JOHANN CHRISTIAN ABEL, (Prospect Township) carriage and buggy manufacturer, Prospect Village, was born in Horrheim, Wuerttemberg, Germany, April 29, 1843. His parents names were George and Gottlieben (Faigle) Abel; the father is deceased, and the mother is still living in Germany. October 1, 1865, our subject arrived at the port of Now York, then being twenty-two years of age. He immediately came to Ohio and commenced learning the blacksmith's trade with Jacob Smeltzer, one mile southwest of Marion, with whom he remained three and one-half years, when he went to Bethlehem and operated a black Smith shop for six years, shoeing horses and doing all kinds of repair work. At this period, about 1874, he commenced the manufacture of buggies, at which business he has succeeded. He remained at Bethlehem till 1881, when he came to Prospect Village, where his factory occupies two large buildings. The paint shop and show rooms two stories high and 40x60 feet; the blacksmith and wood shop 22-95 feet, In the establishment he employs twelve hands the year round and manufactures about 100 different vehicles per annum, which sell at prices averaging from $145 to $250 each. The establishment also does a large amount of repairing. It is one of the most important business interests of Prospect, as well as one of the most prosperous. Mr. Abel is a thorough and energetic business man, and his success is owing to his own industry and business tact. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Catharine Isler, a daughter of Samuel Isler. They have six children-Edward, Nelson, Lydia, Charles, and Flora and Cora are twins.

HENRY ACKERMAN. (Marion Township) (1907)The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, on February 2, 1845. He was the son of George H. and Margareth Ackerman. The father died in 1858. Henry, with his mother and one brother, emigrated to this country in 1867, settling at Crestline, Ohio; they came to Marion County in 1868. His mother still resides at Crestline, in her seventy-second year. He took advantage of the common schools of Germany, and since coming here has acquired a good practical English education. He consummated his marriage December 26, 1867, with Elizabeth Maths, a lady who came to America in the same vessel with him. Their children numbered six, only one of whom is living, William H., born May 14, 1870. Elizabeth, Henry Albert, Catherine, Caroline and an infant are deceased. His wife was born in Germany May 18, 1847, and her people still live there. Mr. Ackerman learned the barber's trade when fifteen years of age, in the fatherland, and, after settling in Marion, followed this business eleven years. Since 1879, he has been engaged in the sale of pianos, organs and sewing machines, which business he has successfully conducted, and at present his is the only place of this kind in town. He also has a similar establishment at Delaware, Ohio. He is an energetic and industrious business man, meriting the patronage of the public. Politically, he is a Democrat, and, with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church.

BENJAMIN O. ADAMS. (Prospect Township) Abraham Adams, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was probably a native of England. He afterward to lived in Lazerne County, Penn. and came with his family to Ohio in 1807 or 1808, locating on a farm in Harlan Township, Delaware County, where he and his wife both died. The father of Benjamin C. Adams was Elijah Adams, born January 2, 1778, in Luzerne County Penn. He was married in Pennsylvania to Nancy Carey, daughter of Comfort Carey, and came to Ohio in the fall of 1810, bringing his wife and family of three children, as follows: Mary Ann, born October 5, 1804; Simeon, born September 8, 1806, and died aged fourteen years, and Julia Ann, born March 4, 1809. They came to Harlan Township, Delaware County, during the winter of 1810-11. Elijah Adams bought a farm of 200 acres in Radnor Township, two and a half miles south of what is now Prospect Village. During this winter he also built a log house on this land, 18x20 feet in size; and in March 1811, moved into it with his family. They had the following children born on this place--Benjamin C., June 24, 1811; Abraham, March 4, 1814; Susannah, May 22, 1816; Eli, Jr., March 19, 1818; Margaret, April 19, 1820; John, March 13, 1822, died aged thirty-five years; Hosea, February 19, 1824, and died aged seven years; James G., May 7, 1826. Eight of their children lived to have families. Elijah Adams was a Justice of the Peace for thirty years, besides serving in nearly all the offices of the township. In politics he was a Whig, and afterward a Republican. He was a stanch member of the Methodist Church, and was a firm friend and supporter of the cause of education in the pioneer schools. He taught school for several winters in this township. His wife died in 1834 or 1835, and he was married again to Mary Landon, by whom he had one child; she also died before him. Elijah Adams died May 4, 1873. Benjamin C. Adams was born in the pioneer home of his father, two and a half miles south of Prospect Village, June 24, 1811, as will be seen, only three months after his parents had moved into their log house, then located in a perfect wilderness. Here he passed his early years, assisting, on the farm and also becoming an adopted, when a boy, in hunting all the wild animals then abounding in the forest. The taste for hunting, while a boy still adheres to him in his advanced years, and now, when making visits to his married child in distant Dakota, he invariably takes his hunting tackle, and there, in the western wilds, with his grandson, re-enacts the scenes of his boyhood and pioneer days. He learned the carpenter's and blacksmith's trades when a young man; the latter business he followed in Prospect Village for seven the years; at this place he was also engaged in the mercantile business for several years. Mr. Adams was married, September 24, 1833, to Nancy Wolfley a daughter of Ludwig and Mary Wolfley, and they had two children-Mary, who grew up to womanhood and was married to Aden Fields, and died leaving one child-Newton Fields-who married, and is still living. B. C Adams' wife died September 12, 1836, and September 12, 1842, he was married to Rachel Waters, a daughter of Samuel B. and Mary (Adams) Waters. The children by this marriage that lived to grow up were these: Spencer G., born August 7, 1844, married Nancy Williams and lives in Dell Rapids, Dak., where he acts as a Gospel minister in the missionary work, and Ida F., born December 6, 1858. married George M. Curtis, and lives in Radnor Township, Delaware County, Ohio. Benjamin C. Adams' second wife died September 27, 1863, and April 25, 1-867, he married Catharine E. Williams, a daughter of John T and Kittie E. Williams; no children by this marriage. Mr. Adams commenced the battle of life in his young manhood with little of this world's goods. With his axe and hands he started even-handed with fortune, and has, by a career of industry and straightforward, honest conduct through life, been successful in not only acquiring a comfortable competence, but also in earning, and holding the respect and confidence of all who know him, Besides being engaged in black smithing, merchandising, carpentering, etc., at different times, he was for twenty-one years of his life actively engaged in farming; he has now retired from business. He is a stockholder in the Prospect Bank, and occupies himself in looking after his invested interests of different kinds. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for over forty years, serving during that time in nearly all the official positions of the church and Sunday school. In politics, he is a Republican. Mr. Adams has probably resided longer in Prospect Township than any person now living within its borders, and interesting reminiscences from his pen will be found elsewhere.

CURTIS ALLEN, (Marion Township) (1907) deceased, one of the pioneers of Marion was born in Connecticut. He emigrated to Ohio in 1832, and settled at Marion, then a small town in the primitive West. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and by consecutive elections he filled the office for twenty-one years. He was appointed Postmaster in 1841, under William Henry Harrison's administration, and served four years. He established a book and stationery store on Center street, and continued to follow that business until his death, which occurred September 10. 1853. He was several times Mayor of Marion. He married Miss Alma Ashley, a native of Vermont, by whom he had three children of these, two are living-Corydon, of Hamburg. Iowa, and E. G. Mrs. Allen now resides with her youngest son. E. G. Allen, the youngest son, was born in Marion, Ohio, November 10, 1834. He was reared in his native town, and was educated in the Marion Academy. In 1852, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Courts, and served two years. He then took the position of Teller in the Marion Deposit Bank, and subsequently that of Assistant Cashier, which relation he still holds with the bank. June 5, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary Anna, daughter of Charles Baker, one of the oldest pioneers of Marion. Four sons are the children by this union, viz.: Charles H., Herbert E., Robert G. and Tracy R.

G. C. ALLINGER, (Montgomery Township) miller, at La Rue. is a native of Wuerttemberg, Germany, and was born March 17, 1842. His parents, Jacob and Christena (Bentz) Allinger, came with their family of seven children, including our subject, to the United States in 1847. The names of the children were as follows: Jacob, Christiana, Josephine, Christina, Gottlieb E., Gottlob C. and Catharine. They had one child, Mary, born in Ohio. The family, on their arrival, located on a farm near Sydney, Shelby Co., Ohio. The father died on this farm in 1878. His widow now resides with a daughter at Sydney. The subject of this sketch lived on a farm until thirteen years. of age, since which time he has worked at the milling business. In November 1865, he came to La Rue, and in February 1866, he bought a half interest in the La Rue Flouring Mill, with David Elliott as a partner, under the firm name of Elliott & Allinger. The same year, Charles. Quigley was admitted as a partner, and the firm became Elliott, Allinger his & CO. The last part of the year 1866, Elliott sold his interest to his partners, and the firm became Allinger & Quigley. Their grist Mill has four run of stone, and a capacity for grinding 200 bushels of wheat and 180 bushels of corn every twenty four hours; they also operate a saw mill, and got out on an average 700,000 feet of lumber per annum; they employ, in both establishments, five men the year around. An eighty horsepower engine furnishes the power for running both establishments; they do general custom and milling business, and sell to the retail trade of the vicinity. Mr. Allinger enlisted in September 1861, at Sydney, Ohio, in Company F, Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and ten months, being mustered out at the close of the war at Louisville, Ky., in July 1865. He was then Orderly Sergeant of his company. He participated in about thirty battles, first at Ft. Donelson, under Grant, up to the siege of Vicksburg, and afterward was in Sherman's army on its famous march to the sea. Mr. Allinger was married, in the fall of 1867, to Lydia J. Little, and they reside in La Rue Village. He is a Republican, and has served the village and township in various local offices, among which is that of Trustee, member of the School Board, Councilman, etc. He is also a member of the F. & A_ M. and of the G. A. R.

JACOB ALMENDINGER, (Prospect Township) (1907)farmer, was born in Waldo Township, June 15, 1841, and is a son of David and Louisa Friedericke (Benzler) Almendinger natives of Horrheim, Wuerttemberg, Germany. Mr. Almendinger has lived on a farm all his life, with the exception of one year that he spent at carpentering. He bought the farm of eighty acres on which he resides in 1878. He was married in 1864 to Lydia Book, and they have four children-Louisa C., Mary A., John W. and Clara. His wife died in 1875, and he married Tabitha Johnson, and by this marriage there are three children, namely, Jesse B., William D. and an infant. Mr. Almendinger lives in the north part of Prospect Township, and is one of the substantial farmers of his vicinity.

DAVID AMRINE (Montgomery Township) was born in Leesburg Township, Union Co., Ohio, May 28, 1853, the son of Henry and Margaret (Moore) Amrine, of German ancestry, and natives of the same county. They were the parents of three, children--David, Frank and Melissa A., who died about 1866. David Amrine, having obtained a moderate education, remained with his father, farming, until the spring of 1883, when he entered the firm of Hastings & Co., at La Rue, Ohio. He is a respectable citizen, a member of the F. & A. M. order, and a Republican in politics.

EZRA ANDERSON, (Montgomery Township) hardware merchant, is a native of Montgomery Township, a son of Joseph Anderson, and was born March 17, 1843. Mr. Anderson was reared to the life of a farmer, and was married, January 18, 1872, to Susan Baldwin, a daughter of James and Ellen Baldwin, of Bowling Green. In 1874. he came to La Rue, where he followed the business of buying and shipping grain for eighteen months, when his warehouse and all it contained was destroyed by fire, the total loss being $6,000, though $1,600 was his individual loss. After this, he was engaged in the wool business, in partnership with J. F. Marsh. August 1 of the same year, he lost his wife by death; she left two children-an infants, since deceased, and Sadie D. After the death of his wife, Mr. Anderson returned to his farm, where he remained till October 1882, when he returned to La Rue and formed a partnership with William Marsh to carry on the hardware business, under the firm name of E. Anderson & Co. They have the largest store, and carry the heaviest stock of hardware goods kept in the village, averaging $10,000. Mr. Anderson was married again, April 26, 1883, to Ella M. Marsh, a daughter of J. F. Marsh, of La Rue, Mr. A. is a member of Day Lodge, No. 328, I.O.O.F., and of the Richwood Encampment.

JOHN ANDERSON (Marion Township) is a native of Hampshire County, Va., and born March 4, 1803, the son of James and Priscilla (House) Anderson, of German, English and Scotch lineage, but natives of Virginia. Having married in 1800, they moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1806, April 6, where they resided until 1833. They then removed to Clinton County, Ind., where they remained until death. They had eleven children, five surviving-John, Mahala, Elizabeth, James M. and Hiram. The deceased were Samuel, Rebecca, Ruth, Priscilla, Thomas J. and Levi H. The father was born February 17, 1768, and died October 25, 1844; the mother was born in 1778, and, died August 15, 1847. Our subject, having obtained a pioneer education, married, January 20, 1829, Martha Roult, a daughter of James and Abigail (Parks) Roult, of Protestant Irish lineage, and nine children were born in this family, five living Francis M., born February 12, 1830; Minerva J., November 24, 1831; Susan R., September 29, 1837; Nancy E., October 1, 1844, and Margaret A., October 14, 1846. Charles W. was born August 8, 1833, and died February 25, 1840; John M. was born August 29, 1839, and died April 25, 1859; Levi R. was born February 17, 1842, and died December 28, 1863; Thomas J. was born September 20, 1835, and died January 2, 1865; he was the Captain of Company E, Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving in the late war more than three years. He was one of 110 men selected to enter and do special duty in Mississippi. John Anderson's grandfather, Thomas Anderson, was a Revolutionary soldier; his son, James Anderson, was a Captain under "Mad " Anthony Wayne. Mrs. Anderson's death occurred August 29, 1847. Mr. A. married again, Mary Kinnear, February 14, 1849, and one heir, Mary M., have been born to them. She was born April 22, 1850, and died July 24, 1854. This wife died April 23, 1850. His third marriage was consummated April 24, 1851, with Fannie N. Hunter, the widow of Zadoc Hunter, and the daughter of Cornelius and Hannah (Holmes) Kortwright of German and English descent respectively, but natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut severally. She is the mother of five children, two living-Saloma, wife of I. B. Etherton, and Hannah K., wife of Henry Fulwider. The subject of this sketch, having learned the cooper's trade, plied it during the winter months for many years. He owns 131 acres of fine land and two valuable town lots in Marion, where he has been a resident since 1836. For twenty years he was Trustee of his township. He possesses a great deal of vitality and freshness for a man of his years, being probably one of the youngest-looking men for his age in the State. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he for sixty years, and she for forty years. He is also a stanch Republican.

JOSEPH ANDERSON, (Montgomery Township) the father of Ezra, was a native of Pickaway County. Ohio. He came to Montgomery Township in 1833, and entered 120 acres, at $1.25 per acre, on Section 7. The county was then a wilderness, and he was obliged to cut his way through the forest from Scott Town for six miles, to make a road for his team to pass. He cleared most of this land, and at his death, which occurred March 15, 1860, owned 300 acres of land. His widow is still living, and resides at La Rue. They had a family of eleven children, six girls and five boys. Ezra Anderson is the only son now living.

MRS. SARAH ANDERSON, (Montgomery Township) the widow of Joseph Anderson, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, was born August 2, 1807; daughter of John and Patience (Mitten) Clark, of English and Irish ancestry respectively, and natives of the State of Delaware. This couple were the parents of twelve children, only five of whom survive, they are William, Robert, Sarah, Riley and Harriet Clark. The subject of this sketch was married, November 27, 1827, to John Anderson, son of John and Sarah Anderson, one of a family of eleven children, seven still living-Amanda H., Emily, Sarah A, Mary J., Patience R., Lettie E. and Ezra A. The names of the deemed are Amos, John, Joseph and Ira. Mrs. Anderson came to this county about 1830, and has recently moved from the old homestead, in whose door-yard she settled one half a century since, She is now a resident of La Rue, Ohio. Her daughter, Mary J., is living with her; her farm of 160 acres is under the efficient supervision of her son Ezra. Her husband departed this life in 1860. Mrs. Anderson is still strong intellectually, enjoys the respect of her neighbors, and is an exemplary member of the Christian Church.

JOHN W. ANSELMENT, (Claridon Township) is a native of Claridon Township, where he, was born September 23, 1845, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Zuck) Anselment. His father was born in Germany and immigrated to America in 1829. He married in Marion County, but moved to Missouri in 1866, where he, died December 6, 1882. His wife was born in Ross County, Ohio, and died March 12, 1851. They were the parents of seven children, five surviving-Sarah, Rebecca, John W., Charles and Lydia. Mary and Catherine are deceased. Our subject obtained a fair education in the common school, and married, December 26, 1872, Rebecca J. Bird, daughter of Simon and Mary (Starr) Bird, and five daughters were born to them-Ettie M., born September 20, 1874; Maude E., December 23, 1876; Leotie, September 22, 1879; Blanch, January 17, 1881; and Alzora, February 23, 1883. Mrs. Anselment was born October 31, 1852. Mr. Amselment has always pursued the avocation of farming, and so successfully that he owns today (1883) 323 1/2 acres of fine land, valued at $75 per acre. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

GEORGE W. APT, (Claridon Township) mechanic, is a son of Harry and Sarah (Klinefelter) Apt, natives of Pennsylvania. He was born in Canaan Township, Morrow County, Ohio, March 21, 1851. He spent his early life upon a farm and obtained such an education as the common schools afforded. He was married, July 14, 1872, to Miss Ada Osborne, a daughter of James S. and Minerva (Hipsher) Osborne. They have had five children-Laura, born May 16, 1873; Merta, born September 26, 1876; Loberta, born July 27, 1878; Pearl, born May 2, 1881; and Mabel, born July 7, 1883. Merta and Mabel are deceased. When seventeen, Mr. Apt took up the carpenter trade, and has followed it successfully ever since. He owns an attractive residence on Watts Street, Caledonia and is an industrious and respected citizen. He is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., having passed through all the chairs; is filling the office of Dictator in the K. of H.; is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CAPT. JACOB F. APT, (Claridon Township) (1907) of the firm of Ault & Apt, is a native of Marion County, and was born February 25, 1836. He is a son of Henry and Sarah (Klinefelter) Apt, of German lineage and natives of Pennsylvania. They came to this county before marriage, the former in 1824, in his eighteenth year. They were married in 1834, and were the parents of seven children, four surviving-Jacob F., John W., Sampson and George W. Harry W., James K. and Sarah E. are deceased. Capt. Apt obtained only a limited education, and mastered the carpenter's trade before his twenty-first year. April 23, 1857, he married Mary J. Deardorff, daughter of Henry and Catharine (Collins) Deardorff. The former was of German and the latter of Irish ancestry. Their two children are John C., born February 5, 1858, and Franklin S., born November 28, 1860. The Captain enlisted in the defense of his country, December 16, 1861, in Company D, Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. His company was detached from this regiment, and, together with Companies A, B and C, was sent to Fort Laramie, W. T., "to protect the innocent and valuable." He continued on frontier duty during all the service. He was Second Duty Sergeant by first appointment; then Quartermaster Sergeant about one year, then Second Lieutenant in 1863, serving nearly two years, and was appointed Captain and assigned to Company 1, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in the summer of 1864, continuing as such to the close of the war. He was discharged at Omaha, Neb., May 6, 1865, then of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He participated in a number of battles with the Indians, and was a good soldier and officer. Since returning, he has been busy in various pursuits, always making a success in whatever he turned his hand to. He was Trustee of the township two years, one of the first elected Councilmen of Caledonia, serving six years, and a member of the School Board ton years. He belongs to the I.O.O.F., to the K. of H., to the Republican party, and, with his wife, to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM ARONHALT, (Green Camp Township) son of William and Susan (McCauley) Aronhalt, was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 28, 1823. His people, of English extraction, and natives of Virginia, emigrated to the above county in 1821, residing there about ten years; they came to Marion County, settling in Green Camp Township. Seven children were born to them-William, Mary, Margaret Ann, John R., Elizabeth and Andrew, only the first three living. William, growing to manhood, wedded, November 2, 1841, Miss Jane Kirts, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Simpson) Kirts, natives of Maryland, and parents of ten children-George, David, William, Isaac, Matilda, Mary A., Janie, Henry, Daniel, and Julian-the last three deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Aronhalt have had born to them sixteen children, twelve living-Mary E., William H., John R., Matilda A.. Julia A., Sarah J., Daniel W., Isaac N., Andrew A., James C., Laura L., and Rose B. The deceased were David, Samuel and two infants. Mr. Aronhalt has seen pioneer life nearly all his days, and has been a resident upon his own farm, consisting of 103 acres, for thirty-two years. He came to this place when it was a dense wilderness; by his will and perseverance, he has put it in a good state of cultivation; has erected a comfortable house and suitable buildings. He and wife have reason to rejoice over such prosperity. All his children save one have been born here. He is a peaceable man, of unquestioned character, and his family, as well as himself and wife, are members of various churches.

DANIEL AUGENSTEIN, (Waldo Township) (1907) farmer and stock-raiser P. 0. Waldo, was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, March 8, 1822, and is a son of George Friederich and Barbara (Bauschlicher) Augenstein, of Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany. He was reared on a farm and was educated at the common schools. In 1837, when but fifteen years of age, he came alone to America and to Pleasant Township, this county, the same year; he worked by the month in Pleasant and Richland Township for three years, at wages of from $6 to $8. He then went to Marion, where he was engaged as hostler in the Baker Stables one year. In 1841, he returned to Germany, and in March of the following year he and his parents came to this continent, settling in Waldo Township. Our subject's father bought 240 acres of land in Waldo Township of R. B. Hayes, paying him $10 per acre; all accept six acres of this land was covered with forest. George F. Augenstein died September 7, 1845, aged sixty-two; his widow died March 23, 1865, aged seventy-two. They had six children, three living, of whom our subject is the eldest. He received sixty acres of the homestead, which he cleared and improved himself. To this he from time to time added till he was possessed of nearly 400 acres, but having divided the most, of it among his children. He now owns but 115 acres. As a stock-raiser, Mr. Augenstein has been engaged in rearing, with considerable success, shorthorn cattle of a superior grade. On March 2, 1845, our subject was married to Margaret, daughter of Justus and Catherina "Katie" (Rudel) Bender. She was born in Huttengasess, Hessen-Nassau, Germany, January 7, 1828, died May 22, 1879, leaving three children-Hannah, wife of John Kraner; William D.(1907) and John F. Mr. Augenstein chose for his second companion in life Mrs. Jennie White, widow of Elijah White, whom he married September 4, 1879. This lady was a daughter of --- Overdeer, and was born in Shelby County, Ohio, January 27, 1827. Our subject and his wife are members of the German Reformed and the Methodist Episcopal Church respectively. Mr. Augenstein is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in politics is a Democrat. He has served as Trustee of Waldo Township eighteen years, has been Justice of the Peace one term and has declined to hold office longer. Industry and perseverance have obtained for him the competency he now deservedly enjoys.

GEORGE F. AUGENSTEIN, (Waldo Township) farmer P. 0. Waldo, was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, November 18, 1829, and is the youngest son of George Friederich and Barbara (Bauschlicher) Augenstein. He was reared in Germany till thirteen years of age, when he came to America, with his parents, who settled, in this township. Our subject remained at home till he came of age, and then received forty acres of the homestead. To this property he has since added, till he is now owner of ninety-seven acres. He has made all the improvements, and in addition to cultivating the farm he pays considerable attention to stock. raising. Mr. Augenstein was married, November 1, 1865, to Henrietta, daughter of John and Mary Winehart. She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 16, 1848. By this union there have been six children, four living, viz., Mary A., Catharine, Lucy, Henrietta and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Augenstein are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

W. D. AUGENSTEIN, (Waldo Township) farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0. Waldo, was born in this township October 5, 1849, and is the oldest son and third child of the four children of Daniel and Margaret (Bender) Augenstein. He was reared on the homestead and educated at the common schools. He remained at home till 1872, aiding in clearing up the farm. On November 23, 1872, he moved on his present farm; on September 26, same year, he married Maggie J., daughter of Henry and Massa King, of Delaware County, Ohio. She was born in Richland Township February 15, 1849. By this union there have been three children, two living--Lydia H., born October 20, 1873; and Finley E., born September 26, 1875; Ellen Edna, born October. 1880, died February 4, 1881. In 1874, our subject built his residence, at a cost of $1,400. He is an owner of a Huber steam engine and thresher, and did the "season's" threshing for seventeen years. He is also the owner of 148 acres of land well cultivated and improved. At present he is in the employ of the Toledo Reaper and Mower Works. In politics, Mr. Augenstein is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Waldo Martial Band since 1860.

GEORGE W. AULT, (Claridon Township) of the firm of Ault & Apt, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, February 7, 1837, the son of John A. and Leah (Nace) Ault, of German and French descent respectively, and natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. His grandparents on both sides were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ault having acquired a fair practical education, "went West," engaging in various pursuits, such as lumbering, teaming etc. He was a member of a company that. made the county seat, Iola, of Allen County Kan. He returned, after an absence of four years, August 25, 1862. He enlisted in the late war, Company D, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and through the entire Atlanta campaign. He was Wagon Master, having in his care at one time thirty-three wagons. He was also assigned to the artillery corps, having in charge the ammunition train, until the close of the war. He served nearly three years, was engaged in nearly all the severe battles, was never captured nor wounded, and honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 27, 1865. He married, in June 1866, Miss Maggie Lee, a daughter of John C. and Louisa (Sturgeon) Lee. Two children were born, both deceased; and the wife died in 1869. He married again, September 30, 1873, Annie Hays, daughter of Alexander and Rebecca (McKinstry) Hays, and one heir was born to this union-Milford H-dying at the age of one year. His wife died January 16, 1875. He married for his third wife Mintha Ault, a daughter of Washington and Louisa (Wilson) Ault, and two children were born to them. Howard L., born September 14, 1880, survives. Mr. Ault established himself in his present business in 1875. In 1876. he admitted Jacob F. Apt and Richard Thew into partnership. The firm then bore the name of Ault, Apt & Thew. They did an extensive business; Mr. Thew retired in 1878. The firm is still doing a large business under the name of Ault & Apt, employing twelve hands on the average. They deal in lumber, sash, frames, etc. Mr. Ault is an enterprising citizen, Master Mason in the Masonic order, member of the K. of H., of the G. A. R., of the Republican party, and, with his wife, of the Universalist Church.

JOHN A. AULT (Tully Township) was born in Belmont County, Ohio, September 20, 1810, the oldest of nine children, remaining with his parents till he was twenty-four years of age, and giving them his wages. June 15, 1836, he married Miss Leah Nace, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Nace, of Pennsylvania, and of their six children since born, four are still living, namely: George W., soldier in the late war; Lucinda, wife of George Plotner; Jerome; and Melinda, wife of Augustus Askine. In 1837, Mr. Ault bought eighty acres of land in Belmont County, but sold that in 1843 and bought fifty acres where he now resides; his home at present comprises seventy acres; has owned at one time 300 acres, and was worth $20,000. He has been a hard worker. Having cleared 100 acres of land, and in a single day has split 256 rails from the stump, cradled five acres of oats, and often 100 dozen of grain. He is still a stout man. His wife died at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Ault's father, John Ault, was a native of Now York, and a soldier in the war of 1812, with Gen. Barrison. His mother, Eve Ault, was a native of Washington County, Penn. His parents moved to this State in 1806.

MELVILLE C. AYE, (Claridon Township) second son of William S. and Sarah J. (Mitchell) Aye, was born in Canaan Township, Morrow County, Ohio, July 24, 1851. His father, of German stock, was the first male white child born in Claridon Township, which important event took place September 19, 1821. His wife, of Irish extraction, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 27, 1829. Mr. Aye, whose name heads this paragraph, secured a love for learning in the district schools of his native township. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University in the autumn of 1869, reaching the subsequent winter. He then turned to farming, and November 18, 1874, he formed a partnership for life with Miss Arminda J. Devore, eldest child of Dr. Devore. Their two children are Oda D., born November 17, 1876; and an infant, born July 10, 1883. Mr. Aye is a Democrat in matters of politics, and was elected Trustee of the township in 1880. He is a class leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a liberal supporter not only of his own church, but also of all charitable causes.

MORRIS J. AYE, (Claridon Township) son of William S. and Sarah J. (Mitchell) Aye, was born in Canaan Township, Morrow County, Ohio, February 26, 1849. He attended the district school and finished his educational career at Mount Gilead at the age of nineteen years. He made his father's home his place of abode until he married, January 13, 1876, Miss Elizabeth Jacoby, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Worline) Jacoby. Two children are the fruit of this marriage -Florence E., born November 1, 1876; and Elias J., born December 14, 1879. Mrs. Aye was born July 20, 1849. The subject of this sketch has been engaged exclusively in farming and rearing graded stock, principally sheep and horses. He has ninety acres of arable land, valued at $70 per acre. He is an industrious citizen, and a Democrat.

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