THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO

1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

W

(1907 - MARION COUNTY, OHIO - HISTORY - LETTER W)

WILLIAM WADDEL, (Waldo Township) (1907) farmer, P. 0. Waldo, was born in Ohio County, W. Va., December 25, 1820, and is a son of John and Margaret (Giffen) Waddel, the former a native of Wheeling, W. Va., the latter of Ohio County, W. Va. John Waddel was born June 22, 1797, and his wife December 24, 1799. They were married June 22, 1818, and in March 1821, came by wagon to Marion County, Ohio, where Mr. Waddell entered 160 acres, seventy of which he cleared. Here he erected a log house 18x2O feet in size, and moved into it before it had either windows or doors. Mr. Waddel died January 4, 1841, and Mrs. Waddel December 1, 1851. The former had served as Trustee and Treasurer of Richland Township. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church. They had a family of ten children, all of whom grow to maturity. Their names are as follows: Nancy (wife of Urias F. Lawellen), William, Daniel, John, Samuel, Benjamin, Isaac (deceased), Elizabeth (wife of Jonas Rapp), Mary (wife of Daniel Giffen) and Jane (deceased). Our subject was reared on the homestead, and received a common school education. He assisted in clearing about 100 acres of the home farm, and lived on the homestead till 1850, when he bought sixty-five acres in Waldo Township. In I873, he added twenty-five acres, making a total of ninety acres. He erected a house in 1858, at a cost of $800. He is engaged in both f arming and stock raising. On November 7, 1844, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catherine Emery. She was born in Richland Township, this county. By this union there have been four children-Margaret J. (wife of A. C. Holly, of Chicago), Catherine, John E. and Ella E. All the family are members of the St. James Methodist Episcopal Church of Richland Township. Mr. Waddel has served as Justice of the Peace twelve years, and Constable of Richland Township two years. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH WALL, (Green Camp Township) railroad agent and telegraph operator, Green Camp, Ohio, was born in the city of New York in 1849. His parents died when he was so young that he retains no recollection of them. He removed from New York in 1963 to Cedar Ledge farm school, under the management of Rev. L. M. Pease. He was educated at the Protestant Episcopal Orphans' Home, controlled by Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, a distinguished clergyman. auther of many valuable hymns, and noted for exceptional generosity. He left the above farm October 19, 1865, and lived with G. W. Foster nine years. He commenced the study of telegraphy in 1874. but abandoned it for want of necessary means to defray expenses; he, however, resumed its study in 1875, and in 1877 was appointed as above. He continues to hold this position, faithful and prompt in the performance of all its duties. He met with a serious accident in jumping from the cars at this place, resulting in the loss of the left arm and seriously affecting the use of the other hand and arm. He is a wide-awake and highly respected citizen; was elected Township Treasurer in 1882 and reelected in 1883. He is a stanch Republican and a faithful Odd Fellow.

THOMAS P. WALLACE, (Marion Township) one of the oldest bankers of Marion, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., May 21, 1824. His grandparents were of Scotch-Irish extraction. His paternal grandparents, Patrick and Sarah (Officer) Wallace, came from the North of Ireland, and his maternal grandparents, William and Esther (Patterson) Harper, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Harper) Wallace were both natives of Cumberland County, Penn., and died there. Mr. Wallace, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead till sixteen years of age, and with his father's hired hands performed manual labor. His educational advantages were confined to the log schoolhouse of primitive times, although at the age of twelve years he had read Plutarch's Lives, Rollin's Ancient History, Josephus and other works of a similar character, besides many books of travel. In October 1840, in company with an elder brother -William H. Wallace, now residing in Colorado-he came to Marion. He found employment with a watch maker for about six months, and his employer moving to Michigan, he abandoned the trade. He then began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, on the Marion Saturday Visitor, published by George W. and Alexander Sprung, In this situation he continued till May 1844, when he commenced the publication of a Whig paper entitled the Buckeye Eagle, edited by S. A. Griswold, now editor of the Lancaster Gazette, of Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. Wallace issued the first copy of his paper on the 20th of May, the day before he was twenty years of age. He continued its publication until 1847. In October 1849, he formed a partnership with Orren Patten, and engaged in the mercantile business, in the room now occupied by D. B. Krause & Son. At that time there was no railroad at Marion, and merchandise was hauled from Sandusky City, a distance of sixty miles. They purchased their dry goods in Philadelphia and New York. and had them shipped by rail and water to Sandusky City. Their groceries came from Cincinnati, and were hauled from Kenton in wagons. The remoteness of the railroads from Marion rendered it the center of trade for a large extent of country. June 10, 1854, Patten & Wallace established the Marion Deposit Bank (in connection with their store), of which Mr. Wallace became Cashier, Mr. Patten remaining in charge of the mercantile business. Their banking business increased to such an extent that in March 1855, they removed to the Godman Spaulding building, now the I.0.0.F. Block, which was erected in 1851. The Deposit Bank continued to enjoy such an increasing patronage that Mr. Patton's services were required to transact the business, and in 1856 the store was sold and Mr. Patten entered the bank. This partnership was a very successful one; for although it extended over a period of twenty-five years, it was always marked by great harmony and the most entire confidence between the partners. The firm of Patten & Wallace, soon took a high position as bankers in the confidence of the people, and won a most extraordinary deposit patronage. They conducted their bank through all the panics without an hour's suspension, and promptly met every engagement. This partnership continued strong in the confidence of the people till it was dissolved by the death of Mr. Patten October 31, 1872, Under the then existing contract of partnership, the business continued to be conducted without change for three years. In 1875, Mr. Wallace purchased Mr. Patten's interest and became the sole owner of the bank, which he has since conducted. An important lesson is deducible from the career of Mr. Wallace. His parents dying when he was a boy, and without wealthy or influential friends, he was thrown upon his own personal resources. He resolved to succeed only by a regular business course, and to avoid all hazardous adventures of speculation; also to deal honestly, meet all his obligations promptly and according to the letter and spirit, and be content with regular and legitimate profits. These resolves of his youth he has rigidly adhered to, and has achieved through them, combined with his business energy and industry, a good success. Mr. Wallace has performed his part in all the public enterprises of the community for the last thirty years, and there is not an important improvement that 'marks the growth of the town that did not receive his support. He is a stockholder and Director in the Huber Manufacturing Company, and Treasurer of the Marion Gas-Light Company, of which he served as Secretary for many years. He was one of the original members of the Marion County Agricultural Society, and has been identified with it as Treasurer for a number of years. In 1867, he aided in founding the Marion County Importing Company, and has acted as Secretary and Treasurer since its organization. He is a stockholder in the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and was also in the Columbus & Toledo, Atlantic & Great Western and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroads. Mr. Wallace is the owner of a large library, and is a great reader of books of travel. From these he acquired a taste for travel, in which he has indulged of late years. In 1867, he made a trip to Europe, and after attending the Paris exposition he visited Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and England. Three years later he made a second trip, and visited England, Ireland and Scotland, and in 1873, accompanied by Mrs. Wallace, made a tour through California. He has made six trips to Florida, for pleasure and recreation. He owns a plantation of sixty acres near the Atlantic coast, on Merritt's Island, Indian River, near Rockledge Post Office, on which he has erected a neat cottage, and has now growing 500 orange trees and 10,000 pineapple plants, besides a large variety of Southern fruits and flowers, making one of the most desirable homes in Florida, where the climate is perpetual summer, and hunting and fishing are unsurpassed. July 20, 1846, Mr. Wallace celebrated his marriage with Miss Jane E. Busby, daughter of Maj. George H. Busby, a prominent citizen of Marion. To this union seven children have been born, namely, Evaline A., wife of E. J. Fairfield, of Marion; Mary H., wife of William R, Whitmarsh, of Chicago; Lucretia B., wife of Charles S. Burkholder, of Chicago; -Jennie E.; Maggie H., wife of L. L. Patten; Susie B. and Carrie P. Mr. Wallace and family are members of the Presbyterian Church of Marion.

DANIEL WALTERS. (Grand Prairie Township) Daniel Walters was born in Pennsylvania in 1763, having married there. He removed to near Kingston, Pickaway Co., Ohio, in 1794, residing there until 1801, when his parents entered 240 acres in Scott Township (this county), and he moved upon it. He had thirteen children-nine living. His death took place in 1848, and his remains were buried in Rocky Fork Cemetery, Grand Prairie Township. His oldest son was Jacob Walters, born in 1797. He went to Circleville, and enlisted in the war prevailing at that time, and served to its close. Upon his return, he resided in Grand Prairie Township until 1849, when he removed to Upper Sandusky, dying six years later, and was buried in the Old Mission's Graveyard at that place. He had married Kate A. Wetzel, a daughter of Anthony Wetzel, and a niece of Lewis Wetzel. They had seven children--four of whom are living--Daniel, Anthony, Catherine A. (wife of Peter Withers), and John C. The deceased are William H., Jacob and George. The mother died September 26, 1845, aged forty-eight years, one mouth and one day.

G. W. WALTERS, (Grand Prairie Township) (1907) farmer, was born in this county October 10, 1842, and came to Grand Prairie Township with Philip Retterer in 1845, having been left an orphan when young. He has since been a resident of the township. He has one of the largest farms in the county, containing, 836 acres of land. On this farm, in 1875, he erected a commodious and elegant residence, in which he lives. Politically speaking, he is a Republican, and has served his township in many of its local offices, and may be justly ranked as one of the prominent citizens of Marion County. Mr. Walter's farm is stocked with some 1,500 Sheep, a large number of cattle, and other stock. He was married December 13, 1866, to Lucretia Shoots, a daughter of the pioneer, Landy Shoots. They have a family of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

JAMES C. WALTERS, (Marion Township) deceased, was a "Buckeye," born in Marion, April 16, 1847. He was the son of Thomas and Mary (Cunningham) Walters, of Wales. Mr. Walters crossed the ocean, married in this country and died here. He was the older of two children; Mary, wife of Thomas Campbell, was his sister. James C. obtained his growth in Marion, graduating at the union schools. He taught four years in the township, commencing when eighteen. He began his trade, harness-making, in his seventeenth year, but ill health compelled him to abandon it. After teaching as above, he resumed the business, under T. J. Magruder, continuing as an amateur three years. In 1869, he united in business with Mr. Brigel, and Walters & Brigel prosecuted their trade together two years. The firm dissolving Mr. Walters continued alone till death. He was upright in character and successful in business. He consummated his marriage April 20, 1869, with Ida M. Campbell, a daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Campbell, and a native of Marion Township. There were born to them three children, two surviving--Claude C. and Bertha B. Gloria B. died February 13, 1883. having been born October 23, 1877. Mr. Walters erected a fine brick residence in 1870; also a fine business room, 17 South Main street. He was Township Treasurer, and a member of the Council four terms. He was connected with the IOOF, and he closed his is earthly career February 8, 1880, a member of the Baptist Church, with which his widow continues in communion.

ELI WAPLES (Montgomery Township) was born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 25, 1827; his parents, Benjamin and Rebecca (Prettyman) Waples, wore from Sussex County, Delaware, and came to Marion County when Eli was but seven months old, and located on Rocky Fork, four miles north of Marion. In 1832, his father entered 160 acres of land, one and a quarter miles northwest of La Rue, and lived there seven months. It was then a perfect wilderness, and to got to the land, he was obliged to cut a road through the timber for a team to pass; he returned to his home north of Marion, where he lived till his death, which occurred April 21, 1844, aged forty years; his wife died in September 1861. Eli Waples was married in 1851, to Martha A. Scott, who died October 15, 1856, leaving two children, as follows: Benjamin F. (1907), now a dry goods merchant at Marion, and Martha A., who married Edward Lingo, of La Rue, and died September 21, 1882. Mr. Waples was married a second time, March 14, 1859, to Love E. Day. By the last marriage there was one child-Demaris. Mr. Waples is a Republican, and has served the township two terms as Assessor; he is a member of Day Lodge, No. 328, IOOF, and is a straight forward gentleman and highly esteemed citizen of La Rue. Mr. Waples formerly owned a farm of ninety-eight acres in Big Island Township, where he lived four years; he sold this farm and bought 104 acres in Montgomery Township, which he still owns. In 1867, he moved to La Rue, and was engaged in butchering three years, and afterward at teaming, and in 1873, he opened a livery stable, which business he has conducted ever since; he keeps on hand from five to ten good horses and six buggies, and has the best location in the village for a stable.

WASHINGTON PIKE WARD, (Prospect Township) farmer, Prospect, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 17, 1858, and is a son of William Ward, a native of Shropshire, England, and who died in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1861. His mother was Sarah A. (Howison) Ward, born in Prince William County, Va., February 6, 1814. The Howisons were from Scotland, and trace their ancestry to John Howison, a burgess of the city of Edinburgh in 1450, and were of kin to Sir William Wallace. The American branch of the Howison family, of whom our subject is a descendant, settled in Prince William County, Va., from whom numerous branches are scattered throughout the United States. The first husband of Mr. Ward's mother was Benjamin F. Thomas, to whom she was married in June 1836, at Washington City. D. C. Mr. Thomas was also a native of Prince William County, Va. At Mr. Thomas' death she was left with eight children, with whom she came to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1856. The names of the children were Marv, Virginia, Catharine Juliette, John H. (the present Clerk of Marion County), Charles E. and Benjamin F. After their arrival in Delaware County, in .1857, Mrs. Thomas was married to William Ward, who, as before stated, died in 1861. Mrs. Ward is still living, and resides with her son, Washington P. Ward, a mile and a half east of Prospect Village. The latter was married, December 12, 1882, to Miss May Armentrout. a daughter of Abel Armontrout, of Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio.

EPHRAIM H. WATKINS (Bowling Green Township) was born in Bradford County, Penn., July 1, 1831. His parents, Ephraim and Fannie (Palmer) Watkins, were natives of the States of Connecticut and Vermont respectively, and came to Ohio in 1835, settling with their family of eight children in Bowling Green Township. He was born July 31, 1796, and died October 11, 1882. His wife preceded him March 28, 1878. They were of Welsh and English extraction. The subject of this sketch lived on the farm with his parents until the age of twenty-five, in the meantime during his minority receiving the advantages of a common school education. September 11, 1856, he was married to Sarah Cheney, a daughter of Francis 0. and Roxy (Mathers) Cheney. The latter were of English and Welsh ancestry, but natives of Ohio; they died many years ago. Ephraim H. Watkins and wife have had the following children: Roxy J., Allen E., David P., Emma O., Harvey S., Mary A., Marcus A., Louisa E., Lilla B. and Nancy E., all living; Benjamin. W. F. and Owen G. are deceased. Mr. Watkins resides on his farm of 137 acres of land, to the care of which and raising of stock he devotes the most of his time. His residence is about five miles south of LaRue, in Bowling Green Township. He is a Republican in politics and one of the leading citizens of the township. He enlisted to serve in the late civil war September 11, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Goldsboro, Bentonville, N. C., and various skirmishes, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, June 8, 1865, at Washington City, D. C. He was taken prisoner by Lyon's rebel cavalry December 23, 1864, paroled the same day, and on his exchange re-engaged in the war.

THOMAS P. WATKINS, (Marion Township) of the firm of Watkins Bros. importers and dealers in French horses, was born in Prospect Township, and at the formation of the firm of Watkins Bros., of Prospect, he became a member, and has since been identified with its extensive business. Since June 1881, he has had charge of the livery business in Marion. This firm keeps the leading livery and hack stable in the town, and their horses and carriages are first-class.

WATKIN WATKINS (Prospect Township) was the first of this family that came to America. He was a native of North Wales, where he was married to Elizabeth Evans. They, with their family of two, or possibly three, children, emigrated to America. On the voyage all the children died from fever. This was about the year 1800, or perhaps a few years earlier. They first lived in Philadelphia, where Mr. W. worked at his trade of carpenter. They came to Ohio at an early day, locating on a farm in Radnor Township, Delaware County, where he lived, and died in 1837. Himself and wife were Episcopalians. Robert Watkins, son of the foregoing, and an early settler of Prospect Village, was born June 3, 1805, in Philadelphia. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father, which he followed, in connection with cabinet-making, more or less, all his life. He was married, September 15, 1830, to Miss Joan Parry, at Millville, Delaware Co., Ohio, by the Rev. Mr. Vandeman, a Presbyterian minister. She was a native of Gundthure, South Wales, and daughter of Urich and Jane (Penry) Parry, both natives of Wales, in which country, also, the father died, leaving a widow and five children-Ann, Mary, Walter, Joan and David. The three first came to America with their uncle, William Penry, who came to Radnor Township in 1819. The widow of Uriah Parry, with her two youngest children, came with her brother, Walter Penry, who emigrated in 1820, also locating in Radnor Township, Delaware County. Mrs. W. died in Columbus, Ohio. in the fall of 1823. Robert Watkins and family came to Middletown, now Prospect, in December 1837, moving into a log house nearly opposite where Mohr's store now is, in which they kept the pioneer hotel of Prospect. They afterward bought the lot where the Watkins House now stands. There was a frame house on this lot, which they fixed up and kept as a hotel. Afterward, they built the present brick hotel, and moved the frame to it as an addition. Here Robert Watkins lived until his death, October 29, 1853, and he was buried in what was known as the Delhi Graveyard, in the north part of Radnor Township. Robert Watkins was an oldtime Democrat, and served his township in various local offices. He was an early settler of Prospect. He and wife had a family of ton children-Elizabeth, born July 16, 1831; Sarah, October 25, 1834; Watkin, November 2, 1837; Robert U., October 22, 1839; Thomas P., December 28, 1841; Joan, February 2, 1844, and died June 14, 1848; Walter D., born August 25.1847, and two infants not named; Walter D. is also deceased. The grandparents on the maternal side of Mrs. Robert Watkins were Walter Penry, who came to Radnor Township, where he died, and his wife, who died in Wales; her name was Ann Davis, and she was a sister of Bishop Davis, of South Wales.

WATKIN WATKINS, (Prospect Township) importer and dealer in horses, was born in Prospect Township, on the farm now owned by Thomas L. Penry, November 2, 1837. His parents were Robert and Joan (Parry) Watkins, who are mentioned in this volume. Mr. Watkins passed his early years in his father's hotel at Prospect, in the meantime attending school in the old log school house, the first school building erected in Prospect, and after that was torn down, in other school buildings erected on the same site. During the time he was eighteen to twenty years of age. he learned the saddler's trade, and since that period his principal business has been dealing in horses and importing horses from France, being now one of the well-known firm of Watkins Bros. His residence is located west of the Scioto River, in Prospect Village. It is surrounded by large grounds, neatly arranged. The building is of brick. and is the largest and most elaborately finished of all private residences in the village. Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Leda B. Patton, a daughter of Richard and Susan (Kennedy) Patten, of this county. The have one child, named Richard L. Watkins.

JOHN H. WEAVER (Marion Township) was born in Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Penn., November 26, 1830. When about two years old, the family moved to Lebanon, Lebanon County, the same State. When fourteen, he went to learn the shoe-making trade, serving four years in its mastery. He followed this during his residence in Pennsylvania, except one year, while he was in the express and freight business between-Lebanon and Philadelphia. Coming to Marion, Ohio, in October 1865, he continued in the shoe business, manufacturing the celebrated Star Boots, until January 1872. Having been elected Sheriff of the county the previous fall, he assumed the duties of the office January 3, 1872. becoming his own successor. He thus filled the position satisfactorily two terms. In politics, he is a Democrat. He served on the School Board three years, on the Agricultural Board two years, and at present represents the Fourth Ward in the City Council. He is also a member of the Masonic order.

JACOB WEBER, (Claridon Township) second son of Jacob and Elizabeth Weber, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, December 18, 1819, where his parents died. In 1849, he emigrated to America, settling in Marion, where he was engaged in butchering, driving a successful trade, until 1873; in that year he moved with his family to Caledonia, continuing his former vocation. In 1881, he retired from business and is now living a retired, comfortable life. December 25, 1853, he married Mary A. Keest, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Keest. They had three children- Jacob, William and Emma. His wife died in 1866. He again married, May 24, 1870. Mary Oatmiller. Mr. Weber was a soldier of some rank in Switzerland, having some hairbreadth escapes-being shot through the cap at one time, and through the epaulet at another. He enlisted also in the late war, April 19, 1861, Company A Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Romany Winchester, Shenandoah Valley, Harrison's Landing, Antietam, Gettysburg, Cbancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Bull Run (second battle) and the Wilderness. In all he was engaged in many battles without being captured or receiving a wound. He was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July of 1864. Mr. Weber has considerable scholarly attainments, having received a practical education in, German, French and Italian languages, besides schooling himself in the English branches. He is a member of the Order of the Druids, of the G. A. R. and the Democratic party. He has crossed the ocean five times for the good of his health.

MRS. JEANETTE WEEKS, (Claridon Township) widow of Samuel C. Weeks, was born in Northumberland, England, October 28, 1836, a daughter of John and Mary Rutherford, who came to America in 1835, settling in Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., until 1853, when he moved to Morrow County, Ohio. They had four children, three living-Jeanette, Elizabeth arid John. The father was born in 1803, and died August 12, 1874. The mother was born October 28, 1806, and died February 9, 1879. Samuel C. Weeks was a native of Maryland. He came to Marion County in 1865, engaging in the drug business about five years. He was a prominent citizen, serving as Chief Magistrate in Delaware County, Ohio, twenty years. He was also an Elder in the Disciple Church for the same length of time. He accumulated a good deal of property, and died July 26, 1869. Their marriage was consummated January 21, 1868. Mrs. Weeks has continued to reside at Caledonia, commanding the respect of all. He has been a consistent member of the U. P. Church for thirty years.

O. W. WEEKS, (Marion Township) (1907) physician and surgeon, was born in Thompson Township, Delaware Co., Ohio, May 22, 1841. His father, Samuel C. Weeks, was a native of Baltimore, Md., and his mother, Jane, nee Cunningham, of York County, Penn. They were married in Frederick County, Md., and about the year 1830 removed to Licking County, Ohio, and to Delaware County in 1838, where they resided till 1867, when they moved to Caledonia, at which place they both died, the former in 1870 and the latter in 1868. Dr. Weeks is the youngest of seven children; lived on the homestead till sixteen years of age, and then engaged in teaching. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the 8th of October, he participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky., receiving a severe wound in the left log and foot. He subsequently contracted disease of the lungs, from exposure to rain and inclement weather, while in the line of duty, and in consequence came home on a furlough, and returned to the hospital at Camp Chase. Some, time afterward, he was transferred to the Seminary Hospital, at Columbus, where he served as Chief Clerk, and in the Medical Director's office in the same situation till discharged January 12, 1864. He then located at Richwood, and resumed the drug trade-a business in which he had been engaged from 1861. He took a course of lectures in the Starling Medical College in the winter of 1863-64. He graduated at Cincinnati June 19, 1865, after attending another course of lectures. He received a diploma of graduation from the Columbus Medical College February 29, 1876. In June 1865, he graduated in the Medical and Scientific Society, and June 19, 1878, the Bethany College of West Virginia conferred on him the honorary degree of Master of Sciences. Dr. Weeks entered on the practice of medicine in Delaware County, and in October 1865, removed to Caledonia, where he continued to practice till June 1878, when he located in Marion. Dr. Weeks is a successful physician, and enjoys an extensive practice. November 22, 1866. he was appointed Assistant Assessor of District No. 12, of the Eighth Collection District of the State. He is now serving his third term as member of the City Council, and is President of the Marion County Medical Society. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, F. & A. M., Chapter, R. A. M., and Commandery of the Knights Templar, and is also connected with the Royal Arcanum, Grand Army of the Republic and Knights of Pythias. Dr. Weeks was married, at Tiffin, Ohio, September 4, 1865, to Miss Flora S. Dana, daughter of Dr. Marquis Dana, deceased. They have one son-Dana.

SAMUEL WEIR (Scott Township) is one of Marion County's most enterprising men, hailing directly from the Emerald Isle, County Donegal, where lie was born in 1827. His parents were Samuel and Nancy Weir. He was obliged to work extremely hard from his earliest youth, but when only earning $15 in six months, he accumulated $175, and started for America at twenty years of' age. He stopped in Philadelphia for several years, sending money to his mother for her support and subsequent passage to America. About 1857, he came to Caledonia with $91, and worked four years as foreman for Moses Kerr. June 13, 1861, he married Miss Mary Mason, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Mason, one son blessing this union-William J.(1907). In 1866, he bought his present residence, consisting then of 100 acres, costing $55 per acre, to which he has added eighty-three acres. His property is valued today at $15,000, with a house costing $2,000. He is improving and draining his farm by burying tile annually. He keeps the best of stock.

REDDEN S. WEISEL, (Prospect Township) steam saw mill, and lumber dealer, Prospect Village. Mr. Weisel is a native of New Jersey, and born September 9, 1847, a son of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Weisel. He was brought by his parents to Prospect Township when but two years of age. At twenty years of age, he commenced business on his own account, and the fall he was twenty-one he bought a steam saw mill in Pleasant Township, which he operated for three years, when he took in a partner. The firm also manufactured tile. ran a cider mill, etc. This partnership was closed out in 1879, During these years they had bought a thirty-horse power engine and saw mill, which Mr. Weisel now owns and operates at Prospect Village. The mill averages about 4,000 feet of sawed lumber per day. Mr. W. ships mostly to Columbus and Cleveland. Mr. Weisel was married, in 1877. to Miss Martha Pettey, of Green Camp Township. They reside in Prospect Village,

PHILIP WEIST (Montgomery Township) was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, December 25, 1831, the son of Christopher and Magdalena "Laney" (Schroth) Weist, who came to America in 1839, settling in Richland Township. The father died in 1873, but the mother still survives, aged (1883) eighty-four years. Mr. Weist began to do for himself at the early age of fourteen years, and by industry and frugality owns at present 416 acres in Montgomery Township, where he came in 1875, valued at $75 per acre. November 2, 1859, he married Mary Wilt, daughter of Jacob and Salome "Sarah" (Straub) Wild (Wilt), a native of the Hattmatt, Alsace-Lorraine, Germany (now France) "Fatherland." Eight children have been born to this union, all living, the youngest aged seven years. Mr. Weist a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

SOLOMON B. WELCH, (Prospect Township) pioneer farmer of Prospect, was born in the State of Vermont September 16, 1799. He bought and settled upon 122 acres of land in this township about 1830-33. He cleared about ninety acres of this farm. His first wife was Lavina Smith, born December 27, t803, and died December 6, 1834. By this union there were the following children: Emily, born November 17, 1821; Martha, August 16, 1823; Thomas W., January 26, 1827; Presley, April 9, 1832; Lavina, December 17, 1833. He was again married, January 6, 1836, to Mary Carnahan. a daughter of Samuel born June 5, 1817, in Indiana County, Penn., and Margaret (Lloyd) Carnahan; natives, respectively, of the North of Ireland and Wales. By Mr. Welch's last marriage were the following children: Uriah H., born February 2, 1838; Elizabeth, July 14, 1840; Miriam D. January 29, 1842. and died August 22, 1851; John W., June 19, 1843; Corintha S. December 9, 1846: Solomon C., June 13, 1850; Mary A., November 27, 1852; Wealthy, September 7, 1856, and died October 24, 1866; Addis A., January 18, 1861. Solomon. B. Welch died at his homestead in this township October 23, 1802. His widow still resides there, and relates that when she first settled there, traveling, was all done a-foot or on horseback. The meetings were hold in schoolhouses or at private residences. There was scarcely any fruit except wild plums and gooseberries but they had plenty of maple sirup and sugar, which was used 'in place of fruit, Eggs sold for 3 cents per dozen, and they would receive but $1.50 per hundred weight for pork, after carrying it to Delaware. Their clothing was all made from flax and wool, spun in the family. Mrs. Welch still enjoys was good health, is a pleasant, genial and worthy type of the pioneer women and long may her years be numbered among those of the living. She is a member of the Methodist Church. Uriah H. Welch, farmer, son of the above, enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Delaware, Ohio, September 1862, to serve in the war of the rebellion. He honorably participated in many battles, and was one of Gen. Sherman's army on its famous march to the sea. He served until the close of the war in 1865.

DAVID M. WESTON, (Green Camp Township) third son of John and Maria (Chard) Weston. was born near the village of Green Camp March 25, 1859. His parents, of English stock, had eight children, six living-John C., William D., David N., Richard A.. Willis E. and Alice J. James A. and an infant are deceased. The subject of this sketch, coming to man's estate, was united in marriage, at Mount Olive Church, June 9, 1880, to Miss Laura Carey, William A. and Mary Carey's daughter. They have a daughter-Clarence Burdelle-aged two years. Mr. Weston was educated at the Lebanon Normal School, and is a rising young farmer. His farm consists of sixty acres, for which he paid $45 per acre, and has since refused $65 per acre. Politically, he prefers the Democratic party.

JOHN WESTON (Green Camp Township) was born in "York" State, January 2, 1819, the son of William and Mary (Elmer) Weston, whose parents were natives of England and Germany, emigrating to Ticonderoga, N. Y., at a very early day. They died there about 1827, leaving three children-John, Stephen and Esther. John Weston, when a young man, came to Ross County, Ohio, working upon the Ohio Canal about three years. While there, he married Elizabeth Right, April 2, 1847, who was born in 1825, and died August 17, 1849, the mother of one child, deceased. Mr. Weston's second marriage occurred November 20, 1851, to Mariah P., daughter of James and Sarah (Burnett) Chard. Six of their eight children are living-John C., born September 1, 1854; William D., November 8, 1856; David M., March 25, 1859; Richard A., May 26, 1862; Willis E., October 27, 1864; and Sarah A., October 9, 1867. They lost two infant sons. Mr. Weston can well be classed among the Marion County pioneers for he moved to his farm of 150 acres in 1855, when it was a dense forest, but, as the fruit of his industry, he has now a cleared and highly improved farm, with a desirable home. It is stocked with fine grades, and he ranks well as a farmer. Mr. Weston served two successive term as Trustee of the township. As a citizen, he is substantial; as a Democrat, true; as a Christian, faithful to the Free-Will Baptist Church, to which his wife also belongs.

GEORGE J. WICK (Richland Township) was born November 12, 1854, and is a native of Richland Township. He is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Wilt) Wick, who came from Germany in 1832. At first they bought eighty acres, where our subject now resides. But prosperity had so highly favored their labors, that when the father passed away, he left an estate of $50,000. The family numbered seven children, C. Jacob being the eldest. The father died in 1878, aged fifty-eight years, while the mother died in 1866. Our subject having obtained a limited education, inherited by the death of his father his farm of eighty acres, upon which stands a house built in 1862, at a cost of $2,000. The large barn was built in 1874 for $1,000. Mr. Wick breeds the best of graded stock. He received from his father's estate in money and land $6,000, and is worth to-day some $8,000. April 1, 1877, he married Miss Minnie, daughter of Edward Stickel. The names of their two children are Jacob E. and Charles W. His family associate with the Lutheran Church.

ANDREW M. WILLIAMS, (Claridon Township) merchant, Claridon Township, Marion County, Ohio, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 8, 1823, the son of Andrew and Mary (Allison) Williams, natives of the same State, but of English and Irish ancestry respectively. In 1831, they removed with their family of eight children to Ohio, stopping in Fairfield County until 1834, when they came to Marion County, where they both died. Mr. Williams died when about sixty-three years old. Mrs. W. died in Claridon Township February 1, 1870, having been born July 28, 1785. The common schools of Ohio gave Mr. Williams a practical education. He wedded, March 14, 1844, Miss Susan Owen, a daughter of William and Rena Owen, and born October 14, 1827. Their eleven children are as follows: Sarah J., born November 14, 1844; Ann E., born October 16, 1849; William, born February 17, 1852; George, born August 15, 1854; Perry E., born November 13, 1858; Flora, born September 16, 1865; Susan, born January 5, 1869; Henry J., born August 3, 1847, dying April 10, 1849; Minerva S., born August 16, 1861, dying April 19, 1865; Mary, born February 1, 1856, dying March 27, 1876; and Martha E., born January 22, 1864, dying July 22, 1876. Mr. W. has continued a resident of this county since 1834, farming until 1850. He then moved to Claridon, engaging in the mercantile trade, which he has ever since successfully conducted. His is the only dry goods store in the place, having a stock of about $2,500; he is doing a profitable business. He is a respected citizen, and has been Chief Magistrate and Treasurer of the Township two years each. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (a Trustee) and a generous supporter of the same, and is an honored member of the F. & A. M.

BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, (Marion Township) of Welsh parentage, was born at Salem, N. J., in 1775, soon afterward, his parents removed to Romney, Va. In 1801, he was married to Jane Hood, in Allegheny County, Md.; removed to Salt Creek Township, Ross Co., Ohio, in 1904, and from there to Delaware, Ohio, in 1812, and. from there to what is now Waldo Township, Marion County, in 1814, and from there to Pickaway County in 1817. This last move was caused by the severe cold year of 1816, by which entire crops were destroyed. He returned to Waldo Township in 1822, and from there he removed to the village of Marion in 1825, and he died in Marion in 1843. Jane, his wife, survived him fourteen years, and died in Marion in 1857, They had three sons and six daughters, to wit: Deborah, who died in Ross County, at the age of seven years; Martha, married Alfred Randall, in Waldo Township, in 1824, and died near Indianapolis, Ind.; Sarah, married Levi H. Randall, in Marion, in 1826, and died in Marion; Elizabeth, married James Beatty, in Marion, in 1826, and died in Erie County, Ohio; John H., married Volinda Lampson, of Sandusky City, Ohio, an died in that city; Joseph J., married Jane S. Beatty, in Sandusky City, and died in Marion; Benjamin H., married Nancy Leonard, in Marion, and now resides at Peoria, Ill.; Jane D., married Walter Williams, and is now living at Shelby, Ohio; Tabitha D. married B. F. Clark, October 4, 1848, and died in Allenton, Mo., September 13, 1859. No deaths occurred in this family for thirty years, and since then all these families have been separated by death, with the exception of Benjamin H. and wife. All the rest have died except , Jane D., the youngest child, and Volinda, the widow of John H. In 1825, when Mr. Williams came to the village of Marion, there were fourteen families then living in the place, to wit: Eber Baker, Benjamin Davis, John Tootle, George Holloway, H. Gorton, G. H. Busby, A. C. Priest, Andrew Smith, John O'Harra, James Hillman, Henry Peters, William and Samuel Holmes, Adam Uncapher. All the above adults are dead, with the exception of Henry Peters.

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, (Claridon Township) son of Andrew M. and Susan (Owen) Williams, is a native of Claridon Township, born August 15, 1854. He obtained a good education in the common schools, finishing when aged nineteen years. He continued at home until he was wedded, September 10, 1878, to Miss Mary L. Miller, a daughter of Obadiah and Martha (Thew) Miller, and two children were theirs-Walter W.. born November 16, 1880, and James, born July 8, 1879, dying November 8, 1879. Mrs. William was born February l3, 1856. Mr. Williams is an enterprising and respected young man. In the spring of 1882, he was elected Treasurer of the township, and reelected in 1883. He is owner of a comfortable home in Claridon, and is a stanch Democrat.

AMOS H. WILSON (Montgomery Township) is a native of Marion County, born February 7, 1843, the son of Amos C. and Mary A. (Bishop) Wilson, of Scotch and English ancestry respectively. The father was one of the early pioneers to this is county, settling on the Whetstone River. He was one of the first Commissioners of the county, an enthusiastic Republican, and accumulated a fair estate for his eleven children, dying December 25, 1855. He left a request that after burial in the old graveyard, his remains should be removed later to the new one. Seventeen years afterward, this request was complied with, his body being found in an almost perfect state of preservation. Amos H. was an adept, when a youth, at mastering the common branches, especially mathematics. When aged twenty-seven years, he engaged in the mercantile business at Marion, having, however, previously married, June 27, 1866. Fannie Guyton, of Clark County, daughter of James and Isabel Guyton, of English descent. One heir has blessed this marriage-Louis B., born July 1, 1867. This wife died in 1868; he again married October 25, 1876, Virginia C. Showen, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Boyer) Showen, and three children have been born to them-Byron E. (1907), born August 1, 1878; Amos C., November 12, 1879, and Frank A., September 2, 1877, and dying fifteen days later. Mr. Wilson served an apprenticeship, three years, learning the shoemaker's trade. He then engaged in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes for thirteen years, Charles H. Terpany buying him out. He then moved to Montgomery Township, purchasing ninety acres of valuable land. He has recently erected a suitable farm residence, and made other desirable improvements. He is an enthusiastic politician, and a hearty supporter of the Republican party. James Guyton, the father of Mr. Wilson's first wife, was born February 6, 1818, and died at Vicksburg, Miss June 10, 1863, a member of the Union Army, Tenth Ohio Cavalry. His wife, Isabel, was born March 9, 1818, and died December 1, 1865. Amos C. Wilson was born February 7, 1792, and died December 23, 1856. His third wife, Mary A. Graves, was born April 28, 1799, and is still living.

SAMUEL WILSON, (Waldo Township) deceased, was born in Fauquier County, Old Virginia, September 15, 1808, and was a son of Samuel and Mary Wilson, of Virginia and England respectively. They came to Muskingum County, Ohio, about 1820. On the death of Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Wilson again married, and moved to Big Island Township, where he died. Our subject was brought up mainly in Muskingum County. On September 19, 1830, he married Lovina, daughter of Hiram and Sarah (King) Swain, the former of New Jersey, the latter of 'Virginia. Mr. Swain served as a private in the war of 1812. They moved to Ohio in 1818, settling in Muskingum County; thence they went to Darke County, where they both died. Mrs. Wilson was born in Fayette County, Penn., June 30, 1800. To this union were born nine children, six living-Harriet (wife of A. B. Bress), Marv (wife of jasper Mutchler). Harvey, Martha (wife of James Leonard), Elizabeth (wife of Thomas Stone of Columbus) and Samuel J. The deceased are Laban, Katurah and Sarah. Samuel J., the youngest of the family living, was born on the homestead April 17, 1852. He was reared on the farm and had a common school education. When he came of age, he fell into possession of eighty-three acres of the homestead farm, and in March 1882, he bought forty-five acres more of the homestead, making a total of 128 acres. In addition to farming, he engages extensively in stock-raising. On June 4, 1873, he was married to Emma E., daughter of Elijah and Sarah White. She was born in Mansfield, Ohio, November 22, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of two children, one living-Lawrence Richard, born December 7, 1875. Clarence Jesse, born July 31, 1874, died August 31, 1875. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Waldo, in which he is Trustee, Class Leader and Steward.

WILLIAM WITTRED, (Claridon Township) son of William and Mary (Miller) Wittred, was born in Norfolk, England, December 15, 1820. He emigrated to the United States with his four children in 1857, locating in Claridon Township, The mother of his children is Martha, married in the same country April 4, 1840, a daughter of John and Mary E. (Thew) Bothamly. Three of their children survive-Marv, born April 25, 1841, wife of Henry Key, residents of Richland Township; William P., born April 28, 1845, of Claridon Township, and Martha, born June 14, 1847, wife of James S. Irey, of the same township. Samuel M. entered the civil war October 1, 1862, in Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and six days later his regiment joined Gen. Rosecrans, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and while building fortifications was attacked by typhoid fever, and died April 26, 1863, aged twenty years one month and one day. Mrs. Wittred was born February 6, 1817, and is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. W. holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a worthy citizen, and affiliates with the Republican party.

WILLIAM P. WITTRED (Claridon Township) is a native of Norfolk, England, born April 28, 1845. He acquired the rudiments of an education in old England, but completed his common school learning in Claridon Township, when seventeen. He lived with his uncle, Charles Smith, of Marion, two years, and with another uncle, William Thew, two more years. He worked for several years for Jacob Howser, James Lawrence and James L. Douce. October 1, 1876, he married Ida E. Clagett, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth G. (Schooley) Clagett. Their union has been crowned with two children, one living-William, born May 17, 1880. An infant son died May 3, 1878. Mr. Wittred is an industrious and respectable young man, a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday school, as well as his wife. He is a Class-leader.

JOHN WIXTEAD (Green Camp Township) is the third son of John and Wineford (McCough) Wixtead, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America about 1852, settling in Marion County. The father, with the assistance of the sons, cleared 160 acres of land, which now is in a grand state of cultivation. They were the parents of nine children, six living-William, Charles, Patrick, Mary, John and Katie; Michael, Charles and William are deceased. Mr. Wixtead, having a fair education, married, April 19, 1875, Kate Dewyer, daughter of John and Bridget Dewyer, whose family consisted of four children-Bridget, Mary, John and Rate. John Dewyer died in Ireland about 1855; his wife died October 17, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Wixtead have had born to them three children, of whom two are now living-Kate M. and Winnifred -aged five and throe years respectively. Mary W. is deceased. Mr. Wixtead owns the old homestead of eighty-three acres, and has the management of eighty acres belonging to his brother Patrick, a dealer in timber and lumber of Marion Township. He gives his attention wholly to farming and the raising of fine stock. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

JOHN WIXTEAD (Big Island Township) is the third son of John and Winifred (McCough) Wixtead, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America about 1852, settling in Marion County. The father, with the assistance of his sons, cleared 160 acres of land, which is now in a good state of cultivation. They were the parents of nine children, six living-William, Charles, Patrick, Mary, John and Katie; Michael, Charles and William are deceased. John, having a fair education, married, April 19, 1875, Katie Dwyer, daughter of John and Bridget Dwyer, whose family consisted of four children-Bridget, Mary, John and Kate. John Dwyer died in Ireland about 1855; his wife died October 17, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Wixtead have had born to them three children, two now living-Kate M. and Winifred, aged five and three years respectively. Mary W. is deceased. Mr. W. owns the old homestead of eighty-three acres, and has the management of eighty acres belonging to his brother Patrick, a dealer in timber and lumber in Marion. He gives his attention wholly to farming and to rearing fine stock. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM WIXTEAD (Big Island Township) is a native of Ireland, born in 1848, the son of John and Winifred Wixtead. He remained at home. until he was married, in 1874, to Mary Kerse, daughter of John and Kate Kerse, also natives of the Emerald Isle. These people were the parents or four children, three surviving-Thomas, James and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Wixtead have had born to them three cbildren-Michael (eight, years old), Kate (five years) and an infant. Mr. W. began life a poor boy, but through industry and perseverance he owns at present eighty acres of land, mostly well improved. His farm is a part of the old homestead. He keeps good stock. He is a member of the Democratic party, and, with his wife, of the Catholic Church.

HENRY R. WOLFE, (Salt Rock Township) deceased, was a worthy pioneer of Grand Township, and settled there in 1835. He was born in Adams County, Penn. in 1800, and while yet a young man came to Marion County. He had then a wife and three children. His wife died in 1839. and he was married in 1840 to Studia Baker. He died October 23, 1879, leaving a widow and six children in comfortable circumstances. He was much respected as a citizen, and had held at different times nearly all the township offices, and was Justice of the Peace for nine years. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He moved to Salt Rock Township in 1850, where he died at his homestead. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

NELSON L. WOLFE, (Salt Rock Township) farmer, son of Henry R. Wolfe, was born in Marion County March 24, 1837, and has lived in Salt Rock Township since he was thirteen years of age. He was educated in the township schools. He was drafted into the army in 1862, and served a short time as a soldier in the civil war. March 29, 1866, he was married to Eunice Matteson, of Wyandot County, Ohio. On attaining his majority, Mr. Wolfe had very little financial means, but by industry and good management has become the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres, on which he resides. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and is a member of and Deacon in the Church of God."

ELIAS WOLFINGER (Richland Township) (1907) was born July 20, 1848, in Richland Township, the son of Jacob and Christiana Wolfinger, who came from Germany about 1836, buying ninety-six acres, which increased to 119 acres in time. The father cleared sixty-five acres of timbered land. He reared a family of nine children, and died in 1879, aged seventy-four years. The mother died in 1851 aged thirty-four years. Our subject having obtained a moderate education: inherited and purchased the old homestead of ninety-six acres, which is well-drained and fenced. He built a good house in 1862, at a cost of $800, and he has greatly increased its facilities this season, expending thereon $1,000. October 20, 1874, he married Miss Caroline Hall, daughter of Frederick and Caroline Hall. This union has been blessed with four children-Samuel A., Anna R., John F., and William H. This family associate with the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat, but liberal in his views.

WILLIAM WOLFINGER (Green Camp Township) was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 8, 1836, He is the son of Jacob F. and Gertrude (Pfifer) Wolfinger, who were natives of Wuerttemberg, Germany, and leaving the "Fatherland," settled upon ninety-six acres of timber land in Richland Township, this county, paying $4.44 per acre. He succeeded in clearing this and also in raising seven children.-Jobn V., William J., Eliza, Catherine, Adam F., Caroline and Elias; Lena and Samuel are deceased. Both parents have passed away, the father January 2, 1879. The subject of this sketch is a prominent farmer, devoting considerable attention to fine stock. His farm is located four miles west of Green Camp Village, kept in an exemplary manner. September 1, 1865, he married Louisa, daughter of Jacob F. and Margaret R. Kratzer, the latter having eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfinger have five daughters-Maggie, Eliza, Alice, Sarah and Dora-aged sixteen, fourteen, eighteen, eleven and three years respectively. Mr. Wolfinger is a representative citizen, a Democrat in politics; was elected Assessor in 1878, and Land Appraiser in 1880. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

JOHN A. WOLFORD, (Marion Township) (1907) attorney, was born in Green Camp Township March 15, 1853. He is the youngest son and only living child of John and Louisa (Gephart) Wolford. He remained on the farm till the fall of 1871, when he entered upon a collegiate course in Hillsdale (Mich.) College, and graduated in the classical department in 1877. He had begun the study of law in 1876, and after his graduation he continued his legal studies with J. F. McNeal. In December 1878, he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court, and January 1, 1879, he formed a law partnership with his preceptor. July 1, 1882, he was admitted to practice in the United States' Courts. Mr. Wolford has taken the front rank among the younger lawyers of the Marion County bar, and as an attorney he has good success, November 1, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary A. Johnston, daughter of Daniel Z. Johnston, of Monroe County, Mich. Mrs. Wolford was born in Humberston, Ontario, February 3, 1853, and graduated in the scientific course of Hillsdale College, in the class of 1877. Mr. Wolford is a member of the Masonic order, and is the youngest High Priest ever elected to preside over Marion Chapter, No. 62.

JOHN G. WOLFORD (Green Camp Township) was born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, June 4, 1830, the son of John G. and Mary (Krouse) Wolford, who crossed the sea in 1832, entering the port of Baltimore, Md., but settling in Trumbull County, Ohio, for twelve years, and removing to Green Camp in 1845, and purchasing eighty-three acres of land, principally woodland; the most of it he cleared. He was married March 30, 1855, and has had four children -Louisa M., dying August 20, 1868; Mary E., Lewis H. and Emma L. survive. Mr. Wolford is a self-matte man and is the owner of 263 acres of highly cultivated land, located three-fourths of a mile northwest of Green Camp Village. He rears fine stock, is a respected citizen, and affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Louisa R. Wolford, wife of J. G. Wolford, was born in Pennsylvania March 29, 1829, the daughter of John A. and Rebecca Gephard, natives of Germany. He was a soldier for eight years in the German Army; was wounded in head and hand. They emigrated to the United States years ago, and only three of their nine children are living-Samuel, Louis and Louisa. Mrs. Wolford has always resided upon the farm, devoting bar attention to domestic duties, and upon the present lace since 1847. Herself, husband and family, are members of the Free will Baptist Church, and she is also identified with the Woman's Mission Society since its organization at Green Camp.

F. M. WOOD (Big Island Township) is one of the reliable men of Big Island Township, a native of the game, and the son of Isaac and Hannah Wood, who came here from Now Jersey. Mr. Wood was the youngest of thirteen children. September 20, 1865, he married Miss A. Z. Southwick, daughter of Jonathan Southwick, of Big Island Township. This union has been crowned by two daughters-Ada F. and Ira A. Mr. W. inherited forty-eight acres from his father, which by thrift he has increased to 110 acres, worth $70 per acre. He has improved this farm with a good house, a new barn and suitable buildings generally. Nearly every rod of his farm is arable. He makes a specialty of corn and grass. His farm is stocked with the best varieties. Mr. W. was Township Trustee for one year, and himself and wife are exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Steward for several years.

GEORGE S. WOOD (Big Island Township) is a native of Big Island Township, born October 7, 1854, the son of Hampton and Susanna Wood. His marriage to Miss Sarah E. Tufts, daughter of Rev. John Tufts, of the Free-Will Baptist Church, took place October 1, 1877. The names of their three living children are Clarence, Ethel and Jeannette. In 1879, he bought and inherited his home of ninety acres, valued now at $75 per acre. He is draining and improving, his farm generally, and anticipates building soon. He has fine stock of all varieties. Mr. W. has owned a one-fifth interest in a Huber thresher and a Galion engine for three years. They threshed in one day 900 bushels of oats, setting twice, and 650 of wheat another day, setting the same number of times.

HAMPTON WOOD (Big Island Township) is the oldest living settler in Big Island Township. He was born in 1813, a native of New Jersey and a son of Isaac and Sarah Wood, of Scotch-Irish descent, who came to Marion County, from Clark County, Ohio, in the spring of 1822, entering 160 acres of land, raising a family of twelve children. They drove an ox-team and wagon, bringing plow and farm implements with them. Around him were Taylor, Beech, Clark, the Carpenters, Croy and Jones Cope; the latter he said was the first settler in this county. Isaac Wood was a great worker, raising frequently 100 acres of both wheat and corn. In that very early day he would split 100 rails for a bushel of corn, and take it thirty miles to mill. At first, his children were compelled to go barefooted all winter. Mr. Hampton Wood commenced teaching when aged twenty-one years, and taught fourteen terms very successfully. He married, in 1846, Miss Susanna Marsh, daughter of Mahlon and Mary A. (Yazel) Marsh, of Salt Rock Township. Twelve children were born to this union, two dying young; they are Olive (Jacob Yauger's widow), Marsh, John, Dr. James Wood (of La Rue), George, Scott, Eliza (wife of Absalom Rhodes), Pearl; Lawrence and Myrta. He purchased his present residence in 1843, then of eighty acres, which by industry he has increased to 488 acres. He owns land, also, elsewhere, having a total of 800 acres. His property was valued at one time at $45,000. He has given each child $3,100. He, together with his wife, inherited $2,900 from their parents. Notwithstanding Mr. W. has been lame all his life, he has done some good days' work. In one season he mowed thirty days for his father, averaging two acres per day; he cradled 120 dozen of wheat in a day; split 400 rails in same time, and, with ten other hands, he reaped 480 dozen of wheat, with sickle. His brother Jeremiah cut 180 dozen stout wheat in a day, requiring a raker and two binders to follow. He could also split 200 rails per day easily. He and wife have been consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, he holding nearly every office. His wife died in 1878, aged fifty-five years. His neighbors have honored him with many township offices-Constable, Treasurer, Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He is still strong, though somewhat deaf, waiting for. the call of the Master. His portrait is found upon another page.

ISAAC M. WOOD, (Big Island Township) son of the above, was married, September 11, 1873, to Miss Irene Young, daughter of Jacob and Mary Young. Their three living children are Grace, Harry and Dever. Mr. W. rented for three years in Salt Rock Township, and bought there, in 1876, a farm of eighty acres. He sold that, and purchased, where he now resides, in 1882, eighty acres, paying $48 per acre, worth at present $62.50 per acre. He is buying considerable tile, and keeps fine grade stock. He has followed threshing for five seasons. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Kosciusko Lodge of Marion, No. 58.

JAMES M. WOOD, M. D., (Montgomery Township) was born in Big Island Township, Marion County, March 1, 1853, and is a son of Hampton Wood, an early settler of that township, and mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Dr. Wood passed his early years on his father's farm in Big Island Township. From the age of eighteen to twenty-three years, he followed the calling of a teacher, though during this time he attended three terms as a student at the Ridgeville College, at Ridgeville, Ind. When twenty-three years of age, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. R. C. Bowdish, of Big Island. He pursued his studies with Dr. Bowdish three years, meantime attending lectures at the Columbus Medical College, graduating at that institution in 1879, and soon after commenced the practice of his profession at Yelverton, Hardin County. The following year the Doctor moved to La Rue, where he has since resided, and besides his practice owns and operates a drug store. In October 1882, the Doctor took in Mr. M. H. Virden as a partner in the drug business, the firm now being Wood & Virden. Dr. Wood was married November 1879, to Lucy F. Potter, a daughter of Josiah Potter, of Dudley Township, Hardin County. They have two children-Mamie Ella and Aubry Hampton. Dr. Wood was appointed Postmaster at La Rue in 1881, and acted until April 10, 1883.

WILLIAM B. WOOD (Big Island Township) is one of the old and respected men of Big Island Township. He was burn November 24, 1825, the son of Isaac and Hannah Wood, settlers of this place. (See Hampton Wood's sketch for further particulars.) In the winter of 1847, Mr. W. married Miss Malinda Wooley, daughter of Nicholas Wooley, of Hardin County, Ohio. Two children were born in this family, Milton M. surviving. Mrs. W. died in 1854, aged twenty-three years, and Mr. W. married again, February 1, 1855, Miss Rebecca Skates, daughter of Malachijah and Barbara Skates, of this place. Eleven children have been born to them, three dying young; the living are William, Flora C. (wife of Samuel Strutter), Malinda (wife of Daniel Strutter), Edwin, Clara M., Louella A., Nellie M. (most severely scalded February 27, 1883). Mr. W. received, by inheritance, fifty-five acres of his home, to which he has added forty acres, all valued at $75 per acre. He owns, also, 150 acres in Iowa. He lives in a respectable house, built in 1879. He has been a hard worker, having cleared fifty acres of timber land. In a single day he has cut and split 250 rails, mowed three acres of grass and cradled five acres of wheat, and during the winter of 1845-46, he split 5,000 rails, at .50 cents per hundred.

JAMES F. WOTTRING, (Prospect Township) (1907) all made from flax and wool, spun in the family. Assistant Cashier of the Prospect Bank, was born in this township July 21, 1852, and is a son of Louis and Rachel L. (Waters) Wottring. Until eighteen years of age, he clerked in his father's grocery store. At this age, too, he learned the painter's trade, but now, as above stated, is acting as Assistant Cashier of the Prospect Bank. In politics, Mr. W. advocates the principles as represented by the Democratic party, and has served the township and village in various offices. He is now Justice of the Peace, has been Clerk of the village si nee 1878 and Township Clerk since 1880. He has been Clerk of the Village School District for two years, and member of the Village Board of Education for three years. He is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 483, IOOF, and of the Richwood Encampment, No. 185. He was married, December 24, 1874, to Lydia D. Leist, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Gast) Leist. Mr. W. has a family of two children-Louis Claud, born September 9, 1876, and Margaret Ethel, born January 8, 1881.

L. H. WOTTRING, (Prospect Township) (1907) retired merchant and farmer, was born at Stockertown, Northampton Co., Penn., February 5, 1827, and came to this county with his parents, Jacob J. and Hannah (Mohr) Wottring, in 1839. He was married, September 3, 1848, to Rachel L. Waters, a daughter of N. B. Waters, an early settler of Prospect, and formerly of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wottring was engaged in mercantile pursuits for many years; first as a clerk in a dry goods store, then, with his brother. carried on the grocery business at Clyde, Sandusky County, for eighteen months, when lie returned to Prospect, where he opened and conducted a grocery store until four years ago; he then closed out, and retired to live on his farm of 109 acres, a half mile north of Prospect Village, where he occupies his time in overseeing his farm. Mr. Wottring is a member of the IOOF, also member of Mizpah Encampment of Marion, and is a charter member of the lodge in Prospect Village. In politics, he is a Democrat.

MRS. PRISCILLA WRENN (Tully Township) is a pleasant landlady, living at Three Locusts, Ohio, and was born December 22, 1836, in Kenton County, Ky. She was the oldest child of John and Alice Atkinson, natives of New York, Her father came from Durham County, England, about 1820. The Lord Mayor of Sunderland, England, is her own cousin; his father built a ship with his own money, christening it "Mary Mathew " after his wife. Mrs, Wrenn's ancestors came from Scotland. When aged eighteen years, she married John W. Burton, a wealthy citizen of Boone County, Ky., thus connecting herself by blood and marriage to many of the first families of Kentucky. Mr. Burton was a slaveholder, having at one time twenty-five slaves, many of them very valuable; one sold for $1,200, another for $950, and a third for $850. Mr. B. was "drafted" into the Confederate army, buying his way out, but her father and brothers were captured in Missouri by the Union army. Mr. Burton died of consumption at the age of forty-eight years. Mrs. B. married Alfred Wrenn. of Morrow County, Ohio, June 12, 1875. This union did not prove happy, so they lived together only three and a quarter years. In 1878, Mrs. W. purchased fifty-three acres of land near the village of Three Locusts, and is at present keeping (1883) a respectable boarding house. She presides very cheerfully at her board, giving the stranger little suspicion that she once was a belle of Kentucky. Her children by Mr. B. are John W., Susan M. (wife of Albert Tullilove), Laura M. (wife of Clay Vance), and William W. Mrs. W. has been a member of the Church of Christ for thirty years.

G. H. WRIGHT (Marion Township) has led a worthy and successful career. Born upon a farm August 16, 1828, in Jefferson, Washington Co., N. Y., his facilities for obtaining an education were limited; but having an intense love for study, he attended the Argyle Academy the winter term of 1844-45, upon his own resources. In 1847, he made arrangements with his brother, Prof. D. W. Wright, the Principal of the academy, to prosecute his studies further, by sawing wood for board and tuition; but his brother's untimely death, the same year, suddenly closed his literary pursuits. He then returned to his father's home, in Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., on "Baton Kill," a branch of the Hudson River. Mr. Wright entered the pedagogic field in early life. Notwithstanding his academic career was cut short, he thoroughly mastered the principles of the common branches and taught many terms. For two years he was Superintendent of Schools in his native State. He taught his first term, however, when aged nineteen years, in Clinton County, amid the Adirondack Mountains, on the Au Sable River, In all, he numbered six winter terms, two in Abram Monnett's district, Scott Township, Marion County, and several terms in Macon County. 111. In 1853, he came to Huron, Erie Co., Ohio, and began buying cattle for his brother, F. H. Wright, and Hiram Slocum, Mayor of Troy, N. Y. He continued with them four summer seasons, cattle dealing and beef packing, teaching during the winters; the last summer or two he was engaged in. Illinois. He returned to Ohio in the spring of 1857, purchasing 480 acres of land, located in Portage Township, Wood Co., Ohio, paying $5.000 for it. He made all the improvements, and the same year built a frame residence, said to be the finest house of its kind in the county. He, bought this farm in partnership with his uncle, Clark Woodard, then of Huron, now of Cambridge, N. Y. His outlay, above purchase money, was over $5,000 for the improvements, and the farm was known as the "old Cady farm." December 29, 1857, he was united in marriage with Martha E. Monnett, oldest daughter of Abram Monnett, and they moved to their farm the following March. Mr. Wright organized there, in 1858, the first Sabbath school, and was active in its behalf; that point became a regular preaching place thereafter. In the spring of 1861, he sold his interests there and removed to Bucyrus Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, purchasing a farm of 120 acres, which numbers today 385 acres, in a good state of cultivation. He owns 700 acres in Crawford, Wyandot, Henry and Marion Counties, and 480 acres in Portage, and Adams Counties, Wis. Thus he is the owner of 1, 180 acres of arable land. Mr. Wright has made all the improvements of his home farm, which did consist of 225 acres, but having added 160 acres in 1881, it numbers as above. He did not abate his stock-dealing until he acquired his residence in Marion. This he carried on most extensively, and was very successful. February 8, 1865, he met a serious loss by having his residence, while undergoing repairs, entirely destroyed by fire, together with the furniture; and other misfortunes overtook him to the extent of $28,000. He, however, recovered himself, by handling stock and by calling into activity his unlimited energy, expended in various directions. He is gratified to say, too, that he received through his wife a handsome legacy in land and money. He became a resident of Marion October 3, 1882. Mrs. Wright is a native of Scott Township, born November 26, 1838. They have had ten children-Mattie E. (deceased), Earl P., Helen A. (died from an injury January 1, 1881, aged eighteen years), Gertrude M., Ada M., Libbie B., Charles H., Carrie, Clark W. and George A. While in Crawford County, Mr. W. and family were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former very actively; but in 1879 they united with the Presbyterian Church. He was formerly a Democrat, but at present a Republican, casting his first Republican vote for Salmon P. Chase. Mr. Wright still takes great pride in raising stock, keeping usually about two hundred head. He is one of the solid, influential men of Marion County, and he can well afford to retire to the enjoyment of the products of his well-directed energies.

DAVID H. WYATT (deceased) (Waldo Township) was born in what is now Waldo Township, Marion County, Ohio, November 25, 1823, and was the second son and third child of Samuel and Levina (Brundage) Wyatt. who had a family of nine children. He was reared on the old homestead and educated at the common schools. His father died ---- -, 1842, aged forty-two years and his mother resides in Waldo Township. Our subject was married, July 4, 1853, to Mary S., daughter of Abram and Margaret (Crawford) Conklin, of Vermont and Now Jersey respectively. Mr. Conklin and his brother Jacob came to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Waldo Township. Mrs. Conklin came to this County with her mother immediately after the close of the war of 1812. They were married near the Waldo MiI1s, about the year 1824. Mr. Conklin died in February 187-, aged - - - years. Mrs. Conklin had preceded him in September 1841. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Wyatt is the third, born in Westfield Township, ---- County, September 29, 1826. Our subject and his wife have had four children-Charles E. and Ada, living; John Q. and Eva are deceased. Mr. Wyatt became the owner of ninety-seven acres of the home stead, and on this farm the first tree was cut in Waldo Township. Fort Morrow is situated on the farm and it was on this land that the first log house was built in Marion County. The first brick house in Marion County, was erected on Mr. Wyatt's property. Our subject enlisted. September 21, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was taken ill on the march, and died at Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 11, 1864. He and his family were members of the United Brethren Church of Waldo, of which Mr. Wyatt was one of the leading members and most active workers. In politics, he was a Republican

JAMES B. WYATT, (Marion Township) hardware merchant, and a descendant of one of the first pioneer families of Marion County, was born in Marlborough-now Waldo-Township, September 7, 1836. He is the youngest son of Rev. Samuel D. and Lovina (Brundige) Wyatt. He was reared on the old homestead, one of the first cleared farms in Marion County; he spent two years, 1856-57, in the Ohio Wesleyan University, after which he returned to the farm and followed this pursuit until 1874. He then moved to Marion, and engaged in the hardware and implement business, now carrying a stock of $10.000 and having a good trade. June 4, 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Bailey, daughter of Israel and Elizabeth Bailey. Mrs. Wyatt was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 12, 1838. To them two children were born, only one of whom-Anna May-is living. Nellie died at the age of two and a half years. In 1864, Mr. Wyatt was First Duty Sergeant of Company C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Ohio National Guards. He was honorably discharged August 26, 1864. Mr. Wyatt and lady are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marion.

JOHN B. WYATT (Prospect Township) was born 0ctober 18, 1826, in what is now Waldo Township, but formerly Marlborough Township, Delaware County. His parents were Samuel D. and Lavina (Brundige) Wyatt, both natives of Now York State and pioneers in this county. John B. remained. with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. Up to this time he had attended the common schools of the township. He then attended a select school at Marion for six months, and the following winter taught school. In the summer of 1850, he attended the university at Delaware, Ohio, for five months, and the next winter taught school at Prospect Village. In the summer of 1851, he formed a partnership 'with Stephen Curren, and they opened a dry goods store at Norton. This continued but one season, when he, with his brother David, went to La Rue, where they built a house. It was commenced in 1851 and finished the next year, and the second house erected in La Rue after the village plat was laid out. Mr. Wyatt had bought the lot some time before. His brother had never been there until they went to build; there was no sign of streets or any improvements; nothing but stumps and an old pasture field; his brother was vexed, and declared that the place would never amount to anything, but finally consented to go ahead and build. They sold this building the next year, 1853, and Mr. Wyatt returned to Prospect and opened a dry goods store and continued for three years, when he sold out and bought 158 acres of land four miles east of Prospect Village, in Waldo Township, for which he paid $8.25 per acre. The land was in a perfectly wild condition and unimproved, but is now in a high state of cultivation, with fine buildings and other improvements. He still owns this property. He lived there fill November 1881, when he moved to Prospect Village, where he had previously erected a fine brick residence, near the depot, in which he now resides with his family. Previous to moving to Prospect, he was for three years engaged in buying and shipping grain, at Prospect, for Mr. Do Wolfe, of Marion. He then formed a partnership with Watkins Brothers, under the firm name of Wyatt & Watkins Bros., for the purpose of doing a general warehouse business, as noted on a preceding page. Mr. Wyatt was formerly a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and afterward of the United Brethren Church, but as neither of these denominations hold regular services at Prospect Village, Mr. Wyatt attends other meetings. In politics, he is a Republican. Mr. W. was married, April 1, 1852, to Elizabeth J. Watkins, who was born July 16, 1831, a daughter of Robert and Joan (Parry) Watkins. They have three children, named as follows: David W., born February 11, 1853; Thomas W., born September 23, 1858; Santford D., born July 10, 1865. All the boys live on the farm in Waldo Township. Mr. Wyatt is one of the most substantial and enterprising citizens of Prospect.

CHARLES WYNN, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Wales May 28, 1822; came to this county with his father, John Wynn, mentioned elsewhere. He owns 100 acres of land, with fine improvements. He, by his own labor, cleared fifty acres of this farm. He was married, in .1856, to Sarah Canons, daughter of Joseph Canons. They had four children-- Harvey A., died aged fourteen years; William E., married Fannie Mayfield, and lives in Prospect Township; C. S. and Joseph F. died, aged respectively four and a half months and five years and four months. Mr. Wynn's wife died June 26, 1877, since which time he has remained a widower.

EDWARD WYNN, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Wales, and is a son of John Wynn, Sr., mentioned elsewhere. Mr. W. lives on and owns the old homestead of his father. He has always followed the occupation of farming, though meanwhile has worked some at carpentering, He was married, November 24, 1850, to Martha Ann Canous, who was born April 4, 1833, a daughter of Joseph Canons, who was an early settler of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and afterward of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Wynn have eight children-Rachel A born October 7, 1852; Sarah Olive, July 31, 1854; Joseph H., June 13, 1857; Benjamin A., February 6, 1861; Viola M., September 12, 1863; Isaac E., July 31, 1866; Clara Iona, February 6, 1869; George Evan, July 29, 1872. Mr. Wynn is one of Prospect Township's most respected citizens.

ISAAC WYNN (Green Camp Township) is the son of David and Jane (Jones) Wynn, natives of Wales, who sailed the waters in 1840, came to Green Camp Township, and located with his father, John Wynn. The latter purchased eighty acres of forest land, occupied by his son, and now by Isaac Wynn, his grandson. David Wynn was born March 27, 1808, and died December 17, 1855. His wife died January 19, 1851, when forty-three years of age. Isaac Wynn was born April 17, 1834, and coming to man's estate, married, June 18, 1856, Louisa J., daughter of William C. and Catherine A. (Smith) Thatcher, of German extraction, but natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. The former was born September 10, 1813, and died March 13, 1859; the latter September 10, 1821, dying February 12, 1858. She was the mother of ten children, five living-Louisa J., James A., Dorcas A., William M. and Mary C.; Samuel K., Cynthia A., John E., Alexander E. and Florinda L. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. David Wynn had born to their union nine heirs-Isaac, Sarah J., Henrietta, Edward, John J., Phoebe, Elizabeth, David and Mary-the four first surviving. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Wynn's offspring are John W., William W. and Martin, who died September 22, 1863. The subject of this memoir entered the civil war September 24, 1864, at Mansfield, Ohio, Company F, One Hundred and Seventy ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He fought at Nashville, Tenn., and was wounded while guarding prisoners on route from Nashville to Springfield, Tenn. He was honorably discharged May 28, 1865, having a Surgeon's certificate of disability. Mr. Wynn is tin influential Republican and local politician, having served nine years at various times as Trustee of the township. He is connected with the IOOF. Mrs. Wynn has the honor of being the first white female child born in Delaware, Ohio. family all belong to the Free-Will Baptist Church, which they support liberally.

JOHN WYNN, (Prospect Township) farmer, is a native of Wales, and is a son of John and Phoebe (Gaugh) Wynn, mentioned elsewhere, and was born March 15, 1819. When nineteen years of age, he commenced for himself, working at farm labor. Mr. Wynn moved upon the farm which he now owns and where he lives, in 1852. It consists of. 180 acres of the most productive land in Prospect Township. The farm is well fenced and drained, and in the way of buildings is one of the most attractive places in the county. The house and outbuildings were built by Mr. Wynn, at an expense of about $4,000. He is one of the most substantial and enterprising farmers of Prospect Township, as the surroundings of his home would indicate. He voted as a Whig for Gen. Harrison. but since the formation of the Republican party has acted with them. Mr. Wynn has been married twice. The first time to Miss Mary Owens, October 24, 1844; she died fifteen months afterward, and he was married, March 16, 1848, to Sarah A. McCray. By the last marriage there are ton children, as follows: George, born January 23, 1849; Jennie, November 17, 1850; Joseph, August 31, 1852; Mary May 9, 1854; Sarah E., January 14, 1856; Emma E., February 18, 1858; John, Jr., December 25, 1859; Walter, January 27, 1862; Wilbur E., May 28, 1865; Reuben S., October 11, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Wynn are members of the United Brethren Church.

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