in 1829. In 1833, he learned the trade of shoe-making, and followed the boot and shoe business in Marion twelve years. Disposing of his stock in 1848, he bought his present farm, comprising 310 acres, valued at. $80 per acre. He, too, began life with nothing. January 30, 1839, he married Hannah S. Hayward, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Shephard) Hayward, from England. Their eight children are all living, save Henry C., who died May 31, 1862, from a disease contracted in the army. Mr. Thew's wife died February 11, 1872. He married again October 8, 1874, Emma Bothamley, daughter of John and Mary E. (Thew) Bothamley. They sailed for this country in 1853, settling in Marion County. He died about 1857, and she May 15, 1864. Mr. Thew, the subject of this biography, is one of the oldest and.first pioneers of this county, having lived here over half a century. At one time he was a prominent candidate for County Commissioner. He is a leading citizen, an extensive farmer, a prominent member of the F. & A. M., and he and his wife hold a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a charter member of the old Montgomery Church, and for thirty-five years was Circuit Steward of the church, missing only one quarterly conference during that time. As a pioneer and respected citizen of Montgomery Townsbip, we give the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.

MRS. DORCAS TOPLIFF, the widow of Louis Topliff, was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 9, 1820, the daughter of Abner and Elizabeth (Dilla) Bent, who were of English descent, natives of Massachusetts and Virginia respectively. They had eight children, Dorcas only surviving. The names of the deceased are Lincoln G., Henry Es William H., Susan E., Augusta and Roena. Abner Bent settled in Grand Prairie Township in a very early day, when Marion City was a wilderness. He died in 1840, aged fifty-three years; his wife diedin 1856. Mrs. Topliff, was married, March 13, 1850, in Wabash County, Ind., to Louis Topliff, son of Horatio and Sarah (Sargeant) Topliffí He came to Marion County in 1835, stopping in Big Island Township one year, thence he moved to Montgomery Township, purchasing land, which amounted in time to 1,000 acres. He was largoly identified with the building up of the thriving village of La Rue. He owned at one time a grist mill, a saw mill and a carding mill here. He was an industrious and enterprising citizen, and was so generally interested in the growth of La Rue that as long as the village stands, so long will his name be remembered. His death took place in 1869, leaving a family of three children, four others having died. The names of the deceased are Susan A., Louis R., Carrie R., and an infant son. The living are Calvin, born December 18, 1856; Emma J., November 16, 1857, and Princess C. June 8, 1860. Mrs. Topliff, with her husband, was among the first settlers of La Rue, and hence she has seen the forest transformed into a thriving village of 800 inhabitanis. At present she is living with her son Calvin at La Rue. She is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and a liberal supporter of the same.

MRS. LUCY (BENNETT) VANARSDALL, Thomas Vanarsdall's widow, was born in Monroe County, N. Y;, July 17, 1815, the daughter of Zadoc and Mary (Parish) Bennett. While on their way to Ohio in 1815, the father was overtaken by disease, died, and was buried near Olean Point; thereupon the mother returned, riding all the way on horseback. Shedied in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1860. Mrs. Vanarsdall was married to Thomas Vanarsdall October 15, 1837. He was the son of Garrett and Mary (Wood. beck) Vanarsdall, natives of Holiand, but died residents of New York. Mr. and Mrs. V. came to Ohio in 1839, settling in Grand Township, and rearing a family of five children, all living- - Julia E., Josephine, Jane, Charles and John. Mr. V. was an estimable citizen, was Trustee of the township several years, and a liberal and active supporter of the Presbyterian Church. He was born January 11, 1807, and died May 15, 1876. His widow is highly regarded by the community in which she resides, and is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN A. VANORSDALL, custom boot and shoe maker, is a native of Cayuga County, N. Y.; and was born March 20, 1833, a son of Andrew and Caty (Vanorsdall) Vanorsdall. John A. came out with his parente to Ohio in 1846, at which time they located in Mifflin Township, Wyandot County; John A. remained on the farm until the age of twenty, when he learned the shoe-maker's trade, and has followed that business to the present time. He was married December 29, 1870, to Florinda C. Bailey; they have two children - Nellie and Findley. Mr. V. enlisted at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in October, 1861, in Company D, Eighty.first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve in the Union army during the civil war; served with the regiment in Missouri until March, 1862. He took part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, the two battles of Corinth, and from Chattanooga to Atlanta in the Georgia campaign. His regiment was in the front, and he was present at the action at Snake Creek Gap, battle of Resaca, Rome Cross Roads, Big Shanty, Ackworth, Kenesaw Mountain, Decatur and in two battles in front of Atlanta, and in all the skirmishes of the regiment on that campaign. He was never wounded, although at one time the hair was cut close to his head by the passage of a bullet. He was honorably discharged, and mustered out of the service at Columbus, Ohio, in October, 1864.

GEORGE W. VIRDEN was born April 24, 1825, in Sussex County, Del., the son of Alanson and Elizabeth Virden, of French ancestry and natives of the same county. Having acquired a fair education, he con- tinued with his parents until his thirty-fifth year. He came with them to this county, arriving October 3, 1833. He isa bachelor. He has always been a farmer; he now owns 260 acres of good land. For the past twenty-three years he has been keeping " bachelor's hall," living entirely alone, but winning the respect of the people at large. He supports the Democratic party, and has held offices in the township.

HENRY H. VIRDEN is the second son of Alanon and Elizabeth (Wilson) Virden, born in Sussex County, Del., May 31, 1822. He came with his parents to Montgomery Township, in 1832. He embarked upon life independently, when eighteen years of age; worked for his uncle three years. June 17, 1849, he married Mary Edgar, daughter of John and Permelia (Johnson) Edgar, of Scotch and English ancestry respectively. This marriage has been blessed with four children - John A., born December 29, 1850; Diantha J., June 19, 1853; Martha A., Augnst 24, 1857, and Norton S. February 24, 1859. Their mother was born November 14, 1899. Mr. Virden nas been a farmer during his entire life, and has accumulated a fine property, having a farm of 195 acres, valued at $80 per acre. He is a respected citizen, has been Trustee of the township séveral years, and believes in the principles of the Democratic party.

HENRY M. VIRDEN is a native of Montgomery Township, born September 7, 1832, the son of William J. and Sarah A. (Vorhies) Virden, of German and English extraction respectively. Having received a fair education, he taught four terms, the iast one in Harrison County, Mo., in a log house with a sod chimney and clapboard roof. Returning from Missouri, in 1857, he became a laborer upon his father's and neighboring farms, until he married, October 31, 1861, to Josephine Vanarsdall, born 1840, a daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Bennett) Vanarsdall. Children - John E., born October 15, 1862; Charles H., December 19, 1865, and Maurice A., Sep-. tember 2, 1867. Mr. Virden is the oldest born resident in his township; he has been a faithful laborer, and as ove product of his labor, has 320 acres of good land. He received from his wife and his father $5,000, but has made the remainder of his property; he is now worth $25,000. He was Trustee of the Township one term, and was appointed Postmaster at Cochranton in 1882. He is a good Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOSHUA D. VIRDEN is the son of Theodore Virden, born May 21, 1852. Having obtained a good practical education, he married, November 18, 1875, Miss Frances Ansleman, daughter of Charles and Annie (Pheltie) Ansleman. The name of their one child is Loy Milton, born May 18, 1883. Mr. Virden has been farming since his marriage, and owns to-day (1883) forty acres of land. He votes the Democratic ticket.

T. D. VIRDEN, the fourth sun of Theodore W. and Sarah (Davis) Virden, was born in Montgomery Township September 1, 1847. Having acquired a fair practical education, he married, October 29, 1874, Mary E. Riley, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Powell) Riley, and they have had one child, George F., born January 16, 1876. Mr. Virden has been farming all his days, and has to-day (1883) a fine farm of seventy-one acres, upon which he has erected a suitable residence, and made other improvements, His specialty is the rearing of stock. He is a respectable citizen a Democrat. ane WILLIAM A. VIRDEN, son of Theodore and Sarah (Davis) Virden, was born July 6, 1839, in Montgomery Township. The district school gave him his education, and ke married, October 3, 1861, Miss Mahala Drake, daughter of Zephaniah and Barbara (Bibler) Drake, of German ancestry, and natives of Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, six living - Mahala, Amanda, David, Julia, Elmer and Martin. Andrew was killed in the late war, aged twenty-three years. The wife died March 14, 1878, and the father married again, Sarah E. Clark, November 30, 1879. He is one of the oldest pioneers in the county, and a member of the I. O. O. F. at La Rue. Mr. Virden has six children - -Alanson, Annie B., Hellen A., John T., Ezra T. and Mary A. He commenced life with limited means, but has made a success of farming. He owns to-day (1883) ninety aeres of fine land, with good improvements. He, too, is a Democrat.

WILLIAM J. VIRDEN, the oldest pioneer citizen of Montgomery Township, was born in Sussex County, Del., December 8, 1804. He isa son of Mitchell and Navinna (Jefferson) Virden; his father, a native of the same county, was born September 16, 1774; he served in the war of 1812; he had four children by his first wife, three of whom are living - William J., the subject of this sketch; John W., born July 23, 1807; Eliza, born April, 1810, and Ann, born September 16, 18183, and died in 1863. By his second wife he had the following: Benjamin, Joseph, Henry, Mary J., Lydia E., Sallie and an infant. Mr. Virden died in Delaware in 1838; his first wife preceded him in 1813. Mr. Virden. the subject of this sketch, migrated to Ohio in 1827, and remained four years in Warren County. In 1881, he came to Mcntgumery Township and entered eighty acres of land; he married, October 12, of the same year, Sarah A. Vorhies, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Hart) Vorhies, and grand-daughter of John Hart, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Virden have had born to them five children; of these, three are living - - Henry M., born September 7, 1832; Ann E., March 3, 1884, and James B., December 2, 1888. Mr. Virden is the oldest living settler in Montgomery Township; he has always devoted his attention to agriculture, and has cleared 140 acfes of land, owning at present a farm of 200 acres; he served as Trustee of the township twenty years, and as Justice of the Peace fifteen years. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican. Mrs. Virden departed this life February 11, 1879.

ELI WAPLES was born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 25, 1827; his parents, Benjamin and Rebecca (Prettyman) Waples, were from Sussex County, Delaware, and came to Marion County when Eli was but seven months old, and located on Rocky Fork, four miler north of Marion. In 1832, his father entered 160 acres of land, one and a quarter miles northwest of La Rue, and lived there seven months. It was then a perfect wilderness, and to get to the land, he was obliged to cut a road through the timber for a team to pass; he returned to his home north of Marion, where he lived till his death, which occurred April 21, 1844, aged forty years; his wife died in September, 1861. Eli Waples was married in 1851, to Martha A. Scott, who died October 15, 1856, leaving two children, as follows: Benjamin F., now a dry goods merchant at Marion, and Martha A., who married Edward Lingo, of La Rue, and died September 21, 1882. Mr. Waples was married a second time, March 14, 1859, to Love E. Day. By the last marriage there is one child - Demaris. Mr. Waples is a Republican, and has served the township two terms as Assessor; he is a member of Day Lodge, No. 328, I. O. O. F., and is a straightforward gentleman and highly esteemed citizen of La Rue. Mr. Waples formerly owned a farm of ninetyeight acres in Big Island Township, where he lived four years; he sold this farm and bought 104 acres in Montgomery Township, which he still owns. In 1867, he moved to La Rue, and was engaged in butchering three years, and afterward at teaming, and in 1873, he opened a livery stable, which business he has conducted ever since; he keeps on hand from five to ien good horses and six buggies, and has the best location in the village for a stable.

PHILIP WEIST was born in Baden, Germany, December 25, 1831, the son of Christopher and Laney (Schrote) Weist, who came to America in 1839, settling in Richland Township. The father died in 1873, but the mother still survives, aged (1883) eighty-four years. Mr. Weist began to do for himself at the early age of fourteen years, and by industry and frugality owns at present 416 acres in Montgomery Township, where he came: in 1875, valued at $75 per acre. November 2, 1859, he married Mary Wilt, daughter of Jacob Wilt, a native of the " Fatherland." Right chil. dren have been born to this union, all living, the youngest aged seven years. Mr. W. is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

AMOS H. WILSON is a native of Marion County, born February 7, 1843, the son of Amos C. and Mary A. (Bishop) Wilson, of Scotch and English ancestry respectively. The father was one of the early pioneers to this. county, settling on the Whetstone River. He was one of the first Commissioners of the county, an enthusiastie Republican, and aceumulated a fair estate for his eleven children, dying December 25, 1855. He left a request that after burial in the old grave-yard, his remains should be removed later tothe new one. Seventeen years afterward, this request was complied with, his body being. found in an alinost perfect state of preservation. Armos H. was an adept, when a youth, at mastering the common branches, especially mathematics. When aged twenty-seven years, he engaged in the mercantile business at Marion, having, however, previously married, June 277, 1866, Fannie Guyton, of Clark County, daughter of James and Isabel Guyton, of English descent. One heir has blessed this marriage - Louis B., born July 1, 1867. This wife died in 1868; he again married October 25, 1876, Virginia C. Showen, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Boyer) Showen, and three children have been born to them - Byron E., born August 1, 1878; Amos C., November 12, 1879, and Frank A., September 2, 1877, and qur fifteen days later. Mr. Wilson served an apprenticeship, three years, learning the shoemaker's trade. He then engaged in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes for thirteen years, Charles H. Terpany buying him out. He then moved to Montgomery Township, purchasing ninety acres of valuable land. He has recently erected a suitable farm residence, and made other desirable improvements. He is an enthusiastic politician, and a. hearty supporter of the Republican party. James Guyton, the father of Mr. Wilson's first wife, was born February 6, 1818, and died at Vieksburg, Miss., June 10, 1863, a member of the Union Army, Tenth Ohio Cavalry. His wife, Isabel, was born March 9. 1818, and died December 1, 1865. Amos C. Wilson was born February 7, 1792, and died December 23, 1856. His third wife, Mary A. Graves, was born April 28, 1799, and is still living.

JÁMES M. WOOD, M. D., was born in Big Island Township, Marion County, March 1, 1858, and is a son of Hampton Wood, an early settler of that township, and mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Dr. Wood passed his early years on his father's farm in Big Island Township. From the age of eighteen to twenty-three years, he followed the calling of a teacher, though during this time he attended three terms as a student at the Ridge- ville College, at Ridgeville, Ind. When twenty-three years of age, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. R. C. Bowdish, of Big Island. He pursued his studies with Dr. Bowdish three years, meuntime attending lectures at the Columbus Medical College, graduating at that institution in 1879, and soon after commenced the practice of his profession at Yelverton, Hardin County. The following year the Doctor moved to La Rue, where he has since resided, and besides his practice owns and operates a drug store. In October, 1882, the Doctor took in Mr. M. H. Virden as a partner in the drug business, the firm now being Wood & Virden. Dr. Wood was married November, 1879, to Lucy F. Potter, a daughter of Josiah Potter, of Dudley Township, Hardin County. They have two children - Mamie Ella and Aubry Hampton.. Dr. Wood was appointed Postmaster at La Rue in 1881. and acted until April 10, 1883.