Richland Township (part 2 of 5)

ELIAS NEUENSCHWANDER, farmer and stockraiser, P. O.Bluflfton, was bora in Allen County, August 14, 1848, son of Isaac and Mary (Steiner) Neuenschwander. He was reared on the farm, acquiring a common school education. He was married, in 1873, to Annie Neuenschwander, who bore him one child - Emma. This wife dying in 1876, our subject married, on second occasion, in 1879, Christene Welty, a daughter of Frederick Welty, a farmer, who is a native of Switzerland, and to this union were bom Sarah, Rhoda, Alice and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Neuenschwander are members of the Mennonite society. In politics he is a Democrat. His father, Isaac Neuenschwander, a pioneer of Allen County, came here in 1836; he was born iu Switzerland, March 24, 1821, son of John and Catherine (Furrey) Neuenschwander, also natives of Switzerland, and who c^me to Wayne County in 1826, first settling on a farm there, but later moving to Allen County, traveling with an oxteam, and taking fourteen days to make the journey. John Neuenschwander died September 12, 1838, his widow in 1853. Isaac, father of our subject, was their sixth child, and as there was a scarcity of schools here at that time, his whole attendance comprised but five weeks, and he grew to manhood inured to toil; he was married, in 1847, to Mary, daughter of John Steiner, a farmer and early settler of this county; he and his wife commenced housekeeping in a very primitive way; their cabin and bed were made of logs, and their table and cupboard of clapboards; in those days he had to take his min to the mill at Sidney, Ohio, and at times had to wait fifteen days for his grist. The children bom to this pioneer couple were as follows: Elias, our subject; Lydia, wife of Job Steiner, fanner; Samael and David, married, and farming in Patnam County, Ohio; Susannah, wife of Jacob Lngibihl; Elizabeth, wife of David Sutter, Philip, married, and farming in Putnam County; Gideon, deceased April 7, 1885; Amos, at home, and Sarah. Mr. and Mr& Isaac Neuenschwander are members of the Meiinonite society. He is a director of Richland Township; politically a Democrat For years he owned 400 acres of land, but lately divided the property among his children, and at present he has 211 acres himself.

J. H. PATTERSON, merchant, Bluffbon, was bom in West Virginia, July 1, 1837, son of Enoch and Mary (Moore) Patterson, who came to Ohio in 1838; the former, a farmer by occupation, bom in old Virginia, of Irish descent; the latter, a native of Ohio, of English lineaga Of their three children J. H. is the eldest. Our subject received a common school education in Mercer County, Ohio, and early in life commenced clerking in a dry goods store. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he promptly enlisted, in 1861, in Company A, Forty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was orderly sergeant of the company. He was discharged on account of disability, but soon regaining his health, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and when the company was organized was elected second lieutenant, being soon afterward promoted to first lieutenant He participated in Shiloh and other battles. After his discharge he returned to Ohio and farmed for two years, then engaged in mercantile trade at Mendon, Mercer Co., Ohio, and in 1875 moved to St. Mary's, opened a store, and also engaged in the grain business, in which he still continues. In 1881 Mr. Patterson opened a dry goods store at Blufifton, this county. He was married, in 1866, to Mary J. Balliet, who bore him the following children: Emma, James and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He held most of the township offices in Union Township, Mercer Co., Ohio; is commander of Post 83, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.

JAMES PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 11, 1823, son of William and Polly (Walker) Phillips, natives of Maryland, and of German and English desceoi William Phillips served in the war of 1812; he was a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1818, settling on a farm in Harrison County, but six years after moved to Knox County, and here James, who is fifth in a family of twelve children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the county schools. Our subject chose farming as an occupation for life. He came to Richland Township, this county, in 1851, and settled on the farm where he now resides, when the woods were almost impenetrable. But he went to work with a will, and the result of his labor is to be seen in his well-improved farm, where he is happily surrounded by an industrious and respectable family. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat in politics; has held most of the township offices of trust, and has served four terms as assessor. He was married, in 1845, to Mary, daughter of Bamett and Sarah (Gettis) Hughes, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch and Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were bom the following children: Levi, Sanford P., Allen, Nelson, Wilson S., Sarah E. (wife of E. Huber), John Alfred, James A., all of whom were raised to manhood and womanhood. The six eldest are married and doing well Mr. Phillipe served as a soldier for a short time in the Union Army during the late war of the Rebellion.

ALLEN PHILLIPS, senior member of the firm Phillips Bros., Beaver Dam, was bom in Knox County, Ohio, November 23, 1848; son of James and Mary (Hnghes) Phillips. He was reared on the farm and attended the Lima High School and also a school in Ada, Ohio. He sold his farm in 1881 and opened a general merchandise store at Beaver Dam, which business he and his brother W. S. now carry on. Mr. Phillips was married, in 1872, to Sarah Ellen, a daughter of Walter and Laura (Bassett) Edgecomb, and a sister of Mrs. W. S. Phillips. She is a member of the Diciples Church, Mr. Phillips of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a temperate man. He usually votes the Democratic ticket; has been mayor of Beaver Dam, and is now member of the town council. He is secretary of the I. O. O. F. The father of Allen and W. S. Phillips is a prominent farmer and an early settler of Bichland Township, this county.

W. S. PHILLIPS, merchant, junior member of the firm Phillips Bros., Beaver Dam, was bom in Richland Township, this county, February 27, 1855; son of James and Mary (Hughes) Phillips, and was reared on the farm in Richland Township. He was married, April 18, 1880, to Elsie Maria, daughter of Walter and Laura (Bassett) Edgecomb. Their children are Alfred and G^rge Allen. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, his wife of the Disciples Church. He is a Democrat in politics.

J. W. POGUE, of the firm of Pogue & Miller, blacksmiths and manufacturers of wagons, carriages, etc., Bluffton, was bom near Indianapolis, Ind.; son of John and Melinda (Ferguson) Pogue, the former of French and the latter of English descent His father, a carpenter, was twice married, and reared four children, three by his firat wife, of whom J. W. is the youngest Our subject received his education and learned the blacksmith trade in the city of Indianapolis; then went to Illinois and settled in Paris, Edgar County, and there carried on business for five years, when he sold out and bought a place, which he farmed till 1866, when he came to Crawford County, Ohio, settling in Bucyrus and working at his trade there till 1883, when he came to Bluffton, Ohio, and embarked in his present business. He was married, in 1858, to Emma D., daughter of Hon. Henry Babcock of Indianapolis, Ind., and of English descent The children bom to this union are Ada, Frances E., Minnie, Enuna, and Roy Ellsworth; of these Frances E. was married in 1883 to L. J. Miller, born in Ohio, January 23, 1855, son of Leonard (a cooper) and Frances (Oabe) Miller, and to this union was bom one child - Earl W. Mr. and Mr& Pogue are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a class leader. In politics he is a Democrat

LEWIS ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in the Empire State, June 3, 1827, son of Sylvester and Charity (Lewis) Roberts, who were of English descent and natives of New York. His father, a farmer, was three times married, and had nine children by each of the first two wives; had no children by his third wifa Our subject, the seveDth child by the first marriage, was reared on a farm, and has liyed in the county forty-nine years ; has been a farmer all his life, and is owner of 188 acres of land in Allen Connty. Mr. Boberts was married in 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Anna (Aldridge) Bumbaugh, the former a farmer by occupation, of German descent, the latter of Scotch-Irish lineage. To this union were bom the following children: Samuel (married to Sarah J. Parker), Electa (married to John Nicolet), Lafayette, Eoxanna (deceased), Sylvester (married to Dor- B. Weaver), Lewis l<>eman, Albert F. and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Boberts are members of the First Disciples Church; in politics he is a Bepublican.

A. J. ST. JOHN, manufacturer, Bluffton, was born in Walton, Delaware Co., N. Y., August 26, 1836; son of Smith and Emily (Handford) St. John, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent, former a farmer. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. At seventeen years of age he commenced Qie manufacture of oars and handles in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he remained till 1865, when he went to Logansport, Ind., and here he engaged in the manufacture of walnut lumber for two years. He then bought a tract comprising 300 acres of land in Warren County, Penn., and after working the timber into lumber went to Erie City, Penn., where he bought a planing-mill which he operated till 1879. Li 1881 he came to Lima, Ohio, and same year moved to Bluffton and erected his present mill, where he employs about twenty men the year round. In 1884 he manufactured and shipped 40,000 sucker rods for oil wells, also 200,000 fork and hoehandlea Mr. St. John owns 400 acres of land in Ohio, besides his manufacturing establishment, and a substantial residence on Main Street in Biufiton. Politically he is a Democrat, and in politics as well as in business he is outspoken and pronounced. He was united in marriage, in 1862, with Miss Helen Trimmer of Ashtabula County, Ohio, of English descent, and to this union were bom three children, two sons and a daughter: Guy, Zoe and Mac.

JOHN SCHIFFEBLY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Switzerland, May 26, 1819, and there received a common school education. His father, a farmer, immigrated to America in 1833, located in Wayne County, Ohio (having in his possession at that time only $23.90), and in 1836 settled on the farm where his son, John, now resides, in Bichland Township, Allen (then Putnam) County, and here died in 1861. Our subject, the youngest in a family of three children, was raised in the woods, and followed clearing and farming in early life. He was married in 1848 to Christine Swartz, a native of Germany. Her father was a pioneer farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union were bom eleven children, eight now living : Gideon, married, and farming in Hancock County, Ohio; John W., a farmer, whose wife died in lo83^ leaving one child ; Jacob D. , married to a tinner in Beaver Dam ; Mary, wife of J. E. Lugibihl ; Willie E., a tinner in Beaver Dam ; Frederick, at home ; Sarah E. , and Margaret E. Mrs. Schifferly is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, who now owns 152 acres of good land and a house worth $2,000, started with but. forty acres of heavily timbered land, on which he built a cabin, and has by his own exertions accumulated a handsome competency.

JACKSON SHULL, house plasterer, P. O. Beaver Dam, a native of Ohio, was born November 25, 1826, son of Frederick Shall, who laid out the town of Beaver Dam. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of eighteen learned the mason's trade, which he has made the business of his life. He was married March 27, 1856, to Julia Ann Allison, of German-Irish descent, and who was born in 1832, in Allen County, Ohio, daughter of Alexander Allison, a pioneer farmer of this county. Their children are Cora, Zoe (deceased) and Lula. Mr. Shull is an independent thinker, well read, and posted on all the questions of the day. He is not a member of any church. He is owner of town property and a good farm of 159 acres adjoining Beaver Dam. He was appointed postoiaster of Beaver Dam in 1856, serving two years. Politically he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH SHULL, notary public, collector and justice of the peace, Beaver Dam, was born at Mount Eaton, Wayne Co., Ohio, July 4, 1838; son of Frederick and Catherine (Fackler) Shull, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Frederick Shull, a soldier in the war of 1812, was by turns a hotel keeper, merchant, farmer and miller, and was among the pioneers of Allen County, Ohio; he laid out the town of Beaver Dam, and built the first flour-mill in the village; he had a family of fourteen children by his first wife and three by his second, Joseph being the eighth child by the first wife. The father died in Allen County in 1865. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He worked in the mill until he was twenty years of age, when he attended school in town for four months. Then he taught in the town and country schools for ten years. Three years of this period were spent in Illinois and three years in Beaver Dam. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1861, in the Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, and was discharged in 1862. He was married in 1863 to Mary J. Carlile, also a teacher, and a daughter of Hector Carlile, a farmer, and Elizabeth (Woods) Carlile, who were of English and Lrish descent Mr. and Mrs. Shull both taught school the first year after their marriage. Their children are H. F.. C. E., H. J. and Cloyd. Mr. Shull has been an active business man. He carried on a dry goods store from 1859 to 1861, then engaged in the drug business, whidi he sold out in 1882, since when he has been notary public, collector and money loaner. In politics he is a Democrat

GEORGE SOLOMON, carpenter, contractor and farmer of Beaver Dam, and trustee of Richland Township, was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, February 8, 1828, youngest in the family of fourteen children of Paul and Catherine (Philipey) Solomon, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent Paul Solomon, who was a farmer, came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1837, settling on the farm where our subject now lives. He died here in 1839, his widow in 1867. Onr subject was reared on the farm, attended a district school, and at the age of eighteen learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has worked most of the time since. He was married, in 1860, to Catherine, daughter of Minor and Mary (Bemer) Loyd, who were natives of Maryland, and of German descent Her father, a farmer by occupation, came here in 1840. To Mr. and Mrs. Solomon were bom two children: James (now in Kansas) and George H.

Mrs. Solomon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Oar subject is a Democrat in politics; has been a member of the school board of Richland Township several terms, and is now trustee of said township. In 1864, during the late civil war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one hundred daya He is owner of a farm in Bichlaud Township, this county.

MOSES STAGER, Bluffton, who is prominent among the representative farmers of Allen County, was bom in the Keystone State, December 4, 1828. His parents, Frederick and Rebecca (Fensler) Stager, of German origin, were natives of Pennsylvania; they had a family of nine children, of whom Moses is fifth. His fatiier, who was a farmer, never succeeding in gaining much of this world's goods. Our subject received but a limited education, and early in life learned the tailor's trade in Pennsylvania. After working for ten years with but average success, at his trade, he commenced farming, came to Ohio in 1856, and in 1860 to Allen County. Here lie rented a farm for seven years, and then purchased it. He has been successful as a farmer, and now owns 187 acres of land, with good improvements and well-stocked. Mr. Stager was married, in 1850, to Miss Mary Ann Weichrich, daughter of German parents. Their children are John (married, and farming in this county), Emma (wife of Philip Carbauch), William (also engaged in farming in this county), David (at home), Mary Ellen (at home) and Sarah. Mr. Stager has served as township trustee and school director. Politically he is a Democrat

HORACE W. STEARNS, grocer, Bluffton, was born at St. Mary's, Auglaize County, Ohio, December 19, 1848; son of Rufus and Sarah Ann (Carpenter) Steams, natives of Ohio and Vermont, respectively, and of English descent Rufus Stearns, who was a physician, a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, practiced for many years in Ohio; he reared a family of six children, of whom Horace W. is next to the youngest Our subject received his education at St Mary's graded schools and Ada normal school, and at the age of eighteen began teaching school, an occupation he followed in four counties, Ohio, for thirteen years. During this time he was for two years in the grammar department of schools in Celina, Mercer County, one year as assistant superintendent of St Mary's Union School, and lastly, in 1881, in Richland Township, this county. Mr. Steams embarked in the grocery business at BlufElon in 1882. He has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1878, to Nettie Bruner, who bore him one child - Ada Lou; the mother died in 1880. Mr. Stearns' second marriage, In 1882, was with Hannah, daughter of of Robert Watkins, and to this union was bom one child - Otis. Mr. Stearns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

REV. C. P. STEINER, farmer and minister, P. O. Cranberry, was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, August 19, 1832, son of Peter D. and Fannie (Steiner) Steiner. His parents, natives of France, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1824, and settled on a farm. His father, who was a minister of the Mennonite society (the family history shows that there has been a minister in the. family for the past five generations), started in the world a poor boy and when he died, in 1854, owned 650 acres of land. Onr subject, who is the third iu a family of eleven children, came to this county in 1855, and settled on the farm where he now resides. He was married, in 1855, to Magdalena Glosser, who was bom in Virginia, of German parents, and died in 1856. Mr. Steiner then married, in 1861, Barbara, daughter of Eev. John Thut, and to this union were bom Paulina, Meno S., Jennie, Nancy, Josiah. Sarah, Aaron (deceased), Albert, Reuben and Elvina. They are members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Steiner was ordained a minister of the American Mennonite Church in 1871. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

H. C. STEINER, butcher, Blufiton, was born in Baton Rouge, La., April 24, 1850, son of John J. and Margaret (Kloetze) Steiner, natives of Switzerland, former of whom, a commission merchant and importer of foreign wines and liquors, became very wealthy. Our subject, the eldest of a family of four children, received a classiscal education in Switzerland, graduating from Neuchatel College in 1866. His father then sent him to England, where he studied the English language at college in the city of Hull, till his father's failure and death. In 1867 he came to New Orleans, La., where his uncle lived, intending to continue the study of the English language, but this uncle died the same year, of yellow fever, and H. C. was ^us thrown on his own resources when but seventeen years of age. He then went to Canada, and there learned the butcher's trade in Toronto. Mr. Steiner was married, in 1878, ta Estella, daughter of Theophilus Charpie, now farming in this county. Her parents were bom in France. Mr. Steiner moved from Toronto to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade till 1868, when he came ta Allen County, Ohio, went into business on his own account, butchering and buying and shipping live stock, and has been successful, financially. A Democrat in politics, he has been sent to county and State delegations, and has served as a member of the advisory committee of his party. He has served as, and is no^ a member of the town council, and has been township trustee of Richland. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

CHARLES F. STOCKLER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Germany, October 13, 1834, only son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Brakel) Stockier. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and gave him good opportunities for obtaining an education in his native land. In 1854 our subject immigrated to America, and after remaining in New York a short time came to Franklin Countv, Ohio, thence moved U) Champaign County, and was there married, in 1859, to Olaracy Henkle, who bore him the following children: Albert E., Ida May (wife of Saint Boyd, a farmer), Emma (wife of Robert Hall), Elizabeth, Henry (deceased), Mollie, Frank, Nanie, Joseph and Ross. Mrs. Stockier is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the late civil war Mr. Stockier enlisted, in 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in lo64 re-enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, serving as a non- commissioned officer. In 1869 he moved to thia county and bought his present farm, where he has resided since 1870; the farm comprises fifty-five acres of good land, the result of his own exertions, and which he has greatly improved. Our subject is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a Republican.

the former a farmer, a native of Pennsylyania, of Irish descent, camo to this county in 1846; the latter was a native of New Jersey, of English lineage. Their family consisted of eight children. G. W., the tiiird born, was reared on the farm on which he has spent the greater part of his life, receiving a common school education. He worked at saw-milling for a time, but farming and stock-raising has been his chief occupation. He was married April 25, 1868, to Isabella, daughter of Samuel Swearingen, a farmer of Allen County, and by her he has had six children, three now living: Samuel L Frtmk and Laura E. Mr. Swany is a Democrat in politics.

ABRAHAM THUT, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Holmes County, Ohio, November 24, 1839, son of Bev. John and Christina (Bechtel) Thut, the former bom in Switz^land, the latter in Pennsylvania, of German descent. Bev. John Thut, a carpenter and farmer, came from his native land to Holmes County, Ohio, when a young man, and was there married; then came to Allen County in 1847, settling on a farm in Bichland Township; he was a Mennonite minister for many years, and died in 1867. Our subject, who is the fifth in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, was reared on the farm, acquiring his education in the common school. He is the owner of 100 acres of well- improved land. Mr. Thut was married in 1866, to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Steiner, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and of German descent. Their children are Beuben, Enos, Noah, Malinda, Mary Ann, Timothy, John and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Thut are members of the American Mennonite Church.

WILL A. TBIPLETT, artist, Bluffton, was bom in Licking County, Ohio, March 26, 1860, son of Peter and Nancy (Conaway) Triplett His father, of German descent, is also a native of Licking County, where he is engaged in farming; his mother, a native of Ireland, was brought to America when but a child. Our subject was reai»d on a farm, attending the district school and high school at Newark, Licking County, until eighteen years of age, when he learned the art of photography, an occupation he has since followed. He first opened a gallery in Plain City, Ohio, thence went to Troy, Ohio, but not finding a suitable room for his studio, he came to Bluffton in 1881, and opened his art gallery in a large, beautiful room in the Herr Block. Mr. Triplett is a fine artist, wonderfully attached to his profession, polite and courteous in his manner to his patrons, and sends out fii-st-class work. He was married in 1880, to Miss Mabel Spooner, of Plain City, a daughter of Stephen Spooner, and of English descent Their children are Morris and Bay. Mrs. Triplett is a member of the Methodist Church.

BEV. J. V. UPDIKE, Bluffton, was bom in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, January 23, 1850, the only child of J. V. and Maria (Lincoln) Updike, natives of Ohio, former of whom, a merchant and farmer, died in 1849 (before J. V. was bom). Our subject received his literary education in his native town, and early in life became a member of the Church of God, and when but eighteen years of age was licensed to preach the gospel. When twenty years of age he received a regular appointment to preach at West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio. Since then he has accomplished much Evangelistic work, and has occupied several prominent positions. In 1879, Mr. Updike severed bis conneotion with theChoroh of God, being better satisfied with the tenets of the Disciples Chorch, and accepted a call at Bluffton, Ohio. Althongh our subject is still a young man, yet a record of his eventful life would fill a volume in itself. He has been the means of brining 2,530 persons into the Church, and has baptised, by immersion, 2,0(X) of this number, and at one protracted meeting held in Findlay, the county seat of Hancock County, Ohio, he baptiz^ 156 persons. Mr. Updike is editor of the Oospel Light, a monthly paper published at Blufiton, Ohio. He is grand lecturer of the mechanic's and laborer's society, and has taken an active part in the Sabbath-school work of this State. He was married, in 1870, to Anna £. Houts, and by this union has had the following children: Cora Etta, Emma Belle, Perry Otto and Harry Edgar (twins, the last named now deceased) and Farron Mercer. Mr. Updike*s ministerial work is now in Blufiton and Beaver Dam, this county. Financially, he has been successful, owning a neat, substantial residence in Blufiton.

JESSE VERNON, retired merchant, Blufiton, was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 11, 1832, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Lambert) Vernon, natives of Ohio, and of English and German descent., former a farmer by occupation. Our subject, the eldest in a family of nine children, received his education in the common schools of Knox County, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade,, which he successfully followed till the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion, when he enlisted, in 1862, in Company A, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After participating in three engagements he was discharged, in 1863, on account of disability, caused by a gunshot* wound in his left arm and side. He then came to Knox County, Ohio, bought a farm which he carried on till 1873, when he came to Blufiton, opened a store and here followed merchandising until the latter part of 1884, when he sold out. Mr. Vernon has been successful in business, and has accumulated an ample share of this world's goods. He was married, in 1852, to Sarah Brollier, a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. They have two children: A. W., a baker by trade who lives in Blufiton; and Hester M., a graduate of the Blufiton High School, in which she is a teacher; she is also a music instructor. Her parents have taken great pride in their daughter's musical education, supplying her with firstclass teachers and a splendid piano. Mrs. Vernon and daughter are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Vernon, a Republican in politics, has taken an active interest in Bluffton afiiairs, serving many years as a member of the school board. He has filled other minor offices, and is now a member of the town (x>uncil.

JOHN VON GUNTEN, manufacturer of brick, Bluffton, was bom in Richland Township, this county, November 16, 1856, son of John and Anna ^Snitter) Von Gunten, natives of Switzerland, and who were among the pioneers of Richland Township, this county, where they are still residing in comfortable circumstances, owning a well improved farm; they have eight children of whom John, Jr., is the eldest. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. When nineteen years old he commenced the carpenter's trade, which he followed about four years, and then, work being slack, he learned brick-making of W. M. Mclnd- eley, working at it for about two years. In 1880, having accomnlated enough money to start on his own account, he embarked in his present business, which is increasing every year, and in which he has been very prosperous. He now owns seven acres of land in the corporation of Bluffton on which his brick-yard Is located, and also his residence which cost him over $3,000. He makes on an average about 500,000 bricks annually, and cannot supply the large demands for his goods, which he ships to Lima, Findlay, and surrounding towns. In 1884 he sold 100,000 to one man alone, at Lima. He was married, December 22, 1881, to Catherine Pifer, a daughter of Jacob Pifer, a pioneer and prominent farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union have been bom two children: Orland and Tilman Grover. Mr. Yon Gunten is a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church.

ROBERT WATKINS, retired farmer, Bluffton, was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, September 6, 1820, son of Thomas and Susan (Miller) Watkins, natives of Ohio, Uie former of Irish and the latter of German descent. Thomas Watkins followed farming, and died in Hancock County, in 1865. Our subject, the fifth in a family of twelve children, received a district school education in Wayne County, Ohio, and has farmed all his life; was one of the pioneers of Hancock county, Ohio; has been very successful in all his undertakings; is owner of a farm, though he is now living a retired life at Blufiton. Mr. Watkins has been twice married, on the first occasion, in 1841, to Susan Showalter, who died in 1850, by whom he had four children, all now living: Rebecca, wife of James Rail, a farmer in Henry County,Ohio; William, Amos and Martin. All of these sons are married and engaged in farming. Our subject was again married, in 1851, this time to Mary Ann Benner, by whom he has five children now living: Jefferson J., married and farming; Lydia,wife of John Williams, a farmer; Susan Y., wife of Gideon Clymer, a farmer in Hancock County, Ohio; Hannah, wife of Horace Steams, a merchant of Bluffton; Clement, married and also farming. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are members of the Christian Union Church, in which he has been an officer for twenty-three years, and is at present ruling elder. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat in politics, and has held most of the township offices.

I. R. WETHERILL, physician, Beaver Dam, was bom in Hardin County, Ohio, January 21, 1853, son of John R. and Elizabeth (Gloyd) Wetherill, the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, a native of England, came to America when a young man; the latter was bom in Virginia, and was of Scotch descent Our subject was the eleventh bom in a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He received his literary education in the Ohio Normal University, and studied medicine with Dr. R. Davenport of Ada, Ohio. He also took a thorough course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Md., 1879-80 and 1881, and the same year came to Beaver Dam, where he has since continued in active practica He is a member of the Northwestern Medical Association, llie doctor was married in 1874 to Susan, daughter of John Latimore, a prominent farmer of Hardin County, Ohio, who served as a soldier during the late Rebellion, and lost his life in the defense of his country. To our subject and wife were bom Ova, Webb and Cliff. Mrs. Wetberill in a member of the Disciples Church. The doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Repablican.

WILLIAM WILSON, undertaker and justice of the peace, Bluffton, was born July 25, 1815, in Balljmena, County Antrim, Ireland, a son of James Wilson, a soap boiler and chandler in IrelandL Our subject, the third in a family of five children, acquired his education in his native land, and there early be^an to learn the trade of carpentering and the undertaking businesa In 1838 he came to America, remaining in New York until 1843, when he was joined by his brother and sister, and in 1847 the family came to Putnam County, Ohio. In 1849 our subject came to Allen County, settling at Bluffton (formerly Shannon), where he has since remained. Since coming to America he has worked mostly at his trader was general workman for nine years in a large furniture store in New York City. When he came to Bluffton there were only seven families in the place, none of whom now reside here. Mr. Wilson was married in 1840, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Anna Eckles, and of the ten children bom to this union only six are now living: Anna, James (married and conducting a stove and tinware store in Bluffton), William D. (a harness-maker, residing in Paulding County, Ohio), Martha (wife of Maurice S. Muma, a grocer of Bluffton, Ohio), John (married, residing in Bluffton), and Leonard (with his brother William). Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1862 our subject was elected mayor of Bluff'ton, serving three years. He has been justice of the peace for eighteen years; is notary public; has been administrator of several estates, and has attended to a large amount of public business; he is noted for his exactness and honesty in all business transactions. Mr. Wilson has commenced to write a history of his life for the benefit of his children.

M. E. ZELLEE, harness-maker, Bluffton, was bom in Gilboa, Putnam Co.,Ohio, November 8, 1845, son of Andrew (a wagon-maker) and Catherine (Henderson) Zeller, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively, and who reared a family of five children. Our subject, who is next the youngest, received a common school education, and early learned the hamess-maker's trade, which has been the business of his life. He is also an inventor, and has taken out patents on eight articles, all pertaining to harness, except one which is a carriage improvement His inventions, which are all practical, will eventually come into general use, and he owns them all except one that he sold to a manufacturing company in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Zeller worked a^ his trade in Massillon, 111., and in 1865 came to Bluffton where he also works at harness-making, and is engaged in manufacturing a spring bed (not his patent). He was married here in 1866, to Nancy, daughter of Joseph Reese, of Richland Township, this county, and their children are Charles P., Catherine, Winfred, Earl Scott, Jacob A. and Lillie May. Mr. and Mrs. Zeller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Democrat

CHARLES H. ADGATE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was borD in Shawnee Township, this county, December 11, 1844; son of Charles H. and Mary (Carlisle) Adgate, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Trumbull County, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, John Adgate, was a native of Connecticut, and among the first settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, and his maternal grandparents, David and Margaret (Galbraith) Carlisle, were natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio. His parents came to this county, in the fall of 1834, and settled on the farm in Shawnee Township, now occupied by Henry C. Adgate, which they cleared and improved. Charles H. Adgate, Sr., who was associate judge of this county in 1844, died October 12, 1854, aged fifty-seven; his widow still resides on the old homestead. They had seven children : Margaret A. (deceased), Henry C, HartC, GouveneurH. (killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., in the late war of the Rebellion), Charles H., and two infant sons (deceased). Our subject was reared on the old homestead and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion having enlisted in April, 1864, in Company D, Fiftyfourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Fifteenth Corps, Second Brigade, Second Division, under John A Logan; was in the battle of Resaca and the chief engagements in the Atlanta campaign; was siezed with typhoid fever near Marietta, Iowa, and remained in the hospital three months, rejoined his regiment in North Carolina on its return from the march to the sea, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Ark., in July, 1865. He then went to Kansas and engaged in freighting grain across the plains one year. After which he located in Delphos, this county, where he embarked in the produce business. He then went to Sidney, Ohio, where he published the Sidney Journal two years, in partnership with D. M. Bliss. In 1870 he engaged in farming again, and has been located in Shawnee Township since 1875. Mr. Adgata is a member of the E. of P. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN H. BERRYMAN, farmer, P. O Lima, was bom in Logan Township^ now a part of Auglaize County, Ohio, August 19, 1843; son of Russell and Margaret (Slain) Berryman. His paternal grandfather was William Berryman, a native of Ireland, who settled in Logan Township (then a part of this county) in 1823, where he died soon after. His children were ten in number: Anna M., William, Ephraim, John, Russell, Thomas, Eliza, Martha^ Emeline and Mercy; all now deceased except Eliza (Mrs. Henry Noble). After the father's death the boys took hold of and cleared the farm, and the homestead afterward came into possession of Russell, the father of our subject, who resided there until his death; he died in 1879, at the age of sixty-three years; he was twice married, his first wife being Margaret Slain, a native of Virginia, by whom he had five children: Cornelia (Mrs. E. A. Stocking), Eplu-aim,

Rosabel (Mrs. A. F. Blackburn), John H. and James W. ; his second wife was Elizabeth Whetstone, by whom he had twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity: Flora (Mrs. John G. Miller), Abram, Margaret (Mrs. L. Gochron), WiJliam, Eussell, Bosetta (Mrs. William Mires), Mattie, Warren and Cora. Our subject was reared on the old homestead in Logan Township, and received a common school education. After he became of age he engaged in farming, and buying and selling stock, and in 1867, he located in Shawnee Township, this county, purchasing the farm he now occupies in 1880. Mr. Berryman was married, March 12, 1868, to Sally C, daughter of Abraham and Maria B. (Hover) Boyd, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1837, locating on the farm now occupied by our subject, which they cleared and improved. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd reared a family of four children: Henry E,, Sally C, Margaret Ann (deceased), and Mary B. (Mrs. John W. Black). Mrs. Berryman's maternal grandfather was Ezekiel Hover, a native of New Jersey, a commissary in the war of 1812. He was a pioneer of Shawnee Township, this county, where he settled in 1882, having purchased a tract of land in the Shawnee reservation at the government sale. To our subject and wife have been born five children: Myrtle, Maggie, J. Russell, Hattie and Robert F. Mr. and Mrs. Berryman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has filled several offices in the township. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN BOYD, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom in Allegheny County, Penn., November 4, 1807, son of Henry and Margaret (Beer) Boyd, both natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio. Our subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. After he was eighteen years of age he began working on a farm by the month, and also engaged in teaming and teaching school until he was twenty four years of age. He was twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married, February 21, 1833, being Mary C, daughter of John and Rebecca (McKinney) Johnson, of Canfield, Ohio. The issue of this union was two children, Rebecca J. (Mrs. James Robison, deceased), and John (deceased). His present wife is Anna, daughter of Frederick and Christena (Hartzel) Lazarus, of Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, to whom he was married, March, 16, 1837, and by whom he has had four children: Frederick who died in the army during the late war, at Bowling Green, Ky., a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Susan (Mrs. David E. Hover), Maria (Mrs. W. A. Wolf) and Christiana (Mrs. George Tamplin). After his first marriage Mr. Boyd settled in Berlin Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he resided fourteen years; from there he went to Deerfield. Portage Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1854, when he came to this county, settling in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now owns and occupies, which he cleared and improved. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Presbyterian Church of Lima. He has filled several of the minor offices of the township. In politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Franklin County, Penn-, October 1, 1817, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, who settled on Section 10, Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, where they lived one winter in the Indian Council House, after- ward entering the land now owned by their sons, William D. and David M., which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died. The father was a native of Wales, the mother of Pennsylvania. They reared a family of six children: Nancy, George, John (who was killed while moving a house, by a hook flying and striking him on the head), William D., David M. and Griffith (who was a member of the Ninetyninth Eegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war, and died of disease contracted in the service before the expiration of his term). Our subject, who was fifteen years of age when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited education in the schools of his day, and resided with his parents until their death. He was married September 6, 1855, to Sarah, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1842. The issue of this union is four children: Charles L., Mary E. (Mrs. C. D. Strawbridge - have one child, Cloyd E.), Ina and John O. After his marriage Mr. Breese settled on Sections 9 and 16, Shawnee Township, this county, a part of which he drained and improved. He afterward moved to Section 21, same township, on a farm of 160 acres, which he also cleared and improved, and afterward bought an addition of 160 acres adjoining, on Section 16, and this he also cleared, and where he now resides in the fine residence built by -him in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Breese and three children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he served as trustee for several years. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM D. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Butler County, Ohio, April 30, 1822; son of Grifilth and Mary (Mowen) Breese, former a native of Wales, latter of Franklin County, Penn. His paternal grandfather was John Breese, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1798, settling in Champaign County, Ohio, in an early day, and whose children were Susan, Griffith, Robert, Mary and John (all new deceased). Our subject's maternal grandfather was Lewis Mowen, a native of Pennsylvania. William D. Breese came with his parents in 1832 to this county, where the latter entered land in Shawnee Township, a part of which is now occupied by our subject, and which, with t)ie assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved. Here the father died in 1848, at the age of fifty-eight, and the mother in March, 1853, at the age of sixty-two. They ha^ a family of six children: Nancy, George, John (killed while moving a house), William D., David M. and Griffith (who died in the army October, 1862). Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from ten years of age, and has always resided on the old homestead. He was married March 15. 1859, to Ellen, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1842, and to this union was bom one son, G. Alva (who was married January 20, 1881, to Iva, daughter of Jehu and Mary (Clark) John, of Elida, Ohio, by whom he has three children: Clifford E., Julius C. and Vida M. Mrs. Breese died in February, 1861, at the age of twenty-eight years; at the time of her death she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Breese has served the township as justice of the peace one term, was township treasurer for several years and also township clerk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican^

DAVID M. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Butler County, Ohio, February 27, 1825, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, former a native of Wales, latter of Pennsylvania. They were parents of six children: Nancy, Oeorge, John (killed while moving a house), William D., David M. and Oriffith. Our subject was seven years of age when he came with his parents to this county, and was reared on the old homestead, a part of which he now owns and occupies, receiving a limited education in the country schools. He was married January 1, 1849, to Mary, daughter of Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, of Berrien County, Mich. The issue of this union was three children: Mary E. (Mrs. Columbus Maltbie), George L. and Emmett (deceased). Mr. Breese after his marriage located on Section 3, Shawnee Township, this county, on what is now known as the Shaffer farm, which he cleared and improved, and where he lived fourteen years. In 1863 he removed to his present farm, a part of the old homestead originally entered by his f^her, where he has resided ever sinca He was in the 100 day's service during the late war of the Bebellion, enlisting in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was at Washington, D. C, at the time of Gen. Early's raid, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. and Mrs. Breese are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a F. & A. M. since 1862. In politics he is a Bepnblican.

WILLIAM H. BREESp, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom September 12, 1848, in Shawnee Township, this county, on what is known as the old "Turkey Foot farm'', and is a son of John and Emily (Valentine) Breese, the former a native of Butler County, Ohio, bom April 18, 1820; the latter a native of Champaign County, Ohio, bom April 21, 1820. His paternal grandparents were Oriffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, the former a native of Wales, and a son of John Breese, who immigrated to America in 1798; the latter a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Lewis Mowen. Our subject's maternal grandparents were Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, who settled in Lima, Ohio, in 1832, when there were but ten houses in the place. His maternal great-grandparents were William and Johanna (Crane) Valentine, natives of New Jersey and pioneers of Champaign County, Ohio. Mrs. Mary (Harper) Valentine was a native of Virginia, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cunningham) Harper. John Breese, father of our subject, who was twelve years of age when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited education in the schools of that time, and commenced the world for himself on what is known as the ** Turkey Foot farm," this county, where he resided three years; in 1851, he removed to the farm now owned and occupied by Samuel Zurmehly, a part of which he cleared and improved, where he lived until 1863, when he located on the farm now occupied by our subject, and here he resided until his death, which was caused by being struck on the head with an iron hook while engaged in moving a building, November 16, 1865, his death ensuing the day following; he .was in the 100 days' service in the One Hundred and Fiftyfirst Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war of the Bebellion; he held several minor offices in Shawnee Township; in politics, he was a

Bepnblioan; he was an actiye member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is the only child of his parents, and was reared and educated in Shawnee Township, this county, where he has always resided. He was married November 10, 1874, to Ida A., daughter of James A. and Isabel K. (Ferguson) Hover, of Shawnee Township, this county, and by her he has two children: Naamah B. and John E. Mr. Breese is serving his first term as trustee of the township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is steward. In politics, he is a Bepublican.

GEOBQE BtJBKHABT, farmer, P.O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 20, 1845, son of George and Elizabeth (Friesinger) Burkhart, who came to America in 1847, the former of whom settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1850, and cleared and improved a farm in Noble Township, where he still resides; the latter died the year they came to America. Our subject was reared in Noble Township, Auglaize County, from five years of age. He never attended school, but his father taught him sufficient to enable him to read German. He lived with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he started out for himself, and engaged in chopping for several years, until he had saved enough to purchase the farm he now occupies in Shawnee Township, this county, all of which he cleared and improved himself, and on which he built a tine residence in 1882. Mr. Burkhart was married twice, his first wife being Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Delong) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1836, and by this union have been born five children: Charlie, Ida, Frank, William and Mary. The present wife of our subject is Emma, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Wagner) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1851, and the issue of this union is one child - Francis. Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH B. CHIPMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Licking County, Ohio, July 4, 1834; son of Don L. and Elizabeth (Dickey) Chipman, the former a native of Jericho, Chittenden Co., Yt., bom April 17, 1801, son of Joseph and Amy (Eeed) Chipman, early settlers of Licking County, Ohio, where they located in 1816. Don L. Chipman lived in Licking County, Ohio, up to 1848, when he came to this county, locating in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now occupies, most of which he cleared and where he made all improvements; he was married three times, his first wife being Elizabeth Dickey, of Licking County, Ohio, by whom he had six children who grew to maturity: Amy J. (Mrs. Jacob Fry), Joseph B., Lorenzo D. (deceased), James M., Albert A. (died of disease contracted in the army during the late civil war), and Mary A. E. (Mrs. Miles Wilson); his second wife was Cynthia Connett {nee Morris), of German Township, this county, and his present wife was Mary A. Jennings {nee Thayer), of Bath Township, this county, by whom he has one child living - Ettie. Don L. Chipman cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson when nominated for president in 1824, and has voted at every presidential election since. Our subject was reared in Licking County, Ohio, until fourteen years of age, when he removed to Shawnee Township, this county, and assisted his father in clearing his farm. He received a limited eduoation in the common schools, spending his leisure time in educating himself, and at the age of nineteen was so far advanced as to be able to teach a country school, an occupation he followed for fifteen winters. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted February 14,1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Ninetysecond Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served seven months, and was honorably discharged in September, 1865. Mr. Chipman was married July 4, 1861, to Margaret, daughter of Andrew aud Nancy (Hamilton) Hammond, of Amanda Township, this county, by whom he has four children*. Ella, Nettie, Clement and Onie. Mrs. Chipman is a member of the Baptist Church, her eldest daughter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Chipman served as justice of the peace of his township four times^ refusing a re-election. He served as county infirmary director from 1875 to 1881. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOSHUA Bi COON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Shawnee Township, this county, January 23, 1842; son of Wesley and Mary A. (Flinn) Coon, former a son of George Coon, of Oerman descent and a native of Pennsylvannia, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832; and latter a daughter of Thomas Flinn, a native of Ireland, who also came to Shawnee Township same year. George Coon had a family of nine children: Betsey, Wesley, George, Abigail, Margaret, Amy, Alexander, Isaac and Tobias, and of these, Wesley, father of our subject, entered a farm on Section 4, Shawnee Township, this county, in 1835, which he cleared and improved, and where he resided until his death ; he died in 1866, at the age of fifty-six years; he was twice married, . his first wife beiug Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Polly (Wilson) Flinn, and by this union there were five children: Joshua B. , Caleb, Philema (Mrs. James Gaskell), Sarah A. (Mrs. Thomas Gorham), and Mary E. (Mrs. Henry Nungester); his second wife was Caroline, daughter of Jacob Croft, of Shelby County, Ohio, by whom he had three children: Lydia (Mrs. William' Benardon), Rachel (Mrs. Scott Rumbaugh), and Nettie M. Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township, and educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting October 18, 1861. in Company E, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he was in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman in his march to the sea; was in the battles of Chattanooga and Yicksburg, and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged July 22, 1865, after three years and nine months' service. After his discharge he returned home and purchased the farm he now occupies, most of which he has cleared and improved, himself. Mr. Coon was married, June 27, 1867, to Mary, daughter of William and Eliza (Schilliug) Buckley, of Shawnee Township, this county, and ^the issue of this union has been five children: Naotia (deceased), Maude (deceased), Charles W., Mary A. and Virgil M Mr. and Mrs. Coon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. , He has filled several of the minor offices in the township. In politics he is a Republican.

ABRAHAM CRIDER, farmer and county commissioner, P. O. Lima, was bom in tickaway County, Ohio, October 19, 1828; son of Ephraim and Mary (Dunkle) Crider, former bom December 25, 1805, died in 1880. Ephraim Crider was a son of Abraham and Sophia (Larick) Crider, who settled in Pickaway County in 1814, and were parents of Sophia (married to Andrew Thompson and who died, leaving a family in Wyandot County, Ohio), David (deceased, left family in R<^ County, Ohio), Sally, wife of Timothy Spangler (died leaving a family in Pickaway County, Ohio), Ephraim, father of our subject ; Amelia, the only one living of the family, married to a Mr. Howell, who died leaving a family in Ross County, Ohio; and Oeorge (deceased, left family near Adelphi, Ohio). The children of Ephraim and Mary Crider were ten in number: Isaac (residing near Howard, Eans.); Eliza (died, aged six years); Abraham; Hannah, wife of Jacob Darst, in Auglaize County, Ohio; Maria, wife of Alexander Shaw, of Cridersville, Ohio; Leanna, wife of Allen Spiker. in Cridersville, Ohio; Reuben, in Auglaize County, Ohio; Susan (deceased wife of John Rieichelderfer, who lives in Auglaize County, Ohio); Ephraim (deceased, aged two years); and John J., in Cridersville, Ohio. Ephraim Crider came to Auglaize County, in 1854, and in 1855 laid out the town of Cridersvilla The subject of this sketch received a limited schooling, but studied late at nights by fire-light He remained with his father until his marriage, September 26, 1852, with Mary Oarling, who was bom June 11, 1828, in Fairfield County, daughter of John and Catharine (Hummel) Garling, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in the winter of 1824 John Garling was a son of Frederick Oarling, and died in 1872, aged eightytwo years; his widow died in 1884, aged eighty -three; she was a daughter of Frederick and Hannah (Stein) Hummel, natives of Pennsylvania, but early settlers of Ohio. The children of John and Catharine Garling were Jeremiah, Solomon and William, in Logan County, Ohio; Daniel, in Hardin County, Ohio; Mary, and John, in Columbus County, Ohia Mr. Crider and his wife came to this county in Deceml>er, 1852, with a team and |90 in cash, all their wealth, and here they endured the trials and hardships of pioneer life. In 1854 Mr. Cridet bought eighty acres of land where he now lives, to which he added until he now owns 400 acres. To our subject and wife were bom nine children: John F. and F. E. born October 2, 1853, both married, the former residing in Ada, Ohio, the latter in Shawnee Township, this county; George W., bom February 16, 1855; Catharine, bom December 15, 1856, wife of Amos Reichelderfer, in Auglaize Connty, Ohio; William R, bom May 29, 1858; Flora C, bom December 20, 1859, wife of Frank Terwilleger, in Tipton County, Ind.; Mary A., bom June 22, 1861; Margaret M., bom December 26, 1863; Hattie V., born March 11, 1868. Mr. Crider was chosen by the people of his township to the office of trustee and treasurer, which he held many years, and as a further reward for his strict business integrity he was chosen in 1882, by the people of his county, to the more responsible position of county commissioner, being now chairman of that board.

JOSEPH DIXSON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 22, 1827; son of Jacob and Mary (Hardin) Dixson, former a native of Virginia, latter of Bedford County, Penn. His paternal grandfather was Joseph Dixson, a Virginian and a pioneer of Muskingum Connty, Ohio, where he lived and died; he was a teamster in his early days, and later a farmer. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Hardin, a native of Pennsylyania, who lived and died in Bedford County, that State. Our subject was reared in Ohfo, and acquired a limited education in the country schools, prior to his being eight years of age. His father at one time was a resident of Shawnee Township, this county, where he located in 1835, and lived three years; then removed to Franklin County, and from there to Licking County, where he resided until his death; he had eleven children: Mary A. (deceased), Dorcas (Mrs. Jacob Ridenour, Jr.), Joseph, Julia A. (Mrs. William Eeester), John, Jacob, Oeorge, Enoch (deceased), James, Seth and Austin. Our subject came to this county in 1848, locating in Shawnee Township, and in 1849 settled on the farm now owned by H. C. Kemper, which he cleared and improved and resided on until 1874, when he removed to the farm he now occupies. He was married October 24, 1850, to Barbara E., daughter of Mahion and Sophia (Nye) Moninger, of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he has had fifteen children: John, Joseph (deceased), Mary S. (Mrs. A. E. Brown), Laura (Mrs. J. S. Franklin), Jacob E. (deceased), an infant son (deceased), Clara E. (deceased), Melva H., James S., Francis L., William C, Henry O., Harvey L., Holmes C, and an infant son (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Dixson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was in the late war of the Bebellion in the one hundred days* service. Li politics he is a Republican.

CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Hume, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, April 3, 1825; son of William and Mary (Johnson) Oraham, who settled in Union Township, Allen (now in Auglaize) Co., Ohio, in 1835, where they cleared and improved a farm on which they lived and died. They reared a family of seven children: Richard (deceased), Christopher, John (deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. David Mc- Pheron), Charles and William C. (who reside on the old homestead) and Barton E. Our subject was reared in Union Township, now in Auglaize County, Ohio, from ten years of age. He settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1847, locating on the farm where he now resides, entering eighty- seven acres of land from the government, which he cleared and improved, and he has since added to his possessions by enlarging the farm to 262 acres. He was married, June 2z, 1848, to Mary T., daughter of Miles and Fanny (Blew) Cowan, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he- has had ten children: Beach, Fanny L (deceased), Ann B., John, Missouri L (Mrs. Theodore King), Ida L. (Mrs. Charles Settlemire), Edla A. (Mrs. Daniel Hoak, deceased), Mary R., Jerusha L. and Roger. Mr. Ghraham has held several of the minor offices of the Township. In politics he is a Democrat.

MRS. MARGARET HALL, widow of Jesse Hall, P. O. Lima, was bom December 29, 1827, in Jackson County, Ohio, and came to Auglaize County, Ohio, with her parents, David and Nancy (McGrady) Anthony, former a son of George and Susan (Piper) Anthony. George Anthony was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was captured by the Indians, but effected his escape. Mrs. Nancy Anthony was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Iddings) McGrady, former a native of Scotland, latter of Ireland. The children of David and Nancy Anthony were eight in number: Margaret, Mary (wife of B. F. Dunnan, in Lima, Ohio), Elizabeth

(widow of Philip Eussler, by whom she had two children; is now the wife of James Yokum, of Shawnee Township, this county), Qilderoy (in Lima, Ohio), Angeline (deceased wife of Bev. Samuel Fairfield, in Van Wert County, Ohio), Catharine (widow of David Manner, in Lima, Ohio), and two deceased in childhood. Jesse Hall was bom in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 28, 1825, and came to this county in 1835, with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Truesdale) Hall, natives of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were married September 19, 1847, and had a family of ten children : Angeline, Estella, one not named that died in childhood, Nancy E. (wife of George Wolf, in Shawnee Township, this county), Mary E. (deceased wife of William L. Grove, in Van Wert County), Sidney D. (wife of John Bussert, a merchant of Beaver Danu Ohio), Jacob S. (died at twenty-three years of age), Sarah C. (wife of Jonathan Hesser, a partner with Mr. Bussert), David G. (at home, a teacher) and Isaac J. (at home). Mr. Hall was one of the first to rally at the call of Gov. Tod for the "Squirrel Hunters, ** and received his discharge in September, 1862. May 2, 1864, he went as sergeant of Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, under Capt William Huston, did duty at Washington, D. C, and was discharged June 24, 1864. He died December lo, 1878, his health having been seriously impaired in the service of his country. He took an active part in all measures which might conduce to the advancement and elevation of the people of his community. He commanded the respect and esteem of the people, and his death was lamented by all who knew him. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES A. HOVER, farmer, P. O., Lima, was born near Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, April 1, 1828; son of Joseph and Caroline (Adgate) Hover, natives of Pennsylvania, who were married February 7, 1809. Joseph Hover located in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1802 and in 1833 came to this county, settling in Shawnee Township, on the farm now occupied by our subject, and here lived and died. Joseph and Caroline Hover had eight children: Eliza M., deceased wife of Rev. John Alexander, a missionary in this county in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1833-34 (she died May 27, 1852, aged forty-one years), Josiah C. (died September 24, 1834, aged twenty-six years), Julius A. (died June 29, 1843, aged twenty seven years), Joshua B. , Cyrus H., William XJ., James A. and Joseph O. (died April 23, 1851, aged twenty years). The paternal grandfather of our subject was Manuel Hover, a native of New Jersey, of German descent, captain of a company during the war of the Revolution, and a pioneer of Trumbull County, Ohio, where he lived and died; the maternal grandfather of our subject was John Adgate, also a pioneer of Trumbull County, Ohio. James A. Hover was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from five years of age and was educated in the country schools. He has resided on the old homestead since 1833, with the excepjtion of two years spent in Lima, Ohio, (in which city he was engaged in the milling business) and two years in California, where he went in 1849, and while there was engaged in mining. He has been twice married, his first wife, whom he married April 6, 1852, being Isabel E., daughter of Thomas and Catharine (King) Ferguson, of this county, and by this union were born three children: Ida A. (Mrs. W. H. Breese, born April 29, 1853), Alma A. (Mrs. D. C. Ford, bom March 16, 1856), and Cyrus A. (born Auffust 27, 1860). His second wife, to whom he was married, March 8, 1865, was Nancy, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth (McEibben) Dobbins, of Lima, Ohio, and by her he has one child, Alfred C, born December 23, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hover are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Eepublican.

THOMAS A. MALTBIE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Sidney, Ohio, January 19, 1845, son of Harrison and Nancy J. (Wilkinson) Malt* bie, natives of Ohio, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1847, on the farm now occupied by Alexander McCoy, which Harrison Maltbie had cleared and improved and where he lived up to the spring of 1884, when he removed to Lafayette, Ohio, where he now resides. Our subject's father was four times married; his iirst wife was Susannah Dowling, of Lima, Ohio, by wbom he had three children: Silas B., William F. and Margaret (Mrs. Alex. McCoy) ; his second wife was Nancy J. Wilkinson, by whom he had two children: James H. (deceased) and Thomas A; his third wife was Emily J. Wilkinson, by whom he had one child: an infant daughter (deceased); and his fourth wife was Mrs. Ann Moore {nee Longhead). Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from two years of age, and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted March 25, 1861, in Company D, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Besaca and Kenesaw Mountain, and in the Atlanta campaign. He was honorably discharged July 13, 1865, and returned home, where he engaged in farming on the old homestead, and here he remained until December, 1869, then located on the farm he now occupies, which he has cleared and improved. He was twice married, his fixst wife, to whom he was married December 16, 1869, being Ann M., daughter of Miles and Ann (Daniels) Langstaff, of Shawnee Township, this county, and the issue of this union is two children: Frank and Lizzie. His present wife, to whom he was married February 16, 1875, is Ella, daughter of David M. and Mary (Valentine) Breese, of Shawnee Township, this county. To this union has been born one child: Bertha B. Mr. and Mrs. Maltbie are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

AMOS MOWERY, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 20, 1833 ; son of Jacob and Catharine (Stepleton) Mowery, former a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Pickaway County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1854, locating in Shawnee Township, where he resided until his death. Jacob and Catharine Mowery had seventeen children, fifteen of whom grew to maturity: John, Samuel (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Polly (Mrs. John King), David (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Wolf), Jeremiah, Peter (deceased), Hester (Mrs. John De Long), Amos, Catherine (deceased), Levi (deceased), Isaac, Joseph and Lydia (Mrs. E. Bigler). Our subject was reared in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he received a limited education in the common schools. He came to this county in 1852 and in the following spring moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, remaining there until 1860, and then locating on the farm where he now resides, in

Shawnee Township, this county. He was married, October 10, 1853, to Catherine, daughter of Peter and Mary (Dotson) Meffley, who settled in Shawnee Township, this coonty, in 1843, former of whom, a tailor by trade and a native of Germany, died of cholera in 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Mowery have been born four children: William A., Alice (Mrs. N. P. Myers), Lovina (Mrs. Levi Boysel) and Luella (Mrs. Oeorge Baker). Mr. and Mrs. Mowery are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with which he has been connected since sixteen years of age. In politics he is a Democrat

WILLIAM NAPIER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Black Rock, Erie Co., N. Y., May 16, 1817, son of Joseph and Rebecca (McCaracan) Napier, former a native of England, latter of Connecticut, pioneers of Vermillion Township, Huron Co., Ohio. Joseph Napier, who was a sailor by occupation, was downed in Lake Erie in about 1827. Our subject was reared in Huron, Lorain and Trumbull Counties, Ohio, and received a limited education in the common schools. In 1843 he came to this county, and settled on Section 23, Shawnee Township, where he cleared and improved a farm of forty acres, now owned by Rachel Langstaff, and where he resided up to 1856, when he settled on the farm he now occupies, then an unbroken wilderness, comprising 200 acres of land, 150 of which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Napier was married April 19, 1838, to Sarah, daughter of Adam and Anna (Hall) Hough, of Trumbull County, Ohio, former a native of Virginia, latter of New Jersey. To our subject and wife have been bom ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity: Adela (Mrs. Salem Reed), Harriet (Mrs. Silas Reed), Hamlin (member of the Fifty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war of the Rebellion, in which he served eighteen months), Susan (Mrs. Freeman Reed), Hilra, Sarah (Mrs. W. A. Smith) and Mary. Mr. Napier has served the township one term as justice of the peace, and has filled other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican and an advocate for prohibition.

JEROME RAYMOND, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. T., September 15, 1811; son of David and Rebecca (McCaracan) Raymond, natives of Connecticut, and pioneers of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where the father died. The mother afterward married Joseph Napier, settled in Vermillion Township, Huron Co., Ohio, from there removing to Rockport, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and died in Mercer County, Penn. Our subject was reared in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and two and a half months' schooling there was all the educational advantages he received. On coming of age he engaged in farming in Middleburg Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1852, in which year he came to this county and settled in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now occupies and most of which he cleared and improved. He has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married in 1839, being Almira Ackley, daughter of Thomas Ackley, of Middleburg, Ohio. His present wife, to whom he was married April 15, 1869, was Mrs. Eliza Truesdale, widow of Jesse Truesdale, and daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Warner) Connor, of Auglaize County, Ohio. Mr. Raymond participated in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in September, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; re- enlisted as a veteran in the same company and regiment, in 1863, and was honorably discharged July 23, 1865. He was in the battles of Shiloh, luka, Corinth, and in the Atlanta campaign, after which he was assigned to the care of baggage and received his final discharge at Gamp Dennison, Ohio. Mr. Raymond filled the office of township trustee one term. In politics he is a Republican.

MANUEL REED, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Trumbull County, Ohio, February 7, 1808; son of Thomas and Jane (Hover) Reed, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio, where they lived and died. Our subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he received a limited education in the country schools. In 1833 he came to this county and entered the laud he now owns and occupies, on which he settled in 1837, and all of which he cleared and improved. He was married November 17, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur and Henrietta (Jemison) O'Hara, of Irish descent; parents of eight children, two now living: Horatio Q., now in Reno, Nev., and Elizabeth (Mrs. Manuel Reed). Arthur O'Hara was a pioneer merchant of Lima, where he located in 1833, and in 1837 moved to Wisconsin where he died. Our subject and wife are parents of ten children, all born on the old homestead: Arthur (deceased), Warren (a physician in Ealida, Putnam Co., Ohio), Lorinda (Mrs. J. L. Smith), John, Irvin, Uretta (Mrs. Andrew McClintock), Sarah (Mrs. Solomon Shappell), Anna (Mrs. Jerry Bowsher), Jennetta (deceased), and Aldulia. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are among the first pioneer families left in Shawnee Township. They have twentyfour grandchildren. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Reed has filled several of the township offices. In politics he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL REED, farmer, P. O. Hume, was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 31, 1814, son of Noah and Betsey (Stahl) Reed, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Virginia; they were pioneers of Fairfield County, Ohio, where they lived for many years. Our subject was reared in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was married, August 15, 1837, to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Culp) Akers, of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he had ten children: Clarissa (deceased), Silas, Salem, Isaac, John, Freeman, Nelson, Almeda . (deceased), Emma (Mrs. Charles Andrew) and Laura. Mr. Reed came to this county in the fall of 1852, and settled in Shawnee Township, on the farm where he now resides, all of which he cleared and improved. In politics, he is a Republican.

SOLOMON SHAPPELL, proprietor of saw-mill and farmer, P. O. Hume, was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 8, 1847, son of George and Mary (Riggle) Shappell, natives of Berks County, Penn., former a son of Yarmus Shappell, a native of Switzerland now deceased, latter now living in her seventy.first year, daughter of John G. and Elizabeth (Selteimer) Riggle. To George and Mary Shappell were bom eleven children: J. G., in Shawnee Township, this county, Elizabeth (wife of William Hastings), Sarah (wifeof William Bo wsher, of Auglaize County, Ohio), Nelson (in Kansas), Eli (deceased at eight years of age), Jacob (residing near Lansing, Mich.), Daniel, Solomon, Catharine (widow of William Baker), andEmma F. (wife of James Sellers), all in Shawnee Township, this county, and Ursinus, a doctor in Auglaize

County, Ohio. J. G., Nelson and Daniel enlisted Angost 13, 1862, in Company G. Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did Taliant duty. The subject of this sketch was married, August 4, 1871, to Miss Sarah Beed, who was lx>m July 30, 1853, daughter of Emanuel Beed of Shawnee Township, this county, and by this union wc^re bom five children: Clyde, a daughter bom June 15, 1873; Obediah, bom January 28, 1876; Duly, died in infancy; Bolly, born June 28, 1881, and Lora, bom May 7, 1884. Mr. Shappell remained on a farm until twenty- three years of age and came to Hume, this county, in the fall of 1875, where he is engaged in milling and farming, being a member of the firm of Shappell & Berryman. l^is firm have improved machinery, a No. 2 circular saw, twenty-five horse-power engine, the only enterprise of the kind in this vicinity, and doing a large business. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL SPYKEB, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom in Circleville, Ohio, November 13, 1813, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Todd) Spyker, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Kentucky. They were pioneers of Pickaway County, Ohio, and later of this county, where they died. Their children were eight in number: Mary (deceased), Samuel, Luther, Julia A. (deceased), Bachel (deceased), Henry (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. John Vannetta) and Levi, a soldier in the late war of the Bebellion, who died in Libby prison. Our subject was reared in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he resided until 1841, when he came to this county, settling on the farm he now occupies on Section 25, Shawnee Township, and which he cleared and improved: he also cleared a farm of 100 acres on the same section further east. Mr. Spyker has been twice wedded; his first wife, to whom he was married December 13, 1835, was Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fox) Weaver, of Pickaway County, Ohio, and by her he had eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity: Martin, Lewis, Elizabeth (Mrs. Francis Stevenson), Allen, Mary (Mrs. Francis Mohler), Henry (deceased) and Jacob. His second wife, to whom he was married August 13, 1851, is Margaret, daughter of Michael and Eva (Smith) Losch, and to this union have been born twelve children: Jonathan, Sarah (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Peter (deceased), Theodore (deceased), Effie (Mrs. D. Tippy), Charlie (deceased), Joel, Nettie, Addie, and twins deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Spyker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

DAVID STEPLETON, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom in Shawnee Township, this county, July 12, 1846 ; son of John and Hester (Bowsher) Stepleton, former a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, son of David Stepleton, a native of Pennsylvania, who was among the pioneers of Shawnee Township, this county, locating on the farm now occupied by his son Joseph, which he had cleared and improved, and where he lived and died. David Stepleton, Sr., had a family of eight children : Elizabeth (Mrs. Jonathan Harpster), Sarah (Mrs. William Beichelderfer), John (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Charles Bowsher, now ' deceased), Levi (deceased), Polly (deceased), Joseph and Jacob (deceased). The maternal grandfather of our subject was Daniel Bowsher, a native of

FennsylTania, who settled in Shawnee Township, this ooanty, in 1835, clearing and improving a farm, on which he lived and died. The children of John and Hester Stepleton were David and Elizabeth (latter deceased). Onr subject was reared and educated in Shawnee Township, this county, and in 1867 he located on the farm^he now occupies, all of which he cleared and improved. He was married, September 26, 1867, to Maiy E., daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah A. (Pierce) Mowery, early settlers of Shawnee Township, this county, and by this union have been born four children : Franklin A., two infant daughters (deceased), and Vilas E. Mr. and Mrs. Stepleton are members of the Lutheran Church. He has served as clerk of Shawnee Township three terms, and justice of the peace one term. In politics he is a Democrat

ROBERT Q. STOCKTON, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, . Auglaize County, was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 9, 1840; son of Thomas and Sarah (Rea) Stockton, natives of Washington County, Penn., and pioneers of Licking County, Ohio. In 1865 they came to this county, locating on Section 14, Shawnee Township, afterward moving to Lima, where they died. They were parents of seven children : Joseph R., Belle S. (Mrs. Henry C. Adgate), Robert O., Thomas M. (killed at battle of Richmond, Ey., duringthe war of the Rebellion), James A., John v., and Mary A. (deceased). 'Hie Stocktons are of Scotch-Irish descent, and some of their ancestors came over in the ** Mayflower" in 1632. Our subject was reared in Licking County, Ohio, where he received a common school education. In 1865 he came to this county, with his parents, and in 1877 located on the farm he now occupies, all of which he has cleared and improved* This farm was purchased by his father in 1839. Mr. Stockton was married, December 29, 1870, to Mary, daughter of Daniel and Lydia (Otstott) Heindel, natives of Pennsylvania, of Oerman descend and who settled in Lima, in 1840. Mr. Heindel was a miller by trade, and was engaged in milling in Lima for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stockton have been born four children : Eva L. , Laura B. (deceased), Amanda B. and Lydia A. Mr. Stockton is a member of the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Stockton of the Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican.

SAMUEL ZXJRMEHLY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in eastern Pennsylvania, January 23, 1822, son of John and Susannah (Shafiher) Zurmehly, former a native of France, latter of Switzerland. The parents immi^ated to America about 1816, traveling the previous fall to the sea coast, a distance of 700 miles, with a hand-cart, but were detained until the following spring, and on their arrival in America had to work three years as a return for their passage across the ocean, the father in a stone quarry, although by trade he was a silk weaver; he afterward accumulated enough money to buy a horse and cart, and in 1823 came overland with his family to Picsaway County, Ohio, where he operated a copper still, by which, with the assistance of his wife, who spun yam and wove doth, he managed to support his family. This couple died in Pickaway County, Ohio, the mother in 1835, the father four years later. They had nine children : Robert, Frederick, Samuel, Jacob (deceased), John (deceased), Amos (deceased), Susannah (deceased), Peter (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Solomon Morgan). Our subject left home when ten years of age, working the first year for his board ; the second year he got 13 per month and board, the money received going toward the support of his father's family. His mother dying when he was in his thirteenth year, he retamed home, where he remained two years, assisting in the housework and looking after the yoonger members of the family. In 1837 he went to work on a farm, at which he continued until 1841, when he b^an work at ihe carpenter's trade, and this he followed up to 1845. In 1846 he came to this county, and settled on Section 24, Shawnee Township, where he cleared and improved a farm from what was then an unbroken wilderness, and here he resided until the spring of 1865, when he located on the farm of 168 acres he now occupies, most of which he has cleared, and on which he has made many improvements. Mr. Zurmehly also owns eighty acres in another part of the township. He has given a farm to one of his sons, and also to a son-in-law. Mr. Zurmehly was married, October 14, 1844, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Kraft) Books, of Pickaway County, Ohio, by whom he had seven children : Mary E. (Mrs. Isaac Beed), John W., Jennie (deceased), Wilson S., Peter F., Charles L. and Ida B. (Mrs. Alonzo McLain). Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Zurmehly is a Bepublican.

NICHOLAS J. ARDNEB, farmer, P. O. Landeck, was bom in Seneca County, Ohio, June 24, 1854; son of Nicholas and Susan (Adams) Ardner, natives of Germany and early settlers of Seneca County, Ohio, and who are now living in Marion Township, Allen County, Ohio. They are the parents of seven children. Nicholas J., the third child, received a common school education and entered upon his career in life as a farmer, an occupation he has always followed. He came to Spencer Township, this county, witti his parents in 1864, and located on the farm where he still resides, and upon which he has assisted in making the improvementa Hei is considered one of the rising young farmers, highly esteemed by the community for his many good qualities. He was united in marriage, October 7, 1879, with Miss Margaret Toungpeter, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 4, 1858, daughter of Hubbard and Annie Toungpeter. To them have been bom three children: Louie, Edward and Lizzia In his political views our subject is identified with the Democratic party.

JOHN W. ARNOLD, editor, Spencerville, was bom in Hampshire County, Ya., June 22, 1844; son of Joshua and Martha (Powell) Arnold, who are natives of and still living in West Virginia. Our subject's facilities for attending school were limited, and he has obtained his education by his own efforts. He was raised on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits most of his life, in connection with which he has done more or less insuring. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in the First Virginia Cavalry, and was taken prisoner December 22, 1862. He took the oatib of allegiance at Camp Chase, and has since made the North his home. He came to Auglaize County, Ohio, in November, 1863, and while there served as township clerk for four years. He was married, May 7, 1867, to Miss Matilda Bobbins, bom April 18, 1849, daughter as James and Celia (Brewer) Bobbins. By this union were bom ten children, five of whom died in infancy. The living are Albert B., Loretta M., Bay C, Elvin D., and William Clayton. In April, 1878, Mr. Arnold came to Spencerville, and a year later purchased the Spencerville Journal On January 17, 1888, he lost all his property by fire, but soon after started in business again. He served as mayor of the town one year and then resigned. In politics he is a Democrat. For many years he was an active member of the L O. O. F.

JOHN N. BAILET, lawyer, Spencerville, was bom in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 3, lo39 ; eldest son of Christopher and Nancy (Noble) Bailey, natives of Virginila and Ohio, respectively, early settlers of Auglaize County, and who are still living on the old homestead Our subject was raised on a farm and received a common school education. He was married, February 11, 1861, to Minerva Baber, who died in 1876, leaying to his care seven children: Mary A., Minnie M., Alice M., Emma J., Charles F., Lillian and Arthur N. His second marriage, which occurred November 20, 1879, was with Hannah Caldwell, of Darke County, Ohio. Early in life Mr. Bailey learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as contractor, building railroad bridges, etc., till 1880. He read law more or lees till that year, and then entered the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in June, 1882, and inmiediately commenced practice at Spencerville. Although young in the profession, his success is such as usually attends years of hard labor. In addition to his practice Mr. Bailey owns a farm in Amanda Township, this county, consisting of 216 acres of land, and also other property in Spencer Township. His property is the result of his own efforts, and he is virtually a self-made man. He is master of Ajxsadia Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly twenty-three years. Our subject is a stanch Bepublican, although not an office seeker. In the performance of his professional and business transactions he bears the reputation of being an honorable and upright man.

JOHN M. BEABD, drug^st, Spencerville, was bom in Mahoning County, Ohio, February 3, 18& ; son of Milo and Mary (Osburn) Beard^ natives of Mi^oning County, Ohio, latter of whom died in 1851 ; former still resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm. In 1865 he went with his parents to Allen County, Ind., and during 1866-67 he attended the school at Boanoke, Ind., and the three following years at Fort Wayne, and Cleveland, Ohio. During twenty-four months of this time he engaged in teaching. He entered upon his business career as drug clerk, in the employ of T. M. Biddle, druggist, of Fort Wayne, with whom he remained seven years. He then engaged about four months with J. A. Tyler & Co., at the end of which time he purchased an interest in a drug store at Delphos, Van Wert Co., Ohio, in partnership with H. P. Eysenbach, and carried with him to his new place of business the best wishes of the community he had served so long as prescription clerk, and where he had gained the reputation of being a careful and efficient pharmacist Remaining in Delphos over a year, he then removed to Spencerville and formed a partnership withTheo. Eysenbach, in the drug and hardware business; two years later the firm dissolved and divided the business, Mr. Baird retaining the drug department. On December 14, 1881, he was mairied to Miss Eva Brown, who was bom in Delphos, Ohio, January, 18, 1860, by whom he has one child, Lois, bom Febmary 28, 1883. At present Mr. Beard is township and corporation treasurer. He is a member of Summit City Lodge, No. 170, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne; politically he is identified with the Democratic party.

EPHBAIM BERYMAN, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Allen County, Ohio, January 29, 1840, the eldest of six children bom to Russel and Margaret (Slawer) Beryman. Russel Beryman, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, was but six years of age when brought to Shelby Counfy, Ohio. He was an influential farmer and stock dealer, and died July 9, 1879, his wife having preceded him May 9, 1848. Our subject was reared on a farm; and his educational advantages were limited to a few weeks each year in the common schools. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which he has made the principle occupation of his life, in connection with which he has done more or less trading in and handling of live stock. He was married Deceaiber 5, 1861, to Deborah B. Blackburn, who was bom in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 28, 1842, daughter of George and Charlotte (Weber) Blackburn, early settlers of Columbiana County. To this union eight children were bom: Harley A., John Q., Elbert S., George W., Alma M., David K, Ira P., and Flora E. Mr. Beryman purchased his farm in Spencer Township, in 1875, and removed to same three years later, since when he has added to his original purchase and now owns 120 acres of land situated on the Lima and Spencerville Pike, and which is considered one of the beet farms in this locality. He has placed the same under a high state of cultivation, the result of many days of hard labor. His aim is to excel in the production and quality of his crops. Mr. Beryman Was formerly a member of the Grange. He is a consistent adherent of the Baptist Church.

JACOB BCKDK, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Marion County, Ohio, July 24, 1844; son of John and Catherine (Epley) Book, natives of Germany, who were the parents of nine children of whom Jacob is sixth. John Book came to America in 1821, and located in Marion County, Ohio; he is now retired from active life, a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio; his wife died in 1878. Our subject was married, March 23, 1871, to Isabel Masters, who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 22, 1850, daughter of William and Malinda (Ross) Masters, of Van Wert County. She has borne him six children: John F., Nancy C. (deceased), William H. (deceased), James A.*, Joseph A. and Bosa E. (twins). Mi, Book is one of of the most influential men of the township, and, as the appearance of his farm denotes, is a practical farmer. He aims to excel, and to produce and to have the best to sell. Having been reared on a farm, his educational advantages were necessarily limited to the common schools. Although not an office seeker he is a leader of the Democratic party in this vicinity; is an active member of Jennings Grange, No. 1320. He came to Spencer Township, with his parents in 1863, and in 1871 purchased the homestead where he still lives.