Richland Township (part 1 of 5)

Richland Township

The early schoolB of Bichland werw primitive in their oharaoter as well as teachiDg. William Bedding presided over a school of half a dozen pupils at Hilty's, while Benjamin Franklin Smith taught a few pupils in the Jog sohoolhouse on Little Biley Creek. After some years, the town was set off into school districts, and the system, now pursued, was adopted. The receipts for 1884 were $6, 131.47; the expenditures amounted to $4,845.8L There are ten school buildings valued at $14,100. Fourteen teachers are employed. The number of pupils enrolled is 940, 503 boys and 437 girls. In the Bluffton Special School District the receipts for 1884 amounted to (7,017.55, the expenditmres to $3,500,85. Number of pupils enrolled 402 - 212 boys and 190 girls. There is one school building valued at $15,000. Seven teachers are employed, of whom live are ladies.

At Budd Gaskel's cabin the pioneer Methodists found a home, church and congregation. In 1842 the German Beformed Church was founded here by George Spangler. In 1848 the Mennonite Church was organized by John Flint, and in 1849 the Presbyterian Church by Bevs. Ualliday and McEinney.

Bluffton Village

The village of BlufinK>n, platted in 1837 under the name Shannon, by Joseph Deford, is located on Sections 1 and 12, Bichland Township, on the line of the Lake Erie & Western Bailroad. The name Shannon was changed to Bluffton in 1872-73, although long prior to this the latter name was bestowed upon it The original village comprised the four blocks bounded by Jackson and Monroe, Jefferson and Biley, extending northwest to the creek, intersected by Main and Washington Streets, with a few lots on the northwest comer of Jackson and Biley and Jackson and Washington, and on the southeast comer of Monroe and Jefferson. The principal additions to the village are Goble's, Eaton's, Yance's, Godfrey's, Farrell's and Elibler's, all df which may be said to extend northeast from Kibler Street to Biley Greek, and northwest from the line of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad to Little Riley Creek. A small creek named Marsh Ron empties into Riley Creek on the line of Jackson Street Little Riley Creek joins the main stream one block west of Spring Street

A.t Croghan Postoffioe, snbseqaently named Shannon, and again in 1873 named Blofiton, were the families of Josiah & Bndd Gaskel, Hogh Lee, John Camahan, John McHenry, D. W. Goble, Sam Yiers, John Amstutz and John Steiner.

Organization

The village of Blnffton was organized Angnst 17, 1861, when Josiah S. Powell was elected mayor; H. H. Edsall, clerk; James Patterson, John H. Fennsler, John Meyer, E. P. Leslie, Hogh Walls, cooncilmen; John Franks, Francis Smith, Isaac Seidel, A. P. Carsons and A. W. Cahill, judges of election.

Tfie Presbyterian Church of SotUh Bethel was organized June 6, 1849, bj Bev. Messrs. McKinney and Halliday, and the church named South Bethel. Bobert Stewart was ruling elder. In 1852 the Goble heirs donated the land on which the church building now stands, and a house was erected soon after. From 1852 to 1873, the church was called the PresbTterian Church of Shannon. In April the latter year, the name was changed to Bluffton. The pastors who have served the church are named as follows: Bevs. James Ander9on to 1850; B. M. Badeau, 1850- 51; T. P. Emerson, 1851; W. K. Brice, C. B. Van Emmons, B. H. Halliday, 1872; L G. Hall, 1878; W. C. Scott, 1878; Edward Laport, supply, 1879; and B. J. Brown, March 7, 1883, the present pastor.

The original members of the Presbyterian Church of Blufiton were Elder Bobert Stewart and wife (not Elder Stewart of the first organization), William Wilson and wife, Nancy Murray, Boxanna McConnell, Jane Nunnemaker, Daniel Frantz, James Fenton, Emiline Fenton, Anna Camahan, Mary Anderson, Mary A. Drittesler, William Peppel and Mrs. Peppel. The ruling elders were Bobert Stewart, 1849-55; Bobert Stewart, Jr., of Knox County, Ohio; D. A. McComb, 1877; Dr. J. McPeak, 1884. The number of members enrolled is fifty-five, of whom fifteen moved away. The value of property is about $5,000.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The Methodist preacher had been a frequent visitor among the people of Bichland in pioneer days, and was one of the first ministers of the gospel to establish a branch of the Christian Church in the township. Services were held at Gaskel's and other places until a society was organized. In 1873 a church building was erected at Blufiflon at a cost of $8,000. The parsonage erected in 1874 cost 12,000. Both buildings are solid brick structures. The pastors of this society since 1865 are named as follows: Charles Ashton, 1865; A.- J. Frisbee, 1868 ; J. C. Miller, 1870 ; L. W]. B. Long, 1872 ; A. J. Fish, 1873 ; Jabez S. Blair, 1874; J. A. Wright,^ 1875; J. F. Crooks, 1877 ; A. C. Barnes, 1879 ; W. W. Winters, 1882, and Bev. Isaac N. Smith, the present pastor, in 1883. The number of members belonging to the society is seventy-six, while the Sunday-school claims 100.

St. Mary's Catholic Church, BluffUm, was toanded in 1869. The first members were the Owens family, Frank Kennej, Joseph Kennej, William Gnstwiller, Joseph Bemon, the Woolridge family in later years, Laurence and Joseph Fisher, the Steinhowers, Hortingers and WiohofEskys. The church building was erected in 1809 - a frame building, at a cost of 11,000, subscribed by all classes of citizens. Bev. Fathers Young, Rudolph and Doner have attended this church.

Oerman Reformed Church (Emanuere) was organized as a German Reformed and Lutheran Society in 1842 by Bev. George Spengler. In 1880, under Pastor Dr. P. 6hreding, the brick church, located on northwest quarter of Section 22, near the center of the township, was erected. In 1861 the congregation was reorganized as a German Reformed Society, and, as such, adopted a constitution in accordance with that of the German Reformed Church in the United States. In 1872 a new church was formed at Bluffton, four miles distant, by a number of the members of this congregation dismissed for that purpose. The membership of the old church amounts to 200 at present The ministers who have served since the original organi^tion are George Spengler, A. Doner, C. H. Pf aft; J. Klingler, J. Reiter, Dr. P. Greding, C. Pluess, A. Schenck, and H. Rusterholz, and Rev. O. Kuhlen.

Oerman Reformed Church {St John's) was organized in 1872, under Rev. A. SchencL The congregation used the Presbyterian Church as a place of worship up to 1881, when their church building was completed. The membership does not exceed 100. The pastor of Emanuel's German Reformed Church is also preacher in charge of St John's.

The Mennonite Church - The American Mennonites formed a society here in 184S, their first preacher being John Thut, who was born in Switzerland, in or about the year 1801, and died in 1867, aged sixty-six years, six months and five days. He had immigrated to America in 1825. On the 25th day of December, 1843, he was* chosen by lot to preach the gospel in Holmes County, and on the 6th day of October, 1857, he was unanimously elected to the office of bishop, in Richland Township, Allen County. Thut and several families came here from Holmes County in 1848 and founded this society. The American Mennonites claim a membenhip of eeventy for this society. The Swiss Mennoniies have an organization in the township, and a meeting house on Section 3, while the Reformed Mennonites are represented by a church and society on Section 84, North Richland.

/. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 371, was chartered May 18, 1868, with J. S. Powell, A. J. Conrad, Jacob Moser, R. R Cox and Joseph B. Hall, members. The present membership is abont twenty-eight The Noble Orands since 1878 are named as follows : A. Hanenstein, William Wilson, Wesley Cramer, H. L. Noble, A, Besire, L. Seidel, C. Lugibihl, Joseph * Miller, H. L. Romey, D. S. Fennsler, A. J. Owens, J. F. Hissong, J. A. Nnnnemaker, A. Hanenstein, W. 6. Richards, F. C. Steingraver, John Amstutz, L. L. Conkey, Joseph Miller, C. Logibihi, D. S. Fennsler, W. V. Hntchins, 1884. The secretaries : W. Cramer, H L. Romey, A. Besire, C. Lngibihl, H L. Romey, L. W. Bell, D. S. Fennsler, A. J. Owens, J. F. Hissong, J. A. Nonnemaker, L. L. Conkey, 'G. Steiner, F. C. Steingraver, L. L. Conkey, and A. Hanenstein.

Royal Arcanum Lodge, No. 193, Bluffton, was organized under dispensation, November 12, 1878, and under charter in December, 1878, with the following members: O. S. Langan, A. G. Frick, James Wilson, Harry Eckels, Joseph Harris, S. J. Brand, S. C. Patterson, A. D. Lugibihl, W. P. Bentley, W. B. Richards, I. M. Townsend, J. S. Asire, A.

G. Kibler, F. C. Steingraver, J. J. Anderson, J. F. Hissong, D. Steiner. The other members of the lodge are Thomas Jackson, Zaohariah Latham, I. A. Dennis, R. R ZoU, Charles GnstwiUer, Andrew Kohli, A. N, MoBride, B. J. Brown, C. L. Townsend, S. S. Yoder. The present membership nnmbers twenty-four.

Equitable Aid Union was organized at Bloffton January 28, 1882, with the following members: M. S. Muma and wife, D. A. McComb and wife, O. E. Townsend and wife, J. J. Miller, Dr. Steingraver and wife, George Balentine and wife, John Wilson and wife, and W. V. Hutchins. D. A. McComb was first secretary and Dr. Steingraver, president. The membership is fourteen. The society is organized for the same objects as characterize other insurance societiea

Robert Hamilton Post, 262^ O. A. R., was organized September 28, 1882, with the following members: Jesse Vernon, W. B. Richards, A. Hauenstein, Joseph Harris, L. W. Bell,* H. W. Rieter, J. M. Woloott,* M. W. Hesser,* 8. J. Brand, R L. Romey, H. J. Call, Patrick Noonan,* S. B. Agin, William Lewis, Sr., F. M. Bailee, Isaac McHenry, J. A. Nunnemacher, J. B. Lewis, Lewis Rash* and J. G. Moorhead. Of the original members all are now members except those marked *. W. B. Richards was first commander and A. Hauenstein adjutant. Jesse Vernon is now commander. The names on muster-roll number forty-one. With three exceptions, all serred in Ohio regiments from 1861 to 1865. Lewis Homard of Jackson Township, who died about three years ago, served all through the war but received no discharge.

Richland Township Insurance Company, - This association was organized in January, 1885, vrith Christian Stettler, presid^it, and Alfred Besire, secretary. The district canvassers appointed were Emile Schaenblin, G. Althaua, C. P. Steiner, George Bailpy, John B. Marshall, Isaac Hochstettler, J. A. Schifferly, C. Matter, Thomas Fett, H. P. Owens, William Huber, Eben Goble, James Phillips, John Conrad, M. Edgecomb, Moses Stager, John Amstutz, B. P. Lugibibl.

Industbiss Of Bluffton

Within the last few years the progress of this village has been phenomenal. A short time previous to its incorporation it was classed with the hamlets of the county, but under the impulse of enterprise it was raised far above this rank, and now fiHs a very important place among the wealth contributors of Allen. The leading indostries are St John's Sucker Bod and Handle Factory, the Althous Planing Mill, the Townsend Saw-Mill, Shingle and Lathe Factory, the Cherry Street Foundry, a small gun-shop and brass foundry, Besire & Goble's Tile Works, Fischer's Carriage Factory, and the stone quarries of the neighborhood, referred to in other pages. The Bnssell Elevator and the Steam Elevator, each of large capacity, represent the grain trade of the village. The mercantile interests are well represented.

Townsend Mills. This saw-mill, shingle and lathe factory may be said to have been established in 1858, by Clinton & Woodford, was blown up in 1878, and rebuilt the same year. In 1854 I. M. Townsend purchased Clinton's interest, and with Woodford conducted the mill until 1862. At this time the mill was sold to Dunlap & Jackson, Mr. Townsend building a mill below, on Biley Creek. In 1868 he repurchased the old Clinton & Woodford Mill, and has operated ii since. The machinery, etc., is valued at $4,000. This industry gives employment to ten men annually, and creates a large market for local lumbermen.

The Sucker Bod and Handle Factery was established here in June, 1883. The industry was established by Mr. St. John in Crawford Couniy about 1876, the machinery moved. to Lima in May, 1880, and carried on there until June, 1883. The frame of the building was moved to Lima, and next to Bluffton, from Pennsylvania. This industry gives direct employment to eighteen men. The machinery is valued at $2,500, and the value of annual sales ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. There is a saw-mill in connection with this industry, the lumber being supplied mainly from without, but a large supply is taken from the forests of the county.

The Blufton Grist Mill was established by Siddell & Son, from whom the Steiner Bros, purchased it about 1870. In 1872, William B. Bichards purchased the buildings and machinery and introduced new machinery. The value of machinery at present is $6,000. The capacity is fifty barrels per day. The mill gives employment to three hands.

The Althaus Planing-Mill was established in September, 1873, by Peter Oberly and Peter Althaus, but is now owned by Althaus Bros. The mill gives employment to twelve men annually. The machinery is

Oarriage and Wagon Works of L. A. Fisher, were established in September, 1870, by Fisher Bros, in the Dave Franks factory buildinga The works were carried on by Fisher Bros, up to October, 1884, when L. A. Fisher took charge. This industry offered employment to twelve hands. During the winter of 1884-85 the works were almost idle, owing to the degression in all branches of trade.

This beautiful village, in the midst of one of the richest agricultural districts of northwestern Ohio, has attained its present important position through the steady labor and well directed enterprise of its citizens. It is still in infancy, growing daily, and marching onward to^ the place which its geographical position and wealth of surroundings lit it to occupy.

Beaver Dam Village

Beaver Dam, on Sections 20, 80, 81 and 82, Bichland Township, was laid out in 1858 by Frederick ShulL The original town is bounded by North Street, the eastern continuation of the second addition, on the south, Lima Street on the west and Church Street on the east . The first addition lies east of the original town, extending from Lima to West Street, and bounded by the center division of the second addition on the south, and by North Street The second addition extends east from the Lake Erie & Western Depot grounds to Church Street, bounded north by the first addition and original town, and south by the south line of Pearl Street Gates' addition lies south of Pearl Street and west of West Street Jennings' and Wood's additions extend east from the east line of West Street May, ShuU, Hilty, Fields, M. Edgecomb, Parker F.

According to Daniel Milliken, an old resident, the legend connected with the rillage is, that '* originally the beavers that were found there by the Indians had built two dams, one east and the other west of the present site of the town, so as to cause the waters to become accumulated to enable them to use the flood for a sort of dam." The town is located between the ancient dams.

The Lake Erie & Western Railroad passes throngh the village; also the high road from Bluffiton to Lima. The neighborhood is thicklj settled bj an indnstrions and prosperous agricultural community.

The village of Beaver Dam was organized in 1878, under authority of the commissioners, granted May 13) that year. Joseph Shull was elected mayor and Albert Shull, clerk. They served until the election of Joseph Shull and George W. Cunningham in 1881. The position of mayor has been held by the gentlemen named as follows: Amos Miller, 1881; G. A Bockey, acting mayor 1881; Allen Phillips, 1882; and O. A. Light, 1883-85. The village clerks have been George W. Cunningham, 1881; J. W. Manges, 1881-85. The members of the council are Allen Phillips, Joseph Shaw, Dr. Wetherill, Frank Trozell, John Hesser, and Lewis Jennings.

The postoffice of Beaver Dam was established with O. W. Gk>ble, master. The office was moved to Beaver Dam about 1840 with Fred. Shull, master. Jackson Shull had the office in 1854, he being elected over Samuel McKee. In 1856 Eli Cunningham was appointed and served until 1861 when Jesse Olmsted was ap[x>inted. Mrs. Woods, now Mrs. Hulse, succeeded. John Brown was appointed about 1869, and transferred the office to Nathan Brown. G. W. Young was appointed during Grant's administration; Orrin Gates, under Hayes'; D. L. Whipp under Hayes'. Guy Huffinan was appointed in 1882 and is still in

The Methodist Church of the village is a substantial brick structure. Here the first regularly organized body of Methodists in the township assembled, long before the church at Blufiton was founded.

Beaver Dam Lodge, No, 689^ L O. O, F,, was chartered in May, 1879, and instituted August 20, 1879, with A. J. Conrad, J. J. Conrad, JohnD. Cunningham, Samuel W. Durkee, D. R. Champe, Jacob L, Asire, G. W. Swany, C. F. Troxel, George A. Rockey, J. S. Reeder, F. Shannon, D. Fields and Lewis Roberts, members. The Noble Grands of this lodge were D. R Champe, 1879; Samuel Durkee, 1880; J. L. Asire, 1880;

The Lake Erie & Western Bailroad passes through Bichland Township in a sonthwesterlj direction, and the Gleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Bailroad cuts across the extreme northeast comer of the township. The postoffices are Bluffton and Beaver Dam.

GODHARD ALTHAUS, fanner, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Switzerland, February 7, 1836. His father, John Henry Alihaas,and bis grandfather, Rudolph Althaus, were physicians. His great-gi*andf ather, Ulrioh Althaus, a farmer and dairyman in Germany, was bom in 1705, and lived to be ninety- three years old. Our subject possesses portraits of all these ancestors. His mother, whose maiden name was Barbara Oa^il, was also a native of Switzerland. Godhard Althaus was the tenth in a family of twelve children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood* He came to America in 1854, traveled in the West for two years, and in 1859 settled in Allen County, Ohio. In 1859 he was married to Elizabeth Steiner, whose parents were natives of Switzerland, her father a farmer; and to this union were born John, Barbara, wife of Martin Grismore; Jacob, Johanna, Elizabeth, Mary, Maggie and Albert Our subject, who has made farming the business of his life, is the owner of a well-improved place, comprising fifty-five acres. Mr. and Mrs. Althaus are members of the Mennonite Society. He has been school director of this township. Politically, he is a Democrat.

JOHN C. AMSTTJTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Wayne Coimty, Ohio, December 12, 1825; son of Christian and Anna (Burk. halter) Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America and settled in Wayne County about 1824, former a farmer. They reared a family of six children (three sons and three daughters), of whom John C. is the eldest Our subject received a common school education in Putnam County, Ohio, where his parents moved when most of the county was a wilderness. He used to drive the oxen over the wheat to thresh it, and, when it was ready, had to go many miles to a mill to have it ground. He worked from the time he was large enough to do anything, and can remember when Richland Township was almost covered with woods. He has been thrice married. The children by his first wife {nee Anna Amstutz to whom he was maried March 2, 1848) were Abraham (deceased), and Fannie, and those by his second wife {nee Mary Ann Habegger, to whom he was married February 17, 1853) were Isaac (deceased), Jacob and Anna (twins) both now married, and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. Amstutz was married to his present wife {nee Anna Kaufman, February 15, 1861), and to this union were bom eleven children, nine now living: Catherine (married), Lydia, Peter, Lena, Christian, Sarah, Noah, Gideon and Ida; Mary and Josephine (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the Mennonite Church. Our subject has had to make his own way in the world. He owns eighty acres of land which he has cleared and improved, himself. Politically he is a Democrat

CHRISTIAN U. AMSTUTZ. farmer, P. O. BlufPton, is a native of France, born August 28i 1829,and is next to the youngest of the four children of Ulrich and Barbara (Clay) Amstutz, the former a Frenchman, the latter a native of Switzerland. Ulrich Amstutz, a fanner by occupation, came to America in 1833, settling in Wayne County, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of Allen County, coming here in 1837. Our subject acquired his education in the district schools of Richland Township; learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it for a time, but has farmed for many years, and now owns 331 acres of land. He was married, in 1854, to Fannie, daughter of Ulrich Neusch wander and brother of Michael Neuschwander, who was the first German settler in Bichland Township, this county. To this union were bom the following children: David and Samuel, married and farming in this county; Christian, a student, school teacher and the author of a Sabbath school singing book, which has a fair sale; Barbara, Adam, Ulrich, Amos and Ephraim. They are members of the Mennonite Church.

SAMUEL AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Richland Township, this county, July 29, 1858,^ of German parents. His father, Christian U. Amstutz, was a farmer, a school teacher, and a pioneer of Allen County, where he now owns 831 acres of land. Our subject was the third in a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living. He grew to manhood on the farm, attended the Bichland Township school, and has farmed all his life; now resides on one of his father's farms in Bichland Township. He was married, in 1881, to Elizabeth Gerber, by whom he has one child, Paulina. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is Democrat.

CHBISTIAN B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Blufflon, was bora in Wayne County, Ohio, May 20, 1837; son of John and Fannie (Lehman) Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America when young. His father lived in Pennsylvania two years, thence went to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was married and commenced farming, and in 1849 settled in Putnam County, Ohia He reared ten children, of whom Christian B is the seventh. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in Wayne and Putnam Counties, and early in life taught both German and English schools. He has spent most of his days, however, farming in Allen County, where he now resides, owning a well improved farm of 155 acres. He was united in marriage, in this county, in 1859, with Catharine, daughter of Christian and Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl, natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz were born fourteen children, ten of whom are now living: Christina, Caroline, Elizabeth, Mary, Menno, Susanna, Christian, Edwin, Helena and Levina. Our subject and wife are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Democrat

PETER B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. BlufPton, was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1846, and is the youngest of twelve children bom to John B. and Fannie (Lehman) Amstutz, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1818, settling first in Pennsylvania, but who subsequently moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1850 came to this county. Our subject was reared on the farm, and taking advantage of good schools improved his time, obtaining a good education both in German and English. He then learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked several years and also operated a saw-mill for five years. He is now devoting his time to farming, having eighty acres of land. He has been twice married, first in 1870 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, who died in 1873 leaving one child, Dina. Jnst ten years to the day after the marriage of his first wife, he married Leah Gerber, which union has been blessed with one son, Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Amstatz are members of the Mennonite Church. This church has an insurance society for protection against fire, and our subject is the secretary of this society. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN AMSTUTZ, Jr., farmer and stock-rai^r, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Richland Township, this county, February 7, 1846, son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz, who were of German descent. John Amstatz, Sr., is living, at the advanced age of seventy-four years, in Richland Township, this county, of which he has been a resident for over half a century, and in which he has filled nearly every office of public trust. His wife was a daughter of Rev. Christian Steiner, the first Mennonite preacher in Richland Township, and who organized the first Mennonite Church in this county. Their family consisted of twelve children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and who are now living and prospering. John Jr., the fifth bom, was raised on the farm and wisely chose the occupation of his father, making agriculture the business of his life, and he is now the owner of eighty acres of land. He was united in marriage, in 1871, with Sarah Klinger, of German descent, and a daughter of Adam and Eva (Hofifart) Klinger. To this union were bom the following children, Lona, Paulina, Philip (deceased), and Albert William. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as trustee. He has been one of the school directors of Richland Township; is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; politically, he is a Democrat.

G. W. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Rockingham County, Va., June 15, 1834, son of William and Lydia (Neuschwander) Bailey, also natives of Virginia, of English and Irish descent, former a farmer. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. He settled in Richland Township, this county, and engaged successfully in farming. He was married, in 1852, to Malindn, daughter of Dr. Jacob Driver, and to this union were born twelve children, all of whom are now living: John P., an attorney at law in Ottawa, Ohio; P. R., a law student, now engaged in the insurance and loan business at Lima, Ohio; Mary, a teacher, wife of John Luke; Jacob W., a telegraph operator; Daniel M., a school teacher and general agent; Jennie, wife of A. G. Kenney; and Nancy K, Alice, Charles, Sadie, Melvin and Edward at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey take much interest in their children, four of whom received collegiate education, five teaching school. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the German Baptist Church. Our subject is an industrious man and now owns a well>improved farm in Richland Township, this county.

A. BALMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Blufifton, is a native of Richland Township, this county, and was born March 9, 1843. His parents, Peter and lifary (Stauflfer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, came to Wayne County, Ohio, and were there married. In 1849 they came to this county and settled on a farm here. They were parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, nine of whom are now living. Our subject, the fifth bom, was reared on th« farm, attended the school in Richland Township, and worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Anna, daughter of DaTid Beeler, by whom he had three children : CaWin, Amanda and Andrew. Mrs. Balmer died in 1875, and two years later our subject married Jennie Beeler, a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of John Beeler. To this union were born three children, two now living : Sarah and Ella. Both wives were of German descent Mr. and Mrs. Balmer are members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as deacon. Mr. Balmer is one of the trustees of Richland Township. In politics he is a Democrat.

B. BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was bom in Richland Township, this county, February 15, 1847; son of Peter and Mary Ann (Stauffer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, and who were parents of thirteen children, twelve growing up, nine of whom are now living. Our subject, the seventh child, was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked four years, farming, however, being the principal business of his lifa He is the owner of eighty acres of land, on which he now resides. He was married in 1871 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, the fourth born in the family of nine children of John W. Lugibihl, a farmer, and an early settler of Allen County. Her parents were German, and most of their family now reside in this county. To our subject and wife were bom the following children : Emma, William, Peter and John. Mr. Balmer is a roembor of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the Mennonite Society. He has served as a school director. In politics he is a Democrat.

REV. JOHN BARNHARD, retired minister and farmer, P. O. Richland, was bom in Maryland, February 20, 1821, eldest son and second in the family of David (a farmer) and Margaret (Walker) Bamhard, who were of English and German descent. They raised two daughters and two sons. Our subject was reared on the farm, and, not having ever had the privilege of attending school, educated himself. He was married when twenty years old to Nancy Lambert, a native of Germany, where her parents were also born, and the children by this union were as follows : Melvin Z., Virgil F., Leonadas Q., Philena M., Sylvester W. (The first three named served in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion.) They also raised and adopted John T. Huber, who is now a telegraph operator at Beaver Dam. Mrs. Bamhard died in 1860, and in 1861 our subject married Amanda C. Jennings, by whom he has one child, John Williams Wesley. Mr. and Mrs. Bamhard are members of the Methodist Church. He has been a local preacher, and was engaged in farming for a number of years. He lived in Knox County, Ohio, from 1829 till he came to Allen County, in 1856, and has since resided hera He owns a well -improved farm in Richland Township, which he rents, however, and is now living a retired life on his property in Beaver Dam. In politics Mr. Bamhard is a Republican.

JOHNC. BASINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O Columbus Grove, Putman County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 5. 1834; son of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Germany, who came to America when young. His father, a farmer, who lived to the advanced age of eighty.five, died in 1882. They raised a family of fifteen children^ of whom John C, the third, was reared on the farm, receiving his edacation in the schools of Bichland Township, this county. Our subject has been a farmer all his life, and now owns a first-class farm in Richland Township, consisting of 160 acres, whereon he resides. He was married, in 1859, to Elizabeth Wixel, a native of Germany. Their children are Theophilos, Christian, Noah, Leah (deceased), and Caroline. They have an adopted daughter - Maggie Flatt Mr. and Mrs. Basinger are members of the Mennonite Church.

REV. DAVID P. BASINGER, minister and farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Bichland Township, this county, August 14, 1841. His parents, Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, were natives of Germany, the father, a farmer by occupation, being a son of Christian Basinger, Sr., who came to America in 1824, settling in Virginia, where he lived for ten years, and then moved to this county, in 1836. Here the father of our subject lived, from the time he was nineteen years of age until his death, which occurred April 21, 1876. David P. was the eldest of twelve children, nine of whom attained maturity. He was reared on the farm, early attending the common schools but, later, academies in Findlay and Lima,and then taught school for six years in Allen and Putman Counties. He also worked at carpentering for a time. He was married in 1867, to Mrs. Barbara Amstutz, daughter of Peter Schnmaker, an early settler and prominent farmer of this county (by her first marriage she had two children: Peter D., a school teacher, teaching German and English, and Abraham C, a farmer). To Mr. and Mrs. Basinger were born the follow- >ing children: Nahum, Joel, Noah, Lydia, Julia, David and Reuben. Mr. Basinger was ordained a minister of the Reformed Mennonite Church, in 1882. He is an earnest and devoted follower of the Great Master, and allows no personal concern to stand between him and his duty to God. He has been also engaged in farming, during his life, and is owner of a well improved farm in Richland Township.

PETER P. BASINGER, farmer, P. O. BluflElon, was bom on the farm where he now resides in Richland Township, this county, June 3, 1857; son of Christian, Jr. , and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Alsace, Germany (then belonging to France). Christian Basinger, Jr., a farmer by occupation^ was born in 1817, and when seven years old, his parents came to America and settled on a farm in Virginia, where they remained for ten years, thence moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and after a few years to this county. The family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the eleventh in the family, grew to maturity on the farm where he now resides, receiving his education in the township schools. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Mary Alice Lower, a daughter of Samuel Lower, a farmer, and Catherine (Baer), who were natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Basinger have been blessed with three children: Catherine Olive, Samuel Alfred and Isadora Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church.

NOAH C. BASINGER, farmer and school teacher. P. O. Bluflfton, of German descent, was born in Richland Township, this county, June 15, 1860, youngest son and twelfth in the family of Christian and Catherine (Lagibihl) Basinger. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native township and here obtained the radiments of his edncation, subsequently attending the high schools at Bluffton and Ada, and Hayesville College. He then taught for several terms, but subsequently engaged in farming, which has been his principal occupation. Mr. Basinger owns a half interest in the farm, comprising 140 acres, where he and his brother Peter P. now reside. He is not a church member. In politics he usually votes the Democratic ticket.

SAMUEL BASSETT, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Allen County, Ohio, October 23, 1848, son of Lewis and Sarah (Edgecomb) Bassett, of English descent, and natives of New York and Ohio, respectively, the former of whom came to Allen County, Ohio, over half a century ago, and was a farmer all his life. They reared a family of eight children. Samuel, the eldest, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in this county, and early in life commenced to teach school. During the late civil war he enlisted in 1864, in Company I, Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Lifantry; was engaged in the battle of Atlanta, and participated in other battles and skirmishes. He was discharged at the close of the struggle, and returning home worked at the carpenter's trade for a time, then commenced farming. He is now the owner of two f arma Mr. Bassett was married in 1868, to Mary, a daughter of D. L. Whip, a retired f aimer of Beaver Dam, and to this union were born six children: Otis, Bossie, Sadie, Louise, Clarie and Samuel. Mr. Whip was bom in Maryland, December 31, 1822, son of George and Sarah (Barnett) Whip, who were of German descent; he has been twice married, Mra Bassett being the fourth in a family of six children by his first wife; Mr. Whip's present wife's mother, aged eighty- five, and his own mother, aged eightysix, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is class leader. In politics he is a Republican.

J. T. BATES, proprietor of stone quarry, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Allen County, Ohio, April 27, 1837, son of Elijah and Nancy (Chandeler) Bates, natives of Virginia, the former of English descent, who had been a fanner all his life, and the latter of ]^sh descent Our subject, the sixth in a family of eleven children, was reared on the farm, receiving his schooling in the log schoolhouse in Bath Township, this county, and worked on the farm until he was tweoty-seven years old. He then went to Lima, Ohio, and worked by the day for a time. Li 1874 he came to Bluffton, and opened a stone quarry, which he has conducted successfully to the present time. Mr. Bates was united in mar riage in 1860, with Miss Susanna Bope, whose parents were Germans (her father, George Bope, was a farmer in Allen County). This union has been blessed with six children: William H (a telegraph operator in Colorado, and who learned telegraphy at Bluffton under Myron' Rounsavell, who is the agent here for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad), Tempa J., Nannie May, Elijah H., Bertha B. and John Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics; has served as supervisor and township trustee of Richland.

roth, former by trade a cooper. Our subject received a good education in the common schools of Germany, and there learned the cabinetmaking trade, at which he worked till he came to America, in 1865, settling at Bluffton. After engaging at his trade here for two years, he opened a furniture store which he carried on till 1881, when he sold out and commenced a saloon and lunch room business; he also sells tobacco, and has a ffood trade. Mr. Benroth was united in marriage, in 1867, with Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. Ulrich Steiner, a Mennonite minister; she is a native of Allen County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with eight children: Edward, Ferdinand, Rosa, Mary A, Pauline, Albert, Emma and Minnie. Mr. Benroth is a Democrat in politics.

THOMAS J. BENTLEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was born in the eastern part of Ohio, July 14, 1822; son of John and Nancy (Patten) Bentley, of English descent John Bentley, a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occupation, died at the advanced age of ninetytwo years. Mrs. Nancy Bentley, bom in Maryland, died aged seventy-six years. During the last ten years of their lives they made their home with our subject. Thomas J., the fifth in a family of six children, was reared on the farm, receiving a limited education in the common schools of Ohio, and early in life learned wagon making at Youngstown, Ohio. In 1852 he came to Hancock County, subsequently returned to Allen County, and settled in Bluffton, where for four years he carried on a wagon shop. He then purchased a farm, and has since engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits, owning now 160 acres where he resides, in Richland Township. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Bentley has been twice married, first in 1845, to Miss Barbara Fusselman, by whom he had the following children: W. S., a farmer; Edward; Ella, wife of N. Carney; Rozelia; Agnes and H. O. Mrs. Bentley died in 1863, and in 1865 our subject was married to Mrs. Rachel M. Ault, of English descent, widow of Philip Ault, who was a member of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life in defense of his country. They were parents of seven children, all married: Nancy E., Rosanna, Matilda, Theodocia and R. S.; Elijah and Wellington are deceased. Mrs. Bentley's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. Her father, Elijah Perkins, a wealthy farmer, whose parents died when he was a child, has been very successful in business, possessing at one time 800 acres, and is at present owner of 600 acres of well-improved land in Richland Township; he is ninety-eight years old, and his wife ninety-two years.

T. H. BIERY, buteher, Bluffton, was born August 16, 1844, in Lehigh County, Penn. ; son of John (a farmer) and May (Kimerer) Biery, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent Their family consisted of ten children, of whom T. H. is the youngest Our subject received a common school education, and early learned butchering, in which business he has continued all his life. He came to Bluffton, this county, in 1875, and opened a butoher shop and meat market, and has continued here ever since, meeting with more than average success. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Sarah Wasser, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and to this union were born eight children: William, Lew, Felix, James, John, Milton, Charles and Stillman. Mr. Biery is a mem-

PETER BIXEL, P. O. Bluffton, is a representative farmer, and was prominent among the early settlers of Allen County. He was bom in Holmes County, Ohio, April 28, 1833; son of Peter and Fannie (Diller) Bixel, natives of France and Switzerland, respectively, and who came to America when young. They were married in Holmes County, and had a family of twelve children, of whom Peter is the fourth; they came to Allen County in 1845, and settled od a farm. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Putnam and Allen Counties, and wisely chose farming as his life occupation, as his father and grandfather had done before him. He has been very successful, and now owns 200 acres of well improved land. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Fannie Suter, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, and of French descent, and this union has been blessed with thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living: Christian, David, Maggie, Peter, Anna, Fannie, John, Mary, Elias, Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bixel are members of the Mennonite Church, of Richland Township. Our subject takes a just pride in his children, and has carefully educated them. He has served ten years as school director of his township. In politics he is a Democrat.

R. F. CAHTLL, grocer, Bluffton, was bom in Cumberland County, Penn., December 2, 1831; son of Richard and Sarah (Foulk) Cahill, the former born in Maryland, and of Irish descent, the latter a native of the Keystone State, of German lineage. His father, a physician, came to Ohio, where he followed his profession for many years, and in 1858 settled in Blufflon, same State, and here practiced. Otir subject, the third in a family of seven children, received a common school education in Wayne County. His Orst business enterprise was buying and shipping live stock. On comiug to this county he entered into partnership with H. Waltz, who is now in the commission business in Buffalo, N. Y. After the diesolution of this partnership Mr. Cahill continued in the stock business alone until 1876, when he embarked in the grocery business, which he has carried on with more than average success ever since. He employs four clerks and enjoys a good trade. Mr. Cahill was married, in 1859, to Miss Carrie Alexander, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. John Alexander, a pioneer minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and who was also a politician, a Democrat, and who at an early day served as county recorder of Allen County. Mr. and Mrs. Cahill have two children: Lulu B. and Harry Lee, who is clerk in the store when not attending school. Mr. Cahill went to California in 1850, returned in 1851, but the «ame year went back to the gold fields of that State, where he remained for about two years. In politics he is a Democrat

H. J. CALL, life and fire insurance and real estate agent, and traveling ticket agent for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company, with head- -quarters at Blufflon, was bom in Erie County, Ohio, July 28, 1842; son of D. C. and Eliza (Grenolds) Call, of English descent, and natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. D. C. Call is a minister of the Disciples Church, and has lived in Allen County since 1874; of his six children H. J. is the second. Our subject received his education in the

<3ommoD and high schools, and at Oberlin College. Daring the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1861, in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, acting as Second Sergeant; was discharged in 1863, re-enlisted in Company C, Seventy-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and seryed till the war closed. He then went to Ottawa, Putnam County, Ohio, and embarked in the grocery business. In 1866 he came to Bluff, ton, this county, and engaged in the manufacture of oil barrels, in company with J. C. Powell. Subsequently selling out his interest bere, he went to Lima, where he carried on the same business; afterward returned toBluffton, and for a time engaged in a similar pursuit, but in 1879 he commenced the insurance business, and now represents eight Hre and life companies, and is also in real estate business. Since 1882 he has also been traveling ticket agent for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company. Mr. Call was married, in 1865, to Miss N. J., daughter of Hon. James Hogland, ex-congressman from Holmes County, Ohio. Mrs. Call is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Call has served as trustee of Richland Township; is a Democrat in politics; a F. & A. M.

JOHN CHARLTON, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Huntingdon County, Penn., September 9, 1809; son of Thomas and Elizabe^ (McClain) Charlton, the former, a farmer, of Irish descent, the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch lineage. Our subject, the eldest in a family of four children, received his education in the oonmion schools of Pennsylvania, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for eighteen years. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1849, and bought bis present farm comprising seventy-four acres of land, which he has Bince improved. He was married in 1828, to Elizabeth Kemp, a native of Huntingdon County, Penn^, and of Irish descent She died in 1883. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the eight children bom to this union only four are now living: Ellen, wife of Isaac McHenry; Jane, wife of Mr. Russell; Martha, wife of Mr. Bernbard; and Mary, who is single and keeps house for her father. Mr. Charlton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics.

J. ROSS CLARE, physician, Bluffton, was bom at Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, January 8, 1827, the only son of Miller and Rachel (Corns) Clark. Our subject's maternal grandmother, of German origin, was a resident of Valley Forge, at the time Gen. Washington and his soldiers wintered there. The doctor's father, a farmer by occupation, came to Ohio in 1798, and here he was reared among the rural scenes of farm life. He was of Irish descent, but of a family who came to America in an early day, his uncle, Abraham Clark, being one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. At the age of eighteen years our subject commenced teaching, an occupation he followed with success for fifteen years. During this time he studied medicine, and after he had fitted himself for the profession he abandoned teaching and immediately commenced to practice, first in Wyandot County, Ohio, then at Mount Blanchard, subsequently at Beaver Dam, this county, where he remained five years, and finally, in 1867, came to Bluffton where he has been in regular practice ever since. The doctor has been twice married, and is father of six children, four by his first wife: Marshall, Cynthia, Lowell and Lillie, and two by his second wife: Bowena Mabel and Boscoe. Onr subject is a Republican in politics; has never held any public offica He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association.

L. C. CBIBLEZ, proprietor of saw-mill and lumber dealer, Beaver Dam, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, January 15, 1883. His father, Victor Criblez, who came to America in 1836 and settled in Ohio, was a shoe-maker and carpenter, and worked at these trades until be came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1846; he reared a family of nine children. Our subject, the eldest, was educated in the common schools of this county and worked at the carpenter's trade until thirty-five years of a^e. In 1879 he built the saw-mill at Beaver Dam with a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, and is now employing from four to six men in the same. He was married, in 1862, to Bachel, daughter of John Jennings, an early pioneer of Allen County. Mrs. Criblez was bom in Ohio and is of English descent The children bom to this union are Jehu, William and L. C. Mrs. Criblez is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Criblez has constructed several saw-mills, and now owns 100 acres of land, besides a half interest in the mill, and town property at Beaver Dam. He is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a Democrat «

N. W. CUNNINGHAM, editor and proprietor of the Bluffton News, Bluffton, was bom at Lima, Ohio, February 24, 1856; son of Col. James and Martha (Kennedy) Cunningham, natives of Ohio. His father, who came to Allen County in 1832, firot settled on a farm, but was afterward a merchant at Lima, and held almost every office in the county from supervisor to State senator. Our subject, who is the youngest of the eleven children born to his parents, learned the printer's trade in the Democrat office at Lima, which was then conducted by D. S. Fisher, and there remained four years. In 1875 he established his present paper in Bluffton. He was married at Durango, Col., in 1882, to Miss Eva A. Ballard, formerly a teacher of Bluffton Schools.

CHABLES S. DAY, of the firm of Day & Hilty, proprietors of grocery and bakery, Bluffton, was bom in Putnam County, Ohio, January 31, 1861; son of B. B. and Mary (McBride) Day, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York, who were parents of two children, of whom our subject is the elder. His father enlisted during the late war of the BebelUon, in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in battle in 1864. Charles S. received his schooling in his native county and came to Bluffton, Ohio, when sixteen years old, and for six years was engaged as a clerk, the first two years with B. F. Cahill, the last four with Vernon & Steiner. He was married, June 5, 1882, to Catherine Keim, to which uoion has been born one child - Hallie. In politics Mr. Day is a Bepublican.

HENBY DILLMAN, grocer, Bluffton, was bom in Hancock County, Ohio, February 27, 1844, and is the sixth in the family of seven children of Peter and Elizabeth (Bame) Dillman, natives of Germany. His father came from his native land to America and settled on a farm in Jefferson County, Ohio, and there Henry was reared. Our subject received his education in Hancock County, living with his parents until he attained his majority, wheD he went to Sprin^eld, Ohio, and lived there one year, and came to Blnffton, clerking for two years for Philip Tranch. In 1869 Mr. Dillman embarked in the grocery businees, in which he has continned snocessfully ever sinca He is now the owner of a business room, three houses and lots in Blufiton. He was united in marriage, in 1875, with Miss Emma Helms, a daughter of Joseph Helms, a pioneer and prominent farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union have been born five children: Maud, Harley, Budd, Charles and Toney C. Mrs. Dillman is a member of the Methodist Church at Bluffton. In politics Mr. Dillman is a Democrat.

M K. EDGECOMB, retired farmer, Beaver Dam, was bom in Trumbull County, Ohio, December 11, 1826, son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Doud) Edgecomb, of English descent, and who came to Allen County in 18S1 or 1832, settling; in Bath Township. Their family consisted of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and five now living in this county. The father, who died at the advanced age of eighty years, was a farmer, and made his home for many years with his son, M E. , previous to his death. Our subject, the ninth in the family, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has been very successful in life, has engaged in farming most of the time, and now owns a farm in Richland Township and property in Beaver Dam. He operated a threshing machine during the falls and winters from 1844 to 1858, and now keeps a hotel in Beietver Dam. He was married, November 18, 1847, to Hannah E., daughter of Jacob Everitt, a farmer and an early settler of Allen County, this State, and of English descent. Their children are Madison, married and farming, G. W. and William. Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb are members of the Disciples Church, in which he is elder and of which he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a Republican in politics.

WILLIAM Mc. FENTON, retired farmer P. O. BluflRon, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, December 25, 1815, son of Robert and Jane (McCrea) Fenton; the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, in early years a carpenter, but in later life a farmer; the latter born in Ireland. They settled on a farm in Richland Township, this county, in 1836. Our subject, the fourth in their family of nine children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the pioneer log schoolhouse. He has made farming the occupation of his life, and is the owner of eighty acres of land in Richland Township, this county, on which he now resides. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Jane Hatch, born in Marion County, Ohio, in 1837, a daughter of Gardner and Harriet (Dudley) Hatch, who were natives of Maine and of English descent, former a farmer in Hardin County, Ohio. This union was blessed with five children: Emma Jane (deceased), William James, Lizzie May, John McCrea and Charles Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has officiated as elder. In politics he is a Riepablican. He has served as trustee of Richland Township. Mr. Fenton worked hard in early life, and by prudent management of his resources has succeeded in accumulating enough of this world's goods to keep him comfortable in the declining years of his life.

Crea) Fen ton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively, the former of whom, of English descent, a farmer by ooonpation, enlisted in the war of 1812, though he did not see active servica John Fen ton and his twin sister (now IkLrs. James D. Bentley) are the youngest in a family of eight children. When ten years of age our subject accompanied his parents to this county, and was here reared on the farm, attending the log schoolhouse near by, and has made farming his life avocation. He was a dutiful son, attending to the wants of his parents who lived with him until they died - his father in 1852, aged seventy five years, and his mother in 1855, aged seventy-one years. He was married in 1849, to Isabella Outhwaite, who was bom in England in 1830, a daughter of George and Isabella (Swan) Outhwaite. Mr. Fenton came to this township fortyeight years ago, before BlufEton was incorporated, and when the country was almost a wilderness. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1863, in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, serving till the close of the struggle. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton have an adopted son, Frederick G^rge Fenton, a farmer of this county. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bluffton. He is a Republican in politics.

CHRISTIAN GEIGER, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County, was bom in Switzerland, November 16, 1835; son of Peter and Anna (Welty) Geiger, also natives of Switzerland, former of whom came to America in 1837, settling on a farm in Richland Township, and raised a family of eight children. Christian, the youngest, was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education, and has made fanning the business of his life. He is the owner of a well -improved farm of eighty acres of land. He was married, in 1858, to Anna, dau^ter of Peter Thut, a native of Switzerland and a pioneer of Allen County. To Mr. Geiger and wife were bom Elizabeth (wife of Albert Shutz, a farmer in this county), Ellas (a farmer), Emma (at home), Mary and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger are members of the Mennonite CHiurch. In politics he is a Democrat

FREDERICK GEIGER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Putnam County, Ohio, October 17, 1838; son of John and Barbara (Welty) Geiger, natives of Switzerland, who came to America in 1835, and settled on a farm in Riley Township, Putnam County, Ohio. They were parenta of seven children, three boys and four girls, all of whom are now living and prospering. Our subject, the sixth bom, was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education, and early in life learned the cabinetmaker's trade. He is of a mechanical turn of mind, and a first-class workman. In 1853 he completed the first pipe organ in Richland Township, which is still in use. Farming, however, has been the principal business of his life, and he is now owner of 116 acres of well-improved land in Richland Township. Mr. Geiger was married, in 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Hilty, a prominent farmer of Allen County, Ohio. Her parents were natives of Switzerland. To our subject and wife were^ born ten children: Amos, Paulina, Calvin, Menno, Katie Ann, Emma, John, Isaac W., Lavina and Lillie May. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger are members of the American Mennonite Church, io which he is a deacon.

Elizabeth (Li^iherman) Gerber, natives of Switzerland, and who came to America in 1822» settling in Wayne County. Oar subject received a common school education, and has been a farmer all his life. He is now the owner of a well-improved farm, comprising 116 acres of land, in Richland Township, where he has resided since 1852. He was united in marriage in 1854 with Mary, daughter of John Basinger, a farmer and an early settler of Allen County, Ohio, and of German descent. Their children are Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Amstutz ; Leah, wife of Peter £. Amstutz ; David, farming on the home f arm, and Hannah. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics h& is a Democrat.

A. D. GOBLE, a member of the Bluflfton Tile Company, Blufflon, was born in Alabama, September 15, 1849, son of John and Catherine R (Isbel) Goble, natives of Pennsylvania; former of Scotch-Irish descent, a Presbyterian minister, who came to this county in 1866; latter of English origin. They were parents of six children, of whom A. D. is the next to the eldest Our subject was educated at Hayesville Institute, and chose for his ooouption the drug business, in which he continued but one year, however. He then went West, remaining for four years, then ran an engine ten years, and in 1874 came to this county, embarking in his present business in 1884. He was married in 1872 to Rachel J., daughter of Jacob Dilley, a farmer residing at Beaver Dam, Ohio. They are of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Goble have had four children : Otis, Lewis C, Irma Zoe and ECarley. Mr. Goble is a member of the Lutheran Church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat

REV. PETER GBEDING, D. D., farmer and minister, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Thusis Graubunden, Switzerland, February 28, 1837; ' son of Peter and Barbara (Pemisch) Greding, also natives of Switzerland, where the former died, leaving a widow with two children, Peter being the younger. Mrs. Barbara Greding came to America with her family in 1858, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis. Our subject received a good education in his native land« graduating from the Cantonal College, in Chur, in 1856. After coming to America he studied the English lan-

Siage and theology in Heidelberg College and Seminary, Seneca County, hio, where he was afterward a professor. He is a member of the Reformed Church in the United States, was ordained a minister in that denomination in 1859, and the same year came to Allen County, Ohio^ where he established the first German Reformed Church at Lima, and organized the Emanuel's congregation at Riley CreeL He has been the^ means of having several churches built in different parts of tlie country since he was stationed in Ohio, and is actively engaged in ministerial duties, filling the pulpit regularly. The farm on which he now resides,^ and which he operates, comprises 133 acres of land. Our subject was married in 1860 to Miss Anna, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Matter, also natives of Switzerland. They have following named children : Lydia, wife of J. Scott ; Jennings, a farmer and school teacher ; Calvin ^ Emma ; Bertha ; Clara ; Amelia ; Leander, and Hulda.

more, were natives of Germany; the father was a farmer, but not very successful, for he died a poor man leaving a family of ten children. Our subject, from childhood, had to practice economy. He learned the tailor's trade which he followed for seventeen years. He was united in marriage, in 1837, with Catherine Weaver, of German descent, and who was born November 8, 1816, in Butler County, Ohio, daughter of Henry Weaver. To this union were bom nine children: Sarah (deceased), Henry, Mary Ann,George, Elizabeth and an infant son (deceased), Harriett, Phebe Ann, and Martin. Mrs. Grismore, a member of the Lutheran Church, died in 1880. Mr. Grismore has been a resident of Richland Township, this county, since 1842 and has done more to increase its prosperity than any other man here. He first bought sixty eight acres of land, to which he added by subsequent purchases, until at one time he owned 630 acres. He has been induslxious, economical and very successful, financially, and by judiciously investing his money has now a comfortable competency. He is a Democrat in politics.

MARTIN GRISMORE, farmer, P. O. BlufEton, was born in Richland Township, this county. May 17, 1861, son of John Grismore, a wealthy retired farmer and pioneer of Allen County. Our subject received a common school education and has followed agricultural pursuits all bis life, being owner of the farm on which he now resides. He was married, in 1882, to Barbara, daughter of Godhard Altbaus, also a farmer here. Mr. and Mrs. Grismore have two children: Viola May and Harry Lee. Mr. Grismore is a Democrat in politics.

CHARLES GUSTWILLER, manufacturer of carriages, busies and wagons, Bluffton, a native of Germany, was born January 9, 18o0, son of Sebastian Gustwiller, also a carriage-maker, and who came to America locating in New York, subsequently moving to Detroit, Mich., where he followed his trade till 1860, when he came to Allen County, Ohio, remainimg here till 1862; he then went to Henry County, same State, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1882. Of the six children bom to his parents, Charles is the eldest son. He received his schooling in this county, worked with his father at carriage -making, and in 1871 came to Bluffton, working for different parties until 1875, when he went into business on his own account. He was united in marriage, in 1873, to Sarah E. Cahill, a sister of R. F. and a daughter of Richard Cahill, M. D. (deceased). They have two children: Lulu B. and Richard Clair. In politics, Mr. Gustwiller is a Democrat He is secretary of the R. A. at Blufiton.

SIMON HERR, harness and saddlery, Bluffton, an enterprising business man of this town, is a native of Allen County, Ohio, born April 17, 1851; son of Christian and Catherine (Mosser) Herr, who came to Ohio from Germany, their native land, over half a century ago, spending many years in this county. Of their seven children six grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject's father, who learned and followed weaving in Germany, devoted his entire attention to farming after coming to America; he died in this county in 1856. Simon Herr was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of this county. He learned the hamess-makinfi" trade, and has successfully carried on this business in Bluffton since 1870. He has also at different times en- gaged in selling sewing machines, wagons, baggies and carriages. Mr. Herr is owner of sixty feet front on Main Street, occnpied by business houses, which he made still more valuable by building, in 1884, the Herr's Opera House, which is one of the finest places of entertainment in this part of Ohio, having a seating capacity for 500 persons, folding chairs, raised floor, stage 40x22, four dressing rooms, good scenery etc Our subject was married at Lima, Ohio, in 1876, to Maggie Tremains, also a native of Ohio, of English descent, and to this union were bom Bertha, Anna, Jessie, and one deceased. Mrs. Herr is a member of the Disciples Church

NOAH HILTT, fanner and stock-raiser, P. O. Blufiton, was bom in Bichland Township, this county, March 4, 1852; son of Peter and Elizabeth (Neuschwander) Hilty, natives of Switzerland. Peter Hilty, a farmer by occupation, was bom September 8, 1821, and was the third in the family of five children of Peter and Fannie (Lngibihl) Hilty, natives of Switzerland, and who came to America in 1826, settling on a farm in Wayne County, Ohio. Our subject's father was reared on the farm and attended the log schoolhouse, and came to Allen County in 1838, settling in the wild woods. He was married in 1842, and to this union were bom ten children: Isaac, John, Barbara, Catherine, Benjamin, Noah, Mary, Peter B., Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hilty are members of the Mennonite Church; he has served as school director of this township. Noah Hilty was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and worked for four years at the carpenter's trade, bufc is now a farmer and stock raiser, owing sixty acres of land. He was married in 1876, to Sarah, daughter of Rev. John Moser, a Mennonite minister, and of German descent I'heir children are Elam, Elizabeth (deceased), Elmer^ Dora and Edmond. Mr. and Mrs. Noah Hilty are also members of the Mennonite Society.

J. HILTY, of the firm of Day & Hilty, proprietors of grocery and bakery, BlufEton, was bom in AUen County, Ohio, August 7, 1859. He was educated at Bluffton, Ohio, and leamed the harness-maker's trade, at which he worked for six years. In company with Charles S. Day he purchased the grocery and bakery in 1884. They are both good tradesmen, doing a cash business, and aiming to handle only first-class goods.

J. GUY HONNELL, physician and farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, Ohio, was bom in Oreene County, Penn., January 9, 1831, son of William and Eleanor (Pratt) Honnell, of French and German descent, former a farmer by occupation, being a native of Virginia; they were parents of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the sixth in the family, was reared on the farm, attending the common school of the home district and at Sidney, Ohio, until he was sixteen years old. He then commenced teaching in the winter and attending school in the summer, and while at coUesre he paid his own tuition and board and bought his own clothing. He was in school most of the time until he was twenty-one years of age. He then entered the ofiSce of Dr. Robert Johnson & Son, where he studied medicine for two years, then commenced to practice in Montra, Shelby Co., Ohio, following his profession there till 1855, when he came to Allen County, Ohio, and here he has practiced ever since. The doctor is well known, and at one time had an extensive practice, haying had as many as 100 calls in one day, many of whom he was compelled to turn away. He has never been a rigid collector, was always liberal to the poor, and though he has been very successful, is not wealthy. He is owner of 200 acres of valuable land. Dr. Honnell was married in 1855, to Amelia C, daughter of Bev. Ezra W. and M. S. (Stiles) Clark, former a Baptist minister, of English and German descent Their children are Stella, wife of Henry S. Shull ; Carrie V., wife of H. C. Hobart, of Cleveland, Ohio; Annie, wife of J. Marshall ; Jessie, at home ; Eugene Ouy, eight years old, the only son, also at home with his parents. The doctor is a Pres^ byterian of the Calvinistic type. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a prohibitionist of the ultra stamp, always claiming that alcohol, in all of its forms, is more sedative than stimulant, and the use of it is not necessary in the treatment of diseasa

LEWIS W. HUBER, farmer and stockraiser, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Allen County, Ohio, October 29, 1848, son of William and Sally Ann (Cunningham) Huber. William Huber was bom in Batavia, Otermany, in l81o, second of the five children (all boys) of Jacob Huber, a blacksmith, who married Bai'bara Maier, and came from Germany to Pennsylvania in 1832, and after working at his trade there for two years came to Bluffton, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Our subject's father is a very wealthy farmer, and has lived in this couniy since 1835; his wife was a native of Virginia; they reared a respectable family, of whom Lewis W. is the eldest Our subject was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. He has made agriculture the principal occupation of his life, and now owns a well- Improved farm of seventy-live acres in Richland Township. Mr. Huber was married in 1873 to Matilda Girod, whose parents were natives of France. To this union was born four children, three now living : Maud, John and Orville. Mr. and Mrs. Huber are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat

LEWIS JENNINGS, miller, Beaver Dam, was bom in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 20, 1828, son of James and Elizabetii (William) Jennings, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh and English descent, the former of whom was a pioneer farmer of this county, having moved here with his family over forty-eight >ears ago. Lewis was the eldest son of eight children, and had only a few weeks* schooling, as there were no schools in Eichland Township for ten years after the family settled here, but he studied at night, after working hard all day, fitting himself to be a teacher, and taught school for several winters in this county. He was married in 1852, to Ann McEee, who bore him the following children : Hiram (deceased), James B., Anna, John M. This wife died in 1860, and our subject then married, in 1861, Mary A. Everett, a native of this county, and of English descent The children born to this union are Francis M., B. F., Alfred, Clara, George.. Eittie May and Jasper W. W. Mr. and Mr& Jennings are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee and steward. He is a Republican in politics; has been trustee of Richland Township. Our subject owns a well-improved farm, and made fanning and stock-raising the business of his life till in 1882, when in company with

0. 0. Woodard he built the flooring-mill at Beaver Dam. This mill is in a first-class condition, having six doable sets of rollers and one of bnhrs, costing him $18,000. Mr. Woodard sold his interest in 1884, and the business is now conducted by Lewis Jennings & Sons.

O. S. LANGAN, banker, Blufflon, a native of Ireland, was bom December 19, 1839, son of Thomas Langan. He received his literary education in Ohio, and took a commercial course at Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating in 1861. When the war of the Bebellion broke out he promptly answered the call for men and enlisted in the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being soon after appointed corporal, then sergeant, was then promoted to orderly sergeant, and subsequently to sergeant-major of the regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Ohickamauga, taken prisoner and held on the battle field for ten days - when he was exchanged and sent to hospital at Nashville, thence to Camp Dennison, where he remained till the expiration of his term of servica He then returned to Ohio, and in 1866 was married, in Findlay, Hancock County, to Miss Ella Mungen, and to this union were born the following children: William I., Belle, Merle and Olen. Mr. and Mrs. Langan are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Langan has been very successful in bis business enterprises. He served as corporation treasurer and as a member of the school board. He is a F. & A. M.

WILLIAM LEWIS, Bluflfton, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Decembor 25, 1815, son of Henry and Leah (Hill) Lewis, the former of whom was a laborer. Our subject grew up among strangers, and the man with whom he lived put him to chopping wood as soon as he was able to handle an ax, keeping him at it and allowing him but one-half a day's schooling, depriving him at same time of sufficient clothing, so that until he was sixteen years of age our subject never wore a hat, and bad but two pairs of shoes until he made them for himself./ But he was bale and hearty, almost as fleet-footed as a deer, and he claims he could catch a rabbit in a fair race. The Indians were numerous here at that time, and young Lewis won a wager of $78.50 by outstripping a famous Indian runner; he also threw the champion wrestler of this race. In 1840 he climbed the liberty pole in Van Wert, height seventy. five feet, and cut the ropes used in raising it. William Lewis was never a very large man, 170 pounds being his greatest weight, and forty inches his chest measura He was noted as a wood-chopper, cutting and cording, on one occasion, 100 cords of wood in twenty-two days. In his lifetime he has cleared 217 acres of land with his own hands, and has cradled six acres of wheat in one day. He became an expert marksman, carrying off many prizes in shooting matches, and one summer he killed eighteen deer and a bear. Mr. Lewis came to Allen County in 1882, and for a long time engaged in cutting and clearing timber lands, but in later years has been manufacturing brick. He comes of patriotic stock, his grandfather having been a soldier in the Revolutionary struggle, and bis father in the war of 1812. During the late war of the Bebellion our subject enlisted in 1862, in Company B, Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was injured by a wagon falling on him at the second battle of Bull Run, and was discharged on account of disability. After coming home, however, his health improved, and in 1865 he re-enHsted, serving till the close of the war, bat has never been able to do much hard labor sinca Mr. Lewis was married in 1842, to Sarah Myers, of Van Wert Gonnty, Ohio; a daughter of Henry Myers, a farmer, and their children are as follows: James B. (also a member of Company £, Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry), Mary J. (wife of C. E. Bowen, of Dayton, Ohio), William J. (a stonemason, married and residing at Bluffton), and George H. (interested with his father in the manufacture of brick, and who was bom September 24, 1851, in Bluf^ton, Ohio, and married in 1875 to Elizabeth Conrad, have three children, Gertrude A., Bertha May and Hallie Edith). William Lewis and his sons are Republicans in politic& Our subject has been financially successful, and now owns five acres of land in Bluffton, four houses and lots, and a small farm in Hancock County, Ohio. He has been elected to public offices of trust in this coimty. He is well liked and is familiarly known as "Uncle Billy."

G. A. LIGHT, druggist and physician, Beaver Dam, was bom in Putnam County, Ohio, August 7, 1860, son of Amos, a farmer, and Elizabeth (Wells) Light, natives of Ohio and of German and English descent They reared a family of four children. Our subject, the eldest, acquired his education at Amalthea University, at West^rville, Franklin County, and Putnam County, Ohio. He studied medicine three years with Dr. H. T. Breckhill, and practiced with him for six montha In 1882, he commenced business on his own account, opening a drug store at Beaver Dam, where he still continues. Dr. Light has had to make his own way in tiie world, and prior to studying medicine, was for a time clerk in a dry goods store, and also taught school for nine terms. He was united in marriage in 1882, with Miss S. F., daughter of Samuel Morr, a farmer. Her parents were Pennsylvania Germans. To this union was bom one child - Roy Austin. The doctor and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a F. & A. M. In politics a Democrat; in 1884 he was elected justice of the peaca

BENJAMIN P. LUGIBIHL, farmer, stock-raiser and breeder of fine horses, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, August 81, 1849. His father, David Lugibihl, was bom in 1819, son of Christian and Catherine (Steiner) Lugibihl, natives of France, who came to America in 1824, and settled on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio. They reared a family of seven children, of whom David was the sixth. Our subject's father came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1836, settling in Richland Township, where he has lived ever since, and is among its wealthy farmers; he was married three times, his first wife being Catherine, daughter of Christian Geiger; they were married June 18, 1840, and their children were Mary, Regina (deceased wife Christian Basinger), Elizabeth (deceased wife of Peter B. Amstutz), and John (deceased). He was married (the second time) August 19, 1848, to Anna Sutter (nee Am8tutz),widow of John Sutter, and their children were Benjamin P., Jacob and Fanny. August 17, 1865, he married, for his third wife, Anna Lederman. Benjamin P. was educated in the common schools of his native township and has successfully engaged in farming. He was married in 1875, to Catherine, daught^ of Jacob and Anna (Stettler) Shif - ferly, natives of Switzerland. The children bom to this union were Bhoda, Walter, Hnldah (deceased). Mrs. Lugibihl was a school teacher before her marriage. Oar subject and wife are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat He has been school director for six years and has served his township two terms as trustee.

JAMES McPEAE, a successful physician of Bluffton, was born in Ireland, October 21, 1844, son of Samuel and Mary (Brown) McPeak, natives of Ireland. Samuel McPeak, an iron molder by trade, came to America in 1846 and settled in Cincinnati. Our subject, the second in a family of six children, attended the graded schools and also a private school in Cincinnati. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in Company C, Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantjy, was private, and at the close of his three years' service, was appointed aide, with rank of captain, to Col. Greenwood, who was then inspector- general At the close of the memorable struggle, our subject returned home and commenced (in 1866) the study of medicine in Cincinnati, in the office of Dr.S. B. Tomlinson, where he remained* three years. He then entered the Ohio Medical College, graduated in 1870, and same year was appointed district physician and surgeon of Cincinnati, and was thus employed for two years; he then engaged in regular practice there for three years, and was at two other places before he came here in 1882. Dr. McPeak was married August 29, 1871, to Eliza White, who was bom in Cincinnati, of Irish descent, and a daughter of Robert White. Their children are Blanche, Robert Samuel and Maggie. Dr. McPeak and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

JAMES H. MARSHALL, farmer and stock-raiser, Beaver Dam, was born in Pennsylvania, April 9, 1823; son of J. H., a farmer, and Jane (Patterson) Marshall, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent, respectively, and who had a family of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. James H., the eldest, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouse, and has made farming the business of his life. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1842, and engaged in clearing, and helped make the first roads in his part of the township. His farm, then in the woods, is now well improved, and comprises 112 acres of land. Mr. Marshall has been twice married; first time, in 1846, to Nancy, daughter of John Steele, and a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent To this union were born seven children: Mary (wife of Jacob Zeiders), Jane (wife of R. Campbell), J. H., Sarah (wife of Samuel Stewart), Cyrus A., Margaret (wife of F. Miller) and John. Mrs. Marshall died in 1859, and Id 1860 our subject married Siisan, daughter of James and Maria (Shrieves) Yanmeter, who were of Irish and German descent. The children bom to this union are Robert, Alice. George and Estella L. Mr. Marshall is a Presbyterian; his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

CYRUS MARSHALL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Cranberry, was born in Lawrence County, Penn., June 22, 1826, a son of James Hayes Marshall, a farmer. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. Our subject, the fifth in a family of ten children, was reared on the farm, acquiring a common school education. He was united in mar- riage, in 1850, with Mary, daughter of Samuel Beed, a native of Mahoning County, Ohio, and of English desoent To this union were born four children: Jamee H. and Margaret Alice (both deceased) ; John B. (who has beeh a school teacher, but is now a prominent farmer of this county), and Albert H. (also a farmer) - they both graduated from the normal school at Ada, Ohio, are married and own their farms. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Presbyterian Church at Bockport, Ohio, which he helped build, has been a member thirty-three years, and is now trustee in same. In politics he is a Republican. Our subject came here by wagon in 1851, and settled in the woods on the farm where he now resides, comprising 150 acres, which his father, who never lived here, however, had previously entered. He put up a cabin, and began clearing his farm, sending the grain he raised to the mill at Delphos. By industry he has accumulated a comfortable competency, and now owns two well-cultivated farms, comprising 160 and 154 acres, respectively. He has been engaged in buying and selling live stock, making a specialty of sheep, and now has 450 head of Spanish merinos.

W. H. MOHLEB, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 8, 1846; son of Henry and Anna (Howser) Mohler. natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English descent, the latter of German lineage. His father was a farmer, and lived many years in Ohio. Our subject was raised on the farm, attending the district school, and has made farming the business of his life. He came to Allen County in 1880, and bought the farm of eighty-seven acres where he now resides. He has been twice married; first, in 1870, to Harriet Quabill, who died in 1883, leaving two children - Ettie and Jesse. His second wife, whom he married in 1884, was Miss Katie Eeim, bom in Hessen, Germany, December 19, 1856, and whose father, Jacob Eeim, came to America in 1866, settling in Bichland Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mohler are members of church, the former of the Dunker's sect, and the latter of the Evangelical denomination. Our subject is a neat farmer, and takes just pride in educating his children. In politics he is a Bepublican.

WILLIAM W. MOOBE, physician and surgeon, was bom in Luzerne County, Penn. ; son of Elijah and Sarah (Moss) Moore, who reared a family of eleven children, of whom William W. is the sixth. His father, a carpenter and farmer, was in good circumstances until he moved to Ohio, when misfortunes overtook him, at which time the health of William W. became poor, and his father,f earing that the labors of farm life would be too hard for him, gave him his time at the age of fifteen years, advising him to acquire an education, telling William when he needed help to call on him. Accepting his father's advice,our subject managed to secure sufficient means to enter the academy at Normal k, Ohio, where he pursued a course of study for about three years. He next devoted himself to the study of medicine with Drs. Cole and Cook, at Monroeville, Ohio, during two years. He then commenced the practice of medicine at Bockport, Ohia Having spent some two years in the practice of medicine, he next went to Cleveland, and attended the Western Beserve Medical College until finding his funds somewhat exhausted; he then left college and located at Decatur, Adams Co., Ind., where he practiced medicine thirteen years. He subsequently went West, but, his health failing, he came to Allen

County in 1878, locating at Beaver Dam, and in 1882 moved toBloffton, where he still pnrsnes the practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Moore has been succeasfal as a physician, and though he has met with some butfinees reverses, sustaining heavy losses, he is yet in fair circumstances, and owns some real estate in Bluffton and also in Lima. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal GhurcL In politics he was a Democrat until 1864, since which time he has identified himself with the Republican party.

THOMAS MURRAT, retived farmer, Bluffton, a prominent early settler of Allen County, was born at CongriBss Lake, Stark Co., Ohio, February 12, 1820; son of John and Charity (Friest) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch and Lrish lineage, and who were parents of thirteen children, ten of whom attained maturity - seven sons and three daughters. His grandfather, Thomas Murray, was for many years a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. His father, who was a farmer, at the time of his death bad sixty-four grandchildren and sixteen greatgrandchildren, many of whom are now living. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the subscription school, held in a log-house, in Mahoning County, Ohio, where his parents lived for many years; has followed agricultural pursuits nearly all his life. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1848, settling in Bluffton, where he followed farming and was among the first to make cheese. He afterward kept hot^l for ten years, but at present is living a retired life in comfortable circumstances. He owns lands in Ohio and in the West, and considerable town property. Ho manages all his business himself and has made all he now owns by his own industry. Mr. Murray has been twice married, first in 1844, to Julia A. Osborn, who died in 1868. Their children were A. J., the eldest daughter, wife of A. G. Eibler, a prominent merchant in Bluffton, Ohio; Elizabeth F., wife of Joseph Miller, of Bluffton; Marietta, at home; Alexander, on a farm of 250 acres belonging to his father, in Kansas, and Cynthia A., at home. Mr. Murray was married, on second occasion, in 1864, to Mrs Nancy (Yanmeter) Marshall, widow of Robert Marshall, a pioneer farmer of Allen (then Putnam, County, Ohio, by whom she had six children, five now living: Calvin, a farmer; Yiama Amethia, widow of Mr. Young, now residing in Bluffton; James F., married and farming in Kansas; C. C, a railroad man, Chicago, III, and Nancy L., at home. Mr. Marshall died in 1855. By his second marriage Mr. Murray has one son - William B. Our subject was a Democrat in politics until the Kansas trouble, since when he has been a Republican. He served as township trustee in an early day, and many years on the school board. He has never taken a drink of whisky, never been sick a day in his life, and has never sued any one for debt or been sued himself, although he has done a large amount of business.

F. MARION MURRAY, physician and druggist, Bluffton, was born in Bluffton, Ohio, January 17, ]855; son of Joseph A. and Nancy (Dray) Murray, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-German descent, the latter of Ohio, of English-Irish lineage. His father, a wagon-maker by trade, has been a resident of Bluffton since 1851. Our subject, the sixth in a family of eight children, received his literary education in the schools of his native town, and here commenced to work in a dmg store when but thirteen years old, and continued clerking for over four years. He then went to Key West, Fla., being appointed steward and apothecary of the United States Marine Hospital, a position he held for four years, and during this time he studied medicine and pharmacy. He sub* sequently entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, whence he graduated in 1876; at the same time attending lectures at the Jeflferson Medical College, graduating in 1877; and, in 1878, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on him by the University of Pennsylvania. Immediately after graduating in medicine he began practicing in the city, whence he moved to Lenni, Delaware Co., Penn., where he continued in active practice until be came to Blu£fton in 1883, and here followed his profession till the latter part of 1884, when he became a partner with A. Hauenstein in the drug business. The doctor was married, in 1880, to Amanda Eirby, by whom he has two children: Jessie and Marian. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is trustee. He has had a longer medical training and has secured more diplomas than any other physician in Allen County. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association; the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; an honorary member of the Florida Medical Association; D. D. G. M. of the I. O. O. F. , and is a Master Mason.

, l^QCHAEL NEUSCHWANDER, farmer, BluflEton. Among the early pioneers of Allen County and the first German families in Richland Township was the Neuschwander family. Michael, our subject, the youngest of five children, was bom June 11, 1823, on mid ocean, his parent® being on their way brom Switzerland to America. They located the same year (1823) in Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained for ten years. The father, a cooper by trade, engaged in farming after coming with his family to Allen County, Ohio, in 1833. They settled on the farm where our subject now resides, camping out for three weeks until a temporary cabin covered with brush was erected. The wolves were numerous at that time, and a fire was kindled at night in front of the cabin to frighten them away. On one occasion, Daniel, our subject's elder brother, was chased by them, and, though in great peril, managed to effect his escape by urging on his horse. Deer and other game were plentiful. The Indians, who were camped near the settlers, proved themselves to be good neighbors, and were always friendly to the family. Later the father built the log-house which is still standing. Our subject was married in Richland Township, in 1845, to Fannie, daughter of John Geiger, a pioneer of Putnam County, Ohio, and the children bom to this union are John S., Mary, Anna, Joshua, Amos E., David and Sarah. Mr. Neuschwander a ad wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Society. He is owner of a fine farm of 200 acres with first-class improvements.

J. S. NEUSCHWANDER, proprietor of farm and market garden, Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, November 28, 1849, son of Michael and Fannie (Geiger) Neuschwander. His father, who was a farmer the latter part of his life, was born en route from Switzerland to America, his moUier was a native of Switzerland. They eame to Allen County, Ohio, iu 1833, and settled in Richland Township. They r^^ed a family of seven children - fonr sons and three daughters. Our subject., the eldest now living of this family, was reared on the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He was married, in 1882, to Fannie Bender, who was bom in Fulton County, Ohio. Her parents were natives of Switzerland, her father a farmer. To this union was bom one child: Effie Pearl. Mr. Neuschwander and wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. Our subject is now engaged in raising garden truck, berries, etc., for the market He owns seventy acres of land, ten acres being laid out in town lots.

ISAAC N. NEUENSCHWANDER, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County, was bom January 1, 1845,son of John and Barbara (Basinger) Neuenschwander, natives of Switzerland, who inmiigrated to this country with their parents when quite young, and settled in Wayne County,^ Ohio. His father is now a wealthy influential farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. Our subject, the youngest in a family of fonr children, lost his mother when he was but five months old, and was raised by Christian Basinger on a farm. At the age of nineteen years he commenced to teach school during the winters, farming in the summers, which routine he followed for six years. He was married, April 16, 1869, to Catherine, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lngibihl) Geiger, natives of Switzerland. To this union were born the following children: Emma, Jacob, Caroline, Elias, David, Elizabeth, Lydia and Luela. Mrs. Neuenschwander is a member of the Mennonite Society. Mr. Neuenschwander is owner of eighty acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat