Pitt Township (part 1 of 2)

Pitt Township

THE portion of Wyandot County designated by the above title was formed at the organization of the county in 1845. It is composed of twelve sections which formerly belonged to Salt Rock Township, Marion County, and the remainder from the reservation. It is one of the southern townships of the county, being bounded on the south by Marion County, on the west by Marseilles and Mifflin Townships, on the north by Crane Township, and on the east by Antrim Township.*

Pitt is one of the most fertile townships of the county, a large portion of its area being made up of prairie land. The Sandusky River enters near the northeast corner of Section 25, and flows in a tortuous, general northwest direction, leaving the township at the northwest corner of Section 15, while the Little Sandusky Creek enters near the center of the township on the south, and flows north, being joined by Honey Run from the east near the southern line of Section 35, and uniting with "Big" Sandusky near the center of Section 26. These streams water the eastern half of the township, which is also favored by several flowing springs. The western portion of the township is drained by several small streams which take their rise in that region and flow in a northwesterly direction, carrying the surplus water from the fertile fields which are so generally provided with the "blind" tile ditches, and affording an ample supply of water to the large herds of stock which may not be provided with pools and springs. The territory is well adapted to general agriculture and stock-raising, and is the seat of operations for some of the most prominent dealers in this section of the State, chief among them being David Harpster, C. R. Fowler and Lewis Straw.

At this period it is difiicult to state positively who the first settler of Pitt Township was, as, like the Irishman's rattlesnake, " where there's one there's two ; " so it usually transpires, at least in the settlement of a territory so large as that which is usually comprised in the limits of a township. John Wilson, a native of York State, is reputed to have located here in 1820, the first white man to call the locality his home, though it is wellknown that one Walter Woolsey came here in the same spring. The former was a married man with the brilliant advantage of eight children; the latter was a bachelor, also a native of York State. He built a little log cabin in Little Sandusky in 1820, and in his maturer years was finally persuaded

* The township derived its name from one Pitt, who resided here at the time of its organization, and who moved here from New Jersey in 1822.

to "turn from the error of his way." He married. It is also stated that Ebenezer RosebeiTj, a somewhat noted hunter and frontier sportsman, located in the southern part of the township as early as 1818, though it is not qviite certain that any white man ventured to raise his cabin in that locality as early as that date. For 1820, we find the names of Ora BelUs, William and Samuel Morral and Nehemiah Staley ; and in 1821 there appeared re- enforcements in the persons of Jacob Snyder, David H. Bargley, George Johns and Peter Bowsher. Anthony Bowsher was also one of the first settlers. He was born in Union County, Penn., in 1800, and grew up, so to speak, on the frontier, the family moving from Pennsylvania to Ohio in au early day, and settling near Circlevilie, Pickaway County. Anthony was married in the fall of 1818, and in the spring of 1819 settled in this township, built a small cabin on "Garbland," and with one Staley, his father-in-law, began improving eighty acres of land, which was surveyed during that year. About 1828, Maj. Bowsher, as he was latterly called, erected a building at Bowsherville, and began keeping a hotel and store, which occupations he continued there for forty years. He had a race track, and for many years Bowsherville was a favorite rendezvous for equine sportsmen of this and adjoining counties. Maj. Bowsher is still living, and but a few months ago went from Upper Sandusky to Kansas to reside with his son. Others said to have located in the township in the years 1821, 1822 and 1823, are Alexander Frazier, Cornelius Wilson, Michael Harmon and Jacob Brewer.

In the spring of 1820, John Wilson built a log cabin eighteen feet square in Little Sandusky, and this, we are informed by good authority, was the first clapboard canopy that was erected in this township by the defenseless hands of the pale-faced inhabitants. The first schools were held in a log cabin on Section 10, the house having been occupied formerly by Anthony Bowsher for a dwelling. William Brown, from New Jersey, was the first teacher who taught "the young idea how to shoot" amid these humble surroundings. In 1824, the first school building of the township was erected by Michael Harmon and his neighbors on Mr. Harmon's land, the northeast quarter of Section 11, and here Mr. Brown instructed the youth at intervals for seven or eight years. Other early teachers were William Howe and Mary Howe. In the sixty years that have followed, the progress has been such that seven well-established schools have been founded, the buildings being erected on the respective Sections 11, 15, 23, 27, 31, 33 and 35.

The first thoroughfare laid out in this township was established prior to 1821, and was known as the Columbus & Sandusky road. It extended through Sections 1, 35, 26, 27, 22, 15 and 16, and it was by this route by which the first settlers reached the Indian Mill above Upper Sandusky and the town of Delaware, where they were accustomed to go for supplies. They also went to the town of Fremont to obtain supplies and get their " milling " done. In 1839, the first saw mill run by water-power was constructed on Section 35 by Thomas Holmes, and in 1844 this same enterprising gentleman built a grist mill, run also by water-power, on the Sandusky River in Section 26. The only mill of the kind in this township is now located at Fowler, and is owned by David Harpster. Ora Bellis established the first store in Pitt in Little Sandusky as early as 1820. He died, as may have been expected, in the fall of the same year, having the honor of establishing the precedent for such transactions in this township. In 1844, the United Brethren denomination erected at Little Sandusky the first church building in the township, which now claims four of these places of worship, two in Little Sandusky, one at Fowler, and one on Section 12. The latter is owned by the German Reformed society; the others by the Methodist Episcopal denomination.* The first election held in the township was at Little Sandusky, the officers elected being one Justice, Gideon Messenger; a Constable and three Trustees, Moses Messenger, Walter Woolsey and Cornelius Wilson. They were all Whigs, the number of votes polled not exceeding twenty. As early as 1821, Cupid found his way into these wilds, and the first victims of his magic spell were Joseph Wilson and Cloy Woolsey. They were married at Little Sandusky, and in the following year, 1822, a daughter, Hannahret, was born to them, she being the first white babe in Pitt Township to mingle her cries with those of the wild papoose.

Little Sandusky

This village, originally established and named by the Indians, was laid out in 1830 by Dr. Stephen Fowler, John Wilson and Walter Woolsey. who owned the land upon which the village is situated. Dr. Fowler came from Pennsylvania in 1827, and was an extensive land owner in this community. He was likewise one of the ablest physicians in this part of the State at that time, and had an exceedingly large practice. Wilson and Woolsey both came from York State, and in 1820, located here, owning small pieces of land. Little Sandusky is situated on the banks of the Little Sandusky Creek near the Indian reservation, and was once an important trading post. Before the days of railroads, it had a daily line of stages which ran between Columbus and Detroit, and the prospects for its future greatness seemed quite flattering; but the march of time and the decree of fate gave it rivals in sister towns which taxed its vitality more than it could endure and prosper beneath, and the result has been an existence of mediocrity, both in the number of its inhabitants and the extent of its commerce.

The first house erected in the village was built by John Wilson in 1820. It was made of round logs, was eighteen feet square, and is now used for a stable. In the same year, Walter Woolsey also erected a log cabin, somewhat smaller, in the village. It is stated in the beginning of this chapter that Ora Bellis conducted a store in Little Sandusky in 1820. This was while it was yet an Indian village. After the town was regularly laid out, the first business room was built by Cornelius Wilson in 1830. He kept a sort of hotel and general store, and continued in the business for fifteen years, carrying a stock of goods valued at from 11,500 to $2,000, He at length* became addicted to the use (^f strong drink, and later became insane. Wilson was succeeded in business by Henry Baymond, who; after four years, returned to the East. Guy C. Worth was next to take up the commercial cross. He came from York State and remained in business about five or six years when he gave up mercantile pursuits and enlisted in the cause of his Master. Prior to his retirement fi'om business, he erected, in 1840. the second store room of the village - a frame building, one-story, 22x40 feet in dimensions. He was succeeded by his brother, S. M. Worth, who conducted a very profitable business till about 1865 or 1866. Mr. W^orth was followed by H. Simons, who sold out to C. B. Fowler three or four years later. Mr. Fowler placed his son Hiram, in charge of the store and after two years' operations he turned the business over to the present proprietors, Burk Martin and James Whittaker, who repaired and enlarged the building, and have since conducted the business.

* Prior to the erection of a church building, services were held at the cabin of Mr. Harman, by Rev. J. B.Finley and James Gilruth, Methodists.

In 1876, Morris Carnes purchased and remodeled the building formerlyused by John Kisor as a residence, and later by William Montee as a saloon, and opened a grocery store, which he is still conducting with fair success. In 1881, Frank Sabaugh erected a frame business room, 18x30 feet, onestory, and placed therein a stock of general merchandise, which he has since been engaged in handling. Charley Hornby is the proprietor of a very creditable clothing store and tailoring establishment in the village. C. R. Fowler, a prominent stock and wool dealer of the place, handles annually products in his line to the value of from $50,000 to $75,000. The village supports at present two grocery stores, one dry goods store and one clothing and tailoring establishment, the annual business of these firms aggregating about $50,000.

Little Sandusky's first school building was erected in 1854. It was a frame structure, one story, 22x40 feet, contained two rooms, and cost about $400. It has been used since 1883 as a sort of public hall, where elections and other official gatherings are held. The present new school building was erected in 1883, the building board being David Bretz, Burk Martin and Hiram Cunningham. It is a neat brick structure, two-story, 40x22 feet in size, and cost about $4,000. The present Board of Education consists of the following members : David Bretz, Burk Martin and Hiram Cunningham. S. S. Hart is the present Superintendent and high school teacher; he is a young man of efficient qualities, a resident of this township.

Methodist Episcopal. - The first meetings of this society in this township were at the residences of Samuel Winslow and Michael Harmon in 1820, under the charge of J. B. Finley, who was then also engaged at the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky, and in 1821 he organized a church at Little Sandusky, with twelve members, whose names as far as remembered were as follows : S. Winslow and wife, William Woolsey, wife and children, Jacob Brewer and family and Michael Harmon and family. In 1856, the society erected a church building in Little Sandusky, and this structure is still in use. Kev. J. B. ri.nley was the first pastor who officiated in this charge, and he was succeeded by Rev. Cooper. Others were Revs. Montgomery, Bigelow, Thompson, Shaw, Camp, Bell and Jackson - all missionaries. The present pastor is J. Carr. The society now comprises thirty members. The present officers are S. Burbach, Jacob Worley, Marion Wolverton, Charles Hornby and William Simons. In 1880, under the administration of Rev. Donan, a series of meetings were held in which seventy-five members were added to the society. The following year. Rev. Lucas conducted a protracted meeting wilh fair results, and he was succeeded in 1883 by Rev. Paul, who was also quite successful in reviving the interest. Mrs. Catharine Hall, widow of David Hall, is the pioneer member of this society, having been connected with it for the past fifty-three years. She was well acquainted with many of the Indians, with whom she often met in worship.

United Brethren Church. - This society was organized at the residence of Michael Harmon by Rev. James B. Gilruth, with ten members, whose names as nearly as can be determined, were as follows : Michael Harmon and wife, John Green and wife, Andrew Plummerfet and wife, Thomas B. Mount and wife, Charles Best and wife. In 1844, the society erected a church building in Little Sandusky, at a cost of $1,000. It was a frame structure, 30x40 feet in dimensions. The society eventually disbanded, the few remaining members uniting with the Methodist Church. The old building which was wont to resound with the holy words of Gospel truth, is now utilized as a stable.

This thriving young village derives its title from C. R. Fowler, whose lands join the town plat on the east, and who has already been mentioned in the preceding pages of this chapter. The village was founded in 1876 by David Harpster and John Wood, who owned the land upon which it is situated, and whose prominence as farmers and stock dealers gives it its prestige as a commercial center.

Fowler is located near the center of this township, on the C. , H. V. & T. Railroad, in Section 33, just south of the old Wyandot Reservation line. The town plat was recorded in 1877, and the first house was erected within its limits by William H. Parkins, of Crawford Township. It is still used as a residence, and is a plain frame structure, one and one-half story, 16x28 feet in dimensions, located on Lot 15.

The first and as yet the only store in the village was established by David Harpster. In the years 1876 and 1877, he erected a large twostory brick block, 22x80 feet, adding a second building, 22x100 feet, in

1882. In the former apartment, in partnership with Mr. Cyrus Sears, Mr. Harpster opened a stock of general merchandise in 1877 on an investment of from 110,000 to $12,000. The firm of Harpster & Sears continued until

1883, when the capacity of the store being more than doubled, Mr. Mc- Campbell was admitted to the firm, which has since been known as Harpster, Sears & McCampbell. The establishment is second to none in the county for quality and completeness of stock and range of prices, and does an annual business of $25,000 to $35,000.

The village is supplied with an excellent grist mill, which was begun by L. W. Murphy in 1879 and 1880. Mr. Murphy having failed in the attempt to establish the industry, it was completed by David Harpster, who put in the machinery and began its operation in 1883, the total cost of the institution being about $10,000. The building is a frame structure, forty feet square and three stories high. The mill has three run of buhrs, with a capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day.

.v4 Fowler has also a warehouse, erected in 1877 by John Gregory, of Marion. It is a frame building, 25x60 feet, two stories, with ordinary receiving capacity. The annual shipments amount to about 60,000 bushels. In 1879, Mr. Gregory sold his interest in the elevator to Harpster & White, the latter of Upper Sandusk}', and this firm conducted the business till 1881, when Mr. Fowler purchased Mr. White's interest, and the firm of Harpster & Fowler has since had the institution in charge.

In 1880, a saw mill was erected in the village by Mr. Murphy. It soon fell into the hands of Parkin & Frater, and is now the property of Garvin & Frater. The mill is well managed and does an excellent business. The village is also supplied by quite an extensive tile factory, established in 1878 by Messrs. Hunt & Frater, the latter member of the firm now being sole proprietor. It is one of the most important industries of the village.

The only hotel of the village is conducted by Henry C. Jury. It is a good-sized frame structure, well furnished and ventilated, and the accommodations here offered are much 'superior to those of many more pretentious establishments of the kind.

The Harpster Bank was organized in 1883 by David Harpster, with J, L. Lewis as Cashier, and with a capital of $120,000. The institution has'

The first and only school building erected in Fowler was built before the town had an existence. It is a comfortable brick building, one story, 25x30, and cost $2,500. The present Board of Edvication is comprised of the following members: A¥illiam Parker, John L. Lewis and Cyrus Sears. W. V. Smith was the last to ofiSciate as teacher.

Fowler Methodist Episcopal Church. - This society may be said to have been organized about 1853, as it was originally made up of members from the Bowsherville society and a few from Little Sandusky. It was first organized as the Fowler society by D. B. Rinehart in 1847 with twenty-five members, among whom were John Wood and wife, William Parker and wife, James Parker and wife, John Mawer, George Baldwin, Richard Mould and others whose names are not now remembered. The church building, a brick structure, 40x60 feet, was erected in 1878-79 at a cost of $5,000. D. B. Rinehart officiated as pastor two years from the date of organization of the society, J. W. Donan, one year; William Lucas, two years; William S. Paul, one year; and Jesse Carr is the present incumbent. The society is in a flourishing condition and numbers about seventy members. The present officers are William Parker, Richard Moulds, E. B. Lewis and John Wood.

The Methodist Episcopial Church at Bowsherville, as above stated, was organized about 1853 by Rev. Jacob Fegly, meetings being held in schoolhouses till 1869, when a church building was erected on the northwest quarter of Section 6. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, and is still standing, though in 1878 it was moved to Pleasant Grove, one and one-half miles west of its original site. The society organized with about thirty or forty members, some of whose names are remembered as follows: William Miller and wife, B. Swayze and wife, Mrs. Catharine Hughes, Mrs. Lydia Hunt, Mrs. Sallie Hunt, John Brown and wife, Mr. Mallow and wife and Mrs. P. Holland. Those who assisted in the erection of the church outside of the society members were David Harpster and family, Mr. Hunt and family, John L. Lewis, Charles Burke and Mr. Stoneburner.

The German Reformed Church of Pitt Tosvnship was organized in 1852 by Rev. Winter. The first meetings of the society were held at John Kepler's residence, on Section 12, in 1850, Mr. John Kepler and John Brand, citizens, officiating. The church was organized with from twenty to twentyfive members, John Castanien and wife, George Kramer and wife, John Kepler and wife, and John Brand and wife being among the number. In 1854, the society built a frame building on the southwest quarter of Section 12, the structure being 25x35 feet in dimensions, and costing about $700. As a protection against the frosts of winter, the spaces between the studding of the frame work were filled with clay. In 1872, this primitive edifice gave place to a comfortable brick building, 35x50, erected at a cost of $2,300. The pastors who have served on this charge are as follows: Rev. Winter, two years; Rev. Brecht, four years; Rev. Peter Jarus, five years; Rev. Jacob Klingler, twelve years; Rev. C. Wisner, five years; and Rev. E. D. Miller, who is still in the service. The society now comprises 110 members, the present officers being Christian Foucht, Christian Barth, Solomon Katterman and Ulric Brandt. It conducts a live missionary society on the most approved plans, and is growing rapidly.

markable progress made in its social and material interests is well illustrated when the present condition of the township is compared with the following list of the taxable inhabitants, and the number of acres of land owned by each, in the year 1845.

Owners Of Eeal Estate

Bruen, Matthias, 852 acres. Benjamin, Herrick, 80 acres. Bowen, Ozias, 160 acres. Corey, David J., 2,235 acres. Cresap, Eusibius, 58 acres. Davids, John E., 20 acres. Fowler,* Stephen, 1,874 acres. Fowler, Findley, 50 acres. Garrett, Tira, 115 acres. Green, Jemima, 162 acres. Hunt, Nancy, 50 acres. Hunt, William, 209 acres. Hunt, Snowden, 145 acres. Holderman, John, 70 acres. Hill, William, 80 acres. Horr, Jacob, 238 acres. Hughes & Harpster, 33 acres. Hammond, Michael, 160 acres. Hardy, Elisha, 80 acres. Hughes, Barnett, 153 acres. Harpster, David, 85 acres. Keen, Aaron, 2 acres.

Larvill, Jabez B., 58 acres. Moody, David, 30 acres. McLean, David, 225 acres. Mead, Matthew, 75 acres. Montee, A., 49 acres. Miller, David, 861 acres. 0£6cer, Thomas, 42 acres. Proctor, Robert, 10 acres. Rappe, John S., 59 acres. Rowse, Zalmou, 60 acres. Renick, Ivy, 81 acres. Swayze, Caroline, 160 acres. Swayze, Bescherer, 158 acres. Swishart, Ezekiel, 80 acres. Straw, David, 76 acres. State of Ohio. 316 acres. Worth, Guy C, 240 acres. Wheeler, H. N., 120 acres. Wilson, John, 80 acres. Wilson, Daniel, 169 acres. Hughes, Barnett, 86 acres. Hunt, Nancy, 60 acres.

Biographical Sketches

GEORGE W. BALDWIN was born in Hardy County, Va., March 20, 1826. He came to Ohio in 1856, and located in this county, working by the month and farming rented land till 1860. He was married, December 25, 1860, to Elmira Hunt, daughter of Snowden Hunt (see sketch of A. C. Hunt), she being a native of this county, born August 5, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have three children- -Cannia (wife of Henry Smith), Ambrose and Horace. Mrs. Baldwin inherited sixty acres from her father's estate, the same being in good repair and their present home. Mr. Baldwin is a Republican; he served in the late war in the 100-day call, receiving an honorable discharge. Himself and family are well-respected and good citizens.

CHRISTIAN BARTH, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hurny) Barth, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, January 3, 1825. His mother died March 3, 1837, and he emigrated to America in 1844, his father and the remainder coming the following year. They located in Tuscarawas County till 1858, when they removed to Wyandot. The father died Jaly 2, 1864. Our subject worked at the carpenter's trade in Tuscarawas County till 1852. when he came to Wyandot, and purchased forty acres of his present home, to which he has added by subsequent purchases till he now owns 153 acres. In 1871-72, he built his large frame house, valued at $800, and in 1875 his

" bank " barn, at a cost of $800. He has worked forty years at the carpenter's trade, usually employing from two to four assistants during summers. Mr. Barth was married, May 11, 1848, to Margaret, daughter of Benedict and Ann (Moser) Struchen, also natives of Switzerland. They emigrated in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Barth have ten children living - Oliver T., C. Henry, David F., John W., Daniel B., Eli, Louis E., Albert E., Mary A. (wife of John Lawrence) and Sophia C. The deceased are Rosanna, Daniel and an infant. Mrs. Barth was born July 2, 1825. Mr. Barth is a Democrat, and has served two years as Trustee. Both are members of the Reformed Church.

JACOB BENDER was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 2, 1844. He is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Bush) Bender, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1835, their children being as follows: Sarah, Mary A., Daniel, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Catharine, Joseph, George, Margaret and Lydia. The mother died February 14, 1880, aged sixty-four years, the father is still living, in his seventy-ninth year. Jacob Bender came to this county in 1866. He engaged in various occupations till 1871, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, paying $3,000 for the same. He now owns sixty acres, valued at $75 per acre. He was married, March 14, 1872, to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Foucht) Smith, and this union has been blessed by five children - Harry F. , born July 4, 1873; Minnie A., April 10, 1875; Alton W., May 18, 1877; Grace V., September 15, 1880; an infant is deceased. Their mother was born February 12, 1845; she is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Bender is a Democrat.

D. W. BOWLBY was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 4, 1846. Emanuel and Sarah (Stall) Bowlby, his parents, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. They came to Stark County when childi-en, were married there, and came to this county in 1851. Their children were Samantha, Rachel, David W,, Hester, Lydia, Willington, Nelson, Marshall, Alice, Sherman, William J. and an infant. Our subject obtained a fair education; at twenty-one, began work at daily wages, continuing two years; engaged in the stave business three years, and purchased his present farm in 1871, paying $2,650. In 1872, he erected a neat residence, costing $1,000. Sir. Bowlby was married, May 30, 1872, to Adaline Kriechbaum, daughter of David and Eliza (Mosky) Kriechbaum, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of this county, residing in Antrim Township. Politically, Mr. Bowlby is a Republican.

THOMAS M. BOWMAN was born in Huntington County, Penn., August 18, 1819. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father, Samuel Bowman, was of German descent. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Moreland. Her ancestors came from Ireland. His parents had eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom Thomas was the third son. At the age of eighteen, he removed with his parents to Ohio, locating in Crawford County, where they remained two years, after which time they removed to Wood County in 1837, where his parents purchased a farm and spent the remainder of their lives. During the summer months, Thomas worked on the farm and attended school in the winter until he became competent to teach, after which he continued teaching for a number of years. He practiced economy, laying aside all he could of his earnings for the purpose of purchasing a home. By the spring of 1846, he was able to purchase at the Government land sales eighty acres of land in Wyandot County, then a wild, thinly inhabited section of country. Mr. Bowman was married, May 26, 1846, to Eliza J, Gibson, daughter of George and

Hannah (Buchanan) Gibson, and a cousin of President James Buchanan, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. They removed to their new home in 1848, where they continue to reside. By industry, they have added by subsequent purchases, until their home consists of 256 acres, highly improved in every respect. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are the parents of seven children - Elizabeth, George G. , Samuel, William, Isaac N. , Mattie and Ellie. In addition to their own family they have an adopted daughter, Clementine. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman united with the Presbyterian Church in early life, and are now members of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Sandusky.

DAVID S. BKETZ was born in Marion County, Ohio, December 30, 1837. He is a son of Samuel and Catharine (Bibler) Brefcz, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. His grandfather Bretz was drafted in the war of 1812, his son John taking his place as a substitute. His parents settled in Marion County in 1828, purchasing 320 acres of school land, afterward increasing this number to 5()0. .Their children were Anna, Andrew D., Elizabeth B., Fanny M., Rebecca V., David S., Mahala, Amanda and Mary P., the two latter deceased. The father died in 1875, aged seventy-five years; the mother still living on the homestead in her eightieth year. David S. Bretz resided with his parents till twenty-two years of age; he then began dealing in stock, and has since engaged quite extensively in that business. In 1862, he purchased his first farm of 147 acres in Antrim Township, selling this a few years later and purchasing 403 acres on the Sandusky River, where he resided four years. Later, he disposed of this farm, and resided two years in Upper Sandusky, purchasing his present faim of 356 acres soon after, and adding to this till he now owns 531 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. Bretz was married, September 1, 1859, to Jane A. Coon, daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Harmon) Coon, early settlers of this county. Four children have been born to this union - Fannie J., Stanton E., Cora B. and Sarah E. Mr. Bretz is a Republican; he was the first Mayor of Little Sandusky, and, with his wife is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church.

JACOB A. BREWER is a native of York State, born January 21, 1814; his parents, Jacob A. and Hannah (Stall) Brewer, were natives of the same State, and of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1817, and located in Union County, where they resided seven years, removing to Little Sandusky in 1824, entering eighty acres of land. Their remaining children are Anna, Catharine, Jacob A., Cornelius, Peter, William and Hester J. Eliza, Lucinda and Mary C. are deceased. The father died about 1835; the mother about 1841. Jacob Brewer, our subject, spent the early part of his life with his parents; he was married at the age of twenty-one to Susan Eyman, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Eyman, early settlers of Marion County, from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have six children living - John, Hannah (wife of John Racy), Coi'nelius, Oscar, Mary J. (wife of William Lumberson") and James. The deceased are: W. H. Harrison, killed in late war; Jacob A., died of disease contracted in the war, and Oscar. Mr. Brewer leased a portion of his present farm of the Indians six years, and continued on the same after their departure, purchasing sixty acres, which number he has since increased tenfold; he began married life with $50, but has always been a hard worker, and now owns one of the best farms in the township. In politics, Mr. Brewer is a Republican; he has served three years as Trustee, and is highly esteemed as a citizen; his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

RICHAED CARTER was born in Wellsville, Ohio, June 9, 1850, son of John A. and Mary D. (Connel) Carter, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively; his parents settled in Marion County in 1852, rearing a family of six children, our subject being the eldest; he obtained a good education in the district schools, and graduated at the Pittsburgh Commercial College in 1871; he was engaged five years as a commercial traveler, and, in 1876 came to Ohio, where he was married January 25, 1877, to Miss Kate Bryant, daughter of Isaac and Maria (Fisher) Bryant, and distant relative of the poet; her parents were natives of New Jersey and New York respectively; came to Ohio where they were married about 1844. They came to tbis county in 1848, and entered land where Mr. Carter now resides, at the time of Mr. Bryant's death owning 2,300 acres; his children now living are Catharine, John Q., Charles and Jennie (twins), and Frank B. The deceased are Isaac, Frederick, Ann and Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have one child - May B., born November 27, 1877. Mrs. Carter was born January 10, 1851. She inherited her present home of 320 acres, which her husband has now well stocked. Mr. Carter is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Bryant, mother of Mrs. Carter, was left a widow with six children, whom she reared and educated. She is now a resident of Bucyrus; her brother, John A. Fisher, was a Mexican soldier; also a soldier of the late war during the entire struggle, lying in Libby Prison about eighteen months; he is now a resident of Kansas, nearly blind, having lost an eye hv a gunshot during the last of his service.

JOHN CASTANIEN was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 11, 1825. His parents, Alexander and Marelius (King) Castanien, were natives of Prussia and Switzerland respectively, the former crossing the ocean to escape military service, the latter emigrating at the age of four years. They were married in Perry County, where they passed their entire lives, he a farmer and teacher of German schools. He died in his sixtieth year, his wife about the same age. Their children were John, Serenus, Jacob and David. John Castanien remained at home till his twenty-fifth year, obtaining the rudiments of an education and working upon the farm. In 1848, he came to this county, his father having entered his present farm of 100 acres, then covered with timber, which our subject has since removed. He is now the owner of 440 acres; his "bank" barn is the largest in the township, and his dwelling was erected in 1863-64 at a cost of $2,000. Mr. Castanien was married in the autumn of 1848, to Christina Alspach, five children resulting - Mahala, Caroline (wife of Emmet Bachtel), Frank, David and Amos E. Mrs. Castanien's demise occurred in 1861, at the age of thirty- five, and Mr. C. was married, November 25, 1863, to Miss Sophia Alspach (sister of first wife), daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Runkle) Alspach, natives of Pennsylvania, residents of Perry County, Ohio. She was born April 15, 1837. Their children were William H. and Allen B. In politics, Mr. C. is an independent Democrat. He and his family are all members of the German Reformed Church, of which he was many years a Deacon.

FRANK P. CASTANIEN, son of John and Christina Castanien, was born January 27, 1853. He obtained a good education, attending the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, three terms, subsequently establishing a grocery store at that place, continuing the business several months. In 1876, he purchased his present farm of eighty aci'es. and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married, March 15, 1877, to Miss Emma Harlan, daughter of William and Catharine Harlan, residents of Logan County,

Ohio. Her parents had two children - John and Emma, The mother died in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Castanien have four children - Emmet P., born May 10, 1880; Kitty B. , June 1, 188'2; Joseph and Esther are deceased. Mrs. C. was born October 4, 1856. Mr. Castanien is a Democrat, Master of Grange No. 503, and, with his wife, member of the Reformed Church; he was several years Superintendent of Sabbath school.

DAVID CASTANIEN, son of John and Christina (Alspach) Castanien, was born July 16, 1855. He is a native of Pitt Township, where he was educated, and remained on the farm with his parents till 1878, when he moved to his present farm, which he purchased one year later, paying $50 per acre, the farm containing eighty acres. It is now well improved, stocked with varieties of the best grade. Mr. Castanien was married, January 1, 1880, to Miss Jennie McBeth, daughter of John and Jennie (Swaze) McBeth, residents of Antrim Township. In politics, Mr. Castanien is a Democi'at. He is a member of the Reformed and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L. HOPKINS COOK, deceased, was born in Addison County, Vt. . A.pril 2, 1810. His parents dying when he was young, he resided with a sister, Mrs. Fisher, till about 1831, when he came to Ohio, and was married two years later to Eliza Cudworth, who died soon after. November 15, 1838, he was married to Sabina Adams, daughter of John and Rachel (Cookson) Adams, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Her parents came to Ohio in 1835, settling in Richland County, where they reared a family of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of live children - Mary (wife of Jessie McCracken), Stephen R., William D. , George H. and Caroline, the latter deceased. In 1846, the family came to this county and purchased 420 acres of school land, where Mrs. Cook now resides. Mr. Cook was a strong Republican. He died April 8, 1874, leaving his widow in comfortable circumstances. She was born June 11, 1821.

STEPHEN R, COOK, son of L. H. and Sabina (Adams) Cook, was born February 8, 1841. He resided with his parents till he joined the army in 1862, enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Enlisting as private, he was soon promoted to Orderly, participating in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Gap, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg and Hatcher's Run. Being wounded at Cedar Creek, he was compelled to lie in a hospital six months, after which he was honorably discharged, having served three years. Returning home, he was married, June 17, 1869, to Miss Ann E. Bowman, daughter of T. N. and Eliza (Gibson) Bowman (see sketch), and two children have been born to them - George B., May 23, 1875, and Helen E., March 29, 1878. Mrs. Cook was born January 26, 1847. He inherited twenty acres of his present farm, to which he has since added twenty, all valued at $70 per acre. Mr. Cook is a strong Republican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Sandusky.

DANIEL COONS was born in Fulton County, N. Y., in 1820. His parents, Thomas and Susan (Brower) Coons, were natives of the same State, and of German parentage. His paternal ancestor was a soldier of the Revolution, serving entirely through it. His parents came by wagon to Ohio in 1856, and located in this county one year later. Their children were Daniel, Sarah R., Mary, Thomas, Elizabeth, Reuda M. and Joseph; James, John and Henry are deceased. The parents are still living, the father in his eighty- fourth year, the mother in her eighty-third. Our subject entered

24 acres, and purchased 44 acres of his present farm of the Government, now owning 220 acres of bottom land valued at $80 per acre. He is an expert at pigeon trapping, having realized not less than $2,500 from his sales. He traveled one year with Van Amburgh's show.' Mr. Coons was married. December 11, 1849, to Lydia Dahmer, daughter of James and Sarah Dahmer, her death occurring in 1865, leaving three children - Sarah, Flora and Laura. March 19, 1866, he married Miss Caroline Wilt, daughter of Henry and Mary (Star) Wilt, this union resulting in five children - Emory, Clara A., Eugene, Louis B. and Robert N. Mr. Coon has been a Democrat since the nomination of McClellan for the Presidency. He is an industrious citizen, and held in high esteem by his community.

HENRY H. DAHMER was born in Pendleton County, Va., April 15, 1836; his parents were Martin and Sarah (Herner) Dahmer, natives of Virginia, and of German ancestry. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812, The parents were farmers; the father dying in Virginia, the mother is still living. Their children were John, Mary, George, Reuben, Henry H., Martha, William, Sampson, Adam, Jemima and Sarah, the latter deceased. Henry Dahmer worked on the farm for his father till twenty-one years of age, obtaining but a limited education; he came to this county in 1856, and engaged in ordinary labor, principally for J. S. Rappe, about seven years. In 1862, he purchased forty acres on the river near Little Sandusky; he increased this amount to seventy-one by subsequent purchases, and sold the whole in 1872, and purchased his present home of 100 acres on which he erected a fine residence at a cost of $2,000 in 1881; he makes a specialty of raising blooded Merino sheep, some of which cost him $1,000. Mr. Dahmer was married, November 8, 1863, to Ann M. Kellar, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Warren) Kellar, natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. They were brought to Ohio when children, and spent most of their days in Franklin and Wyandot Counties. They had nine children of whom Mrs. Dahmer is the youngest. In politics, Mr. D. is a Democrat; he served as Trustee foiu' terms and as Treasurer two terms, refusing to hold the office longer.

CHARLES FEICHTER is a native of this township, born July 27, 1853, to John and A. Barbara (Baser) Feichter, natives of Switzerland; his parents were married in 1848, and settled in this township where our subject now resides, having removed from Stark County with their parents in 1845. Their living children are Charles, Mary, Louisa, John, Albert and Elizabeth; the deceased are John, John H, Frederick, George, Eddie and an infant. The father died in 1876, aged lifty-three years. Mrs. Feichter still resides on the old homestead in her fifty-fourth year, a member of the German Reformed Church, to which Mr. F. also belonged; he left an estate of $10,000. Charles Feichter, the subject of this sketch, was married October 24, 1878, to Miss Mary A. Bower, daughter of Emanuel and Sarah J. (Swartz) Bower, of German parentage. Their children are Charles, O. S., Winifred and John T. An infant is deceased. Since his marriage Mr. Feichter has been tilling his mother's farm. He recently purchased forty acres in Illinois, and is about to take his departure for that State.

C. RUSH FOWLER. This prominent citizen was born in Bradford County, Penn., December 31, 1821. His parents, Stephen and Leefe (Stevens) Fowler, were natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was a surgeon in the war of 1812, and for many years a prominent physician in this section of the State, and the only one available, being frequently called to the various seats of the ad- joining counties on professional business. He was at one time a member of the State Legislature, and served his term with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. His wife, Leefe, whose mother's name was Lee, was a cousin to Gen. R. E. Lee, of Confederate fame, and is still living, a resident of Upper Sandusky, in the full possession of her faculties, and in excellent health. They came to this county in 1827, and located in this township, where Mr. Fowler purchased 600 acres, adding by subsequent purchases, till he owned 3,100 acres. They were- the parents of eight children, and among the most estimable citizens of the county. He died in 1847, aged fifty-seven years. C. R. Fowler, the subject of this notice, was educated in the common schools and by the fireside at home, instructed chiefly by his father. He remained at home and assisted in conducting the farm till twenty-three years of age. He inherited $3,000 and a farm of 125 acres from his father's possessions, and in 1845 purchased a farm in Mifflin Township, consisting of 740 acres. In 1850, he purchased 200 acres near Little Sandusky, and to this he has added at intervals till he now owns, in this and Antrim Townships, 3,000 acres. He has dealt largely in stock, making a specialty of sheep and wool growing, though his success is mainly due to his industry and perseverance. In 1875, he erected his elegant two-story brick mansion at a cost of $17,000, it being, perhaps, as good a rural residence as there is in the county. Mr. Fowler was married, February 20, 1845. to Miss Catharine Nesbit, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Wallace) Nesbit, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish ancestry, parents of live children - James, Elizabeth, Catharine and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are the parents of seven children, of whom but three are living, viz., Hiram, Dwight, and Myrta, wife of Albert Boyd, of London, Ohio; the deceased are Olive, Sarah, Charles and an infant. Mr. Fowler has always been a Democrat, and strong in the faith. He served as Commissioner six years, and is among the most influential of the citizens of the county.

SCOTT M. FOWLER was born at the old homestead of Dr. Stephen Fowler, in Pitt To vvnship, February 16, 1835, being the youngest son of the same. He resided with his parents on the farm till fourteen years of age, when his father died. He had been chosen by his father as the one son who should succeed him in the medical profession ; but the death of the latter during our subject's early years frustrated these plans. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Union School at Upper Sandusky, and in Prof. Thayer, the Superintendent, he found an earnest friend and adviser, who fanned to a flame his ardent desire to enter college and prepare himself for a profession. But his friends who were most influential in their advice under the circumstances deemed it unwise to turn the boy loose upon his own responsibilities to the "demoralizing influences of college life." It was decided, therefore, that he should take charge of his property, the homestead, and at the age of seventeen his dream of professional life and higher education vanished, his disappointment was "pocketed," and he began work upon the farm, where he continued without interruption till 1865. During the summer of 1858, he made the acquaintance of Miss Ada Bryant, of Fredericktown, Knox Co., Ohio, who was spending the summer with the family of her uncle, Rev. E. R. Wood, and this acquaintance resulted in their marriage at her home on the 29th of December of the same year. In 1865, Mr. Fowler removed to Nashville, Tenn., to engage in Government stock speculations, and soon after embarked in the lumber business, in which his fortune was wrecked. He remained five years in Tennessee, when, with health greatly impaired by hard labor, and with a desire to educate his children, he re- turned to this county and again took up the pursuits of the farm. He subsequently engaged in the dry goods and grocery business for a short time at Upper Sandusky and Morral, but soon returned to the farm, and in 1884 purchased land in Western Kansas, where he now resides. By the aid of his mother his three eldest daughters became graduates of the Upper Sandusky Union Schools, and by their own efforts were enabled to take a course of instruction in the Oberlin College. Mr. Fowler is a man of the strictest integrity of character, and through all the years of his misfortune and selfsacritice he has worn " the white flower of a blameless life " as a citizen, a husband and a father. His children are Nora A., born October 15, 1859; Cora H, March 27, 1861; Erin Maud, October 9, 1864; Etna Adale, June 2, 1867; Leefe F., February 9, 1870; Stephen Bryant, December 3, 1873; Enid Marie, May 26, 1879.

STEPHEN P. FOWLER was born in Bradford County, Penn., September 1, 1826. He is a son of Dr. Stephen and Leefe Fowler, early and prominent settlers of this county (see Medical chapter). He obtained a fair education in the common district schools of his time, assisted by his parents, with whom he remained on the farm till 1854. At the age of twenty-one he obtained 13,000 from his father, from whom he also inherited about ninety acres of land. This amount be has since largely increased and now owns one of the finest farms in the southern part of the county, consisting of " ridge " and " valley " land, provided with four to five miles of tile draihage, and stocked with the best grades of stock. In 1877, he built his elegant and commodious residence, provided with all the modern improvements, including gas and bathing facilities. The structure is one of the most imposing, as well as convenient farmhouses in the county, and was erected at a cost of $0,000. Mr. Fowler was married, December 18, 1878, to Miss Frances Flago, daughter of Charles and Mary (Hubble) Flago, natives of New Jersey and Connecticut respectively. Her parents came to Ohio when young, and settled in Champaign County, where they reared a family of seven children, Mrs. Fowler being the youngest. Her father was a tailor by trade, and an influential citizen of Urbaoa, at one time Mayor of that city. He died in 1857; his widow (since the wife and now the widow of S. T. Hedges,) is still living, a resident of Springfield, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Fowler is a Democrat, having grown up in the faith. He is one of the leading farmers and stock-dealers of the county, by whose citizens himself and family are held in high esteem.

WILLIAM H. FRATER is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born May 23, 1850. His parents were Thomas and Isabel (Taylor) Frater, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, and of Scotch ancestry. The father was born in 1820, and died in 1862; the mother in 1818, and still living, a resident of Iberia, Ohio. They had five children - George, John T., William H., Archibald and Thomas, the latter deceased. William, our subject, was educated in the district schools, subsequently spending two years in the Iberia Academy, and teaching one successful term. In 1873, he engaged as shepherd for David Harpster, and continued in his employ four years. In 1877, he erected his tile works at Fowler, and also assumed charge of the warehouse at that place, conducting the latter business three years, and still engaging extensively in the t.ile manufacture. In 1877, he purchased three lots on which his tile yard is located, and in 1882 purchased the celebrated stallion "Brilliant," imported from France in 1875. Mr. Frater was married, June 10, 1879, to Rebecca Swartz, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Swartz, of this county. She was born January 15,

1857, and died January 13, 1884, leaving one son, George Earle. born December 25, 1883. Mr. F. is an active Republican, and highly esteemed as a citizen. He served as Assessor tw^o terms, and has acquired a reasonable property b} industry and economy.

SAMUEL HARMAN was born in Berkeley County, Va., March 9, 1808. He is a son of Michael and Margaret Harman, natives of Virginia, and of German extraction. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His parents were married in 1792, and settled in Pickaway County in 1812, coming to this county in 1821, and, entering eighty acres where he now resides, built the first hewed-log cabin in this county, in which the first sermon heard by our "subject in this locality was preached by Rev. J. B. Finley. They purchased eighty acres soon after, and this tract of 160 acres the father tilled till his death in 1828, aged sixty-two years; the mother died in 1859, aged eighty-two. Samuel Harman, our subject, remained at home with his mother and the younger children till 1826, and aided in supporting them. He was a strong and supple young man, always a hard worker, having cut with a sickle, bound and shocked fifty dozen of wheat in one day. He was married, September 19, 1833, to Rebecca J. Church, who died exactly one year later. He was married July 31, 1838, to Lovina Armstrong, daughter of Job Armstrong, this wife dying five months later. His third marriage was to Matilda Simpson, April 6, 1842, her death occurring in 1877. Mr. Harman has no childien. He inherited fifty-three acres from his father, and now owns 354 acres, well improved. He served two years as Trustee; was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican; was active during the late war, sending money, clothes and provisions to army friends. He is one of the oldest and most worthy citizens of his community.

DAVID HARPSTER, one of the most successful farmers in the State, is a native of Mifflin County, Penn., born December 28, 1816. His parents were George and Catharine (Thomas) Harpster, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. His grandfather Harpster came to America and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His father died when David was but eight years of age, and he removed with his mother to Wayne County, Ohio, two years later. He attended school but fifteen months, but has since acquired a good business education. After two years farming with his brother in the above county, he came to this locality in 1828 or 1829, and the following year accepted a clerkship in Bowsher & Green's store at Bowsherville, this township, where he was employed three years. He then became a member of the firm, and continued the business till 1836, when he sold his interest and engaged in the cattle biisiness with Barnet and Thomas Hughes and James Murdock two years with excellent success. From 1838 to 1840, he drove cattle to Detroit, but in the latter year he formed a partnership with David Miller, their object being to fatten cattle in Illinois and drive them to Eastern markets, which business they conducted six years, Mr. Harpster continuing the business four years on his own responsibility. In 1845, he purchased 700 acres at the Government land sales, and to this he has subsequently added till he now owns in this township 3,100 acres, and in Mifflin Township, 1,300; besides these tracts he has eighty acres in Van Wert County, 600 acres in Nebraska, 240 acres in Iowa, and in the counties of Ford. Campaign and McLean, 111., 2,240 acres, all more or less improved and under fence. In 1850, Mr. Harpster settled on his present "farm, and has since engaged largely in the sheep business, shearing 900 the first year, and increasing that number annually till he had clipped as many as

8,200 in a single year. His usual flock numbered about 7,000, but he is now disposing of his sheep, and stocking his lands with cattle. In 1871, he erected his handsome and commodious mansion one-half mile north of Fowler, at a cost of $15,000, and is still actively engaged in superintending his large possessions. His marriage to Rachel S. Hall occurred April 6, 1847. She was a daughter of James Hall, a soldier in the war of 1812, and an early settler in Pickaway County, Ohio. Three children were born to them, two yet living - Sarah A., wife of Col. Cyrus Sears, and Ivy, wife of William L. Bones, a wholesale dry goods merchant of New York City, with residence on Staten Island. In September, 1867, Mrs. Harvester's death occurred, and Mr. H. was married, in 1877, to Miss Jane Maxwell, daughter of John Maxwell, and grand-daughter of William Maxwell, who edited and published the first newspaper of Cincinnati, his wife setting a portion of the type. Mrs. Harpster is a refined and accomplished lady, and a member of the Baptist Missionary Church. In politics, Mr. H. is a strong Republican without political aspirations. In selling lots for Fowler City, he has a clause inserted in each deed stipulating that intoxicating liquors shall not be sold thereon. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of the county, and has an extensive acquaintance throughout the State. He began life a poor boy, and under very unfavorable circumstances; but by his energy, perseverance and business tact, has amassed a fortune not exceeded by that of any one in the county, owning at the present time 7, 520 acres of land, and a large amount of other stock of various kinds. Besides attending to his personal business affairs, Mr. Harpster has given some attention and contributed from his means to public enterprises, in all of which he has shown the same energy, and his efforts have been crowned with the same success. The C, H. V. & T. R. R., which has brought into the county many valued conveniences, had no firmer friend nor warmer supporter during its contemplated and constructive period than Mr. Harpster, and the people of this community owe more thanks to him than to any other one man, for the location and construction of that road. At the time of one of the first surveys, the line from Marion to Sandusky passed through Pitt Township, some distance east of where the road is now located. This was something of a disappointment to those living in the western part of the township, and as Mr. Harpster and others came home from visiting the surveyors on said east line, while passing along the Little Sandusky and Bowsherville road, and as it happened within the present limits of the C. , H. V. &. T. right-of-way, one of the party asked Mr. Harpster what he would give to have the railroad pass at that point. He replied, the right-of-way three and one-half miles, and a wool clip. And he proved as good as his word, for when the road was built he gave the offered right-of-way and took $10,000 stock, which he increased by purchases, until when the road changed hands, he received about $23,000 for his interest. He was the founder of Fowler City, named in honor of Mr. C. R. Fowler, and has encouraged and supported the business interests of that village. He gave generously toward the construction of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fowler.

SILAS S. HART, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, was born November 26, 1845, to Elijah and Catharine (Henning) Hart, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Irish lineage. His parents came to Wayne County in 1838, and to this county in 1848. Their children were Eva A., Mary, William, Israel, Joanna, Samuel, Nancy, Silas, Samilda and Hiram. Eva A. and Elizabeth are deceased. The mother died July 15, 1881; the father is still living, in his seventy-eighth year. Silas S., oui* subject, obtained a good education, having attended the Upper Sandusky High School two terms, and the Greensbnrg Seminary the same length of time. He began teaching at twenty-one, and is now teaching his twenty-second term, engaged at Little Sandusky. During summers he usually clerks in store, sells farm implements or books. Mr. Hart was married, March 5, 1874, to Elizabeth Healy, the daughter of Jacob Healy, four children having resulted from this union - Alphonso J., born December 21, 1874; Irene G., Julv 15, 1878; Louis G., October 8, 1881; and Ora S., July 8, 1883. Mr. Hart is a Republican, and both he and Mrs. Hart are members of the German Reformeded Church.

HENRY HERRING, a native of Canton Basel, Switzerland, was born August 25, 1826. He came to the United States with his parents in the spring of 1845, and settled in New Baltimore, Fairfield Co., Ohio. He stayed there until the fall of the same year, when he moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, and " worked around " several years, until finally he could buy a small piece of land. In June, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary M. Snyder, of Hancock County, Ohio, born May 18, 1835. To them were born five children - Louisa M., Anna E., Henry, John and Rosa B. Henry died the 27th of June, 1873, at the age of ten years. The others are all about grown. Some years ago Mr. Herring built a substantial brick dwelling, and now owns 500 acres of land of fair quality, and, should his life be spared, he can live on what he acquired in his younger years.

BARNET HUGHES (deceased) was born in Greene County, Penn., September 16, 1808. His parents were Thomas and Sarah (Swan) Hughes, pioneers, of Irish nationality. Barnet came to Ohio in 1827, having previously married Sarah AValton, who, dying, left him three children - Thomas, Sarah and Simeon, the latter deceased. He was married, April 27, 1845, to Catharine E. Woodcock, daughter of John L. and Margaret (Coons) Woodcock, natives of New York, and of English and German extraction. Her parents came to this county in 1837, settling near the site of Fowler, Their children were ten in number, Mrs. Hughes being the third. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were the parents of eleven children, eight living - Maria (wife of Orren Straw), Iva (wife of B. W. Martin), Augustus, John C. F., Catharine B. (wife of W. S. Harvey), James L., Samuel H. and William S. The deceased were John L., Mary M. and Louis S. Mr. Hughes began in stock dealing quite young, and continued the business till his death, at which time he owned 1,000 acres of land in one tract. He was an expert hunter and an admirer of fast horses, of which he reared and sold many. He was a Republican, and served as Trustee several terms. He died November 26, 1873, leaving an estate of $60,000. His widow still resides on the old homestead of 326 acres, which is tilled by her sons Samuel and William. She is now, in her fifty-eighth year, strong and healthful.

JAMES LINDSEY HUGHES, son of Barnet and Catharine E. (Woodcock) Hughes, was born June 9, 1860. He is a native of Pitt Township, and was educated in the district schools, remaining at home till his marriage to Miss Belle Young, February 9, 1882. She was a daughter of Edward and Sarah (Kerr) Young; she was born June 24, 1861; was educated in the common district school, and commenced teaching school when she was sixteen years old, and taught until she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have one child, Jamie B., born January 12, 1883. Mr. Hughes inherited seventy acres of land from his father's estate, and erected a comfortable residence in 1883. He is a Republican, and a substantial, hard-working citizen.

AMBKOSE C. HUNT is a native of this township, born October 10, 1841; his parents are Snowden and Lydia (Updegraff) Hunt, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, the latter of German ancestry. They came to this county soon after their marriage in 1827, and settled on the present homestead, purchasing first eighty acres, and adding to this till his possessions embraced 505 acres. Their children were Ambrose C, William S., Elvira, Nancy and Elmira. The father died in 1851, aged thirty-siz years, the mother in 1878, aged sixty-two. At her husband's death she was left with five children (the oldest less than thirteen years) which she reared, and in the mean lime paid for one hundred acres of land. Ambrose Hunt remained on the homestead, farming and dealing in stock till his marriage, May 6, 1877, to Miss Jennie, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Stillwagoner) Swartz, born November 11, 1846. They have one child - Iva A., born April 1, 1879. In 1878, Mr. Hunt purchased the hotel property at Fowler, which he conducted four years, disposing of the same October 1, 1883, and engaging in the stock business; he inherited 102 acres from his father's estate, all in good condition, valued at $100 per acre; he was a member of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and participated in the action at Berryville, being discharged at the close of the 100-day service. Mr. Hunt is a strong Republican and good citizen. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the German Reformed Chui'ch.

WILLIAM S. HUNT was born in this township November 18, 1850; he is a son of Snowden and Lydia (Updegraff) Hunt, old residents of this county. (See sketch of A. C. Hunt.) He was educated in the common schools, abandoning his studies at the age of twenty; he remained at home assisting about the farm, of which he assumed full charge for a number of years; on his mother's decease, he inherited 102^ acres of land, valued at |75 per acre, and which he has largely improved; he owns the old homestead, the residence having been erected in 1869, at a cost of $1,500. Mr. Hunt is a Republican and unmarried; he has two sisters - Elvira and Nancy Hunt, the former born March 9, 1844, the latter August 22. 1846. They received the education afforded by the district schools, and remained at home with their parents till the latter's death, at which time they each came into possession of 102|^ acres of land, which has since received their attention. The farms are valued at $75 and $50 per acre respectively, and tilled by renters or tenants. In 1883, they erected on the farm of the latter a handsome residence, costing $1,700, and in which they will henceforth abide. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highlyesteemed as ladies of keen business tact, good judgment and character.

GEORGE L HOKE is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born September 20, 1853; son of William and Henrietta (Smith) Hoke, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1834, settling in Crawford County, Ohio, where he established a cabinet shop, and did an extensive business; he was an expert in the art of inlaying bone, brass, ivory, etc., and brought with him from Germany an outfit of tools presented to him by his employer at the close of his apprenticeship for the mastery of his trade; he spent many years in Strasburg, his handiwork being among some of the finest in Europe; he died in 1873, aged fifty seven years. The mother died in 1863. George Hoke, the subject of this sketch, was given a common school education, and at sixteen began work in a sash and door factory, subsequently with J. Stoll & Co., entering the carriage shops of Seider &, Beidler, of Upper Sandusky, in whose employ he remained six years. In 1879, he formed a partnership with M. B. Myers in the manufacture of wagons, buggies, etc., at Fowler, where they are doing a flourishing business. Mr. Holie was married, March 12, 1874, to Mary Fought, daughter of Aaron Fought, and three children have been born to them - William F., Martha E. and Rolley. In politics, Mr. Hoke is a strong temperance Democrat; as a citizen he is highly esteemed.

CHARLES HORNBY was born in Lancashire, England, August 5, 1830, soj] of Joseph and Elizabeth (Cottam) Hornby, parents of eight chil dren, the father a butcher by trade. He began the tailor's trade as an apprentice at the age of eleven, serving nine years, and emigrated to the United States in 1856. He came directly to Little Sandusky, having a cash capital of 40 cents, and engaged as a farm laborer for S. M. Fowler, by whom he was employed seven years. In 1863, he rented a small shop in the burg, and gradually established his now thriving merchant tailoring business. His first bill of goods was purchased at a cost of $200; he now carries a stock of $3,000 in ready-made and piece goods, notions, etc. Mr. Hornby was married, July 18, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Bradley, and four children were born to them - Alice (wife of Hiram Fowler), Delia (wife of Frank Stoneburner), Ernest and Maud. Mrs. Hornby died in 1869, aged thirty-three years, and Mr. H. was married April 12, 1871, to Mary Martin, daughter of C. S. Martin. (See sketch of B. W. Martin.) This latter marriage has resulted in the birth of four children, viz., Roy, Floy, Edward and a babe unchristened. Mr. and Mrs. Hornby are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former being Steward of the same and Superintendent of the Sunday school, both well respected throughout their community.

HENRY C. JURY is a native of this county, born in Antrim Township November 15, 1837. His parents were Abner and Priscilla (Winslow) Jury, natives of Virginia and New York respectively. They were married in this county in 1836, having come to Ohio with their parents a number of years before, settling in this county. They purchased a farm of 160 acres, and were the parents of seven children - Henry C. , John R. , Sarah J., Margaret, Samuel W., Olive and Cyrus (the latter deceased). The father died in 1851, aged forty years; the mother is still living, a resident of this county, in her sixty-aixth year. After the death of his father, Mr. Jury assisted in maintaining the family till his twenty-sixth year. He farmed rented land one year; bought and sold stock one year, and in 1866 removed to Missouri, where he purchased 180 acres in Henry County, where he resided eleven years. In 1877, he returned to this county; resided one year at Nevada, dealing in stock, and then engaged in farming on the old homestead, whei'e he remained till October, 1883. when he purchased his present hotel property and engaged in that business. Mr. Jury was married, August 25, 1863, to Julia A. Roseberry, daughter of John and Amanda (Garrett) Roseberry, early settlers of Crawford County, and eight children have been born to them - Howard J., C. Edward, Clara A., Mary E., Olive J., Minnie G., John B. and Anna. Mr. Jury is a thorough Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Jury is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and both are highly respected as citizens.

JOHNSTON KERR, deceased, born March 11, 1810, in Pennsylvania, is a son of James Kei'r, who came to Knox County, Ohio, with his family in 1812. Early in life our subject learned the blacksmith's trade, which he plied twelve years, his wife working in the shop with him, "blowing and striking." He married Miss Celinda Moore March 11, 1833, she being the daughter of John and Mary Moore, and by this marriage the children were Lorenzo, Caroline (wife of J. C. Lynch), Orville, Eli, Oregon and La Fayette; four others are deceased. He removed to Marion County, and entered 160 acres, on which he resided twenty years, dealing extensively in stock. In 1856, he sold his possessions in Marion County, and removed to this, purchasing 400 acres, and owning 900 at the time of his death. He still engaged in stock-dealing, and at his death left an estate of $85,000 to $90,000. He died August 20, 1873. His widow still resides in Little Sandusky. She was born June 14, 1813.

MICHAEL KOTTERMAN was born in Northumberland County, Penn., July 5, 1807 ; his parents were Michael and Catharine (Hettrick) Kotterman, natives of same State, and of German descent. His father spent six months in the war of 1812. Our subject attended school nine months, farmed till his twentieth year, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he engaged in twenty-one years. In 1848, he purchased his present home, first consisting of 80 acres, now 187, valued at $75 per acre. He was married, April 30, 1831, to Miss Sarah King, daughter of Peter and Mary (Witmore) King, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively, and early settlers of Perry County, Ohio, coming to that locality about 1810, and rearing a family of fourteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Kotterman are parents of nine children - Caroline, wife of Edward Montee ; Susan S., wife of James S. Sankey ; Solomon, Noah, David, and Ellen, wife of Levi Swinehart. The deceased are Mary, an infant, and Levi, killed in the battle of Bull Run, second. They began life with meager means, but have amassed a fortune of $15,000. Mr. Kotterman is a Democrat ; both himself and wife members of the United Brethren Church at Little Sandusky.

SOLOMON KOTTERMAN, son of Michael and Saloma (King) Kotterman, was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 22, 1839. The early part of his life was passed at home, and in work for his immediate neighbors. He was married, September 28, 1862, to Miss Matilda Foucht, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Weimer) Foucht, and six children were born to them - Leefee B., May 14, 1864; Adella C, November 9, 1866; Elizabeth E.. May 13, 1871 ; Charles A., June 30, 1874; Nevin T., March 16, 1880, and H. Franklin, born January 18, 1881, died March 5, 1881. Mr. Kotterman purchased his present farm of 107 acres, paying $45 per acre. He erected his comfortable residence at a cost of $1,500 in 1880, and now values his farm at $80 per acre. Politically, Mr. Kotterman is a Democrat; he is serving his fourth year as Trustee ; was two years Constable, twice elected Assessor, is a member of the Board of Agriculture, and, with his wife, of the German Reformed Church, of which he has been a Deacon for the past sixteen vears.

GEORGE KRAMER, son of John and Elizabeth (Orsendorf) Ki'amer, is a native of Pennsylvania, born March 3, 1820. His parents were of German descent. His father was drafted (did not serve) in the war of 1812. Their children living are John, Samuel and George ; the deceased are Henry, Michael, Elizabeth, Catharine and Jacob. The father died in his seventy-eighth, the mother in her seventieth year. At seventeen, our subject began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed thirty years. He came to Ohio and located in Wayne County in 1842, to Ashland County in 1846, and to this county in 1852. He first purchased 80 acres, but has added to this till he now owns 155. He has cleared 120 acres and made many other improvements, erecting a comfortable residence, at a cost of $1,200, in 1869-70. Mr. Kramer was married in 1844 to Miss Anna C. Thorn, daughter of Frederick Thorn. They had eight children - John H.,

William T., George D. , Samuel D., Margaret, Elizabeth, Sarah A. and Lodema. Mrs. Kramer was born February 5, 1821. In politics. Mr. Kramer is a Democrat ; both himself and wife are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he was botli Deacon and Elder many years.

SUMNEE E. LEWIS, born in this township December 19, 1856, is a son of Stanton J. and Wealtha M. (Stanton) Lewis. (See sketch.) He assisted about his father's farm and attended the district school, closing his studies in the high school of Upper Sandusky at the age of twenty. He was married in 1877, to Miss Sylvia Boyer, daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Miller) Boyer, her father dying when she was but one year of age. They have two children - Ora S., born January 13, 1878, and Stanton J., May 18, 1880. Mrs. Lewis was born October 13, 1860. Mr. Lewis inherited 120 acres from his father's estate, and this he has improved in various ways. He built a neat cottage in 1878, and a fine barn in 1883. He is a Republican in politics, and well respected socially.

MILES S. LEWIS was born in this township January 3, 1849. He is a son of Stanton J. and Wealtha M. (Stanton) Lewis, natives of New York, and of English descent. His father was employed in a carding mill in Genesee County, N. Y., before marriage, which occurred in 1844, migrating to Ohio the same year. He settled in Marion County, where he engaged in farming and school teaching. In 1847, he entered 160 acres, where his widow now resides. Their children were Miles S. and S. Everett, living, and Minerva C. , Julia C. and William S. Mr. Lewis was highly respected, serving as Clei'k and Trustee of his township several years. He died January 12, 1880, aged sixty-three years ; his widow still survives, she was born April 19, 1818. Miles Lewis, the subject of this sketch, received a good education in the common branches, taught one term, and tilled the "home farm" till his father's decease, when he inherited and purchased 160 acres, which he has well stocked and improved. He was married, June 22, 1871, to Miss Kate Stoneburner, daughter of Noah and Magdalena (Hite) Stoneburner, and two children have been born to them - Clara M., born June 22, 1872, and Princess M., October 7, 1875. Mrs. Lewis was born February 14, 1855. Politically, Mr. Lewis is a Republican ; himself and wife are highly esteemed in their community.

GODFRED LININGER was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, August 22, 1843, son of John and Mary (Struan) Lininger, who emigrated from Germany about 1814, locating in Upper Sandusky. The father died December 11, 1871; the mother still survives. Godfred resided with his pai'ents for twenty-five years, farming and operating a threshing machine. His first wife, Addie, died August 1, 1879, leaving five children - Frank W., born May 23, 1869; Mary M., born April 9, 1873: Harry D., March 1, 1876; Carrie V., October 29, 1878; Elnora M. is deceased. Mr. Lininger was again married, February 19, 1880, to Arinda C. Eakin, born March 29, 1856, daughter of James and Mary E. (Weatherby) Eakin, three children resulting - Thomas B., born December 2, 1880; Bertha E., March 31, 1882, and Godfred, July 26, 1883. Mr. Lininger rented his father's farm one year, then purchased forty acres of the James farm, where he resided two years, and purchased his present farm of forty acres in 1874. He has made many improvements, building a fine bank barn in 1883. He is a Democrat in politics, and himself and wife both church members.

B. W. MARTIN was born in Little Sandusky, Ohio, December 25, 1848. He is a son of Caleb S. and Elizabeth (Coons) Martin, natives of Maryland and New York respectively. They came to this locality in 1835, the father, a shoe-maker by trade, still a resident of the above village. Their children were Burke W., Mary P., Alice L. , Charles R. and Minerva, the two latter deceased. The mother is also still livinj:^. B. W., the subject of this sketch, was engaged in daily and monthly labor and in clerking till twenty-one years of age, obtaining a fair education in the meantime. He then purchased the grocery stock of J. F. Myers, and has since engaged in mercantile business, first independently, then with William Montee, next with J. L. Lewis, the present firm of Martin & Whittker being established in 1874. They do a thriving business, dealing in all kinds of country produce. Mr. Martin was married, October 4, 1871, to Miss Ivy E. Hughes, daughter of Barnet and Catharine E. Hughes. They have four children - Luella M., Alice B. , Charles S. and Sidney W. Besides their stock in store, the firm also owns 150 acres of land in good repair, valued at $65 per acre. In politics, Mr. Marti d is a Democrat.

JOHN MAWER is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born February 2, 1833, son of Thompson and Mary (Boxter) Mawer. He obtained a limited education; began " working out" at the age of ten at 6 cents per day: began life for himself at the age of fifteen at $1 per month, and sailed for America in 1861. He located in Marion County, worked the first year by the month, afterward reiiting, and still later buying forty acres (1863) for $250. He bought and sold several different farms, purchasing his present homestead of 146 acres in 1878. Mr. Mawer was married, July 31, 1863, to Agnes A. Lane, widow of James Lane, by whom she had two children - Betsey T. and L. Jane, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mawer have three children - Francis O., born May 7, 1864; Sherman D., August 17, 1865, and MarcellusG., October 10, 1870. Mr. Mawer is a Republican, himself and wife being members of the church.

THOMAS McCLAIN, son of David and Martha (Swan) McClain, was born in Greene County, Penn. , February 29, 1816. His parents were of Scotch ancestry, his great-grandfather coming from Scotland. His grandfather, Abijah McClain, was a Revolutionary soldier and his father a soldier of the war of 1812, helping to build the fort at Upper Sandusky, and witnessing the treaty of peace with the Wyandots. His father migrated to Ohio in 1835, and settled at Bowsherville, buying 400 acres of land with Barnet Hughes. He was the father of thirteen children - three by his first wife, Martha Swan, and ten by his second, Rebecca West. He died in 1852; his first wife's death occurred in 1820. Thomas McClain obtained a limited education in subscription schools, and worked upon the farm of his father, coming to this county with the family. He was married, January 26, 1837, to Rosanna Bowsher, daughter of Anthony Bowsher, from whom the village was named. She died in 1852, ag6d thirty-two years, leaving eight children - David, Leefee, Susan and Thomas (all deceased), Martha, Anthony, Samuel, Zelinda and Ann. In 1853, Mr. McClain was married to Miss Mary Kipfer, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kipfer, three children resulting from this union - Rozilla (wife of Henry Swisher), James and Charles. He purchased his first land, 134 acres, at the Government sales, and this number he has increased to 432 acres, 248 in Mifflin Township, all well stocked and improved. In 1872, he erected a fine brick residence. In politics, Mr. McClain is Independent; he has served as Trustee of the township, and was elected Commissioner of the county three successive terms, always by large majorities.

Ohio respectively, and of German and Scotch-Irish descent. His maternal great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. AVilliam Miller came to Ohio in 1833, locating lirst in Marion County, but later leasing land of the Indians and purchasing at the Government land sales 720 acres, to which he added till at his death he owned 1,000 acres. He was an extensive stock-dealer, and served as Justice of the Peace about twenty years. His nine children were Gilford D., Rebecca, America, Jordan, Elizabeth, George, Charles, Ellen and Clay. George is deceased. The first four children were borne by Mr. Miller's first wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gordon. The father died in 1864, aged sixty- six, the mother, February 18, 1881, aged seventy-three. Clay Miller, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the district schools, worked upon the farm and at eighteen enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, participating in one skirmish, and retiring at the close of his " 100- day " service. At his father's death he inherited 100 acres, now owning 490, one of the best farms in the township. He makes a specialty of sheepraising, now owning 1,200 head. His residence was consumed by fire April 14,1883, and he is now erecting a fine new dwellimg with all the modern improvements. Mr. Miller was married, October 27, 1870, to Miss Mary Kerr, daughter of James and Jane (Ellis) Kerr, and four children have been born to them - William Mc, born August 28, 1871; Maggie, March 30, 1873; James D., January 10, 1876; Harry C, February 24, 1883. Mr. Miller is a Republican and at present Trustee. Mrs. Miller was eight years a teacher in the public schools.

WILLIAM MOUSER is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born March 3, 1808. His parents, James and Polly (Potts) Mouser, were natives of Virginia and of German and Irish descent. Hispatei-nal grandfather, a soldier of the French and Indian war, was captured by the savages and condemned to be burned at the stake, but a heavy rain occurring on the night before his execution loosened the thongs by which he was bound, and he escaped to the fort, which, after falling into a pool of water and being shot at several times by the guards, who mistook him for a spy, he succeeded in entering. Mr. Moiiser's maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His parents came to Ohio in an early day and reared a family of twelve children. William is the fourth son and was educated in the common schools, residing with his parents till his marriage, which occurred January 2, 1834; his marriage to Elizabeth S. Anderson was blest with six childi-en. She died June 30, 1869, leaving three sons - Decatur, Mason and David, the three daughters having died young. He was married March 17, 1872, to Miss Henrietta Webb, born October 6, 1832, daughter of Elisha and Mary (Faulkner) Webb. Their only offspring - George W., was born March 1, 1875. Mr. Mouser rented land about eight years, purchasing his present farm in 1847, being compelled to clear the timber from the site on which to erect his cabin. He has always been a hard worker and an enterprising citizen. He is a Democrat and has served as Trustee of his township about seven years.

DAVID D. MOUSER, son of William and Elizabeth S. (Anderson) Mouser, was born in Pitt Township July 18, 1852. He was educated in the common schools and has always resided on the old homestead. He was married, June 2, 1879, to JMiss Sarah Evens, a native of Pennsylvania, and two children have blessed their union - Paul, born July 5, 1880, and Myna, born August 8, 1882. Mrs. Mouser was born Aiigust 16, 1862. Mr. Mouser is an industrious and enterprising farmer, giving most of his attention to the cultivation of cereals of various kinds; he has kept a minute account of his daily proceedings for the past sixteen years, now writing his fifth volume. In politics, Mr. Mouser is a Democrat. He is a member of Old-School Baptist Church at " Rocky Fork," having united with that sect in 1875.

M. BAKER MYERS, of the firm of Hoke & Myers, was born at the Indian mills near Upper Sandusky, November 2, 1855. He is a son of George and Elizabeth Myers, who came from Cumberland County, Penn., in 1848, and purchased the old mill referred to. Mr. Myers obtained a fair education in the union schools at Upper Sandusky, abandoning his studies at the age of sixteen, and entering the shops of Seider & Beidler, where he engaged in the blacksmith's trade, and worked about seven years for that firm. In 1879, he formed a partnership with G. I. Hoke, in blacksmithing and wagon manufacturing at Fowler, where they have built up an extensive and lucrative business, having as large a trade as any establishment of the size in the county. Mr. Myers is a strong advocate of temperance, and is an industrious and enterprising young man of good character.

CHRISTIAN NIEDERHAUSER is a native of Switzerland, born in Canton Berne, January 8, 1822; his parents, David and Elizabeth (Eausey) Niederhauser, were natives of the same country, and emigrated in 1832, settling in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, rearing a family of nine children, two living - David and Christian; John, Frederick, Samuel, Elizabeth, Ann and two infants are deceased. Our siibject obtained the rudiments of an education, and September 2, 1847, married Miss Elizabeth Knaus, daughter of Thomas and Susanna (Richman) Knaus. born May 29, 1820; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. Mr. N.'s grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. N. have but three children living - Elizabeth (wife of John Brant), John and Susan. The deceased are David, Edward, Benjamin F. and two infants. Mr. Niederhauser purchased his present farm in 1846, then 83 acres, now 123, much of which was forest land cleared by himself and wife. He erected a "bank" barn costing $700 in 1868, a brick house costing $1,000 in 1870, and a fine windmill in 1883. Mrs. N. received a stroke of paralysis in 1874, and has since been an invalid, having lost the entire use of her limbs. Mr. N. is a Democrat in politics, and both are members of the Reformed Church.

JOHN NIEDERHAUSER, son of the above, was born December 3, 1852; he made his home with his parents till his marriage to Miss Rosanna E. Sigler, January 27, 1876. Her parents are William and Rosanna (Mitchel) Sigler, natives of Pennsylvania and residents of Eden Township. Mr. and Mrs. Niederhauser are parents of four children - Nevon O. , born July 6, 1878; Emma B., March 20, 1881; Christian E., August 26, 1883, and an infant deceased. Mrs. N. was born July 6, 1849. Since his marriage, IVIr. N. has tilled his father's farm. He purchased sixty-six acres near this in 1882, and dui-ing the past five years has operated a Huber thresher. He is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

ISAAC NUTTER, son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Mclntire) Nutter, was born in Harrison County, Va., May 1, 1826. His parents were natives of Virginia, and lived and died in the "Old Dominion." His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and reared a family of fifteen children, our subject being the youngest. Not having the advantages of free schools, his education is limited. He came to Ohio in 1853, and located in this county.

October 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twentythird Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was engaged only at Winchester, being wounded before having an opportunity to tire bis gun. Being wounded in the arm, amputation of the member was necessary, as a result of which he receives a pension of $30 per month. Mr. Nutter was married, December 11, 1848, to Margaret E., daughter of Isaac and Edith (Sivel) Duff, natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. Eight children have been born to this union - John A., Edith (wife of Cornelius Brewer), William, Almedia (wife of John Miller), Laura B. (wife of Samuel Smith, deceased), Margaret (wife of Samuel Miller) and Isaac N. , the two latter deceased. The mother was born November 28, 1829. Mr. Nutter purchased his little farm in 1865. He is a strong Republican.

WILLIAM PARKER, son of Thomas and Eliza (Smith) Parker, was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 22, 1839. He worked several years in his native country at 8 cents to 16 cents per day, and emigrated to America in 1857; he made his home with his uncle, Mr. Plum, and did daily labor two years, when he began farming for himself; he was married December 17, 1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Wise. They had three . children, two living - AVilliam H. and John E. ; Mary E. is deceased. Mrs, Parker died April 27, 1866, aged twenty-six years, and Mr. Parker was married October 8, 1868, to Miss Eliza Marsh, daughter of Mahlon Marsh. In 1870, he purchased a farm of forty acres, valued at $80 per acre, and in 1876 added twelve acres near Fowler, erecting a fine residence, costing $2,000, in 1878. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a Republican in politics.

WALTER R. ROWSE was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, July 29, 1852, to Quincy A. and Rebecca E. (Sweney) Rpwse, natives of Ohio, and of German lineage. His grandfather Rowse was an early settler of Ci'awford County, helping to lay out the town of Bucyrus, serving as Justice of the Peace many years, and also as Clerk of court. The children of the family are Walter R., Lincoln R., Lucy T., Robert, Henry, Silas, William H. , Edwin R. and Clarence, the four latter deceased. The mother died in 1860; the father was married three times and died February 19, 1878. His father's aunt carried a musket in the war of 1812, dressed in male attire, acting as a spy. Walter Rowse was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus, removing to the farm with his parents in 1869. He was married, January 4, 1876, to Miss Cornelia Straw, born December 5, 1859, daughter of David and Rebecca (Williams) Straw. The children from this marriage are Quincy A., born October 1, 1876; Frank N., August 4, 1878; Arthur C, December 17, 1880; Racy M., September 18, 1882. Mrs. Rowse inherited 363 acres from her father's estate, and the same is well stocked and improved. Mx\ and Mrs. Rowse are located in a pleasant home and highly esteemed as citizens.

JOHN T. SCHUG, born in Prussia September 20, 1826, is a son of Nicholas and Catharine (Ranch) Schug. Being too low in stature to become a member of the German Army, he came to America in 1849, and in 1858 came to Little Sandusky, residing with his mother-in-law two years, farming and smithing. Prior to this, he was engaged several yeai's traveling and repairing all kinds of machinery, and in the spring of 1851 opened a blacksmith shop at Canal Dover, where he conducted a successful business seven years. In 1860, Mr. Schug moved to the village of Little Sandusky, and where he has built up a good trade. He was married in the autumn of 1851 to Barbara Manerer, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Manerer, na- tives of Switzerland, this union being followed by six children, of whom but one, Frederick J., is now living. Mrs. Schug died August 27, 1879, and Mr. S. was married, October 14, 1880, to Mrs. Sarah J. Bower, daughter of John and Susan Swartz. Her children by her lirst husband were Mary, wife of Charles Fichter; Susan and David H. Mr. Schug is doing a good business, havias: the leading shop in town, in connection with which his step- son, David Bower, conducts a wagon shop. In politics, Mr. Schug is a Democrat; he is a member of the German Reformed, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.