THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
D
(1907 MARION COUNTY, OHIO HISTORY - LETTER D)
JOHN E. DAVIDS, (Marion Township) the oldest member of the Marion County bar, was born at Radnor, Delaware Co., Ohio, September 4, 1816. His parents, William and Magdalena (Jenkins) Davids, were both natives of Wales, the former of Montgomeryshire, and the latter of Carmarthenshire. His paternal grandparents, Thomas and Isabel (Morris) Davids, emigrated from Wales in 1803, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they resided two years, and then, in 1805, came to Ohio and settled near Radnor, Delaware County, where Mr. Davids died in 18 10, of typhus fever. His maternal grandfather, Evan Jenkins, came from Wales with his family in 1802, and settled in Franklinton, Franklin Co., Ohio, from where they removed in 1808 to Radnor, Delaware County, where they both died. In 1822, William Davids removed and located in Pleasant Township, this county, where he entered 160 acres of land. He cleared up and improved this land, and occupied it till his death, which occurred April 20, 1870, at the age of seventy-seven. He was a private in Gen. Hull's army in the late war with Great Britain, and served one year, 1813. He was Trustee of Pleasant Township, and also filled other local offices. Mrs. Davids died November 26, 1866, aged seventy-three years. They had born to them eleven children, six of whom are living. John E. Davids, the subject of this notice, is the second son and child. He was brought up on the homestead, in Pleasant Town-hip, and educated at the common log cabin schools and in Granville College, at Granville, Ohio, and at Delaware Academy. At the age of sixteen, he engaged in teaching, and followed it winters ten years. In 1838, he took up the study of law in the office of Gen. James H. Godman. He was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of the State July 2, 1842. He practiced law three years, and engaged in merchandising, which he followed till September 1867, when he sold out and resumed the law business. In October of the same year, be was elected Justice of the Peace, and has since filled that office. He was appointed Notary Public in 1848, and has served as such to the present time. He was Mayor of Marion from 1858 to 1861; member of the Union School Board six years, and two years as its President; member of the City Council five years, and has been Secretary of toll pikes in the county for fifteen years. During the war, he was active in filling out the quota of the county and in furnishing supplies for soldiers' families. July 22, 1844, Mr. Davids was married to Charlotte Bain, daughter of William and Mary Bain. Charlotte was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 19, 1826. To them were born eight children; of these, six are living, viz.: William B., of Fremont County, Colo.; Henry L., of N. Y., P. & O. Railroad; John H., of Minnesota; Chauncey N., of Salida, Colo.; Libbie M. and Jennie M. John J. and Mary C. are deceased; the former died at the age of two years, and the latter March 20, 1870, aged twenty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Davids are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. D. is also connected with the IOOF, K. of P. and temperance organization, and up to this date he has never drunk a glass of lager beer or ale, and for fifty-five years not a drop of any intoxicating drinks. He owns a residence on West Center Street, where be has resided since 1845, and twelve acres in West Marion, and other real estate in the city.
B. W. DAVIS, M. D., (Marion Township) (1907) was born in Loudon County, Va., February 6, 1813. He is a son of Zephaniah and Mary (Irey) Davis, natives of the same county, in Virginia, the former of Welsh and the latter of English descent. John Irey, the father of Mrs. Davis, was also a native of Loudon County, Va. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was serving under Gen. La Fayette at the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. He came to Marion County in 1830, and settled in Claridon Township, where he died in 1838. and was buried in the old Caledonia Cemetery. In April 1830, Zephaniah Davis removed with his family to Marion County, and settled in Claridon Township, where he had entered land. He sold this land. and purchased another farm, to which he added by entry eighty acres. The same year (1830), Mrs. Davis had four brothers -Samuel, John, Enos and Stephen Irey, who came and settled in Claridon Township. Mr. Davis died on the homestead in March 1858. His widow resided here till 1866, when she removed to Marion County, Ill., at which place she died in 1871. Her remains were brought back, and interred in the Claridon Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had six children; of these only the subject of this sketch is now living. John, since 1850, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and for many years the most prominent physician of that city, died June 10, 1883, and was buried in Marion Cemetery; Samuel died in 1830, aged fourteen; Emeline A. died in 1837, aged twenty two; Susan married William P. Thew, and died August 6, 1852, aged thirty-two, leaving five children, and Abel, who married Matilda Merritt, and had five children. He died, in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 6, 1875. Dr. Davis, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on the homestead farm, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen, he engaged in teaching in Columbiana County. He remained in Marion County most of the time till 1835, when he went to Belmont County. He followed the profession of teaching till 1849. During this time, he read medicine with Dr. William Estop, of Loydsville, and entered upon his practice in Belmont County in 1840, where he followed his profession till 1855, when he removed to Osborn, Greene Co., Ohio. He remained at that place until 1857, when he came to Caledonia, and in 1860 to Marion, where he has since successfully practiced his profession. Dr. Davis was one of the organizers of the Marion County Medical Society, and served as its President two years, and as Secretary for the same length of time. He is also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. In 1862, he was appointed by Gov. Tod as Examining- Surgeon, to examine persons subject to draft. In 1872, he received from Wooster University the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine. He is now a member of the Board of Examiners, to examine pension applicants. November 23, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Hatcher. Of their four children since born, two are living-William Z. (1907) and Ellen. Laura F. died November 16, 1881, aged thirty-six, and Mary A. died in infancy. Mrs. Davis was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 13, 1819, and departed this life April 27, 1871. She was an active and useful member of the M. E. Church for many years Dr. Davis has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1839, and most of the time in an official relation.
JOHN J. DAVIS, (Green Camp Township) son of John B. and Elsie (Biggerstaff) Davis, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 28, 1821. His people, of Welsh and Irish extraction, settled in Marion County in 1832, :and had ten children, seven living-Friend, John J., William B., Caleb, Isaac C., Richard B. and Anthony F. The deceased were Joshua., Samuel and Robert. Obtaining a fair common school education, Mr. Davis, the subject of this paragraph, was inclined naturally to farming, which be followed with his father until married. This interesting event took place December 3, 1844, to Sarah J. Twyman, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Twyman. Their children are Samuel C., Isaac N. and Effie I. He then commenced life independently, farming in Pleasant Township a number of years. He listened to his country's call in the late war, enlisting September 11, 1862, at Green Camp, in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He fought heroically at Perryville, Chickamauga, Dalton, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Kennesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, and with Sherman's historic march to the sea. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 18, 1865. He returned to his family and plow, and has become a worthy citizen, as he was a gallant soldier. His fifty years' residence in the county is an enviable fact to which but few attain. His service as Township Trustee and Marshal of the village of Green Camp was satisfactory. He is a Republican in politics.
JOSIAH T. DAVIS, (Prospect Township) residence and post office address, Prospect Village, was born at Port Byron, Westchester County, N. Y., December 27, 1815. His youth was spent in farming, and at the ago of eighteen years he commenced learning the carriage- maker's trade at Unionville, Broome Co., N. T. When twenty-one years of age, in company with his parents, one brother, Hubbard, and three sisters, Eliza, Sally Ann and Mary Jane, he come to Ohio and located at Sunbury, Delaware County, December 2, 1836. He was married September 2, 1845, to Catherine Gast, born February 12, 1822, a daughter of Christian Gast, the original proprietor of the plat of Middletown, now Prospect. From this marriage there were five children; two died in infancy unnamed. Lafayette, born June 26, 1853; and died, November 14, 1863; J. Albert, born September 26, 1849, is now residing at Prospect with his parents, and is a teacher of instrumental music; E. Eugene, born November 14, 1858, married Mary A. Kelly and now resides in Cincinnati, where he is the proprietor and director of the musical school known as the "Cincinnati Grand Conservatory of Music." Our subject was actively engaged in the carriage-making business at Prospect Village, but has now retired from active business, his time being mostly occupied in looking after his real estate interests. He has made two additions to the village plat, The lots extending from the old town nearly to the depot on Water Street were nearly all laid out and sold by him-about thirty-six lots. The other addition was eighteen lots on North Street. Mr. Davis has erected four dwelling houses in Prospect Village, one of which he occupies as a residence; it is one of the neatest and best residences in town, and cost about $2,000. Mr. Davis has been a life long Democrat, taking at times an active part in politics. He, wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. His father was Daniel Davis, a native of Horseneck, Conn, who was a son of Thomas Davis, a native of Wales. The latter during the reign of King George II, bought the township of land in which the city of Norwalk, Conn., is now located, and was the original proprietor of the first village plat of the present city of Norwalk. His mother's name before marriage was Priscilla Belden. Daniel Davis died March 31, 1855. and his wife Priscilla October 5, 1866, both deaths occurring at their son's, Hubbard's, house, who then resided three miles southeast of Prospect, on a farm now occupied by William Ludwig, the first aged seventy-nine years, and his wife aged eighty-one years.
NEHEMIAH DAVIS, (Grand Township) a substantial farmer of Grand Township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, August 14, 1816. He is a son of Elisha and Nancy (Ellison) Davis. His mother died in 1818, and his father married Susan Mason, and in 1828 removed to Marion County, settling in Grand Township, where he entered 160 acres of land, which has since been included in Marseilles Township, Wyandot County. He resided on the land he took up from the Government till 1840; then removed near Five Points, Montgomery Township, and purchased 160 acres of land, on which he died April 22, 741. His widow, after his death, returned to Washington County, Ohio. Our subject is the second son of five children. He came to the county with his father when twelve years old, and has since resided within its limits. He remained with his father till he died, when he became the owner of 120 acres of the homestead. In 1842, he settled on their farm, and the following year moved to the land his father had entered, and in 1844 he bought 210 acres of his present farm, on which be has since resided. To this original purchase he has made additions till he now owns 899 acres located in Grand and Salt Rock Townships. October 26, 1842, he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Hugh V. and Sarah (Yazel) Smith. Mrs. Davis was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 5, 1820. To them were born three children. William E. married Princess Everett; Hugh V. married Julia Clements; and Sarah E., now Mrs. Taylor Everett. Mr. Davis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a Republican. He has always pursued the avocation of farming and stock-raising, and his broad and well-stocked farms attest to his success.
RICHARD B. DAVIS (Pleasant Township) was born January 17, 1832. in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of John B. and Elsie (Biggerstaff) Davis, who came from Maryland to the above county in 1820; thence to Pleasant Township in 1882, settling near the Almendinger farm. They reared a family of nine boys and two girls. The father died in 1853, aged fifty-nine, and the mother in 1856, aged forty-one. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject received more than a common school education, for he attended a few terms at Delaware and Otterbein Colleges, and taught nearly' seven terms of school. He rented the first nine years of his life, principally, Eliza Boyd's farm. In 1854, he purchased a farm in Union County, Ohio, upon which lie remained a few years. He bought his present residence in 1863. consisting then of forty-four acres, to which he added later fifty-five acres, all valued at $100 per acre, and well drained and fenced Mr. D. has done a great deal of hard work in his day. When fifteen, he split 250 rails in a day, and cradled four acres of oats in the same time. He has cleared 100 acres of heavily timbered land. October 6, 1853, he married Leah B. Hane, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Hane. The names of their children are Merrick E, Hattie H., Henry F., William R., John W. and Annie E. The family are prominent members of the United Brethren Church, in which he has served in nearly every capacity. He is at present Class Leader.
WILLIAM Z. DAVIS, (Marion Township) (1907) attorney, was born in Loydsville, Belmont County, Ohio, June 10. 1839. His early life. till sixteen years of age, was passed in the villages of Loydsville and Somerton, in his native county in 1855, he went with his father, Dr. B. W. Davis, to live at Osborn, in Greene County, and attended school at, Dayton and Miami City till the removal of his father to Caledonia in 1857. He came to Marion in 1859. and after attending the high school he entered the office of the County Clerk as assistant. While in this situation, he commenced reading law, under the preceptorship of Gen. James H. and H. C. Godman. In 1860, he turned his whole attention to law, and devoted himself assiduously to big studies, excepts while in the three months' service, till February 1862, at which time he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio. While preparing himself for his profession, Mr. Davis, in response to the first call for troops, in April, 1861. enlisted as a member of Company H, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned to Marion and resumed his legal studies. August 5, 1862, he again entered the ranks of the army, this time in Company E, Ninety-sixth Regiment. He served in his regiment till seized with a sickness that disabled him from further military duty. He participated in the engagements of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in March 1863. After recovering from the illness he had contracted in the service, he entered upon the practice of law with Messrs. West & Walker, of Bellefontaine. He had charge of the office of this firm while Judge West was in the State Senate and Mr. Walker was attending to his duties as United States Internal Revenue Assessor. In April 1864, Gen. James H. Godman having been elected Auditor of State, Mr. Davis was admitted to succeed him in the law firm of J. H. & H. C. Godman, which was changed to "Godman & Davis." In succeeding Gen. Godman, Mr. Davis took the place of one of the oldest and most, successful practitioners at the Marion County bar. The law firm of Godman & Davis enjoyed an extensive practice during its existence, which terminated on the removal of Mr. Godman to Delaware in October 1871. Mr. Davis has, since his engagement in the law business, devoted himself exclusively to its pursuits, and has advanced to the front ranks of the bar. He is an honorable, upright man, an excellent lawyer, and has established a large civil practice, extending into all the courts of the State and of the United States. He has frequently been solicited to become a candidate for important offices, and, although being in Senatorial and Congressional Districts that would insure his political success, he has hitherto declined political honors, preferring the profession of law, in which he has acquired a worthy reputation. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics, and has always taken an active part in the leading campaigns since 1860. December 3, 1868, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Harriet M. Search, daughter of Thomas Search, Jr., of Marion. Their three children are Griselda, Ernestine and Helen L. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Marion.
ALLEN DAY, (Big Island Township) living in the northwest part of the township, is a native of Big Island, born April 7, 1836, the son of Ovington (1907) and Jane Day. His father was a soldier of 1812, while his grandfather, Samuel Day, and his great-grandfather were both engaged in the Revolutionary war. His people are of Scotch extraction. In 1878, his father died, aged eighty-four years, having cleared seventy-five acres of land. All the education that Allen obtained he acquired before his thirteenth year. From his fifteenth to his seventeenth year he was learning the jewelry trade, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, of S. H. Chapman. He never followed this business, however. Mr. Day purchased and inherited the old place of 141 acres, which he has increased to 161 acres, the west twenty acres being in Montgomery Township. He values his farm at $75 per acre. It is already drained with 1,000 rods of tile, and he intends adding about two hundred rods annually. He has the finest graded stock. His inviting house he built in 1877, at a cost of $2,000. He first married, January 28, 1858, Miss S. J. Mears, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Mears, of Wyandot County, Ohio. Seven children were added to this union, three surviving -Florence, Ferris and Gertrude. This wife died in 1872, aged thirty-six years, and Mr. Day married again, October 8, 1874, Mrs. N. J. Lee, daughter of William and Lydia Burns, formerly of Iowa.
SAMUEL DAY (Montgomery Township) (1907) is the first son of Ovington and Jane (Clark) Day, the former of English and the latter of Irish descent, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Mr. Day was born in Pendleton County, Va., January 28.1794, and came with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, in 1805. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married the above-mentioned lady October 1, 1813. Of nine children born to them, five are living-Samuel, Elizabeth, James, Allen and Lovey. Martha, John M., Jane and William 0. are deceased. This family were among the first settlers of Big Island Township. He was a liberal citizen, an enthusiastic Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred May 26, 1878, aged eighty-four years three months and twenty-eight days. She was born September 14, 1800, and died October 1, 1850. Our subject was married November 2, 1842, to Sarah A. Morris, daughter of John Morris, and two children have been born to this union-Damaris, born March 2, 1844, and Dallas, born May 5, 1845. Mr. Day obtained the rudiments of an education in the district schools. He commenced life in earnest, and so faithfully has he labored that he owns today (1883) 300 acres of well-improved land, valued at $65 per acre. He is a prominent citizen; has been Trustee of the township a number of terms; and affiliates with the Democratic party.
HARRISON DEAL (Montgomery Township) is a native of Salt Rock Township, where he was born February 3, 1843, the son of Washington and Caroline (Green) Deal, of German ancestry, and natives of Ohio. They came to Marion County in 1823. Mrs. Deal died June 25, 1854; Mr. Deal is living at the age of sixty-six years. Our subject married, March 10, 1866, Sarah Britton, born October 23, 1846, and a daughter of Benjamin G. and Susan M. (Cram) Britton, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. These people reared, three children-William H., Sarah and Louis M. Mr. and Mr. Deal are the parents of six children, five living-Cora J., born October 17, 1868; Penina L., October 26, 1870; Jalmah H., October 9, 1875; George W. Shira, January 26, 1881, and an infant son, James A. Garfield, born March 1883. Minnie G. was born August 21, 1872, and died November 17, 1872.Mr. D. commenced life with nothing, but has 70 acres of valuable He is a good farmer and a sound Republican.
HENRY DEAL, (Grand Township) one of the oldest pioneers of Grand Township, was born in Frederick County, Va., October 20, 1806. In 1809, his parents, George and Catharine (Hott) Deal, removed to Ohio, and settled in Harrison Township, Pickaway County, where they resided till April 1823, when they came to Marion County, and located in Salt Rock Township. Mr. Deal entered 260 acres, paying the Government price, $1.25 per acre. He died in June 1851, aged seventy-two. He was a Lieutenant of Capt. Hugh Creighton's company in the late war with Great Britain. His father, Coonrad Deal, came from Prussia, and was pressed in the service of the Revolution on the British side. He served a short time, and escaped to the American side. Mrs. Deal, our subject's mother, died in August 1851. Of nine children born to George and Catharine Deal, three are living; of these our subject is the eldest. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and has always followed that avocation. In 1828-29 he entered eighty acres, his present farm in Grand Township. He cleared a site and erected a log house l6x18 feet in size, which he occupied about twenty years, then erected his present residence. Mr. Deal has cleared and improved all but ten acres of his farm, and has aided in making many of the first roads in the township, and building its first schoolhouse. In 1831, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Seaburn, a daughter of William Seaburn. She died in 1837, leaving three children; of these two are living-George and William. George resides in Missouri, and William is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of the Central Ohio Conference. Mr. Deal again married in October 1837. This time to Miss Mary Wolf, daughter of Frederick Wolf. Mrs. Deal departed this life in September 1872. Mr. Deal adopted a child, Elijah Kennedy, and raised and educated him. He now has charge of Mr. Deal's farm. Mr. Deal is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns the land he entered more than fifty years ago, and is one of the oldest pioneers of northern Marion County.
GEORGE D. DELAUDER (Montgomery Township) was born near Middletown, Frederick Co., Md., June 24, 1849, and is the son of George A. and Mahala S. (Boyer) Delauder. Until seventeen years of age he lived on a farm; he then being to learn the carriage and wagon making trade, working the first three for $125, and clothing himself. At the expiration of this time, he working at his trade as a journeyman, and, December 1870, he was married to Miss Minerva Bowersox, also a native of Maryland. In the spring of 1872, he, with his family of wife and infant, started for the West, having bought tickets at Baltimore, Md., for Junction City, Kansas, where he contemplated locating, but on their reaching Cincinnati, his wife preferring to remain there, he finally abandoned the Kansas scheme and decided to locate. He soon met Mr. G. W. Lutz, who proved himself to be a good friend and brother Odd Fellow; through his assistance, he obtained work at his trade in Fort Seneca. Seneca County, where he remained five months. About this time Mr. Lutz made a visit to La Rue, and while there found the citizens very much in want of a carriage and wagon maker. He immediately on his return sent for Mr. Delauder, and informed him of what he had learned at La Rue, and advised him to locate there. Acting upon his suggestions, Mr. D. soon visited La Rue, and finding that the prospects for his business at that point were favorable, he soon after, September 1, 1872, moved there with his family. He first secured a small frame building for his shop. It stood just back of the present post office on the alley, and had formerly been used as a stable. The following year he moved his place of business to the ground now occupied by his shops. In the fall of 1873, he built a new blacksmith shop on these grounds, which was destroyed in 1874 by fire, causing a loss to him of over $600. This was a severe blow, as his means were limited at the start, and this took the large part of the savings of two years. He soon recovered from this reverse; his business proved successful, and from year too year increased so that it is now one of the most. important business interests of La Rue. He manufactures on an average fifty buggies and wagons per annum, and gives employment to eight men the year round; the business amounts to about $10,000 per annum, including the repair work. The carriage works now occupy three buildings; the wood, paint and trimming shop is a two story frame 24x65 feet; a blacksmith shop 4Ox2O feet, and a now two-story frame building is just being finished, 20x48 feet, for a repository and finishing room. On a lot adjoining is the residence of Mr. Delauder, which, with the shop buildings, are all the property of Mr. Delauder, and were built by him, as was also another private residence in La Rue, which he has since sold to his trimmer. Mr. D. also owns fifty acres of land in Hardin County. His business was established ton years ago, on a capital of less than $200. He is in politics a Democrat; has served on the Village Board of Councilmen two years, and he is a member of La Rue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., stud of Day Lodge, No. 328, IOOF, of which he is Past Grand, and a patriarchal member of Richwood Encampment. Mr. and Mrs. Delauder have had a family of three children-Carrie May, born September 17, 1871, and died September 10, 1873; George W., born June 6, 1873, and Mamie Alice born May 12, 1879.
L. DENISON, (Marion Township) of the drug firm of L. Denison & Co., was born in Youngstown, Penn., August 9. 1836, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah Denison. He came to Marion in September 1851, with Dr. Gailey, for whom he clerked three years. At the latter's death, in September 1856, he entered the drug store of H. Peters as clerk. He subsequently became associated with P. 0. Sharpless, remaining with him till October 1871. He was then employed by H. True, and H. True & Co., druggists, from that time to November 7, 1881, when the present firm was organized. Mr. Denison is probably the oldest druggist in Marion. October 22, 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Pancoast, daughter of Hezekiah Pancoast, and a native of Pennsylvania.
ISAAC DENMAN, (Waldo Township) farmer, P. 0. Waldo, was born in Orange County. N. Y., March 31, 1829, and is a son of Andrew and Eleanor (Sillwell) Denman, also of Orange County, N. Y They came to Ohio in July 1837 and settled in Richland Township, Marion County. Mr. Denman bought eighty acres of land, most of which was covered with timber. This he sold the following year and came to Waldo Township, where he bought 100 acres in the northwest part. This he cleared and improved. In 1853, Mr. Denman removed to Marshall County, Ind., and died in February 1870. Mrs. Denman died in ----- The father of our subject served eight months as a soldier during the war of 1812, on Long Island, and his grandfather, Isaac Denman, served as a drummer boy in the Revolutionary war. He died in Orange County, N. Y., at the age of eighty. Our subject is the third son and seventh child of a family of nine, and was reared and educated in Marion County. He aided in clearing up the homestead and remained at home till he came of age. In 1856, be and Peter Brenner bought the homestead. He had moved on his fifty acres at his marriage and resided on it till 1861, when he sold and moved one mile and a half east of Waldo and then bought ninety-four acres. He lived in various parts of Waldo Township till 1866, when he bought 127 acres of his present farm and he now owns 167 acres. He has cleared about thirty acres. He lived in a log cabin till 18775, when he built a two-story from "L" frame house, at the cost of $1,250, and erected all the buildings, and made all the improvements. He was married, February 16, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Julia A. Crawford. She was born in Waldo Township in --, and died February 14, 1864, leaving six children, five now living, viz., Lydia, Ida, Rosalinda, George M., John A. and Emma. Mr. Denman again married in August 1865, choosing for his second companion Rachel, daughter of Jacob and Julia Crawford. To this union four children have been born, three living-Myrtie M., Jacob F. and Mary A. Our subject enlisted September 21, 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of Tennessee and fought at Overall's Creek, the Cedars and Wise's Forks. He was discharged at the latter place, March 14, 1865. He is serving his fourth term as a Township Trustee, and has been Assessor for two years. In politics, he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM C. DENMAN, M. D., (Marion Township) was born in Piqua, Ohio, January 291. 1851. His parents were Nathaniel and Catherine Denman. The Doctor grew to manhood in his native city, graduated at the high school at that. place, in the class of 1870, and the same year went to Huntington, Ind., where he was connected with the First National Bank of the place for five years. He commenced reading medicine in Cincinnati in 1875, and after prosecuting -a regular course, graduated at the Medical College of Ohio, with honors, in 1878, after a competitive examination by its staff, he was then House Physician and Surgeon in the Good Samaritan Hospital of Cincinnati, for one year, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of surgery. Since then he has performed a number of important operations. In August 1880, he came to Marion and formed a partnership with Dr. T. B. Fisher, the oldest physician in the county, with whom he continued till April 1882, when the latter retired, and since that time the Doctor has had no partner in his practice. He has an extensive and increasing patronage, enjoying the confidence of the people, and is successful in his treatment. Dr. Denman is Secretary of the United States Board of Examining Surgeons for examining pension applicants; a member, by invitation, of the American Medical Association since 1883 ; a member also of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Marion City Board of Health, and is Vice President of the Marion County Medical Society, of which he has also been Secretary two years. He is prominently identified with the material interests of the city and is an enterprising and public spirited citizen.
WILLIAM E. DENMAN (Bowling Green Township) (1907) was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 5, 1849. His parents, William, Jr., and Sarah A. (Davidson) Denman, were natives of Now Jersey and Ohio respectively. They are now residents of Morrow County, and have been for the past thirty-two years. They have been the parents of thirteen children, of whom three sons and seven daughters are living William E. Denman during, his youth acquired a thorough English education in the schools of Morrow County and Chesterville, Ohio, and when twenty-one years old, engaged in teaching schools, an occupation he has followed during the winters for twelve years. He was married, March 31, 1874, to Sarah Howser, a daughter of Anthony and Eliza E. (Wise.) Howser; her parents were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, and were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living. William E. Denman and wife have one child-Elva-who was born November 3, 1879. Mr. Denman resides on his farm of 103 acres, which is well improved, and valued at $60 per acre. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist.
WILLIAM C. DENNIG, (Marion Township) born in Wilferdingen, Baden, Germany, February 2, 1829, is the son of George A. and Mary (Daub) Dennig, natives of the same place. Mr. Dennig was born February 23, 1805; Mrs. Dennig in 1804. They were married in 1828, and came across the Atlantic in 1849, settling in Northampton County, Penn. Mr. Dennig died in the spring of 1851, and Mrs. Dennig passed away in 1861. They had six children, of whom William C. is the oldest. His father was a stone-cutter by trade; so, while a boy, he learned the art, finishing an apprenticeship at fifteen. He went with his father to work before they left the old country, and so continued in this country some two years. He then found employment on the B. & O. R. R., nine months; thereupon he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and labored there until November of 1852. He then returned to Pennsylvania for two years. Having married he moved to Cincinnati, and thence to Marion, where he has since resided. He followed his trade all the time except an interval of three years, when engaged in packing and shipping butter and eggs, handling tin, and the last year keeping a provision store. He was united in marriage February 21, 1854, with Miss Margaret Boyer, who, was also a native of Baden, Germany born February 23, 1828. Her parents were Christian Boyer (who resides with them, aged eighty-two years), and Christina Boyer, who died in 1879. Being compelled to retire from stone-cutting, he has been representing, since 1868, the Aurora Fire Insurance Company. He owns a residence with one and a half acres, and a lot. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Dennig belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HON. JAMES W. DEVORE, M. D., (Claridon Township) is a highly respected citizen of Claridon Township, born in Knox County, Ohio, May 16, 1827. His father, Cornelius Devore, was born in Pennsylvania September 17, 1789, of French descent; his mother, Mary (Porter) .Devore, was born in Maryland January 17, 1795, of English extraction. They were married in the latter State and moved to the above county in Ohio, about 1818, stopping until 1839, when they came to near Mount Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio. There were born to them seven children, three still surviving -Samuel, James W. and Nancy. The deceased were Jacob, Sarah and two infants. Mrs. Devore died September 21, 1843; and Mr. Devore survived her until May 5, 1852. Dr. Devore, having attended the common schools of his day and some select schools at Woodbury, Ohio, commenced reading medicine in 1847 under the instruction of McWright & Geller, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, graduating at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1850, and locating in Claridon Township for parctice in August of that year. For thirty-three years he has had an extensive and successful ride. April 10, 1851, his wedding nuptials with Miss Ann E. Martin, born October 28, 1832, were celebrated. She is the daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Kimble) Martin, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and English ancestry, who were early settlers of Ashland County, Ohio, and came to Marion County in 1850. Six children were born to the above union-Arminda J., born February 13, 1852; Flora L., October 0, 1855; Martha E., January 18, 1858; .Minerva V., April 20, 1860; Mary E., August 12, 1863; and Juliett P., January 15, t854. Dr. Devore is one of the principal farmers of Claridon Township, owning 700 acres of arable land, which he has acquired by his practice and industry, not $1 having been bequeathed him. He makes a specialty of fine graded stock of all varieties. Politically, he is a Democrat. He represented Marion County in the State Legislature during 1870-71; he is also a member of the F. &. A. M.
ISAAC DICKSON (Tully Township) was born in Washington County, Penn., February 14, 1800. His father, Henry Dickson, sailed from Ireland, his native country, in 1783-84. His mother was American born, and of English descent. Isaac is the last survivor of eleven children. Having received a limited education, he came to Tully Township in 1832, entering 240 acres, located in the central part of the township, paying $300 for the same. He did not move here until the spring of 1856, when he purchased the "Joseph Brownlee Farm" of 260 acres, thus owning 500 acres. Upon the latter place, he lived until the spring of 1880, when his wife's health failing, he came to live with Sergeant Brownlee, his son-in-law. He married in his native county September 14, 1826, Miss Mary Hanna, daughter of Thomas Hanna, from Ireland in 1801. They have had nine children, one dying when an infant. Their names are Thomas, Henry, James, William H., Mary (wife of W. N. Downs), Margaret (wife of James Davidson, of Nebraska), Elizabeth (wife of J. V. Harrison), and Eleanor (wife of Sergeant Brownlee). Mr. Dickson has been identified with the Democratic party since its formation, having voted three distinct times for Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. Both himself and wife have been consistent Christians for sixty years. Since coming to Tully, their membership has been with the United Presbyterians at Iberia.
THOMAS DICKSON, Esq., (Tully Township) is a prominent and leading citizen of Tully Township. He is a native of Washington County, Penn., born October 7, 1828, the son of Isaac Dickson, and the eldest of eight children. He was married in his native place March 17, 1853, to Mary A. Ross, daughter of Mathew Boss. Their children are Mathew T.. Elizabeth H. (now married to John T. Giddis), Isaac C. and William A. In May 1854, be settled in this township, upon some land which his father had entered. He has since purchased land, having 160 acres in his home farm, also fifty-three acres near Three Locusts, upon which axe several town lots platted, whose value is increasing daily, and forty acres in Page County, Iowa. Our subject enjoys the confidence of his neighbors in a remarkable degree; was Trustee of the township from 1857 to 1861, then Clerk of the township twenty-two successive years; also Justice of the Peace since 1866. His leading principle in the settlement of suits is to have the belligerent parties compromise. He has "passed the chair" as an Odd Fellow, and is a Master Mason. He is not a member of any church, but affiliates with the United Presbyterians. He has been recently nominated by the Democratic party as County Treasurer.
W. H. DICKSON (Tully Township) is a native of Washington County, Penn, born October 8, 1834, the son of Isaac and Marv Dickson; having obtained a fair education in the common schools of his native State, he came to Ohio with his parents, and married, March 10, 1863, Miss Alice Richardson, daughter of Robert and Margaret Richardson. Children: Mary N., Maggie J., Ivy M. and Frank L. The first seven years after marriage, he resided in Canaan Township, Morrow County; engaged in farming; he then came to Tully Township, settling on his farm of 120 acres. In the spring of 1882, he came to Three Locusts, and in company with Sergeant Clark and E. A. Benfield erected a grist mill, at a cost of $9,000. This mill is intended to manufacture flour by the roller process, to turn out seventy-five barrels every twenty-four hours, and to employ five men regularly. Mr. D. has a residence in the village of Three Locusts. He is an esteemed citizen, and has been Trustee of the township ten years.
JOHN DIEBOLD (deceased) (Marion Township) was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, December 7, 1829, the son of George F. and Margaret (Fies) Diebold. They had four children-John, Fred, Charles (a Lieutenant, killed in the late war), and Margaret (deceased). John Diebold married, May 1, 1853, Miss Margaret May, daughter of Croft and Mary (Egel) May, whose children numbered six --Margaret, Christian, Rosanna, Philip, Louisa and Willie. Willie and his mother died in the "fatherland." All the surviving members of the May and Diebold families crossed the ocean in May 1851, settling in Marion. Mr. Diebold located where his widow now resides. To them four children were born-Rosa, wife of William Shoemaker, Columbus, Ohio, John, dealer in ice; Louisa, wife of George Krause, and Clara. Mr. Diebold was a baker by trade, and prosecuted that business in Marion until 1858. He then commenced to assist his wife in keeping boarders, and so successful did their private house become that in 1866 he built a commodious hotel on his own lot on East Street. They continued in this business, satisfactorily to the public, until and after Mr. Diebold's death. He was a very industrious and highly respected citizen. He was a charter and official member of the K. of H., and the Druids-State Marshal of the latter at the time of his death. He was a stanch Democrat, and was serving his second term in the City Council. Upon his arrival in Marion, he had $300 in money, but through untiring efforts at one time, carrying brick for the Methodist Episcopal Church at 75 cents per day, he left an estate of $25,000. His death occurred January 4, 1881. The old Diebold Hotel burned to the ground January 12, 1833. His widow, who is an agreeable lady and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, built the same year a handsome residence on its site, costing $2,500.
GEORGE DIEGLE (Marion Township) was born in Philadelphia, Penn., July 6, 1826. He is a son of George and Catharine Diegle, the former a native of Wuerttemberg, Germany, and the latter of Prussia. They emigrated to America about 1818, and were married in Philadelphia. Our subject is the eldest of eight children. He was partially reared in his native city, and at the age of twenty engaged in teaching, which he followed five years. In 1840, he came to Tully Township-, and in 1850 was elected Justice of the Peace and served four consecutive terms. In 1867, he was elected County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1869, thus serving two terms. At the expiration of his second term, he was admitted to the bar, he having previously read law under the instructions of Judge A. M. Jackson, of Bucyrus, and H. T. Vanfleet, of Marion. He also read medicine under the instructions of Dr. Diether, of Bucyrus, for the term of two years, on the homeopathic system, practiced medicine two years, but did not make it a business for a livelihood. In 187-, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and again elected in 1877. He served, while a resident of Tully Township, as Assessor seven years, and Treasurer for the same period. April 8, 1851, he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Rev. John Richmond, by whom he has had ton children. Of these, seven are living, viz.: Alcesta, Celia, George O., Dawson W., Nelia, Rodney J. and Hilton.
PHILIP DIETRICH (Marion Township) "first saw the light" near Frankfort-on-the-Main, in Germany, February 26, 1813. His parents, Philip and Elizabeth (Shafer) Dietrich, lived and died there. Philip, the eldest of nine children. was reared on a farm, and when sixteen began to learn his trade, near Frankfort, working four years. In the spring of 1834, he crossed the Atlantic and finished learning his trade at Baltimore, Md. The succeeding year. he migrated to Ohio, locating in Marion, He immediately engaged in his trade, and thus is the oldest tailor in the city. Marion was then a small village; he thus has witnessed its childhood and youth. He gave $5 for the old court house bell, and assisted in building the old Lutheran Church. Labor then commanded only 25 to 50 cents a day, yet he gave $140 to the above church. He wedded, September 9, 1838. Mary E. Bolender, daughter of George Bolender. She is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born in 1819. Their two children are Eugene, born October 30, 1841, and Josephine, born August 6, 1845. He owns the property where he does business, and four acres within the corporation. He is Democratic politically, and has been a Freemason since 1847. His wife is a Presbyterian, but he is a Lutheran, and an Elder in that church.
AUSTIN M. D1LTS, (Claridon Township) (1907) the son of Peter and Sarah (Knight) Dilts, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 13, 1838. He is a merchant at Caledonia, Ohio, of the firm of Underwood & Dilts, dealers in dry goods, groceries, etc. Having obtained a practical education in the common schools, he remained with his father farming until his twenty-third year, when he embarked for himself, laboring upon the farm four years. In 1864, he moved to Caledonia, acting as foreman over a party of men who were improving the public highways. He continued at this business, working for a salary, four years; since then he has been a merchant at the above place. February 2, 1870, he married Miss Mary E. Boyer, daughter of William and Sarah (Plotner) Boyer, natives of Crawford County, Ohio. The father died there in 1878, but the mother still survives him, living upon the old homestead. Mr. Dilts is a prominent and well respected citizen, and is largely identified with the interests of his village. He served as Chief Magistrate three years, and is at present member of the Town Council. He is a member of the Democratic party, of the IOOF. , of the K. of P., of the Prudential Order of America, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
PETER DILTS (Claridon Township) (1907) is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, barn August 7, 1814, the son of Peter and Elizabeth Dilts, who emigrated to this State in 1812, entering land. They were joined in marriage August 15, 1791; the father was born in New Jersey January 24, 1769, and died in 1848; the mother was born October 16, 1765, and died December 24, 1835. Peter Dilts, the subject of this sketch, having received such an education as those early days afforded, married Sarah A. Knight, March 15, 1837, making his abode with his father until 1852; since that time he was a resident of Morrow County, Ohio, until he came to this county. Nine children have blessed this home, five now living-Austin M.; Louisa, wife of Mr. Monroe; Amanda, wife of Mr. Hipsher, Sarah A., wife of Mr. Cunningham, and Elizabeth A., wife of another Mr. Hipsher; all are residents of Marion County. The deceased are Rebecca, Franklin P., Freeman, and Cordelia, the wife of Levi Ulsh. The last named was shot during the absence of her husband, while sitting in her home in the twilight, knitting. The fatal missile came from without the house, and no light has ever been thrown upon the matter; it remains to this day a painful mystery.
CLARK DIX, (Marion Township) owner and operator of the tile factory, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, January 22, 1840. He is a son of Clark and Clarissa T. (Clough) Dix, natives of Susquehanna County, Penn. They removed to Ohio about 1834, settling in Champaign County, where they now reside. Mr. Dix was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and National Normal at Lebanon. He taught school one year, and in May. 1861, enlisted in Company G, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the three months' service. August 6, 1861, he reenlisted in the same company and regiment. He was engaged in the bat-ties of Richmond, Ky., siege of Vicksburg, Grand Core, Alexandria, Cloudsville, and a number of minor battles. March 4, 1863, he was, transferred to the signal secret service, from which he was discharged July 4, 1865. He then spent three years in Iowa teaching school, after which time he returned to Champaign, and in the winter of 1869 came to Marion, and engaged in the manufacture of tile, which business he still follows. March 3, 1870, he married Miss Martha R. Holverstott, daughter of Henry and Margaret Holverstott. They have three children-Clayton H., Florence M. and Ada I.,. Mr. Dix and family are members of the Baptist Church. Besides his residence, tile-yard and seventeen acres of land in Marion, Mr. Dix owns ninety-three and a fourth acres in Claridon Township.
ELIJAH DIX, (Prospect Township) farmer, Prospect Township, has been a resident of Marion County for thirty-eight years. His first visit to the county was as a teacher. a calling which he followed for some ten years. He was born in Troy Township, Delaware County, Ohio, August 6, 1822, and was a son of David Dix, a native of the State of Vermont, and the first settler in Troy Township. Our subject's mother's maiden name was Mary Main, a daughter of Peres and Rebecca Main, natives of Connecticut, and also early settlers in Troy Township. Elijah Dix was married July 2, 1848, to Phebe Biggerstaff, a daughter of Friend Biggerstaff. They have the following named children Medill M., Charles S., William Warren and May. Mr. Dix is the owner of a valuable and highly improved farm of 125 acres nearly adjoining the corporation limits, of the village of Prospect. He purchased this property in 1846, then all wild land; now 100 acres are subject to the plow. He is a Democrat in politics and has served the county and township in various official positions, among which were County Surveyor for two terms of three years each, Justice of the Peace for six years, Township Trustee repeatedly, and at different times nearly all of the township offices. He is one of the most substantial and best respected citizens of Prospect Township. He and wife have been members of the Baptist t Church for upward of thirty years.
DIX BROTHERS, (Prospect Township) clothiers, Prospect Village. The members of this firm are M. M. Dix, C. S. Dix and W. W. Dix. They opened up their clothing establishment, consisting of a fine stock of clothing and gents furnishing goods, on the 15th of March 1883. It is the only store in Prospect that deals exclusively in men's furnishing goods. They carry a choice, selected stock of upward of $5,000 worth on their shelves, and buy their goods direct from the largest manufacturers and dealers of Eastern cities. The firm are also operating a store at Paulding, Ohio, which is doing a prosperous business under the management of C. S. Dix. M. M. Dix, of the firm above, was born December 24, 1855, in Prospect Township, followed the life of a farmer until 1882, since which time he has been connected with mercantile pursuits in Prospect Village. He was married, July 27, 1882, to Miss Ella Wottring, a daughter of Philip Wottring, of Delaware. C. S. Dix, of this firm, was born September 8, 1858, in Prospect Township. He graduated at the Normal Department of Denison University in 1881, and since that time has engaged in mercantile pursuits. W. W. Dix, also of this firm, was born in Prospect Township, May 17, 1861; is first leader of the Prospect Star Band. He is junior partner of this firm, and is living at home with his father.
S. C. DODDS (Grand Township) was born in Union County, Ohio, August 20, 1835. His. father, Thomas Dodds, was born in Washington County, Penn., February 15, 1800; and his mother, Mary Comer, was born in Fairfield County Ohio, July 1, 1810. Mr. Dodds, the father of our subject, came to Ohio with his father, Andrew Dodds, in 1813, and settled in Delaware County. A few years afterward he went to Urbana, and learned the trade of a spinster, which be followed for a time. In 1831, he married and settled in Allen Township, Union County, at which place he resided till 1846, when he removed to Hardin County, where he died in January. 1866. His wife preceded him November 24. 1850. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third. He passed his early life on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. When eighteen, he left home and obtained employment on a saw mill in Montgomery Township for two years. He then turned his attention to farming, and in January 1868, he bought his present farm, which contain 160 acres. He has cleared most of this farm, and made all the improvements. August 22, 1860, he was married to Miss Martha E. Frame, daughter of Smith and Lovey (Hopkins) Frame. Mrs. Dodds was born in Big Island Township August 22, 1841. Six children were born to this union-Melvin S., Lovey J., Owen F., Mary T., Samuel C. and Martha E., deceased. Mr. Dodds served as Trustee of Montgomery Township three years during the war, and as Land Appraiser of Grand Township in 1880. He was a member of the Board of County Commissioners one term, and member of the Agricultural Board of the Agricultural Society eight years. Mr. Dodds is a man of enterprise, and is highly respected. Politically, he is Democratic.
THOMAS P. DODD (Bowling Green Township) was born in Bowling Green Township, this county, July 7, 1853. He is the son of John and Margaret, (Chapman) Dodd; they were natives of Delaware and Virginia. On first coming to Ohio, they settled in Pickaway County, living there three years, when they came to Marion County and located in Bowling Green Township on a small farm, where they resided a few years. He died March 26. 1881. His widow still resides on the old homestead, in the limits of La Rue Village. They had six children, all now living, named Hannah, Celia A.. Thomas P., Susan M., Maggie P. and Lola. John Dodd was born January 10, 1804; his wife Margaret was born March 13, 1819. They were married August 9, 1846; she was a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Chapman, who were natives of Virginia and of English extraction; her parents had thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Thomas P. Dodd was educated in the schools at La Rue, and on attaining his twenty-first year began teaching school, an occupation that he has followed at intervals up to the present time. He has been Mayor of La Rue and member of the Council one year; is a member of the F. & A. M., and is a Republican.
ALFRED L. DONITHEN, (Waldo Township) farmer, P. 0. Waldo, was born in Franklin County, Penn., November 23, 1841. He was reared on a farm till twelve years of age, when he took up the milling, business, serving three years in Bridgeport, Penn. He worked in the Bridgeport Mills seven years. On April 21, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserve. He served in the Eastern Department, and was wounded by a bullet in the right thigh, in the second battle of Bull Run; he was confined in Fairfax Seminary Hospital. He also fought at Drainesville, Malvern Hill and Fair Oaks. He was discharged in December 1862, on account of disability; he returned home, and in February 1865, came to Waldo Township and bought a half interest in the Oborn mills, in Richland Township, which be operated six years, when he sold out his interest. He had worked five years in the Waldo Mills before he went into the Oborn Mills. In 1876, he bought 134 acres of land and has since been occupied in farming and raising stock. On December 15, 1868, be was married to Charlotte M. Hoke, daughter of William and Mary Hoke. and born in Franklin County, Penn., March 1847. To this union have been born six children-Nettie B. Howard O., William H., Mary G., Ida and Daisy. In politics, Mr. Donithen is a Republican.
MRS. ANN DOUCE (widow of James Douce), (Claridon Township) was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 13, 1822. Her parents, Edward and Martha (Steeper) Lawrence. were also natives of the same place, and after marriage crossed the ocean in 1835, settling in Claridon Township. Four of their eight children survive-Jane, widow of George Welbourn, of Union City, Ind.; George, of Marion; Ann and Rev. Richard Lawrence, of Hardin County, Ohio; James, William, Elizabeth and Sarah are dead. James Douce was born October 2, 1819, in the same locality as our subject. He came to the United States with his parents when only two years of age, locating in Claridon Township, where our subject is residing. The pioneer schools afforded him but limited educational advantages. He became a farmer, and May 29, 1845, was joined in marriage to the subject of this sketch, and six children crowned this union-James L., born September 28, 1846; Martha A., February 29, 1852; Sabina J., March 22, 1854; Sarah P., January 24, 1857; Charles W., February 28, 1860; and Marshall F., June, 21. 1864. The deceased was a prominent farmer, having acquired an estate of 340 acres of valuable land, worth $75 per acre. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (a Trustee at time of death), and a generous giver to all its interests. His death occurred February 23, 1871. His widow is a respected and estimable lady, a member of the same church.
GEORGE W. DOUCE, (Claridon Township) the fourth son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thew) Douce, was born in Claridon Township October 13, 1860: his parents were natives of England, the father being born June 1, 1812, and the mother Juno 1, 1822. His father emigrated with his parents to America in 1822; they were Vincent and Mary Douce. They settled in Claridon Township at a very early day; their children were nine, five sons living-Richard R., William T., John T., George W. and James. The deceased were Mary J., Ann, Elizabeth and Mary L., who was the wife of William N. Clark. The father died in 1873; the mother in 1877. George W. obtained a good common school education at Caledonia and at Ada. After closing his school career, he taught one term, and has since devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of seventy acres of cultivated land, valued at $80 per acre. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes the Republican ticket.
JAMES L. DOUCE, (Claridon Township) son of James and Ann (Lawrence) Douce, was born on the old homestead in Claridon Township September 28, 1846. He, obtained the rudiments of an education in the common schools, and completed a commercial course at the "Ohio Business College" at Delaware. He lived on the farm with his parents until he was thirty-five years of age. August 31, 1881, his marriage to Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Jacoby) Waddel, was solemnized. She was born April 8, 1875, and their one child-Lawrence J.-was born June 28, 1882. Mr. Douce has given his attention exclusively to farming and the rearing of fine stock, of which he makes a specialty. He owns 160 acres of arable land, on which he has recently erected a frame residence. He is a highly respected citizen, a stanch Republican and a member of The Methodist Episcopal Church, being the Recording Steward of the Letimberville Circuit.
RICHARD R. DOUCE, (Claridon Township) (1907) first son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thew) Douce, was born in Claridon Township July 28, 1852. His parents were natives of the British Isle, his father coming to America in 1822, his mother in 1824. Their marriage took place in Claridon Township, and nine children grew up around them-Richard R., William T., John T., George W. and James living. The deceased were Ann, Elizabeth,' Mary J. and Mary. Mr. Douce died in 1873, and Mrs. Douce survived until 1877. The subject of this memoir acquired the rudiments of an education in the common school, but completed his literary attainments at Delaware College in 1876. He then turned his attention to farming. April 4, 1877, his marriage was solemnized with Miss Rebecca, a daughter of Matthew and Phebe (Garberson) McKinstry, of Marion County. The names of their three children are Grace E., born January 9, 1878; Matthew G., March 5, 1880; and Robert, January 15, 1882. Mr. Douce has always pursued farming and the raising of stock. He is the owner of 131 acres of desirable land, which is worth $70 per acre. At present he is erecting a fine frame residence and making other improvements. As a citizen, he is well and favorably known. He is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and with the Republican party.
WILLIAM T. DOUCE, (Claridon Township) son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thew) Douce, was born on the homestead, where be still resides, January 28, 1855. The district school gave him a practical education, and he turned to agriculture for a life work. His marriage was celebrated July 3, 1879, with Miss Priscilla Fields, a daughter of Edward and Ann S. (Nesbitt) Fields. The subject of this sketch has 160 acres of land, 100 acres of which are in a high state of cultivation, valued at $70 per acre. He devoted his entire attention to the farm, and the rearing of stock, making a specialty of the Poland-China hog. He is an enterprising farmer, a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN W. DOWLING, (Scott Township) a vigorous, enterprising young man, born July 15, 1853. in Illinois, whose parents, Joseph and Maria Dowling, were natives of Pennsylvania. At ten years of age, he came to live with John Hill, of this township, with whom lie remained until twenty-three, when he was married, November 28, 1876. to Miss Rachel Coulter, daughter of J. H. and Mary A. Coulter. They have one child, Elma. In 1881. he purchased forty-eight acres near the center of the township, paying $63 per acre. He is worth all of $4,000. For the past five years, Mr. D. has been renting 220 acres of Madison Monnett, which, by industry and frugality, is paving him finely. Both himself and wife are exemplary Christians. He is an Elder of the Disciple Church.
FRANCIS MARION DRAKE (Waldo Township) is the second son of Daniel S. (1907) and Clarissa Drake, and was born on the old homestead, January 31, 1842. There he was reared and was educated at the common schools of his native place. When nineteen years of age, he rented part of his father's farm, which his grandfather had owned. This he farmed for two years, when he bought ninety acres from his father in Pleasant Township known as the "George Rupp Farm," and lived on it two years. This property he traded for the "Zeig Farm" of 100 acres in the same township; here he resided also for two years. Selling the latter farm in 1866, he moved to Cass County Mo., and became engaged in various businesses for about a year, when be returned to Waldo. Here he dealt in stock for a period of about twelve years, shipping largely to the Eastern markets. In June, 1867. he bought the Lewallan farm in Waldo Township, containing nearly 200 acres, and here he resided till April 1877, when ire traded the farm for the Waldo Mills, which he has since been operating. Our subject was married December 10, 1861, to Miss Minerva J., only daughter of David and Elizabeth Curren. She was born in Waldo Township, April 26. 1844. To this union have been born three children, viz.. Clara Maud, born April 7, 1864; Dennis David, born June 2, 1868; and Zepha Francis, born October 23, 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Drakes had the misfortune to lose their home by fire in November 1880, but in the following year: they rebuilt, erecting a two-story frame house, at an expense of $1,000. Mrs. Drake is the owner of the mill property and twelve acres of land. When an infant, Mr. Drake was dubbed "Captain" by Captain Dowdy, an old Indian, who frequently nourished him when paying visits to his father's house.
DR. WILLIAM S. DRAKE (Marion Township) was born on the homestead in Waldo Township January 8, 1844, and is a son of Daniel S. Drake. He was educated in the schools of Marion and Delaware, and studied dentistry with Dunn & Emmons. In 1863, he went to Springfield, Ohio, practicing his profession one year, when he located in Marion, continuing to reside here since. He commands a good trade. July 10, 1864, he enlisted in his country's defense in Company 1, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Twenty-third Army Corps. He fought at Overhall's Creek, battle of the Cedars, Kenston, and in many minor battles. He became Sergeant, and was discharged July 13, 1865, at Charlotte, N.. C. Returning, he resumed his profession. November 14, 1865, he was married to Miss Maria E. Guthrie, daughter of John and Catherine Guthrie; she was born in Shippensburg, Penn., March 2, 1843. They have four children-Claudius S., Charles E., Raleigh and Frederick W. They are members of the M. E. and Baptist Churches respectively, and he of the K. of P.
JOHN DROLLSBOUGH (Tully Township) is the son of Henry and Anna Drollsbough, born in Pennsylvania August 8, 1823. He has been a farmer all his days, first in Pennsylvania, then six years in Scott Township, and afterward, in 1852, purchasing his present farm of seventy-two acres for $2,500. Mr. D. is an industrious citizen, having cleared in all some fifty acres of forest land. In 1864, obeying his country's call, he became a member of Company C, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Owing to sickness, he lay for some time in hospitals at Savannah and Washington; he accompanied Sherman to the sea, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio; his first marriage to Martha Coulter, daughter of James and Elizabeth Coulter, occurred December 25, 1847. Their three children are Arabella, wife of John Jones; Ebenezer (deceased) and William. His wife died, aged thirty-six years. He was married again in 1851, to Nancy McMullen, daughter of William and Nancy McMullen, also of Pennsylvania. Four children have blessed this union-Robert and Mary deceased; Tirzah and Samuel are still living. Our subject has been an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, acting in nearly every official capacity. He is a respected citizen, now holding the position of local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
E. DURFEE, (Marion Township) Assistant Cashier of the Farmers' Bank and a Director in the Huber Manufacturing Company, is a native of Marion, where he was born September 14, 1836. His parents Gardner and Marv (Sweetser) Durfee, were natives of Rhode Island, and N. Y. The former, with his parents, came to Athens County, Ohio, at an early day. He came to Marion prior to 1833, and that year purchased property on South Main Street. In 1835, he married for his second wife Miss Mary Sweetser, whose parents came to Delaware County when she was young. They had four children, two of whom are now living-E., the subject of this sketch, and Eva D., widow of Justus H. Bunker. George B. was a soldier in the Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteers. He died of erysipelas fever February 13, 1863, while home on a furlough. Albert died in childhood. Gardner Durfee was a cabinetmaker by trade, and followed it till his death, which occurred in October, .1844. His widow died February 15, 1883, at the age of seventy years. Mr. E. Durfee was reared and educated in Marion. Beginning the cabinet trade at fifteen, he served three years at Mount Blanchard, Hancock Co., Ohio. He followed it, attending school at intervals till he was twenty-two years of age. He clerked for Field & Short, of Plymouth, Ohio, two years, and for John L. Gill & Son, manufacturers, of Columbus, Ohio, for the same length of time. In October 1862, he entered the Farmers' Bank as Teller, and in July 1881, was appointed Assistant Cashier. He was Clerk of the City Council two years, and Secretary of the Marion Building and Savings Association during its existence. He was a partner for a year and a half with E. Huber, and at the organization of the Huber Manufacturing Company he became a Director. June 13, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Daniel and Ann Short. She was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1835. Their three children are Grace P., Florence S. and Margaret I. Mrs. Durfee and two eldest daughters are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.
PHILIP DUTT (Pleasant Township) was born August 27, 1857, in Richland Township, and is a son of Frederick and Christina (Weist) Dutt, the father came from Wuerttemberg, Germany, in 1844 and the mother came from Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, in 1839. They raised a family of ten children. He died in 1880 at the age of fifty-seven, and she in 1864, aged forty. Our subject obtained a moderate education, and commenced, when twenty-one, renting of George. He purchased his home, of sixty acres, in 1880, paying $65 per acre. It is well fenced, and worth to- day $ 100 per acre. His fine house was built in 1881, at a cost of $1,500. Our subject knows how to work, as is indexed by the fact that he cut, in a single day, 100 shocks of corn ten hills square. September 20, 1881, he married Miss Ella Rupprecht, daughter of Michael and Mary Rupprecht, of Columbus, Ohio. They have one child -Alice Winifred, Mrs. D. is a lady of goad education and has taught several terms of school.
BENJAMIN P. DUTTON (Big Island Township) is a native of the State of Delaware, Sussex County, born August 26, 1829, the son of Jesse and Mary Dutton, who came to Big Island Township in 1835, settling on the old Townsend farm, rearing a family of three children. The father died in 1845, aged fifty seven years. Benjamin P. Dutton remembers distinctly of hearing wolves, wild cats, and seeing deer near their door, his father killing many of the last. Having obtained a limited education, be commenced to work for himself in his seventeenth year, laboring by month or by day ten years. December 13, 1855, he married Miss Maria E. Riley, daughter of J. J. and Betsey M. Riley; the latter died August 11, 1883. Seven children complemented his marriage, six Dow living-Martha, wife of Edward Wood, Eliza A., wife of W. W. Miller; Mary M., wife of J. C. Williams; George F., Charles A. and Eva. After renting three years, Mr. D. bought his present farm of eighty acres paying $1,600; but the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad has taken some of this ground. He has but 73 1/2 acres at present, valued at $75 per acre; is now tiling his farm. He owns two fine horses- "English Glory" and "Heenan." Since 1870, he has had an interest in a thresher; one-sixth interest at first, one-third at present. Mr. Dutton is a hard worker, having cleared in his day 125 acres of forest land. He has been Trustee of the township; also its Clerk. He is a worthy citizen.