Ottawa Township (part 7 of 23)

David Risser

A Union soldier in the war between the states builded wiser than he knew. Through four years of suffering and hardships, the horrors of prison pens and amid the shadows of death, he laid the superstructure of the greatest temple ever erected and dedicated to human freedom. The world looked on and called those soldiers sublime, because it was theirs to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from off the slaves, preserve the country from dissolution and unfurl to the breeze the only flag that has ever made tyrants tremble, whose majestic stripes and scintillating stars are still waving universal liberty to all of the earth. For all the unmeasured deeds, the living present will never repay them. Pension and political power may be thrown at their feet, art and sculpture may preserve upon canvas and in granite and bronze, their unselfish deeds. History may commit to books, and cold type may give to the future, the tales of their sufferings and triumph, yet to the children of the generations unborn will it remain to accord the full measure of appreciation and undying remembrance of the immortal character carved out by the American soldier in the dark days of the early sixties, prominent among whom was David Risser, the subject of this sketch.

David Risser, one of the most prominent bankers and farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, was born at Derkheim, Bavaria, Germany, April 5, 1840. He is the son of Abraham and Catherine (Sunzenich) Risser, the former of whom was _ a native of Bavaria, who in his young days engaged in teaming. Subsequently, he conducted a stage line from Derkheim and vicinity to Havre, France, for the convenience of the ocean travelers. This business was, after about ten years, supplanted by the first river steamer on the Rhine. Abraham Risser did an extensive business before the advent of the

Steamer and after this, he resumed his teaming business. He and his wife had nine children, Abraham, Jr., Catherine, John, who died in Germany at the age of twenty-one; Jacob, Daniel, Henry, David, Christian, and Louis, who died in Germany at the age of two years.

Abraham Risser's wife died in Germany in the spring of 1856. The following autumn David Risser, his father and a young brother. Christian, came to America on a sailing vessel, landing in New York after a trip lasting forty-nine days. All of the other brothers had previously come to America. Abraham, Jr., the eldest, settled at Canandaigua, New York, where he was married and reared a large family and became very prosperous! He was a farmer and at one time controlled six hundred acres of land. The other sons settled in Putnam and Allen counties, Ohio, where they all followed farming, married and reared large families. All became prosperous citizens. Henry, who settled at Lima, specialized in flowers and truck gardening. Catherine was the only child who was married in Germany and was the wife of Frederick Cost. They settled at Pandora. She had one child, Elizabeth, who was born in Germany. Catherine lived about ten years after coming to America.

When David Risser arrived in America, he first went to Cleveland and there engaged in teaming. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Third New York Cavalry and served until December, 1865. He was attached to the Army of the Potomac and saw active service throughout the whole war. Unlike other soldiers, on account of personal services to the officers of his command, he was permitted to retain his horse at the close of the war. This horse had faithfully served him during the whole period of the war and only one other animal in the regiment survived. Mr. Risser was given transportation for himself and horse to Rochester, New York, from whence it was brought overland to Putnam county, Ohio. Possessed of unusual intelligence, this animal was unsurpassed as a saddle-horse It is said that no fence was too high for him to jump and so perfectly was he trained that he could be ridden anywhere without saddle or bridle

After the war, Mr. Risser settled on a farm one mile west of Pendleton now Pandora, which he had purchased with his savings while in service' There were eighty acres in the original farm, which had upon it a house partly of logs and partly of frame, and a barn. The land was only partially county, Ohio, January 5, 1844, and at the age of three months, was brought , by her parents to Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. The family history of Mrs. Risser is to be found in the sketch of Henry Grismore, contained elsewhere in this volume.

David Risser and wife were the parents of eleven children, Samuel E., George W., WilHam M., Minnie A., Irene, Jacob A., Elizabeth, Lena Alma, Ottillia, Louis D., and Edwin A. Samuel E. was born on June 30, 1867, and died on September 7, of the same year; George W., was born on October 30, 1868, and who died on December 11, 1914, was married to Clara Boyd. He was a lawyer by profession and was prosecuting attorney of Putnam county for two terms. He was prominent, politically, and was a leading lawyer in Ottawa and Putnam counties ; William M., who was bom on March 29, 1871, married Elizabeth Lenley, and had five children; Minnie A., who was born on April 27, 1873, is the wife of William Basinger and has had six children, one of whom is deceased; Irene was born on August 1, 1874, and died on November 5, 1879; Jacob A. was born on December 15, 1876, and died on August 21, 1877; Ottillia, who was born on September 11, 1882, is the wife of Otis McBride, of Lima, Ohio, and has one son; Elizabeth, who was born on July 15, 1878; Lena Alma, who was born on August 13, 1880; Lewis D., who was born on October 19, 1884, and Edwin, who was born on May 21, 1887, are all single and at home.

David Risser has always done general farming. He has added to his farm holdings from time to time until he now owns four hundred and seventy-six acres in addition to his other interests. He has been a large raiser and feeder of cattle and hogs for the market and is considered one of the most successful farmers in Putnam county. His home place is improved with a large, beautiful residence which has every modern convenience, also large and commodious barns and other buildings in keepingwith the surroundings.

David Risser has been a life-long Democrat. He has served his community for six consecutive terms as trustee without any solicitation or effort on his part. It is a remarkable tribute to his character as a citizen and as a man. He is president of the Farmers Banking Company at Pandora and IS mterested in many other enterprises. Mrs. Risser, after a most beautiful and useful life, died on September 10, 1907, at the age of sixty-three. She was baptized in the Lutheran church and lived a most consistent Christian life, devoted to her husband and to her children. Mr. Risser has given his children every advantage that is possible. They have been well-educated in order that they might become useful citizens of the community where they live. All of them have gratified their father and the memory of their mother by filling positions of prominence in the vicinities where they reside. The four children, who are at home, are members of the Presbyterian -church, of Columbus Grove. His youngest sons, Louis and Edwin, are -graduates of the agricultural department of Ohio State University, and are. therefore, well equipped to take up the active management of Mr. Risser's large farm holdings when his active career is finished. David Risser is a member of the Mennonite church, in which he was baptised in his native country of Germany ot the age of sixteen, and is a member of Ogleby Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and has always been keenly Interested in its work. He is a man who well deserves the universal >esteem bestowed upon him by his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Rev Francis Nigsch

A large proportion of the early settlers of Putnam county, Ohio, were Catholics, and from the beginning of the history of the county the Catholic citizen has been a prominent factor in the spiritual life of the people. The well-educated and thoroughly-trained priesthood has had charge of the spiritual needs of the people and has been instrumental in providing beautiful buildings of worship as well as substantial school buildings and residences for the pastors. The Rev. Francis A. Nigsch has had charge of St. Peter and Paul's church at Ottawa since 1903, and during the past twelve years has had the satisfaction of seeing his church increase in influence in this community. He is a man of broad education and catholic sympathies, and is not only well beloved by his own congregation, but highly esteemed by all in the community where he has labored so faithfully and well.

Rev. Francis Nigsch, the son of Francis A. and Regina (Erhart) Nigsch, was born at Blons, in Vorarlberg, in the northwestern part of Tyrol, near Switzerland, May 24, 1846. Both of his parents are deceased. Of the five children born tO' these parents, a sister lives in Austria and one brother is deceased, having been killed by a falling tree. The other three children -were sons, and came to America, where two of them entered the priesthood.

Of these three brothers, Rev. Christian Nig'sch came to the United States when a young man of twenty years, after having been well educated in his native land, and having taught in the public schools of Tyrol. He came '.to this country in 1868, and entered the seminary at Carthagena, Mercer county, Ohio, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1878 by Archbishop Purcell, in Cincinnati. His first appointment was in Jay county, Indiana, and his next charge was at the Church of St. John, in Mercer county, Ohio.' He was next assigned to the Cathohc church at Winamac, Puhska county, Indiana, and while pastor there he built a beautiful church. He was transferred to Minster, Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1885, where, after a ministration of five years, he died on November 25, 1890. Frederick Nigsch, another brother, came to America and died in 1873 while preparing himself for the priesthood.

Rev. Francis Nigsch came to the United States in 1866, when he was twenty years of age, and entered the theological seminary at Carthagena, Ohio. He had already received his classical education in his native land and spent five years more at Carthagena, preparing himself for the priesthood. He was ordained by Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1872, and was given a charge in Mercer county, Ohio, which was retained by him for about eighteen months. He was then transferred to the Church of St. Mary, m Auglaize county, Ohio, where he was stationed for seven months. The following three months were spent at Minster, Ohio, in the same county where he acted as assistant pastor. The next year he was given a charge in the state of Missouri, and from 1878 to 1881 had charge of the congregation at Wapakoneta, Ohio. He was appointed to the pastorate at Glandorf Putnam county, Ohio, in 1881, where he remained until 1889. Father Nigsch is a progressive and indefatigable man in his labors, and the beneficial results of the church at Glandorf eloquently testify to his ability. He liquidated a church debt of fourteen thousand dollars at Glandorf, and in addition raised a large sum for furnishing the church, an amount probably three times the debt which he paid, when coming to Glandorf.

Father Nigsch traveled extensively in Europe in 1889, and while on the continent he visited Rome, and on June 23 of that year was received by Pope Leo XIII. Upon returning to this country, he again assumed charge of the church at Glandorf, and continued the active discharge of his duties at that place until the end of January, 1897. For the next nine months he was stationed at St. John, Mercer county, Ohio, and in October 1897 he went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and organized the Church of the Precious Blood, erecting a school building as well as a church. He started the school at Fort Wayne with eight grades and an initial enrollment of one hundred and fifty pupils. The church building was erected in 1898. Before he left Fort Wayne, in January, 1903, he had erected a fine residence for the pastor and also a residence for the Sisters.

Upon leaving Fort Wayne, Father Nigsch returned to Putnam county, Ohio, and took charge of St. Peter and Paul's church at Ottawa, where he has since been stationed. His long residence in Glandorf had already made him thoroughly well acquainted throughout the county, and it was like returning to an old home to be transferred to Ottawa. His ministry here has been unusually pleasant and free from any embarrassing difficulties. No spectacular strides have been made, but nearly every year has seen some substantial improvement in one way or another. The church and the priest's residence have been rendered more comfortable and much improved in appearance. The large indebtedness, necessarily incurred for the many and expensive buildings and improvements of an earlier date, have been wiped out and funds accumulated for future necessities. A male choir was added in 1905, and a children's choir was later installed. The male choir was largely increased in 19 13 by the training and instructing of a large number of young men in music. Father Nigsch loves truth much better than polite evasion. He is a man of strong executive and business ability, and withal a man with a warm heart, a kindly humor and an uprightness of character fully in keeping with his holy office. He is esteemed by not only those of his own church, but by the general public at large. As a good citizen, he takes an intelligent interest in the general life of his community and never shirks any responsibility when he feels that he can render service to his fellow citizens.

John B. Fisher

For the past score of years John B. Fisher has been engaged in the mercantile business at Townwood, Putnam county, Ohio. Before locating in Townwood, Mr. Fisher was engaged in business in various other places. By careful methods he has built up a flourishing trade at Townwood, and in addition to his business interests, he is also serving as postmaster, a position which he has held for several years.

John B. Fisher, the son of Andrew J. and Nancy M. (Baker) Fisher, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 30, 1866. His father was born in the same county, June 30, 1839, the son of John and Eliza Fisher, natives of Ohio.

Andrew J. Fisher was reared on his father's farm in Tuscarawas county, and when a young man began to work on the railroad through his county, and continued in this work until 1869, when he moved to Allen

Indiana, where he purchased a farm, and continued to reside in Indiana until 1873, and then moved to Belmore, Putnam county, Ohio, where he took charge of a store. He managed this store until 1875, and then engaged in business for himself with Nimrod Speaker. This firm continued together for two years and then the business was sold to George Speaker. Following his connection with the mercantile business at Belmore, Andrew J. Fisher became yard boss for the stave factory at Belmore, which position he retained until the spring of 1893. He then went to Latty, Paulding county, Ohio, where he engaged in the butcher business until 1905, when he retired from active work and moved to Van Wert, Ohio, where he is now living.

Andrew J. Fisher was married, about 1861, to Nancy M. Baker, of Dennison, Ohio, and to this union four children were born: Laura, who <iied at the age of three; John D., of Townwood; Lydia, and Delia M. Lydia became the wife of William George, of Belmore, Ohio, and is the -mother of seven children, John, Nancy, Bernice, Bernard, Delia, Noel and Dale. One of Lydia's sons, John, married Laura Fenstermaker ; Delia M., the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Fisher, became the wife of -Howard J. Mouser, and has two children, one who died in infancy, and Fred, of Portland, Oregon.

John B. Fisher was three years of age when his parents moved to Allen county, Indiana, and lived in various places where his father was engaged in business. He received a good common school education and -early m life began to work in his father's store. His early training in business was received in the store in Belmore and Leipsic. After his marriage he engaged in business for himself at Belmore, Perrysburg and Latty, before finally locating in Townwood in Putnam county. He came to the latter place in 1895 and bought the general store of J. F. Fike, and has been engaged in business in this place since that time. He carries a large line of such goods as are carried in stores in towns of this size and has built up a large and lucrative trade throughout this section of the county Mr, Fisher was married in June, 1889, to Effie M. Hunter, a daughter of John and Susanna (Sellers) Hunter. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Ohio. Mr. Fisher and his wife are the parents of five children, Fay, Marie, Carlton J., Paul and Winona. Fay married Prof. W. S. Wallen, of Petersburg, New York, and has one son, Richard Carlton J. died in infancy, and the other three children are still living with ^heir parents in Townwood.

Reese F. Hickey

No profession has made greater advancement during the last half century than has that of agriculture, and practically all of the disadvantageswhich surrounded the pioneer farmer have been done away with because of the multitude of modem inventions which tend to lighten the farmer's labors. It takes less labor now to operate a farm of fifty acres than it did to operate a farm of ten acres fifty years ago, and inventions are coming into use every year which are helping the farmer to increase his sphere of usefulness. Ohio is recognized as one of the best farming states in the Union and no county in the state has better or more progressive farmers than has Putnam couniy. Among the hundreds of farmers who have made this county famous as an agricultural section, there is no one more worthy of a place in a biographical volume of this character than Reese F. Hickey, the subject of this review.

Reese F. Hickey was born on November 20, 1848, in Licking county, Ohio. He came to Putnam county when three years of age in 1850 with his parents, who settled on the old Kutsinger place one and one-half miles southeast of Gilboa, on Duke's Run, and here the family lived one year when the father purchased the old George Steward farm, one mile farther east. His wife died in 1865 and, in 1866, he married Sarah Harris. It was on this farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres that Reese F Hickey's parents lived for about eighteen years, or until 1870, when Henry and Sarah (Harris) Hickey, moved to the Bacon farm one and one-quarter miles south' of Gilboa, which place they had purchased some years before. It was upon this farm that Henry Hickey died one year later, April, 1871.

Reese F Hickey spent his boyhood days on the old Steward farm. This farm w.as fairly well cleared and improved for that time, and had on it a good log cabin and a rather commodious log barn, as well as a large orchard. Here Reese F Hickey assisted his father with the work of the farm, attending the district schools during the winter seasons, remaining on the farm until he was sixteen years of age.

Mr. Hickey enlisted for service in the Union army in August, 1864, in Company B, Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served under Generals Slocum, Ward and Gerry in Sherman's army. After his enlistment he joined his regiment which had just taken the city of Atlanta. Thisregiment was a part of the Twentieth Army Corps, and was a part of the First Brigade, Second Division. In the late fall of 1864, his regiment joinect Sherman's march to the sea. It so happened that Mr. Hickey at this time had an attack of measles, which detained him for several weeks in the hospital, from which place he was sent to Nashville, where he performed some work. Later, with a sqiiad of soldiers, he was given charge of several of rebel prisoners, which they convoyed to Johnson's island on Lake Erie.

Subsequently, was placed in charge of a party of deserters from Ohio, who were taken from New York and returned to their command. After Teaching New York, Mr. Hickey went by steamer to North Carolina. The steamer on which he sailed was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, and the passengers and crew escaped in life-boats to Boody's island. From, here they sent information of their predicament, by some fishermen, to the military post at Roanoke island, and shortly a steamer arrived which conveyed them to Newburn, North Carolina. From here, Mr. Hickey went to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he joined his own regiment, the Twenty-ninth Ohio. From -Goldsboro, they went to Raleigh, North Carolina, and from there to Washington, D. C, marching overland all the distance. Mr. Hickey took part in the grand review before President Johnson and the leading generals of the army at Washington. He was mustered out of the service at Blatensburg, Maryland, on the outskirts of Washington, and was then returned to Camp Dennison, Ohio, near Cincinnati, where he received his final discharge.

Reese F. Hickey was married on October 3, 1867, to Evaline McClure, the daughter of Andrew and Mary Ann (Ewing) McClure, who were early settlers and poineers in Putnam county, Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Hickey moved to a farm owned by his father, known as the George Wilkins farm, and located one and one-fourth miles southeast of Gilboa, and here he lived until 1870, or about three years, when he moved to the Doctor Mowe farm, one mile south of Gilboa, which also belonged to Mr. Hickey's father. This place he later purchased from his father. He sold the farm and moved to Gilboa in 1880 where he remained until 1884. He then bought back the same farm and returned to it, where he remained until 1907, when he again moved to Gilboa. He lived in Gilboa six years, and, in 1913, again returned to the old farm.

From time to time Mr. Hickey has added to his original land-holdings until he is now the owner of about four hundred acres, all of which lies south of Gilboa. Mr. Hickey has always engaged in general farming and stockraising and has made a pre-eminent success of this combination.

Thomas, Charles Henry, Roxy May, Daniel R., Mable and Reese F., Jr. Mary is the wife of Casper Harmon, and resides in Blanchard township, and IS the mother of two children, Jennie and Edgar; Thomas married Annie Davis, of Glassford, Illinois. His death occurred on November 7, 1914;. Thomas Hickey was a graduate of Crawfis College, of Gilboa. He also attended school at Normal, Illinois, and was admitted to the Missouri bar after taking a course in law, but he preferred the teaching profession, which he followed until his death at St. Charles, Illinois. At the time of his death, he was parole officer for the state reformatory at St. Charles. In this position he had been signally successful, had been much sought and honored by various city and county offices during his career, and at one time was mayor of Glasford, Illinois. He also served in Fulton county as supervisor and purchasing agent, and left a host of friends at the time of his death. Charles Henry, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Hickey, married Mrs. Mary Swankhouse, formerly Miss Geisinger. They lived in Toledo, where he is connected with the Willis-Overland Motor Car Company. Roxy May is the wife of William Chester Windmon, and they reside south of Gilboa, and are the parents of six children, Clarence, who died at the age of twelve; Reese,. Nancy Evaline, George, Reynolds and Harold. Daniel R. Hickey married Ina Heasley, of Montpelier, Indiana, who are now living in Texas, where he is in the oil business; Mabel is the wife of Austin White, and resides southwest of Gilboa. They have one child, Mary Magdalene; Reese F., Jr., the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hickey, married Delia Zine, of Ottawa,' and has three children, Helen, Ina and Henry.

Andrew McClure, who is Mrs. Hickey's father, was a native of Maryland, and came with his parents, as a young man, to Licking county, Ohio. His wife, who was Mary Ann Ewing, was born in Licking county. After their marriage they came to Putnam county, about the year 1832, and settled one mile east of Gilboa. He died in 1861, while his widow survived him, until 1869. Mrs. Hickey has spent all of her life, since her girlhood, in Putnam county.

From the beginning of his career, Reese F. Hickey has been prominent in the councils of the Democratic party. He served as township trustee two terms, and as a member of the school board for twenty-one years. He was also township treasurer for two terms and land appraiser in 1890. He was appraiser of real estate for Gilboa in 1910. In addition to these offices, Mr. Hickey has held numerous other positions of trust and responsibility. There is no farmer in Putnam county who is better known than Reese F. Hickey, and no man who surpasses him in popular esteem. He has been very successful as a farmer and has gained a substantial competence for his declining years. He lives in an imposing twelve-room residence and enjoys all of the comforts that are available in his community. For many years Mr. Hickey has been one of the leading members of Lindsay Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Gilboa.

Few residents of any community exert an influence which is more beneficial to the community at large than does the local physician. His is the hand which guides his neighbors through sickness to health, and his the knowledge which is always called into play during times of greatest stress and danger. He is always at hand when most greatly needed, ready to answer a call from his neighbors at any time of the day or night. It is with such a man in the person of Charles J. Ray, M. D., of Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, that this sketch deals.

Charles J. Ray was born in Findlay, Ohio, a son of James K. and Sophia (Hoch) Ray. James K. Ray was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1847, a son of Allen and Catherine (Routson) Ray, both of whom were natives of Columbiana county, Ohio. The father of Allen Ray was Gian Ray, who was a native of Ireland and who came to America when a young man, in company with his six brothers. He settled first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but later migrated to Columbiana county and settled near New Lisbon, where Allen Ray was born. It was at that place that Gian Ray was married.

Allen Ray was a farmer and, after his marriage in Columbiana county, he migrated to Hancock county, Ohio, where he bought a farm near Findlay. He died a few years later at the age of thirty, having been a victim of typhoid fever. Allen and Catherine Ray were the parents of five children, who were: Thomas, now living in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Elise Ray, M. D., deceased, who lived at Findlay; Mary, the widow of William Shetterley, of Findlay; James K., the subject's father, and Albert, deceased, who was formerly city clerk of Findlay.

James K. Ray, the father of Charles J. Ray, received his early education in Findlay and then, in company with his youngest brother, Albert, engaged in the carriage manufacturing business when a young man. When he was about twenty-six years of age, he married Sophia Hoch, a daughter of Adam and Rosina (Heffler) Hoch, both of whom were natives of Badenheim, Darmstadt, Germany. Sophia Hoch, the mother of Charles J. Ray, was also born m Badenheim and came to America with her parents when she was two years of age. The family settled in Hancock county, where Adam Hoch engaged in farming. In Germany, the Hefflers were landholders, and the Hochs conducted a tavern at Badenheim, the same tavern still being conducted by a Hoch, wrho is a cousin of Mrs. Hoch.

James K. and Sophia Ray were the parents of one son, Charles James, the subject of this sketch. James K. died at the age of thirty-one, in 1878. His widow is yet living and makes her home with her son.

Charles J. Ray spent his boyhood in Findlay, where he attended the common and high schools, having been graduated from the latter in 1892. He entered the Cleveland Medical College in the fall of 1892, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. The following fall he located at Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, where he is successfully practicing his chosen profession at the present time.

After having practiced for several years, he took post-graduate work at the Chicago Polyclinic and later, in 1908, he took special work in advanced medicine, chiefly in diagnosis, at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, during a period of fifteen months, after which he returned to Gilboa.

Doctor Ray is a member of Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the American Medical Association. He is a progressive and successful physician of the regular school and is highly esteemed in his community, both as a physician and as a citizen, in which latter capacity he has been honored by his neighbors in having been given several offices of trust, all of which he has filled to the complete satisfaction of an appreciative public.

George W. Core

In every community there are men who rise to the position of leaders in their respective vocations, farming, business or the trades. Men who have succeeded in their struggle for wealth and affluence are most likely to be the commanding figures in the communities where they live. People are generally willing to do honor to the successful man in whatever his success consists. George W. Core, cashier of the Peoples State Bank, of Columbus Grove, Ohio, has been successful in the business world.

George W. Core was born on June 19, 1864, at Cassville, West Virginia, the son of David and Rebecca (Lay ton) Core. David Core is also a native of Cassville, and was a son of Moses and Elizabeth Core. The Core family is said to have come originally from Scotland.

When George W. Core was two years old, the family moved to Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, where in 1866 they located on a farm. George W. Core lived on the farm near Columbus Grove, until nineteen years -of age. He then took a course in telegraphy, and became a railroad operator. At the age of twenty he went west and spent a short time on a farm ^n Missouri, after which he went to Orion, Illinois, in the fall of 1884, took a position with the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railway Company, and was also employed at various places on the northern division of the St. Louis branch of this railway. He was special agent for the St. Louis branch for about two years. In the spring of 1886 he gave up telegraphic work and took a place in the bank at Orion, Illinois, remaining with this financial institution four years as bookkeeper and teller.

In 1890, Mr. Core organized the Farmers Bank of Orion, a private bank, and became cashier upon its organization. He continued in this position until the fall of 1892, when he sold his interests in that bank and came to Columbus Grove, and organized the Peoples Bank. It was a private bank until 1896, when a state charter was taken out. It has since been operated as a state bank, with an authorized capital of sixty thousand dollars and present surplus and undivided profits of eighteen thousand dollars. Mr. Core has been from the time the bank was first organized, and still holds that position. Besides his banking relations, Mr. Core has engaged in various other He is largely interested in farming four hundred and fifty acres near Columbus Grove, three hundred and fifty of which adjoin the town of Columbus Grove. For a time he was interested in the electric light plant, both at Columbus Grove and at Paulding, and a principal promoter of the plant at the former place. He is also interested as a third owner of the Northern Ohio Cooperage and Lumber Company, with headquarters at Parkin, Arkansas. Likewise, Mr. Core was one. of the promoters of the Putnam Telephone Company.

George W. Core was married to Lorena B. Dowden in 1893. She was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was reared at Fairmount, West Virginia, the daughter of James E. and Ruth (Thomas) Dowden. Her father is a dentist and still resides at Fairmount. Mr. and Mrs. Core are the parents of two children, a son and daughter, Ruth K. and Eugene D Ruth is now in her third year at Vassar College, while Eugene is in his last year in the high school at Columbus Grove.

Mr. Core is a thirty-second degree Mason, and also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an adherent of the Republican party. He and his family are active members of the Presbyterian church.

Naturally, Mr. and Mrs. Core are leaders in the community where they live, having- a large circle of friends and acquaintances and are popular throughout the county.

William Kline

The farmer is the bulwark of the nation, and investigation has shown that a majority of our best business men in the city were reared on the farm. George Washington was a farmer and was proud of the fact. Abraham Lincoln was reared on a farm in Spencer county, Indiana. Probably the most democratic governor that Indiana ever had was "Blue Jeans" Williams, who prided himself on being nothing but a farmer. James A. Mount, another Indiana governor, was a farmer. Governor A. L. Harris, of Ohio, has always been interested in the farm. The farmer is not only the bulwark of the nation, but is the salt of the earth. Among the farmers of Putnam county, none is more progressive than William Kline, who has been thoroughly schooled in all the multitude of "agricultural details which are necessary part of the information of every farmer. Careful and conservative in his business methods and affairs, he is, nevertheless, sufficiently schooled in the art of farming to make him keep pace with twentieth century ideas and methods of agriculture. Mr. Kline is a man well known in the community as a public-spirited citizen, and one, therefore, eminently entitled to representation in this volume.

William Kline was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 14, 1847. He is a son of John Jacob and Elizabeth (Briner) Kline. John Jacob Kline was born in Wurttemburg, Germany, in 1802, and he was a son of Gottlieb Kline and wife.

John Jacob Kline came to America at the age of twenty-five years, after serving five years in the Prussian army. He landed first in New York City, where he remained for a few months, then came to Seneca county, Ohio, where he purchased sixty acres of land. He was a weaver by trade and, in the early days, he and his wife wove cloth for the people of their neighborhood. The cloth included linen, jean and flannel. They owned two looms and operated them in one room, a log cabin. John Jacob Kline was also a horticulturist of considerable ability. He was a man of splendid mental equipment, a great reader and self-made in every respect. His father, who came with him from Germany, took up a homestead in HopcAvell township, Seneca county but only lived for about two years after coming to America. John J. Kline's wife, who, before her marriage, was Elizabeth Briner, was born in Piqua county, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Mary Briner. John Briner was a native of Pennsylvania, and served his country in the War of 1812. He came from Pennsylvania to Piqua county, Ohio ; later removing to Seneca county, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hopewell township. He lived on this farm the rest of his life. He was a carpenter by trade, which vocation he followed in addition to farming.

John Jacob Kline and wife were the parents of nine children, John,, who married Jane Culverson; Mary Ann, who became the wife of Levi Mowry; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Hesekiah Edwards; Elias, who married Sophia Mundweiler; Christina, the wife of William Saul; Elizabeth, first married Hezekiah Edwards, and after his death, married a Mr. Tressler; Caroline, the wife of H. Edwards; Jacob Andrew, who. married Margaret Litner, and William, the immediate subject of this sketch. William Kline spent his boyhood days in Seneca county, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment, Ohio \olunteer Infantry, on August 20, 1864, and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged at Victoria, Texas, on October 20, 1865. He served under General Thomas in the Army of the Cumberland, and amongother battles in Tennessee he participated in those of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville.

After the close of the war, William Kline returned home and resumed farming until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was married to Margaret Brinkman, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Dewalt) Brinkman. Mrs. Kline died on June 19, 1890, leaving four children, Henry B., who married Mabel Cheney, who have two children, Russell and Guy Kenneth; Dr. Oliyer Earl, who married Norah Cassell, who have one child, William Lawrence; Edith Cordelia, a physician, and Mary Elizabeth, a student in. the State University, who are both unmarried and living in Columbus.

William Kline was married the second time on November 24, 1892,. to Louisa Powell, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ranch) Powell. Daniel was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, who settled in Hancock county on a homestead, which had been entered by his father, where he lived the remainder of his life.

After his first marriage, Mr. Kline removed to Wood county, Ohio, where, for a number of years, he was an engineer in a stave factory. Subsequently, he engaged in teaming and again resumed farming. After farmingfor two years in Wood county he moved to Blanchard township, Putnam county, and here purchased eighty acres of land, one and three- fourths miles northwest of Gilboa. This land was purchased on December 17, 1890, was known as the Seth Neal farm, and here Mr. Kline has since lived.

William Kline has held many political honors. He is an ardent Republican in politics, and has served as township trustee of Bloom township. Wood county. He has been a member of the school board of Blanchard township for five years and also a member of the college committee of Crawfis College. Mr. Kline's standing as a progressive citizen is shown by the fact that he has been largely instrumental in raising the standard of Crawfis College from a third grade to a first grade institution. Mr. Kline at one time was a candidate on the Republican ticket for state representative from Putnam county. The normal Democratic majority in Putnam county is twenty-five hundred, and Mr. Kline, because of his exceptional popularity, was able to cut this majority to less than one-half in the first campaign. In the last campaign he cut the Democratic majority down to eleven hundred, which is a splendid tribute to Mr. Kline's character and reputation as a citizen in Putnam county.

Mr. Kline has had two children by his second marriage, Hazel Rowella and William Ray, both of whom are unmarried and still at home. William Kline is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a local minister in this denomination. His wife is also a member of this church. Few residents of Putnam county occupy a higher place in the public esteem of the community than William Kline, or who is more deservinothe esteem of his neighbors and friends.

William Pratt Frantz

That life is the most useful and desirable which resuhs in the greatest to the greatest number. Though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men. It is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public positions to do so, for in other walks of life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for the exercise of talent and influ- 'Cnce that in some way will touch the lives of those with whom they come in contact, making them better and brighter. In the list of Putnam county's isuccessful citizens, William Pratt Frantz has long occupied a prominent place. Jn his career, there is much that is commendable and his character force- fully illustrates what a life of energy can accomplish when plans are wisely laid and actions are governed by right principles, noble aims and high ideals. In his public career as superintendent of the Putnam county infirmary, William Pratt Frantz has performed a noble service to the citizens of his community and one which has won for him the entire confidence and respect of the people of Putnam county.

William Pratt Frantz was born on August 20, 1874, in Blanchard township, Putnam county, the son of William Wilson and Elizabeth (Hoskinson) Frantz, who were married on April 16, 1863. William Wilson Frantz and wife were the parents of ten children, an account of whom may be found, in the life-story of William Wilson Frantz, contained elsewhere in this \olume. Elizabeth Hoskinson was the daughter of Alpha Robert and Elizabeth (Acord) Hoskinson, early settlers in Putnam county, Ohio. William Wilson Frantz was a native of Blanchard township and the son of Simoa E. and Martha Jane (Patrick) Frantz. The former came from Pennsylvania in an early day and, in 1834, settled near Gilboa.

William Pratt Frantz attended the common schools until fifteen years of age and obtained a good education. One year after leaving school he struck out for himself. For several years he worked on various farms and was successful in saving a small amount of money.

Mr. Frantz was married on December 24, 1899, when he was twentyfive years old, to Stella A. Maidlow, the daughter of William and Marinda (Conine) Maidlow. William Maidlow is the son of John A. and Lucinda ( Dowd) Maidlow. His wife was the daughter of John and Nancy (Minette) Conine. William Maidlow was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county,. Ohio, April 29, 1845, and died on December 5, 1890. John A. Maidlow was a native of Maryland, who came to Knox county when about fourteen years of age. Here he remained until after he was married, when he came to Blanchard township. His wife, Lucinda Dowd, was also a native of Knox county, Ohio. Wilham and Marinda (Conine) Maidlow were the parents of nine children, John T., who married Lilly Jane Frantz and has two children, William and Charlotte; Stella Alice, the wife of Mr. Frantz; Allen William, who died at the age of five years; Lilly Ann, who is unmarried; Lula, who died at the age of two and one-half years; Charles, who is unmarried; Jessie, who is the wife of R. P. Stewart, and has four children, Raymond, who died in infancy, Leora A., Robert and Lillian; Howard, who married Catherine Boegly and has one son, Ralph, and Ralph, who is single.

After his marriage, William P. Frantz moved to the J. E. Nemire farm, northeast of Ottawa, on which he remained for two and one-half years or,.

until June i8, 1902, when he was appointed as superintendent of the Putnam county infirmary by B. H. Uphaus, J. E. Shank and J. W. Pfister, who were the board of directors at that time. Mr. Frantz was reappointed eleven consecutive terms or, until January i, 19 13, -when, under the new law, he was appointed for two years by the county commissioners. His long service, as the head of this infirmary, speaks for itself. Mr. Frantz has behind him a sufficient record which explains why he has been retained in this position by the governing board for so many years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Frantz eight children have been born, Mary Elizabeth, William Ross, Glenn, Maricena, Mildred, Dwight, Marcell and Marthella. -All are living at home with their parents except Maricena, who died at the age of two and one-half years, and Marcell, who died at the age of five months.

Few citizens^ of Putnam county are better known than William P.. Frantz and few are more deserving of the esteem in which they are held by their fellow citizens. It is a regard which has been merited by his long and sympathetic service in behalf of men and women who are less fortunate than the normal citizen.

It is always pleasant, as well as profitable, to review the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to commend the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. In these days a man cannot lead a secluded life, but if he is to be a part of the community in which he lives, he must conserve his' interests to those of the community at large. The most valuable citizens of any community are the men who are not only able to manage their own affairs successfully, but also to take an intelligent part in the affairs of the community. No man lives entirely to himself, and the man's value to the public is measured by his service to his fellowmen. Norman Conine is one of those men who has not only been successful in his own private business, but he has been called upon by his fellow citizens and has been a prominent factor in promoting the welfare of the district in which he lives.

Norman Conine, one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, was born on October 22, 1833, i" Licking county, Ohio, near Pataskala. He is the son of John S. and Nancy (Monnet) Conine, the former of whom was .a native of New Jersey, as were also his patients, who were farmers that

to Ohio in an early day. John S. Conine, whose mother lived to be more than one hundred years old, was a carpenter by trade, but did not follow it much after leaving Licking county. He and his wife were the parents of six children, Ann, Norman, Sylvanus, Wellington, deceased; Marinda and Charles W. Gifford.

Norman Conine came with his parents to Putnam county when about thirteen years of age. They settled on a farm where the Putnam county infirmary now stands. Mr. Conine lived with his parents until twenty-six years old, at which time Mr. Conine was married to Elizabeth Maidlow, March 22, 1859. She was the daughter of John and Lucinda (Dowd) Maidlow.

After his marriage, Mr. Conine lived with his wife's parents for a year, helping Mr. Maidlow on the farm where he afterward built a log cabin and barn and where he lived until 1869, when he moved just one-half mile northeast, purchasing his first forty acres of land, to which a few years later, he added forty acres more, bought from his father-in-law, upon which he moved a house he had purchased and which had been built by Jacob Numire. Since this time, Mr. Conine has added to his farm holdings until he now owns four hundred and eighty-five acres. He has always had unusual success in breeding good horses and his success is due partially to the fact that he has raised -only the very best breeds. Mr. Conine has also made a success of hogs and cattle and formerly paid considerable attention to Shorthorn cattle especially.

To Mr. and Mrs. Norman Conine eleven children have been born, one died in infancy; John, who married Laura Overbeck, is the father of three Darling, Ruth and Lucy ; Charles, now deceased ; Ann, who is the wife of George Crawfis, and has had five children, Norman, Lucinda, Florence and two who are deceased ; William, who married Rose Sears, and has ten children, Verne, Gladys, Mildred, Dewey, Dale, Marie, Maxine, Lucile, Norman and Iris; George, who married Vesta Burkell, and is the father four children, one who died in infancy, Clarence, Ralph and Norman Ray ; Samuel, who married Fannie Patrick, deceased, has had four children, all of whom are deceased; Lucinda, who is the wife of Clinton Clark, and has four children, Ethel, Earl, Annabele and Frederick; Mary, who is the wife of Wilber Patrick, and has one son, Oscar; Gertrude, who married Charles Payne, and has had four children, one deceased, Naomi, Elizabeth and Sylvia ; Nettie, who married Ora Firistine.

Norman Conine has been a life-long Democrat. He is one of the really big men of Putnam county and has been township trustee for several terms and a member of the school board for practically thirty years. His long service, in these two offices is, perhaps, the best testimonials that might be presented, not only to show his interest in educational affairs, but to show the efficiency with which he has discharged the duties of his office. Mr. Conine has always been regarded as one of the best-informed farmers living in Putnam county and this fact, to a large extent, accounts for the position of leadership which he has always occupied. Mr. Conine is universally respected for his sterling qualities and admired for his exceptional achievements.

Ashford Lafayette Tate

Among the representative citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, is Ashford Lafayette Tate, a man who has been highly honored by the people of this county, and who is at present holding the resjxjnsible office of sheriff. For many years Mr. Tate has been one of the progressive and influential citizen.s of Putnam county. He is a native of this county, and has spent practically all of his life within its borders. The people have had an opportunity to know him and to judge O'f his merits and demerits, and the fact that he has been elected to a responsible office is sufficient evidence- of his popularity and the esteem in which he is held by the citizens of Putnam county. Sheriff Tate is a man of keen perceptions, a good judge of human nature, a good business man, and has been successful in practically everything he has undertaken.

Ashford L. Tate was born on October i, 1858, near Columbus Grove, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Francis M. and Elizabeth A. (Critten) Tate. Francis M. Tate was born near Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, about 1827. He came to Putnam county, Ohio, in his boyhood with his parents, who located near Rockport, in Allen county. They later moved to the McCrate farm, in Pleasant township, this county, and here Francis M. Tate lived until his marriage. His wife, who before her marriage was Elizabeth A. Critten, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lake) Critten. They moved here in an early day while the country was still new and heavily timbered. After Mr. and Mrs. Fran'cis M. Tate were married, he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until late in life, when he moved to Columbus Grove, and here spent the remainder of his life. He died in November, 1906. Llis widow still lives in their old home at the west edge of Columbus Grove.

Ashford L. Tate

Sheriff Ashford Lafayette Tate spent his boyhood days on the farm, and after finishing his education worked at various occupations. He is a Democrat, and, in 1914, was elected sheriff of Putnam county. He took office on January 4, 1915. Mr. Tate has always been active in Democratic circles, and for the last ten years has been a member of the Democratic county central committee. Sheriff Tate had unusual difficulties to meet in the beginnmg of his term as sheriff. He and his deputy were both new at the work, and there was a crowd of criminals more experienced in crime than usual confined in the Ottawa jail, and for the first time in many years an escape was attempted. Handling the prisoners, as his predecessors had done for years, he allowed them the freedom of the corridors outside the cages, and one of them, a desperate character, engineered the job of digging a hole through the back wall, but by accident knocked out a brick from the outside wall, and this led to the discovery of the trick. The sheriff and deputy acted promptly and locked all of the prisoners in their cages and none escaped.

Mr. Tate was married on January i, 1880, to Amarillous Blakesley, who was born near Pandora, Putnam county, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Fisk) Blakesley. Her father came from near Cleveland, Ohio, and was a famier. Mr. and Mrs. Tate are the parents of four children' Zelma May, Myrtle, Flossie and Frank. Zelma attended the high school at Columbus Grove, and is now the wife of Leo Amstutz; thev now live in the east edge of Union township, and they have three living children, Theron Rosa and Alice. Myrtle is living, with her father in Ottawa, where she is a student m a business college. She was also a student in the high school at Columbus Grove. Flossie is the wife of Roy Edwards, and lives in Columbus Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two sons, Roscoe and Lorin Woodrow. Frank was a student of the high school at Columbus Grove. He makes his home with his parents, and is at present employed at Ottawa, Ohio.

Sheriff Tate belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 454, at Columbus Grove. He is also a member of the Knights of Maccabees, at Columbus Grove. He and his entire family are earnest and devoted members of the Christian church at Columbus Grove, and are actively interested in the welfare of this denomination. The family are highly respected throughout Putnam county, where they are well known. Sheriff Tate is entirely worthy the confidence and trust which have been placed in him by the people of Putnam county, and he is the last man in the world to betray that trust or shirk any responsibility.

Isaac Bracy

The life history of Isaac Bracy, one of the well-known and highlyesteemed citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, now living in honorable retirement, shows what industry, good habits and stanch citizenship will accomplish in the battle for success. His record has been one replete with duty, well and conscientiously performed in all of the relations of life. He has come down to us from the pioneer period and has noted the wonderful transformation from that time to this, playing his part in the drama of civilization. He has always been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanliness in politics as well, and has always stood for the highest and best interests of the community in which so many of his active years have been passed and which have been so honored bj? his citizenship.

Isaac Bracy was born on November 5, 1844, in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, the son of John and Mary (Bedway) Bracy. John Bracy was born about fifty miles from Paris, France, in 1812, and came to America with John Steiner, who settled in Allen county in 1831. In return for the expense incurred by Mr. Steiner for his trip, he worked for him for one year after his arrival in this country. At the expiration of this year, Mr. Steiner entered eighty acres of land in Blanchard township, Putnam county, for Mr. Bracy, about one and one-half miles south of the present town of Gilboa. For this he worked two additional years for Mr. Steiner and then started out for himself on this eighty acres, in 1834. About this time he was twenty-four years old. He went to Wayne county, Ohio, and there was married to Mary Bedway, the daughter of Joseph Bedway and wife, who were pioneers of Wayne county and who, like Mr. Bracy, were natives of France. After his marriage, John Bracy settled on the eighty acres which he had entered and he and his wife took their wedding journey behind a yoke of oxen to their new-found home in the wilderness. This trip occupied several days, being over one hundred miles. They built a cabin, fourteen by eighteen feet, in the woods and for several years, they had nothing but ground floor and a stick chimney, built on the outside of the wall, for a fireplace. They started to clear the land and as fast as they cleared a little piece, they planted a crop. It is related that in those days of their early struggles and hardships, John Bracy was compelled to go on horse-back to Tiffin, Ohio, fifty miles, to mill with a twobushed sack of grain, the trip sometimes taking a week. At times when they ran out of meal, he would take corn on the cob and grate it on a home- made grater, consisting of a piece of tin with nail holes punched through it. This product was used to make bread. Mrs. Bracy spun her own flax, but later the flax was taken to an old woman by the name of Butler, who had a loom, and there the flax was woven into linsey cloth, which material had to serve for clothing for all members of -the family. After their first few years of privations and hardships, they succeeded, by dint of energy, in becoming quite comfortable and in that day were considered prosperous. From time to time, John Bracy added to his original land holdings until, Avhen he died in 1872, he owned four hundred acres. His wife died in November, 1865. To this union were born five children, Mary Jane, deceased, who was the wife of G. W. Devore, of Carroll county, and who had nine children, four daughters and five sons; Jerusha, who is the wife of Aurora Geisinger, of Blanchard township, and has two daughters and one son; Isaac, the subject of this sketch; John, who married Esther Harris, and who has two daughters and one son, and Violet, who died in infancy.

John Bracy was married a second time, in December, 1867, to Mrs. Sarah (Pence) Jones, of Putnam county, but formerly of Allen county.' To this union were born two children, one son and one daughter.

Isaac Bracy received his early education in the district schools of Blanchard township. He remained on the old homestead until he was eighteen years old, when he enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio- Volunteer Cavalry on September 7, 1863. He saw active service in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virgmia. He participated in the work of exterminating Morgan's raiders m Kentucky, which terminated at Mt. Sterling, June 11, 1864. After this he was engaged in scouting expeditions, raids and advance work after the western campaign. Among others, he served General Sherman. He was discharged at Lexington, Kentucky, July 3, 1865.

After the war, Isaac Bracy returned home and occupied himself with farming and bunching cattle. He was married to Mary A Crawfis on January 17, 1867, the daughter of Lewis and Mary Ann (Henderson) Crawfis, pioneers of Putnam county, Ohio. She died on July 28 1887 To this union were born eight children, Lewis J., who died in infancy; Charles, of Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, who married Pearl Conine and has two children, Reva and Kenneth; Wildy P., who married Nellie Miller and has three children, two boys and one girl; Carey, who married Ariowa Todd and has three children, Cloyd, Delia and Lena; May, who is unmarried and lives at home; Mate, who is the wife of D. U. McCullough and has four children, Leonard, Lawrence, Naomi and Dorothy; Isaac who is

After his marriage, Mr. Bracy rented the old home place from his. father for two years, and after this he purchased eighty acres, three miles north of Gilboa, and moved there in the spring of 1869. He sold out three years later and moved to the northern part of Riley township. Mr. Bracy ovras this farm of one hundred and twenty acres which was later cleared and improved by him. A little later, he bought the old homestead of his half-brother, though he continued to farm the place in Riley township until 1900, at which time he retired and moved to Gilboa, where he now resides.

Since his retirement, Mr. Bracy has spent his time, partly at his home in Gilboa and partly in traveling. Mr. Bracy has owned as much as three hundred acres of land and has made his money in raising, buying and selling stock, as well as in general farming. He has been a director in the bank at Gilboa and at one time owned a heavy interest in this bank.

Mr. Bracy is a Democrat, and throughout his life has been influential in the politics of his community. He has served as township treasurer for seven years and has also served twenty-three years as a member of the school board of Riley township. For six years he was trustee of Riley township. Mr. Bracy is a member of Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, and Gilboa Lodge No. 459, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

All values are based upon land. It is the inevitable beginning of all wealth and its productiveness is the source of all income and, in the inherent capabilities of the land to provide the necessities of life, lies the prosperity of the nation. Land investment is attracting more people today than ever before. Real estate is the best security of all. It shows the largest profit when selected carefully. More men have acquired a competence through wise land investments than in any other manner. Land values have grown rapidly within the last decade in this section of this great co.imtry. He who has possessed the foresight and acumen to secure land and to operate it wisely, tO' develop and improve it, has seen the wealth of his holdings grow until his farm not only pays him better dividends each year, but is worth far more in itself than when he took possession of it. J. C. Phillips is a striking example

J. C. PhiUips was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, November 26, 1858, a son of EH and Mary (Fenstmocher) PhiUips. Eh Philhps was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 27, 1823, and died in 1895. He was a son of Samuel Philhps, who was a native of Wales and came to America when a boy.

Eli Phillips spent his boyhood in Coshocton, where he received his early When he was a young man he migrated to Wood county, Ohio. He was married about 1854 at Bowling Green, Wood county, to Mary Fenstmocher, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Fenstmocher. After his marriage he settled in Hancock county, near Findlay, where he remained about two years. He then located on the John Crawfis farm, near where Crawfis College now is, and retained that farm for about ten years. From there he -went to Lowell, Michigan, where he remained four years and moved to Ionia, near which location he remained until the time of his death in 1905.

Phillip Fenstmocher was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and came to Wood county, Ohio, during the early days. When Eli Phillips was a young man, he and his brother entered eighty acres of land each on the present site of Jersey City, Wood county. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eli Phillips, as follow: Joseph D., born on January 20, 1856; Rachel, born on June 20, 1857, died on December 23, 1863 ; John, the subject of this sketch; George K., born on August 12, i860; Sarah, born on April 5, 1863, he died in 1912; Levi, born on March 19, 1865; Herman and Joshua, twins, born on September 23, 1867; Ensign, born on September 20, 1870; Eliza, born on May 25, 1874; Jason, born on July 12, 1877, and Chetro, born on January 18, 1880.

At the age of nine, J. C. Phillips moved with his parents to Michigan and remained there until he was nineteen years of age. He then returned to Putnam county, Ohio, where he worked on a farm for two years. When he was twenty-one years of age, October 11, 1879, he married Sarah E. Harris, a daughter of Stacy and Elizabeth (Knisley) Harris.

Stacy Harris was of Irish descent and was born in Licking county, Ohio. His wife was of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry and was born in 'Muskingum county, Ohio.

After his marriage, Mr. Phillips remained with his wife's people for one year. He then moved to Ionia, Michigan, where he remained nine months, and then returned to Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he has made his home since that time. For a time he farmed some distance southeast of Gilboa, Ohio, and, about 1893, he bought a part of the Hickey farm, a mile and a half southeast of Gilboa. His first purchase comprised forty acres, a farm which he has developed and enlarged until at the present time he owns one hundred and eighty acres. In all his farming operations hehas met with marked success.

Mr. Phillips is a life-long Democrat and has always taken an active part in the political affairs of his community. For twenty years he has been a. member of the school board and a supervisor, having conducted the affairs of his offices with marked ability and success.

Mr. Phillips is a member of Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons; Gilboa Lodge No. 459, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Encampment No. 238, Independent Order Odd Fellows, of Bluffton.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Phillips have one son, Leonard, who married Pearl L. Harris, a daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Baker) Harris. Isaac Harris was born in Licking county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county at the age of five years. His wife was born in Putnam county, of German descent.

Mr. Phillips is a man of considerable prominence among his neighbors,, having always been found on the right side of any question of local importance, and always standing in favor of anything which he considered of benefit to the community. He is a man of energy, ability and unquestioned integrity.

Ulrich S. Steiner

Men who take an active interest in public questions, especially in religious affairs, adding their wisdom to the wisdom of the community and assisting by their counsel, are ever honored by the people for the good the}r do. Ulrich S. Steiner, a prominent farmer and evangelist of Putnam county, Ohio, is likewise one of its most representative citizens and a manwho has given much of his time to public service. He has been especially successful in religious work and is an organizer of religious affairs. Fewmen in Putnam county are better or more favorably known than Ulrich S. Steiner and few men more fairly deserve the respect and admiration of their fellowmen.

Ulrich S. Steiner was born on September 19, 1856, near Bluffton, Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (Burkholder>

Steiner. John Steiner was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, January 23, 1792, and died on March 6, 1865, two miles west of Bluffton, in Richland township, Allen county. John Steiner was the son of Christian Steiner, who was the father of three children and who came to America in 1813, at the age of twenty-one, after a voyage lasting fifty days. He settled in Wayne county, near Orrville, where he remained for several years, and then moved to Richland township. Here he entered land from the government, and here he built a two-roomed log cabin with a center hall, to which cabin he later added one room, a frame structure, which served for his residence for several years, or until his son, John Steiner, built a story and a half brick house and frame structure. It was in this house that Ulrich S. Steiner was born. John Steiner's first farm comprised one hundred and twenty acres, but to this he later added three hundred and twenty acres. In the beginning, this farm was in a virgin state and heavily timbered, with a dense growth of large white oak trees. John Steiner cleared about threefourths of this farm, or about ninety acres, during his life time. In addition to other improvements he made on the old homestead, he built an immense barn, ninety by forty feet, with an addition of twenty by forty feet. This barn was constructed in 1857 and is in a most excellent state of preservation today. It is interesting to note that to duplicate this structure by contract today would ijrobably cost three thousand dollars. In those days when they obtained all of the timber on the grounds, it cost only seven hundred and ninety-two dollars.

John Steiner was first married to Mary Stauffer, of Wayne county, and by her he had eight children, one of whom, Ulrich, died in infancy. The seven who survived were: Christian, John, David, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Samuel. By his second marriage, John Steiner was the father of six children, Elizabeth, Anna, Barbara, Ulrich S., Magdalene, deceased, and Daniel.

A very peculiar incident is related in connection with the life of the eldest son. Soon after his birth the child was bitten by a snake, while in bed with its parents, from the effects of which bite he died.

It was on this old homstead that Ulrich S. Steiner was born and spent his childhood days. At the age of eight years he had the misfortune to lose both parents, who died three days apart. After their death, Ulrich S. was taken to be reared by John S. Thur, who lived near Bluffton. Here he remamed until twenty-five years of age, at which time he was married. He had been teaching school for eight years prior to this time and had gained a splendid reputation as a teacher.

Mr. Steiner was married on October 13, 1881, to Susan Schumacher, who was born on December 21, 1861, in Richland township, Allen county. She is the daughter of Reverend Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher. A complete history of this family is to be found in the sketch of Christian Schumacher, his brother.

After his marriage, Mr. Steiner farmed and taught school for two years, later devoting all of his efforts to farming. He located on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Pandora, comprising eighty acres, which has been his residence since that time, with the exception of three years spent in Pandora in the study of the Word of God, which he still has in view. Mr. Steiner has been quite successful as a farmer and attributes this success mainly to the raising and selling of hogs.

To Mr and Mrs. Ulrich Steiner seven children have been born, Estella, the wife of A. J. Abigglen, who lives north of Pandora ; John Franklin, who married Madeline Hubscher and both are missionaries in south China, on the island of Hainan; Jesse Edwin, who married Priscilla Diller, and has two children, Esther Orvilla and Mabel Lavon; James Calvin, who is a student in Otterbein University; Martha Elizabeth, Oliver Ezra and Paul David, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Steiner is a Democrat but, though he is identified with this party, he is an independent voter and supports measures and men rather than party emblems. He is now engaged to a considerable extent in evangelistic work. Mr. Steiner is a member of the Missionary church of Pandora, of which his wife likewise is a member. He is one of the organizers of the local church and took charge of their first meeting. He is a man of clean. Christian character and of high ideals.

Charles R. Blauvelt

Among the men of sterling worth and strength of character who have made an impression upon the life of the locality in which they live, none has achieved a larger measure of popular respect and esteem than Charles R. Blauvelt, the cashier of the Farmers State and Savings Bank, of Continental, Ohio. Mr. Blauvelt is well known throughout this section of Putnam county ; in fact, he was born in Putnam county and has spent his whole life, or practically all of it, in this section. His life-long residence in one locality gives the people an opportunity to know every phase of his character, and that he has been true to life in its every phase is manifest from the confidence and regard in which he is held by those who know him. In a business way, he is a man of unusual attainments and has achieved a splendid success in business, and especially in banking. Mr. Blauvelt combines many of the traits so necessary to success in this day and generation.

Charles R. Blauvelt was born on May 25, 1878, at Belmore, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Isaac E. and Hannah (Speaker) Blauvelt. Isaac E. Blauvelt was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1842, and was the of Abraham, Jr., and Louisa (Baldwin) Blauvelt. The family originally came from Holland. Abraham Blauvelt, Sr., came to New York during the American Revolution and founded the town of Blauveltville. He was the father of Abraham, Jr., who was the father of Isaac E. Isaac E. Blauvelt grew up in Franklin county, Ohio, and there married Hannah Speaker, a sister of Nimrod Speaker, whose sketch gives the family history. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac E. Blauvelt moved to Putnam county in 1857 and located on a farm one mile south of Belmore. There he farmed until recent years, when he moved to Belmore, where he now resides. He has been a lifelong farmer and has served as township trustee, on the board of education and has filled other local offices of trust and responsibility.

Charles R. Blauvelt grew up at Belmore and attended Muskingum College, after having completed a course in the public schools of Ohio. He left college in 1902 and then taught school at Belmore for five years. At the end -of this period he organized the bank at Belmore. It is a state bank and Mr Blauvelt served as cashier of this bank for seven years.

Mr. Blauvelt moved to Continental in January, 1914, having sold out his mterest m the bank at Belmore and having purchased an interest in the Farmers State and Savings Bank at Continental, of which he is now cashier Mr. Blauvelt was mayor of Belmore for seven years and also served on the school board for three years.

In 1901, Charles R. Blauveh was married to Loretta C. Jones, who was born at Greentown, Indiana, and who is the daughter of J. W and Elizabeth A. (Covalt) Jones, who still live at Greentown. Mrs. Blauvelt grew up at Greentown, where she graduated from the high school and from the normal academy. Her father was a miller, who moved to Belmore, where he en gaged m the milling business for some time, but subsequently removed to Greentown where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Blauvelt have five children, Ralph E., Charles Frederick, Vaugh C, Elizabeth A. and Etta Cathryn

Mr H M ""S * '' r '"''"^'' °^ '^' Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Blauvelt are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are bnngmg up their family in this faith.

Although Charles R. Blauvelt is a comparatively young man, he has demonstrated, within a very few years, that he is possessed of that initiative and determination which is a certain guarantee of success in life. Mr. Blauvelt has not only been able to achieve a rather exceptional measure of success, but at the same time he has managed to retain the confidence and respect of his fellows, as is evident by the responsible positions of trust with which he has been charged. Few men in this section of Putnam county are better known than he, and few men are more deserving the respect of his fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Blauvelt are popular, socially, in Continental and admired by a large number of people.

Jonathan J. Darling

Jonathan J. Darling has attained pronounced prestige by reason of natural and acquired ability, and also because of his permanent and official position and high standing in the domain of private citizenship. He takes a - deep and abiding interest in everything that pertains to the material advancement of the town and township where he lives, and every enterprise intended to promote the advancement of Putnam county is sure to receive his hearty support. Jonathan J. Darling is rated as one of the progressive citizens of the community in which he lives, and the high respect in which he is held by all classes of people is a deserving compliment to an intelligent, broadminded and most worthy man. He is a successful farmer and has made farming pay him handsome returns.

Jonathan J. Darling was born in Riley township, Putnam county, on the old Darling homstead, on June lo, 1850, the son of Joseph and Sophia (Groff) Darling. His father was a native of Richland county, Ohio, and was born on July 9, 1818. He was the son of Jonathan P. and Catherine (Butler) Darling, natives of Virginia. Jonathan P. Darling was a soldier in the War of 181 2 and soon after the close of that struggle, located in Richland, county, Ohio. He lived here as a farmer until his death at the age of seventy-one. Jonathan P Darling was a devout Lutheran. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, Robert, Joseph, Rebecca, Squire,. Abigail, Vincent, Sophia, Aditha and John P. Vincent, who died after his marriage, leaving a wife and seven children. Aditha married Matthew Alexander and became the mother of a family. Joseph Darling, the father of Jonathan J., settled in Hancock county in 1843, and a little later in Riley township, Putnam county. He married Sophia Groff in 1840. She wasthe daughter of Joseph Groff, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. He was the father of eleven children, Elias, Polatus, Eli, Julia A., Sophia,, David, Emeline, Christina, Fiatta, Caroline and James. Seven children, were born to Joseph Darling and wife, Elias, who died of smallpox in Libby prison; Abigail, who married Volney O. Vanstronder, who died on January 25, 1885, leaving three children; Catherine E., who died young; Sophia A.,, who died in childhood; Jonathan, the subject of this sketch; Joseph and Sarah, both of whom died young. Mrs. Joseph Darling died on March 28, 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant church. Joseph Dar- Hng^ was a man of considerable local influence. He served his township astownship appraiser and as township trustee, was a pillar in his church and an experienced and successful farmer and a man respected for his unswerving morality.

Jonathan J. Darling spent his childhood and youth on the old home place. He attended the district school, and, after completing the course here, took one term at the Ottawa Normal. Two terms he spent at Ohio- Northern University, at Ada, where he continued his academic studies. After finishing his education, he returned home and taught one term in the homedistrict. I-Je was a successful teacher, but soon took up farming for himself on his father's farm.

At the age of twenty-eight, on February 28, 1878, Jonathan J. Darlingwas married to May Youngkin, who was born at Gilboa, December 9, 1856,. and who is the daughter of Jerome W. and Mary Ann (Hall) Youngkin.. Mrs. Youngkin was the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Wamsley) Hall.. Samuel Hall was born on April 9, 1803, and died on March 25, 1896. Hiswife was born on September 30, 1805, and died in September, 1895. Botk Jerome W. and Mary Ann (Hall) Youngkin were natives of Putnam county. The Halls were pioneers in Putnam county.

After his marriage, Mr. Darling continued farming for about fifteeix years, or until 1893, when he moved to Gilboa and entered the hardwarebusiness, in which he continued for nine years. He then returned to thefarm, which has been his residence since that date. Mr. Darling has always, engaged in general farming and has been quite successful. At his father'sdeath he inherited eighty acres of the old homestead and has since added forty acres, making in all one hundred and twenty acres which he now owns.. To Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan J. Darling, five children have been born, Clmnie, Ettie, Jessie, Leo and Lena. Clinnie, who was born on February 27I 1879, is the widow of William Ross. One child. Vera, who resides at home^ was born to them; Ettie, who was born on December 20, 1881, is the wife of Edward L. Peckinpaugh, and has three children, Edward, Vilroe and They reside one mile south of Leipsic; Jessie, who was born on January 31, 1884, is the wife of Harry C. Laub, and has two children, Harold and Raymond. They reside near Milan, Michigan; Leo, who was born on July 30, 1890, died on February 12, 1893; Lena, who was born on October 4, 1893, is a student at Defiance College.

Jonathan J. Darling is one of Riley township's most successful farmers and is well and favorably known. He is a Democrat and served his fellow citizens as treasurer of Blanchard township for four years and made a creditable record. Mr. Darling attends the Methodist Episcopal church at Mrs. Darling and her daughters are members of this church.

Henry Sherman Ketner

An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and recognition for themselves and at the same time have honored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there were failure to make specific mention of Henry Sherman Ketner. The qualities which have made him one of the prominent farmers of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, have also won for him the esteem of his fellow citizens: His career is one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

Mr. Ketner was born on March 4, 1865, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Andrew and Mary (Hall) Ketner, the former born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 181 1, and died in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. Andrew Ketner was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, to a Mrs. Pope, and came to Putnam county in an early day, probably soon after his marriage, settling in Blanchard township, in the southwest part of what is known as the Stover farm. Flere he entered forty acres of land from the government. He later rented a farm in the southeast part of Ottawa township, owned by a man by the name of Lutz. Later on, he purchased eighty acres in the northeast part of Pleasant township, and here he lived the remainder of his life. Before moving to Pleasant township, his first wife died, leaving four children, Silas, Sarah, Matilda and Sissy. After his wife's death, Andrew Ketner returned to Fairfield county, where he married Mary Hall, the mother of H. S. Ketner. ' Again he returned to

Putnam county, locating on his eighty-acre farm in pleasant township. The farm was covered with virgin timber at the time Mr. Ketner acquired it, and some of it was covered with water a part of the time, but in spite of these obstacles, Andrew Ketner set to work with a will, built a one-room cabin and a log stable, and with true pioneer spirit, proceeded to improve and. develop his farm. He later added a kitchen and bedroom to his cabin, and this house served as his residence for the remainder of his life. He succeeded in clearing about sixty-three or sixty-five acres of the land, and it was here that Henry S. Ketner and his brothers and sisters were born, there being six of them, as follow: James, deceased, who married Alice Fuller, also deceased, had two children, Martha, deceased, and May; Priscilla, the wife of Denton Snyder; Elias, who married Etta Hill, has five children, Victor, Zadell, Lena, Walter and Edith, who died at the age of five years;. Henry S., with whom this narrative deals; Sylvester, who married Alice- Guisinger; Charles, unmarried.

It was on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, that Henry Ketner was reared, and it was here that he attended the old Butler district school. At the age of fourteen, he left school to help his father clear the land and operate the home farm, where he stayed with his father and mother until he had reached his majority, and the following fall was married. Henry Sherman Ketner was married on August ii, 1887, to Nora Bracy, whowas born in Blanchard township, October 8, 1869, and who is a daughter of John and Sarah (Pence) Jones-Bracy. The latter was born on August 5, 1827, and died in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, May 28, 1896. She first married G. W. Jones, and to this union were born eight children, and after his death she was married to John Bracy, and to this union were born twochildren, Andrew Duff, who married Annie Harris, has four children, Minda, Howard, August and Harrietta; Nora, the wife of Mr. Ketner. The detailsof the Bracy family history are to be found in the sketch of Isaac Bracy, found elsewhere in this volume.

After his marriage, Mr. Ketner and wife located on the farm Mrs. Ketner received from her father's estate three and one-half miles northeast of Pandora, on which they have lived since that time. Mr. Ketner has always engaged in general farming and stock raising with a very commendable degree of success. He is a man of genial disposition and popular in the community where he lives.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ketner, Abigail Armeda, born on November 2, 1889, is the wife of Daniel Miller, and they have four children, Verax Gertrude, Glen Harold, Leona Lucile and Wayne Millard;

Sarah Gertrude, born on April 17, 1892, is the wife of Joseph Welty, and resides in Toledo, Ohio; Alvin Lee, born on January 14, 1895, is unmarried and living at home; Alta May, born on July 28, 1897, is unmarried and living at home; Kenneth Martin, born on February 24, 1906; Marguerite B., born on December 28, 1908, died on December 31, 1908.

Mr. Ketner is a Republican, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Gilboa, and is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopalchurch, as is also Mrs. Ketner. H. S. Ketner is one of the influential citizens Riley township. He is well and favorably known as a progressive farmer and a man who is entitled to the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Benjamin B. Hilty

The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are instructive as guides and incentives to others. The example they furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity, strongly illustrate what it is in the power of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life. Apparently insurmountable obstacles have awakened their dormant faculties and served as a stimulant to carry them to ultimate renown. The instances of success in the face of adverse fate would seem to almost justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with half a chance, can accomplish any reasonable Benjamin B. Hilty is a man who has lived to good purpose and achieved a splendid success. By a straightforward, commendable course, he has made his way to a respectable position in the world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of his community and earning the reputation of being an enterprising, progressive man of affairs, which the public has not been slow to recognize and appreciate.

Benjamin B. Hilty was born in Richland township, Highland county, Ohio, March 8, 1850, on the old Hilty homestead. He is a son of Peter -and Elizabeth (Neuenschwander) Hilty. The family history of Mr. Hilty's parents is to be found in the sketch of Isaac Hilty, a brother of Benjamin B., found elsewhere in this volume.

At the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Hilty was married to Susannah Steiner, who was born on May 12, 1855, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Schumacher) Steiner. Susannah Steiner is a sister of Peter P. Steiner, whose life history is found elsewhere in his volume. Her mother was a sister of Peter Schumacher, the history of which family is to be found in the' sketch of Christian Schumacher.

To Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin B. Hilty eleven children have been born, Samuel B., born on April 12, 1874, is unmarried and resides at Pandora; Helena B., born on June 10, 1875, died on July 3, 1905, at the age of twentyone; Albert B. and Clara, twins, born on November 30, 1876, Clara dying at the age of six months, while Albert married Elizabeth Welty, and they have four children; Edward, born on July 15, 1878, married Martha Sommers, and, they have four children; Mary, born on December 10, 1879, is the wife of John A. Sommers, and they have one child, and live at Pandora; Sarah, born on May 20, 1 881, is the wife of Albert A. Bury, and they have four children, and reside at Pandora; Cyrus and Willis, twins, were born on June 24, 1883, the former died at the age of two months, while Willis died at the age of twenty-one years; Lewis B., who died at the age of a few months, and Ellen, born on May 22, 1887, is the wife of Philip Amstutz. The mother of these children died on October 3, 1888. She was a member of the Mennonite church, a kind and faithful wife and a devoted mother.

After his marriage, Benjamin B. Hilty worked on his farm of seventyfive acres, on the old Ridge road, one and one-half miles east of Pandora. This farm had a two-room log house and a small frame barn on it at this time, and only about twenty acres of the land had been cleared. The land was covered with water for a considerable portion of the year. Mr. Hilty proceeded to clear up his land, and it was only by dint of untiring industry and perseverance that he succeeded. It was in this old log cabin that all his children were born, and it was here that Mrs. Hilty died. After her death, Mr. Hilty broke up housekeeping for a few years. The children were placed with neighboring relatives. Later, when they were grown older, Mr. Hilty gathered them together in a new frame building adjoining the old log house which he had built, and here he and his children again took up their residence. One month after coming together again, this house was destroyed by fire. Soon afterward Mr. Hilty built a larger frame house, containing eight or nine rooms. In addition to this improvement he built a large and commodious barn and other outbuildings, in keeping with the surroundings^ In addition to this he purchased a farm of seventy acres two miles north of Pandora, which he gave to his son. Along with his farming activities, Mr. Hilty has been operating a threshing outfit for the past seventeen years. About a year after his wife died, he engaged in buying and selling live stock a part of the time. He was associated in business with Samuel B. Krohn. At the end of two or three years he engaged in the manufacture of tile, which. business he continued for four years.

Before engaging in the live stock business with Samuel B. Krohn, Mr. Hilty made a trip to Switzerland, where he visited the scenes of his father'sbirthplace. It was after disposing of his tile business that he returned to his old business of threshing, in which line he is still engaged. Besides farming and his work along other lihe9> Mr. Hilty has been an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Belgian horses and has made a notable success in this business. Out of all his enterprises, Mr. Hilty has made considerable money and has a substantial competence for his declining years.

Mr. Hilty is a member of the Mennonite church, of which denomination Mrs. Hilty was also a member. He is a Democrat. He has served his township as supervisor and also as school director. He has always led an active life and is well and favorably known. He enjoys the respect of the community in general and, as a citizen of the township, his character and reputation are above reproach.

William W. Edwards

On what more fitting page can those beautiful words "In Memoriam" be arrayed than on a page of the history of the county in which the person in whose tribute the words are used lived so long and so usefully ; the county in which his manifold activities came to such ripe fruition, the county in which he was so well loved and throughout which he is so sincerely mourned ?' In arraying "In Memoriam" here to the memory of William W. Edwards, long one of the most active and prominent citizens of Putnam county, the biographer is conscious of a sense of peculiar fitness, the sense of doing the right thing in the right place. History is but biography in the mass, for it is the individual that creates the event, and the history of one's time is but the history, in the aggregate, of the individuals who contribute to the events of the period. Many who have lived and labored in the past in Putnam county left the impress of their individuality writ large upon the pao-e of their generation's achievements and their names are recalled with veneration and honored as they ought to be by those who, coming after them, have profited by the labors of their lives. These men did well the things which their hands found to do, and, having done their part, passed on, but their memories are as imperishable as the monuments their industry and energy .and painstaking care erected, and their names long will live in the annals of the community whose institutions they so earnestly wrought to perpetuate and in which they achieved so large a measure of success. Among this noble band it may be properly said that none was better known or more popularly regarded than he whose name the reader's eye has noted above, and it is a pleasure for the reviewer to set out a few of the salient points in his life, such points as relate to his public activities and which will be valuable as information to the present and coming generations.