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HALE TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM H. ALLYN, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., April 4, 1817. His parents, Pelatiah and Amelia Allyn, were natives of Connecticut, whence they moved in 1822, settling in Portage County, Ohio, where they remained for the rest of their years. Mr. Allyn died about 1855, followed by his widow about 1866. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October 4, 1838, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Charles Slayton. She was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., December 21, 1819. To this union have been born eight children, five living, viz., Amelia, Julia, Franklin, Mary and Walter. The three deceased are Albin, Homer and Charles W. Mr. Allyn began life as a carpenter. Subsequently engaging in farming, he bought ninety-seven acres of land,


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which is now all improved and has good farm buildings. He lived in Union County, Ohio, from 1852 to 1866, coining thence to Hardin County, where hp has since resided.

CHARLES ANSLEY, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Kentucky August 4, 1814. His parents. William and Mary Ansley, moved from their native State, Maryland, to Kentucky, and from there emigrated to Ohio in 1835, settling in Logan County, where they spent the remainder of their live. They were interred in the Rush Creek Cemetery of that county. William Ansley pursued farming for his occupation. The subject of this sketch was married, September 1, 1836, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Eliza Spencer, the former deceased. She was born in Maryland January 29, 1815, and is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Ansley owned ninety acres of land in Logan County, Ohio, which he sold, coming to Hardin County in 1856 and settling in Hale Township, where he purchased 205 acres of land. He sold ninety-seven acres to his son, and has since added, and now owns 345 acres, most of which is improved. He also takes an interest in the breeding of cattle. To Mr. and Mrs. Ansley have been born six children, of whom five are living, viz., James R., George W., Mary J., Charles T. and Lida E.; Joan (deceased) was born June 18, 1837, died June 8, 1851. Since coming to Hardin County, Mr. Ansley has been very successful in his business.

ALONZO D. BAILEY, druggist, Ridgeway, was born in Washington County, Ohio, June 6, 1844, and is a son of William B. and Mary Bailey. His father was a native of Virginia, born April 19, 1803, died in 1867; his mother, born in New Jersey April 25, 1808, died in 1875. They emigrated to Belmont County, Ohio, moving thence to Washington County, from there to Logan County, where they both died. Alonzo D., our subject. was married, February 14, 1872, to Miss Celesta, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Stewart, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, Februar15, 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born six children, viz, Daisey, Dean R., Claude S., Stewart W., Darel and Vance. Mr. Bailey learned the shoemaker's trade, following it for several years, and in 1873 engaged in the drug business, owning the only drug store in Ridgeway, and has a good town and country trade. He has filled the office of Treasurer of the village, and he and his family are well respected by the community in which they reside.

IRA W. BAKER (deceased) was born in Tioga County, N. Y., October 19, 1820. His father, Joseph I. Baker, was a native of Massachusetts, his mother, Electa Baker, of Connecticut. In 1827, the parents moved to Indiana, locating in Lawrenceburg, and ten years after pressed forward to Champaign County, Ohio, and settled fourteen miles from Urbana, Mr. Baker, the father of our subject, died in April, 1856, having been preceded by his wife in 1852. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, June 21, 1848, to Rebecca Monroe, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 2, 1831, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth Monroe, both deceased. Mr. Baker was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, which church the family still attend. His farm consisted of 102 acres of land, located in Hale Township. where the widow and family are residing. The land is well improved and has good farm buildings on it. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.., Sarah (wife of Jonathan Fenstemaker), James, Eva, Ada (wife of Elroy Mervin), George W., Emma M. and Burt. The two deceased were Oliver J., born July 11, 1849, died July 12, 1851, and Olive J., born May 3, 1851, died


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January 3, 1871. Mr. Baker died June 17, 1879, his loss deeply mourned by the family.

URIAH BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 30, 1824, and is a son of Daniel and Hannah Baldwin. His father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Tennessee, and his mother in Ohio, in which State they were married, settling in Champaign County, thence coming to Hardin County in 1835. Mrs. Baldwin died here October 8, 1847, and her husband subsequently married a Miss Steward and moved to Logan County, Ohio, where he died March 6, 1866, his widow following him January 17, 1883. The subject of this sketch chose farming for his occupation, and some years ago bought 122 acres of land, to which he has since added forty acres, and is now living on the farm. He was married, September 5, 1848 to Hannah L., daughter of Abner and Hannah Snoddy. She was born in Logan County. Ohio, December 5, 1827. This union has resulted in seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Joan (wife of A. T. Sponsler), Daniel. Abner. Dora Inez, Beulah and an infant (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin also raised and educated an adopted daughter, who goes by the name of Nettie B. Baldwin. During the late war, Mr. Baldwin was in the 100 day service, in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in several skirmishes. He lived for six years in Ridgeway, and built the first house in the place, but since then has resided on his farm. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has filled the offices of Assessor and Trustee of Hale Township for three years each.

E. S. BUTLER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 11, 1838, and is a son of Benjamin and Eliza Butler. His parents are natives of Virginia, whence they moved to Logan County, Ohio, at an early day. His mother, who is living, is still a resident of that county. Our subject came to Hardin County in 1867, settling in Buck Township, removing from there, in 1880, to Hale Township. He was united in marriage. in 1861, to Miss Rachel Ansley, who was born August 16, 1842, and died December 19, 1880. He then-March 22, 1882-married bliss Hattie Shaw. He is the father of three children by his first wife-Florence A. (wife of O. W. Dille), Henry H. and George E. His first wife was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Butler is a member of the Masonic order. His farm consists of 500 acres of well improved land, with good farm buildings-one of the best arranged farms in Hardin County for the raising and breeding of stock. Mr. Butler makes a specialty of short-horned cattle and Shropshire-Down sheep, importing his sheep from England and his cattle from Kentucky. He has met with good average success since coining to this county.

ELIAS CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Madison County, Ohio, April 22, 1829. His parents, Silas and Betsey E. Converse, were natives of Vermont. His father emigrated to Ohio about 1815, his mother some years after, making their permanent home in Madison County. Mrs. Converse died in 1836, and her husband subsequently married Diadoma Bowers, a native of Vermont. Mr. Converse was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1880, followed by his widow in November of 1882. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 22, 1851, to Miss Margaret E., daughter of Farrow Clemmons. She was a native of Ohio, born December 12, 1832, and died January 26, 1860. Mr. Converse married again, September 27, 1860, Miss Julia S., daughter of Harris and Julia Janes, born in Madison County, Ohio, January 1, 1839. Mr. and


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Mrs. Converse are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his first marriage he had two children-Amy H. and Webster E. (deceased); the former is the wife of Thomas C. McCall. By his second union, Mr. Converse has had six children (one deceased) ---Estella U. (wife of William L. Bird), Ettie E., Ernest E., Nellie G. and Mable L.; Rody, deceased. Mr. Converse has always pursued the occupation of a farmer. He inherited forty acres of land in Madison County, Ohio, which he sold and bought 640 acres in Missouri. He subsequently purchased 100 acres in Hale Township, Hardin County where he and his family reside. He came to this county in 1866 and has been generally successful. He is a member of the Masonic order, and has filled the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace in Madison County, and Trustee of Hale Township. He has been on the School Board here for eight consecutive years.

CHRISTIAN COPP, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born on the James River, Botetourt Co., Va., March 9, 1809, and is a son of George and Christina Copp. His father died in Virginia when our subject was nine years of age, and his mother afterward married John Walker, who also died there. The widow subsequently came to Hardin County, where she remained for the rest of her life. Our subject emigrated from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, and retrained there for seven years, coming, in 1841, to Hardin County and settling on the farm where he resides. He purchased 154 acres, mostly woodland, with a small cabin thereon, and added from time to time, until he and his son now have 225 acres. They did own 265 acres, but sold forty of it. Our subject was united in marriage, October 28, 1830, to Julia Ann, daughter of Jacob and Christine (Deisher). She was born on the James River, Va., October 31, 1812. Her father died in Virginia, her mother in n Hardin County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs: Copp have been born eleven children, of whom five are living, viz., Virginia, wife of Kemp Gaines; Mary, wife of N. R. Swallow; Ferdinand, married, May 25, 1876. to Eunice Haynes; Harriet, wife of John Swallow; and Samantha, wife of Michael Seedle. The deceased are Christena, Sarah, Martha Alice, George and Julia Ann (wife of Smith Wallace). Mr. and Mrs. Copp are members of the Christian Church. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace and Trustee of the township for three years.

GEORGE W. CORWIN, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 10, 1831, and is a son of Daniel and Nancy Corwn. His parents emigrated, in about 1827, from their native State to Pensyl vania, coming to Logan County, Ohio, where they lived until 1843, making a final move to Hardin County. Mrs. Corwin died in May, 1851, and for his second wife, Mr. Corwin married Mary Ann Bruce, and removed Missouri, where his wife died in 1882. He is still living, and has ben engaged in farming through life. The subject of this sketch was married May 3, 1852, to Rose J., daughter of James and Elizabeth Eddy, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, May 7, 1833. Her father died January 12, 1857, followed by her mother March 26, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Corwin are members of the Christian Church. They are the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., James D., Charles, Elizabeth S., George A., Jeannette, Anna B. and Harley. The deceased are Leandor, born January 1, 1866, died January 9, 1879, and an unnamed infant. When Mr. Corwin first started in life, he rented land, on which he farmed for six years and then purchased thirty-five acres of land where he resides, and to which he has added unti1 he now owns sixty-eight acres of improved land. In 1876, he engaged in the manufacture of the, but has lately sold


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out his interest. He has filled the office of School Director for three years.

E. B. CROW, physician, Ridgeway, was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 30, 1834, and is a son of Philip and Catherine Crow, natives of Maryland. In 1833, his parents moved to Marion County. Ohio, where the father died a few years later, and the widow subsequently re-married and moved to Wyandot County, Ohio. She died there in 1874. The subject of this sketch is the only living member of a family of nine children. He was united in marriage, May 29, 1855, to Isabella, daughter of John Hudson, born in Marion County, Ohio, October 28, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Crow are the parents of five children, four of whom survive, viz., Victoria, John H., Ella M. and Philip 3I. The deceased was Callie M., born March 5, 1856, died August 19, 1859. The Doctor engaged in the practice of his profession in 1855, and has since continued it. He was Captain in the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the rebellion, enlisting in 1862. and was discharged in 1865. He was with Sherman and engaged in numerous battles and skirmishes. On his return from the service, he was elected Mayor of Ridgeway. Was re-elected for rive consecutive terms.

AARON R. CURL, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 11, 1843, and is a son of Elihu and Margaret Curl, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Logan County, Ohio. His parents were married in Logan County, whence they moved in 1851, coming to Mount Victory, where Elihu Curl was engaged in mercantile business. There were but two houses in the town, one of which was owned by him. He afterward moved to the farm adjoining the present one of our subject, where he died May 13, 1870, having been preceded by his wife October 29, 1869. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 16, 1863, with Rachel, daughter of Conrad and Mary M. Curl. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 15, 1841. To this union have been born five children, of whom four are living, viz., Emory and Emma (twins), Joseph H. and Frank. The deceased was Ardella, who died at the age of two months. Mr. Curl pursues farming for his occupation, and owns 120 acres of improved land, the farm having originally consisted of fifty acres. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOHN DAVIS, merchant, Ridgeway, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 21, 1822, and is a son of Joshua and Margaret Davis. His parents were natives of Harford County, Md., moving to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1822, and remained there until 1860, moving thence to Logan County, where they lived some years. They finally came to Hardin County, and resided with our subject. Mr. Davis died in 1875, having been preceded by his wife in 1874. John Davis, our subject, came to Ridgeway, Ohio, in April, 1871, and engaged in the dry goods business for three years, and for four years in keeping a hotel, subsequently opening in the hardware business, which he has since followed. He has a good country, patronage. He was united in marriage, Septomber 25, 1845, with Sarah, daughter of Andrew and Jane Pierce, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 31, 1819. Her parents are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born two children-William P. and Margaret J. They have also reared an adopted child, who is now an industrious young man, and one who has a bright future before him. He is a millwright by trade. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic order, also of the I. O. O. F. He is one of the present Trustees of Hale Township and a man of honest integrity. He and his family are beloved and respected by all who know them.


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J. M. DILLE, deceased, was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 12, 1827. His parents, Abraham and Debra Dille, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, then moving to Ohio. Mrs. Dille died near Mount Victory, Ohio, and Mr. Dille afterward married Mrs. Jones, nee Garwood. and the two are now living in Mount Victory. Abraham Dille is one of the old pioneers and settlers of Hardin County. The subject of this sketch was a carpenter by trade. He first bought fifty acres of land, which he subsequently sold, purchasing the 135 acres of the farm where the widow and family reside. He also owned, with his son Lafayette, a half-interest in a tract of fifty acre. The land is all improved, and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dille was married, December 17, 1851, to Nancy A., daughter of James and Mary A. Smith, both deceased. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 31, 1833. Her parents moved to Hardin County November 29, 1843, settling near Mount Victory. To Mr. and Mrs. Dille have been born ten children, nine of whom are living, viz., Lafayette W., married, November 5, 1874, to Hattie E. Jones, the latter born November 3, 1854, and died February 8, 1878, the mother of one child- Jennie B.; Clara J., at home; Oakland W., married, December 14, 1882, to Florence Butler; Mary E., wife of William Eddy; J. C. Reemont, Henry M, James M., Frank M. and Edith M. The deceased, Alberetti, was born in 1860 and died October 21, 1862. Mrs. Dille is a member of the Methodist Church. By the decease of Mr. Dille, Hale Township lost a good citizen, and the family a kind husband and a loving parent.

CYRUS S DILLE, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born near Mount Victory, Ohio, February 5, 1838. He is a son of Cyrus and Susan Dille, who emigrated to Ohio in 1825, settling in Richland County, coming thence to Hardin County in 1830. Mr. Dille was born in Washington County, Penn., June 6, 1796, and died April 21, 1849. His widow, who still survives, was born in Greene County, Penn., September 29, 1808. Mr. Dille was one of the first settlers of Hale Township, coming when there were not more than ten acres of land cleared. He first bought the whole of the Reese Hill survey, consisting of over 600 acres, for which he paid 50 cents an acre, and at the time of his decease had 100 acres cleared. He was a surveyor and farmer during his life. He was married, on November 11, 1828, and had a family of eleven children, two living, viz., our subject and Susanna Pennock. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, August 16, 1862, with Margaret Hibbitts, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, September 26, 1840, and died March 6, 1868. Mr. Dille was again married, July 4, 1876, to Mary A. Williams a sister of his first wife. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 8, 1847, and is a daughter of Elijah and Massa Hibbitts, the former of whom is deceased. During the rebellion, our subject enlisted, in 1862, in the One Hundred and Twentyfirst Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K, and was mustered out in 1865. He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace in Nebraska for Three years and that of Assessor in Hale Township for two years. He is occupied in farming and owns 104 1/2 acres of land with good farm buildings. He is the father of five children, two by his first marriage, three by the second, of whom four are living. viz., Maud, Harry E., William R. and Minnie K Ura died at the age of three months.

JAMES EATON, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, January 24, 1831, and is a son of Elijah and Jane Eaton. His parents were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and emigrated to Monroe County, Ohio, proceeding to Morgan County, where they remained un-


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til the decease of the mother in 1834. The widower was subsequently united in marriage to Angelina Slay, and removed to Belmont County, Ohio, coming thence to Hardin County, whore thev are residing in Ridgeway. Elijah Eaton has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years The subject of this sketch was married, in 1851, to Emily, daughter of William B. and Mary Bailey. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1829. To Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have been born five children, of whom one survives, Phineas A., who is married to Marv E. Baldwin. The deceased are Arista, Charles, Alberta J. and Alta J. During the war, Mr. Eaton enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Battery, December 7, 1861, and was discharged in August of 1862. He was in the battle of Pittsburg Landing and several minor skirmishes. On his return home, he engaged in mercantile business for some years, but is now occupied in farming. In his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade. He owns fifty-five acres of improved land in Logan County, Ohio, also property in Ridgeway, and has all the comforts of life surrounding him. He has filled several offices in the village with credit to himself and his constituents, and is a man ever anxious to meet all his obligations.

HARVEY B. EDDY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Hale Township, Hardin County, on the farm where the family now reside, January 1, 1841, and is a son of James and Elizabeth Eddy, who emigrated from their native State, Virginia, coming to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1835, where James Eddy died January 12, 1857, followed by his widow March 26, 1868. They were interred in the cemetery on the farm. Mr. Eddy was one of the old pioneer settlers, and most of the time was engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, September 28, 1862, to Ainanda A., daughter of Robert and Mary Stephenson. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, September 12, 1842. Her father died September 10, 1881; but her mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Eddy have been born five children, three living-Robert Ferdinand, born July 27, 1863; Stilla M., born August 15, 1872, and Mollie D., born July 15, 1876. The deceased are William A., born January 26, 1867, died October 1, 1880, and Charlie R., born January 4, 1870, died October 6, 1880. Mr. Eddy has been generally successful since starting in life. His farm consists of 100 acres of well cultivated land, with good farm buildings, and besides farming is engaged in raising and selling stock. He has filled the office of School Director for two terms

PHILIP M. FENT, deceased, was born in Payette County, Ohio, in March, 1835. He was a son of James and Anna Fent, formerly residents of Fayette County, the latter of whom died about 1875, and is still survived by her husband, who is living at an advanced age. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, May 27, 1858, with Sarah Allen, who was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 10, 1835. Her parents are both living, and reside in Fayette County. To this union were born eight children, of whom four are living, viz., Eliza B. M., Alice M., Sevilian Josephus and Sarah E. The deceased were all infants. Mr. Fent acquired a good education, and pursued farming for his occupation. He owned 103 acres of land, which his widow afterward sold and purchased thirty-two acres, where she is now residing. Mr. Fent and his wife were members of the :Methodist Church. He was a successful and industrious business man, and died January 13, 1881. By his demise the family lost a kind parent, and Hale Township an honest, upright citizen.


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LEMUEL HAINES, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Union County, Ohio, April 20, 1836. His father, Jonathan Haines, was born in Virginia in 1790, moving to Champaign County, Ohio, when about six years old. His mother. Lucretia Haines, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1806. They were married in Champaign Count, Ohio, June 16, 1825, and moved to Union County, Ohio, about 1830. In 1855, they removed to Iowa, but only remained until 1857, when they returned to Ohio, coming to Hardin County. Jonathan Haines died at Mount Victory September 2, 187l: the widow survives him, and is still hale and hearty. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October 12, 1856, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of William and Jane McCoy, born in Guernsey County, Ohio, March 15, 1835. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810, died in 1873; he moved to Ohio with his parents when but one year old. Her mother was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1814, and died in 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Haines have been born two children, both deceased. They have raised William H. Wade, who has now been a member of the family since his eleventh year, and is now (1883) twenty years old. Mr. Haines has also taken into the family Pearl Hines, aged five years. During the rebellion, Mr. Haines enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K, August 12, 1862, and was discharged September 24, 1863. He is occupied in farming. and owns fifty-three acres of land. which be has improved and cultivated. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.



FREDERICK HARPEL, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 20, 1835. His parents, Conrad and Mary Magdalena Harpel, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they emigrated, settling in Carroll County, Ohio. They remained here for about eight years, moving to Logan County, where Mr. Harpel died June 12, 1870 after which the family came to Hardin County, where Mrs. Harpel died July 8, 1877. The subject of this sketch was married, October 13, 1866, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James and Edith Raley, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, June 9, 1842, and is a member of the Disciple Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Harpel have been born six children, three daughters and three sons, as follows: I. Della, born September 9. 1867; Marley Oren, born October 18, 1869; Jesse Oscar, born June 24, 1871; Mary Edna, born March 28, 1873; Nellie Luetta, born November 28, 1875, and James Orvill, born May 25, 1878. Mr. Har pel commenced life as a farmer, renting land for about five years, after which he bought seventy-five acres of land of his present farm. The land is well improved and has good farm buildings on it.

NATHANIEL OSCAR HATCHER, deceased, was born in Perry Township, Logan Co., Ohio, November 28, 1842. He was a son of Daniel and H. Hatcher, both natives of Virginia, who first settled in Logan County, Ohio, where Daniel Hatcher died. The widow subsequently came to Hardin County, and lived with our subject until her decease in 1861. The Subject of this sketch was married, October 8, 1858, to Elizabeth, daughter of Conrad and May Harpel; she was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 4, 1832. This union resulted in six children, of whom five are living, viz., John F. (who remains at home and takes care of the farm), Mary J. (wife of John Dunson), George H., Emma L., Harry O. and Elva, an infant (deceased). In 1862, Mr. Hatcher volunteered in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving to the close of the war. He, as well as his widow, belonged to the Christian Church. He filled the office


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of Township Trustee for one year. At the time of his demise, he owned 100 acres of land, and left, a comfortable home to his family.

Z. M. HIATT, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Wayne County Ind., August 5, 1827, and is a son of Jesse and Mahala Hiatt, both natives of Virginia. His parents were married in Indiana in 1824, and settled in Logan County, Ohio, where Mr. Hiatt built the first business house in Pickereltown. The latter, who has reached his eighty-second year, still resides there, and was left a widower in 1872. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County October 28, 1861. He had learned the trade of tanner, and bought the farm in Hale Township, where the family reside, and started a tannery in 1865. The buildings were subsequently destroyed by a tornado, but he has never rebuilt and has since followed farming. He carried on the tanning business for fifteen years. He was married, September 18, 1854, to Josephine, daughter of Thomas and Mary James. She was born in East Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, October 11, 1832, and died May 19, 1881. To this union were born two children-Wilbur G. and Maryetta. Mr. Hiatt is a member of the Christian Church, and his deceased wife was also a member of that church. He has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty-two years, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for three years.

PETER S. HOVE, merchant, Mount Victory, was born in Athens County, Ohio, October 1, 1822, and is a son of Sylvanus and Abigail Howe. His father died in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1875, having been preceded by his wife in Athens County in 1862. The subject of this sketch was married, in May, 1854, to Rachel P. Owen. She was born in Athens County, Ohio, July 14, 1828. To this union four children have been born --Albert E., Mary E. (wife of Thomas B. Samson), Abigail K. (wife of C. E. Parry) and Maud. Mr. Howe has been engaged in banking and merchandising all his life, and at present owns one of the leading dry goods stores in Mount Victory. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-five year, and has filled the office of Treasurer of Bale Township for twelve years.

S. G. HUMPHREYS, merchant, Mount Victory, was born in Union County, Ohio, October 13, 1829. His parents, Jacob and Margaret Humphreys, were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they emigrated, settling in Logan County, Ohio. Mrs. Humphreys died in Union County, Ohio, in January, 1833, and her husband died while in the service of his country, December 22, 1861. He was First Lieutenant of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and died in Somerset, Ky. Prior to the war, he had been engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was married, April 7, 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of Lemuel and Mary A. Titsworth. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, August 1, 1832. Her father died near West Mansfield, Ohio, but her mother is still living and resides withour subject. Mrs. Humphreys is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Humphreys and his wife are the parents of three children-Mary A., wife of A. L. Sullivan; Frank, a practicing physician and holding a position in the Dayton Asylum, and Macy, at home with his parents. Mr. Humphreys first learned the trade of a wool carder. then followed farming for a time, and is now engaged in mercantile business in Mount Victory, Ohio. He has lived there for twenty-four years, during seventeen of which be has kept a store. He owns a general store and has good patronage. During the rebellion, he engaged in the hundred-day service in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company H, under Col. Leo. He moved with


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his family to :Mount Victory, when the town was in its infancy. He has filled the office of Assessor, Trustee, and is at present in the position of Township Treasurer of Hale Township.

PHILIP G. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Rushsylvania, Logan Co., Ohio, August 19, 1848. His parents are Henry G. and Martha Johnson, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Logan County, Ohio, in which latter place they were married, coming thence to Hardin County, where they are now residents of Buck Township. Both have nearly reached their seventieth year. They are the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, viz., Isabella S., Sarilla, Victoria, Mary E., Paulina, Jacob R., Robert H., Philip G. and Henry O. The subject of this sketch acquired a good common school education, and for his occupation chose farming. For one year he rented land, and then bought his present farm of fifty-two acres of well-cultivated land. He was married, February 29, 1872, to Rebecca, daughter of Elihu and Hopy Winder. She was born in Hale Township, Hardin County, September 18, 1854. To this union there have been born two children- Mertie M., born February 1, 1873, and Lester A., born February 13, 1875. Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Since starting in life, he has been generally successful.

MOSES KENNEDY, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Adams County, Penn., October 12, 1822. and is a son of John and Margaret Kennedy. His parents emigrated to Ohio in 1838, settling in Wyandot County. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 28, 1842, with Nancy, daughter of James and Hannah Kendrick, born April 9, 1818. Our subject moved, with his wife and family to Hale Township in 1841, and settled on the farm he now occupies. The land was then covered with woods, but he cleared a tract, on which he erected a rude cabin, and then proceeded to the erection of a saw mill. He built the mill on Panther Creek, which stream runs through his lands, and ran the mill by water for twenty years, sawing all the lumber needed in the community. munity. A pair of buhrs were attached, which ground all the m( needed. Mr. Kennedy is a millwright by trade, and built his own mill, as well as others in the township. He owns 145 acres of land in Hale Township, all well improved, with good farm buildings on same. He has had family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. He has passed through all the hardships incident to pioneer life, and his conduct has been such as to gain the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends. He was nominated and elected County Commissioner, although at the time, on account of sickness, he was unable to canvass and mingle with his friend.

D. H. LEVAN, physician, Mount Victory, was born in Pennsylvania December 27, 1844, and is a son of W. S. and Sarah Levan. His father still resides in Pennsylvania, but his mother died in March of 1859, at the age of thirty-two years. Our subject was united in marriage, in July, 1865, to Fianna, daughter of Martin Sammel, born in August, 1847. The Doctor and his wife moved to Logan County, Ohio, in 1866, and engaged in the practice of his profession for four years, coming thence to Mount Victory, Ohio, where he has since lived. The Doctor owned property in West Mansfield, Ohio, which he sold, and in Mount Victory has built a pleasant, comfortable home. He also owns property in Ada, Ohio, besides having an interest in the Garwood farm, one of the oldest in Hardin County. Mrs. Levan is a member of the Latheran Church, and the Doctor belongs to the


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Masonic order. They are the parents of two children-Elwood W. S., born February 8, 1871, and a daughter, who died at an early acre. Our subject, since starting in life, has been successful both in his business and as a physician. '



WILLIAM E. McCALL, farmer. P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in April of 1826. He is a son of William and Elizabeth McCall, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Portage County, Ohio, in April, 1827, remaining there until the decease of our subject's father, in October, 1840. The family removed to Logan County in 1841, where Mrs. McCall departed this life in North Greenfield in 1851. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County in 1843, residing for awhile with his brother Thomas. He was married, January 2, 1851, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of John C. and Rachel Garwood, both deceased. To this union have been born eight children of whom five survive, viz., Thomas F., Emma J., Elnora, John and William. Albert, Matilda and Rachel, deceased. Albert died at the acre of one year and eight months, from the fall of a gate, being instantly killed; the others died of diphtheria, one week apart, Matilda at the age of six years, and Rachel at three years. Mr. McCall has been engaged in farming all his life, and at the present time owns seventy-two acres of well-improved land. on which the family reside. He and his wife. are members of the United Brethren Church.

ROBERT McELHENEY, merchant, Ridgeway, was born in Ireland December 20, 1843. He is a son of James and Annie McElheney, who lived and died in Ireland, the former departing this life in 1859. the latter in 1875. Our subject was united in marriage, May 2, 1877, to Miss Corrilia A., daughter of :Michael E. and Sarah Dugan. She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 20, 1855; her father is deceased, but her mother still survives. Mr. and Mrs. McElheney are the parents of three children-Anna, born April 29, 1878; William J., born August 23, 1880, and an unnamed infant, born March 11, 1883. Mr. McElheney came to America when about seventeen years of age, and engaged as a farm hand. Through his perseverance and energy, he succeeded in accumulating an amount sufficient to engage in mercantile business, and accordingly opened in Ridgeway, Ohio, in 1873, and has thus continued ever since. He has the oldest established store in she village, and is well patronized by the town and county. He bought his business house in 1879, and since then some town lots, on which he has erected a fine residence. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has the respect and confidence of the community where he resides.

LEMUEL PENNOCK, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 15, 1842. His parents, Isaac W. and Ann E. Pennock, are both living, and reside in Mount Victory, Ohio. Our subject was married, November 15, 1866, to Miss Susan, daughter of Cyrus and Susan Dille, born in Hale Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, July 22, 1849. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. emigrating to Ohio in 1828, coming to Hadin County in 1830, and settling in Hale Township, on the farm where Mr. Dille and our subject now reside. Mr. Dine was born January 6, 1796, and died April 21, 1849. His widow, who still survives him, was born September 29, 1808. They were married on November 11, 1828. Our subject was, by occupation, an engineer, until 1867, when he took up farming. He inherited sixty acres of land, part of which he has sold, adding some land adjoining, and now owns forty-five acres near


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Mount Victory. He has a family of three children, viz., Eslie, Miunie J. and .Joseph R.

ALANSON PERRY, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 6, 1827, and is a son of Alanson and Sarah Perry, the former a native of New York, the latter of Vermont. His father was a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1811, soon after entering in the war that followed. He was married in Franklin County, Ohio, coming thence to Hardin County, where he died, and his widow subsequently moved to Champaign County, where she departed this life in March, 1870. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, February 27, 1857, with Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Galbraith, and a native of Pennsylvania, born December 23, 1832. Her parents died in Franklin County, Ohio, the father in 1850 and the mother in 1870. They were member of the Presbyterian Church, and their daughter, Mrs. Perry, of the Methodist Church. Mr. Perry first started in life as a farmer, and, after renting land for some years, bought 192 acres of his present farm, to which he has since added sixty-five acres, most. of the farm being well improved. His family consists of six children. viz., Horace, Flora and Cora (twins), Marion. Elizabeth and Arthur. Mr. Perry has filled the office of Township Trustee for two years.

WASHINGTON RICHARDSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 15, 1826. His father, Barnet Richardson, was born in Grayson County, Va, May 13, 1797, and his mother in Martinsburg, W. Va., October 14, 1800. His father came to Ohio in 1806, his mother in 1810, settling in Champaign County, where they were married, coming thence to Hardin County in 1835. They settled in Hale Township, where the father died January 20, 1867, and the widow February 4, 1882. They were the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living, six residing in this county, two in Logan Ccunty, and one in Union County, Ohio. At the time of his decease, Mr. Barnet Richardson owned 183 acres of land. which was all a wilderness when purchased, but it is now well improved and is a valuable farm. Our subjoct now resides on the old home farm, of which he owns six shares. He is a man of whom all speak well, and whose word is as good as his note. Like his deceased father, he is energetic and persevering, and is constantly engaged in improving his farm.

JOHN ROBINSON, deceased, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 30, 1816, and was a son of John and Levina Robinson, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Virginia. His parents came to Ohio in 1811. locating in Highland County, and removing to Champaign County in 1812, where they remained for some years after the mother's decease in 1824. Mr. Robinson was again married, in 1828, to Jane Gillen who died in 1841. He came to Hardin County in 1847, where he died in 1860. He bad eight children, all by the first marriage, of whom only three are living. The subject of this sketch was the youngest child, and was united in marriage, October 24, 1846, to Mary Ann Gray. She was born August 29, 1826, and died August 11, 1852. Our subject formed a second union. solemnized December 25, 1854, with Amy Jane Jones, who died May 27, 1863. For his third wife Mr. Robinson married, January 24, 1865, Mary I., daughter of George and Nancy Rule. She was born April 10, 1836, and is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Robinson was the father of six children, three by his first marriage and three by the second, of whom only two survive-Mary J., wife of Walter Baldwin, and Chase.


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The deceased all died at an early age. Mr. Robinson was a member of the Grange. He had filled the office of Justice of the Peace for three years; Assessor for five years; Trustee for seven years, and was School Director for twenty-one years. He pursued farming all his life, and owned 110 acres of well cultivated land at the time of his death, which occurred August 1883. His age was sixty-seven years two months and six days. He was as successful as men of his stamp usually are, who start out in life with nothing but brains and energy.

M. J. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Hale Township, on the farm where he now resides, September 8, 1852, and is a son of Silas and Rebecca Robinson. His father was born in Champaign County Ohio, and moved to this eounty, where he died in 1864. The widow is still living, and resides in her native place. She was born in Logan County, Ohio. They were the parents of five children, viz., our subject, the oldest, William H., Levine Jane, Harriet M. and Albert. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage. December 25, 1873, to Sarenia, daughter of Nicholas Archer, born in Logan County. Ohio, May 4, 1S55. To this union have been born four children-Orla E., Oscar H., Blanche and Florence A. Mr. Robinson and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He inherited thirty acres of the farm on which he resides, to which he subsequently added thirty more, and now has a fine, well-cultivated farm.

JACOB A. RUMER, lumberman, Ridgeway. was born in Virginia April 15, 1853. His parents, John S. and Edith E. Rumer, were natives of Virginia, whence they emigrated, coming to Ohio in 1855, and settling in Fayette County; from there they came to Hardin County, where the father died May 15, 1875. Mrs. Rumer is still living and resides in Ridgeway, Ohio. They were the parents of nine children, of whom eight survive, all residing in Hardin County, and all married, except three who are living in the residence of J. A. Rumor, with their mother. The subject of this sketch engaged in the lumber business in April of 1879, under the firm name of Koplin & Rumer. On June 27, 1881, he bought out his partner and has since continued alone in the business. He owns a large saw mill and the lots surrounding, and employs a force of about thirty hands. He also owns two nice pieces of property in Ridgeway, besides 195 acres of land near Mount Victory, and on April 10, 1883, he opened a store for hardware and agricultural implements. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Rumor is an enterprising and active young business man of Ridgeway.

SIMON SCHERTZER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 21, 1839, and is a son of Emanuel and Eve Schertzer, natives of Pennsylvania. His parents emigrated to Ohio about 1825, thence moving to Stark County, thence removing to Wayne County, thence to Ross County and from there to Franklin County, finally coming to Hardin County, where they permanently settled. Mr. Schertzer died in 1844, followed by his widow in 1869. He was a farmer and shoe-maker by occupation. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, November 19, 1868, to Miss Bell, daughter of George and Maria Carriher. She was born in Indiana June 8, 1843. To this union have been born five children (one deceased)-Bunt L., Roy W., Ernest and Zulu L. Clara died at the age of seven months. When Mr. Schertzer first started out in life, he engaged in farming, which he has always followed, and is now the owner of 127 acres of well improved land.


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In 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Compam F, and was mustered out on July 21, 1865. He was engaged in the battle of Mill Spring, Stone River, Chickamauga, Corinth, siege of Atlanta and Mission Ridge, besides a number of minor engagements.

JACOB SIEG, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Ridgeway, was born in Hale Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, September 2, 1843, and is a son of Jonathan and Lydia (Hopkins) Sieg. His father was born in Angusta County, Va., May 8, 1815, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1828, settling in Logan County. His schooling had been received in the subscription schools of Virginia. but he acquired a fair education from studying nights by the light of hickory bark. He commenced teaching when nineteen years of age, and taught for seventeen winters, working on a farm in the summer. He was married, on January 12, 1837. In 1843, he was elected Justice of the Peace, served for six years, and for six years from 1846 served as County Commissioner. He was engaged in merchandising in 1852, and continued for five years. His first vote was cast for Van Buren. He voted the regular Democratic ticket until 1864, when he voted for Lincoln, and once before--in 1848--when he voted for John U. Fremont. In 1861, he was elected to the House by a union of both parties, and in 1863 was re-elected in opposition to an old personal and political friend. His only three sons were in the army, two of whom were disabled for life-Robert, the eldest, while in West Virginia, took deliberate aim at Col. Crogan, of the rebel army, and killed him. Mr. Sieg, when relating his merited act of recording his vote in favor of the ratification of the constitutional amendment, said it was one of the proudest deeds of his life. He departed this life February 9, 1868; his widow is still living, and resides with her son Jacob. Jacob was united in marriage, October 27, 1875, to Victoria, daughter of E. B. and Isabella Crow, whose sketch is given in this work. To this union two children have been born-Frank S. and Carrie B. Jacob Sieg has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for nearly eight years, is also serving in the capacity of Mayor of the village of Ridgeway. He has been engaged in fanning, owns land adjoining and property in Ridgeway.

HENRY SNELL, mason, Mount Victory, was born in Salem Township, Warren Co., Ohio, September 20, 1814, and is a son of Jacob and Christine Snell. His father was born in Maryland February 22, 1789, and died February 28, 1834. His mother, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1791, and died in 1849. The subject of this sketch emigrated from Warren County, Ohio, to Preble County, in August, 1835, returning to Warren County in October of 1840. In 1847, he moved to Logan County, Ohio; thence, in 1851, to Hardin County, returning in 1858 to Logan County, where he remained until 1862, when he removed to Union County, making a final move October 15, 1878, coming to Hardin County and settling in Mount Victory. He was married, December 14, 1834, to Elenor J., daughter of Henrv and Abigail Runion. She was born August 9, 1818, and departed this life September 26, 1840. He wasmarried, for the second time, August 24, 1841, to Margaret Miltonbarger. She was born in Warren County, Ohio, April 28, 1816, and was a daughter of William and Mary Miltonbarger, and died without issue in Union County, Ohio, September 15, 1875. For his third wife, Mr. Snell married, September 21, 1876, Miss Elizabeth B., daughter of John and Phebe Vance. She was born Delaware County, Ohio, December 31, 1847. By his first wife he had two children, one of whom is living-Elias R. The deceased, William R.,


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was born August 10, 1840, and died October of the same year. Elias R., was born June 22, 1837, and was married, July 12, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Barnet and Elizabeth Richardson. She was born October 6, 1830, and has had three children. viz., Barnet Henry, William M. and Allie Carey. By his present wife. Mr. Snell has had two children-Arvilla J.. born July 16, 1877, and Claty, born July 11, 1880. Mr. Snell's chief business through life has been in the pursuit of his trade of brick-layer, plasterer and stone-mason. For seven years he traveled as a minister and missionary. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He owns town property, a mill and factory, and has met with good success through life.



WILLIAM H. SUMMERS, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, is a native of Wyandot County, Ohio, where he was born October 11, 1836. His father, William Summers, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1810; his mother, Martha Summers, in Ross County, Ohio, in 1810. They were married in Wyandot County and settled on the farm where Col. Crawford was burnt, near the monument erected to the memory of the latter. Mr. Summers was a farmer and died in Wyandot County December l5, 1882, having been preceded by his wife May 8, 1868. They are both buried in the cemetery on their farm, where Col. Crawford was burned. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive. Our subject is the second son, and was united in marriage. September 28, 1862, to Nancy, daughter of Mary Haney, a native of Pennsylvania, and who subsequently married Thomas Dunson. They settled in Hardin County, where she died March 8, 1882. On first starting out in life, Mr. Summers rented land, on which he worked for four years, after which he bought seventy-five acres of the land of the farm he now occupies. In the late war, he volunteered in the Eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company K, Second Division of Twenty-third Army Corps, and fought at Columbia, Franklin, Tenn., and in the two days' battle at -Nashville. Mrs. Summers is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Summers has belonged for two years to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has had three children, all deceased, and has reared two other children, Charles Burke, now (1883) twenty-five years old, who at the time he was taken into the family was eight years of age, and William E. Dunson, aged ten years. and who was five years old when taken into the family. Francis W. Summers, a brother of William H., and the third son of his father's family, is a resident and farmer of Hale Township, Hardin County, Ohio, and was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, February 18, 1845. He commenced in life by renting land, on which he farmed for six years, and then bought forty acres of land in his native county, which he subsequently sold, purchasing fifty-five acres of the farm where he now resides. In 1864, he volunteered in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged befure the close of the war on account of disability. He was engaged at the battle at Pickett Mills, Ga., which lasted twenty-four hours, besides several skirmishes. He was married March 18, 1866, to Rosolthee, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth Reynolds. She was born March 19, 1849; her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Wyandot County, Ohio. They settled in Wyandot County, where they have since remained. To Mr. and Mrs. Summers have been born six children, of whom four survive, vie., Mary Idella, Emma Viola, Adrian E. and Florence L. Robert (deceased) was born January 12, 1870, died July 29, 1874; and Sylva L. was born November 28, 1871, died February 17, 1878. Mr. Summers has lived in Hardin County since 1877, and has been generally successful.


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FREDERICK SUTERMEISTER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Switzerland -lay 15, 1831. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Sutermeister, who emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1854, removing thence in 1861 to Union; County, and in 1865 coining to Hardin County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father died in September, 1868, followed by his widow in February of 1881. Our subject was united in marriage, June 29, 1864, to Sarah, daughter of Richard and Sarah Williams, both deceased. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 9, 1839. Her father died in that county in 1850, her mother in Hardin County, in 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Sutermeister have been born seven children, viz., Malcolm M., Sophie E., Frank R., Weldon E., Eugene R., Gertie M. and Lena Z. Mr. Sutermeister and his wife are members the Methodist Episcopal Church. He started out in life a farmer, renting land for four years, and then bought eighty-two acres of his present far: on which the family reside. He has improved the land and erected fir. farm buildings on it, and has been successful in business. He has filled the office of School Director for six years.

ANDERSON THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 10, 1821. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Thompson, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of New York. They moved to Clark County, Ohio, thence proceeded to Union County in 1821, where John Thompson died in 1858, followed by his widow in 1864. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County in March, 1860, and two years after bought and sold fifty acres of land, and subsequently bought and sold various other tracts. He finally purchased thirty-eight acres, half of which he has sold to his son, J. W. He was married, February 3, 1841, to Anna, daughter of William and Rebecca Conklin. She was born in Mill Creek Township, Union County, Ohio. Ncvember 23, 1820. To this union have been born eight children, of whom five survive, viz., Elizabeth. wife of John James; George L.; Hester M., wife of John Burris; Martha M, wife of Thomas Harvey; and John W; three infants deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled the office of Justice of the Peace in Mill Creek Township, Union County, Ohio, and the office of Constable in Dudley Township, Hardin County.



JOHN WAGNER, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October 10, 1831, and is a son of Martin and Elizabeth Wagner. His parents were also natives of Germany, where they died, his mother in 1857, his father in 1871. The subject of this sketch emigrated to Pennsylvania, where he remained for a year, spending the following year in Kentucky and coming to Hardin County in 1859. He was here married, August 19, 1860, to Katherine, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Dorn. She was born October 23, 1836; her mother died in 1849, but her father is still living and resides with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are members of the German Reformed Church, and are the parents of five children, viz., Henry, Edward, William, Katherine and Margaret. When Mr. Wagner first came to Hardin County, he engaged in blacksmithing, carrying on the business until 1878, and still owns a blacksmith shop. For the past five years he has been engaged in the lumber and stave business. He owns 285 acres of well-improved land, and three houses in the town. He has been generally successful since coming to Hardin County.


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GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Ridgeway, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 6, 1823. His father, Silas Williams, was born in North Carolina, his mother, Susannah Williams, in Grayson County, Va, both moving to Ohio in 1813 and settling in Champaign County. In 1827, they removed to Logan County, where they died, Mr. Williams in 1843, having been preceded by his wife in 1839. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County in 1858, where be has since lived. He was married, October 8, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William W. and Hester Green, of Logan County, Ohio. She was born October 10, 1826; her father died about 1851, and her mother, who survives, is in her eighty-seventh year, and lives with our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born five children, three sons and two daughters, four of whom survive, viz., Jennie, wife of Joseph Wallace; Daniel W., married and residing next to his father; Ruth Ann, wife of James R. Ansley; William G., married and residing on the home farm: and an infant son, Frisbie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Williams was brought up to the Quaker faith. In his earl- life he taught school in the winter, and farmed in the summer farming haling formed his chief occupation in life. He first bought seventy-night acres of land in Logan County, Ohio, which he afterward sold and purchased a saw mill, which proved to be an unsuccessful venture. He then came to Hardin County and bought forty-five acres of land. He subsequently added to his purchase and now owns 200 acres mostly of improved land. He has filled the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, and was a member of the Board of Education for three years. He has generally been successful in life, and is nosy enjoying the fruits of his industry.

LEMUEL WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Logan County, Ohio, May 3, 1824, and is a son of Henry and Nancy Williams. His parents were natives of Virginia and moved to Ohio abort 1808, settling in Champaign County, removing thence to Logan County, where Mrs. Williams died in November, 1838. Mr. Williams subsequently married Rachel Jacobs, deceased in 1877. He died in September, 1872, and was the parent of nine children, of whom six are living. The subject of this sketch is the fourth son. He was united in marriage March 18, 1847, to Sarah, daughter of James and Eliza Grimes, both deceased. She was born in Pennsylvania, June 11, 1825, and has had a family of six children, of whom four are living. viz., Leroy, Elizabeth A., Mary J. and Almeda E. The two deceased are Lewis and James A. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Church of God. Mr. Williams came to Hardin County November 16, 1852, and has always pursued farming. He owns 158 acres of land in Hale Township, and his farm is well cultivated, having fine farm buildings.

R. J. WILLIAMS, Postmaster, Ridgeway, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, December 31, 1837, and is a son of Micaiah and Melatiah J. Williams, both uatives of Kentucky. His parents moved to Logan County, Ohio, and remained there for some years, moving thence to Champaign County, and returning to Logan County, where they reared a family and lived until the decease of Mr. Williams in 1857. The widow subsequently remarried in Logan County, and died in Hardin County January 7, 1875, while on a visit to her daughter in Ridgeway. The subject of this sketch was married June 26, 1867, to Adelia S., daughter of Solomon and Julia Hoge, natives of Virginia. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, November 25, 1850; her parents emigrated to Ohio, thence moved to Ten-


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nessee, where the mother died December 16, 1882. Mr. Hoge, who survives, still resides in Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the parents of two children, Florence E., born November 11, 1868; and Eugene R., born September 27, 1874. Mr. Williams enlisted in the brigade band, Second Brigade, Third Division of the Sixth Army Corps, December 26, 1863, and was discharged June 25, 1865. After the war, he engaged in the harness business, in which he has since continued. He has filled the position of Postmaster of Ridgeway since October 13, 1874, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

HENRY WILLIAMS, merchant, Mount Victory, was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, January 3, 1843, and is a son of William and Cynthia (Smith) Williams. His father was a native of Ohio, born in April, 1819. his mother of Kentucky, born in 1822. They are residing in Hale Township, Hardin County, Ohio, and are the parents of seven children. Henry, our subject, was married, February 13, 1868, to Mary B., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth A. Johnson; she was born in Logan County, Ohio, January 13, 1847. Her father died in 1851, but her mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born eight children, of whom four are living, viz., Mary G., Grace Ann, Paul H. and Willard J. The deceased are Gale, William E. and two infants. When Mr. Williams was eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company A of the Eighty-second Ohio VolunteerInfantry, serving twenty months; in August of 1864, he recruited Company I of the One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment, which company he commanded until the mustering out in July, 1865. He then pursued farming until the fall of 1867, when he opened in mercantile business in Mount Victory, Ohio, where he now owns one of the leading general stores. He also possesses a suburban residence, surrounded with about twenty-five acres of land. He is successful in his business, enjoying a good country and town patronage.

ISAAC H. WILSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Dudley Township. Hardin County, Ohio, July 9, 1845, and is a son of the Rev. Samuel Wilson (deceased). His father was of Irish descent and came to Hardin County in 1833, before the city of Kenton was laid out. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was twenty-one years of age. Our subject's mother, Rachel Wilson, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and emigrated with her parents to Hardin County in 1833, settling on what is known as the Allen farm. Our subject's parents lived in this county for many years, and then removed to Auglaize County, thence to Alien County, where Mrs. Wilson died in 1853. After her death, the widower was united in marriage,in the fall of 1855, to Henrietta Freet, who is still living. They moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, living there until 1856, in the June of which year Mr. Wilson died, while on a visit to Allen County, and was interred in the cemetery at Lockport. The subject of this sketch started in life with a purchase of ten acres of land, which he afterward sold, buying forty-one acres in Dudley Township, which he still retains; he and his mother-in-law have since bought 101 acres in Halo Township, where they are residing. He was married, October 3, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of David and Elizabeth Eshleman. Her parents were tives of Pennsylvania, where she was born in Franklin County, Oct. 16, 1842, the family moving to Ohio in 1846, settling in Wyandot Coin They subsequently removed to Marion County, coming to Hardin County in 1857, where Mr. Eshleman died April 27, 1880.His widow, who sur-


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vies, is nearly seventy-seven years of acre, and at present is residing with our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born three children, viz., Myrtle E., David F. and Idora B. B. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the late war, he volunteered in the Forty-fifth Regiment. Company H., and served from August 9, 1862, to the close of the war. He fought in the last battle at Franklin and at Nashville. and for five months was at the prison at Belle Isle, Richmond.

ELIHU WINDER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Stark County. Ohio, December 22, 1832. He is a son of Caleb and Margaret Winder, natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Ohio in 1820, settling, in Stark County; front there moved to Portage County, where they remained until the decease of Mr. Winder in 1840. The widow, with her family, returned to Stark County, where she departed this life in 1843. Elihu, our subject, came to Hardin County in 1850, settling in Hale Township, where he has since remained. He was married, December 2l, 1853, to Miss Hopy Garwood. She was born in Logan County, Ohio, December 29, 1838, and came with her parents to Hardin County when but nine years of age. Her parents. John C and Rachel Garwood. were natives of Virginia. and were brought to Ohio when children, her father coming to Logan County, her mother to Knox County. They were married in Logan County, coming thence to this county, where Mr. Garwood died in 1877, followed by his widow in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Winder have been born five children, viz., Rebecca, wife of Philip G. Johnson, Lewis, married to Lottie Minchell; Rachel A., William C. and Ida M. Mrs. Winder is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Winder is a farmer, and started in life with a purchase of forty acres of land, which he sold, buying fifty acres. which he also disposed of and then bought one-half of the old borne farm of his father, where he has since resided.


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