THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
L
(1907 MARION COUNTY, OHIO HISTORY - LETTER- L)
WILLIAM F. LAFFERTY (Claridon Township) was born in Harrison County, Ohio, April 6, 1823. He was the son of John and Mary (Leedom) Lafferty, of English extraction, and natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio about 1812, settling in the above county for the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living-James (in his eightieth year), Samuel, John, Maria, Smith, William F. and Uriah. Mary died, aged thirty-five years, Abraham, aged thirty years, and Jane, aged seventy years. William F., having obtained the rudiments of an education, attended the Belleville Union Schools a short time, and then commenced teaching, which occupation he followed till he was fifty years of age-in all, forty-nine terms. He was married, September 30, 1852, to Catherine Ulsh, and five children have been born to them, three living-Ann E., Laura C. and George W. The deceased were Marshall and William. He has devoted the most of his life to teaching, and has been a successful educator. He owns property in Caledonia, and affiliates with the Democratic party.
JOSEPH LANCE (Tully Township) is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born January 10, 1845, the son of George and Susan Lance, of Pennsylvania. The common school gave him his education, and he remained with his parents until marriage. April 8, 1867, he married Miss Catherine Hart, daughter of David and Gertrude Hart, of Tully Township. Four children have blessed this union-Phoebe, James S., Gertrude and Maud. He bought his present farm of eighty acres in 1870, paying $30 per acre; he also has a good farm of ninety-four acres in Crawford County; he built his house in 1879. He is a member of the Disciple Church, and is an energetic and worthy citizen.
PATRICK LANNON, (Marion Township) a policeman of Marion Village, is a native of as County Water ford, Ireland, born in the spring of 1831, the son of Thom and Margaret Lannon When aged eighteen years, he sailed for America, spending eighteen years in New York State, principally in Syracuse and Utica. In 1862, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment National Guards Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at Chancellorsville, Look out Mountain, many serious skirmishes, and went with "Sherman to the sea"At Chancellorsville, he was seriously injured, lying on the battlefield three days and three nights with nothing to eat or drink except two canteens of water. He was honor ably discharged in 1865. In 1851, he married Miss Ellen Burke, by whom he has had ten children, five being now dead. The living are Mary, wife of E. A. Greeley, Walter, Ellen, Thomas and Joseph. In property Mr. Lannon has a house and four acres of land, located within the city corporation . He and family associate with the Catholic Church. He has been a police man in Mario n for the past five years.
CAPT. VALENTINE LAPHAM (Marion Township) is a native of Salt Rock Township, this county, and was born May 9, 1842. He enlisted in the civil war at Marion, July 26, 1862, Company E, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Department of the Gulf. He participated in the following memorable battles: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Dallas Station raid, Opelousas raid, Carrion Crow, and Mansfield, April 8, 1864. At Mansfield he received a gunshot wound. He was mustered out as Orderly Sergeant September 10, 1863. During service, he was promoted as Second Lieutenant. and ten days later as First Lieutenant. While at home, recuperating from his wound, he was appointed Captain, joining soon after his regiment at New Orleans, and entering active service immediately. He commanded his company during the siege and capture of Forts Gaines and Morgan. His discharge dates November 17, 1864.
DAVID H. LA RUE (Green Camp Township) was born June 23, 1849, to Luther R. and Ann (Keech) La Rue, residents of Marion County. The former was born in Athens County, Ohio, and the latter in Chester County, Penn. They are the parents of eight children, four surviving-David H., Albert N., William P. and Mary C. The deceased were William, Oliver P. and two infants. Our subject, obtaining a fair education, was wedded, October 18, 1877, to Sarah M., a daughter of Peter S. and Caroline (McClure) Bieber, who had three children-Mary L., Sarah 31. and Benjamin M.; the first is deceased. Two of Mr. La Rue's three children are living-Benjamin B. and an infant. Carrie M., died aged two months and fifteen days. Mr. La Rue gives his attention exclusively to farming and stock-raising. His farm lies three miles west of Green Camp, cultivated with care. He is a peaceable citizen and votes the Republican ticket.
LUTHER R. LA RUE (Montgomery Township) was born in Athens County, Ohio, September 14, 1827. He was reared and educated upon a farm near La Rue, taking advantage of the common schools of his day. He taught five winter terms. He was married, May 21, 1848, to Ann Keech, born October 23, 1826, a daughter of William and Jane (Patten) Keech, of Welsh and Scotch ancestry respectively, and natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1840, settling in Bowling Green Township, rearing a family of six children, five living-James P., Ann, David H., Jane and Margaret; Mary is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. La Rue have been the parents of eight, children, four living-David H., born June 23, 1849; Albert N., -May 25, 1853; William P.(1907), May 1.0, 1856, and Mar.; C.. May 15, 1869. William was- born February 19, 1851, and died April 5, 1851; Oliver P., born December 19, 1864, died October 24, 1868, and two infants. Mr. La Rue is a nephew of Maj. La Rue, and settled in Ringold County, Iowa, in 1854, entering 280 acres of land, and obtaining a patent from President Pierce, June 5, 1856, therefor; he returned to Montgomery Township in 1868, and is the owner today (1883) of 324 acres of fine land. In Iowa. he served upon the County Board of Supervision (known here as Board of County Commissioners), and also two terms as Justice. He has served as Trustee of Montgomery and Bowling Green Townships. He is a wide-awake Republican, an exemplary citizen, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM P. LA RUE (Bowling Green Township) (1907) was born in Iowa May 10, 1856; his parents, Luther R. and Ann (Keech) La Rue, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of French and Scotch descent respectively. After marriage they settled in Montgomery Township about 1847-48; after remaining there six years, they removed to Iowa. They returned in 1868, since which time they have been residents of Marion County. They have four living children David H., Albert, N., William P. and Mary C. Two of their children are deceased, namely, William and Oliver P. William P. La Rue received his early education in the common schools, and later entered as a student at the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, which he attended from 1875 .875 to 1877. When eighteen years of age, he engaged in teaching school, which he has continued to follow at intervals for about nine years. He was married, March 23, 1882, to Maggie M. Bain, a daughter of John and Eliza (Scribner) Bain. Her parents were natives of Scotland and Ohio respectively. William P. and Maggie La Rue have one child-Harley G. -born February 5, 1883. Mr. La Rue is a well-to-do farmer; himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican.
ABRAM LATOURRETTE. (Marion Township) The subject of this sketch was born in York State September 18, 1817, and is a son of Abram and Phoebe (Bodine) La Tourrette. The Bodines had both English and German blood in their veins; the La Tourrettes, of Huguenot association, sailed from France during the persecution. His maternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and his father did valiant service at Lundy's Lane and at the storming of Fort Erie, in the war of 1812. His father settled in Seneca County, N. Y, raising a family of ten children to manhood and womanhood. Their names are Eliza (deceased), Abram, John., Peter, Susan, William, Alla, M. Sarah, Anzolette and Daniel. His father died in 1874, aged eighty-six years, the first to break the family circle. His mother passed away in 1881, in her eighty-eighth year. Mr. La Tourrettte was educated in the common school to a limited degree. At sixteen, he closed his school career, but continued with his parents until his twenty-second year. Possessing a mechanical turn, he entered a machine shop, and the first month his employer gave him the drafts to lay out work for the shop. At the end of six months, he bought out the establishment and began manufacturing separators, the first built in Seneca County. He was then aged twenty-five. In 1844, he purchased at Waterloo, N. Y. , a foundry and machine shop, building engines, mill gearing and tile machines. He soon abandoned all but the last, and employed from sixteen to twenty men, doing a flourishing and successful business. It was at this place he made the first tile machine in America. The first similar machine sent to the United States was bought by John Delafield, President of the Seneca County Agricultural Society. After several years, Mr. La Tourrette obtained it and presented it to the New York Board of Agriculture, preserved still by them at Albany, as a pioneer tile machine. From this imported one as a model, Mr. La Tourrette became the father of American tile machines. He continued thus in business until 1870, when he retired, occupying his leisure summer hours in running a steam yacht through the little lakes of Now York. In 1875. he stocked a tile shop for his son Peter; the subsequent year he removed to Marion, buying his present property and building a foundry, located near the Columbus & Toledo depot. With his son Peter, he employs nine hands constantly, manufacturing tile machines with all the latest improvements. His machines are highly spoken of. He is an independent Democrat in politics, and a Freemason, with New York connection. He owns two and three-quarters acres, on which are his shop, barn and two residences. He also has a beautiful brick house on Center Street, built by him in 1879, at an expense of $4,000. He possesses, too, the "Robinson farm" of thirty-nine acres, just west of town. Mr. La Tourrette was married, October 22, 1839, to Miss Eliza A. Williams, daughter of Bradley and --- - (Voorhees) Williams, the former a native of Connecticut, and of English ancestry, and the latter a native of New Jersey and of German ancestry. Mr. Williams' children numbered four-Eliza A., Abram, Mary (deceased), wife of Dr. Austin, of Belleville, Ohio, and Adeline (deceased). Mr. La Tourrette has been the father of three children, viz., Martha, wife of David McMurtrie, builder and stonecutter of New York City, with residence in Plainfield, N. J.; Peter, who married Miss Mary Greenwood, and Henry, who died in infancy.
CHARLES W. LAWRENCE (Marion Township) was born on the old homestead in Claridon Township January 12, 1854. He is the eldest son of George and Martha Lawrence. Having obtained a common-school education, he attended the Ohio Business College at Delaware, Ohio, graduating in the spring of 1874. Returning home, he engaged in farming and stock-raising and is still continuing it. For two winters he conducted a saw mill. Mr. Lawrence has a farm of fifty acres, and is rearing French and Kentucky trotting horses, exhibiting them at county fairs. He and his father reared a French-Norman mare that weighed 2,130 pounds, the heaviest ever seen at a county fair. Politically, Mr. Lawrence is a Republican. December 27, 1877, he married Miss Flora M. Cain, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born May 12, 1861. Two children have been born to them -Addie V. and Eva N.
DANIEL LAWRENCE, SR., (Marion Township) is the efficient Superintendent of the Infirmary. His birth took place September 15, 1837, in County Tipperary, Ireland, the son of John Lawrence, who came from the old country in 1850. Three years later, he sent for three of the children and for the remainder of the family in 1856. The family settled in Marion and in time numbered eight children. The father's death occurred on July 4, 1861, his age being fifty-three years, while the mother died in 1869, aged fifty years. Our subject having obtained a limited education, went to work on a farm, at which he continued ten or twelve years; but in March of 1872, he was appointed to his present position, which he has acceptably held for twelve years. At present he receives a salary of $840, has the charge of sixty-five people and of the Infirmary farm, which consists of 230 acres. Prior to his appointment to the above, he rented farms for ten or twelve years. He owns real estate in Marion, valued at $4,000. April 3, 1869, he married Miss Honnorah Hogan, daughter of William Hogan, of Marion. He and wife are zealous members of the Catholic Church. He believes in the principles of the Prohibition party.
GEORGE LAWRENCE (Marion Township) was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 31, 1814, the third son and fourth child of eight children born to Edward and Martha (Sleeper) Lawrence, who sailed for America in 1835, settling in Claridon Township and buying 200 acres of land. George, the subject of this sketch, received a fair education, bought forty acres of land of his father, paying for it in work, increasing it to 300 acres, and remained upon it until March 30, 1871, when he sold and came to Marion Township, buying in all 543 acres. He has sold and given to his children all but 247 acres, which he keeps in a fine state of cultivation. He cleared and improved nearly all his land in Claridon Township, and has made many improvements upon his present farm. November 7, 1830, married Elizabeth Douce, a daughter of Vincent and Mary Douce. She died September 8, 1851, leaving three children; one is living-George E. Vincent D. was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at Gambier, Ohio, January 14, 1881. He was born July 13, 1850. Mary died September 13, 1861, aged thirteen years. Mr. Lawrence married again, April 24, 1853, Martha A. Smith, a native of Marion Township, born in 1833, a daughter of John and Naomi Smith. This union has been blessed with the birth of ten children, seven surviving: Charles W.; Emma M., wife of Rev. S. 0. Young. a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church-, Eva U.. wife of Francis A. Young; Willie R., Ulysses G., Ivie F. and Elma V. Mr. Lawrence is a thorough farmer and makes a specialty of rearing heavy draft horses. He is a Republican, and himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE E. LAWRENCE (Marion Township) is a native of Claridon Township, born August 27, 1845, the eldest son of George and Elizabeth Lawrence. Having secured a common school education, he remained with his father until the spring of 1867, when he moved to Franklin County, Kan. He returned in 1875, and after renting one year, purchased fifty acres of his father, and is residing upon it still. February 24, 1867, married Josephine T. Bartlett, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 15, 1843, a daughter of Leonard and Sarah A. Bartlett. They have four children-Mary G., Lulu B., George P. and Frank V. Mr. L. is engaged in rearing fine stock, such as French and Clydesdale horses, short-horn cattle and Spanish Merino sheep. He has been prominently associated with the Grange. While a resident of Kansas, he was a delegate to the organization of the State Grange, also a delegate to the State Grange hold at Galion recently, and was its Secretary. He is serving his third term as Master of the home society. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a young man, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University for a time, and later taught more or less for five years, two in the South and three in Kansas.
JAMES LAWRENCE, (Claridon Township) deceased, was born in Lincolnshire, England, February 21, 1810, the son of Edward and Martha (Stepper) Lawrence, who crossed to the United States three years after their sons James and William, they coming in 1832. They settled on our subject's homestead, and were the parents of eight children, four living-Jane W., born March 16, 1808; George, March 31, 1814: Ann, January 13, 1822, widow of James Douce, and Richard, January 17, 1826, a resident of Hardin County, Ohio. William, born February 19, 1812, died in Illinois; Sarah, born February 12, 1919, died at home April 15, 1839; Elizabeth, born December 27, 1816, is also deceased. Edward Lawrence died May 1, 1864, aged eighty-three years. Mrs. L. died April 17, 1855, aged seventy-seven years. The common school of England was the source of education of James Lawrence. Arriving here in so early a day, he became one of the oldest and most respected of the pioneers. He continued with his parents until June 1856, when he wedded Susannah Welbourn, born July 17, 1832, a daughter of George and Ann (Mills) Welbourn, the former a native of England, the latter of New Jersey. They were pioneers in this county. Both are now dead. Six of Mr. Lawrence's seven children survive-Benjamin F., born February 29, 1856; Martha J., July 20, 1859; Sarah A., September 22, 1861; Mary E., May 6, 1865; Emma E., September 27, 1867; and Abbott A., August 26, 1870. William, born July 27, 1858, died August 10, 1858. Mr. Lawrence died June 29, 1883, leaving to his wife and heirs an estate of 380 acres of fine land. Although not a member of any church, his faith was Christian, and acts benevolently inclined. Politically, he entertained the principles of Republicanism. Benjamin Lawrence, his son, was appointed administrator of his effects, and now has full charge of the farm.
HENRY LEATHAM (Tully Township) was born January 21, 1804, the son of William and Mary Leatham; the former emigrated from Ireland about 1794. Our subject received a fair education and taught two terms of school. He came to his present farm in 1834, entering 160 acres. and clearing, with his boy's help, 135 acres. He accompanied William Blair to this place January 6, 1835. He married Miss Mary Black, daughter of John and Catherine Black, of Virginia; he met this lady while teaching. Their union has been crowned with nine children, seven of whom are living; Amanda J. died aged twenty-four years. The surviving are William W., Mary C. (wife of Henry Spangler), Sarah (wife of Samuel Lennis), Agnes (widow of Joseph McClung), John B., Luther M. and Joseph W.; John B. was wounded in the late war while gallantly carrying his stricken Colonel from the field. Mr. Leatham has been a Republican since the formation of the party, but voted at first for Gen. Jackson. He has been an earnest worker in the United Presbyterian Church at Iberia.
JOHN C. LEE, (Claridon Township) deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River, August 16, 1793. He was the son of Zebulon P. Lee, who came from Scotland with seven brothers and entered the war of the Revolution as a spy for the cause of Independence, ever afterward losing trace of his brothers. He was wounded, for which he received a life pension. He died in Hancock County, Ohio, at the advanced age of one hundred and eight years. His widow, of Low Dutch stock, died when ninety-six years of age. John C. came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in early life; thence to Marion, County, settling in Scott Township. He married Miss Sarah Black in March 1824, who died January 23, 1826. He was married again, to Miss Louisa Spurgeon, October 26, 1830. She was also a native of Pennsylvania, born January 1, 1801. She removed with her parents to Scott Township at a very early date, locating on the east bank of Muddy Ran. They had seven children- Daniel, born March 15, 1831, a resident of Montana Territory since 1881; Noah, born July 5, 1833; Hannah, born August 22, 1835, married J. M. Dixter, January 18, 1854, who died February 28, 1865, leaving three children; again married, William Osborn, April 16, 1867, leaving two children, she occupying the old homestead: Sarah A., born October 10, 1838, married S. J. Hipsher May 5, 1864, and died September 11, 1877, leaving three children; William H., born July 23, 1841, a resident of Montana Territory since 1864, living upon a ranch forty miles below the National Park; Maggio, born March 4, 1845, married G. W. Ault June 27, 1866, and died August 4, 1869, bearing two children, now deceased; Zillah J., December 28, 1849, married P. J. Heading September 16, 1869, had three children, moved first to Illinois, but settled in Washington County, Kanasa. These parents continued to reside in Scott Township until death, being firm believers in the doctrine of universal salvation, and members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Lee died September 11, 1867, and Mrs. Lee survived until May 11, 1875.
NOAH LEE, (Claridon Township) the son of the preceding, was born July 5, 1833. He lived with his parents, acquiring a common school education, spending four months in the fall of 1853 at a Quaker school in Delaware County. He supplemented this by teaching a three months' term in Indiana. In the fall of 1855, he drove a team to Story County, Iowa, for Amon Hipsher. He continued in that State two and a half years. April 10, 1858, there being no railroads west of the Mississippi, he and William Osborn walked from Iowa to Allen County, Kansas, a distance of 450 miles; there he took up a Government claim, pre-empted the same, and assisted to lay out the town of Iola, the present county seat of Allen County. In the autumn of 1860, he returned to Ohio. March 28, 1864, he set out for Montana Territory, and obtaining the company of W. H. Lee and Jerome Bull at Valparaiso, Ind., they went to Cedar County, Iowa, where they purchased four yoke of oxen (one yoke were cows), provisions, etc., etc. June I they started, reaching Virginia City after two and one-half months of tedious riding; mined here, washing gold, until late in the fall; then, with eleven comrades, he built a flatboat and embarked upon the Yellowstone, homeward bound. The river was very low, making their journey very slow and wearisome. They were frequently obliged to step out into the floating slush and lift their craft from some hidden rock. After thus running several days, the ice completely dammed the river, compelling them to abandon the boat. Taking such articles as they could carry, they walked to the mouth of that river in a few days, completely exhausted from the want of food. Seven of the company wintered at Fort Union, up the Missouri, but the remaining four, of whom our subject was one, were determined to reach the States. Accordingly, an old skiff was secured, in which they traveled two days and nights, the ice finally compelling them to take to land again. Reaching Fort Berhold, under the guidance of an Indian, they set out once more for the settlements. After wading many days through the snow, they went into camp near the Painted Woods country. Just as they were well settled for the night, twenty-one Sioux Indian warriors surrounded them. All their loose clothing, provisions and the like were seized, and they were obliged to cross the river to their camp. The next day they were permitted to take their departure, but that saute evening they came upon another band of Indians, who were friendly and sheltered them for the night. Three Indians being furnished by the latter to guide and protect them, they finally reached Fort Rice, half frozen. They then passed down the river to Sioux City, where the party separated. April 23, 1867, Mr. Lee was wedded to Miss Lizzie Reed. They have had two children-William R., born February 18, 1870 (became deaf from the effects of spinal fever, when three years of age; his parents are educating him at the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb at Columbus, Ohio); Frank was born April 7, 1875. For the past fifteen years, Mr. Lee has been successfully engaged in the milling business at Caledonia, is a prominent and influential citizen; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and its Secretary for twelve years, also a member of the Town Council for seven years; of the School Board since 1873, and its Clerk during that time. He has been Treasurer of the Cemetery Association since its organization, also Treasurer of the School Library. He is a member of the Universalist Church, and has occupied the position of Superintendent of the Sunday school for ten years.
W. C. LEECH, M. D., (Marion Township) of the city of Marion, Ohio, is a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was born at Harrisburg November 25, 1823. His father was of Irish descent and his mother of German extraction. The Doctor's practice is of the homoeopathic school of medicine, and has been in the service since the year 1845, the greater part of that time in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1880, he came to Marion, and still continues in the practice.
WILLIAM LEEPER, (Claridon Township) son of Francis and Isabella (Kee) Leeper, was born in the Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland May 12, 1838. When eighteen, he crossed the waters with his brother Francis Leeper, on the Ship Superior departed from Ballyboofey and landing May 13, 1856 at Philadelphia, and then, making his way to Marion County, Ohio, he hired as a farm laborer until he was wedded, January 7, 1868, to Sarah E. Mutchler, a daughter of George and Amanda (Wilson) Mutchler, of German and Irish extraction respectively. To them three children have been born-Clara M. B., born September 16, 1868; Francis G., April 21, 1871, and Eva R., November 11, 1877. Mrs. Leeper was born May 20, 1845. William Leeper located in Claridon Township in 1872, purchasing forty acres. adding later forty acres more, all in good cultivation; its value is $80 per acre. Mr. Leeper is a respected citizen. He has been a member of the School Board over eleven years; he votes the Democratic ticket; himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Marion, and he is officially connected with the Knights of Honor.
ANDREW LEFFLER (Loeffler), (Marion Township) meat merchant, was born in Gruenwettersbach, Baden, Germany August 7, 1840. His parents. Michael and Christina Regina (Ludwig) Leffler, emigrated to the United States in 1854. He grew to manhood in Marion, and farmed till 1859, when went into the butcher business. October 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He was wounded in the right thigh at the battle of McDowell, W. Va., which disabled him from further service; was discharged in August 1862. Mr. Leffler is the oldest butcher in Marion, now employing two men, and doing a good business. December 20, 1865, he married Miss Mary Eberhart, daughter of John Eberhart. Mrs. Leffler was born in Marion County June 1, 1842. They have had seven children; six are living, namely: Jennie, Frank, Harrison G.. Edward H., Harry A. and Florence M. Inis is deceased. Mr. Leffler and family are members of the Lutheran Church; Mr. Leffler is connected with the order of V. A. 0. D., and in politics is a Democrat. In 1874, he built the block that bears his name, at a cost of $6,000. He owns a residence at the corner of West and Canal streets, and ten acres adjoining the corporation.
CHARLES W. LEFFLER, (Resident of Marion Township) (1907) son of Godfrey and Louisa Leffler, was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, November 1, 1854; he was reared to manhood in Marion, and educated in its high school. At the age of fourteen, he took the position of clerk in his father's grocery and continued there two years and nine months. He took a course in the Commercial College of Delaware, Ohio, in 1872, and after his graduation he returned to Marion and took up the trade of bricklaying, and worked with his father until December 1878, the last three years as foreman. In April 1879, he and his brother, J. F. Leffler, established a billiard hall, and since May 1881, he has conducted it alone. He neither sells liquor nor allows any to be sold in connection with the hall, and the best of order is preserved.
GODFREY LEFFLER (Loeffler), (Marion Township) (1907) one of the leading representative German citizens of Marion County, was born at Gruenwettersbach, Baden, Germany, October 15, 1829. In 1854, his parents, Michael and Regina (Ludwig) Leffler, emigrated to America and settled in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Leffler purchased thirty-five acres of land. Mrs. Leffler died in September 1857, and in 1865 Mr. Leffler moved to Marion, where he died June 22, 1882, having attained to the age of seventy-nine years. They had ten children five of whom are now living. Godfrey Leffler was reared on a farm till fifteen years old, when he commenced and served an apprenticeship of three years at the brick mason trade. In 1850, he embarked for the United States in search of his fortune. He remained in New York City until the fall of 1854, when he emigrated west and settled in Marion. Immediately after his arrival here, he resumed his trade and followed it four years, when in 1858 he engaged in contracting and building, which he has followed with marked success to the present time. Mr. Leffler has built and superintended the building of more public and private houses than any other man in the county. Among the many leading buildings that stand as monuments to Mr. Leffler's labor and success as a builder, we mention the jail on East street, old Masonic Block, Campbell Block, Kerr House, the public school buildings and the German Methodist, Christian and Catholic Churches, be sides a number of private residences. He is the leading contractor and builder in the county, and in that vocation he has achieved a signal success. He owns and runs a brick yard in connection with building, and employs a force of men at a weekly expense of $500. Mr. Leffler started in life a poor man, and by energy and perseverance lie has accumulated large and valuable property. He is well known throughout the county, and his business transactions have always been honorable and upright. Mr. Leffler was married, in 1851, to Miss Louisa Wissinger, by whom he has had five children, namely, Jacob G.(1907), Charles W.(1907), John F., Louisa C., wife of Frederick Gottshal, of Columbus, and Bertha, at home. Mrs. Leffler was born in Baden November 19, 1831. Mr. Leffler owns the "Leffler Block," corner of Main and South streets, and a brick residence on Greenwood Avenue, which cost $4,000. Besides the two and two-fifths acres where he lives, he owns fifty-two town lots. Politically, Mr. Leffler is a Democrat and takes considerable interest in local politics. Mr. and Mrs. Leffler are members of the German Lutheran Church.
JOHN F. LEFFLER, (Marion Township) of the firm of Williams & Leffler, merchant tailors, was born in Marion June 7, 1857, and is a son of Godfrey and Louisa Leffler. He was reared in Marion and educated in the high school; learned the carriage-makers trade with McMurray & Fisher, working three years, at the expiration of which time he became connected with his brother in the billiard and pool business, under the firm name of Leffler Bros. At the expiration of two years, he sold his interest to his brother and became connected with J. D. Gregory in business; this relation continued up to August 1882, when the present firm of Williams & Leffler was formed. This firm is composed of upright men, who enjoy a good reputation as tailors. September 21, 1881, Mr. Leffler was married to Miss Julia Fies, daughter of William Fies, of Marion. Mrs. Leffler is a native of Marion, and was born March 9, 1855.
J. O. LEFFLER, (Marion Township) grocer, was born in New York City September 17, 1852. When a child, his parents, Godfrey and Louisa Leffler, removed to Marion; he was reared to manhood in Marion and educated in the Ohio Business University of Delaware, at which institution he graduated in June 1870; he also took a course in the business university of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and graduated May 20, 1872. During the intervals of his college course, up to November 1868, he clerked for J. E. Leonard and P. 0. Sharpless. November 19, 1868, he took charge of and controlled a grocery and provision store on the corner of Main and South streets. In 1872, bought a half interest, and January 1, 1873, he bought his father's interest, and has since that time been alone. February 1876, moved to his present room, which has a sixteen and a half foot front by 165 deep. He has a very fine residence on South Street near Main, which he occupies. He married, September 23, 1875, Miss Susan M., only daughter or child of Jacob Hettler, and they have two children-Paul W. and Paulina M. Mr. and Mrs. Leffler are members of the German Lutheran Church; Mr. Leffler is a member of the City Council. In 1875-76, he resided in the Eleventh School District, and was Clerk and Director of that district. In 1879, he was a candidate for Recorder, and in 1881 for County Clerk. In polities, he is a Democrat.
LUKE LENOX (Bowling Green Township) was born in Baltimore County, Md., June 13, 1823. His parents, John and Maggy (Phillips) Lenox, were of English and Welsh ancestry, but natives of Maryland. They removed to Ohio in 1836, settling in Knox County, thence to Delaware County in 1837, where they lived until their death. She died in 1840 and he in December 1853. They were the parents of the following- named children: Ruth, Mary, Susannah, Luke (our subject) and Richard, who are still living. Nathaniel, Sarah, John T., Elijah and William H. are deceased. Luke Lenox received the advantages of a common school education, and remained at home with his parents until their death. He was married, April 16, 1846, to Mary E. Mealey, and from this anion there were the following-named children: Mary E., born April 18, 1854; Lenora V., born January 7, 1857; Harriet A., born April 19, 1847, died May 18, 1866; Charles, born June 23, 1840, died August 3, 1849; and Perry, born June 20, 1850, died December 4, 1857. Mr. Lenox resides on a farm of 156 acres, one mile west of La Rue village, that he purchased in 1862. which has ever since been his home. It is one of the best farms in the township, with fine improvements, which are mostly the results of his judicious labor; several miles of tiling underdrain this farm Mr. Lenox is a Republican, and, although living in a township with a strong Democratic majority, was elected Justice of the Peace for three successive terms. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Lenox has been in the past years largely interested in buying and shipping stock, though now he has retired from active business and rented his land. He is a member of the IOOF and the F. & A. M. Lodges at La Rue, and himself and amiable wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. The parents of Mrs. Mary E. Lenox were Michael and Elizabeth (Marrimore) Mealey, and were natives of Ireland and England respectively; were brought to this country when small children and have since become the parents of nine children, of whom but three--William, Michael and Mary E.-survive, the last named being Mrs. Lenox.
JAMES H. LEONARD, (Montgomery Township) (1907) senior partner of the firm of Leonard, Rhodes & Co., at La Rue, was born near Bentleysville, Washington County, Penn., in August 1842. He came to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents. William and Mary (Vanort) Leonard, about the year 1856. Mr. Leonard passed his early years on a farm, and in 1864 came to the village of La Rue. where he found employment as a clerk in the dry goods store of Seffner, Lucas, Green & Co., remaining with them some three years, when, having acquired a sufficient knowledge of the business, he became a partner in a firm known as Myers, Leonard & Hastings. This firm continued one year, when the business was closed and the partnership dissolved. Soon afterward, in 1868. he formed a partnership with Mr. J. J. Hopkins, under the firm name of Hopkins & Leonard, to do a general dry goods business. This business continued fifteen years, and their store became, through the fair dealing and thoroughly gentlemanly characteristics of the firm, the most popular store in the village, and doing the most business. Mr. Hopkins retired from the business in March 1883, when Mr. Leonard associated with himself in the business William A. and Charles P. Rhodes, under the firm name of Leonard, Rhodes & Co. Mr. Leonard was married, September 12, 1865, to Miss Mattie Wilson, of Waldo Township, this county. and a daughter of Samuel Wilson. They have one cbild-Zoa E., born September 26, 1873. Since Mr. Leonard's residence in La Rue, he has been foremost. in all those public enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare of the village and vicinity, standing up like a man and advocating what he thought was right in the way of public improvements for the general benefit of the public against much opposition, and not sneaking in the dark, like others who could be mentioned, that secretly were in favor of them, but publicly were blatant panderers to the prejudices which existed in the minds of some of the citizens against gravel roads Mr. Leonard was appointed Postmaster in La Rue in 1870, and held that position until September 1881. He is a member of La Rue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., and of the Dayton Chapter, Rose Croix; also of the Ohio Consistory Thirty-second Degree, A. A. S. R., Cincinnati. William and Mary (Vanort) Leonard came from near Bentleysville, Washington County, Penn., to Ohio with their family, including James H in October 1856. They located near Delaware, Delaware County, and afterward in Marlborough Township, of the same county, remaining at the first place about six months; at the latter one year. They then came to Marion County and lived on the Oborn farm in Richland Township four years; then on the Ruppley farm in Pleasant Township for two years, when Mr. Leonard bought a small place one mile west of Locust Grove, in Pleasant Township in 1864. His wife died at this place in September 1868, and, having married the second time, sold this place and bought another small farm one mile further south, where he lived until the fall of 1878, and then came to La Rue, where he lived until his death, which took place in October 1881. His widow still resides in La Rue.
JOHN E. LEONARD, (Marion Township) deceased, was born in Nassau, Germany, December 12, 1834. When nine years of age, he came with his parents, John and Mary Leonard, to America, who located for awhile in Mansfield, Ohio, then in Coshocton County, Ohio. He passed his youth at Mansfield, when thirteen engaging as clerk in a large establishment. In 1857, he moved to Marion and entered the drug trade under the firm name of Bruck & Leonard. About 1860, he bought out Mr. Bruck and continued the sole manager till death. October 10, 1861, he was married to Margaret S. Cummin, daughter of Dr. William and Margaret (Steele) Cummin, of Liverpool, Penn. Their union was blessed with three children-Mary M., Edward T. and Margaret S. Mr. Leonard commenced in life a poor boy, but through industry accumulated a good property, consisting chiefly of a business block on Main Street and his residence with several acres of ground on South West Street. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he contributed liberally, and of the Masonic order. His death took place December 6, 1870. Mrs. Leonard and her family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JAMES LIKINS (Scott Township) (1907) is one of Scott's most venerable men, born March 11, 1803, in Fairfield County, and who came with his parents, James and Jane Likins, in 1828, to Marion County, settling on "Mud Run," where Samuel Hill resides at present. He remained with his parents until seventeen or eighteen years of age. He bought his present residence in 1830, from the Turnpike Company. It then consisted of 160 acres, to which he has since added 359 acres. At one time he owned 897 acres, but he has given to his son 240 acres and to his daughter 108 acres. He still owns 549 acres. He values his estate at $40,000. He has ever been a very muscular man, clearing in his day 300 acres of plain land. He is Still active, hearing and sight good, and was never confined to his bed until his seventieth year. He buys and breeds the best of stock. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for the past fifty years. His father, James, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and he (the father) helped to organize Scott Township. Mr. Likins was a Jackson Democrat, but voted for Lincoln. He married, in 1829, Catherine Black, who lived five years, bearing him three children, one living, Sylvester Likins. He married again, 1835, Frances Crow, who died in 1868. His present wife, the Widow Scales, he married in 1870. We present the portrait of Mr. Likins in this work.
J. F. LINDSEY, (Marion Township) a native of Blair County, Penn., was born September 28, 1829. His father, Jacob Lindsey, was born in Carlisle, Penn., September 23, 1785, and died in Blair County, Penn., July 12, 1846; and his mother, Jane (nee Simonton) Lindsey, was born November 11, 1789, in Wilmington, Del., and died April 20, 1858, while on a visit at Marion. They were of Revolutionary stock, and were the parents of five children, of whom J. F. is next to the youngest. The latter, when eighteen years of age, commenced the trade of wagon and carriage making, at Hollidaysburg, Penn., and served three years. He worked in Philadelphia, Camden City and Cinnaminson, N. J., until 1851; then in Marion, Ohio, until the fall of 1852; then in Pennsylvania again till the next year; then at Massillon, Ohio, carriage building, two and a half years, when, in 1855, the shops closed on account of the panic; next at Galion, Ohio; then Indianapolis, Ind.; and in 1858 back to Marion. since which time he has followed his trade here. He usually employed from three to four men. and turned out first-class work, all of which was warranted. In contest with the Jackson, Mich., wagon, October 31, 1882, his wagon came out the champion. Mr. Lindsey joined the Methodist Church February 14, 1852, but since the spring of 1858, he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church.
JAMES LINDSAY (Scott Township) was born June 25, 1814, in Center County, Penn., and his parents, John and Jeanette Lindsay, were natives of the same county. His parents came to Fairfield County, Ohio, as early as 1822, but moved to Marion County about 1825. His mother was known far and near as Mother Lindsay. On account of her excellent qualities as a nurse in that early day. When these people moved here, there was one house at Caledonia, a double log cabin, and that without a tenant. Mr. Lindsay lived with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age. He did a great deal of rail-splitting, clearing and bridge building in his younger days. January 5, 1839, he married Miss Hannah Monroe, daughter of Lemuel and Margaret Monroe, of Claridon Township. Ten children have been born to them, two dying in infancy. Their names are Elizabeth J. Ulsh, Margaret A., dead ; Jeanette, wife of Jacob Kurts ; John F.: Oliver N.; Mary 0., wife of H. C. Henson; Isadora ; and Zula, wife of G. G Curtis. Mr. Lindsay first entered 120 acres in Van Wert County, but soon exchanged that for 120 acres near his present home, to which he has added many rich acres, owning, now 347 acres, all clear of indebtedness, and he is presently worth some $20,000. He has -cleared altogether 160 acres of forest land. Mr. L. worked in early days at 50 cents per day. He attended the sale of ponies at Upper Sandusky in 1843.
OLIVER LINDSAY (Claridon Township) was barn in Center County, Penn., November 16, 1816, the son of John and Jeanette (Reed) Lindsay, natives of Pennsylvania. Both John and his father served during the entire Revolutionary War. Oliver's father and mother came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1821-22, stopping but a short time, when they settled in Scott Township, this county. They were the parents of seven children, six living-James, Oliver, Mary, Elizabeth, Rhoda, and Montgomery. John died an infant. The father died August 24, 1854, aged about sixty-eight years. The mother died November 3, 1871, aged eighty-seven years. Oliver Lindsay, having secured a common school education, worked for nine years upon a farm for L. H. Ross, in Pickaway and Crawford Counties. He married, November 25, 1856, Miss Mary Sidel. and six children have been born to them-William J., Catherine J., Sophia J., Annie E. and Alpharetta. James M. was born May 30, 1860, and died February 11, 1863. Mr. Lindsay has been devoting his entire attention to farming, and is the owner of 280 acres of valuable land, worth $75 per acre. He has been a resident of the county sixty one years, and is well and favorably known. He is a stanch Democrat.
EDWARD H. LINGO (Montgomery Township) was born in Hardin County, Ohio, April 19, 1851, the son of James H. and Emeline (Kimper) Lingo, of English and German descent respectively, but natives of Virginia and Delaware. They were the parents of ton children, the names of the living being Elizabeth A., James H., Mary C., Patience, Edward H., Alvin R. and La Fayette. The deceased are William H., Helliard and Emma. The common school gave Edward H. his early education, but he finished his education in Ada, Ohio. September 8, 1875, he entered the firm of H. S. Lucas & Co., at La Rue, Ohio, as a clerk, remaining two years. Then he entered business with Hastings, Lingo & Co., as a member of the firm. At present, he is sole proprietor of a store located upon Vine Street, which is doing a thriving business in dry goods, groceries, etc. He commenced business here in 1881. June 27, 1877. he married Martha A. Waples, daughter of Eli and Martha (Scott) Waples. who were the parents of two children-Benjamin, deceased, and Martha A., born September 30, 1855, and died September 21, 1882, leaving an interesting daughter, aged (1883) five and one half years. "In this life, joy and sorrow are strangely blended." Some time prior to her death, Mrs. Lingo visited the West to recuperate her death, health, but returned to bid a final adieu to her husband and daughter, She was an amiable character, and the following lines were composed upon the occasion of her death:
Lone are the paths and sad the bower
Whence thy meek smile is gone;
But oh, a brighter home than ours
In heaven is now thine own."
DANIEL LINN (Marion Township) is the seventh son of Levi and Mary (Van Buskirk) Linn, and a native of Maryland. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, but of Irish descent, while his mother was a native of the same State but of German descent. His father fought in the war of Independence and reared a family of thirteen children, eight of whom were boys. Daniel, the subject of this paragraph, obtained his education in the limited schools of that early day, finishing his school career when aged fifteen years; he continued to labor for his parents until his marriage. In 1831, he came to Marion County, entering 160 acres near where he now resides. Through industry and frugality, Mr. Linn has owned at one time 600 acres, all in the county, but at present has disposed of all but his homestead, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $100 per acre. This farm is in a good state of cultivation, being drained by 3,000 rods of tile. Mr. Linn has the honor of introducing tile into the county for farming purposes, which he did in 1867. His home he built in 1875 for $2,500; he has improved 400 acres of land himself. June 10, 1823, he married Mary A. Geiger, daughter of John and Kanable Geiger, of Bedford County, Penn., people of German descent. Eight children have blessed this union-Robert M.; Orilla, wife of James Maxwell, of Wisconsin; Harriet, wife of Mr. March, of Wisconsin; Mary, maiden lady; George, a soldier of the late war and a professor of music, at Duvall's Bluff, Ark.; J. B. Birney, of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Charles T. March 20, 1864, Mr. Linn married again, Rachel McFarland, George Edmund's widow. Five children have been born to them, one dying an infant; the names of the living are Jennie, Nettie, Arthur and Maria B. Mrs. Linn was the daughter of James and Mary (Ross) McFarland, her people originating in Ireland, though the Rosses came from England. Her grandfather McFarland was a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. Linn, though eighty years of age, is still hale, hearty and industrious. He belongs to the Republican party.
PHILIP LINN, JR., (Marion Township) is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born March 9, 1842, the son of Philip (1907) and Christina (Holcher) Linn, who emigrated from Germany about 1830, settling in the above county. They brought up eight children, seven of whom survive. They are John, William (deceased), Mary, wife of Andrew Green; Henry, Philip, Jacob, Charles and Elizabeth. Mrs. Linn died about 1868, aged sixty years. Mr. Linn, though born in 1801 is still vigorous. The school education of Philip was necessarily limited, for by choice he left the parental roof when fourteen, commencing to work by the month, at which he continued fourteen years. The first year he received the sum of $7 per month, but later he received as high as $30 per month. September 12, 1867, he was married to Mary Kerr, daughter of Robert Kerr, of whom mention is made in this volume. To them three children have been born-Minnie, born August 9, 1868, died August 31, 1869; Ola P. R., born May 8, 1871; and Charles 0., born June 6, 1873. The first three years of married life he rented of his father-in-law; then Mr. Kerr gave him the use of a farm situated in the southwest corner of Scott Township, which he still retains. He lived upon that farm about twelve years. In 1870, he bought 160 acres in Scott Township, pitying $6,800 cash-a sum he had earned by his industry. He has since disposed of that place, and in 1881 purchased his present property, in Marion Township, consisting then of ninety-three acres, but now of 225 acres of well-cultivated land. This is all underlaid with building and lime stone; $100 per acre is a small estimate of its worth. In 1881, he built a substantial brick residence. finely furnished, at a cost of $6,000. He also owns an eighty-acre lot in Scott Township. He is making a specialty of Merino sheep, having at present 350 head. In politics, Mr. Linn is an Independent Democrat. He and wife are members of the Disciple Church.
CHRISTOPHER S. LIPPINCOTT (Montgomery Township) (1907) was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 20, 1851, the son of Andrew J. and Caroline (Wood) Lippincott, of English ancestry, and natives of Ohio, and now residents of Logan County, Ohio. In the possession of the family is a genealogical tree, tracing their ancestry back for 240 years, with history extending back 800 years, the tree containing about 9,000 names. The name Lippincott was originally "Love-cote," referring to a cottage. Richard and Abigail Lippincott were excommunicated from the Church of England for non-conformity, and moved from Devonshire, England, to Monmouth County, N. J., becoming members of the Society of Friends. Mr. C. S. Lippincott, the subject of this sketch, obtained a good education, attending college for a short time at Granville and Lebanon. Ohio. He taught school a number of winters, and April 22, 1874, married Flora A. Bain, daughter of John and Eliza (Scribner) Bain, respectively of Scotch and English descent. Their four children are Harry R., born March 7, 1875; Mary D., March 20, 1877; Arthur J., January 31, 1879, and Clara E., January 17, 1881. Mr. L. embarked in life with limited resources, but is now the owner of 117 acres of arable land In 1882, he was elected Assessor of the township. His politics are Democratic, and he is a member of the First Regular Baptist Church of La Rue; his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
DAVID D. LITTLE, (Prospect Township) drayman and carpenter, was born in Union County, Ohio, February 23, 1843, and is a soil of Simon Peter and Mary Magdalene (Shafer) Little, both early settlers in Union County. The latter was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1808, and came to Harrison County, Ohio, with her parents when she was but eleven years old. Simon Peter Little was born in Maryland in 1807, and was the son of Adam and Mary (Hendrickson) Little, he of Now England parentage, and the latter of English origin. Simon Peter Little died in 1857; his wife is still living, and resides with her son, David D. Little. The latter, in the spring of 1864, enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry a for three years, and was present with his regiment at the battles of Murfreesboro, Stone River, and in a number of skirmishes in Tennessee. He went with Gen. Sherman's army on his famous march to the sea us far as Columbia, Ala., where, being taken sick, he, with some 200 others, was returned to Franklin, Tenn. Here they lay two weeks awaiting transportation. Owing to the hurried movements of the army, sufficient rations had not been furnished to these invalids, on account of which they suffered considerably, especially as the country was swarming with bushwhackers and guerrillas. Mr. Little was finally sent to Harwood Hospital, at Washington, D. C., where he remained until the war ended, during the latter part of his stay there acting as hospital steward. On his return home, he engaged in farming for one year. The succeeding years up to 1870, he was engaged as contractor in the grading of graveled roads in
Marion, Delaware and Union Counties. Mr. Little was married, March 10, 1870, in Radnor Township, Delaware County, by the Rev. Mr. Lyons, a Baptist minister, to Mary J. Kyle, daughter of James and Elizabeth Kyle, old residents, Mr. Kyle being the second white child ever born in that township. Mr. and Mrs. Little have three children--Mary E., born July 10, 1871; Arlington D., March 8, 1873, and Gracie B., November 7, 1882. From about the date of his marriage Mr. Little followed farming for six years, when he moved to Prospect Village, since which time he has been principally engaged in the drayage business and in contracting for and building grades for gravel roads. He is a Republican in politics and since his residence in Prospect has served the village as its Marshal for three years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
JAMES M. LITTLE (Montgomery Township) was born in Genesee County, N. Y., February 15, 1821, the son of Joseph and Lydia (Matteson) Little, of Irish and English Ancestry respectively, but natives of Vermont and New York. This family mine to Marion County in 1826, settling in Bowling Green Township, and entering 200 acres of land, which was lost twenty-five years later through mismanagement. The family then moved to Iowa, purchasing 120 acres. The father met his death in 1857, by stepping from a rapidly moving train in Now York State. he was going to visit his only daughter at the time. J. M. Little came to Marion County in 1836, stopping with his uncle William four years. When aged nineteen, he began life for himself, going to Ypsilanti, Mich., and apprenticing himself to Austin Burgess, to learn the trade of a hatter. He followed that occupation, together with the glove and mitten trade, for nearly thirty-eight years. During the past five years he has been engaged in the grocery business at La Rue, commanding a prosperous trade; he also owns a comfortable house adjoining. March 20, .1846, he married Mary J., daughter of Healy and Elizabeth (Butcher) Mustain, residents of Bowling Green Township. This marriage has been blessed with six children, four surviving-Lydia J., Mary A., Lucy A. and Charles H.; the names of the deceased are James E., who died April 12, 1883, aged thirty-three years; and an infant son; one son was educated for the law. but preferred to be a merchant, and is a successful one at present in Piqua, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is a highly respected citizen of La Rue; has been a member of the Town Council nine years, is a member of the F. & A. M., also of the Baptist Church, with his family-, and is a Republican in politics.
JAMES LONG (Montgomery Township) is a native of Delaware, born April 7, 1818, the son of Eliel and Catherine (Jestus) Long, of English descent, and natives of Delaware, who came to Ohio in 1819, settling in Grand Prairie Township among the first pioneers, remaining there eighteen years. They had a family of five children, but he was the father of eighteen children, thirteen by his first marriage, and five by the last, four of whom are living-James, George W., Thomas and D.; Martha J. is deceased. The father died aged eighty-eight years, having survived his wife several years. James Long, having obtained a fair practical education, married, December 27, 1846, Emeline Wasson, a daughter of Isaac and Hettie (Waples) Wasson. Five children have been born to them, two living-Melvin C. and George W.; the names of the deceased are Sarah J., Mary C. and Robert J. Mr. Long continued on the farm until sixteen years ago, when he left it to the supervision of his son, Melvin, purchasing a residence on Vine Street, La Rue; recently, however, he has bought an inviting home on Union Street, where he resides. He is a respected citizen, and a Republican with pronounced opinions.
ELMUS LONGACRE (Big Island Township) was born February 16, 1836, in Wyandot County, Ohio. He is the son of Daniel and Harriet Longacre. His father's grandfather came to this country from Germany early in this century. His father, a soldier of the war of 1812, camp from Pennsylvania in 1833 to, Wyandot County, remaining two or three years; then to Big Island Township, remaining until his death in 1867, aged ninety-one years. Mr. Longacre remained with his parents until his twenty-fifth year. October 25, 1860, he married Sarah J. Morthland, daughter of Solomon and Sarah Morthland, of Marion, she dying within a year. He married again, November 27, 1862, Miss Lydia Frederick, daughter of John and Polly Frederick, of Illinois. Their children are three-John F., Eugene D. and Isaac. Mr. L. has moved many times, routing first home property three or four years; then was in Missouri four years; then in Ohio, on the old home place, four years; again in Missouri for fourteen months; then, returning, buying the old Longacre farm, living there seven years; but he purchased his present desirable residence in 1879, consisting of 237 acres, now worth $15,000. His fine tract of land lies between the C. & A. and the C., C., C. 1. Railroads, upon the Green Camp road. He raises large quantities of wheat and corn annually. Mr. L. has been a member of the Baptist Church for three years. He is a reliable and respected citizen
H. S. LUCAS, (Marion Township) an old merchant of Marion County, was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., September 8, 1826. He is a son of William W. and Anna (Hitchcock) Lucas, both natives of Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y. The former was born in 1802, and the latter in 1803. They were married and moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1832, and subsequently to Lorain County, where they resided till 1846, and went to Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County. Mr. W. W. Lucas died January 26, 1883; his widow still resides at that place. They had two children-H. S., the subject of this sketch, and Lydia A., wife of James Zwisler, of Adrian, Mich. H. S. was brought up on a farm; from 1846 to 1853, he followed clerking at Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Cleveland. September 3, 1853, he came to Marion, and with F. P. Seffner engaged in the mercantile business; in 185-, he went to La Rue and followed merchandising, under the firm name of H. S. Lucas & Co., doing an extensive business until 1879, when he returned to Marion and established himself in the Masonic Block. He carries a stock of from $15,000 to $25,000, and conducts a successful business. May 3, 1851, he was joined in marriage to Miss Abbie A. Green, by whom he had three children, viz.: Jennie M., William G. and Carrie A. Mrs. Lucas departed this life in August 1871, and in September 1872, Mr. Lucas again married, this time Miss Retta McLain, a daughter of Rev. John McLain, of Tiffin, Ohio. Three children were born to this marriage-Stewart H., Grace M. and Rhea. Mr. Lucas and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Masonic order, and also with the Royal Arcanum. In May 1864, Mr. Lucas enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards. He served as Sergeant near Alexandria, and was discharged September 1864.
JACOB DOMINIC LUST, (Grand Prairie Township) (1907) farmer, was born in Hohenwettersbach, Baden, Germany August 6/8, 1851. He is a son of Jacob Friederich and Maria (Hoch) Lust, who came from the fatherland in 1853, and settled on forty acres of land that he soon purchased in Pleasant Township, this county. He was born in 1828, and had a family of eight children, six of whom are living. He died September 0, 1881. Jacob D. Lust has been a resident of Grand Prairie Township since March 30, 1882. He is the owner of 151 acres of valuable land. He and wife, to whom he was married in 1874, have a family of four children. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and politically he is a Democrat.
JOHN F. (JACOB) LUST, (Marion Township) (1907) born in Hohenwettersbach, Baden, Germany, December 1, 1847, is the son of John and Margaret (Hoch) Lust, who sailed for this country in 1853, stopping one year in Marion County, but settling in Salem Township, Wyandot County, Ohio, until 1872, when they returned to Marion County. John F. is the eldest of seven children and was reared on a farm. In 1868, he went to Upper Sandusky and learned the baker's trade of U. Orsinger. In 1870, he went to La Salle, Ill., returning one year later to Marion, working for Thomas Munday. April 1, 1872, he bought this property and conducted a restaurant and bakery for one year, when he admitted William Fisher as a partner and added a confectionery department. In 1875, he purchased his partner's interest, and in addition to the above became a wholesale dealer in cigars. In 1882, he did an extensive business, employing one man to travel. His marriage with Mary A. Fetter, daughter of George Fetter, was solemnized November 14, 1872. Their children are Franklin A., Harry W. and Edies F. In politics, Mr. Lust is a Democrat, and himself and family are members of the German-English Lutheran Church.
DANIEL LUVISI (Big Island Township) was born in Italy August 15, 1832, son of Vincennes and Elizabeth Luvisi. He was a soldier in Garibaldi's war of 1848. He came to America in 1856; was robbed of his entire possessions ($15) on the voyage. He peddled the first year or two; then worked upon the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad for six years; then farmed fifteen years, and came to the village of Big Island in 1876, where he has since been engaged as grocer and saloonist. His stock amounts to about $1,200, and his annual sales to $2,000. He married, June 22, 1873, Mrs. Elizabeth Brady, John Brady's widow. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and she of Pleasant Hill Church.