Ottawa Township (part 20 of 23)

Norris Killen, the father of Doctor Killen, spent his entire life at Colum- "bus Grove. He was engaged in the buying and selling of timber for many years, and was highly successful. He operated a saw-mill at Columbus Grove, -but sold the mill and engaged in the hardware business, in which he continued successfully for several years. From hardware he turned his attention to the -shoe business at Columbus Grove, and was engaged in this for six years, selling out at the end of that time and retiring from active business life. Norris Killen was a cjuiet, unassuming, but keen business man, and a friend to all, especially to his close neighbors and to his children. He was a kind and loving father and a booster for all civic improvements. Norris Killen enlisted for service in the Union army in Company I. Eighty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but did not see active service, since he was detailed to guard prisoners at Columbus, Ohio. His regiment was known as the "Bloody Eighty-eighth." He enlisted as a private at Columbus Grove for a period of three years, but, through his efficient record, was promoted to second Heutenant before leaving the service. He was discharged in 1865 at Columbus, Ohio. He was a charter member of Lodge No. 309, Free and Accepted Masons, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Norris Killen and wife were the parents of five children: Mrs. Alfred R. Willis, of London, Kentucky; Mrs. Carl M. Wells, of Ada, Ohio; True, of Lima, Ohio; Guy B., a resident of Wyoming, and R. P. Killen, D. D. S., with whom this narrative deals. Norris Killen was also an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Lima, Ohio, where he now resides, and served as a member of the school board of Columbus Grove for several terms, as well as on the town -council, where he gave efficient service. He was an active worker during his life in the ranks of the Republican party and considered himself a "standpatter." His wife, who, before her marriage, was Mary Van Meter, died at Columbus Grove, September 16, 1908, at the age of seventy.

where he received his early education, graduating from the Columbus Grove high school in 1894. Subsequently, he attended the Indiana Dental College, graduating from that institution with the class of 1897. Doctor Killen began the active practice of his profession at Lima, Ohio, where he remained for six months. He then came to Columbus Grove and established a place of business. He is still active and one of the leading dentists in Putnam county. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice and has a host of friends in Columbus Grove and vicinity. He is a genial man of excellent character and stands high in his community. He is a booster for all civic improvements and has been of much value to the town in which he lives.

Doctor Killen was married on July 26, 1898, to Edna R. Pease, the daughter of Monnie and Sarah F. (Thrapp) Pease. One child has been born to this union, Florence, who is living at home with her parents.

Ralph P Killen, D. D. S., is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Dental Association, likewise the Ohio State and National Dental Associations. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Columbus Grove, and has passed through all the chairs of that order. He also served on the board of education for nine years, and was mayor of Columbus Grove between 1909 and 1913. He is an active Republican and is always to be found at the helm when he is most needed. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Doctor Killen has two interesting tax receipts in his possession which he values very highly. They were handed down by his father. One is dated 1837, is for ninety-nine cents, and is signed by Moses Lee, who was treasurer of Putnam county at that time. The other is dated 1844, for seven dollars and fifty-six cents, and is signed by C. M. Godfrey, then treasurer of Putnam county.

James C. Roblnson

The year 1889 marked the beginning of the connection of James C. Robinson with the history of Putnam county, Ohio. In that year, he was married and located in Van Buren township, where he worked in a saw-mill, at Townwood, for a few years and then engaged in farming. For more than a score of years he has engaged in general farming and stock raising in Van Buren township, while, at the same time, he has taken an active part in the civic life of the community. He has served his fellow citizens in various capacities in an official way and has executed every trust which has been imposed upon him in a satisfactory manner.

James C. Robinson, the son of William and Mary (Kahl) Robinson, was born near Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, October 28, 1861. His. father was born in Weller township, Richland county, Ohio, and was a son of Thomas and Jennie Robinson, natives of England. Thomas Robinsoncame to America in 1819, and located in Richland county, Ohio.

William Robinson was reared on his father's homestead in Weller township, in Richland county, Ohio, and, after his marriage, bought a farm in Franklin township and lived there for about fifteen years. He then bought the old homestead, in Weller township, from the heirs and lived on this farm until his death, dying almost on the same spot where he was born. William Robinson was married, in 1855, to Mary Kahl, a daughter of Henry Kahl, and to this union ten children were born, Clara, who married Ira Q. Haverfield, and has three children, Vernot, who died in infancy; Ray, who died at the age of seven, and Mary; Florence, unmarried; Charles, who married Isabelle Pittinger, and has two daughters, Helen and Opal; James C, of Van Buren township; Frank, who married Nannie M. Davis; Jennie, deceased, who was the wife o^f M. H. Shively, and the mother of two boys, Tolo and Harry; Kate, the wife of Paul Rothlesberger ; Ella, who married Walter McGuire, and has one son, Harold; George, who married EHza Meyer, and has three children, Hester, Isabelle and Irene; Walter, who married Irene Pittinger, and has two sons, Roy and an infant. The father, of these children died on the old home place in Richland county in 1898, his wife having passed away during the winter of 1895.

James C. Robinson spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Richland county, Ohio, and attended the common schools of his home neighborhood. He went to Hancock county in 1883, where he worked on a farm until 1889, in which year he married and located at Townwood, Putnam county, where he worked for years in a saw-mill. Fie then began to farm' for himself the tract of land where he is now living and has met with unusual success in his agricultural operations.

James C. Robinson was married in 1889, to Flora L. McClish, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June 16, 1864, and is a daughter of Noah Bishop and Louise McClish. Mr. Robinson and his wife are the parents of seven children, all of whom are living at home with the exception of William, who lives in Chicago, and Charles, who died at the age of two. The other five children are Nellie, Paul, James, Waldo and Olive.

James C. Robinson is a stanch Republican, has served in this township as trustee for five terms, and is now completing his tenth year in the office. Fie has also served on the school board of his township for a number of years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Townwood, and the encampment at Leipsic. Mr. Robinson is a wide-awake man and has taken an active part in the life of the community about him, and is deserving of a place among the representative men of his township and

John M. Crawford

Distinct business qualifications, tangible religious conviction and an element of concentration, bring before the reader, in the panorama of the business life of Putnam county, a man, in every sense of the word, competent to advance the best interests of his environs and of his home. John M. is a fine example of the truth that because a boy is born under unfortunate circumstances, in meager surroundings, it is not necessai-y for him to become a failure in life. "Old Abe" Lincoln figured many of his mathematical problems on the back of an old shovel by the light of a grease candle light, and he became the benefactor of a great people. Here we find that the elements which entered into the making of a fine business man were the stepping-stones to an achievement that has doled out to an appreciative community many deeds for the advancement of not only his, but the interests of others as well, where sound business judgment, practical commonsense and aggressiveness are the prime factors in the building of a county. Mindful of the needs of his fellow men, Mr. Crawford was well qualified to become a leader, not only in the financial, but also in the business, social and religious afifairs of his community as well.

John M. Crawford was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on November 2, 1841, and was the son of Calvin C. and Elizabeth (Martin) Crawford, both of whom were natives of Marion county, Ohio. Calvin Crawford was bom in 1818 and his wife in 1820. They were married in Marion county in 1839, and, after living a few years in Delaware county, they moved, in 1849, to Brown county, Illinois. Calvin Crawford died in Illinois -in 1850. He and his wife were the parents of six children, and the young mother had the care and responsibility of this large family, -but found great consolation in the aid and help of her son, John, who remained true to his post of duty in helping care for the family until about the age of twenty.

John M. Crawford was one of eight children : One son and a daughter who died in infancy; William H., who enlisted in the Tenth Ohio Cavalry and who died in St. Louis; Dewitt C, who was for many years a resident of Henry county and who died in September, 1910; Lawrence L., of Colorado; Mrs. Dorcas Martin, of Napoleon, and Mrs. Alletta Russell, of Liberty Center. The last three children were living at the time of John M. Crawford's death, May 22, 191 1. At the time of his death Mr. Crawford was sixty-nine years, six months and twenty days old.

John M. Crawford was married on September 15, to Sarah A. Martin, the daughter of Rev. Wilson Martin. Four children were born to this marriage: William L., deceased; Minnie E., the wife of Mr. Light; Delia E., who married E. E. McLaughlin, of Denver, Colorado, and Wilson M., of Columbus Grove.

John M. Crawford spent his early married life in Henry county, where he cleared a farm of sixty-five acres, which was his first business undertaking. He later moved to Columbus Grove and lived there for the last thirtynine years of his life. Mr. Crawford possessed business qualifications of a high order. His early training and close application to business, despite his meager education, eminently fitted him for a most successful business career. By close application and careful management, he became one of the most successful merchants and bankers of Putnam county. Mr. Crawford rented his farm in 1872 and removed to Columbus Grove, where he engaged in the dry goods business with Wilson Martin and Joseph Justice, under the firm name of W. Martin & Company. Six months later Mr. Martin withdrew and Messrs. Crawford and Justice continued the business for one year, when they traded the business to T. M. Day. Mr. Crawford then engaged 'in the grocery and bakery business in Columbus Grove and was in that for one year. He next engaged in the lively business for about three months, after which he entered the drug business, in which he continued for about ten years. He entered the hardware business in partnership with George Arnold in 1880, who was succeeded by John Light about nine months later. About a year and a half after this Mr. Light was succeeded by D. M. Foltz, and the firm of Crawford & Foltz continued for about seven years. At the expiration of this time, or in 1890, Mr. Crawford sold out to Mr. Foltz, and one month later he purchased the hardware stock of Norris Killen. Mr.' Crawford was engaged in the saw-mill business with G. S. Gander under the firm name of Crawford & Company, for seven years. This firm' owned and operated mills at Columbus Grove, Ottawa, Avis and Pandora In 1894, Mr. Crawford purchased an interest" in the pine lumber business in Columbus Grove, the firm being Palmer & Crawford. In June, 1895 Mr Crawford purchased the Columbus Grove machine shops, and on Septem- x\t the age of thirty-six John M. Crawford became a member of the United Brethren church, under the pastorate of Reverend Eastman. He later became a member of the Methodist church, in which his wife was affiliated. For many years he was a member of the official board of the Methodist church. He was wise in counsel and liberal in financial support. He was a constant reader, not only of church periodicals, but sermons of John Wesley, Dwight L. Moody, Spurgeon, Bishop Simpson, L. A. Bantsand Evangelist John McNeal. Perhaps no man in Columbus Grove spent more time in reading such literature during the latter years of his life than did Mr. Crawford. During the last five months of his life he was a constant sufferer, yet bore it without murmur or complaint.

William A. Beutler

In the history of Leipsic, Ohio, the name of William A. Beutler occupies a conspicuous place for veracity, integrity and thrift. During a number of years he has been the agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad in this town. Mr. Beutler is one of the city's progressive, enterprising and persevering citizens. Such qualities always win success sooner or later and to Mr. Beutler they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well-directed efforts. While he has benefited himself and the community, in a general way, he has also been an influential factor in the moral, educational and social progress of the community.

William A. Beutler was born on November 12, 1882, in Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Fipp) Beutler, whose life histories are contained elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Beutler grew up in Ottawa and there spent his boyhood days. He received a good common school education and spent two years in the Ottawa high school. He quit school two years before graduating and began working for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad at Ottawa. He was first freight clerk and later a telegraph operator, at which latter position he worked for about seven and one-half years. From this position he was promoted to agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company at Leipsic. Here he has been stationed for the past nine years, or since 1906. He is now station agent, freight agent and operator.

William A. Beutler was married on September 28, 1904, to Martha Altekrause, the daughter of William and Theresa (Altekrause) Altekrause. To this union three children have been born, Wilfred, Louise and Karl. Mr. Beutler is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus at Ottawa and Catholic Knights of Ohio, of Leipsic, and has been president of this order for the past two years. Mr. Beutler is also a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, with which he has been identified for ten years. He and his wife and family are members of the St. Mary's Catholic church at Leipsic.

William A. Beutler is a booster for the town in which he lives, and, although his work confines him closely to his post of duty, he is known as a promoter of the public good. He is welliiked by the people of Leipsic and -vicinity and has a most pleasing personality.

Frank B. Hermiller

Some of the richest land in Putnam county, Ohio, at one time was so thoroughly covered with water and brush and appeared in such confusion that the land beneath seemed too poor to cultivate. Those who had the energy to clear and drain this land now possess some of the finest "farms in Putnam county. Among the many prosperous and progressive farmers of this county who have acquired some of this land, which a generation ago looked hopeless, is Frank B. Hermiller.

Frank B. Hermiller was born on April 22, 1865, southeast of Ottawa, in Ottawa township. He is a son of Bernard and Bernardina (Nadler) Hermiller. Bernard Hermiller was born near Glandorf, in Hanover, Germany, and lived there until twenty-eight years of age. He came to America about 1850, locating first in Brooklyn, New York, where he was employed in a sugar refinery. He began working for thirty-eight cents a day, and thought this was good pay. He remained nine years at this one place, and when he left there, was receiving sixty cents a day. In New York he was married to Bernardina Nadler, a native of his home district, near Glandorf, Germany. He moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in the early sixties, and purchased one hundred and forty acres of land southwest of Ottawa. This land was all in woods, except five acres, and had only an old log house on it, in the way of improvements. The former occupant moved off the place to higher land north of Ottawa to escape the surface water on the land. This gave Mr. Hermiller fine land when it was cleared and drained. He afterward purchased two other famis, one consisting of eighty and the other of one hundred acres. He farmed here the rest of his life, and died in June, 1884. His wife died at the age of eighty-three, November lo, 1910.

Frank B. Hermiller was one of seven children. He grew up on the home farm and, in April, 1890, was married to Mary Bloemer. She was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and is a daughter of Bernard and Josephine (Kenkal) Bloemer.

Bernard Bloemer and his family, at that time, consisting of two children, Johanna and Mary, left Germany and came to America about fortyseven years ago and settled on a farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, on a farm. They lived there for eight years and then moved to a farm which he purchased in Jennings township, consisting of one hundred and eighteen acres. He erected a number of splendid buildings. Five children were born to Bernard and Josephine (Kenkal) Bloemer in this county, and three were bom in Germany, Johanna, who died in Germany; Mary, Johanna, Elizabeth, Anna, Bernard, deceased; Christina, and Emma, deceased. Mr. Bloemer and wife lived on their farm until their death. He died on April 13, 1914- His wife died on January 12, 191 5. They belonged to the Christian church at Ft. Jennings and were highly esteemed for their many fine qualities. ^

Frank B. Hermiller has farmed ever since his marriage in the locality where he was born and reared. He built a splendid brick residence on the Pandora road, southeast of Ottawa, overlooking the Blanchard river, in 1807 He IS the owner of one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land, all in one body also sixty-three acres near Miller City. His house is thoroughly modern' and IS equipped with a private lighting plant, a furnace, and all other modern conveniences. It is also very well furnished.

Frank B. Hermiller and wife are the parents of four children, Edward at home; Emma, the wife of Harry Kahle, lives in Ottawa, and is the mother of one daughter, Alice Rosemary; Frank, a student in the high school and Mary Josephine, living at home.

Frank B. Hermiller and family are devout members of the Catholic church at Ottawa. Mr. Hermiller is a progressive farmer of an affable disposition, and is clear-minded and strong-hearted. He is one of those men who always knows just what he is going to do and how he is goino- to do It. He IS methodical, precise, and exact in everything that he does, a man who has been able to translate brains into the business of farming Mrs 61 ^

Hermiller is a charming woman of gracious manner, kind and hospitable. She is very intelligent and has proved a loyal and helpful wife, who has contributed much to his success.

George I. Best

Among the comfortably situated retired farmers of Putnam county, few are better known, or more generally popular, than the genial George I. Best, of Columbus Grove, to a brief sketch of whose career the biographer here engages the attention of the reader of this comprehensive history of this county, a compilation which would not be complete without fitting reference to the gentleman whose name serves as the caption of this particular bit of biography.

George I. Best was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, May 4, 1847, the son of George and Hannah (Sneary) Best, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but who had lived in Ohio from the days of their childhood.

George Best, father of George I., came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his parents when a lad and grew up in Tuscarawas county, where he received the benefits of the excellent schools of that county and where he learned, under his father's direction, the general principles of agriculture, his father having been a successful farmer of that county. Pie married in that county and, about the year 1851, when George I. was but three years old or thereabout, moved to Putnam county, settling in Union- township, where he bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in the year 1865, when he was sixty-five years of age. George Best's wife, the mother of George I., who also was born in the Keystone state, became a resident of Ohio at an early age, having moved with her parents to Tuscarawas county^ when she was a little girl. There she grew to womanhood, enjoying the educational advantages of the district schools, and there she married George Best, whom she made a faithful and competent helpmate, and whom she survived many years, her death not occurring until the year 1881.

George and Hannah (Sneary) Best were the parents of ten children, James, David, Catherine, Elizabeth, George I., Sarah Jane, John, William, Jacob and Ella. Of these there are now surviving but three, Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, who lives at Kalida, this county; George I., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Jacob, who also lives at Kalida.

his education in the district school in his neighborhood and a careful training m the rudiments of farming under his father's thoughtful direction. ,On March 2, 187 1, he was united in marriage to Rosetta Norton, a native of Putnam county, who was born on July 14, 1849, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (McDowell) Norton, well-known residents of this county. For further details of the Norton family, the reader is referred to the interesting biographical sketch presented on another page of this volume, relating to B. Burgess, whose deceased wife was a sister of Mrs. Best.

To George I. and Rosetta (Norton) Best were born eight children, Harry IS a successful farmer living in Monroe township, Allen county; Herbert who also lives in Allen county; Maude, who married Oliver Logan, lives in Bodkms, Ohio, and has one child, a daughter, Irene; Mina, who married Charles Reeder, a farmer of Pleasant township, this county, and has two children, Herbert and Leon; Eva, who died young; Orpha, who married Louis Zimmerman, of Lima, Ohio, and has one child, a daughter, Esther Besides the foregoing there were two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Best who died in infancy. '

In addition to the vocation of general farming, which Mr Best made the principal business of his life for so many years, he also gave much attention to the breeding of fine horses. He always has been a lover of horses and has a more than local reputation as a good judge of horse flesh and his breeding stables in Allen county, for many years were popular among the farmers throughout that section. Since moving to Columbus Grove Mr

Best has maintained an excellent breeding stable there, the quality of the service extended recommending them highly to the consideration of the farmers hereabout.

George I. Best is a Democrat and gives such attention to the political affairs of the county as is the duty of all good citizens, but has never been included in the office-seeking class, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his own personal affairs, though his judgments in political matters are regarded as sound and his counsels along these lines carry no small w^eight among the local party managers. Mr. Best and wife are members of the Christian church at Columbus Grove, Mr. Best having served the congregation of that church in the capacity of a deacon, for some time past. He and Mrs. Best are active participants in the local beneficences of the church and are likewise interested in all movements looking to the general welfare of the community in which they are so well liked, the geniality and friendliness of their manners having made them popular with all with whom they come in contact.

Science has taken hold not only of business but of all professions 'as well and veterinary surgery is no exception. The practice of this profession is regulated by law in most states and elaborate courses of instruction must be followed, before the practice is permitted. Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., a veterinary surgeon of Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, entered his profession, well-equipped in every respect. Not only are his professional attainments superior, but he is personally popular throughout Putnam county and has always enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., is the son of a well-known physician and veterinarian, now deceased, and was born on April 27, 1872, in Franklin county, Ohio. His parents were Theodore and Melissa (Smith) Heischman. Theodore Heischman, M. D., D. V. S., was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1848, and was the son of John Heischman, who was born in Virginia and who came to Franklin county, Ohio, where, for some time, he was a farmer. Later, John Heischman came to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and settled on a farm close to North creek, where he farmed one hundred and sixty acres of land, until his death. Theodore Heischman grew up in Franklin county, Ohio, where he received his early education. He was trained for veterinary surgery at Ohio State University and for the practice of general medicine at the Chicago School of Medicine and practiced both in different parts of Frankhn county. He practiced medicine at Bucvrus and Deiiance Ohio, and later, went west to Ft. Scott, Kansas, where he practiced veterinary surgery for some time. Returning to Putnam county, he farmed in Palmer township until a short time before his death, in 1892, at the age of fortyfive. He died of lung trouble of which he had failed to gain relief on his trip to the West. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Melissa Smith was born m Licking county, Ohio, November 25, 1844, and died in 1903' She was the daughter of Archibald and Mary (Beach) Smith

Theodore and Melissa (Smith) Heischman were the parents of four children, Dr. Jesse N., twin sisters who died in infancy, and Homer, who lives at Fmdlay, Ohio. Theodore Heischman, M. D., D. V. S was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pvthias at Bucyrus, and a Democrat in politics.

Jesse N. Heischman was reared in Franklin countv, Ohio, where he lived until ten years of age, when he removed, with his parents, to Bucvrus Ohio. His early education was received at Bucyrus and Defiance He acconapanied his father on his trip to Ft. Scott, Kansas, and returned with him to Palmer township, Putnam county.

Doctor Heischman was married on May 11. 1892. to Catherine Beck the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Etchen) Beck, the former of whom was born on August 18. 1829, in Bavaria, and who died on August 9 1899 His wife was born on December i, 1836. and died on July 6, 1905 ' Jacob Beck and wife had thirteen children, Frank, born on July 11, '1854; John, January 6, 1856; Nicholas, died in infancy; Jane, October 6, i860; Mary April ^o 1862, died in August, 1906; Clara, March 12, 1863; Nathaniel Joseph' November 8. 1865 ; William A., September 6, 1867 : Catherine, the wife of Dr' Heischman; Elizabeth. October 16, 1871 ; Louise M., February 4 1874' Henry L., March 20, 1878, and Albert J., June 9, 1882. died in September of the same year.

Mrs. Jesse N.. Heischman was born on November 13, 1869 She has been the mother of four children, Ruth Hazel, born on May 3 1893 who married N. S. Robbies and lives in Van Buren, Ohio; Russell Newton Tulv 3, 1895; Barbara Jane, December 3, 1899. and John Theodore, September 21, 1904. ^

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S.. attended the veterinary college, at Toronto, Canada, but did not graduate there. He finished his work at Grand Rapids Veterinary College, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the class of 1900. He also took a course in veterinary dental work at the Ontario Col lege, at Toronto, and finished this course in 1893. Doctor Heischman is a registered doctor of veterinary surgery in both Ohio and Michigan. After finishing his course, in 1893, he came to Continental, Ohio, where he practiced for five years. After graduation from the Grand Rapids school, he returned to Columbus Grove and began practice. He is the only veterinarian in this vicinity and has a lucrative practice. He is considered one of the most successful veterinarians in this section of Ohio.

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Continental. He served as mayor of Columbus Grove for two terms, from 1906 to 19 10, and is the present health officer for the corporation as well as the humane officer. He is a Democrat and, throughout his life, has been active in behalf of his party. He is, however, a booster for all- civic improvements, regardless of part)^. He is now the Putnam county representative for the Indiana and Ohio Live Stock Insurance Agency and patentee of the Heischman Colic Cure, a remedy which is famous for its results and which has a large sale. Doctor Heischman is no longer interested, financially, in this remedy, having sold his interest to outside parties.

Doctor Heischman is a man of splendid approach, likeable and congenial, well spoken of, of pleasing personality and bears an excellent reputation in his community.

Warren C. Draper

Warren C. Draper was born on January 2, 1853, in Summit county, Ohio. He is a son of Warren Luke and Louisa (Savacole) Draper. Warren Luke Draper was born on October 6, 1823, in Washington county, New York. He was a son of Moses and Sabrina Draper, who were natives of Washington county. New York. Moses Draper and wife came to Ohio about 1829, and settled at Hudson, Summit county, and here they reared a family of nine children, eight sons and one daughter. Warren Luke Draper was the second child. Moses Draper and wife spent the remainder of their lives in Summit county. Warren Luke grew up on the old homestead and was married, in Summit county, to Louisa Savacole, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Savacole, who were pioneer settlers in Summit county, Ohio.

When about thirty years old, Warren Luke Draper removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm in Allen township, five miles northeast of Findlay. He was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres and was a prosperous farmer and stock dealer. He and his wife were the parents of three sons and three daughters: Sarah Ann, the wife of

Eli W. Pepple; Warren C, the immediate subject of this review; Salina Elizabeth, the wife of Sanford Lemon; James Edward, who married Lela Lepper; Martha J., the wife of Armenius King, and Charles, who died at the age of one and one-half years.

Warren C. Draper grew to manhood in Hancock county, and remained -on the home farm until he was twenty years of age. He was first married December 23, 1876, at the age of twentythree, to Myra Jane Hosier, the daughter of John and Isabel Hosier, who were pioneers of Hancock -county, and who came from York county, Pennsylvania, in an early day.

After his marriage Mr. Draper lived for four years near Arcadia, in Hancock county, Ohio, and then removed, in the spring of 1881, to Blanch- .ard township, Putnam county, three miles northeast of Gilboa, where he purchased eighty acres of land, only twenty acres of which were partially cleared. Since this time he has cleared the remainder of the farm and has surrounded himself with substantial improvements. He has always made a specialty of raising high grade Hve stock, and has been veiy successful as a farmer.

By his first marriage, Mr. Draper had four children, Charles, Belle, Harry and Bernice. Charles resides in Leipsic, Ohio. He married Edith Tafflinger, and they have three: sons, James, John and Richard. Belle is the wife of Frank Miller and resides at Tiflin, Ohio. Harry H. married Edna Wight, and they reside at Lewiston, Montana. They were the parents of one child who died in infancy. Bernice is unmarried, and at present is attending the academy at Tiffin, Ohio. Mrs. Draper died on August 8, 1908 and on June 6, 191 1, Mr. Draper married Mrs. Malissa Slosser, of Toledo! Ohio, a sister of his first wife. She lived only eight months after her marriage and died on February 6, 1912.

Warren C. Draper's father, Warren L. Draper, was married the second ' time, to Hannah King, the daughter of John King and wife, and to this Tinion were born two daughters, Emma, who became the wife of a Mr Russell, of Minerva, Ohio, and Belle, the wife of George Burrell, of Continental, Ohio.

Mr. Draper is a Republican. He has been influential in the educational circles of his township for many years, and has served as a member of the school board. Throughout his life he has been an active member of the United Brethren church, and a trustee in this denomination.

Warren C. Draper is a man highly respected by the citizens of his community, and is known as an enterprising farmer, a good neighbor and a kind and considerate father.

Benjamin F. Eck

Many farmers owe their success to a steady determination formed early in their careers. Where industry is required they are not afraid of toil; where economy is necessary they do not hesitate to practice frugality; where careful management seems the keynote to affluence, they are painstaking in their attention to details. Benjamin F Eck, of Riley township, is a successful farmer, because he has strictly adhered to the principles which, if strictly followed, insure success. He is one of those men who are able to identify their ancestors with one of the earliest wars fought by this country when the country still wore its swaddling clothes. Frederick Eck was a soldier in the War of 1812 and during his service in this war, came to northwestern Ohio as an Indian scout.

Benjamin F. Eck was born on May 8, 1872, in Riley township, Putnam, county, Ohio. He is the son of Benjamin and Catherine Ellen (Sanderlin) Eck. Benjamin Eck was born in Richland county, Ohio, on January 23,, 1827, the son of Frederick and Nancy (Newcomer) Eck. Frederick Eck was born in Pennsylvania, about 1788, and died at the age of eighty-eight, in 1876, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio.

It was Frederick Eck, who, as a young man, enlisted in the War of 1812 and, during his services as a soldier, came West as an Indian spy. On this trip, Frederick Eck had ample opportunity to observe the new country and it was then that he resolved to cast his lot with this frontier country. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania and was married in Franklin county, of that state. Thereupon he moved to Richland county, Ohio, and there hesettled. But he remained there only a few years, coming to Putnam county in 1835. It was in Richland county, however, that his children were born. There were seven of them, five sons and two daughters, one daughter dyingin infancy. Benjamin Eck, Sr., the father of Benjamin F., was next to the youngest child.

After coming to Putnam county, in 1835, Frederick Eck lived in a cabin on the farm of Samuel Hall, just east of Gilboa, until the following spring. Some time before bringing his family, he made a trip from Richland to Putnam county and entered forty acres of land in section i, of Riley township. Benjamin F. Eck, Jr., still has the deed made out at this timefor this land. The deed was dated on October 7, 1835, and is signed by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States. The following spring, Frederick Eck moved his little family to their new home where he had built a cabin during the winter and it was on this old homestead that the childrert grew to maturity. In addition to this forty acres, Frederick Eck purchased eighty acres adjoining the original homestead on the south, giving him one hundred and twenty acres in all. This eighty-acre tract was purchased on January ii, 1849.

Frederick Eck was a Democrat and served as road supervisor for several years. His grandson, Benjamin F. Eck, has a collection of receipts, and other interesting papers, pertaining to his of^fice. One is a receipt issued to John Smothers, October i, 1841, for labor performed in Riley township, the value^ of which, as indicated on the receipt, was nine cents and six mills.

It was on this old homestead that Benjamin Eck, Sr., spent his childhood. Here he has lived ever since. He passed through all of the pioneer experiences common to his day and generation and is now; eighty-eight years old. He distinctly remembers when the Indians roamed this part of the country and when he cut rails in the water. The compensation for splitting rails in those days was forty cents a hundred. Benjamin Eck had to gO' many miles, in those days, to mill.

Benjamin F. Eck, Sr., was married on August 28, 1856, in Wood county,, Ohio, to Catherine Ellen Sanderlin, who was born on September 18, 1836,, at Covington, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Seaton) Sanderlin. After their marriage, they took up their residence on the old homestead, where they have since resided. Mrs. Eck died in November, 1902. She was the mother of five children, Mary Isabelle, born on June 14, 1857; Eliza Amanda, March 18, 1859; Rebecca Ellen, March 14, 1870;- Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch, and William Noah, March 30, 1874. All lived to maturity but all are now deceased with the exception of Benjamin F.

Benjamin F. Eck, like his father, grew up on the old homestead of his grandfather. He attended two terms at the old Webster district school and then attended the old No. i district school. After finishing school, he worked out for two or three years, and then returned home to take charge of the home place, which he farmed for several years.

At the age of twenty-six, Benjamin F. Eck, Jr., was married on November 25, 1897, to Effie May Spitter, who was born on March 26, 1874, in Hancock county. She is the daughter of George F. and Kezia (Snyder) Spitter, both natives of Fairfield county. George F. Spitter's father was a native of Pennsylvania and his wife's father was a native of Fairfield county.

After his marriage, Mr. Eck continued to farm the old home place, which has been his residence up to the present time. He and his wife have been the parents of nine children, George F., born on September 3, if

Benjamin F. Eck is a Democrat. He is one of Riley township's sub- -stantial citizens and, having come from an old pioneer family, is well and favorably known in Riley township and, in fact, throughout Putnam county. He is a man who well merits the esteem and confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens.

Orville V. Todd

Among the families of Putnam county, Ohio, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and to their community, no family takes higher rank than the Todds, who are today prominently identified with the business and social life of Putnam county. For many years the members of this family have stood for all that is best in business, educational, moral and social life, and they have wielded an influence that is potential in the development and welfare of their community. The members of the Todd family are numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship. They are, therefore, eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

Orville V. Todd, one of the younger representatives of the Todd family and the cashier of the Gilboa Banking Company, was born on December 23, 1869, in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, the son of Joel and Eveline (Vaughn) Todd. The family history of Eveline Vaughn may be found in the life story of John W. Hixon, contained elsewhere in this volume.

Joel Todd was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, on October 16, 1845, the son of Levi and Margaret (Bosler) Todd. Levi Todd was bom in Fairfield county, the son of Samuel Todd and wife, both of whom came from Pennsylvania in pioneer times and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio.

In those pioneer times before the railroads were built, Samuel Todd drove a six-horse freight team from Harrisburg to Baltimore. He hauled grain to the seaboard and brought merchandise on return trips. It is re- Hated that these teams were driven without lines, much as oxen were driven, the driver riding a saddle-horse on the near side of the wheel horses. After coming to Fairfield county, Ohio, where his son, Levi, was born, the latter took up the work which his father had followed in Pennsylvania, except that he drove from Harrisburg west to Pittsburgh, and on to western Ohio, as far as 'Findlay and Fostoria. Samuel Todd moved from Fairfield county to the northwestern part of Blanchard township, Putnam county, about two miles south of the present city of Leipsic. Here he spent the remainder of his days.

Levi Todd came from Findlay to Blanchard township and entered acres of land three and one-half miles northeast of Ottawa. Here he remained until the eighties, when he sold out and moved to two and onehalf miles south of Leip^sic, which farm he finally sold and after its sale retired, spending his declining years with his children. It was at the home -of one of his daughters, Mrs. Catherine Smith, of Syracuse, Kansas, that Tie died about 1897.

Joel Todd spent his boyhood in Blanchard township, Putnam county, and here he attended the common schools, also helping his father on the farm until twenty-three years of age. At this time he was married to Eveline Vaughn in 1868. She was the daughter of John and Johanna (Shriner) Vaughn. After their marriage, Joel Todd began farming for himself four and one-half miles southeast of Leipsic, on a part of the Vaughn estate. He and his wife still live on the farm, to which they moved after their marriage, forty-five years ago. They have been the parents of four children : Orville V., the subject of this sketch; Angle, who died at the age of two years and six months ;.Arlowa and Franville H. Arlowa is the wife of A. C. Bracy and lives three miles north of Gilboa. They have three children, Cloyd, Delia and Lena, all of whom are at home. Granville H., who died on November 26, 1910, married Constance Young, of Pocatello, Idaho, and lived only four months after his marriage.

Orville V. Todd spent his boyhood in Blanchard township and there attended the country schools until sixteen years of age. He then became a student of the high school, conducted in connection with Crawfis College, where he graduated with the class of 1884. Subsequently, he attended Otterbein University, where he took a special normal course. For fourteen years he was engaged in teaching, first in the country, and finally in Leipsic. Still later he became superintendent of the schools at'Bellmore.

After serving fourteen years as a teacher, Mr. Todd took a course in business at the Lima Business College and then took up commercial work for different concerns. On July 2, 1909, he was elected cashier of the Gil-

Orville V. Todd was married, at the age of twenty-nine, to Alice Elwell, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. She is the daughter of Hiram and Mary Jane (Ketchem) Elwell. One child, Leslie, has been born to this union.

Orville V. Todd is a Republican. He has been honored with different local offices in the community, all of which he has filled with credit to himself and to the people who elected him. Mr. Todd is a member of Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, and Gilboa Lodge No. 459, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Todd are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Todd is treasurer.

Not only is Orville V. Todd prominent in the business life of this section of Putnam county, but he and his wife are prominent socially in the community. He is an alert, up-to-date citizen, and is held in high esteem by his business associates and by the community of which he has become so important a factor.

Christian Beutler

To come to a new country from a foreign land as a fatherless boy of seventeen, and by sheer pluck and courage and wisdom and judgment to rise to the position of clerk of the courts of the county in which he lives, and to so administer the affairs of that office as to insure a triumphant reelection, to be honored by his fellow citizens by elevation to other positions of public trust and responsibility and to make for himself a place in the community second to none in his county, surely is an achievement that properly merits praise, and it is a pleasure for the biographer here to present in the history of Putnam county a brief review of the life in which these achievements are comprised.

Christian Beutler, former clerk of the courts of Putnam countv, was born in the republic of Switzerland in the year 1854, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Schideggar) Beutler, the former of whom died when Christian was eleven years of age. The mother and her five fatherless children came to America and located at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in 187 1, where the boy Christian "worked out" for about five years, and then, in 1877, came to Ottawa, Putnam county, where he and Joseph Meyer engaged in brickmaking, their first kiln being erected on the west side of the Blanchard river, near Glandorf, where they remained for four or five years, the industry thriving. At the end of that time, the brick yard was moved to the north end of Ottawa and Mr. Beutler continued in this business, at that point, until the year 1905, when he discontinued the brick-making business. In the meantime, he had been making good investment of the proceeds of his brickmaking industry, in 1897, having bought fifty-five acres of land inside the city limits at the north edge of Ottawa and forty-four acres about two and one-half miles northeast of Ottawa, to which he has given his close personal attention to the management of these farms ever since.

During all this time, Mr. Beutler's engaging personality was bringing him to the close attention of the people of his county, and it was not long until he was one of the best-known and most popular men in the county. He had allied himself with the Democratic party upon reaching manhood's -estate, and had taken a close interest in the affairs of his party during tfe various local campaigns in Putnam county. When his party, therefore, nominated him for the important position of clerk of the courts of the county, in 1894, his election was taken as a foregone conclusion. His administration of the affairs of this office proved so admirable that he was re-elected in 1897 and served his county in this capacity for a period of six years. In other public affairs, Mr. Beutler also took a warm interest and for six years served the public very acceptably as township clerk, while for sixteen years he served as a member of the town council of Ottawa, his acts in this connection always having the public welfare as their inspiration.

Christian Beutler has been married twice, his first marriage taking place in 1881, when he was united to Miss Elizabeth Fipp, the daughter of John and Mary Fipp, both of whom were natives of Germany, and the latter of whom was a well-known mill operator at Ottawa, this county. To this first union, seven children were born, William A,, who lives in Leipsic, this county, married Martha Altekruse and has three children, AVilfred, Louise and Carl; Christian ]., who died at the age of nineteen; Alexander G., who died at the age of seventeen; Elmer S., who lives in Ottawa, married Adeline Eberly and has two children, Norma and Sylvester John ; Joseph, who remains at home - Louis F., who resides in Detroit, Michigan, and Florence G., who is residing at home. The mother of these children died in 1900.

In the year 1902, Mr. Beutler married, secondly, Miss Caroline Kessler, who was born in Coshocton, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Mary (Wupler) Kessler, who had moved to this county when Caroline was a little girl and located on a farm near Miller City, where they lived until her father was past middle age, when they moved into Miller City and conducted a tavern and

To Christian and Caroline (Kessler) Beutler four children have been born, Elizabeth M., Martha, Philomena and Lucille, who, with their parents, are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Beutler and wife are devoted to the good works of their parish and to all movements which have as their object the betterment of community conditions and are rightly held in the highest esteem by all their large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Beutler retains a large interest in public affairs and is regarded as one of the most substantial men in the county seat.

John G. Conrad

Among the many worthy citizens of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio, who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with valuable property, is John G. Conrad, a well-known butcher of Continental With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering, and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made exceptional success in his chosen occupation, and acquired a substantial competence. He has the gratification also of knowing that the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence and by his many good works.

John G. Conrad was born on March 30, 1864, at Avon, Lorraine county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Barbara (Rattelsdorfer) Conrad, the former of whom was born in Alsace, Germany, and the latter of whom was born on October 11, 1826, in Oberohendorf, Germany, and who came to America on May 10, 1847, at the age of twenty-one. John and Barbara (Rattelsdorfer) Conrad were married in the fall of 1847, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Conrad came to this country alone, her parents, Michael and Anna Elizabeth (Zenka) Rattelsdorfer, remaining in Germany. Mrs. Conrad came through from Germany by boat to Cleveland, Ohio, never having ridden on a railroad steam train until the age of sixty-seven. John Conrad, Sr., was sixty-seven years old at the time of his death, having been born in 1833, and having died on December 31, 1890. His wife was eighty-five years of age at the time of her death, having died on December 31, 191 1.

Mary Ann Conrad. They settled at Avon, Ohio, after their arrival and finished their .home, partially built, on the land which Mr. Conrad purchased. Here they resided until their death. The elder John Conrad's father, John Jacob Conrad, was a wagon maker, and followed that trade after coming to this country.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Conrad, Sr., nine children were born, Anna Mary, in 1850, died in March, 1912; Josephine, April 18, 1854, died on. February 12, 1880; Mary Ann, May 9, 1856, died on May 23, 1865; Anna Francisco, May 9, 1858, died on May 23, 1865 ; John, May 22, i860, died on January 7, 1864; Peter, September 12, 1862, lives at Avon, Ohio; John G., March 30, 1864; Anna, April 23, 1867, married Frank Alton and lives at Avon, Ohio; George J., February 12, 1869, lives at Peoria, Illinois. John G. Conrad was married on November 22, 1887, to Wilhelmina. Wagner, who was born on September 7, 1867, at Avon, Ohio, and who isthe daughter of John and Treacy (Seibert) Wagner, the former of whom is a native of Germany, and the latter of whom was born at Adrian, Leneway county, Michigan. John Wagner died on June 11, 191 1, at the age of seventy-one years and nine months, having been born on September 5, 1839 His wife, who died on May 20, 1880, was thirty-nine years old at the time of her death, having been born in 1841.

To John G. and Wilhelmina (Wagner) Conrad no children have been bom. Mr. Conrad left Avon, Ohio, in April, 1887, and purchased property m Continental in May of that year. After coming to Continental he built a hardware store, and ran the same until 1894, when it was destroyed by fire Two years later he went into the butcher business, and has been in this busmess since that time. In the beginning he leased the market for three years. Mr. Conrad built a livery barn in 1910 where Continental garage is now located. He operated the livery business for three years, and then traded the livery barn for a farm in Paulding countv, Ohio, consisting of eighty-four acres. He still owns this farm. Six months later, however he began to give his attention to the butcher business again, leasing his market The buildmg burned, and Mr. Conrad re-entered the business in 1914 and IS active at the present time. He has shipped stock for sixteen years and is more or less active at this time.

John G. Conrad is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Defiance, Ohio. He was the second mayor of Continental and served for six years, from 1892 to 1898. He was a member of the town council for six years and corporation treasurer for four years. Mr Conrad IS a Democrat. He was a candidate for sherifif of Putnam county at the last election, but was defeated by a small margin. He is a member of the Catholic church at Continental. His wife is also a member of this church. Mr. Conrad is a trustee of the church. He is a highly-respected citizen in the ^community where he lives, and admired for his many good works.

Levi P. Henry

For more than forty years Levi P. Henry has been farming in Liberty .township, Putnam county, Ohio. Born and reared in Fairfield county, Ohio, Mr. Henry taught school in his young manhood, but since coming to this county, in 1873, he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising -on his well-improved farm two miles northwest of Leipsic.

Levi P. Henry, the son of Thomas and Margaret S. (Brown) Henry, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on September 9, 1841. Thomas- Henry was the son of Levi Henry and wife, natives of eastern Pennsylvania. Thomas Henry was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and when six years of age came with his parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he spent -the remainder of his life. Early in life, Thomas Henry learned the caipenter trade, and by dmt of industry and perseverance earned enough money to buy a farm, and, in 1840, felt that he was able to marry. He married Margaret b. Brown. His wife was the daughter of David Brown, who came from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, to Fairfield county, Ohio, in its early history. David Brown was a soldier in the War of 1812. and thereby earned the right to a soldier's claim. To David Brown and wife were born thirteen twelve girls and one boy. Thomas and Margaret Henry were the parents of the following children: Levi P., Martha Ann, James K, Mar- -garet E. William B., Thomas H., David C, Robert P. and John K. Of these children, Thomas H. and David C. were twins.

Levi P. Henry was reared and educated in Fairfield county, Ohio and -after completing his common school education, taught school, beginning before he reached his majority. He continued teaching in the winter and farming during the summer season for several years. After his marriage m 1867, he began to farm in Fairfield county, but, in 1873, decided to move o Putnam county to make his permanent home. He purchased a farm in Liberty township, and has lived on this same farm since that year Mr Henry owns nmety-two acres which his son, Charles T farms ' lish, a daughter of Peter S. and Martha R. (Nagmey) McCandhsh. Her father was a native of Scotland and came to Virginia when very young. His wife, Martha Nagmey, was a descendant of Irish parents and born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Henry and wife are the parents of four children, David C, Charles T., Anna M. and James Harvey. David C. married Zella Ramsey, and after her death, married Minnie Kroeger. To his first marriage there were three children born, one of whom is still living. There are no children to the second marriage. Charles T. married Mahala Neeland, has three children, Anna M. became the wife of Harry Polsdorfer, and has six children, five of whom are living; James Harvey, the youngest 'child Mr. Henry, died in 1895, at the age of fifteen years and nine months.

Levi P. Henry and his wife were formerly members of the United Presbyterian church at West Leipsic, and Mr. Henry was a ruling elder and -supermtendent of the Sabbath school of this denomination. A few years .ago he and his wife transferred their membership to the Presbyterian church at Leipsic, and to this they now give their hearty support. Mr. Henry is a man of high character, hospitable and courteous and well liked throughout the community where he has spent so many years.

David F. Owens

Among those who are eminently entitled to a place in a work of this character is the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph, who has lived m Putnam county for many years and whose name will continue to adorn its annals long after he has passed to his reward. David F. Owens has per formed well his part in the drama of civilization and has led a life that is exemplary m every respect. He has set an excellent example for the younger generation, for he has been a leader in his locality in all matters pertainfng to Its improvement and progress. In a conservative manner, he has done wha he could to promote, not only the interests of himself and his family but the mterests of the community as well.

to Guernsey county. He was reared as a farmer, but taught school for many 3'ears in Trumbull, Guernsey and Putnam counties. He was a man of unusual intelligence, for his day and generation, and was widely read. John B. Owens was. married on March 21, 1847, to Rachel Spencer, who^ was born in Guernsey county on February 16, 1832, and who was the daughter of John and Eliza (Sevin) Spencer, pioneers of Guernsey county. To this union were born five children, Elizabeth A., who married William T. Fickle, of Monroe township, Putnam county; Emma J., who married William Gillespie; David F., the subject of this sketch; Amanda, who married David Grant, of Continental, Ohio; Ida C., who married Judson Jones, of Palmer township. John B. and Rachel Owens lived in Guernsey county until 1873, when they moved to Putnam county and settled in Monroe township. They owned a splendid eighty-acre farm and were industrious farmers, prominent in church and Sunday school work. John B. Owens died on January 17, 1890, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife died on March 26, 1895.

The father of John B. Owens was John B. Owens, Sr., a native of Wales, who came to the United States when twenty-eight years of age. He married Elizabeth Strame. After their marriage, they settled in Trumbull county, Ohio. Subsecjuently, he sold his property in Trumbull county and removed to Guernsey county, and here they lived until their death. John B. Owens, Sr., was a Jacksonian Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church. John B. Owens, Jr., was active in local politics during his life and served as township clerk and township trustee for several terms. He was a Democrat and prominent in the work of the Methodist church, as well as in the Sunday school.

David F. Owens was nine years old when his parents moved to Putnam county, Ohio. He was educated in the public schools of this township and on February 16, 1879, he was married to Ida M. Gilbert, who was born in Monroe township on September 15, 1863. She is the daughter of Jacob and Martha A. (Butler) Gilbert, well-known pioneers and prominent farmers of Putnam county, referred to elsewhere in this volume.

David F. Owens has one hundred and forty acres of excellent land in Putnam county, which he farmed until 1892, when he moved to Ottawa, Ohio. At this time he was elected county commissioner. He remained in Ottawa for six years, having served as county commissioner during that time. He then moved back to Continental, Ohio, where he now resides. His farming property is rented. Before his election as county commissioner, Mr. Owens had served four terms as assessor, two terms as township trustee and on the town council. He is not active in politics now although still a stanch Democrat. He is a director in the Farmers Bank at Continental and, aside from his banking interests, takes an active interest in civic improvement. Mr. Owens is not a member of any church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at Continental, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Defiance He is a man held in high esteem by all who know him, of exceptional ability mentally, an excellent farmer, progressive in spirit and capable in all things to which he has ever applied himself.

George Hugfi Seall

In a brief sketch of any living citizen, it is difficult to^ do him exact and impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history as for the want of perfect and rounded conception of his whole life which grows develops and ripens like fruit and discloses its best flavor only when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with a man so familiarizes us with his virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their possessor It IS not often that true honor, public or private-that honor which is a tribute of cordial respect and esteem-comes to a man without basis of character or deeds. The world may be deceived by fortune and by ornamental or showy qualities without substantial merit and give to the undeserving a shortlived admiration, but the honor that wise and good men value and that lives beyond the grave, must have its foundation in real worth, for "worth maketh the man Not a few men live unheralded and almost unknown beyond the narrow limits of the city or community where their lots are cast, who vet have m them, if fortune had opened to them a wider sphere of life the ele ments of character to make statesmen or public benefactors of world-wide fame. Compared with the blazonry of fame, which some regard as the real stamp of greatness, there is a lowlier and simpler, yet truer, standard whereby to judge of them and fix their place in the regard of their fellow men During a long life m this section of Ohio, George Hugh Seall has given the people of this community an opportunity to know what manner of man he is The testimony is ample that he is a good citizen in the full sense of the term and worthy of the esteem which has been bestowed upon him - ^^^'""'S'^'S^' Seall was born in 1850, in Monroe county, Indiana. He IS the son of Henry and Margaret (Butler) Seall. Henry Seall was a native of Monroe county and the son of Steven B. Seall, who came from Pennsylvania to Circleville, Ohio, and thence to Bloomington, Indiana, where he became the first postmaster of that city. Margaret Butler, the mother of George H. Seal!, was born in Wythe county, Virginia. She was the daughter of Frederick Trank and Ehzabeth (Johnson) Butler, who moved to Bloomington, Indiana, in a wagon, when she was eighteen months old.

Elizabeth Johnson was a sister of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, of Southern fame. He and his sister were accustomed to differ hotly about the Civil War. It is a bit of family history that Frederick Butler, an uncle of George H. Seall, was a colonel in the Union army and an officer of the day before the battle of Vicksburg. General Johnson was an uncle of Col. Fred Butler and met him before the battle. Saluting him, he said, "Colonel Butler, how is my sister, Betsey, your mother?" Colonel Butler is said to have replied, shortly, "General Johnson, , it is a damned poor time to discuss relationship on the eve of battle."

Henry Seall grew up at Bloomington and was in the mercantile business for many years. Later, he moved to EUettsville, Monroe county, Indiana, and here George H. Seall grew up.

George H. Seall married Laura B. Sleeper, in 1874, who was born at New Albany, Indiana, and was the daughter of William A. and Melvina (Simonton) Sleeper. William A. Sleeper was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his wife near Ironton, Ohio. They were married at New Albany, in December, 1851. Mr. Sleeper was a patternmaker, a mechanical draughtsman and a millwright. They moved to Arkansas about 1853 and remained there until the close of the Civil War. They then returned to New Albany, where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Melvina Sleeper was the daughter of John Simonton, a son of William Simonton, who was the son of Alexander Simonton. Alexander Simonton was a soldier in the American Revolution under Gen. George Washington. He was with a Pennsylvania troop and wounded at the battle of Brandywine. Afterwards, he settled at Sharon, Pennsylvania. William Sleeper was the son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Turner) Sleeper, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They moved from Pittsburgh to near Bloomington, Indiana, in an early day . and lived there the remainder of their lives.

Mrs. George H. Seall attended the Asbury Female College, afterward DePauw University, where she was graduated in 1871. After leaving college, she engaged in teaching, part of the time in the public schools but most of the time she was an instructor of instrumental music. She made her home at New Albany most of the time until her marriage.

After their marriage, George H. Seall and wife spent about three years in Kentucky, where he was engaged in contracting and building railroad grades for the Queen & Crescent railroad. He then made his home in Cincinnati for nearly two years and then came to Wood county, Ohio, and soon after to Sandusky. They moved to Putnam county in 1879, and located at North creek, in Palmer township, where he conducted a store for about eight years. At this time the land was not cleared, but saw-mills were numerous. The Black swamp was not yet drained. After eight years there, they moved to Continental and built a hotel, the Maple House, which Mr. Seall conducted for twelve years, renting it for some years when, in 19 14, he sold it. After leaving the hotel, Mr. Seall purchased a farm which he worked for about three years. He then moved back to Continental and since has lived most of the time there. Mr. Seall and wife frequently go south or take long journeys. He owns considerable property in Continental.

George H. Seall is a thirty-second degree Mason and belongs to the chapter and council at Ottawa, the Knights Templar at Defiance and the consistory at Toledo. Mrs. Seall is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Seall is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Probably less than half a dozen people have lived in Continental as long as Mr. Seall and his wife. When they came to Continental, it was a sort of overgrown backwoods village. Stumps still stuck up in Main street, the sidewalks were made of bark and there were deep ditches. There was hardly a respectable frame house in the town and most of the buildings were just shanties of the men who worked in the stave factory. Standing where the Continental Bank now is, the underbrush hid the view of the old school house which stood where the present brick house stands. While Mr. Seall lived at North creek, he was offered land at eight dollars an acre. The tie timber was taken off, but elm and maple were still abundant. However, the ' land was considered valueless and Mr. Seall refused the offer. At the edge of Continental, he could have bought land for fifteen dollars an acre when he moved to this town. This land is now almost invaluable.

Descended from substantial American stock, George H. Seall's rather large success is accounted for by his own prodigious industry and foresight as well as by his natural and inherited ability. It is to be remembered that his mother's father, Frederick T. Butler, was a well-known lawyer in his day and generation, a good speaker and a man who was active in getting volunteers for the Civil War. It is also to be remembered that George H. Seall's father, Henry Seall, was a veteran of the Mexican War. Coming from such stock as this, it is not surprising that George H. Seall has made good in the world. Neither is it surprising that he is one of the leading citizens of Putnam county where he has lived so long. In one sense, men of his type are accidents, the result of a complex sway of forces which happen to focus in their own person, but, after all, to be the focus, the apex, the culmination, the cynosure is a notable distinction and this distinction belongs to George H Seall.

Clinton W. Fawcett

The Fawcett family, who are old pioneers of Putnam county, Ohio, are of Irish-Quaker ancestry and Clinton W. Fawcett is the seventh in direct line from the first member who came to this country from Ireland, about the year 1740. Thomas Fawcett, the first one of the family concerning whom definite record has been preserved, emigrated from Lisburn, Ireland, about the year 1740, and settled in Frederick county, Virginia. The line of descent from Thomas Fawcett to Clinton W. Fawcett is as follows : Thomas, John, John, Jr., Jesse, Robert B,, James L. and Clinton W.

Robert B. Fawcett, the grandfather of Clinton W., was born in Frederick county, Virginia, on December 10, 1819. Before his marriage, his parents moved to Clinton county, Ohio, and later to Logan county, this state, where, in 1841, he married Catharine Monroe, who was a native of Culpeper county, Virginia. She was born on February 15, 1821, and was a daughter of Nathaniel Monroe, who was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, April II, 1 79 1. Nathaniel Monroe was a millwright, a soldier in the War of 181 2, and, prior to his emigration to Ohio, in 1834, was a slaveholder, having obtained his slaves from the estate of John Brannin, his father-in-law. His father, John Monroe, who was of Scottish descent, was a soldier in the American Revolution, in a Virginia regiment. John Monroe's wife was Jane Shackelford. The mother of Catharine Monroe was Catharine Brannin, a daughter of John Brannin, who, in turn, was a son of Richard Brannin, an Irish refugee, who settled in Culpeper county, Virginia, early in the eighteenth century and resided on the Rapidan river until he reached the remarkable age of one hundred and sixteen years. Richard Brannin was an Irish baron and, before he came to Virginia, was implicated in one of the many unsuccessful insurrections to free Ireland from English rule, forfeiting all of his estate, when he was compelled to flee to Virginia. After his arrival in that state Governor Spottswood made him steward of his estate. Catharine Monroe died on March 15, 1904.

James L. Fawcett is a son of Robert B. and Catharine (Monroe) Fawcett, and was born on March 21, 1847, i" Logan county, Ohio. When a small child, James L. Fawcett came to Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents, who located at Vaughnsville, in Sugar Creek township. His father afterward bought a farm in section 36, where he resided until his death, on May 17, 1867. In this county James L. Fawcett grew to manhood, and on September 18, 1872, married Elizabeth C. Allgire (nee Hershey), who was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 29, 1840, a daughter of Benjamin Hershey and Fannie (Stiner) Hershey.

Benjamin Hershey was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and his wife, Fannie Stiner, was born near Frankfort, Germany, in 1807. Benjamin Hershey, his parents and his brothers and sisters moved to Richlan'd county, Ohio, in 1835. He was a member of the Hershey family, whose ancestors came from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1709. This family traces its ancestiy back to the year 1535- Later, Benjamin Hershey and family removed to Franklin county, this state, where they resided until about the year 1857, when they came to Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio. Elizabeth C. Allgire and her husband, Alpheus A. Allgire, came to Putnam county with her parents. Her father died in Jackson township on April 12, 1863. After his death, her mother remarried and removed to Riley township. Her husband, Alpheus A. Allgire, in 1862, enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was captured near Dalton, Georgia, in 1864, confined in Andersonville prison until the close of the war, and died at Annapolis, Maryland, in the spring of 1865.

James L. Fawcett, the father of Clinton W., was reared on the farm in Sugar Creek township and taught school for a short time after reaching his maturity. For a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of drain tile at Dupont, Ohio, and after retiring from this business was appointed postmaster at Dupont in 1893, and served during Cleveland's second administration. He was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After leaving the postofifice he held several offices in Perry township and is now making his home with his sons, Clinton W., of Ottawa, Ohio, and Ralph D., of St. Paul, Minnesota, dividing his time between them. His wife died on March 30, 1913.

Clinton W. Fawcett, the subject of this sketch, was born at Kalida, in this county, on February 21, 1875. He received a common school education in the schools of Putnam county, and before he reached his majority began to teach school and followed this line of endeavor for several yearsin the schools of this county. In the meantime he became a student at the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, Ohio, specializing in science and inlaw. He completed the scientific course in 1896, and in 1904 completed the law course of that university, and in December, 1904, at Columbus, Ohio,, was admitted to practice law.

Clinton W. Fawcett began the practice of laW at Continental, Ohio, in 1905, and on January i, 1908, he came to Ottawa, where he has since been located. He is a man of broad education and is recognized as one of the leading members of the bar of his county. He is active in Democratic politics and has served as clerk of the board of deputy state supervisors of elections of Putnam county. While teaching school in Perry township, he served as township clerk for four years.

Clinton W. Fawcett was married, in 1908, to Martha E. Weible. She was bom at Dupont, this county, on November 3, 1885, where she received her education in the common schools of the county and where she taught in the schools of Continental for five years before her marriage. She is a daughter of George C. Weible and Nancy A. Snell. Her father is a son of Henry Weible, Sr., and Mary Will, of Delphos, Ohio, and her mother was a daughter of Albert and Martha Snell. To this union have been born three children, Mary E., Loretta C. and Ralph M.

Henry D. Ream

Henry D. Ream was born on January i, 1850, in Canton, Stark county, Ohio. He is the son of Abraham and Anna (Miller) Ream, the former of whom was born on December 10, 1821, near Canton, Ohio, of German parentage. He spent his boyhood days in Stark county, Ohio, where he was reared. Abraham Ream also taught school and was one of the early settlers of Ada, Ohio. He was closely identified with its growth and history. In his days of activity, he was a leader in reform movements and, in the days of slavery, especially, he was a pronounced abolitionist. He was always a stanch -Prohibitionist. Abraham Ream belonged to a class of men to whom the world owes the civilization which it now enjoys. He was the son of Philip and Mary (Altman) Ream, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His grandfather was George Ream and history chronicles the fact that he served in the Revolutionary War under General Washington. He was also one of the men sent out to quell Sharp's whiskey rebellion. Philip. Ream came to Ohio at the time it was a territory and settled on Bull creek, in Columbiana county. He moved with his family to Stark county, Ohio, in- 1806. He died in 1852, at which time he owned three hundred and fifty acres of land. Abraham Ream received his education in the common schools and lived on the farm until the age of twenty-five years, spending the lasttwo or three winters in teaching school.

Abraham Ream engaged in the mercantile business in Canton about- 1850, in partnership with Kaufman & Reynolds, and continued until 1856, when he came to Hancock county. Here he engaged in the dry goods business, at the little town of Newstark, having been proprietor of the place. In i860 he started a branch store at Ada and in 1863 combined his stock from Newstark with that at Ada and from 1864 until 1873, he was prominently identified with the mercantile interests at Ada, Ohio. He started in partnership with his son, P. W., in 1873, operating a general store, a planing milf and a saw-mill in different sections of the town. Later he came to Ottawa, in 1874, and retired from active life in 1876.

Abraham Ream was married in 1846 to Anna Miller, who was also of German descent. Seven children were born to this union, Philip W., Henry D., Mary C, Isaac Newton, Jacob B., Levi O. and Anderson W. Philip W, was a telegraph operator and instructor of telegraphy at Ada College, died in 1901; Henry D. is the subject of this sketch; Mary C. married R. SShanks and died on April 13, 1914; Isaac Newton was killed in a railroad strike in 1888 on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad; Jacob B. is a merchant in Ada, Ohio; Levi O. is a funeral director and undertaker at Ada; Anderson W. is a plumber at Ada and also an instructor of telegraphy at Findlay College.

Abraham Ream was not a member of any church, but was inclined toward that of the Presbyterian faith. He was active in church work, contributing liberally of money and services. He died on April 25, 1895, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife died in 1884, at the age of fifty-nine. Abraham Ream was a man of strong convictions and for many years took a decided stand as opposed to the institution of slavery. He was a leader in many reform movements. He did much for the moral, civic and political advancement of Hancock county.

Henry D. Ream grew to manhood in Hardin county, Ohio, and received his education in the Normal College at Ada. He remained at home until the age of fifteen years, when he began to learn the trade of a mason. In his sixteenth year he entered into a contract to build a brick building. He molded and burned the brick for the house and superintended the construction, turning it over to the owner who was entirely satisfied with the work. Since this time, Mr. Ream has been engaged in contracting and has done a great deal of building in various parts of Ohio, some of his contracts running over forty thousand dollars in cost. Mr. Ream moved to Ottawa, Ohio, in 1877 ^iid purchased the Ottawa Manufacturing Company plant and assumed the management of the concern. This company manufactures sash doors of every description. When Mr. Ream took charge of it, only sash and doors were manufactured and general planing done. Later on turned work was added. Mr. Ream continued in this business for eighteen years and then sold it to Ault & Lee in 1885. Moreover, Mr. Ream had a farm of forty .acres in Ottawa township and in selling the plant, took two farms in Monroe township of two hundred and ten acres.

Henry D. Ream took a mortgage on the plant and, in 1887, received the plant back, after which he with his two younger brothers conducted it for about three years. He then bought out the interest of the brothers and erected a brick building on the site of the old plant. Later it was used as an armory. He later sold the building and machinery to different parties in the spring of 1 90 1, having moved to the Monroe township farm in the fall of 1900. Here he followed general farming for about five years and also shipped hay and straw. His farm is a model in many respects, being highly cultivated and fenced with Paige wire fencing. It contains about twenty miles of tile drainage. The greater part of the land is cleared and the buildings are about the best that are to be found in Putnam county. Mr. Ream sold a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, in December, 1910, to the Strauss brothers and, on January 26, 1915, sold seventy-seven acres more. He moved to Continental, in February, 191 1, and built his present home, in July, 1912.

Henry D. Ream was married on May 16, 1871, to Miranda Gilbert, a native of Hardin county, Ohio, born on January 14, 185 1. To this union four children have been born, Harry C, Alfred A., Lillian L. and Ruth A. Harry C, born on April 6, 1872, married Alpharetta Cunningham, and has four children, Royal G., Robert D., Guy C. and Paul M. They live in Detroit, Michigan, where he is a foreman in the L-on-Clad Door factory; Alfred A., July 26, 1874, married Osa Roberts, and is a farmer of seventyseven acres of land in Monroe township; they have one child, Mary Mildred; Lillian L., May 16, 1878, and Ruth A., March 6, 1895, live at home.

Mrs. Henry D. Ream's father, Horace Gilbert, was born on April 10, 1805, in Vermont. Lie was the son of Josiah and Chloe (Barnard) Gilbert, both of English descent and natives of Verm.ont. Josiah Gilbert was a car- penter and joiner. Horace Gilbert was educated in the public schools of Canada and Vermont. He settled in Ohio in 1840 and some time in the eighties was married to Sarah Wood, the daughter of Hezekiah and Elizabeth (Savage) Wood. To this union ten children were born, Berthina, the wife of John Shuster, deceased; Horace, deceased: Mrs. Mary A. Walters, deceased; Alvin, deceased; Milanda, deceased; Mrs. Melissa Arbuthnot;' Arinda, deceased; Mrs. Laura Ream, deceased; Mrs. Marantha Cross, deceased; and Myranda, a twin sister of Marantha, who is the wife of' Mr. Ream.

Josiah Gilbert and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Horace Gilbert owned the first store in Ada, purchasing the same from the railroad company. He was a farmer and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land. He died on January i, 1891, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died on December 25, 1890, at the age of eighty-two. Horace Gilbert was a Republican in politics.

Henry D. Ream is a stanch Prohibitionist. He is not a member of any lodge and, with the exception of the presidency of the school board, has not held any office. Mrs. Ream is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Continental, and has been a member of this church since early girlhood

George F. Gilliotte

Few residents of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio, are as well and favorably known as the enterprising business man and representative citizen, whose life story is briefly told in the following lines. None stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resides, or for the material advancement of which he has devoted so much of his time and influence. George F. Gilliotte, for several years, has been a prosperous, enterprising and successful merchant of Continental. He has a large grocery store, and his patronage has been growing from the time that Mr. Gilliotte went into the store as a clerk, many years ago.

George F. Gilliotte was born on July 17, 1885, in Pandora, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of George F. and Louise (Gessard) Gilliotte.

George F. Gilliotte, Sr., was born on April 7, 1839, at Vandam Court France. He left there in 1885, on the ist of April, and came first to Gilboa, Putnam county, and located on a farm in Riley township. He had been reared as a farmer and worked here for four years, when he moved to Monroe township, where he bought a farm of forty acres. Subsequently, he soldl this farm and moved to Hector, Ohio, about 1891. Here he Hved on a farm-, of twenty acres until his death, March 8, 1901, at the age of sixty-two years. George F Gilliotte, Sr., had grown to maturity in France, and married therein 1869. There was a family of ten children born in France, four of whomdjed in infancy. Four children were born after the arrival in America. Mr. Gilliotte learned the watchmaker trade, at the age of sixteen, in France, and' followed that trade in his native country, but did not follow it after coming, to America. He was not a member of any lodge and held no offices in this country, while in politics he was a Democrat. He was a prominent and influential member in the Lutheran church at Continental, and was a man; highly respected in the community at the time of his death. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Louise Gessard, was also born at Vandam Court,. France, in 1849. She is still living, one and one-half miles east of Continental, Ohio.

George F., Sr., and Louise (Gessard) Gilliotte had fourteen children,, including the four who died in infancy. Ten of the children still survive. They are Mrs. W. J. Keller, of South Bend, Indiana; Mrs. W. A. Millsbaugh, of Continental; Lucian F., of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Mrs. E. F. Dellinger, of Continental; Mrs. Charles Conkwright, of Monroe township, Ohio;: Mrs. Wilson Burley, of Crooksville, Ohio; George F., Jr.; Benjamin A.,, who lives at home; Marie, who is a teacher in the sixth grade Continental schools, and Alfred, who also lives at home.

George F. Gilliotte, Sr., was the son of Pierre and Suzan (Marchand) Gilliotte. Mrs. George F. Gilliotte, Sr., who, before her marriage, was- Louise Gessard, is the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Giraud) Gessard. Pierre and Suzan (Marchand) Gillotte were natives of Vandam Court, France. Charles Gessard was also a native of Vandam Court, France, while his wife, Catherine Giraud, was a native of Abbevillier,. France.

George F. Gilliotte, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was reared and grew" up in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was educated, principally, in the township schools at Hector, Ohio, lived at home until twenty years of age. He then began clerking for E. F. Bellinger in the grocery store at Continental, where he worked for four years, when he finally purchased the store of Mr. Bellinger. He was in business alone for threeyears, when the store burned, but he re-established it the next year on the: present site, and is still active, doing business under his separate name. Mr. -Gilliotte has a large and well-stocked grocery, and enjoys a liberal patronage from the people of Continental.

George F. Gilliotte, Jr., was married on June 14, 1914, to Mable Donaldson, who was born on April i, 1890, in Monroe township, and who is the -daughter of Asa and Mary (Taylor) Donaldson. One son was born ito this union, on April 7, 1915.

George F. Gilliotte is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 570, Free and Accepted Masons, at Continental, and of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 339, at the same place. Likewise he is a member of the Pythian Sisters and the Order of Eastern Star. Mr. Gilliotte is a stanch Democrat, but he has held no offices, with the exception of a membership on the town election board. He is not a member of any church. Mrs. Gilliotte, however, is a member of the United Brethren church. After Mr. Gillotte's fire, in June, 1912, he took a three-months' trip to Europe, visiting the old home place in France, Rome, and sojourning in different parts of Europe, returning to Continental and establishing his present business. George F. Gilliotte, Jr., is a well-informed man, popular in the community where he lives and admired and respected by all his neighbors and friends.

A review of the life of Orville McDowell must, of necessity, be brief general in character, since to enter fully into the interesting details touching the earnest and persistent efforts of his earlier years and successes of later days, would far transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks of the enterprising and public-spirited men of his and has been an important factor in the growth and development of Continental's industrial and commercial interests. He is a representative -of that sterling type of world-workers who have furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to its stability and its institutions. And yet, in spite of the multitudinous activities of his life, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, but has preserved this faculty and the warmth of his heart for the broadening and helpful influence of human life, being a kindly, genial friend and gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.

Orville McDowell was born on September 23, 1865, in the north part of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Hugh L. and Mary (Ridge) McDowell, the former of whom was born in Licking county, Ohio, on August 12, 1841, and who, himself, was the son of James and Agnes (Bacon) McDowell. James McDowell was a native of Licking county, Ohio, who moved to Putnam county, in 1845, ^iid there died, two years later. At his death, James McDowell was survived by a widow and four children. The children were : Isaac, Hugh L., Jane and Sarah, the last of whom married Joseph Bartoon. Mrs. Agnes (Bacon) McDowell, subsequently, married William Sackett and died at Gilboa, Putnam county, at the age of seventy- four. Mrs. Mary (Ridge) McDowell, the wife of Hugh L. McDowell, was the daughter of William Ridge. She and her husband had eight children, Orville, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest; James W. held various public positions in Putnam county ; Harvey H. at one time served as deputy postmaster; David; Isaac Newton; Earnest; Nelson H., and Cortis E., were other children. Hugh L. McDowell was a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company D, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having participated in a number of.battles. He was discharged at Decard Station, Tennessee, August 7, 1863. At one time, Hugh L. Mc- Dowell was treasurer of Putnam county and, later, served as postmaster at Ottawa.

After Hugh L. McDowell retired from the office of county treasurer, in the fall of 1883, he moved to a farm, just south of the base line, in Riley township. He lived upon this farm until 1891, and then moved back to Ottawa where, for a time, he was a dealer in live stock. He was appointed postmaster, under President Cleveland, and served for four years. He resumed his trade in live stock, after his retirement from this office, and spent the rest of his life in Ottawa and is now deceased. Mrs. Hugh L. Mc- Dowell still lives in Ottawa.