THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
R
(1907 - MARION COUNTY, OHIO HISTORY - LETTER R)
HENRY RAMER, (Claridon Township) miller, was born in York County, Penn., December 31, 1827, the son of John and Elizabeth (Sellers) Ramer. John Ramer was born in the same county May 4, 1803, and his wife June 10, 1806. They were the parents of five children, all surviving save Maria, who died in 1883. The living are Henry, Harriet and Leah (twins) and John. The father died February 5, 1832, and the mother January 11, 1882. Mr. Ramer married, April 27, 1848, Sarah A. Patterson, daughter of James Patterson, a resident of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, four living-Elizabeth, wife of G. W. Lowe; Belle, wife of F. W. Brooke; Winfield S. and Rebecca L. When Mr. Ramer was in his eighteenth year, he commenced to serve an apprenticeship as a miller, at Carroll County, Md., which occupation he has almost constantly followed. He came from Galion, Ohio, to Caledonia August 4, 1875, where he continues to reside. He is an employe of Messrs. Lee & Hipsher. He belongs to the IOOF, to the F. &. A. M., to the Republican party, and, with his wife, to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WINFIELD S. RAMER, (Claridon Township) teacher, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, May 20, 1861, the son of the preceding. Mr. R. acquired a good education, finishing at the Caledonia Schools. He engaged in teaching in his eighteenth year, which occupation he still follows. At present he has charge of the A Grammar Department of the Caledonia Schools. He was married, January 1, 1881, to Miss Libbie Smith, whose father died at Fortress Monroe in 1864. The name of their one child is Earle, born July 7, 1882. He is Financial Recorder of the Prudential Order of America.
PROF. LEWIS RANCK, (Claridon Township) Superintendent of the Caledonia Schools, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, December 8, 1842, the son of Samuel and Eliza (Fessler) Ranck. They were married, January 16, 1833, in Pennsylvania, their native State, coming to Ohio the same year, and locating one year later in the above county. He first purchased 140 acres of wild land, which he has since improved, and resided upon nearly fifty years. Their union was blessed with the birth of eight children, six living-Charles, Mahala, Enos. Lewis, Hester A. and Jefferson B. Catharine and George B. are deceased. Prof. Ranck obtained only the rudiments of an education upon the farm, but having obtained his majority he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, and completed the classical course in 1872. Since graduating, he has been engaged in teaching school in this State. He was married, August 15, 1871, to Miss Dora Hutches, and the names of their four children are Stella F., Earl E., Etta R. and Nathan H. Prof. Ranck assumed charge of the Caledonia Schools September 11, 1882. He is Trustee and the Supreme Conductor of the P. 0. of A., and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN RANDALL, (Prospect Township) deceased, was a farmer and early settler in Prospect Township, coming to this county in 1833 or 1834 and locating on 100 acres of wild land one and a quarter miles west of Prospect Village. This land he mostly cleared. He sold it, and bought a farm on the Greenville treaty line, in the west part of the township, which he has also cleared. He lived on this place from 1839 to 1853, when he sold again and moved to the farm of 186 acres on the Marysville & Marion State road, where his son Kelsey E. now lives. This was partly improved, but John Randall improved about ninety acres of it. This place he owned at the time of his death, which occurred October 11, 1880. John Randall was a native of Vermont, where he was born February 12, 1803. He was married to Jane Hoskins, a daughter of John Hoskins, of Delaware County, Ohio. From this union there were four children, namely, Charles, born April 23, 1839; Emma, March 6, 1814; Morris F., September 2, 1848, and Kelsey E., August 13, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Randall wore both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The widow of John Randall is still living, and resides with her children.
KELSEY E. RANDALL, (Prospect Township) farmer, is a son of John and Jane (Hoskins) Randall, is a native of Prospect Township, and born August 13, 1851. He now owns sixty and one-half acres of the old homestead where his father died. He has bought other land adjoining, so that his farm now embraces 12 11 acres. With the exception of two yours spent in working at and learning the harness-maker's trade, he has always followed the vocation of a farmer. He was married, April 1, 1873, to Hester A. Couch, of Harrison County, Ohio. They have had a family of four children, two living-John E., born January 17, 1874, and Lida A. born January 29, 1879. Mr. R. is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics is a Republican.
M. F. RANDALL, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Prospect Township September 2, 1848, and is a son of John and Jane (Hoskins) Randall. He was reared on a farm, and has always followed the vocation of a farmer. He was married, November 13, 1813, to Miss Elizabeth Black, a daughter of Christian and Phoebe (Elliott) Black, of Marlborough Township, Delaware County. From this marriage there are two children-Clara, born June 26. 1875. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Baptist Church. They reside on a fine farm of their own, near the old homestead of Mr. Randall's father.
WILLIAM CONRAD RAPP, (Marion Township) City Marshal, was born in Rosswag, Wurtemberg, Germany, July 21, 1844. In 1852, his parents, Johann Jacob and Elisabetha Catherine (Gayer) Rapp, crossed the Atlantic waters with two of their children, settling three miles south of Marion. The remainder of the family, among whom was William C., came the following year with an uncle, Frederick Rapp. The names of the children are Catherine, William, Frederick, Margaret, David, W. C., Rosanna, Caroline and John; four living. Their father held a position in the old country corresponding with the office of Probate Judge in this country, but himself and wife both fell victims to the cholera in 1854. William C. Rapp acquired his education in the common schools, and when eighteen enlisted, August 17, 1862. in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capts. Martin, Clayson and Irwin. Their regiment did memorable service at Perryville, Franklin, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and during the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Rapp was wounded in the left arm in the charge at Kenesaw Mountain. He lay in. The hospitals at Nashville, Jeffersonville, Camp Dennison and Cleveland altogether about six months. He was honorably discharged in May 1865, upon a certificate declaring a disability. Returning home, he worked out by the day and month until May 1869, when he formed a partnership with S. J. Snyder, doing a successful grocery and provision business, on South Main Street, for three years. The firm then dissolved and our subject clerked for Mr. Snyder five years. May 18, 1871, he wedded Miss Clara Idleman, daughter of Silas and Catherine (Pontius) Idleman. She died January 10, 1874, aged twenty-seven years, leaving Orlando S. (1907), born June 14, 1872. He again married, May 29, 1883, Mrs. Ida M. Walters, the widow of James C. Walters, and daughter of Francis Campbell. in the spring of 1878, Mr. Rapp was appointed on the Marion Police force, serving six months, when he took charge of the fire engine team. He continued in this position until he was elected City Marshal in April 1880 (serving as Township Treasurer the previous year), He was reelected in 1882 and still holds that office. In August 1883, his party, Republican, nominated him for the Sheriff's office, almost by acclamation. He holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the O. A. R. and the K. of P., being Sir Knight Commander of the Marion Division, No. 15, of the same.
WILLIAM L. RAUB (Bowling Green Township) (1907) was born in Mercer County, Penn., October 27, 1833; his parents, Henry and Hannah (Aultman) Raub. were of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Mahoning County; two years afterward, they removed to Knox County, where Henry died in 1868; his widow moved to Marion County and died in 1871. They had seven children--Eli, Henry A., William L., Samuel H. and Andrew J. are all living; Levi and Elizabeth are deceased. William L. Raub received a fair common school education in Knox County, Ohio, and at the age of eighteen, commenced to depend on his own resources. He has made farming the business of his life, and is now the owner of 430 acres of land oft which he has recently erected a fine frame residence and barn. He is a thorough farmer, highly esteemed, and possesses the confidence of the community in which he resides in an eminent degree. He is Treasurer of the township, and has been for the past twelve years; and has also served as Township Trustee. In politics, he is a Democrat He was married in January 1865, to Jane Baldwin, a daughter of James and Ellen (Love) Baldwin, formerly of Madison County, Ohio. Their children are Henry J (1907), Emma G., Ella R., Mary, Lillian, Susie D., Silas A. (1907), George W. (1907) and Dessa, are living; Romma, aged three years, and an unnamed infant are deceased. Mr. Raub is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
JAMES S. RAYL (Green Camp Township) is the fourth child and third son of John and Margaret (Uncapher) Rayl, born August 31, 1854. He not only attended the district schools, but also prosecuted his studies at Iberia Academy and Ada Normal School, closing his literary pursuits in 1875. He married, in Marion, December 26, 1876, Mary C. Rickerson, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Crider) Rickerson, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. Three of their four children survive-Sylvanus M., John 0. and Mary C.-Adin P., having died as a soldier at Nashville, Tenn., March 25, 1864. Mrs. Rayl was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 8, 1857, and she has two heirs-Zona B. and Amy T. Mr. Rayl owns eighty-six acres of land, valuable, a portion of the homestead. He is a representative farmer and an exemplary citizen. He affiliates with the Republican party, and, with his wife, is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.
JOHN RAYL (Green Camp Township) is a son of Samuel and Sophia (Lyon) Rayl, descendants of English and Irish ancestry. The former was born in Fayette County Penn., in 1783, but moved with his parents to Beaver County in 1795, where they died in 1826. November 11, 1830, he arrived in Marion County, purchasing 200 acres of land. mostly unimproved, paying $10 an acre. To himself and wife were born six heirs-John, Samuel, Alfred L., Matilda. Nathan and Sarah, the last two deceased. Mrs. Rayl died March 17, 1842; Mr. Rayl October 25, 1843. The subject of this sketch, having attained his majority, was united in marriage, March 4, 1847, to Miss Margaret, a daughter of Solomon and Hannah (Shoemaker) Uncapher, of German stock, but natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio in 1824, settling south of Marion, having twelve children, seven living-Joseph, Ezra, Martin. James, Margaret, Priscilla and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. John Rayl had six children, five surviving-Thomas L., James S. P., William P., Edward and Matilda. Mr. John Rayl settled upon his present farm in 1862; it consists of 528 acres of valuable land, and is one of the best farms in the township. He, with his sons, keeps it in a high state of cultivation, giving considerable attention to the rearing of graded stock. In this particular, Mr. Rayl ranks well in the county. He is a pioneer of forty-six years' standing, and an esteemed citizen. His political belief is strongly Republican , and to the Free-Will Baptist Church belong both himself and wife.
SAMUEL L. RAYL (Marion Township) was born in Beaver County, Penn., September 2, 1827; his parents, Samuel and Sophia (Lyon) Rayl, had twelve children of whom four are living. When nine years of age, his father removed to Marion County, locating in Pleasant Township. In 1838, he moved to Waldo Township and two years later settled in Green Camp Township, where Samuel L. passed his youth, attending common school and clearing up the homestead. In 1848, he and his brother John took charge of the home place, ninety acres of which fell to him and his brother, and they together purchased 148 acres of the same farm, clearing it and making all the improvements. They continued buying in partnership until they owned 960 acres in this county and 110 in Allen County, Ohio. In April 1877, they divided their land property and Mr. Rayl received 435 acres, located in Green Camp and Big Island Townships. This included 203 1/2 acres of the homestead, which he still owns. They had reared stock exclusively for twenty-five years, dissolving in 1878, Since then Mr. S. L. Rayl has been grazing graded stock and shipping to Eastern markets, now pasturing usually about 100 head of cattle. At present he owns 560 acres Of land in the above-named townships. His marriage occurred November 29, 1.860, to Miss Priscilla Uncapher, a daughter of Solomon and Hannah (Shoemaker) Uncapher. Her birth took place January 21, 1842, in Marion Township. Five children are the fruit of this union -John E., Catherine J., Margaret M., Luella and Evert P. John E. is ticket and freight agent the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis depot. November 25, 1879, Mr. Rayl moved his family to Marion, where, on West Center Street, his residence is located. He is a stanch Republican, and was very active during the civil war; was Trustee of Green Camp Township one term, is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and he and wife hold a membership the Free-Will Baptist Church.
FELIX REBER (Marion Township) was born May 4, 1831, in Fairfield County, Ohio, son of T. V. and Rachel (Allen) Reber, who came to Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1853, settling in the "Armstrong Bottom" He obtained thirty-nine acres of his land from the Government in 1851, paying $1,200. In time he owned nearly 1,000 acres in Marion Township. He is still living, aged seventy-seven years, doing all his business, having reared a family of eight children; his wife is still living, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Felix Reber. having obtained a fair education, married, September 4, 1853, Miss Harriet Brobst, daughter of Jacob and Phebe Brobst, of Pickaway County, Ohio, and they have had seven children, whose names are Samuel, Sarah, Ida (wife of James Hill), Frank (1907), Eugene, Cora and Nellie. In 1871, Mr. Reber inherited and purchased his present farm of 315 acres, three miles northwest of town, valued now at $85 per acre. He erected his beautiful residence and surrounding buildings in 1879, at an expenditure of $6,000. His large, commodious house is built of brick and is finished with all the modern improvements. Mrs. Reber is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and he affiliates with the I00F at Marion, and is a zealous Republican.
PHILIP O. REDD (Pleasant Township) was born December 24, 1818, in Washington County, Penn., son of Daniel and Margaret Redd, who migrated to Marion County in 1827, settling where our subject now resides. They bought an extensive farm, of 225 acres, and reared six children, the father clearing 100 acres of land. His death took place in 1857, aged sixty-six years, and the mother in 1840, aged forty years. The Redds originated in Germany, and both grandfathers -both Redd and Oller-engaged in the war of independence. Our subject inherited eighty acres, which he has increased to 112 1/2 acres, valued at $100 an acre. His house was built in 1861, for $2,000. His stock is well graded. In his vigor, Mr. R. was an able worker. cradling five acres of wheat or six acres of oats in a single day. He has cleared fifty, acres of forest land. In 1849, he crossed the plains to California, walking two-thirds of the way, but was accidentally shot in the right arm, compelling his return. June 29, 1843, he married Miss Elizabeth Rupp, daughter of George and Mary M. (Wolf) Rupp. The names of their nine children are James K., Minerva (wife of Samuel Berry) and Mary (wife of John Smeltzer), twins, and Margaret (wife of Jacob Smeltzer), Lee G.. Tabitha (wife of Willis Worline), Addison T. and Nettie A. (twins) and Ella B. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. of which he has been Trustee for twenty-four years, Steward for ten years and Superintendent of the Sunday school for several years.
J. W. REDDING (Big Island Township) is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born January 20, 1828, the son of Joseph and Sarah Redding, of Scotch-Irish descent. At the death of his father, his mother moved with her family, when J. W. was aged four years, to Union County, Ohio. In 1840, they came to Marion County. The most of the time he worked by the day, until his marriage, which took place June 5, 1849, to Miss Axey E. Williams daughter of Abraham and Sarah Williams. Her death occurred January 19, 1880, aged fifty-four years. At first Mr. Redding, the subject of this paragraph, purchased the "Benjamin Dutton farm," holding it two years; then he moved to Illinois for nine months; thereupon, he returned to the "Gracely farm" nine or ton years. He purchased his present home, however, in 1873, consisting of sixty acres. Later, he added forty acres more, all of which he values at $65 per acre. His good barn he built in 1874. Here is an index to his laboring ability: The clearing of thirty-seven acres of forest land in two years, and during his life 125 acres. He was an invalid for two years, the effect of a falling log. In 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Sixty- sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He found no actual service, but accompanied Sherman's march to the sea. His discharge dates. June 18, 1865. His uncles, William, John and Joseph Redding, were soldiers of the war of 1812. Several of their sons were engaged in the Confederate army during the late war. Mr. R. has good stock of all kinds. He is a worthy, upright citizen.
J. S. REED, (Marion Township) President of Marion County Bank, and the oldest banker in the county, was born in Franklin County, Mass., April 13, 1819. He is the son of James and Sophronia Reed (first spelled Reade, then Read. but now Reed). William Reade, born in 1606, son of William and Lucy (Henage) Reade, sailed for America from Gravesend, Kent County, England, in 1635, settling in Weymouth, Mass. Mr. Reed's grandfather, Benjamin Reed, served during the entire Revolutionary war as an officer. His grandfather, Amasa. Smith, was at West Point, Captain of the militia. The parents of J. S. moved when he was a boy to New York City, and educated him to the mercantile business. He followed the career of a clerk until 1839, when he came to Marion, engaging in the mercantile trade on Main Street, opposite the court house. His parents arrived in 1844, resided here till their death, the old gentleman dying in 1881, aged ninety-eight years, the oldest man in the county at that time. The mother died in 1854. They had three children-J. S., Elizabeth, deceased (wife of Dr. True); and Sarah, wife of R. H. Johnson. Mr. Reed continued as a merchant, having in connection a private bank, until 1859; he then retired from the former business and devoted his attention exclusively to banking. He is the oldest banker in the county. In December of 1841, he married Miss N A. Holmes, daughter of Samuel Holmes, one of the original founders of Marion, surveying the county for the Government and laying out the town of Marion. He has three children-Sophronia, wife of John Williams, of Chicago; James H., who married Elizabeth, daughter of Ebenezer Pardee, also a stockholder in the same bank; and Sarah E., wife of James Delano a merchant and manufacturer of Boston, Mass. Mr. Reed and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, of which he is Senior Warden; he is also a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Reed has been a successful merchant and banker and has amassed considerable wealth. He was for ton years general adjuster of several of the principal insurance companies of the United States, and while in that position he audited large sums of money for indemnity of losses in the great fires of Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and Louisville. Mr. Reed has one of the finest and most extensive libraries in the county, containing many ancient volumes and valuable papers, among the latter a quaint-looking old check filled up and signed by Col. Aaron Burr, upon the old Manhattan Bank, of Now York City. Upon the door of Mr. Reed's reading room there is an ancient knocker, made in England prior to 1750, which has been used continuously in the old Colonial and Revolutionary days down to the present time.
WILLIAM REESER, (Prospect Township) retired, was born in what is now Perry Township, Berks Co., Penn., and is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Sells) Reeser, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where they are also buried, Mr. R. passed his youth on a farm. At the age of nineteen, he learned a trade, and on coming to Ohio carried on the business of builder and contractor for several years at Delaware, whence he removed to Fayette County, Ill., and followed the same business. He returned to Ohio, and lived one year at Delaware, and located at Prospect Village in 1875, where he became a partner with B. K. Herbster in the flouring mill, continuing some years. He has been very successful, in a financial sense, the result of his own efforts, as all that he has was acquired by himself. He has been twice married, but is now a widower, and has one child by each marriage, as follows: Canty Reeser, who married Charles E. Herr, they reside with Mr. Reeser; Etty, his youngest child, lives with her grandparents at Delaware. Mr. R. lives in one of the finest residences in town, built some years since by himself, and is one of the solid citizens of Prospect Village. He is a member of the German Reformed Church,
JOHN REILEY (3d), (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. August 23, 1818. His parents, William and Love (Vezy) Reiley, were from the State of Delaware, and settled in this county about the year 1823; they both died in Marion Township. Mr. Reiley is one the few early residents of this county still living who remembers the Indians who inhabited this region. He was married, March 19, 1840, to Miss Nancy Ann Fouty, a native of Mason County, Va., where she was born, near the mouth of the Big Kanawha River. April 16, 1820, a daughter of Stephen and Drusilla (Biggerstaff) Fouty. Mr. Reiley bought his present farm, ill the north part of Prospect Township, in 1853; only twelve acres of it was cleared land, while now, principally by his own labor and industry, there are sixty-five acres in excellent condition. The fine property that he now owns was acquired by the industry of himself and his good wife; as when they were married they commenced with very little means. Mr. and Mrs Reiley have had six children, two of whom are living, as follows: Love J. born October 9, 1842, now the wife of David Cratty, and Nancy A., born May 29, 1861, and now the wife of Edwin L. Butler,
GODFREY REINER, (Waldo Township) farmer, P. O. Waldo, was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, February 28, 1806, and is a son of Godfrey and Margaret Reiner, also of Wuerttemberg. They died in their native place, and in 1830, our subject came to Now York City, where he worked for one year, and then went to Reading, Penn., working there by the mouth two years, principally on the Schuylkill Canal. From Reading he returned to New York, where he was engaged as porter for the " Western Hotel," on Courtland street, for two years. On the expiration of that time he went home to Germany, and returned to New York in October of the same year (1835); in New York, he worked for a year and a half. In the spring of 1838, he came to Marion County and settled in Waldo Township, where he bought 160 acres of land, two miles southeast of Waldo, and nearly all covered with forest In 1844, he built this house and made all the necessary improvements on his land. He was married, September 18, 1836, to Miss Eva, daughter of John and Catherine Steckly; she was born in Baden, Germany, May 7, 1811. To this union have been born eight children, three living-Catherine, Jacob and Susie, wife of William Conklin. They have two children-Charles, Milton and Clarence William. Catherine is married to William Swint, by whom she had one child--Emma (deceased). Those children of our subject and his wife who are deceased are Godfrey, died aged twenty-three; Dora, died aged thirty; Augustus, died aged nineteen; Sophia, died aged seven, and Elizabeth at the age of six weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Reiner are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Reiner is a Democrat.
JACOB REINER, (Waldo Township) farmer P. 0. Waldo, was born in this township July 19, 1843, and is a son of Godfrey and Eve Reiner, the second child of three living. He was reared on the homestead; was educated at the common schools, and remained at home till he came of age. In 1872, he bought forty acres of land, on which he moved April 19, 1864. He was married to Harriet E., daughter of Samuel and Margaret Downing, born in Delaware County February 22, 1843. To this union were born two children-Dell Amelia, born February 27, 1865, and Margaret Estella, born March 6, 1875. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in April 1883, In was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of Waldo Township. He served as Trustee also in 1881. In politics, he is a Democrat. Besides the ordinary cultivation of his farm, our subject pays considerable attention to stock-raising. In addition to the forty acres above referred to, which Mr. Reiner owns, he has the use of forty acres more of the home farm.
DAVID RETTERER (Pleasant Township) is an enterprising, industrious young man and a native of Richland Township. He is a son of Jacob and Sophia Retterer, the father is a native of Rittershoffen, Alsace-Loraine, Germany, and the mother of the Richland Township. The common school gave him his education, and March 27, 1873, he married Miss Elizabeth Blocksom, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Blocksom, of Richland Township. Five children have blessed this union-Alice, Anna, Lillie, Eva and Katy. Until 1882, Mr. R. rented his father's farm, when he purchased his present residence consisting of seventy-seven acres of good land. paying $71 per acre, valued today at $100 per acre. He has a good home, a farm in good repair and keeps the best of stock.
GEORGE RETTERER (Richland Township) was born May 3, 1821, in Rittershoffen, Alsace, France, now a province of Germany. the son of Johann George and Magdalena "Martha" (Jaeger) Retterer. The common school gave him his education. He left home aged twelve years, and became a stable and genera! chore boy. For nine years he drove a stage coach between Marion and Upper Sandusky, and most of that time he met often with Indians. Having received from his father's estate $200, together with eighty acres of land in Henry County, Ohio, he purchased in 1842 his present home, then of eighty acre;, which he has increased to 195 acres today, valued at $00 per acre. He has made all the improvements, having built his attractive house in 1873, costing $3,000. November 12, 1842, our subject married Miss Catherine Moyer, daughter of John and Catherine Moyer. This union has resulted in fourteen children, four dying young; the living are George, Jacob, Henry, Philip, Catherine, Fredrick, Mary, John, Charles W. and Emma. Mr. Retterer and family belong to the Lutheran Church, of which he has been deacon the past six years. Mr. Retterer's public career embraces the following offices: Trustee of Richland Township five years, member of Board of Agriculture fourteen years, three years its President and seven years its Vice President, Director of County Infirmary seven years, and is County Commissioner at present.
JACOB RETTERER (Richland Township) is another respected and enterprising citizen of Richland Township. His birth took place March 12/13, 1826, in Rittershoffen, Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, the son of John George and Magdalena "Martha" (Jaeger) Retterer, who migrated to America in 1831, settling in Marion County, and entering eighty acres in Pleasant Township. They remained there until 1837. when they moved to Richland Township upon eighty acres, where Jacob now lives. His family consisted of eight children. He died in 1863, aged sixty-nine years, and his mother in 1873, aged eighty-one years, Jacob Retterer married, November 5, 1848, Miss Sophia Myers, daughter of George J. and Catherine Myers, of Richland Township. Their children are nine in number--David, Sarah (wife of John Hinaman), Elizabeth (wife of David Deich), Sophia (wife of William Stark), Mary (wife of George Shanlaub), Catherine, Martha, Samuel and Clement H. Mr. Retterer inherited and purchased eighty acres of his present residence, and has increased these to 277 acres, valued at $90 per acre. In 1875, he built and repaired his residence. worth some $2,000 to-day. He erected a barn in 1869 at a cost of $2,000. One thousand rods of tile drain his farm; in connection with his agricultural pursuits he rears graded stock. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has acted in nearly every official capacity. He has been Trustee of the township for two or three terms, and has been President of the Home Insurance Company.
GEORGE RHOADS (Big Island Township) was born February 1, 1810, in Pickaway County, Ohio, the son of James and Susan Rhoads, who came to Big Island Township in 1828, entering 120 acres, where George now lives. Subsequently he (James) added several hundred acres, and reared a family of ten children. George Rhoads married, March 17, 1839, Drusilla Yoakam, daughter of Absalom Yoakam, of Virginia. They have had twelve children, three dying young, The names of the living are James M. (1907), John, Absalom P., Jesse B., Rachel A. (deceased), Winfield S., Mary E., Francis M. and Alpha 0. Both her father, Absalom Yoakam, and his father, James Rhoads, offered themselves for the war of 1812, and her grandfather, Michael Yoakam., and his grandfather, were Revolutionary soldiers. Mrs. R.'s father died aged eighty-five years, and her mother attained the remarkable ago of ninety-nine years. Mr. R. bought the old homestead of 172 acres, which by industry he increased to 700 acres, and was worth at one time $45,000. He built his house in 1853. He has good stock upon his place. Mr. R. nearly died of the cholera in 1844, but when young he was extraordinarily stout; a seven-pound ax was his choice. With wheat, he often did a two days' work in one. He has been Trustee of the township for fifteen years. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Rhoads is still strong, and refers with pride to the fact that, when aged thirteen years, she "spun twenty-four cuts of wool in one day," and that for twenty years she "spun and wove and made the clothes for the family."
HENRY RHOADS (deceased), (Salt Rock Township) pioneer farmer, came to this county in 1825, the same year purchasing 240 acres of land in Salt Rock Township, from the Government. He was married, December 8, 1839, to Elizabeth Ann Crabb. She was a native of Ross County, Ohio. They had a family of six children, and at his death, March 11, 1855, left a farm of 397 acres of land, including other property. His property was valued at $20,000. He was a man of excellent judgment, and of more than ordinary ability. He filled many of the township offices, and was an influential citizen of the county. His widow married again, and died February 5, 1880. Mr. Rhoads' remains lie in the Union Cemetery, her remains in the Marion Cemetery.
MILTON H. RHOADS, (Salt Rock Township) (1907) farmer, was born in Salt Rock Township, September 24, 1840. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Ann (Crabb) Rhoads, are mentioned elsewhere. Milton H. was reared a farmer, an occupation that he has always followed. At the breaking-out of the war, in 1861, tie enlisted in Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country as a soldier on the Union side; he was a Corporal. Mr. Rhoads has one of the best watered farms in the county, consisting of 207 acres, on which he erected, in 1877, a large and commodious residence', the finest in the township. On the place is a never-failing spring or well. He is largely engaged in stock farming, and makes a specialty of registered Spanish Merino sheep, at which he has been very successful. He has served as Trustee of the township. Is a member of the IOOF, and of the Encampment of the G. A. R., and of the Methodist Church. Politically speaking, he is a Republican, and, in a general sense, is one of the most enterprising men of his township.
E. MELVIN RICE, (Claridon Township) of the firm of Woodbridge & Rice, proprietors of a saw mill, is a son of Elias and Priscilla (Brown) Rice, born in Morrow County, Ohio, March 15, 1860. His parents are still residing in the above county. Having received an ordinary education in the common schools, he married, November 28, 1882, Miss Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Charles Smith. Her parents were natives of Germany, but came to America about 1865, stopping at Hartford, Conn., a few years, but settling permanently at Caledonia. Mr. E. M. Rice is an industrious young man. He first engaged in the saw mill business in 1875, with a firm known as Pitus, Woodbridge & Co. They conducted a profitable business for five years, when Mr. Woodbridge died. In 1880, Mrs. Woodbridge and Mr. Rice purchased the entire mill interest, since which time they have been driving a good trade. Mr. R. is a member of the K. of P., of the Democratic party, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN RICE (Scott Township) was born April 28, 1822, in Canaan Township, Morrow Co., Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Lydia Rice, were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Fairfield County, Ohio, when they were some fifteen or sixteen years of age. They moved to Cannan Township in 1821. They raised a large family of thirteen children. John's great- grand father was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather, Michael Rice, and his father did duty in tile war of 1812. When quite young, he and his brother purchased ninety acres of land near their father's place, and upon this Mr. and Mrs. R. made their home the first ten years of their married life. In 1867, they bought their present residence, consisting of 110 acres; in all, they own 405 acres, controlling, large tracts in Claridon and Canaan Townships. He is worth at present some $25,000, having begun with nothing. His marriage to Miss Sarah Bennett, daughter of Rev. Bennett, of tile Methodist Episcopal Church, took place October 13, 1857. They have had six children, two dying in infancy. The survivors are Simeon B. (1907), a junior at Buchtel College, Ohio; Ella, wife of William Weir, Ida and Cora. Mr. Rice stands well as an Odd Fellow and Mason. His membership of tile former is at Caledonia, in Lodge No. 299; also a member of the Olive Lodge, No. 447, of the Masons of the same place.
HARVEY RIDER (Pleasant Township) was born March 8, 1832. He is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Matheny) Rider, who were of German and Irish parents respectively. They came from Virginia to Ohio in 1836, and were the parents; of Eleven children. Mrs. Rider died in 1854, and Mr. Rider again married, in 1858, to Miss Rachel Abrams, by whom he has had five children. Harvey Rider was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. March 22, 1855, he was married to Miss Chloe, daughter of Daniel and Maria (Adams) Manter, of Delaware County, Ohio. Their two children are William L., married Susan M. Strine (have one child-Eri W.); Lidia, the youngest, is the wife of B. F. Court. In 1861, Mr. Rider moved to Pleasant Township and rented until 1869, when he purchased sixty-two -acres, to which he has since added twenty acres. The farm is drained with 1,000 rods of tile, and valued at $100 per acre. In 1869, he built a house, at a cost of $1,000. and a barn completed in 1882 at an expense of $800. Mr. Rider, for several years, has taught vocal music. He served as Trustee of the township two years, and as Assessor three years.
JOHN H. RIDGWAY, (Bowling Green Township) son of Bazzle and Catherine (Houghn) Ridgway, was born in Virginia July 14, 1834. His parents were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively, and were of Irish and German descent. They came to Union County, Ohio, in 1836; thence to Franklin County, Ohio, where Catherine Ridgway died in 1855. Mr. Ridgway subsequently moved to Marion County, where he died in January 1879. They had six children; but three of them are living, namely, John H., whose name heads this sketch; Joseph and Lovina. John H. Ridgway lived with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, having, during his minority, obtained a limited education. He has always given his time and attention to farming, and now owns eighty-two acres of well-improved land, on which he has a fine frame residence and other improvements, the result of his own labor. He is a substantial farmer and respected citizen. He was married, December 11, 1862, to Margaret J. McNeer, born April 25, 1842, a daughter of John and Eliza (Hawn) McNeer. They have three children, namely, Rachel C., born November 3, 1863; Ida J., born February 26, 1865; and John W., July 21, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgway are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at La Rue, and, politically speaking, he is a Democrat.
ELIAS RILEY (Marion Township) was born in Sussex County, Del., December 12, 1804, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bennett) Riley; the former was of English and the latter of Irish ancestry, and both natives of the above State. Mr. Riley came to Pickaway County, Ohio, and thence to Marion County in 1827, entering in Marion Township, with his brother William, 240 acres of land and residing thereon twelve years. March 12, 1846, he purchased of the Government 240 acres in Pleasant Township, which he sold in 1871 to John Owens, for $88 per acre. Mr. Riley was married February 6, 1834, to Sarah A. Moore, a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Biggerstaff) Moore, of French and English ancestry, and natives of Virginia, They came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1816 and moved to Marion County in 1827. The father died in 1860, aged seventy-nine years, and the mother in 1861, aged about seventy-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Riley were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Isaac N., born February 21, 1838; Rebecca J., February 22, 1840; Lizzie A., June 18, 1843; Hannah W., February 21, 1848; Jacob B. was born December 13, 1834, and died November 19, 1850; and Benjamin B. was born June 2, 1836, and died February 2, 1858; Mrs. Riley was born June 7, 1814, and died June 23, 1883. Mr. Riley is a retired farmer, having in all 158 acres of land and a comfortable frame residence located upon South Main Street. He is a respected citizen, a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HORACE W. RILEY (Big Island Township) (1907) was born December 27, 1848, in Marion Township, son of John P. and Sarah Riley, of Scotch-Irish descent, who came from Pennsylvania about 1830, locating in Marion. They raised a family of six children, and the mother still survives. September 6, 1873, he married Miss J. Brisendine, daughter of James and Martha Brisendine, of Georgia. They have four children Almeda, Maud, James and John. In 1881, he sold his Hardin County farm, purchasing, where he now resides, 160 acres, paying $60 per acre; it is valued now at $80 per acre. His farm is drained by 700 rods of tile. Two good barns are on his place, the larger being built in 1882, costing $800. Mr. Riley owns two registered horses "Marquis" and "Belmont Hamlet." Marquis is a full-blooded Clydesdale, imported in 1879 by the Powell Brothers, of Pennsylvania, from whom Mr. Riley bought him; he is live years old, Belmont Hamlet is only three years old, and a full-blooded Hambletonian, Kentucky breed. Mr. Riley is fitting him for the track.
JOHN P. RILEY, (Marion Township) deceased, was born December 8, 1814; he was a son of John and Jane Riley; the former was born in Ireland and educated there for a Roman Catholic priest, but, abandoning the faith, he sailed for America and became one of the first settlers of Pennsylvania. With his wife, who was of German extraction, he removed to Marion County in 1831, locating in Marion Township. This family numbered four children Jane M., wife of Horace Allen, of Delaware, Ohio; Smith, of Kansas; Ellen M., wife of Marvin Edgerton (deceased), formerly of Iowa, now of Cincinnati, Ohio; and John P. John Riley's death occurred in 1840, aged about eighty-five years; his wife survived him nine years, dying in 1849. The subject of this memoir married, March 3, 1841, Miss Sarah A. Malo daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Arthur) Malone, of English descent; they were natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and emigrated to Ohio, and to Marion County in 1832, settling in Marion Township. Mr. Riley bought 160 acres of land. There were born to them eight children, two of whom are living-Sarah and Martha J. Richard M. died in 1870, aged seventy-six years; his wife died several years before. Mr. and Mrs. Riley were blessed with seven children-John R., born October 6, 1842; Almeda E., November 11, 1844; Horace W., December 27, 1846; Martha Q., April 12, 1849; Thomas P., August 30, 1850; and James B., June 4, 1856, Joseph W., born August 3, 1859, died September 10, 1869. Their mother was born April 6, 1824. Our subject obtained each an education as the pioneer days afforded. He learned the cooper's trade when fifteen, teen, and followed it about five years. After this he turned his attention to agriculture and the rearing of stock. He was a resident of this county, one of the leading farmers, and the owner of 700 acres of productive land. He began in life with nothing save his iron will and strong and ready hand, and accumulate the above possessions, leaving an estate of $40,000. He was an honored and respected citizen; was a Democrat in politics, and with his family associated with the Presbyterian Church, to which he was a liberal contributor when called upon. His death took place April 2, 1879.
JAMES B. RILEY (Marion Township) is the youngest of seven children born to John P. and Sarah A. (Malone) Riley. The common school gave him his education; he remained on the farm until marriage, which occurred December 29, 1875, to Miss Ella Conley, daughter of Edmund and Jane A. Conley. The name of their one child is Ollie. Mr. Riley inherited from his father's large estate 100 acres; this he keeps in good repair, on which he has already buried 400 rods of tile. His barn was built in 1856. Mr. Riley enrolls his name with the Democracy, is an active member of the IOOF, and is liberal with his means to all benevolent and charitable objects.
JOHN S. RILEY (Marion Township) is a native of Marion County. born September 6, 1832, the son of John J. and Betsey M. (Seymore) Riley, of English and Irish extraction respectively, and natives of New York and Ohio. Having married in Pickaway County, Ohio, they came to. Marion County at a very early date, where they lived and died, he in 1863, aged about sixty years, and she on August 18, 1873, aged eighty-three years. Mr. Riley, the subject of this sketch, having finished his education at Kenton, Ohio, married Catharine A. Campbell, daughter of Francis and Betsey Campbell, and eight children have been born to them, six living-Francis C., Chester G., Catherine, John E., William and Thomas. Ellen and James (twin to Thomas) are deceased. Mr. Riley owns a farm of 145 acres located in Salt Rock Township, which he has been renting since 1878. He is at present a resident of Marion. While a citizen of Salt Rock, he was a Justice of the Peace three years, its Trustee two years, and connected with the School Board nearly all the time. Since coming to town he has been a member of the Council two years. He associates with the Free-Will Baptist Church, is liberal with his means and is a supporter of the Democracy.
SAMUEL R, RILEY (Montgomery Township) is a native (if Montgomery Township, born February 3, 1857, the only son of William Riley. He was educated wholly at the common school, and was married October 1, 1878, to Hannah M. Miller, daughter of George W. and Mary (Endreken) Miller. The name of their only child is George William, born September 25, 1879. Mr. Riley is a promising young man, being strictly moral, energetic and business like. Already he has accumulated a property of $3,000. He is a Republican, and a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and she belongs to the M. E. Church.
WILLIAM RILEY (Montgomery Township) was born October 20, 1823, the son of William and Vezy Riley, of English extraction, and natives of Delaware, who came to Ohio, settling in Marion County at a very early date, having obtained a deed of some land in this county even before the war of 1812. They had six children, three still living-John, William and Robert. The deceased were Nancy, Patience and an infant son, George. The mother died in 1829, but the father survived until 1846. William Riley, having received a fair education from the district schools, married, February 23, 1851, Elizabeth Powell, born March 3, 1831, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Powell, natives of Wales. They have bad five children-Lydia J., born January 31, 1852; Mary E., August 22, 1854; Samuel R., February 3, 1857; Sarah E., October 12, 1859, and Princess I., June 24, 1863. Mrs. Riley's death occurred October 9, 1880. Mr. Riley received a small pittance from his father's estate, but has accumulated a snug little fortune, having now 145 acres of land, valued at $70 per acre. He was born, reared, and has always lived in this county. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he resides, is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and is a Republican.
JACOB C. RINGER, (Prospect Township) retired farmer, was born in Franklin Township, Westmoreland Co., Penn. The names of his parents were Christian and Mary (Ringer) Ringer, the last named being a daughter of Michael Ringer. When twenty years of age, Mr. Ringer commenced learning the carpenter's trade. He came to Ohio in 1850, and located near Marion, and followed carpentering and house-building exclusively until 1864, when he bought a farm of 100 acres on Section 33, Marion Township, which he still owns. After the purchase of the farm, he still continued at house-building, attending to his farm interests at the same time, and in 1877 erected a comfortable residence in Prospect Village, where he now resides, having partially retired from business. He was married, in 1853, to Catharine Uncapher, by whom he had two children, both deceased. Mr. Ringer was again married December 3, 1868, to Jane Williams, born January 31, 1841, a daughter of John T. and Kittie E. (Berry) Williams, who were early settlers in this county. By his last marriage there are two children-Mary E., born June 18, 1870, and Perry W., born January 1, 1872. Mr. Ringer is a Prohibitionist in politics, and has served as Village Councilman for three years. Himself and wife and daughter are members of the Baptist Church.
GEORGE C. RINKER, (Claridon Township) of the firm of Rinker & Bush, is a native of Konigreich (Kingdom), Wuerttemberg, Germany, born February 12, 1828, the son of George D. and Margaret (Krause) Rinker. The father died there in 1855, aged sixty-five years, and the mother continues to reside there, at the advanced age of ninety years. In his fourteenth year, Mr. Rinker went into the cabinet-making business, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1853, he sailed for America, working at his trade in New York City, an Franklin street. He then came to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he worked at his trade two years; he then moved to Caledonia and opened a shop. He was the first practical undertaker in the place, and has supplied the entire demand since his residence. In the spring of 1860, he married Sophia De Rush, daughter of David Do Rush. They have had thirteen children Mary (wife of Fred Bush), Emily, Nellie, Frank, Ada and Ida (twins), John, Clara, Charley (1907), Ella, Lewis, Wesley and Leslie (twins). In 1872, he moved to his farm, one-fourth of a mile west of Caledonia, consisting of 118 acres, having also eighty acres located four miles west of the town. He raises live-stock. In 1880, he built a two-story brick house, at a cost of $2,500. He is a member of the IOOF, and, with his family, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE A. RITZLER, (Green Camp Township) general merchant, Green Camp, Ohio, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born November 21, 1846, the son of John A. and Katie (Hisel) Ritzler. They were natives of Germany, the former born February 17, 1811, and the latter January 19, 1811. They sailed the ocean in 1833, stopping at Cleveland, Ohio, two years; thence went to Kenton, Ohio, by way of Springfield, Ohio, where he farmed the remainder of his days. His wife still resides at Kenton, at the age of seventy-two, the mother of nine children, eight living-Mary, Katie, Louisa, Adam, Nicholas, Joseph, Henry and George. Christena died in August 1868. Mr. Ritzler married, December 17. 1874. at Marion. Callie, daughter of Kist and Katie Keese. Mr. and Mrs. Ritzler are the parents of four children. two living-Adam J. and Jennie A. The deceased were George A. and Leslie. Mr. Ritzler engaged in agriculture until his marriage, when he located at Green Camp as a merchant, doing a fair business. He votes the Democratic ticket.
JOHN Q. ROADS, (Prospect Township) farmer and sheep-raiser, was born four miles south. West of Newark, in Licking Co., Ohio, August 17, 1828. When he was fifteen years of age, he was hired out for two years and nine months to learn the willing business, for which he was to be paid $100. From the expiration of this time until 1847, he worked as a journeyman miller. At the date last mentioned, he started on a trip West, where he remained several months, and on his return, in the spring of 1848, he took charge of and operated a mill at Chatham, Ohio, for one season, and in September 1848, took charge of the old " Summit" mill, three and a half miles southwest of Newark, Ohio, where he learned his trade; here he remained until 1850. During this time-in 1849-he was married to Margaret Ann Arnold, who was born in Fauquier County, Va., August 6, 1828. She was a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth S. (Yates) Arnold. John Q. Roads first came to Marion County on a visit October 18, 1849, and returned in March 1851, when he bought 150 acres of land where he now lives, for a little more than $9 per acre. All except thirteen acres of this land was then covered with heavy timber; 115 acres of the tract is now improved and well cultivated. Mr. Roads and his wife took up their abode on this farm November 14, 1851, in a log house some distance south of their present residence, and have continued to reside there to the present time. Mr. Roads subsequently purchased twenty-five acres adjoining, for which he paid $70 per acre; so that the homestead now consists of 175 acres, and is valued at from $90 to $100 per acre. The farm is located one and a half miles east of Prospect Village. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Roads has been interested in other enterprises at different times. In 1873, in company with A. J. Blake, S. M. Blake and T. P. Cratty. he organized the Union County Bank, at Richwood, Ohio. Mr. R. is now a stockholder in the Prospect Bank. He is a man highly esteemed by all who know him, as an enterprising citizen and Christian gentleman. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he was formerly what was known as a " Free-Soil Democrat," but since 1854 he has been a Republican. He is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 444, F. & A M. Mr. and Mrs. Roads have had three children, only one of whom is living, whose name is Benjamin Jay Witter Roads. (1907) born March 30, 1869. We give on another page a portrait of John Q. Roads. The Roads family are originally of German ancestry, and were early settlers in Lancaster County, Penn., and afterward of the Shenandoah Valley, Va. John and Margaret (Winegardner) Roads were the parents of John Q, Roads; the father born in Page County, Va., March 22, 1803, and the mother in Loudon County, Va., in July, 1807. They were married, May 25, 1825; she died in Licking County, Ohio, August 14, 1835; he is still living, and resides in Prospect Township, John Roads was a son of John and Catharine (Brubaker) Roads, and came with his parents to Licking County, Ohio, in 1814. His wife, Margaret (Winegardner) Roads, was a daughter of Herbert and Margaret (Jordan) Winegardner, both natives of Virginia, and their parents were natives of Germany.
J. J. ROBERTS, (Prospect Township) (1907) Postmaster at Prospect Village, is a native of Radnor Township, Delaware County, and was born April 7, 1852. His parents, names are Isaac and Lettis (Jones) Roberts; the first a native of Denbyshire, Wales, and the latter of Delaware County, Ohio. During youth Mr. Roberts received the advantages of a good English education, and for several years followed the occupation of teaching during the winter months and working at carpentering and farming during the summer. He was married, in the fall of 1876, to Miss Bertha R. Knachel, daughter of Emmanuel Knachel, of Prospect. The following year, he entered the store of P. C. Sells, as clerk, where he remained until 1881, when he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Mr. Knachel, in a general store. He was appointed Postmaster October 25, 1881, July 15, 1883, he sold out his interest in the store, and is now, in connection with the post office, handling books, pictures, stationery, etc, He is a Republican.
MADISON ROBERTS (Scott Township) is a young farmer, born January 28, 1855, in Illinois, whose parents are Wesley and Elsie Roberts, of Crawford County. He married, February 17, 1876, Miss Emma Kennedy, daughter of W. K. Kennedy, of Tully Township. The names of their children are Branche, Irvin, Wesley and Riene Esma. The past few years Mr. Roberts has been renting 160 acres belonging to his father. He has obtained considerable property, and is on his way to prosperity.
THOMAS W. ROBERTS, (Claridon Township) hardware merchant, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, June 28, 1818, the son of John and Elizabeth (Olmsted) Roberts, natives of Vermont. They came to the above county in 1817 (a very early day), and were the parents of eight children, three living Thomas W., Cynthia and Jane; the deceased were Charles S., Mary, Russell B., William F. and Harlow. These parents are both dead, the father dying July 5, 1835. Thomas W., having obtained a fair education, went South, and spent two years upon the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as Assistant Engineer. In clue time, he was promoted to the position of First Engineer, remaining in that capacity twenty years. He then became owner and Captain of the steamer J. T. Doswell. He also had an interest in several boats for five years. In 1864, he abandoned the river, came to Marion County and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he moved to Caledonia, buying an interest in a flouring mill for two years. In 1881, he engaged with his son in his present business-the firm being known as T. W. Roberts & Son. He married, August 16, 1851, Anna C. Boardman, and one heir was born to them-Russell W. This wife died October 13, 1853. He again married, August 2, 1855, Priscilla Miles, a daughter of Jonathan and Ruth (Adamson nee Johnson) Miles, and ten children crowned this union, seven surviving. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Democratic party, of the F. & A. M., and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ALEXANDER ROBINSON (Montgomery Township) 1907) was born in Washington County, Penn., September 27, 1833, the son of Daniel and Sarah (Farbie) Robinson, of German ancestry, and natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. They came to Ohio in 1847, brought up eight children, the mother dying in 1875, and the father in 1882.Alexander moved to Marion County when twenty-two years of age, and married, December 34, 1857, Sarah A. Carter, born February 25, 1835, the daughter of James and Christiana (Kepler) Carter, the former of English and the latter of German extraction. They came to Ohio in an early day, and to Marion County, settling on the present farm of their daughter in 1835. He was one of the first settlers, and became prominent in the politics of the day, and in the ownership of large tracts of land. His death occurred in 1846. Mrs. Robinson, his; daughter, has resided nearly a half century on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs R. are the parents of one child-James W., born August 27, 1859. These people commenced life with limited means, but through industry and good management have a comfortable home. and a farm of 151 acres, a property valued at $10,000. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in the late civil war, in Company I. One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, and was wounded in a battle near Harper's Ferry, being struck on the foot by a fragment of a bursting shell; this took place July 7, 1864. In this engagement, his regiment, numbering 1,000 strong, lost full one-half in killed, wounded and prisoners. His discharge dates, "Camp Chase, Ohio, September 28, 1864. "He is a member of the IOOF, at LaRue, Ohio, the Republican party, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
DANIEL T. ROBINSON, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in the town of Newport, Herkimer Co., N. Y. August 30, 1815. His parents, James and Mary (Brown) Robinson were natives of Massachusetts, and lived near Lowell. They settled in Radnor Township, Delaware County, in 1836. Daniel T Robinson was reared on a farm, and March 18, 1841, was married to Nancy Phillips, a daughter of John Phillips. In 1851, he bought sixty-five acres of land, where he now resides, in Prospect Township. All of this land was entirely wild, except four or five acres partly cleared, on which was an old log cabin, unfit for use. In the fall of 1851, he, built a log cabin, into which he moved with his wife and five children on Christmas Day. Since then, he has made an addition to the homestead, which now consists of 106 acres, sixty acres of which lie has cleared himself. His wife died in April 1877, a member of the Baptist Church, as also is Mr. R. They had the following name([ children: William K., John A. (who was killed on the steamer "Sultana"), Hannah M. (now the wife of Leroy Tyler, of Richwood), Martha (deceased), Sarah Ann (now the wire of Douglass Lynn, and resides at the homestead), Lydia (now the wife of E. E. Hazen, of Union County) and Charles A. (of Marion County).
THOMAS M. ROBINSON (Scott Township) was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 30, 1845, the son of Joseph and Mary Robinson, from Virginia and New York respectively. His grandfather, John H. Robinson, was a soldier in the Revolution. His parents came to Marion Count y in the spring of 1861, the father running a tan-yard at Letimberville. He died in 1881, aged seventy-eight years. The mother still survives. Thomas M., having obtained a fair education from the common schools, enlisted in defense of his country in 1862, in Company I, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Richmond, Ky., lie was captured, and paroled the following day. He first married Mary Cramer, living with her seven years, having one chili, Anne. He married again, July 4, 1878, Miss Lovina Walton, a daughter of David and Louisa Walton. He has a residence at Letimberville, which he purchased in 1881. He is a tanner by trade, but can turn his hand to anything, such as carpentering, shearing sheep, etc. He has sheared as high as fifty-eight sheep in a day. He is an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R.
WILLIAM H. ROBINSON, (Salt Rock Township) farmer, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, He is the owner of seventy-three acres of land in Salt Rock Township. He volunteered as a soldier to serve on the Union side, during the civil war, in Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in various engagements during the war. He was married, March 7, 1867, to Annah Riley, and they have four children. He is a substantial farmer and good citizen. Politically, he is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has lived in Marion County since 1851.
HON. JOHN ROSENCRANS, Esq., (Scott Township) now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, was for thirty-five years an honored and prominent citizen of Scott Township, Marion County. He was born August 14, 1808, at Nanticoke, Hanover Township, Luzerne Co., Penn. where lie lived until nine years of age, at which time his parents, John and Olive (Downing) Rosencrans, with their family, moved to Newport Township, Luzerne County, Penn. In that township he lived until he was thirty-nine years old. The Rosencrans family were originally from Holland, and emigrated to America at an early period, as John Rosencrans, the grandfather of John, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject was for many years a school teacher, but during the latter years of his life was a farmer in Newport Township, Luzerne County, Penn., where he died in 1845, aged about seventy years. His wife died at the same place several years afterward she was aged about ninety years; her maiden name was Olive Downing, and her birthplace was in Connecticut and was reared at Wilksbarre, Penn. John Rosencrans, the subject of this biographical notice, was reared to the life of a farmer, and during his minority received the advantages of a good common school education; when nineteen years of age, he taught a summer school for two terms, and for the next nine years taught school each winter. He was married when in his twenty-second year to Margaret Fairchild, who was born May 14, 1811, and was a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Lutsey) Fairchild, all of Newport Township, Luzerne Co., Penn. The spring he was married he bought land, and during his subsequent residence in Pennsylvania was always interested to a greater or less extent in farming, and in buying slid selling of farming lands; at both businesses he was uniformly successful. When he was twenty-eight years of age. there were six school directors to be elected, and Mr. Rosencrans was a candidate; the one receiving the highest number of votes was to hold office for six ears, and those receiving a lesser number were to hold office from two to four years, according to the number or votes received by each. Esquire Rosencrans received the highest number of votes, and was in consequence elected School Director of Newport Township for six years. About this time a post office was established at his house in Newport, and named Painesville he was appointed Postmaster, serving as such six years. When twenty-nine years of age, he was elected Auditor of Luzerne County, and upon the expiration of his term of three years as Auditor, which office he had titled with great satisfaction to the citizens of the county, he was elected and served as County Commissioner. While a resident of that county, he also served in many minor official positions, such as Township Assessor, Land Appraiser, etc. In 1847, he exchanged his home in Newport Township, Penn., for 160 acres of land on the southwest quarter, Section 14, Scott Township, Marion County, and the same year came here to live with his wife and eight children, named as follows: Mary, Ann, George W., William, Elizabeth O., John, Ellen and Emily (twins), Solomon F. (1907); two others, Margaret P. and Tacy, were born in Scott Township. On his arrival in Scott Township, he commenced improving his property, and was soon recognized by the citizens as one of the leading men of' the township in all its affairs, a position that he maintained throughout his long residence in that locality. Tile autumn succeeding his settlement in the township, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and received his commission next spring, This office he filled with such impartiality y and good judgment that he was Continued in the position by the unanimous votes of the people for thirty-three years, and, what is unprecedented, only one case was ever carried up to a superior court that came before his court. He also served on the School Board of Scott Township thirty-five years, as Assessor and Land Appraiser two terms each, Clerk of the Township four years, as County Commissioner of Marion County six years, and as member of the Ohio House of Representatives two years. He was also Postmaster at Letimberville during President Taylor's administration. Since Esquire Rosenerans first purchased land in Scott Township, he has increased his landed possessions to 802 acres in that township, 640 acres in McLean County, Ill., and forty acres in Missouri. In the spring of 1882. He retired from business and moved to Bucyrus, Ohio, and now resides. He is a Democrat in a neat residence on the south end or Sandusky avenue. in politics, and although a believer in the Christian religion, never was a member of any church. He is one of those large-hearted, generous men, characteristic of the old-time pioneer and gentleman. He is still hale and vigorous, and while the writer was at his house, August 14, 1883, his children and grandchildren began gathering in quite unexpectedly to him in honor of his seventy-fifth birthday. As an honored pioneer of Marion County, we present the portrait of Mr. Rosencrans in this work.
S. F. ROSENCRANS (Scott Township) (1907) is the son of John and Margaret Rosencrans, who were born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that State. S. F. was one of twelve children. In 1847. his parents came to Scott Township, settling on the "old Young farm," consisting of 160 acres, which they increased in subsequent years to 800 acres. The old people still live in Bucyrus (see Hon. Rosencrans' sketch). The subject of this sketch married in February of 1872 Miss Amanda Lee, daughter of Sarah A. Lee, and their three children are Rosa, Flora and John. Mrs. Rosencrans died in 1876; he continued a widower two years, marrying then Mrs. Mary Fairchilds, Daniel Fairchild's widow. One child has been born to them-Emma May. Mr. Rosencrans owns eighty acres of land in Arkansas. He has been renting his father's farm of 505 acres for the past few years, paying $1,100 annually. He is an extensive farmer, raising large fields of corn annually. He has been Township Trustee, and is a member of the K. of P. and of Calanthe Lodge, No. 116.
MRS. CATHERINE (RISER) ROSTON (Tully Township) was born March 16, 1822, in Wuerttemberg, Germany; when aged six years she was brought to America, settling at Zoar, Ohio, then at Lexington. Ohio, but in 1841 came to Marion County, locating near the "Canaan Church" in Tully Township. Our subject worked by day or week until about thirty years old, when she married James Roston; they lived until 1873 in Morrow County, Ohio. She at present owns her farm of forty acres, and has acquired a good source of income. She has been a faithful member of the Free-Will Baptist Church for forty years. Her three children are Miles C., Mary L. and Nettie L.
MILES ROSTON, (Tully Township) son of Catherine Roston, was born September 22, 1854; and at eight years of age was put to cutting corn with a case-knife. His education is good, having attended the Iberia Seminary one term. For seven years, he has been a regular communicant of the Presbyterian Church. He owns twenty acres of good land adjoining his mother's.
EDWARD H. RUBINS, (Grand Township) eldest son of Thomas and Rebecca Rubins, was born in Grand Township May 7, 1837. His early life was passed on the homestead, and his education obtained in the common schools. In 1868. he purchased eighty acres of land of his father, lying south of the homestead. He had moved on this farm in 1858. February 1881, he bought his present farm, which contains 142 acres. December 29, 1880, his house was destroyed by fire on his other farm, and he moved to his present location. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and makes a specialty in breeding and rearing Spanish merino sheep. May 2, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio National Guards. He participated in the battles of Monocacy, July 0, where he received a bullet wound in the right arm, which necessitated amputation. He was honorably discharged, and now receives a pension of $30 per month. He was married, September 13, 1858, to Miss Mary H. W. Bower, daughter of (John N.) Nicholas and Gertrude (Demarest) Bower. Mrs. Rubins was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, July 3, 1837. To them were born six children, all if whom are living-John E., Anna M. D., Thomas R, Charles H., David W. and Julia G. Mr. and Mrs. Rubins are members of the Presbyterian Church of Marseilles. Mr. Rubins is a member of the G. A. R He is serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace. He also filled the office of Clerk three years, and Assessor two years.
JOSEPH S. RUBINS, (Grand Township) second son of Thomas and Rebecca Rubins, was born on the homestead in Grand Township October 23, 1843. He was reared to manhood on the farm, and educated in the common schools. He aided in clearing the homestead, and in April 1870, after his marriage, removed to a farm, three miles east of his birthplace, where he purchased 160 acres of land, for which he paid $5,400. March 6, 1875, he sold, and bought 200 acres of the homestead farm. He subsequently bought ninety-three acres, which makes a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 293 acres. He is engaged in agriculture and raising fine stock. He makes a leading pursuit of breeding and rearing American merino sheep, and thoroughbred short-born cattle. He purchased his sheep from the flock of P. F. & W. C. Coulter, of Licking County. He keeps a flock of 100 head, and sells annually about fifty. In the line of fine cattle, he keeps second to none in the county. He is also engaged in keeping French Norman and English draft horses. In fine stock pursuits, Mr. Rubins ranks as a prominent man in the county, and has been successful. He was married, December 29, 1869, to Miss Eugenia L. Cary, daughter of George and Lucinda Cary. Mrs. Rubins was born in Sussex County, N. J., November 17, 1843; four children were born to this union; of these two are living-Harry M., born September 22, 1870, and Lettie M., born April 23, 1881. Mary R. and Louella are deceased. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards. He participated in the battle of Monocacy, and an engagement with Mosby's guerrillas. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, September 1, 1864. Mr. Rubins and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Marseilles. Politically, he is a Republican.
F. C. RUEHRMUND, (Marion Township) teller of the Farmers' Bank, is a native of the province of Saxony, Germany; he was born April 19, 1825. In March 1841, his parents, Philip F. and Rosa Ruehrmund, embarked for America on a sailing vessel, but Mrs. Ruehrmund died while at sea. Mr. P. F. Ruehrmund came on to Marion County and lived until his death with his son Ferderick A., who had emigrated in 1839. Mr. F. C. Ruehrmund. the subject of this notice, is the youngest of four children. He learned the trade of book-binding in Germany, and came to America with his parents in 1841. After living in Richland Township two years, he came to Marion and learned shoe-making. He clerked for Bain& Williams three years, and afterward became partner with John E. Davids in the mercantile trade. This firm dissolved in 1852, and Mr. Ruebrmund clerked for various parties until 1858. He next purchased a store in Caledonia and conducted it till 1863; then returned to Marion, clerked for John E. Davids two years, after which time he became a partner with Harvey Peters in the drug business. In 1867, he sold his interest and bought a stock of goods of Davids & Holmes and continued in the mercantile trade till he became teller in the Farmers' Bank in 1879. April 19, 1849, Mr. Ruehrmund was married to Miss Mary A. Loebrich, by whom he has had ten children, viz.: Henry L., who died at the acre of seventeen months; Mary A., wife of John Merrill; Elizabeth S., Flora L., Dora I., Philip F., Emma, Marv E. and Remate. Mr. Ruehrmund is a member of the Masonic order- -Lodge, Chapter and Council; he has been a member since 1853, and is now Secretary of the lodge. He was a member of the School Board for ten years, and in politics is a Republican.
S. H. RUPP (Marion Township) was born in Pleasant Township, this county, October 25, 1835. His parents, David and Sarah (Noble) Rupp, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn. They were married in 1828, and in June 1831, they removed to Ohio, and on the 10th day of that month settled in Pleasant, Township, where S. H. was born. Mr. David Rupp bought eighty acres of land, which he subsequently sold, and in 1849 purchased six acres, on which he died, December 30, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-three years seven months and five days. His widow followed him September 19, 1881, at the age of seventy-seven years. They were the parents of eight children, viz.: Jonah, Mary (wife of Addison Tavenner), John, Henry, S. H. ( the subject of this sketch), William D., Sarah J. (wife of J. F. Curren), Minerva E., wife of J. W. Harruff. Mr. Rupp, the subject of this notice, was brought up on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He taught school winters from 1856 to 1865, and then pursued the vocation of farming till 1874, when he came to Marion. He was engaged in the Auditor and Clerk's office, till October 1879, when he was elected to the office of Recorder. He was reelected to the same position in October 1882. He also served Pleasant Township as Clerk eight years and Assessor two years, and is now filling the office of member of the City Council. April 7, 1880, he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Robert Robinson, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Rupp was born in Ireland April 10, 1858, and came to Ohio in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Rupp are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rupp is also a member of the IOOF and of the Encampment, a higher branch of Odd Fellowship, and has filled all the chairs in both departments.
WILLIAM A. RUSSELL, (Prospect Township) retired farmer, Prospect Village, was born in Thompson Township, Delaware Co., Ohio. December 12, 1827, and is a son of Joseph and Betsey (Edmund) Russell; the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Connecticut. They came to Ohio in 1819, and settled in Thompson Township. He was a blacksmith by trade, but always followed farming after coming to Ohio. All their children but the oldest were born in Ohio. Their names are Edmunds, Daniel, Mary B., Joseph B., William A., Sarah A. (who died, aged three years) and Elmira. Five of the children lived to have families. The mother died December 29, 1856. and their father died four hours later, December 30, 1856. Mr. Russell was married, December 27, 1849, to Susan M. Fleming, who was born October 12, 1831, a daughter of Henry C. and Susannah (Jones) Fleming, early settlers of Delaware County. Henry C. Fleming was of Irish descent, and his wife was a native of Wales and a daughter of John Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had eight children-Lucina, born October 12, 1850, married, and died May 14, 1873; Cynthia, born January 4, 1852; William M., August 29, 1855; Elmira J., February 15, 1858: M. I., October 7, 1851, and died January 18, 1864; Carie D., June 7, 1867; Hosea I L., September 7, 1870, and Corda A., March 14, 1872. Our subject owns a farm of 150 acres in Prospect Township, but he has partially retired and lives in Prospect Village. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican.
WILLIAM M. RUSSELL, (Prospect Township) farmer, is a native of Prospect Township and was born August 29, 1856. He is a son of William A. Russell, of Prospect Village. He was married, September 9, 1880, to Clara Barnum a daughter of Charles Barnum, and they have one child-Lida May, born January 24, 1882. Mr. Russell now has charge of his father's farm in Prospect Township. In politics, he is a Republican.
JACOB RUTHARDT, (Marion Township) deceased, was born in Renningen, Wurtemberg, Germany, August 22, 1830, the son of Christoph Frederick and Catherine (Reich) Ruthardt, who came across the sea in 1854, settling in Marion Township, where they resided until 1860, when they moved to Marion. Mr. Ruthardt died September 7, 1882, aged eighty years; Mrs. Ruthardt died March 7, 1882. They had three children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. As a farmer boy, the common school gave him his education; he mastered the trade of a stone mason in three years, beginning when fourteen. He followed it in the "Fatherland" till 1849, when he came to New York City, engaging in a marble shop until 1861; at that time he moved to Richland Township, this county, remaining one year; he then (1862) bought a bakery and restaurant at Marion, which he conducted the remainder of his days. December 6, 1856, he was wedded to Miss Catherine Blaich, also of Renningen, Wurtemberg, Germany. She was born at that place March 17, 1834 to Johann Michael and Anna Magdalena (Ziegler) Blaich, and arrived in this country in 1852. Four children have been born to them, two living-Louisa and Minnie; William and John are deceased. Mr. Ruthardt was kicked by a horse February 12, 1884, and death resulted instantly. His widow conducted the restaurant with her brother, Jacob Blaich, until 1875. She and children are Lutherans, as was also Mr. Ruthardt, and have a residence on Berwick avenue, and other town property.
ORSAMUS RUTTER, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born November 8, 1832, in Amanda Township, Fairfield Co.. Ohio; parents were Martin and Mary (Garber) Rutter, who came to this county about 1850. Martin Rutter Owned 227 acres of land, just north of Prospect Village, now owned by Dr. Farnum; also 200 acres in Delaware County. He was a native of West Virginia, and his wife of Staunton, Penn. At the age of seventy years, he died on a farm owned by his wife, and now owned by William A. Russell. His Wife died on the same place, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Orsamus Rutter has always followed farming. He was married, September 21, 1851, to Mary A. McCloskey, and their children, since born, are Barbara A., Melinda E., Rosina and Benjamin 0. Mrs. Rutter died March 24, 1877, and he was married again, July 5, 1881, to Miss Linnie Ginder, a daughter of David and Catharine (Shoff) Ginder; the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. R. owns 101 acres of land, on which he resides, and 100 acres of land in Labette County, Kan., besides presenting to his sons-in-law 200 acres of land in the above county in Kansas some years since. Mr. Rutter enlisted, August 1864, in Company 1, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in the last battle of Nashville, at the engagement of Wheat Swamp, N. C., and one near Murfreesboro. He was honorably discharged at Charlotte, N. C., June 28. 1864.