Sycamore Township (part 1 of 2)

Sycamore Township

THIS township formerly belonged to Crawford County, and was originally included in that county in 1821. It is what is known as a fractional township and comprises Township 1 south, Kange 15 east. It derives its name from Sycamore Creek, the nearest approach to a river that courses through its midst, and this creek, no doubt, obtained its title from the many so-called "sycamore" trees that grew in that neighborhood, in reality the plane-tree or buttonwood, the sycamore proper (Sykamoros, ligmulbei-ry), being indigenous only to Egypt, Syria and neighboring districts. This township lies in the extreme northeast of Wyandot County. It is bounded on the north by Seneca County, on the east by Crawford County, on the south by Eden Township, and on the west by Tymochtee Township, It is six miles in length from north to south and four in breadth from east to west. Being one of the earliest settled townships in this part of the county, the timber has been well cleared off, and thereby it has a decided advantage over some of the other townships, as the farms are more numerous and better developed, and altogether show evidence of a more advanced state.

Of the streams in Sycamore Township (which all flow east or northeast), the creek that gave it its name is the most notable. Sycamore Creek takes its rise partly in Crawford County and partly in Sections 22 and 27, this township. It flows nearly due northwest and " glideth at his own sweet will" through Sections 21, 16, 17, 18, 7 and a small portion of 6, when it enters Tymochtee Township and finally pours its waters into the Sandusky River near Mexico, in the latter township. Mile Creek, the most northerly stream, which finds its source in Crawford County, flows in a northwesterly direction through Sections 10, 3, 4, 5 and northeast corner of 6, where it enters Seneca County by the farm of Peter Pennington, ultimately finding its way to the Sandusky River. A stream, which enjoys the oleaginous and euphonious title, Greasy Creek, contributes its measure to Sycamore Creek; it rises in Crawford County, although one of its tributaries has its birth in Section 16, this township, and passes through Sections 15, 10, 16, 9, 17 and 8, uniting with Sycamore Creek in the northwest quarter of Section 7. Taylor Creek has its main springs in Section 34, and after flowing through 33, 27 and 30, penetrates Tymochtee Township by the farm of J. Lease, and falls into the Sandusky River about a mile west of the township line. Its smallest tributary rises in Section 28, courses through Section 29 and conjoins with Taylor Creek on Section 30, and a larger tributary rises in Section 34, traversing Sections 33, 32 and 31, entering Tymochtee Township by the farm of P. Smith and flows into Taylor Creek on Section 14, latter township. There are to be found some other smaller creeks in various parts of the township. The Wyandot Reservation line runs from Tymochtee Township eastward through the northern part of Sections 31, 32, 33 and 34 for a quarter of a mile, thence south into Eden.

First Settlements

The first white settler in Sycamore Township was Samuel Harper, who, with his wife and seven children, four sons, William, James, Samuel and George, and three daughters, moved into the township March 1. 1821, where he entered 160 acres in Section 18, and another 160 acres in Section

6. He settled on Section 18, and resided there till his death, which occurred October 18, 1821. He was a native of Ireland, born in 1748, and came to America previous to the Revolutionary war, toward the commencement of which he enlisted. At the battle of Bunker Hill, he received a gunshot wound in the left arm, which was broken below the elbow. This disabling him, be was discharged and he then settled in Northumberland County, Penn. , having been married, in Chester County, Penn., to Catharine Grimes. In the fall of 1818, he moved to Ross County, Ohio, and March 1, 1821, to Sycamore Township. He died in October of that year. Mrs. Harper lived on the homestead until 1834, and then moved to Sycamore Village, where she died in 1848, having reared all her children to maturity. Alexander Morrow came with Samuel Harper from Ross County, Ohio, March 1, 1821, and lived with the Harper family for a time; he afterward bought land on Section 7.

Peter Baum, Sr., came about fifteen days after Samuel Harper, accompanied by Daniel Walters, who afterward married Susanna Baum, daughter of Peter Baum, Sr. He entered ten acres of land on Section 18, and died there. Ichabod Myron and Rufus Merriman, came about the same period. John Eyestone came from Ross County, entered 160 acres of land in Section

In 1822 came George Kisor ; he entered eighty acres of land, where he died some fifteen or twenty years after. William Lupton succeeded Kisor. coming in the early part of 1823. He settled on Section 17, where he entered 160 acres of land, and there died about 1848. He had three sons and one daughter; John, Samuel, Lewis and Massy, all of whom died in Sycamore Township, excepting Lewis, who died in Eden Township. About the same period came to this township the following: Peter Betzer, William Griffith, Michael Van Gundy, Jeptha Brown, Andrew Cliogman, David Ford, the Crawfords and Starkeys, James Milligan, Jesse Ingerson, William Goodman, James and Lorin Pease, and Conrad Betz.

Between 1823 and 1826, Jacob Hersbberger and family, Solomon Pontius and family, William Griffith and family, Samuel and Bribner Hudson and their families, Abram and Samuel Bair and their families, Benjamin Van Gundy and family, William Goodman and family. William and Samuel Caughey and families, Jacob Combs and his family, from Virginia; Gershom Cunningham and family.

From 1826 to 1830, Levi Pennington and family came from Virginia; Hampton Ford and family of three sons and one daughter, Benjamin Knapp and family, William Betzer and family, Adam Coon and family and Abram Brown and family. Following is a list of those who were assessed for the payment of taxes in the township of Sycamore in 1845, showing also the kinds of property owned, and (when real estate) upon what sections located :

First Things

The first house in Sycamore Township was erected by Samuel Harper about the year 1821. It was of hewed logs, dimensions 18x18 feet, one and a half stories high, and it stood till 1834-35. The first saw mill was established by William Griffith in 1830 on Section 18; it was operated until destroyed by fire in 1876-77; and the first grist-mill was known as Taylor's mill, erected on Sycamore Creek in Section 17 by George W. Taylor in 1843-44. It had two run of buhrs, and is still being operated. Prior to this mill, settlers had to go to the old Indian Mill at Upper Sandusky, to have their grinding done, or to Buck Creek in Clark County, Ohio. The first election in the township, which was then a full Congressional township, was held at the house of George Kisor near Petei'sburg, in 1822-23, when a full board of township officers were elected. Prior to

1822, provisions were brought in from the south. At that date a store was established at Old Tymochtee. The first wedding in the township took place in 1826, at the residence of Peter Bavim, the contracting parties being Daniel Walters and Susannah Baum, and the first births were Susannah and Barbara Walters (twins), children of Daniel and Susannah Walters. The first death was that of Samuel Harper, which occurred at his old homestead in 1823. He is buried on the farm A. Bretz now lives on. The first store in the township was in Sycamore Yillage, kept by George Harper previous to which settlers went to Delaware for their supplies. There are now, besides those in Sycamore, three stores in the township, all in the village of Petersburg, viz. : One dry goods, by John Bender; one grocery, by Jerome Williams, and one drug store, by Francis Culver.

Roads And Kailroads

The only highway that traverses this township from north to south, other than the Crawford County line, is the Section line a mile west of Crawford County; three roads cross the township from east to west - one in the center, passing through the town of Sycamore, one a mile further south and a third on the Eden Township line. In addition to these there are several others leading either in parallels with or along the section lines, or in an irregular manner, one of which latter inclines in a northwesterly direction from the village of Sycamore to Mexico, in Tymochtee Township, and the Morrison State road, which was the first regularly laid out road in the township. The Ohio C^entral Railroad intersects Sections 18, 20, 21, 28, 27 and 34, entering this township from Tymochtee on the farm of Charles B. Ingerson, and enters Crawford County by the farm of C. C. Pancoast.

Schools, Churches, Etc

The first school in this township was held in the village of Sycamore, and the first schoolhouse was a round-log structure, 18x18 feet in dimensions, located on Section 17. It was erected in 1825-26 by the citizens of the township. The first teacher was Nancy Parmenter, who received the munificent sum of $1 per week as salary, and this amount was raised by subscription. There are now six school buildings in the township.

The first religious services in Sycamore Township, before any regular house of worship was erected, were held during the summer of 1822 at the house of Mrs. Harper, John Stewart, a colored missionary, and James B. Finley officiating, and meetings were continued to be held at private houses or cabins, and occasionally on the old camp ground, until the erection of the first church in 1834. This place of worship was a frame structure built on Section 18, nominally by the Methodists, actually by the united support of the people, regai'dless of sect.

Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church of Pipetoivn. - This society held its first meeting in this township in the old round-log schoolhouse in about 1834, and in that year their first church building was erected on a piece of ground seventy rods north of the southeast corner of Section 10, on the county line of Crawford and Wyandot. It was of frame work, 30x40 feet, and completed at no other cost than the gratuitous labor of those interested.

The present church was built in 1853, a plain, but neat frame building, dimensions 28x35 feet, cost $62-5. It is located on the same site as the old, and in Section 10. In 1844, this society had some forty- four members, among whom were R. Weeks, William Gregg, Thomas Yates, A. Gregg, Lewis Lemert, Isaac Blair, Benjamin Shepherd, John Thompson, Robert

Weeks, Jr., and the wives of all of them, together with several children. The pastors have been: Among those prior to 1844 - Revs. Thomas Thompson, James Wilson, H. O.Sheldon; since 1844 - Revs. Martin Welsh. Ralph Wilcox, Luke S. Johnspn, - Kishler, Jesse Williams, Thomas J. Gard, John McKean, - Huestis, and others, with their colleagues. The first Trustees were Robert Weeks, William Gregg, Thomas Yates ; present Trustees, C. W. Longwell, R. L. Speer, J. F. Gregg. There is at present no membership, and the church building is now used for funeral services, Sabbath schools and irregular church meeting appointments. The Sabbath schools are held in the summer months, and the attendance of scholars averages about fifty. In December, 1844, a revival took place in connection with this society, under the guidance of Revs. M, Welsh and J. R. Jewett, on which occasion many children and youths and about a dozen adults were brought into the church, and in January, 1854, quite a number of heads of families, as well as young persons, were converted and joined the church under the administrations of Revs. Luke S. Johnson and - Kishler.

Sycamore

This village is situated on Sycamore Creek between Sections 17 and 18, and on the line of the Ohio Central Railroad. It was laid out in the year 1842, while Sycamore Township was yet apart of Crawford County. " Old Sycamore " as it is now termed, was of slow growth, and never attained higher than an ordinary country hamlet. Subsequent additions have been made, rather plats laid out independent of the "old town," till it now comprises a thriving village of over 300 inhabitants. The first house erected on the site of the village was in the year 1836. It was a store 18x30 feet in dimensions, and built of logs by George Harper, who opened a store, conducting the same two years. At the expiration of this time, he disposed of the stock to William Combs, who continued in the mercantile business about the same length of time as Mr. Harper. Combs sold to Gustus Saffel, who was une of Sycamore's leading merchants till 1880.

In 1849-50, A. W. Brinkerhoflf and J. B. Wilson opened a store and did business till 1856, when the firm dissolved and Brinkerhoff removed to Upper Sandusky.

The village now has three dry goods stores, besides groceries, a sash and door factory, and a very fine five-story brick flouring mill erected in 1884 by George Taylor.

Religious

United Brethren Church in Christ - -The first meeting of this society was held in a schoolhouse located on Section - , by Rev. J. Powell, in the year 1849. Two years later, a permanent organization was effected by Rev. William Mathers, with eleven members, as follows: John Gring, F. Clapsaddle, William Van Gundy, Charles Shire, Samuel Swinehart, Jane Swinehart, Martha Brady, John Beck, Margaret Morris, Elizabeth Noel, Mary Crawford and Father Swinehart. The society continued to worship at this schoolhouse until 1853, when it erected a frame building in Sycamore, 30x40 feet in size, at a cost of $800. This was used as a house of worship until 1873, when it was replaced by a commodious brick structure, 44x60 feet in dimensions. This edifice, located on Safi'ell's Addition, cost $4,300. The following pastors have served this charge, viz. : Revs. S. Es- sex, one year; S. H. Rowdabaugli, two years; Rev. Clingal, two years; J. Ridly, one year; L. Moore, one year; Rev. Struble, six months; E. B. Maiirer, two and a half years; and C. L. Bevington, the present incumbent. The present number of members is ninety, with the following officers: Trustees - William Van Gundy, P. K. Sheaffer, J. W. Eyestone, William Kinley and Solomon Downey, The society has been blessed with several revivals, some of the principal ones occurring in 1873, 1875 and 1877. In 1884, some fifty accessions were made to the church. A Sabbath school, Missionary Society and a society termed "The Gleaners," composed of young people, are maintained, and are in a flourishing condition.

Secret Societies

Bubicon Lodge, No. 645, I. O. O. F. - The dispensation was granted this lodge July 20, A. D. 1876. The original members were I. B. Gibbs, J. N. Asbury, M. G. Clapsaddle, George W. Biles, Philip Bloom, D. M. Bope, G. Eyestone, Harvey Griffith, J. A. Gibson. A. E. Gibson, W. A. Milligan and William Park. Nathan Jones, M. W. G. Master, organized the lodge with the following officers: I. B. Gibbs, N. G.; J. N. Asbury, V. G.; G. W. Biles, Secretary; J. A. Gibson, Treasurer; William Milligan, Warden; Philip Bloom, Conductor; William Park. I. G. ; A. E. Gibson. O. G.; D. M. Bope. R. S. N. G. ; H. Griffith, L. S. N. G. ; G. Eyestone, L. S. V. G.

The society has a membership of fifty-five, and holds its meetings every Saturday evening in the hall over H. M. Byers' drug store. Prior to December. 1883, it convened in " Biles' building." There has always been a deep interest taken in the order in ibis place since the institution of the lodge, and it has always been prompt in its attendance upon the sick or needy. But one member has been taken away by death. The financial standing of the lodge is good, now having $450 on interest.

Jaqueth Post, No. 196, G. A. R., was organized January 31, 1882, with the following members, viz. : B. Pontius, J. E. Goodrich, W. Brown, C. Moessner, J. A. Boley, E. J. Wilson, J. Staum, William Milligan, William Beard, William Hill, T. Fox and Edward Ingerson. The Post was organized by Inspector Brown, of Toledo. It has a membership of seventeen, with J. A. Boley as Commander, and C. Moessner, Adjutant.

Biographical Sketches

JOB BAKER is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and son of Richard and Fannie (Wheeler) Baker, natives of New York State. He was born March 27,1843. His parents were married in Steuben County, N. Y., and migrated to Ohio in 1835, settling in Seneca County, where they reared a family of six sons - Silas, Frank, Job, Gratton H., Ralph W. and Richard W. The parents are still living. In 1865, Mr. Baker purchased 140 acres in Crawford County, and lived upon this farm till 1873. He then sold out and purchased 210 acres in this township, adding forty acres a few years later.

In 1872, he purchaHed 210 acres in Seneca County, now owning 460 acres, valued at $65 to $100 per acre. He has always devoted his attention to fai'ming and stock-raising, and has met with admirable success. He keeps some thoroughbred short-horn cattle, and good grades of stock generally. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Baker enlisted in Company B, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Green River, and other minor engagements, receiving his discharge in August, 1863. He resumed work on the farm the same year, and has since been thus engaged, dealing more or less in stock. Mr. Baker was married November 14, 1865, to Eliza Nichols, of Mexico, this county, daughter of Henry M. and Margaret (Lemaster) Nichols, parents and daughter all natives of Barkley County, W. Va., in which State the former were united in marriage. Her parents came to Ohio in 1842 and settled at Tiffin. In 1851, they removed to Mexico, where the father died January 29, 1879, and where the mother still resides. They had nine children, and seven still survive, namely, John W., Susan E., Ann E., Henry B., Samuel M., Catharine B. and James H. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have six children - Mary P., Maud A., Wheeler H., Mary M. , Nora D. and Charles F. Mr. Baker is a member of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M., of Melmore, and also of the Royal Arch, Tiffin, Ohio. He obtained a fair education in the common schools, and spent two years at the Baldwin Univei'sity, Berea, Ohio. He is a strong Republican and Prohibitionist.

HIRAM BARE, M. D., was born July 25, 1832. He is a native of this township, and a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Berry) Bare, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. His parents were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in 1824 moved to this township and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he erected a log cabin, in which he died in August, 1840. Five of the eight children are living - Elizabeth, Hii'am, Mary, Samuel and Eliza. The mother is living in Sycamore, in her seventy-lifth year. Hiram where he remained eight years, and then returned to Wyandot. He had availed himself of the advantages of the common schools, and in 1852 went to Tiffin and became a student in the Heidleberg College, where he pursued his studies at intervals several years, teaching in district schools during the winter months. He continued teaching in this manner till about 1858 or 1859. In 1855, he began the study of medicine at Mexico, under the instructions of Dr. B. A. Wright, and continued his studies, teaching occasionally and attending lectures till about 1858, when he began the practice of his profession in Crawford County. He has since practiced in Jay County, Ind., Maumee .City, Mexico and Bucyrus, establishing himself in Sycamore in 1881. In 1882, he erected a fine brick residence, which he now occupies. He was married in March, 1854, to Eliza R. Robinson, of this county, and one child was born to them. It died in infancy, its mother in confinement, September, 1855. Dr. Bare was married, June 4, 1862, to Miss Eliza Perdue, of Crawford County, daughter of Laban and Margaret (Harper) Perdue, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Dr. Bare is quite successful as a practitioner, and has a large patronage. He is a member of the F. & A. M. at Bucyrus, and strong in Republican faith.

ANDREW F. BENDER, born July 30, 1821, is a native of Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, and son of George and Mary (Taylor) Bender, also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German lineage. His parents moved to Ohio in 1824 and located in Bucyrus, moving to Benton in the fall of the same year, and entering eighty acres of land, where the sons and daughters were reared, their names as follows: Elizabeth, Andrew F., Mary, Susanna, George, Samuel and Joseph, all living but Samuel and Susanna. The mother died in 1830, the father in 1851. Our subject spent his youth and early manhood with his father, with whom he was engaged in farming several years. About 1844 or 1845, he purchased a small farm of thirty three acres, which he improved and resided upon for several years. In 1852, he became the owner of the old homestead farm of 150 acres, and disposed of his former home. In 1860, he sold the old homestead and purchased 160 acres in the same township, selling out again in 1863, and purchasing forty acres where he now resides. By subsequent purchases he has added forty-seven acres, and now owns eighty-seven acres, valued at $90 per acre. Mr. Bender was married, October 18, 1842, to Sarah Kiser, a native of this township, and daughter of George and Susanna (Hare) Kiser. This union was blessed by ten children - infant son, John, George, Andrew, Susanna, Sarah, Emma, Lily, Harvey and Mary, all living but the infant son. Mr. Bender now lives a retired life. He has served his township in several different offices, and is well respected in his community. He is a Democrat, and both he and Mrs. Bender are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Petersburg.

MICHAEL D. BETZ was born in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn., April 28, 1824. He is a son of William and Catharine (Davis) Betz, natives of Pennsylvania and of German and Welsh descent. His parents were married in Union County, their children being John, Rosanna, Catharine, Susanna, Solomon, Leah, William, Mary, Michael D. and Jacob. Of these the deceased are William, Mary, John and Rosanna. Mrs. Betz died about 1846, aged fifty-five; Mr. Betz died in 1869, aged eighty-one. Michael D. worked upon the farm with his father till twenty- four years of age. He then worked three years at the carpenter's trade and one year at grain threshing, operating the first separator ever used in Ross County. He was married, February 19, 1852, to Mary A. Pontius, a native of Ross and resident of Wyandot County, daughter of Solomon and Rachel (Wells) Pontius, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. Her parents were united in wedlock in Pickaway County, Ohio, and moved to Ross County and then to this township about 1833. Their children were Barbara, Andrew, Susanna, Elizabeth, Mary A., Rezin W., David, Sarah A., Benjamin - all living but Susan, Elizabeth and Barbara. Mr. Pontius died in 1867, and Mrs. Pontius in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Betz have had six children - Martha J., born February 15, 1853; Mary C, January 17, 1855; William E., February 23, 1856; Florence J., December 27, 1861; Ward Beecher, June 28, 1864; Jay W., November 7, 1869. William E. and Ward^ B. are deceased, the dates of their respective deaths being September 25, 1862, and March 2, 1867. In 1852, Mr. Betz moved to this township, but returned to Ross County in the same year on account of ill health. Two years later he returned to this township where he has since been exclusively engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1855, he sold his first farm, and in 1860, purchased his present tract of 200 acres. He is largely engaged in gi'owing blooded stock - thoroughbred merino sheep, Poland-China hogs and short-horn cattle. Mr. Betz is an old Whig-Republican-Prohibitionist, and has served his township in many ways. He is a member of the United Brethren Church at Sycamore.

(Holraan) Betzer, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and of German lineage. His parents married in Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio in 1800. They located in Koss County, where they resided till 1835, when they came to this county. Peter and William were their only children. The father died in about 1859, and the mother about ten years later - both in their eighty-fifth year. Our subject was married, August 7, 1827, to Susanna Wells, a native of Maryland and resident of Pickaway County. She was a daughter of Rezin and Elizabeth Wells, and was married in Ross County, Ohio. This marriage was followed by five children - Eezin, Sarah A., Elizabeth, John and an infant daughter. Sarah A. and Elizabeth are now the only living. In 1828, Mr. Betzer entered 160 acres of land in this township, and several years later moved upon the same, and with his own hands cleared and improved it, enduring many hardships known only to pioneers. In 1845, he purchased 120 acres at the land sales, entered forty acres more, and a few years later purchased eighty acres in Tymochtee Township. He has since purchased two tracts of 80 acres each, one of 65 acres and one of 31 acres, most of which he has distributed to his children. He now lives a retired life with the wife of his heart, whom be married fifty-seven years ago. Both are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Betzer has been a life-long Democrat.

WILLIAM ^Y. BETZER, son of Rezin and Elvira (Wilson) Betzer, was born in this township March 15, 1859. His parents were also natives of this county, where his mother still resides. His father died when our subject was an infant. The three children of the family wei-e Mary, William W. and Elisha R. William Betzer began life on his own responsibilities when quite young. He inherited 160 acres from his father's estate, and this legacy he traded in 1882 for eighty acres of improved land in this township - five acres now within the village corporation. This farm he cultivates and values at SlOO to |110 per acre. Mr. Betzer was married, October 13, 1881, to Lucy J. Byers, a resident of this township and native of Seneca County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Philip and Ruth E. (Mc- Dongle) Byers, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Betzer is a first-class farmer and citizen, and is a warm advocate of Republican principles. -

THEODORE F. BLAIR is a native of Warren County, N. J., and was born August 9, 1844. His parents, James and Sarah (Linaberry) Blair, were born in New Jersey and were of Scotch-Irish and English parentage. They were married in their native State, their children being named as follows: William L., Emaline, Matilda, Caroline, Malinda, Theodore F., Marshal and James A. Of these Malinda and Marshal are deceased. The mother died in New Jersey, August, 1854. By a former marriage to Mary Liday Mr. Blair had three daughters - Elizabeth A., Rachel and Mary - the latter deceased. In 1856, Mr. Blair emigrated to Ohio and settled in this township, where he pui'chased land, engaged in agriculture and stockraising. He was one of the most prominent farmers of the county, and at his death owned about 1,400 acres of land. His death occurred in September, 1867. At his father's decease, our subject became the owner of the homestead, on which he now resides and does an extensive business in grain and stock-raising. He was married, October 15, 1868, to Celestia J. Spencer, a native of Athens County, born November 26, 1848, and daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Lane) Spencer. This union has been blessed by three children - Marietta B., born September 22, 1873; Samuel S., June 4, 1875; Frank T., April 23, 1880; Marietta died May 7, 1874. Being a member of the Ohio National Guards, Mr. Blair was called into the service in May, 1864, joining Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and serving till August. He and Mrs. Blair are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mexico. In political sentiment Mr. Blair is a Republican.

JOHN E. BREESE, son of Harrison and Zuba (Baker) Breese, was born ill Delaware, Ohio, February 6, 1N45. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of Irish descent. They were married in Delaware County, Ohio. Their children were Fletcher, Isabel, Adelaide, John E., William H. and Joseph us K. - all living but the eldest, Fletcher. The father died June IS, 1858, aged forty-four years; his widow still survives, residing in Deunquat, in her sixty-ninth year. Mr. Breese began blacksmithing in 1862. August 14 of the same year he enlisted in Company F, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. He participated in the engagements at Memphis, Vicksburg, Chickasaw Blufis and siege of Vicksburg; was taken sick at the latter place and sent to the St. Louis Hospital, being discharged at that place July 25, 1865. Returning homo, Mr. Breese resumed his trade in Delaware County. He was married, February 21, 1867, to Eliza J. Case, a native of Delaware County, and daughter of Charles and Catharine (Carney) Case, natives of New York State and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio about 1833, locating in Delaware County. Their children were George, Caroline D. , Heni-y, Mary A. , Sophronia, Eliza J. , Caroline A. and Adelaide E. George, Henry and Adelaide are deceased. The father died November 18, 1882, aged seventy-six; the mother is now in her sixty-eighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Breese have no children. They moved from Delaware County in 1871 and located in Petersburg, this township, where he has since plied his trade. Mr. Breese is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a stanch Republican.

ANDREW J. BRETZ was born May 23, 1825. He is a native of Fairfleld County, Ohio, and is the youngest son of Coonrod and Susan (Foorman) Bretz, who were born in Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His parents were married in Lancaster County, Penn., and migrated to Ohio about 1808, locating upon 160 acres in Fairfield County, where they reared a large family. Their children were Peter, Lydia, Anna, Lucinda, Eli and Andrew J. Three others are deceased. In 1835, the farm in Fairfield was sold, and the family came to Wyandot County. They purchased 160 acres in this township, where the parents died. Andrew J., our subject, was married, February 25, 1852, to Mary Baum, daughter of Michael and Ruhama Baum, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Irish descent. Her parents had nine children - Jackson, Alexander, Eliza, Mary, Harrison, Russell, Barbara, Peter and James - all living but Mary. The father died in January, 1861; his widow resides with her son, Andrew J. Mr. and Mrs. Bretz have one son, James Alexander, born August 29, 1858. He was married, February 25, 1875, to Lucy A. Paulin. Mr. Bretz inherited his father's farm at the latter's death, and in 1870, he added eighty acres more, now owning 240 acres, valued at $100 per acre. His farm is in a high state of cultivation, and is provided with good buildings; Mr. Bretz is a strong Democrat, and has served this township as Trustee for five years.

ASA BROWN is a native of Upper Canada, and was born near Brookville, Leeds County, June 27, 1806. He is the fifth son of Nathan and Susanna (Webber) Brown, who were natives of York State, and who emigrated to Canada in 1800. They had twelve children, but fovu' of whom survive, viz., Obediah, Asa, Nathan and Armena. The father died in July, 1825, the mother in 1838. Asa, our subject, was married. February 20, 1830, to Elizabeth Lee, native and resident of Leeds County, Canada, and daughter of Samuel and Anna Lee, natives of York State, and of English and Irish descent. Their eight children are all deceased. Mrs. Brown, born May 3, 1812, died January 10, 1850. She was the mother of ten children, namely: Wilber, born in Leeds County, Canada, June 13, 1832; Lucy A., born July 13, 1834, also in Canada; Hannah M., born May 12, 1836, alao in Canada; Delilah, July 11, 1838; Letitia, February 19, 1840; Armenia E., December 2, 1841; Caroline A., January 8, 1844; Olivia A., November 3, 1847. The latter five were born in Crawford County, Ohio. Nathan L. and Samuel P. (twins) were born December 15, 1849. Of these children the deceased are Hannah M. , Samuel P., Olivia A. and Nathan L. Mr. Brown came to Ohio in 1837, and purchased 1 60 acres in Crawford County, where he resided many years. In the meantime he retm-ned to Canada, and was married, June 10, 1851, to Nancy A. Brezee, of Leeds County. By this wife two children were born - Lucinda, April 17, 1852. and Thomas W., December 24, 1854. The latter died October 16, 1856, and their mother departed this life February 8, 1859. March 19, 1860, Mr. Brown was married to Anna Snyder, of Crawford County. In 1878, he moved to Sycamore, where he purchased property, and now lives on his land near town, where he erected a fine brick residence. Mr. Brown is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, as is also his wife, who was formerly connected with the United Brethren Church. His first wife was also a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and his second wife a professor of Christianity. Mr. Brown was first a Whig, then a Republican, and now a Prohibitionist.

WILBER BROWN was born in Elizabethtown, Leeds Co., Canada, June 13, 1832, son of Asa and Eliza (Lee) Brown. In 1853, he began farming in Crawford County, Ohio. In 1872, he embarked in the grocery trade in Lucas County, where he remained till 1875. He then sold out, and in 1876 moved to Sycamore, and began the dry goods business, closing out the same year. In 1877, he embarked in the drug business, which he still pursues. He owns property in Fostoria and also in Sycan:iore, where he is conducting a profitable and prosperous business. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the army, and was honorably discharged in May of the same year. Mr. Brown was married, July 3, 1853, to Clarissa Lindley, of Likens Township, Crawford County, daughter. of Eli and Irene (Triscot) Lindley, natives of York State, and of English parentage. Her parents reared a family of five sons and six daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had one child, born December 2, 1854, died October 6, 1875. [Mrs. Brown passed away August 8, 1872. July 15, 1873, Mr. Brown was married to Eliza A. Lucas, of Whitebouse, Lucas Co., Ohio, daughter of David and Catharine (Demuth) Lucas, natives of Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to this union - Eliza C, October 9, 1875; Catharine D., August 3. 1879; and Wilber L., November 28, 1881. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican; served as Township Clerk several years; is a member of Rubicon Lodge, No. 645, I. O. O. F. , and both himself and wife are members of the the Protestant Methodist Church. They were both school teachers in their younger days.

vania and Virginia. They were oi German parentage, were married in Ross County, Ohio, and in an early day moved to this county and settled in this township. Their children were Lovina, Nicholas, John, Benjamin F. and Alva, all now living but Nicholas and Benjamin F. The father died on January 13, 1853, the mother in August, 1867. Alva Eunn was reared on a farm, and in this pursuit he has ever since engaged. He now resides on the farm of bis mother-in-law, owning fifty acres himself in this township. He was married, September 12, 1867, to Mary L. Osborn, of Crane Township, natives of Crawford County, and daughter of Warner and Susanna (Heston) Osborn, natives of York State and Ohio respectively, and of English and Irish descent. Her parents were married in Seneca County, then moved to Crawfoi'd County, and in 1854 to Crane Township, this county. Mrs. Bunn is their only child, and she was born October 21, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn are the parents of seven children - an infant daughter, born April 27, 1868; William W., born April 23, 1869; Rolla O., July 2, 1871; Velora. September 11, 1873; Detwiler, May 26, 1876; Zora, October 4, 1878; Arden, June 15, 1883. The infant daughter is deceased. Mr. Bunn has served his township as Constable four years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Melmore, and an active Republican. Mrs. Bunn is a member of the United Brethren Church at Sycamore.

"WILLIAM A. CAUGHEY, dry goods merchant, Sycamore, was born October 7, 1835. He is a native of this township, and son of William and Charity A. (Pennington) Caughey, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, of Irish and Welsh descent. His parents were married in what is now this township, but sold out in 1847 and purchased a farm of eighty acres, all of which is now within the coi'poration of Sycamore Village. Their children were Caroline, James P., Flavins J., William A., Phoebe J., Alva L. and EUza A. These are all living but Flavins J., who was drowned in the Sandusky River while bathing, June 21, 1844. He was twelve years of age. The father died August 30, 1848, the mother August 9, 1856, aged fifty-five and fifty-two years respectively. William A., our subject, remained at home till of age, and then spent one year in Minnesota. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and passed through the engagements of Green River, Shiloh and Salt Creek, being captured at the latter place in October, 1862. He was held by the rebels until March, 1863, and then returned to his regiment at Murfreesboi'o, where he was detailed as issuing clerk at brigade headquarters, which position he held till discharged in September, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. He returned to Sycamore, and engaged in merchandising and produce business, and February 23, 1865, was married to Susan B., a native of this township, and daughter of Bribner and Jane (Caswell) Hudson, who were natives of York State, married in Cayuga County, and who moved to Ohio in 1827, locating in this township, rearing a family of ten children, namely. Sarah, James B., Smith, Samuel, Elizabeth, Alvin B., Oliver P., Richard L., Robert C. and Susan B. The deceased are Samuel. Smith, Elizabeth, Oliver P. and Alvin B. The father died in 1872, the mother in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Caughey had eighi. children, namely: Bertha L., born December 19, 1865; Anna D., February 6, 1867; Janie, March 31, 1868; Nettie, March 25,1870; James B., March 5, 1873; Wheeler A., April 13, 1876; Charles F., February 16, 1878, and Sallie, September 14, 1881. Janie died May 23, 1871; James B., September 29, 1880; Charles F., October 8, 1880; and Bertha L., October 15. 1880. Mr. Caughey sold out his merchandise in 1865, and purchased land in Tymochtee

Township. In 1867, he disposed of this, and in 1868 moved to Missouri, where he purchased eighty acres, adding forty in 1875 and another forty in

1881. In December, 1882, he disposed of all this, and returned in March, 1883, to Sycamore, and purchased the interest of the Martin Bros., of the firm of Ketchin & Martin Bros., in the dry goods and grocery business. The firm has since been known as Ketchin & Caughey, and is doing a thriving business. Mr. Caughey is one of the foi'emost citizens of Sycamore, and a Republican.

WILLIAM CORFMAN was born in Tymochtee Township June 19, 1834, son of Jacob and Mary (Beery) Corfman, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. He was reared in his native township, and educated in the common schools. He was engaged in farming till 1872. In 1874, he organized the Wyandot Mutual Relief Association, and was elected its Secretary, officiating in that capacity till 1883, when he was appointed Solicitor, the success of the association being largely due to Mr. Corfman's efforts. In 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace of Tymochtee Township, serving twelve years. He served two years as Clerk, and declined a second nomination. For the past few years he has dealt in farming implements. October 1,

1882, he became interested in the Sycamore Star, and continued in that connection till January 1, 1884. He aided in organizing the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Association, framed its by-laws, and was elected its Secretary, serving as such at the present time. He owns a good farm of seventyfive acres in Tymochtee Township, and gives some attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Corfman was married, October 23, 1856, to Barbara J., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Terilinger. She was born in Tymochtee Township, in March, 1836, and died November 10, 1872, leaving seven children - James A., Hiram E., Lawrence S., Albert C, Urban, Flora Ann and Lily A. He was again married in May, 1873, to Miss Catharine Neibel, daughter of An.os Neibel, five children being born to this union - Bertha, Nellie, Alia C, Ella M. and Ora. Mr. and Mrs. Corfman are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics, Mr. C. is a stanch Democrat.

SOLOMON F. DOWNEY was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 6, 1849. He is a son of Henry and Anna (Fought) Downey, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and of German and Irish ancestry. His parents were married in his native county, and reared four children - Mary M., Solomon F., David H. and Thomas W. , all living and married. The mother died February 15, 1877, aged fifty-two years, and Mr. Downey was married the following May to Martha Boland, of Seneca County, where they still live. Our subject was reared a farmer, and was thus employed as an assistant for sever^ years. In 1873, he engaged in the lumber business in Seneca County, and after that rented farms for several years. In 1877, he purchased forty acres in this township, adding thirteen acres in 1880. This farm he has provided with excellent buildings, of all necessary kinds. He keeps the thoroughbred Merino sheep, Poland-China hogs, and devotes his attention to general agriculture. He was married, February 19, 1874, to Martha J. Betz, a resident of this county, native of Ross County, and daughter of Michael D. Betz. By this union four children have been born - Bertha M., December 28, 1875; Earl B., March 19, 1878; Ward S., July 10, 1881; Bart F., November 23, 1883. The deceased are Bertha M., who died February 23, 1877, and Ward S., September 22, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Downey are members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Downey is an enthusiastic Republican of the temperance type.

DANIEL DUNLAP was born July 24, 1804. He is a native of Chester County, Penn., and son of Daniel and Abigail Dunlap, natives of the same State, and of Irish parentage. His father died in Pennsylvania about 1831, and in 1832 his mother moved to Ohio with her children. She died in Crawford County in 1855. Our subject is the only living member of the family. He has always l)een engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has been fairly successful. He was married, March 12, 1840, to Miss Isabel Hall, native of Fairfield, resident of Crawford County, and daughter of Joseph and Mary (Mills) Hall, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. Her parents wei'e married in Fairfield, and moved to Crawford County in 1829. They had eleven children, eight of whom now survive - -Samuel, Daniel, James, Josiah, Isabel, Mary, Rebecca and Martha J. The mother died March 13, 1860, the father in August, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap are ihe parents of thirteen children - Emily, born June 16, 1841; Joseph H., November 14, 1842; Mary E., April 1, 1844; Hannah J., June 2, 1845; Martha E., April 18, 1848; infant son. May 11, 1849; Andrew L., June 27, 1851; Justice, May 17, 1853; Daniel F., June 22, 1854; Isabel R., February 18, 1856; Frank B., July 7, 1858; Sarena M., December 17, 1860; Eunice A., December 26, 1862. Six of these are deceased - infant son, May 12, 1849; Andrew L. , March 23, 1852; Justice, August 3, 1853; Frank B., July 7, 1860; Sarena M., August 30, 1861; Joseph H, June 15, 1863; Emily, April 6, 1872. Mr. Dunlap has been fortunate in his business transactions, and now owns several hundred acres of land. He is a Democrat, and strongly imbued with the Jacksonian spirit. Mrs. Dunlap is a member of the Baptist Church.

FAYETTE DUNLAP. The subject of this notice is a son of Daniel and Isabel (Hall) Dunlap, and was born June 22, 1854. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectfully, and of Irish lineage. They were married in Crawford County, Ohio, and reared a family of thirteen children, namely: Emily, Joseph H. , Mary E., Hannah J., Martha E., Andrew L., Justice, Daniel F. , Isabel R., Frank B.,Sareno M. and Eunice A., also an infant son. Our subject was married, June 22, 1876, to Hulda M. Pancoast. a native of this county, and daughter of Casper C. and Anna A. (Kester) Pancoast. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and York State respectively, and of English and German parentage. They were married in this county and reared a family of four sons and two daughters, namely: Hulda M. , Kester C. , William E., George W., James W. and Essie M. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have two daughters - L. Gertrude, born June 24, 1877; and Edith, born August 28, 1878. In 1877, Mr. Dunlap purchased in this township 107 acres of land, which he has improved with cultivation, tiling, buildings, etc., and now values at $100 per acre. He has one of the best sugar groves in the county; has always been a farmer and a Democrat.

EDMOND K. EYESTONE, was born November 13, 1856. He is a native of this township and son of Enoch and Hannah (Weatherby) Eyestone, both natives of Ohio. His parents were of German lineage. His mother is deceased; his father passed away in March, 1880. Mr. Eyestone was reared a farmer, and early in life learned the law of labor. He was married, May 11, 1879, to Viola Stokley, a native and resident of this township, and daughter of William B. and Charlotte (Lemon) Stokley, natives of Ohio and York State respectively. Her father is deceased; her mother departed this life May 6, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Eyestone have but one child, a daughter, Lottie J., born March 4, 1880. In 1881, Mr. Eyestone came into posses- sion of eighty acres of land, the old homestead in this township, where he now lives, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a good farmer and citizen, and votes in the interests of the Republican party.

GEORGE W. EYESTONE, born November 18, 1831, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and son of George and Elizabeth Eyestone, who moved from Ross County, and settled in this township in 1833. His parents died at the respective ages eighty-five and fifty-two, having reared a family of six sons and two daughters. Mr. Eyestone worked at the wagon and carriage trade from 1849 to 1860, and then began the work of a carpenter, which he has continued to a greater or less extent to the present time. He enlisted, February 4, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in the battles of New Market (receiving a slight flesh wound in the head), Berryville, Piedmont, Winchester and Fisher's Hill. At Winchester, he received another wound in the calf of the leg, and at Fisher's Hill he was wounded in the hand by a minie ball, as the result of which he receives a small pension. After eight months in the hospital at Little York, Penn. , he was honorably discharged June 11, 1865. He then returned home and has since given his attention to farming and his trade. Mr. Eyestone was married, December 17, 1852, to Sarah A. James, of this township, native of Athens County, Ohio, and daughter of Benjamin and Melissa (Richeson) James. Her parents were natives of Ohio and - respectively, and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Eyestone had two children, daughters - Eva A. and Roberta M., who died in 1875 and 1878 respectively. Mrs. Eyestone passed away April 29, 1881, and Mr. E. was married. May 3, 1882, to Mrs. Rosa H. Kisor, widow of Henry Kisor, of Tiffin, Ohio. By her first husband, Mrs. Eyestone had two children - Edith and Earl. Mr. Kisor died in December, 1877. Mr. Eyestone owns thirtyeight aci-es of well- improved land where he now resides. He and Mrs. Eyestone are members of the Lutheran Church, of which society his first wife was also a member. In politics, Mr. E. is a stanch Republican and Prohibitionist.

ALICE EKLEBERRY is a native of this township, and was born August 22, 1847. She is a daughter of Joel and Phoebe (Jaqueth) Lamon, natives of York State, and of English descent. Her parents were married in Jefferson County, N. Y. , and migrated to Ohio in 1837. They located in this township, and reared a family of eight children, five of whom now survive. Her father died October 24, 1875, aged seventy; her mother is still living, in her seventy -seventh year. Mrs. Ekleberry's marriage to Levi Ekleberry occurred September 3, 1868. He was a son of Nathan and Eliza (Wolverton) Ekleberry, and was reared in this county. Three children were the fruits of this marriage - Dow, born October 25, 1869; Nettie, October 7, 1871; Roy, March 28, 1875. Mr. Ekleberry was a farmer, and highly respected in his community. He died March 26, 1875. His widow still lives in this township, and rents the farm, rearing her children, and giving her mothe a home with her.

JORDAN S. GAULT was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 28, 1853. He is the second son of Jordan and Louisa (Betts) Gault, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Welsh descent respectively; his parents came to Ohio in 1854, and now live in Mexico, this county. Jordan Gault, our subject, was married, December 14, 1876, to Hannah Vermilyea, of Noble County, Ind. , daughter of Philip and Lucy (Higginbotham) Vermilyea, natives of New Y'ork and Ireland respectively. Her father died February 22, 1876; her mother now resides in Sycamore. Mr.

and Mrs. Gault have three children - Charles J., born December 24, 1877; May, born May 14,1879; Marcus F., September 1, 1881. Mr. Gault has followed agricultural pursuits during the principal part of his life, and now resides on his father's farm. He obtained a fair education in the common schools, and is comfortably situated in life. He is a member of the Rubicon Lodge, No. 045, I. O. O. F., at Sycamore, and votes with the Republican party, to whose interests he is strongly attached.

MADISON P. GEIGER was born March 14, 1853; he is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and son of Henry and Christina Geiger, natives of Baden, Germany. His parents emigrated at the ages of thirteen and fourteen respectively, and were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in February, 1835. In the same year they moved to Seneca County, where they had entered land in 1834, and where they reared their family. Their children were Coonrod, Catharine, Jacob, Hannah M., William M., Mary A., John Henry and Madison P. - all living but Mary A. The father died January 13, 1882. The mother resides in Seneca County with her daughter, Hannah M. Mr. Geiger, oiu* subject, was married December 9, 1879, to Lizzie Brown, of Seneca County, daughter of Jonathan and Lucinda (Miller) Brown, also natives of Seneca County, of Scotch and English descent. Her parents were married in their native county, and had two children - Abigail and Lizzie, the former deceased. The father died in 1861; the mother now lives in Seneca County. In 1880, Mr. Geiger purchased eighty acres in this township, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits; he is a Democrat politically. Himself and family are members of the Reformed Church.

ISAIAH B. GIBBS, M. D., was born at Hope, Warren Co., N. J., March 31, 1844; his parents, John P. and Catharine M. (Swayze) Gibbs, were natives of New Jersey and of Scotch descent. They were married in ^^^ttrren County, and migrated to Ohio in 1858, settling in Mexico, this county, where they followed farming and reared a family. Their children were Susetta E. , Sarah M., Phcebe A., Emma L. , Isaiah B. , Alice J., Henrietta O. and Hattie D. Sarah, Phoebe and Emma L. are deceased. The parents now reside in Henry County, Ohio. In 1800-61, Dr. Gibbs attended the Methodist Central Ohio Conference Seminary, in South Toledo. He read medicine at that place with Dr. B. A. Wright, and clerked in Wright & Clark's drug store till 1867; attended lectures in Cincinnati in 1867, 1868 and 1871, completing studies at the Physio- Medical Institute, and in the spring of the same year locating at Hoskins, Wood Co., Ohio, where he formed a partnership with Dr. D. B. Gedney, and continued his practice until May, 1873; he then removed to Plymouth, Ohio, where he remained till 1875, when he removed to Sycamore, where he has since been engaged in his profession. Dr. Gibbs was married, October 8, 1871, to Ada C. Kear, daughter of Byron and Eliza A. (Clark) Kear, natives of this county. Mrs. Gibbs was born in Wyandot County, and was one of three children, the others being Emma E. and Flora E. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs - Naarnah, January 12,1879; Ethel, April 25, 1881. The latter is deceased, her death occurring October 7, 1881. Dr. Gibbs owns a comfortable house in Sycamore, and has established a lucrative practice. He is a Republican and has served four terms as Township Clerk. Is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 314, at McCutchenville, and of the McCutchen Chapter, No. 96, at Upper Sandusky; is also a member of the I. O. O. F., at Sycamore; was a charter member and is now District Deputy Grand Master.

WILLIAM GIBBS was born in Hope Township, Warren Co., N. J., May 12, 1828. His parents, Christopher and Susanna (Bunting) Gibbs, were natives of the same State, and of Scotch and English parentage respectively. They were married and resided in Warren County, being the parents of ten children - Elizabeth, John P., David V., Levi B. , Richard, Sarah A., Israel, Abraham N. , William and Christopher - all living but Israel, Abraham N. and Sarah A. Their father died in 1831, the mother in 1862. At the age of twenty-two years, our subject began the meichant clothing business, which he followed till 1856, in his native place. He was married in August, 1850, to Miss Emeline Blair, of Hope, Warren Co. , N. J., daughter of James and Sarah (Lineberry) Blair, natives of the same county. Her parents were married in their native locality, and had eight children - William L., Emeline, Matilda F., Caroline L., Malinda, Theodore F., Marshall and James A. Mrs. Blair died in 1853, and Mr. Blair in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are the parents of four children - three sons and one daughter - namely, Theodore Marshall, James Blair, May and Saron Ellsworth. Theodore M. died in December, 1869. James B. was married in February, 1876, to Miss Almeda E. Lease, daughter of Eden and Mary (Keller) Lease, of Seneca County, Ohio, May was married in January, 1874, to A. F. Saffell, son of James and Jemima (Hartsough) Saffell, of W^yandot County, Ohio. Saron E. was married in September, 1883, to Miss Nancy E. Martin, daughter of Absalom and Rachael (Bretz) Martin, of Seneca County, Ohio. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. William Gibbs moved to Ohio, Sycamore Township, and located on their present farm, which they own, 300 acres, where they now reside. He does a general farming and stock-raising business, is a breeder of thoroughbred, registered, merino sheep. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mexico, and in politics a Republican.

CYRUS GRIFFITH, a native of this township, and son of William and Mary (Cowgill) Griffith, was born June 19, 1831. He resided on the homestead till his marriage, October 3, 1853, to Elizabeth Crous, of Melmore, Seneca Co. , Ohio, and native of Lancaster, Penn. ; then purchased, 1854, 130 acres of land to which he added 220 acres in 1864, and sold fifty acres in 1867. He has since purchased twenty acres, now owning 320 acres valued at $80 to $100 per acre. He has been chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits and has done considerable business in stock-shipping. Mrs. Griffith is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Crous, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Lancaster, Penn., and moved to Ohio in 1840, locating in Seneca County, where, after a few years engaged at his trade, Mr. Crous began farming, which occupation he followed during the remainder of his life. The children of this family consisted of four sons and two daughters, namely, Jacob, Frederick J., Henry, Henrietta, Elizabeth and Leonard G. Their father died September 4, 1846, and their mother July 4, 1883. Mr. Griffith is one of the prominent farmers and citizens of the township, and is a strong Republican politically.

HARVEY GRIFFITH, son of William and Mary (Cowgill) Griffith, was born in this township in 1833. His parents were natives of Hampshire, where they were married in 1815, and were of W^elsh and German descent respectivel}. They moved to Ohio in 1819, and settled in Ross County, where they resided six years, he being engaged as a fuller and dresser of cloth. In 1825, they moved to this township and entered eighty acres of land upon which he erected, in 1827, the first saw mill in the town- ship. He also erected a fulling mill, which he operated till about 1838, when he traded his mill property to George Harper for 120 acres of land. On this he moved and reared a family, five of whom are now living, namely, Mary, Jesse, Cyrus, Harvey and Jane - all now living in this township but Jesse, who resides in California. The father died December 23, 1861, the mother August 8, 1868. Harvey, our subject, resided on the home farm which he superintended and tilled. He was married, April 25, 1867, to Miss Ann M. Myers, of Upper Sandusky, a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Baker) Myers, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married. Her jjarents moved to Ohio and reared a family consisting of five sons and four daughters. They located in this county, where the mother died. To Harvev and Ann M. Griffith were born three daughtei's, namely, Minnie A., January 1, 1869; Hettie, July 9, 1871; and Fannie, May 17, 1879. Mr. Griffith came into possession of the homestead in 1861, by his father's death, and to this farm he has added sixty-three acres, making 219 acres in all, valued at $300 to $110 per acre. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and has been a life-long Republican.

DAVID GOODMAN was born August 25, 1810, in Ross County, Ohio. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Conner) Goodman, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Irish descent. They were married in Ross County and had eight children; four survive - David, John, Daniel and Ann. The mother died in June, 1832, aged forty-four; the father, in February, 1870, aged eighty-nine. David Goodman came to this county in 1831, and located on eighty acres entered by his father in 1827. His parents moved into a cabin erected on the farm, and the sons and father cleared away the forest, living principally upon " Johnny cake " and venison for several years. Mr. Goodman was married, January 30, 1837, to Miss Mary Van Gundy, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of Benjamin and Sallie (Snyder) Van Gundy, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. There were ten children in the family, four surviving - Hannah, Elizabeth, Jefferson and George. The parents both died in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman were blessed with thirteen children - Ann E., William, David, Sarah J., Mahala, Minerva, Mary E., Laura, Isabel, John, Hiram, Catharine and George W. The deceased are Mary E., William, John and George W. The mother died April 2, 1868, aged sixty-two years. In 1855, Mr. Goodman purchased eighty acres on which he still lives, adding to this till he now owns 238 acres, all in this township. He values this land at $75 to $85 per acre. He has always been a farmer and successful; was once a Whig but now a Republican.

GEORGE HEISTAND was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 28, 1832, son of Daniel and Nancy (Krans) Heistand, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch descent. His parents were married in Fairfield County, and in 1837 moved to Wood County, where they purchased and cleared a farm of forty acres which they sold in 1844. They then moved to Seneca County, and, after eight years, to this county, locating in Tymochtee Township, where Mrs. Heistand died. Mr. H. died in Indiana. George, the subject of this sketch, was married, August 9, 1855, to Mary E. Van Gundy, a resident of this township, native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of Michael and Hannah (Eyestone) Van Gundy, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Heistand have two sons - William H., born July 17, 1856, and Isaac, born February 22,

1859. In October, 1856, Mr. Heistand moved to the farm of eighty acres where he now resides. He is a successful farmer and a strong Republican, well respected in his community.

AARON C. HERSHBERGER was born in this township April 8, 1836, is a son of Jacob and Christina (Hess) Hershberger, natives of Rockingham Cou.nty, Va. ; his parents were married in Seneca County, and in 1832 settled in this township on 160 acres, entered by his father, Jacob Hershberger, Sr. There were four children in the family - John H., Aaron C, Mary C, and an infant deceased. Mrs. Hershberger's death occurred March 2, 1876. Our subject was married, March 14, 1861, to Sarah E. Finch, a native of Seneca County, and daughter of Solomon R. and Hester (Dean) Finch, natives of York State, and of English descent. Her parents came to Ohio in 1838 or 1839, settled in Seneca County, and reared a family of eleven children - Jesse, David, Mary J., Madison, Randolph, Caroline, Margaret, Catharine, Esther, Sarah E. and Julia, all living except Esther. The mother died September 5, 1859, the father August 25, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Hershberger have two children - Alwilda and Jeanette. After renting land a few years Mr. Hershberger purchased the old homestead in 1866 In 1879, he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, for the purpose of educating his daughters, remaining two years. In the meantime he disposed of the old farm and purchased in the same township 180 acres, where he has resided since 1881, it being the same farm on which he was born. He devotes his time to agricultural pursuits, exclusively keeping fine grades of sheep. He was a meuiber of Company E, Ohio National Guai'ds; is a Democrat, and has served three years as Trustee.

JONATHAN HILL, son of John F. and Eliza (Titus) Hill, was born in Wan-en County, N. J., November 26, 1815. His parents were natives of New Jersey; were of English and German descent, and were married in Warren County, where they resided till their death. Their children were Jonathan, Andrew T., Catura K., Gideon L. and John B. - all living but Gideon. Jonathan Hill was married, February 17, 1844, to Sarah E. Simp son, who was also of his native county and daughter of James and Harriet (Squires) Simpson, also natives of same county. Her parents came to Ohio in 1846, and purchased land in Tymochtee Township, where they resided till 1866. when they moved to McCutchenville, where they resided till their respective deaths. He died May 11, 1866, and she followed February 14, 1867. Seven of their twelve children survive, viz., Jehiel L.. Sarah E., John, Charity C. , Almira, Nancy A. and Theodore F. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had eight children - Harriet, Ann Irene, Adel A., Cleone M., James S., John B., Edward S. and Parmelia M. The deceased are Harriet, Cleone M. and Edward S. Mr. Hill came to this State in 1846, and settled in Seneca County, where he was engaged at the cabinet trade till 1849, when he moved to this township, still working at his trade. In 1861, he moved to Wood County, where he purchased land on which he resided two years. He then returned to this township and purchased thirty acres where he still resides. He was formerly a Whig-Republican, but now a Prohibitionist. Mr. Hill and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church at McCutchenville.

ABRAHAM HONSBERGER was born October 27. 1826, in Lehigh County, Penn. He is a son of Abraham and Margaret (Richart) Honsberger, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Lehigh County, and were the parents of nine children, five now living - Ann, Rebecca, Eliza, Polly and Abraham. The latter learned the black- smith's trade when a young man, and was thus engaged about twenty years. In 1848, he came to Ohio and located in Seneca County. In 1806, he purchased eighty acres of land near Tiffin (where he had previously bought twenty-eight acres), and began farming. In 1877, he sold out and purchased 160 acres where he now lives. In 1880, the brick residence with which his farm was provided was destroyed by fire, but his present house was built in the same year. He was married to Miss Mary A. Bacher, a resident of Lehigh County, Penn., and daughter of Henry and Christina (Glick) Bacher, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Her parents had ten children, five of whom are yet living - Rebecca, Sarah, Jacob T., Solomon and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Honsberger are the parents of seven children - Amanda M. , born December 24, 1848; Henry A., February 26, 1850; Margaret A., March 4, 1853; Franklin A., March 31.1855; Elvina C, January 20, 1857; Laura M., May 10, 1859; Wilson A., May 3, 1864; all are living but Amanda who died June 27, 1872. In politics, Mr. Honsberger is a Republican. He and his family are associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

BENJAMIN F. JAQUETH was born in the town of Rodman, Jefferson Co., N. Y., September 9, 1820. He is a sun of Amasa and Lydia (King) Jaqueth, natives of Vermont, and of English parentage. His parents were married in Jefferson County, and migrated to Ohio in 1848, and located in Crawford County, where they died at the respective ages seventyeight and fifty years. Our subject came to Ohio in 1843. He purchased eighty acres of land in Crawford County in 1845. He subsequently sold this and after several deals in real estate purchased, in 1868, in this township, 125 acres, where he still resides. He was married, April 12, 1847, to Mary J. Valentine, widow of Leonard Valentine, a native of Richland County, Ohio, resident of Crawford County, and daughter of John and Nancy (Wry) Hazlett. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and English parentage, and died when she was very young. Mr. and Mrs. Jaqueth had ten children, though but eight are now living - six sons and two daughters. Mr. Jaqueth was reared a farmer, but has given some attention to other vocations; was for some time in the employ of the Ohio Central Railroad Company. He has a farm well improved, which he values at $80 to $90 per acre. Politically, Mr. Jaqueth is a Republican-Prohibitionist.

VIRGIL JUMP is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and was born March 19, 1850. He is a son of Jervile and Debora (Close) Jump, natives of New York. His parents were of English descent; were married in New York, and migrated to Ohio about 1842, settling in Crawford County, where they still reside. Our subject has been a farmer from boyhood. He has eighty-two acres of land in this township, well improved and provided with a fine brick residence built in 1878. His land is valued at $80 to $90 per acre. Mr. Jump was married, November 17, 1874, to Hulda Wilson, a native of this township, and daughter of John L. and Susanna (Kisor) Wilson, natives of York State and Ohio respectively, of English and Dutch descent. Her parents now live in Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jump have four children, two sons and two daughters - Martha, born December 4, 1876; Nettie, May 22, 1878; Ora J., September 20, 1880; Wilson V., February 11, 1883. Mr. Jump is among the most enterprising agriculturists of his township and is highly esteemed as a citizen. He is an enthusiastic Democrat.

Sycamore Toavnship

WILLIAM B. KITCHEN was born at Berwick, Columbia Co., Penn., March 12, 1838; he is a son of Amos E. and Margaret (Campbell^ Kitchen, natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch and English parentage respectively. His parents were married in Mc-ntour County, Penn., and resided in Bervick, where they reared eight sons and two daughters, whose names are as follows: Oliver P. H., Matilda, Pemberton C, Dewitt C, Permilia, Edmond, John C, William B., Amos E. and an infant. Matilda, Dewitt C, Amos E. and the infant are deceased. Amos E. lost his life in the battle at Dallas, Ga. ; Dewitt C. was all through the Mexican war and the late rebellion. The father died in 1840, and in 1842 his widow and her children moved to Ohio and settled at McCutchenville. Mrs. Kitchen died at the home of her daughter in December, 1883, aged eighty- two years. She was a sister of John and Alexander Campbell, prominent men in the early history of this county. Our subject was cast out upon the world at the age of thirteen; he spent his early years in telegraph offices and as a drug clerk. In 1856, he returned to this county and clerked in a general store till 1861, in August of which year he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Gibson, serving in the Fourth Corps, Army of the Cumberland, until discharged in September, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Returning home Mr. Kitchen was engaged in clerkships until 1867, when he opened a general store at Belle Vernon, where he remained about eleven years. In 1879, he migrated to Kansas, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits a short time; then returning to Sycamore, where he has since conducted a profitable business in dry goods, groceries, etc. Mr. Kitchen was married, March 4, 1868, to Sarah E. Haymon, a native of Tymochtee Township, and daughter of George and Ellen (Scott) Haymon, natives of Ross County, Ohio, and of German and Scotch descent; her parents were married in this county, their children being Samuel, Jacob, Matilda J., George, Rebecca, Amanda, Charlotte, Sarah E., Josephine V., Joseph, Thomas and Peter. Samuel and Rebecca are deceased. Her father was accidently killed by a horse in 1870; her mobher died in 1883, their ages being sixty-two and seventy respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen have had five children - Minnie J., born December 21, 1868; Jay, January 28, 1871; Ray, May 25. 1873; Day, July 4, 1875; Gay, November 5, 1880. Minnie J. is deceased. Mr. Kitchen is warmly attached to the interests of the Republican party, and is one of the foremost merchants of Sycamore.

sketch appears in the Eden Township division of this work. Mr. Kinley was married, August 19, 1869, to Miss Laura A. Swinehart, a native of this township, daughter of Samuel P. and Jane (Milligan) Swinehart. Two children have blessed this union - Jerusha M. and Willard C. Mr. Kinley began housekeeping on moderate means; he rented land about seven years, and then (1876) purchased his father's homestead of forty acres (in Crane Township), which he sold in 1877; purchased forty acres in same township, and soon after sold out; purchased forty-seven acres in Tymochtee Township, and sold out in 1879, buying a farm of seventy acres in the same year. In 1882, he disposed of thirty acres to H. Griffith, leaving forty acres, which he values at ^170 per acre; he has personal property to the amount of $1,500 to $2,000, all of which has been obtained by industry and economy; he has served his township in several offices, and is regarded as one of the reliable citizens of his community; he and Mrs. Kinley are members

JEHIEL T. KONKLE was born March 19, 1827; he is a native of Hardwick Township, Warren Co., N. J., and son of John and Mariam (Drake) Konkle, natives of the same county, where they were married, and where Mrs. Konkle died in July, 1882, at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. Konkle still lives in the same county, and is in his eighty-fourth year. They were of American descent, and had ten children. Those living are Jacob D., Alfred F., Jehiel L., George W., Elizabeth M. and Milton S. At the age of nineteen, our subject, Jehiel, left home to learn the miller's trade, which he followed in his native county about live years. In 1850, he came to Ohio, and for eight years was engaged in the same business in this and Seneca County. He was married, December 31, 1853, to Mary E. Park, of this township, but native of Warren County, N. J. She is a daughter of Jonathan A. and Eliza (Davis) Park, who were born and married in Warren County, N. J. Five of their eight children are yet living, namely: Mary E., Rebecca D., Sarah J., John B. and William. The father died November 16, 1858, the mother April 19, 1862, both in this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Jehiel Konkle were born six children, viz., Jonathan P., John F., Mariam, Eliza Otilia, Regena and Iva C. Mr. Konkle gave up milling in 1855, and began farming, which occupation he has since continued. In 1864, he purchased the homestead of 120 acres of his wife's people, and on this farm he still resides. He has improved his farm in various ways, buildings, fencings, etc. He has served in different township offices for about sixteen years. He and Mrs. Konkle are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Konkle is a Republican.

JACOB LEASE is a native of Frederick County, Md. , and was born March 15, 1816. He is a son of Henry and Barbara Lease, both of whom died in Maryland. He came to Ohio at the age of eighteen years, and was for several years employed as a farm hand in Seneca County. He was married, in Seneca County, to Elizabeth Smith, who bore him two children, only one of whom is now living - Charles, a resident of Dakota. Mrs, Lease has been deceased about thirty-two years. Soon after the death of his first wife, Mr. Lease married Mary J. McCormick, of Seneca Coanty, and this marriage resulted in seven children, four now living, namely, Jane, Ann, Eliza and Robert. Mrs. Lease died in 1877. Mr. Lease has now retired from active labor. He is a Democrat, having been educated in its principles from his youth.

^JOANNA LEE was born November 15, 1819. She is a native oi Belmont County, Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Oobel) Veirs, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and of English descent. Her parents were married in Steubenville, Ohio, and moved first to Belmont County, thence to Putnam County, and thence to Wyandot in 1847. They had six children, of whom but three survive, two sons and one daughter, viz., Joanna, John and James. The father died in 1841; the mother in 1854. Joanna was married. March 19, 1839, to Hugh Lee, of Belmont County, Ohio, born July 12, 1810, and son of Robert and Mary (Vance) Lee. His parents were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively; were married in Washington County, Penn., and moved to Belmont County, Ohio, where they reared a family of twelve children, but four of whom now siirvive - John, William, Joseph and Priscilla. His father died in 1849; his mother in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lee became the parents of twelve children - Amanda C, LaFayette, Robert, James T., Samuel V., Mary R.,

Eliza, Hugh, Joseph V., Carrie E. and Ivy, all living but Eliza, Robert and an infant son. Mr. Lee began business for himself as a farmer, purchasing land first in Putnam County; then in AVyandot, Sycamore Township, in 1847, owning at his death 550 acres. He died June 12, 1882. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, and affiliated with the Democratic party. Mrs. Lee still continues the management of the farm, assisted by her sons. She is a member of the Lutheran Church at Deunquat, this township.

WILLIAM A. MILLIGAN was born in this township December 23, 1833. He is a son of James and Susan (Weddle) Milligan, who were natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and Westmoreland County, Penn., respectively. They were married in E'airtield County, and moved to this county in 1831, settling on land entered in this township by his father in 1829. Here they reared a family of ten children, three of whom survive, namely, William A., John W. and Sarah E. The father died August 13, 1855; the mother April 16, 1879. The former was a Methodist minister, having joined the church at the age of twelve. William A., the subject of this sketch, and who has never married, lived with his father till the latter's death. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed till the late rebellion. In 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Culver, and passed through the following battles: Shiloh, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chattanooga, through the Atlanta campaign, Resaca, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville and others. He was 100 days under fire, and was honorably discharged at Strawberry Plains, Tenn. , December, 1863. He then veteranized in the same company, and served till November 13, 1865, at which time he was discharged at Victoria, Tex. He then returned home and to his trade, which he has since been engaged at. He purchased the homestead of eighty-two acres, where he still lives, and which is valued at $75 to $85 per acre. He also owns town lots in the village of Sycamore, and devotes his time to farming and stock-dealing. He is an official member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, member of Wyandot Lodge F. & A. M., No. 311, at McCutchenville; charter member of the I. O. O. F. at Sycamore; member of the G. A. R., and a Republican-Prohibitionist.

JOHN F. MONTGOMERY, son of Francis and Maria (Gregg) Montgomery, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, September 25, 1836. His parents were natives of the same county, and of Irish descent. They moved to this county in 1850, and reared in this township a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. The father died in September, 1877. His widow now resides in Seneca County. In 1859, Mr. Montgomery made a purchase of eighty acres in this township. He sold this farm in 1861 and purchased fifty acres in Seneca County, where he resided seven years. He next moved to Republic, where he lived five years, and then purchased ninety-five acres of improved land Id Sycamore Township, where he now resides. Mr. Montgomery was married. May 1, 1863, to Martha E. Bland, of this county, daughter of William and Margaret Bland, natives of Virginia and Maryland respectively. Her parents migrated to Ohio in an early day; were married in Muskingum County; moved to Wyandot, and purchased land in Tymochtee Township, where they were closely associated with the Indians. They died in the years 1858 and 1862 respectively. Mr. Montgomery has been an agi'iculturist all his life, and quite successful. He is Republican in political sentiment, and was once ejected Township Clerk in Seneca County. He is a member of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. , in Melmoro, and Mrs. Montgomery is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Sycamore.

JAMES C. PEASE is a native of Hartford County, Conn. ; was born January 9, 1815, and is a son of Luther and Nancy (Pease) Pease, natives of the same State. His parents were of English ancestiy, and migrated to Ohio in 1817. They settled in Geauga County, and reared a family of three sons and one daughter, namely, Nancy L., Luther L., James C. and Loren A. Nancy L. is deceased. The father died in 1827, the mother in November, 1810. While a young raan our subject learned the trade of a wagonmaker. In 1839, he located in Sycamore, where he and his brother, Loren A., opened a carriage and wagon shop, which they conducted until 1850, and then purchased 285 acres in Sycamore and Eden Townships, and began farming. He added ninety acres to his original purchase, and in 1881 gave up active business, purchased the John Kisor property at Petersburg, where he has since lived a retired life. He is now in his seventieth year. Mr. Pease was married, November, 1839, to Eliza C. Hall, a resident of Geauga County, Ohio, native of York State, and daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Clark) Hall, natives of York State and Connecticut respectively. Her parents were married in Oneida County, N. Y., and moved to Geauga County, Ohio, as early as 1820. Their children were Eliza C, Martin, Moses, Josephine, Carlos, Solon and Angeline. Three are deceased - Martha, Carlos and Angeline. The mother died in 1874, the father in 1877. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pease were Melissa, Virgil J., Myron E., Josephine E. and Luther D. The two eldest are deceased. Mr. Pease served as Justice of the Peace nine years, and was elected Land Appraiser in 1880. He is a member of the Masonic order at Upper Sandusky, and in politics is an old Whig-Republican and Prohibitionist. He and Mrs. Pease were formerly members of the Congregational Church, from which they now hold letters.

LEVI PENNINGTON is a native of Hampshire County, Va. He was born October 24, 1811, and is a son of Elijah and Elizabeth Pennington, natives of Delaware and Virginia respectively. His parents moved to Ohio in 1826, and located in Seneca County, where they rented land a few years, in the meantime (1827) purchasing eighty acres and entering 160 acres in this township. About the same year they purchased eighty acres and entered the same amount in Seneca County. He resided on his first purchase till the death of Mr. Pennington. Of sixteen children but three now survive - Isaac, Nancy and Levi, our subject. The latter was married, January 24, 1833, to Elizabeth Hummon, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Peter and Mary Hummon. Her parents were also natives of Pennsyl - vania, of German ancestry, and reared a family of ten children; three are living - William, Saloma and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington had five children - Mary E., Peter, Saloma, James H. and Levi M. , all living but Mar}' E. The four living are all married. In January, 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Pennington celebrated their " golden wedding " with ten grandchildi'en in attendance. Mr. Pennington has followed farming from his youth, first with oxen among the roots, clearing land and working hard. He inherited the homestead on condition that he support his parents in their declining years. By good management, industry and economy, he has amassed a considerable fortune; has assisted his children in starting in business, and still owns about 550 acres of valuable land. Mr. Pennington cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been faithful to the Democratic cause all through his life.

ton, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. He was married, January 16, 1873, to Delilah Badger, of Tymochtee Township, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Fisher) Badger, natives of Wayne and Wyandot Counties respectively. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have one son - Jesse, born September 26, 1874. In 1880, Mr. Pennington purchased forty acres of land in this township, and eighty acres in Eden Township. He resides on the former tract, and is improving his farm in various ways. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and has met with very good success in his favorite calling. His early years were passed at home on a fai'm, and in attendiug the district schools. Besides this part of his education, he also attended two terms at the Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Pennington is a stanch Democrat.

PETER PENNINGTON, son of Levi and Elizabeth Pennington, was born in this township January 6, 1835. He resided with his parents till his marriage to Hettie J. Johnston, May 8, 1859, and then purchased 100 acres in Eden Township, Seneca County, moving upon this farm the same year, and since residing there. It is just outside the Wyandot County line, opposite the farm of his father. Mr. Pennington also purchased forty acres in this township in 1865, and now values his farm of 140 acres at $100 per acre. He is an excellent farmer, and keeps a good grade of stock - Jersey cattle. Cloud horses, Poland-China and Chester-White hogs. Mrs. Pennington is a native of Bucks County, Penn., and daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Baty) Johnston, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. Her parents migrated to Ohio in 1846, and located in Eden Township, Seneca County, where they reared a family of seven daughters, all now living but one. Their father and mother are both deceased. Mr. apd Mrs. Pennington have one child - Maggie E., born December 5, 1865. In politics, Mr. Pennington is a Democrat.

DENTON V. ROGERS was born in Bedford County, Penn., November 1, 1833, and is a son of John and Rachel (Smith) Rogers, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Holland and English lineage respectively. His parents married in his native locality, moved to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1839, and were the parents of six children, four now living - Thomas, Mary C, Matilda and Denton V. Mrs. Rogers died July 4, 1858, and Mr. Rogers January 26, 1881. At the age of seventeen, our subject went to Wisconsin, where he was employed in various ways for several years. He also traveled through parts of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Dakota. May 11, 1873, he was mai-ried to Minerva A. Courtney, of Vineland, Winnebago Co., Wis., daughter of George and Ann (Gale) Courtney, natives of England. Her parents were married in Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to America about 1882, locating in Winnebago County, Wis. Eight daughters were born to them - Maria W., Elizabeth J., Margaret A., Minerva A., Libbie, Mary C, Martha E. and Lucy - all living. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers had three children - Laura A., born November 2, 1875; infant son, September 2, 1880; Irvin C, February 14, 1882 - only the latter surviving. Mr. Rogers was engaged in the real estate business in Minnesota, and in 1881 moved upon the farm in this township inherited from his father. He owns 133 acres, valued at $100 per acre, his farm being well watered by several constant-flowing springs. He does a general farming and stockraising business, and is considered a good agriculturist. He votes with the Republicans.

1863, to Rebecca J. Eaton, of Crawford County, native of Van Wert County, and daughter of James and Parmelia A. (Fields) Eaton. Her parents were natives of this State, and of Irish and English pai^entage respectively, and were married in Crawford County. They moved to Van Wert County subsequently, the mother dying in Crawford County October 1, 1810, Mrs. Rogers being the only child. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of nine children - Emma B., born December IS, 1863; infant daughter, January 8, 1865; Eva May, March 25, 1868; Margaret E., August 26, 1870; Rebecca J. and John H. (twins), December 30, 1873; Mary M., November 23, 1875; Franklin E., February 4, 1879; Dora P., January 11, 1881. Two are deceased - the infant and Eva May, who died December 12, 1870. In 1869, Mr. Rogers pui'chased eighty acres of timber land in Hancock County, where he resided till 1882, when he sold out and moved to this township, where he purchased 160 acres, on which he now lives. He also inherited 133 acres from his father's estate in the same township, now owning 293 acres valued at $75 to $85 per acre. He is an excellent farmer, and votes the Democratic ticket.

JACOB STAUM was born December 28, 1832. He is a son of Daniel and Susan (Hostetter) Staum, and a native of Holmes County, Ohio. His parents were born and married in Somerset County, Penn., and moved to Holmes County, Ohio, in 1831. In 1845, they came to this county, and purchased land in Eden Township, where they lived till 1872, when they sold out and moved to Belle Vernon, where they still reside. They had eight children, namely, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jacob, Catharine, David, William, Mary A. and Jane. Catharine and the three latter are deceased. The mother died in 1864. The father remarried, in 1866, to Margaret Wells, of Holmes County. Jacob Staum, the subject of this notice, resided with his parents till June 5, 1856, at which time he was married to Eleanor A. Simrift, who was a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McCrary) Simrift, and born in this county. Her parents were natives of this State, and of German and Irish ancestry respectively. They had three children - Theodore, Eleanor A. and Margaret C. The mother died in 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Staum have three children - George L., William H. and Hester E. Mr. Staum being a carpenter, followed that occupation several years. In October, 1864, he enlisted in Company L, Thirty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and passed through the South with Sherman, and thence through the Carolinas. W^as wounded at the battle of Bentonville March 19, 1865 (shot through the leg below the knee), and taken to David's Island Hospital, where he remained till June 19, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He then returned home and resumed his trade, giving some attention to the undertaking business, which he has been engaged in for twenty years - the oldest undertaker in the county in the business. In 1881, he added a stock of furniture, and to the two branches - furniture and undertaking - he now devotes his attention. He served as Postmaster at Belle Vernon, and is officially connected with the I. O. O. F., No. 645.