THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
F.
(1907 MARION COUNTY, OHIO HISTORY - LETTER F)
JAMES L. FARNUM, M. D. (Prospect Township) This gentleman is one of the oldest practicing physicians in Prospect Township.He was born in Pleasant Township, Marion County, September 28, 1825, and is a son of Erastus and Nancy (Robinson) Farnum. Two months before he was twenty-one, by agreeing to pay his father 50 cents a day for all the "fair days" in these two, months, he was permitted by him to leave home and strike out for himself. He immediately took a job of cutting and putting up hay, which, when completed, averaged him $1.06 per day for his labor, the amount earned being. $25.84. Of this money he paid his father $12, being part of the amount due him for the two months. Thus he had $13.84 left. With this money he paid for three months' board and schooling at Marion, and the following winter he taught school in Wyandot County at $10 per month and his board. At the close of his school, he returned to his father's and worked for him one month as final payment for the month lost before of age. He then attended school at Millville, Delaware County, for three months, worked at harvesting after his school ended, and in the fall attended another term of three months at the Millville School, and in the winter taught school four months, in Radnor Township, Delaware County, at $15 per month. The next summer he commenced reading medicine in the office of J. P. Blake, M. D., at Prospect Village, and taught another term of school in Crawford County in the winter at $15 per month. On the completion of his medical studies in 1850, he became a partner in the practice of his preceptor, Dr. Blake. At this time Dr. Farnum was in debt for his education $200, with only 25 cents assets, which it took a couple of years to pay off. With very brief intermissions, the Doctor has practiced his profession in Prospect Village up to this date. He was so afflicted with rheumatism at one time as to be obliged to give up his practice, when he taught school one term in the village, and afterward removed to Richwood and taught a spring term of three months and a winter term of four months' school; this was the last school the Doctor taught. Having regained his health, he returned to Prospect and again commenced the practice of his profession, to which, in connection with farming, he has given strict attention up to this time. The first seventeen years of his practice through the country was attended to wholly on horseback, his rides extending fifteen miles north and west of town, through a newly settled country, especially toward the north, which was dense woods for miles. He would frequently be called cm dark and stormy nights to ride through those woods several miles away, with nothing but a bridle path to follow, over great logs three feet through, which his horse would be obliged to leap. In 1861, the Doctor bought his first piece of land, sixty-six acres in Pleasant Township, for $2,000. He now owns 321 acres of land, its average value being about $100 per acre. A portion lies within the corporation of Prospect Village. He made an addition to the village plat that was recorded in the spring of 1883, on the west side of the Scioto River. He owns a fine residence in the village where he resides, as well as some other property. He is one of the wealthiest men of the township, as well as one of its most enterprising and honored citizens. He is a Democrat, and has filled various offices in the township, among which was Township Clerk for several years. Dr. Farnum was married in March 1850, to Ann Eliza Wottring, daughter of Jacob J. Wottring, an early settler. The Doctor and his wife have three children-M. Ellen, Samuel J. and William H.(1907) Samuel J. was married June 3, 1881, to Miss Addie Davis, daughter of David J. Davis, of Union County, Ohio. He is a farmer, residing half a mile north of Prospect Village.
JACOB FRIEDRICH FATZLAR (FAZLER), (Green Camp Township) son of "Karl" Charles F. (1907) and Philippine (Oehler) Fazler, was born in Germany October 19, 1849, and crossed the water with his parents, landing in June of 1857, locating in Prospect Township. His father was born December 17, 1811, and his mother in 1809, still bale and hearty in her seventy-second year, having been the mother of six children, viz., Christian, Catherine, Rachel, Jacob F., Sophia and an infant daughter. The last two are dead. Mr. Fatzlar obtained two years' schooling in his fatherland, and a fair education after coming to this country. He continued farming with his parents until he was twenty-five, when he turned his attention to milling, which occupation he followed three years. He married, April 13, 1881, Miss Addis J., daughter of Charles and Matilda (Brink) Harper, of English descent, and natives of Ohio and Now Jersey respectively. They were the parents of eleven children, nine living-Emily James W.. Horace 0., Eliza B., Marion, Ada J., Ellen, John and George W. The deceased were Willis A. and Jacob B. Mr. Fatzlar is a resident of Green Camp Township of nine years' standing, and has a desirable farm of sixty-seven acres, which he has cleared and improved. He is connected with the Democratic party, with the IOOF and with the Mount Olive Methodist Episcopal Church, together with his wife.
VALENTINE FEHL (Grand Township) was born in Adams County, Penn., September 15, 1817. His parents, John and Sarah (Wolf) Fehl, were natives of the same county. They were married about 1816, and in 1833 emigrated to the West, and settled in what is now Marseilles Township, Wyandot County, which then formed a part of Grand Township. Mr. Fehl bought at first 120 acres, mostly woodland, to which he made additions until his farm contained 500 acres, of this 120 acres he entered in Grand Township. His death occurred July 12, 1868, aged seventy-six; Mrs. Fehl resides in Grand Township, in the ninetieth year of her age. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fehl, five are living. Our subject, the eldest child, was reared to manhood on a farm, and was educated in the district schools. In 1850, he bought 160 acres of woodland in Grand Township. He cleared a place and erected a house, which he occupied till the erection of the present residence in 1866. Mr. Fehl has increased his farm to 280 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. He has always followed farming and stock-raising, and with success. His first marriage took place in 1842, with Miss Rosanna Studebaker, a daughter of Abram and Mary Studebaker, She died in 1847, leaving two children-Olive (wife of Jacob Williams) and Caroline (wife of James Emptage. Mr. Fehl celebrated his second marriage November 9, 1851, with Miss Clara Otis, daughter of Stephen and Mary Otis. Mrs. Fehl, a native of Washington County, Ohio, was born September 8, 1834. This union was blessed with eight children of these seven are living-Orlando, O., Sarah A. (wife of William McCleary), Maggie E., Etta, Finley J., Julia and Otis V.; Clara M. died in infancy. Mr. Fehl and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican; he served as Treasurer of Grand Township twelve years, and as Trustee six years.
GEORGE FETTER, JR., (Claridon Township) first son of George and Elizabeth (Kyle) Fetter, is a native of Claridon Township, born October 30, 1836. His people emigrated from Germany before marriage. He became familiar with the English branches, and his union to Miss Mary Mautz, a daughter of Gottleib and Christina Mautz, took place April 27, 1858. Their eight children are George F., born March 29, 1859; Jacob D.(1907), September 15, 1861; Mary A., June 16, 1864; Samuel H., October 5, 1866; William P., January 15, 1868; John F., November 5, 1870; Mary C., January 9, 1872; and Harmon E., October 30, 1875. Mrs. Fetter was born. February 6, 1836. Mr. Fetter has always devoted his attention to agriculture. He is a substantial farmer. owning 266 acres of valuable land, worth $75 per acre. He recently erected a brick residence costing $5,000. Mr. Fetter is a Democrat, and has served as Trustee of the township three years, and as a member of the School Board eight years. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church in Ricbland Township, to which he contributes liberally.
EDWARD D. FIELDS (Claridon Township) is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born April 22, 1829. He was the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Hatfield) Fields, who crossed the Atlantic in 1833, locating in Claridon Township. He remained with his parents until his twentieth year, obtaining from the district school a practical education. He was wedded December 31, 1857, to Ann S. Nesbitt, born December 8, 1837, a daughter of Joseph and Ann (Grubb) Nesbitt. Children-Priscilla E., born October 2, 1858; Joseph C., August 24, 1860; Edward F., November 15, 1862; Sylvester N., February 6, 1866; Henry C., July 13, 1872; and Elma P., February 14, 1878. At twenty years of age, Mr. Fields began to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed it twenty-nine years, his family then residing in Claridon. Abandoned his trade in 1878, he purchased a farm consisting of eighty acres in a wild state, for which he paid $44 per acre. He has cleared and improved this land and erected good buildings upon it. It is now valued at $75 per acre. He served one term as Trustee of the township. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church; he is Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is a Republican and an advocate of temperance, and a member of the F. & A. M.
JOHN FIELDS (Claridon Township) was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 12, 1805, and was married there, September 6, 1830, to Sarah Foster, born December 22, 1812, a daughter of John and Mary (Lane) Foster. He was a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Hatfield) Fields. He emigrated to America with his wife and one child and his father's family in 1834, settling in Claridon Township. His parents both died in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Fields are the parents of ten children, five living-Henry W., born February 2, 1832; Elizabeth H., September 9, 1837; George A., September 10, 1848; Charlotte P., June 17, 1851; and Sarah R., April 12, 1854; Eliza A, was born November 30, 1834, and married John Boyce January 4, 1855; John C. was born September 5, 1845, and died February 16, 1851, Matthew F. was born November 24, 1842, and died January 18, 1863, a soldier at Bowling Green, Ky.; Jesse was born April 18, 1857, and died one month later; Mary A- was born February 27, 1840; she was the wife of Thomas Parker and died March 20, 1879. Mr. Fields commenced in life with nothing, but through his indomitable will and through economy, has now a farm of 120 acres, two comfortable frame residences and ten town lots. He has retired from the farm and has been living in Caledonia some time. He is an estimable citizen, a zealous Republican, and he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church.
JOSEPH FIELDS, (Claridon Township) (1907) the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Hatfield) Fields, was born in Wylingham, by Stow, Lincolnshire, England, March 29, 1820. He came to America with his parents in 1834, settling in Claridon Township July 2 of the same year. He was one of a family of twelve children, ten surviving-John, Ann, Mary, Matthew, Henry, Joseph, Sarah, William, Edward and Dinah. Elizabeth died in England and Benjamin in Louisville, Ky. Mr. Fields died December 2, 1851, and Mrs. Fields lived until 1869. Joseph secured an education at the district school and lived with his father until he married, January 1, 1845, Miss Mary McGinley, a daughter of John and Elizabeth McGinley, of Irish ancestry. Their union was blessed with three children, two of whom are living-John H., born October 3, 1845; and Sarah E., February 13, 1848. Joseph, born December 8, 1850, died July 27, 1851. Mrs. Fields died January 1, 1851, and Mr. Fields was married again October 27, 1853, to Sarah J. Badger, daughter of Joseph Badger, who emigrated to America at the age of seven from Ireland Mr. Badger was married to Miss Mary Erwin, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and seven children were born to them-Mary C., born July 28, 1854; Asa E., January 6, 1857; Matthew and Joseph A. (twins), February 21, 1860; William F., August 25, 1862; Robert C., born August 31, 1855, died July 29, 1863; and Ada A., born August 5, 1862 (twin with William F.), died July 11, 1863. Mr. Fields embarked in life a poor boy, but has wrought. out by hard blows a comfortable home and a valuable farm of 195 acres, 145 in Marion County and fifty in Hardin County. His home farm is estimated at $80 per acre. He is a thoroughgoing farmer, and has been a resident of Claridon nearly fifty years. He found his home covered with forest and abounding with game, but he has cleared and improved 100 acres. He is a Republican, a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been a local minister several years, is a generous man, an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance, possessing a spirit of enterprise, and always aids movements that are intended to benefit the community. The portrait of Mr. Fields appears on another page of this volume.
WILLIAM FIES, (Marion Township)(1907) furniture dealer and undertaker, was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, October 17, 1841; is a son of William and Magdalena (Egley) Fies, who were natives of Baden and emigrated to America in the spring of 1847, settling in New York City, where they resided until August 1852, when they came to Marion. Mr. Fies was a butcher by trade, having learned and followed it in his native place. He was born in April 1818, and married, in 1840, Magdalena Egley, by whom he had ten children. Of these, William is the eldest. Mrs. Fies departed this life July 17, 1872. Mr. Fies, the subject of this notice, was reared principally in Marion and educated in its schools. In 1858, he took up the cabinet trade with Widman & Diebold and served an apprenticeship of two years and a half. October 30, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the following leading battles: Shiloh, Stone River, Mission Ridge and all the engagements in the Atlanta campaign. He returned with Gen. Thomas and was engaged at Franklin, Tenn., where he was taken prisoner. He was in prison from -November 30, 1864, to March 26, 1865, and during this period was confined at Corinth, Montgomery, and Selma, Ala., Meridian, Miss., and Andersonville. April 17, 1865, he was on the ill-fated Sultana, that exploded near Memphis, Tenn., and had his shoulder dislocated and was otherwise injured. He received his discharge May 30, 1865, after which he returned to Marion and worked I at the bench one year. In March 1866, he became a member of the firm of Fies, Schaffner & Dreyer in the furniture and undertaking business, which was dissolved in March 1877, Mr. Fies conducting the business for himself, and January 22, 1883, Mr. Fies removed to his present place. He keeps all kinds of furniture and undertakers' goods, to the amount of $8,000. In 1882, he and A. H. Kling erected the Fies-Kling Block on South Main street. November 14, 1867, Mr. Fies married Miss Anna C., daughter of Justus Haberman, and a native of Richland Township, where she was born February 2, 1842. Of seven children born to them, six are living, viz.: Kate, William, J., Mary L., Maggie (deceased), Hortense, George and Harry. Mr. Fies is a member of the Masonic order, Marion Chapter, R. A. M., and IOOF and G. A. R. He served as member of the City Council four years; City Clerk four years; and is now serving his second term as Chief of the fire department is also a member of the Board of Education and its present Treasurer.
MRS. ELIZABETH FINK, (Claridon Township) the widow of Eli Fink and the daughter of Joshua and Catherine Martin, was born March .18. 1837. Her parents were of Irish and German extraction, but natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Marion County in 1834, and were the parents of thirteen children. The two deceased were Martha, dying at the age of forty-one years; and Eliza, aged twenty mouths. The living are Socrates, Julian, Elizabeth, Catherine, Nancy, Leonard, Emma J., Jacob, Margaret, Mary M. and Ida M. Mr. and Mrs. Fink were married in January 1858, and four children were born to them-Orilla, born October 17, 1858; Samuel F., February 10, 1860; Dora B., August 25, 1864; and Lulu E., April 18, 1869. Orilla was married September 1, 1878, to C. S. Bittner: Dora B. was married March 2. 1882, to Dr. W. C. Arous, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Fink was an honorable citizen, loved by all, and was doing an extensive mercantile business at the time of his sudden death. This occurred August 2, 1875, and a jury, impaneled to consider his mysterious demise, arrived at the conclusion that his death was caused by an unknown hand. Mrs. Fink has continued to keep the family together and has recently erected a frame residence on North Main Street. She commands the respect and sympathy of all who know her.
SAMUEL A. FISH, (Green Camp Township) the son of William and Jane (Humphrey) Fish, was born in Green Camp Township September 5, 1849. His father, of English ancestry, was the first male born in the town of Marion, April 28, 1826; his mother, of Welsh extraction, is a native of Ohio, born October 11, 1829, and the mother of seven children-Samuel A., Benjamin F., Benton E., Lincoln A., John B., William H. and Royal F.; the last two are deceased. These parents still reside on the old homestead of eighty acres, purchased in an early day. The subject of this biography, having passed his school days and attaining his majority, was married, March 10, 1870, to Miss Evaline Joel, of Pleasant Township; she and two children are deceased-Harley, September 12, 1872; Harry, September 1, 1880; and their mother, May 10, 1875. Mr. Fish formed another alliance, October 14, 187-, with Miss Alice B. Bond, James and Elizabeth (Underwood) Bond's daughter, the latter dying when Alice was two years of age. Two children have been born to this union, one living-Jennie B.; William A. died in. 1881. Mr. Fish has a good education and is living on a farm of 160 acres, belonging to himself and wife. It is a valuable and carefully cultivated soil. He is a citizen of prominence, having an undoubted character. He served one term as Township Trustee. He is connected by membership with the S. of T., P. 0 S. of A., Republican party and the Free. Will Baptist Church; Mrs. Fish also belongs to the latter.
J. B. FISHER (Big Island Township) is an enterprising farmer, located north of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, above Longville, in a neat house surrounded by comfortable buildings. He is the son of Dr. T. B. and E. P. Fisher, of Mai ion, where he was born October 20, 1843. He received a good education, but at, seventeen years of age he enlisted in his country's defense. in Company K, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in many important engagements- Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness and Petersburg. He was honorably discharged in the spring of 1865. Remaining with his people only one year, he went "out 'West," becoming a farmer, stock buyer and general trader until 1873, when he returned to Ohio and to his present home. He married, November 26, 1873, Miss Jennie A. Phelps, daughter of T. D. Phelps, of Franklin County, Ohio. Their children are four-Eleanor, Jessie, John S. and Clarissa. He is a faithful member of the Masonic lodge at Marion, No. 70.
DR. T. B. FISHER. (Marion Township) The subject whose name heads this sketch is the oldest physician in Marion County, having come to Marion in 1835. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 30, 1810. His father, Isaac Fisher, was a native of Sussex County, N. J., and his father emigrated from Germany prior to the American Revolution and enlisted in that war as a private soldier. He was a member of the guard at the execution of Maj. Andre. Dr. Fisher's mother, Sarah Bruen, was a native of Newark, N. J. Her father, David Bruen, and two brothers came from England and were soldiers in the Revolution, David ranking as Major. Isaac Fisher removed with his family to Ohio in 1806 and settled near Worthington, Franklin County. Mrs. Fisher died there, and he moved to Worthington, Ind. Dr. Fisher is the youngest of a family of eleven children. He passed his early life on a farm and when seventeen took up the trade of brick-laying, which he followed as a business for five years. He chose the profession of medicine for his life work, and after taking a proper course of instruction he attended the Medical Department of the University of Worthington, Ohio, and graduated at that institution in the early part of 1835. In May of the, same year, he came to Marion and engaged in the practice of his profession. Milk sickness had been prevailing to an alarming extent, all the physicians up to this time having died of that disease. Dr. Fisher located in Marion when it was but a small village and the county was sparsely settled. Then there were no roads, only half-beaten paths, and for the first fifteen years he traveled on horseback. His field of practice extended almost over the entire county, and his trips were not unattended with difficulties and dangers. He has practiced his profession here uninterruptedly, with the exception of a few brief intermissions, ever since. In 1870, he admitted William C. Denman, M. D., into partnership, and they continued together until Dr. Fisher's retirement from the profession in 1882, when he was succeeded in his practice by Dr. Denman. From May 1863, until the close of the war, he was Surgeon for the Board of Enrollment for the Eighth District. He was located at Mansfield, and during this period he examined 8,000 persons for the army. In 1846, Dr. Fisher was elected to represent this district in the Legislature, and served one term. His services in this important position reflected upon him much credit and won from his constituents their highest esteem. In 1859, he was again called forth to serve in a more important public office. that of State Senator. He served two years in this honorable trust and then returned to his profession. Both these offices were unsought by him. Dr. Fisher is a man of public enterprise and has been identified with many important improvements of the town. He was one of the leading men in the organization of the Marion Gas-Light Company and was its largest resident stockholder. He served successively as Director, President, Secretary and Superintendent. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Marion, and was connected with it as. President four years. He was also one of the chief -men in the organization of the Marion County Medical Society, and was its second President. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order, and was largely instrumental in securing the charter for the Chapter, Council and Commandery, and was the first presiding officer of each body. He served as Mayor of the village. two terms, member of the City Council several years, and was a member of the Board of Education thirteen years. In 1840, Dr. Fisher was united in marriage with Miss Elenora P. Bennett, daughter of Judge S. S. Bennett, an early pioneer of this county. Mrs. Fisher was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 17, 1821. Four children were born to this union. Of these three are, living, viz.: J. Bruen, William B. and Charles C. Sanford B. died at the, age of eighteen months.
ANTHONY O. FLAHERTY (Montgomery Township) was born December 20, 1820, the son of Hugh and Alice (O'Donnell) Flaherty, all natives of the Emerald Isle. April 15, 1844, he married Sallie Gallagher, and Hugh and Alice were born prior to their embarkation for America, which took place in 1847. After coming here, they increased their family with Dominick, Celia, Anthony, Mary, Ellen and Patsy. His parents followed in 1860, settling in La Rue. The mother was born about 1798, and she died in 1868. The father was born in 1791, passed away in 1875, aged eighty-four years. Sallie Flaherty, died in 1867, aged forty-three years. Mr. Flaherty married again May 13, 1870, Clara (Longshore) Lewis, daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Mulligan) Lewis, the former of English, and the latter of Irish lineage, but natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. Upon arriving in this country, subject found labor upon the Michigan Central Railroad for two years; he then settled at Galion, Ohio, building one mile of the C., C., C. & L Railroad. He came to Marion in 1851, engaging as foreman with Wilson, Smith & Epler, in the construction of the B. & I. Railroad. He moved to LaRue in 1861, and established himself as dealer in groceries and provisions.. He made a success at this business, buying a 120 acre farm in 868, where he moved in 1870. By his industry and economy, he owns property, which he values at present at $9,000. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic Church.
BYRON FOLK (Pleasant Township) is a native of Pleasant Township, where he was born October 19, 1839, the son of Henry and L. Ann (Pease) Folk, who came from New Jersey about 1830, entering eighty acres, known today as the old Folk farm,"The family moved here three years later, and in time made their farm number 315 acres. They were the parents of five children, lie died in 1876, at the age of seventy-two, while she passed away in 1840, Oar subject received a limited education. He inherited fifty-eight acres of land. to which he has added seventy acres more, valued at $90 per acre. His suitable home was built in 1880, at an expense of $2,000. He has a good farm in excellent repair, stocked with fine grades. October 27, 1861, Mr. F. married Mary Court, daughter of Joseph and Maria (Sherman) Court. Five children have crowned this union William H., Frank A., George E., Anna H. and Inez I. He has been Town Trustee one year, refusing to serve longer.
HIRAM K. FOOS, (Big Island Township)an enterprising young man, living in the northern part of Big Island Township, is a native of Scott Township. his birth taking place February 3, 1857. He is of German descent. His parents are James H. and Rhoda Foos. Mr. Foos, in his twenty-third year, November 25, 1879, was married to Miss Nerva E. Clark, an intelligent lady, daughters of R. T. and Harriet Clark, of Marion Township. Their only child, Harry, died when an infant. In 1882, he bought his home, consisting of forty acres, paying $50 per acre; he values it at $60 per acre. He keeps good stock. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foos have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past three years.
JOHN A. FOOS (Claridon Township) (1907) was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 31, 1819, the son of John and Mary (Aye) Foos, of German stock, but natives of Tennessee and Virginia respectively. The father was born November 15, 1787, and when two years of age came to Kentucky for a brief period, but settled in Franklin County, Ohio, six years. In 18O6, they came to Delaware County, remaining until 1831, when they moved to Marion County for a number of years; then they went to Indiana, where the father died, August 10, 1876. Mr. John A. Foos was brought up on a farm. He married, December 28, 1843, Elizabeth Lindsay, and six children have been born to them, three surviving-James M., Nathan and Andrew B. Benjamin F., George B. and Elizabeth J. are deceased. Mr. Foos has resided in the county one-half century, and is a prominent farmer, making a specialty of registered stock. His farm comprises 463 acres of excellent land, valued at $ 100 per acre. His wealth is not less than $40,000, the product of his own bands. He served a number of years as Trustee of the township, and is a faithful Democrat.
JACOB FRIEDERICH FOX (FUCHS), SR., (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Hafnerhaslach, Wuerttemberg, Germany, March 4, 1812. His parents were born at the same place and left Germany January 28, 1834, and the same year in the fall settled in Prospect Township. Jacob F. was next to the oldest child. The names of his parents were Christian and Susanna Magdalena (Brussel) Fuchs. His father bought ninety-seven acres of wild land, which he and his boys cleared up. Himself and wife are deceased. Mr. Fox was married, in November 1841, to Mary Ann Sells; by this union there were six children-Jacob F., Jr., Eliza Jane, Caroline, Mary, Martha Ellen and John. His wife died and he was married to Catharine Engelhardt. by whom there were six children -Sophia, Joseph W., William, Susannah, Samuel and Rachel. This wife also died, and he was married again, to Mary Anna Sintz; by her there were three children Herman, Elizabeth M. and Philip H. This wife died, and he was married October 3, 1879, to Elizabeth C. Milhaus, widow of John Milhaus. Her maiden name was Loebrich. Mr. Fox owns 149 acres of land, on which he resides, 100 acres of which he has cleared. It was formerly covered with heavy timber, some oaks measuring six feet in diameter.
JACOB F. FOX, JR, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Prospect Township, and is a son of the above mentioned. He enlisted August 15, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a soldier in the civil war, and served to the close, being mustered out of service at Camp Tod, Columbus, Ohio, in July. He was present at the following battles: Averill's Creek, the Cedars, Tennessee, and of Wise Forks, N. C. He was married, March 3, 1867, to Maria Ludwig, and they have had six children-John Harvey, Flora Mertie May, Carey Elmer, Elsie Ellen, Kelsie and Minnie, the last two being twins; Kelsie is deceased. Mr. Fox the owner of forty acres in the northwest part of Prospect Township, where he resides.
HOPKINS. C. FRAME (Big Island Township) (1907) is a young, enterprising farmer, born November 3, 1850, a native of Big Island Township and the son of Smith and Lovey (Hopkins) Frame. The former was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1803; his death occurred in 1876,. aged seventy-two. The latter was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1811; her death occurred in 1882, aged seventy-one. His parents moved to Marion County in 1835, bought 160 acres and in time accumulated considerable property. They reared a family of five children. Mr. H. C. Frame owns 191 acres of the old homestead, in Section 6, valued at $75 per acre. He makes a business of raising and fattening stock for market. He is tiling the farm to some extent annually, having buried already about two hundred rods. His farm is one of the most desirable in the county. Mr. Frame is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a charter member of Marion Commandery, No. 36, K. T.
JOSEPH A. FRANCIS, M. D., (Claridon Township) was born in Waldo Township April 13, 1839, the son of Philander K. and Clarinda (Armstrong) Francis, of French and English extraction, respectively and natives of Now York. Air. Francis obtained a good education, attending the Mount Hesper Seminary two years. He commenced teaching in his sixteenth year, and, continued twenty-one terms. In 1873, he began reading medicine under the tutorship of Dr. Charles Bates, of Nettle Lake. Ohio; graduated at the Columbus Medical College in the spring of 1877, and at once commenced practice at Bell Point, Ohio. He came to Caledonia in 1880 where he is receiving a fair share of patronage. He enlisted April 23, 1861, in Company H, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three months. His term expiring at Camp Denison, he returned home, and was married, December 21, 1861, to Mary J. Anderson, a daughter of Andrew and Lucinda (Smith) Anderson, natives of Westfield Township. Five children have been born to them, two surviving-C. Grant, born June 27, 1864, and Edna C., born November 18, 1870. He reenlisted August 13, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve one year. He was made Second Sergeant, and later Orderly Sergeant, and after participating in several skirmishes was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, May 30, 1865. He is a member of the F. & A. M., of the K. of H., of the IOOF, of the G. A. R. (charter members) and of the Democratic party.
P. K. FRANCIS (Waldo Township) was born in Chenango County, N. Y., December 28, 1811, and is a son of Levi and Hannah (Stearns) Francis, of Saratoga County, N. Y., and Newport, R. T., respectively. They both died in Chenango County, N. Y. Thomas Francis, grandfather of our subject, served three years in the Revolutionary war; he died in Chenango County, N. Y. The subject of this sketch is the second of nine children; he was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. Before he was nineteen years old he was engaged in teaching, and followed that profession almost every winter till 1876. In 1835, he came to Marion County and taught school at Mount Gilead, the following winter and fall. In June, he went to New York, and in the fall of the next year returned to Mount Gilead. He taught the Mount Gilead Schools three consecutive terms. In 1838, he came to Waldo and became interested in the Armstrong Hotel till July 1839. He then removed to near Caledonia and farmed till October 1841, when he went to Woodville, Sandusky County, and in March 1842, returned to Waldo and took charge of the Armstrong Hotel. All this time he still was occupied during winters teaching. He has taught forty-five three-month terms during his life time. On March 12, 1881, he was appointed Postmaster, which office he still holds. He has served as Township Clerk six years, Mayor two terms, Justice of the Peace one term, and Township Treasurer one term. He has also served as Corporation Recorder three years. In politics, he is a Republican. On October 29, 1837, he was married to Clarinda, daughter of Joshua and Phoebe (Stearns) Armstrong, the latter a native of Massachusetts, the former a native of England, came to America in 1803, settling in Monroe County, N. Y. He served in the war of 1812. Mrs. Francis was born in Monroe County, N. Y., December 25, 1817; her parents came to Champaign County, Ohio, when she was two years old. They removed in 1822 to Miami County; thence to Delaware County in 1824, and Marion County in 1831. Mr. Armstrong died June 10, 1868; his widow is residing in Waldo, in the eighty-eighth year of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Francis had a family of five children, three living, viz., Joshua A., James M. and John M; Levi K. and Marv A. are deceased. Our subject and wife are members of the Mount Gilead Universalist Church. He is a member of the IOOF, is owner of nine acres of land and a milliner shop. Mrs. Francis has followed the millinery business for a period of forty-eight years.
JOHN L. FREDERICK, (Montgomery Township) son of Henry and Ann (Metz) Frederick, is a native of Montgomery Township, born December 21, 1841.He acquired an education, finishing at the Delaware College, which he attended one. He was appointed Postmaster of La Rue, holding that position five years, when be resigned. He then engaged for two years with Frederick Firstenberger as clerk there upon he established himself in the hardware trade, at La Rue, continuing for ton months, when he was burned out, losing 50 for himself and $2,000 for the Insurance Company. He then returned his former employer three years, subsequently with C. Gracely & Bro. two years, one year with W. J. Knapp, and August 23, 1879, he hired to Seffner Bros.. with whom he continues. He has been elected Clerk of the township five years, and that of the corporation of La Rue six years.
ADAM FREE (Pleasant Township) was born April 12, 1838, in Pleasant Township, the son of Michael and Catherine Free, whose people originated in Germany, but who came from Pennsylvania in 1829, and entered eighty acres where Adam Free now resides, They reared a family of twelve children, one being Dr. D. Free, of Green Camp, Ohio. The father died in 1866, aged seventy, the mother in 1842, aged forty. Our subject, having secured a moderate education. was married, December 0, 1800, to Miss Permelia Le Fevre. Four children crowned this union, only one of whom survived Mary E., wife of G. W. Cromer. Mr. Free, with his brother John, who lives with him, inherited the old homestead of eighty acres, to which they have added forty acres more, all in good repair. They have good graded stock. This family holds a membership in the United Brethren Church, of which oar subject has been Trustee for three years.
DANIEL FREE, M. D., (Green Camp Township) (1907) was born in Pleasant Township July 31, 1832, son of Michael and Catherine Free, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. They were married there, and in 1826 migrated to Ohio, settling in Pleasant Township, purchasing an eighty-acre lot for $100. Mr. Free enlisted in the war of 1812, but did not enter active service. He died on the above homestead; likewise his wife, March 16, 1842. They had twelve children, all of whom attained maturity, and nine are living, the subject of this sketch being the seventh. He passed his boyhood upon the farm and attended the High School at Marion several terms. He commenced teaching in his sixteenth year, and followed it for a number of winters. In 1856, he began reading medicine under the tutorship of Dr. George Crafford, of Neptune, Mercer Co., Ohio, teaching the severer months; be studied three years. his first practice was in Williams Center, Willlams Co., Ohio, continuing one year, when he located at Columbia. In 1870, he settled at Green Camp and has established an enviable practice. April 11, 1858, he married Mary A. Thomas. They have been given six children, two living-Daniel G. and Zoa V.; Francis M., Lucy M., Wesley and Irena B. are deceased. In 1863, Dr. Free was sent to New York to a fort to administer to the afflicted soldiers of Northwestern Ohio. He is connected with the State Eclectic Medical Association, and he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.
DANIEL FIRSTENBERGER (Fuerstenberger) was born January 23, 1831, in Baiertal, Baden, Germany. His parents, Charles and Elnora "Leena" F. Miller) Firstenberger, came to America in 1833, settling one year in Crawford County, Ohio, coming then to Richland Township, where Daniel F. now resides. They reared a family of five children. The father died in 1852, aged forty-eight years, the mother died in 1876, aged seventy-six years. October 28, 1854, Daniel married Miss Caroline Mautz, daughter of Godlieb Mautz, of Pleasant Township. Their union was crowned with ten children-Jacob, Mary (wife of William Kingel), Daniel (deceased), Christena, John (1907), Philip, Fred, Lydia, Catharine and Leena. Mrs. Firstenberger died in 1878, aged forty five years. Mr. Firstenberger inherited and purchased the old homestead of seventy-nine and three-quarters acres, which he has increased to 289 1/4 acres, valued at $80 per acre. He built his house in 1866, costing $2,500. The farm is well tiled. Mr. Firstenberger officiated with the German Reformed Church. He has been a powerful man physically, having cradled in a single day five acres of grain.
ELIAS FIRSTENBERGER (Fuerstenberger), (Richland Township) (1907) the subject of this sketch, is a native of Richland Township, where he was born December 3, 1856 (the year of birth is different in 1907 History). He is a son of John F. and Harriet Firstenberger, the former from Wiesloch, Baden, Germany and the latter from Pennsylvania. They settled in Richland Township about 1836, and reared a family of eighteen children, only seven of whom survive. He died November 13, 1882, aged sixty-five year; while his widow passed away in 1866, aged forty years. Elias was educated wholly in the common school. His marriage took place January 6, 1876, to Miss Mary E. Hensel, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Fulton) Hensel, of Richland Township. By inheritance, Mr. Firstenberger came into possession of eighty acres of good land in 1882. Upon this he intends building a fine house, at a cost of some $8,000. Our subject is a consistent member of the German Reformed Church, of which he was recently elected Elder.
JACOB FIRSTENBERGER (Fuerstenberger) (Richland Township) is one of the stirring young men of Richland Township. He is the son of Daniel and Caroline (Mautz) Firstenberger. He was educated in the common school, and was married October 22, 1881, to Miss Catharine Schwarderer, daughter of Jacob Schwarderer, of Pleasant Township. The name of their child is Albert B. He has been renting his father's farm since his marriage, and in 1882 his father built him one of the most elegant houses in Richland Township, costing $3,000. He and his wife associate with the German Reformed Church,