REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

MARION COUNTY, OHIO

HISTORY 1907

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BENJAMIN F. BAIR, a well-known citizen and experienced carpenter of Marion, was born December 8, 1854, at Bucyrus, Crawford County, Ohio, and is a son of Levi and Barbara (Cramer) Bair. Levi Bair was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry; his wife was a native of Germany. For many years before the Civil War he engaged in the manufacture of stoves and hand rakes. just after the war he was candidate for sheriff of Marion County and came nearer being elected than any candidate on the Republican ticket previous to that time. Later he moved to Iowa, where his death occurred. Benjamin F. Bair came to Marion County with his parents during the winter of 1859-60 and here was reared and educated, graduating from the common and high schools of Marion. After leaving school he became associated with The Huber Manufacturing Company, of which he was one of the first stockholders, then known as Huber, Gunn & Company, continuing with them for a number of years, and then engaged in the manufacture of tile, in Wayne County, for six years. Subsequently he returned to Marion and assisted in organizing The Marion Implement Company, with which he was connected for three years when he engaged with The Prendergast Lurnber & Coal Company, with which he has been associated since. Many years ago he learned the wood-carver's trade and is recognized as a skilled mechanic. In 1878 Mr. Bair was united in marriage to Clementine Dorward, who died in 1887. His second marriage was with Ella Winnek, who died in 1897. She was a daughter of the late William Winnek, a writer of national reputation, who died in 1905. Two children were born to this union: Burton and Bernardine, both attending school. Mr. Bair is a Republican and takes an active interest in local politics.

GEORGE W. BAKER, dealer in pianos and musical instruments at No. 214 West Center street, Marion, and also interested in the Marion Savings Bank, The Headley Drug Company and the Meredith Band Instrument Company, is one of the prominent business men of this city. He was born in 1864 in Wyandot County, Ohio, and is a son of James A. and Mary A. (Borland) Baker. The parents of Mr. Baker were natives of West Virginia. His father died when he was 14 years old, his mother having passed away when he was a child of four months. When 15 years of age, Mr. Baker found employment with farmers in the vicinity of Scott Town, Marion County, but his main interest was music, for which he has great natural talent. His father had instructed him in his early boyhood and he continued his lessons with various musicians, the last instructor being William P. Moran. When but 18 years old, he began teaching the violin and also various orchestral instruments. When 23 years of age he engaged with A. W. Brinkerhoff & Sons, of Upper Sandusky, to travel and sell musical instruments. He continued on the road until 1891, when he took charge of their interests at Marion. In 1900 Mr. Baker went into business for himself. He was one of the organizers of the People's Band, in 1892, and in 1893 he was elected leader and musical director. This musical organization is considered one of the finest in the State and numbers 26 members. In 1893 Mr. Baker was married to Gertrude A. Day:, a daughter of Allen Day, of Cochranton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Baker attend the First Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, Mr. Baker is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur, Independent Order of Foresters, Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is also a valued member of the Marion Commercial Club. He is located at No. 214 West Center street.

J. E. BAKER, M. D., who has been engaged in the practice of his professsion in the village of Caledonia for the last 12 years, was born February 9, 1857, in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a son of Hiram Edson and Margaret (Wilson) Baker.

Hiram Edson Baker, who was a native of Vermont, after his marriage drove through to Madison, Wisconsin, near which city he secured a farm. After residing in Wisconsin for about six years, he removed to Madison County, Ohio, driving from one point to the other, and thence proceeded to Morrow County, After locating in Morrow County, he was engaged for a short time as a conductor on the "Big- Four" Railroad, being conductor on the first train that ran between Gallon and Columbus. Subsequently he engaged in farming In Morrow County four miles south of Mount Gilead where his death occurred in 1902, when in his 83rd year. He married Margaret Wilson, who was born in Waldo township, Marion County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Obijah Wilson. Nine children were born to Hiram E. Baker and his wife, of whom four daughters and four sons are now living J. E. Baker was four years old when his father moved to Madison County and was 10 years old when the family located in Morrow County. He attended the schools of Cardington and Mount Gilead, after which he took a course at the normal school at Worthington. He then taught school in Morrow and Madison counties for eight years, during which period he read medicine under Drs. Green and Williams, subsequently attending the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, for three years, graduating in 1883, after which he immediately embarked in the practice of his profession at Martel, Marion County, Ohio. After nine years of practice at Martel, he sold his practice in 1892, and in company with Dr. Williams, his old preceptor, spent eight months in England, Scotland, Ireland and France , taking special studies in Guy's Hospital, London, England. In the spring of 1893, he located at Columbus, Ohio, where he practiced for one year, and then removed to Caledonia, where he has since been most successfully engaged in practicing his profession. He is a member of the Marion County and Ohio State Medical societies. Dr. Baker is also interested in one or two business enterprises of this section, being a stockholder and director in the Caledonia Deposit Bank, and also in The Fairbanks Steam Shovel Company, of Marion. On October 15, 1885, Dr. Baker was united in marriage with Rosa E. Critchfield, a native of Morrow County, Ohio, and a daughter of John D. and Margaret Critchfield. They have two children: Wave, who is attending school at Delaware; and Mildred, who is attending school at Caledonia. Dr. Baker is a Republican in politics and has served several years on the Village Council. He is a member of Caledonia Lodge, No. 299, I.0.0.F., at Caledonia. Both Dr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN BALDAUF,. a well-known general contractor at Marion, was born in Richland township, Marion County., Ohio, in 1866, and is a son of Andrew and Ernestine (Carst) Baldauf. Andrew Baldauf, who was born in Germany, came to this country in 1855 and located in Philadelphia. From there, about 1860, he came to Richland township, Marion County where he engaged in carpentering until 1868, when he removed to Jay County, Indiana, where he died in 1904. He served four years in the Civil War, enlisting in 1861, in an Ohio infantry regiment. Mrs. Baldauf is also deceased. They were the parents of 12 children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom are still living. John Baldauf was reared and educated in Jay County, Indiana, where he learned the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1890 he engaged for himself in the general contracting business at Marion and since that time, with the exception of two years, when he was in partnership with his brother George, has been conducting the business alone. He has erected many fine buildings throughout the city and county, including several large storerooms in Marion, two brick schoolhouses at Prospect, as well as others in the county. Mr. Baldauf is also a stockholder in The Headley Drug Company of Marion and The Marion Pure Milk Company. In 1890 Mr. Baldauf was united in marriage with Mary C. Leffler, a daughter of Fred Leffler, and they have seven children, as follows: John Elmer. Clarence, Owen, Mabel, Frederick, Roy and Walter (,deceased). Mr. Baldauf is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Modern Woodman of America and of the Druids. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

AMBROSE BALDWIN, who is engaged in general farming on a fine farm of 123 1/2 acres located in section 24, Salt Rock township, was born July 19, 1865, in Wyandot County, Ohio, and is a son of George W. and Elmira (Hunt) Baldwin.

George W. Baldwin, who is a native of Virginia, after reaching manhood came to Wyandot County, Ohio, where he worked for several years on a farm. He was married to Elmira Hunt, who was reared and educated in Wyandot County. They had a family of three children: Cannie, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio; Ambrose; and Horace, who is a resident of Wyandot County. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1905, but Mr. Baldwin is still living and resides at Harpster, Wyandot County, Ohio. Ambrose Baldwin was reared and educated in Wyandot County and has always been engaged in farming. After his marriage, he lived for 10 years at Harpster, but in 1897 moved to his farm in Salt Rock township, where he has made a great many improvements, including the erection of his present house in 1898. Mr. Baldwin was married November 25, 1888, to May Smith, who is a daughter of W. F. Smith, and was born in Wyandot County, Ohio. They have one child, Robert Emerson, who was born May 14, 1904. For the past seven years William Pettit has also been a member of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, who took him in childhood from the Childrens Home and have given him parental care and affection. Mr. Baldwin is interested in the Brush Ridge Threshing Company, of which he is secretary. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and the auxiliary order of Rebekahs.

JOHN HENRY BARDON, cashier of the Morral Banking Company, at Morral, has been identified with all this financial institution in his present capacity since its organization in 1895. He was born in Pitt township, Wyandot County, Ohio August 10, 1871. and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Bardon. During his boyhood and early youth, Mr. Bardon remained on his father's farm in Wyandot County. In 1887 he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he remained for two years. He then attended Wooster Academy for two terms. after which he returned to his home in Pitt township and began, teaching school at the age of 18 years. Mr. Bardon had thus thoroughly prepared himself for educational work and for a number of years he successfully followed this profession, teaching for five years in his native township, for five years in Antrim township and two years at Marseille.", Wyandot County, where he was superintendent of schools. He then came to Morral where he served two years as school superintendent just prior to taking his present position. He was generally recognized as a successful educator and invitations of a professional nature were open for his acceptance in many sections when he turned his energies to another direction. The Morral Banking Company was organized in 1895 and its officers and directors are as follows: William Mahaffey, president: Dr. C. W. Jacoby, vice-president; John H. Bardon, cashier; Benjamin F. Waples, A. A. Gottschall, S. B. Creasap and John B. Martin, directors. From the start this institution has met with success, the high character of its officials inspiring the confidence of the public. On March 31, 1895, Mr. Bardon was married to Sarah E. Bretz, a daughter of David Bretz, and they have two children, Helen and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Bardon belong to the Reformed Church. Ever since making Morral his home, Mr. Bardon has taken an active part in public affairs. he is the present city clerk. His interest in educational matters is continually shown and while a resident of Wyandot County, he served as a member of the County Board of School Examiners for a long, time. In addition to his banking business, he is the agent at Morral for the Northwestern National Fire Insurance Company and for the Home Fire Insurance Company, of New York. Fraternally, Mr. Bardon is affiliated with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Odd Fellows.

SHAUCK E. BARLOW, president and treasurer of The Huber Manufacturing Company, is one of Marion's self-made men. He was born in Ganges, Richland County, Ohio, February 1, 1861. and is a son of Rev. Chauncey L. and Martha (Jones) Barlow, the former a United Brethren minister. Besides the subject of this sketch there were three children, in the parental family, namely Elonson D. Barlow, deceased-, Lulu A., wife of A. N. Woodruff; and E. C. L. Barlow. Mr. Barlow secured his early education in the common schools and graduated from the Cardington High School. Afterwards he attended Otterbein University at Westerville for one year and then spent one year in Fostoria Academy. From Fostoria he came to Marion in the summer of 1881 and entered the employ of The Huber Manufacturing Company as a painter. In the fall of the same year he entered the repair shipping department of the company and soon after became bookkeeper. So faithful and attentive was he in the discharge of his duties that when M. W. Haines resigned as treasurer of the company in August, 1883. Mr. Barlow was appointed by the board of directors to fill the unexpired term. In January following he was regularly elected a director and treasurer of the company, which position he has ever since held. Throughout this period of nearly 24 years, Mr. Barlow has had the immediate supervision of the finances of the company, and much of its remarkable growth and business success has been due to his ability and foresight. When Mr. Huber died in 1904, many thought that no one could be found who would successfully head the company. All agreed that a man of ability and experience was necessary to meet. the requirements of the position. Mr. Barlow possessed both and so he was regularly elected in January, 1905, to succeed Mr. Huber in the presidency of the company. He is now both president and treasurer of the company, Whose continued growth and prosperity stand as an evidence of his worth. On September 8, 1888, Mr. Barlow was married to Elizabeth Harsh. of Fostoria, Ohio. They reside at their beautiful modern home on East Center street, Marion.

JACOB P. BARNTHOUSE, treasurer of the J. P. Barnthouse Grain & Seed Company, dealers in grain, flour, hay, seed, lumber and coal, at Morral, was born in Salt Rock township, Marion County, Ohio, July 16, 1842, and is a son of William and Margaret (McCoy) Barnthouse. William Barnthouse was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where he married with his wife he came to Ohio, in 1838, and undertook the management of a. farm for a Mr. Probasco, in Salt Rock township,, Marion County. At a later date he purchased a farm of his own on which he died, January 7, 1857. His widow survived him many years, passing away in Pitt township, Wyandot County, August 13, 1870. Jacob P. Barnthouse spent his boyhood and attended district school in Salt Rock township, where he also worked as a farmer until his marriage, settling then on a farm. He continued to devote himself to agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he moved to Morral, his being the second family to settle at this point. His was the second house built in the place and thus he has been identified with the rise of this bustling, busy town since its beginning. He took the agency for the Hocking Valley Railway, then known as the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, and served as agent for seven years. During this time he was appointed postmaster of the village, under the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes, and served as such for 12 years. In 1877 Mr. Barnthouse embarked in the grain-buying business, first in cars, and continued buying and selling until 1880, when he built an elevator, which he made use of for some 10 years, when it was destroyed by fire. Prior to this he had purchased a grain warehouse, which had been erected by the Washburn brothers, and this was subsequently converted into a 40,000-bushel elevator. In 1903 Mr. Barnthouse built his present elevator, which has a capacity of 30,000 bushels of grain, the other elevator having been purchased by the Morral Elevator & Lumber Company. Mr. Barnthouse was the pioneer in the grain business at Morral and he and his sons have been continuously connected with this business since 1877. In addition to his elevator business, Mr. Barnthouse still is interested in large agricultural operations. He owns 222 acres of farm land 22 acres in the corporation limits of Morral and 80 acres, in Pitt and 120 acres in Marseilles townships, Wyandot County, Ohio. On October 17, 1867, Mr. Barnthouse was united in marriage with Huldah Jump, who was born and reared in Marion County, and is a daughter of Shelby and Eunice (Slater). Jump, old and honored residents of the county Mr. and Mrs. Barnthouse have had nine children, as follows: Charles 0., residing at Agosta, who is engaged, like his father, in the grain business; Cory F., who owns and operates a grain elevator at Harpster, Wyandot County; William Arthur, who died aged 17 months; Harvey O., who owns and operates a grain elevator at Raymond, Union County, Ohio; Bertha Estella, deceased at the age of 10 years; an infant deceased, twin to Bertha Estella; Zoe Eunice, an educated and refined young lady, who has been a successful teacher in both Grand Prairie and Salt Rock townships; Edison R., who is, bookkeeper and assistant manager of the J. P. Barnthouse Grain & Seed Company, at Morral and Orlando C., who died aged 15 months. Mr. Barnthouse is a Republican in his policial belief. He has always been a loyal and patriotic citizen and during the Civil War he testified to his convictions by enlisting in the service of his country. On August 4, 1863, in Pitt township, Wyandot County, he enlisted for the 100 day term, in the Ohio National Guard. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, May 1, 1866. While eminently successful in business, Mr. Barnthouse has won his way by following honorable business methods and has always enjoyed the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He has served on school boards and also as township trustee, but, with the exception of that of postmaster, has accepted no other public office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is active in Salt Rock Lodge, No. 883, at Morral.

SAMUEL H. BARTRAM, who enjoys the distinction of being the Nestor of the bar of Marion County, is one of Marion's prominent and public spirited citizens. Mr. Bartram was born at Marion, Ohio, December 22, 1828, and is a son of the late Judge John Bartram Mr. Bartram recalls his school days in the "Old Brick Schoolhouse," which is well remembered by all the older citizens of Marion, and was a student at the Marion Academy, when Solomon Sheppard was principal. Subsequently he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and also Washington College in Pennsylvania. He began the reading of the law in the office of his father, Judge John Bartram, and in 1849 he continued his studies under John T. Brazee, a successful attorney of Lancaster, Ohio. In 1850, he graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and at once became a partner with his father. In 1852 Mr. Bartram was elected prosecuting attorney--serving one term, and subsequently filled (under appointment by the court) the vacancy in the same office, caused by the election of Prosecuting Attorney John F. Hume to the State Legislature. Strange as it may seem, through the 56 years of an unusually active and prolific legal career, this is the only office he has ever accepted. In 1852 he returned to the Cincinnati Law School and took a post-graduate course that winter. In 1859 he engaged in practice in New York City, but after some 18 months' promising induction was compelled by the failing health of his family to return to Marion, where ever since, more or less, he has been engaged in the practice of the law. For some years he has not been in active practice, but he still takes a lively interest in legal matters and is frequently consulted concerning knotty points in litigation, usually being able to cast light into the dark places, with the old-time common sense with which practitioners of his day were naturally endowed and on which they often had to rely. In 1857 Mr. Bartram was united in marriage with Harriet R. Kline, and their children are as follows: Emily, wife of Charles A. Moore, a merchant of Lima, Ohio; Katherine, wife of George D. Copeland, of Marion; Jennie, wife of Dr. J. A. Sinnett, of Dayton, Ohio; Reune R., head of the circulation department of the Ohio State Journal and the Columbus Dispatch; and John H., who is an attorney in active practice at Marion. A portrait of Mr. Bartram accompanies this sketch.

REV. SAMUEL D. BATES, D. D.,deceased, was one of the most influential citizens of Marion County. He was born near Attica, New York, October 13, 1828. He was reared on a farm and received his education in Geauga Seminary (now a part of Hillsdale College), Michigan. He began to teach school when he was 19 years old and in 1848-49 taught the school, of which James A. Garfield, afterwards President of the United States, was a pupil. Garfield was three years Mr. Bates' junior and an attachment at once sprang up between teacher and pupil that lasted until the tragic death of President Garfield. It was through the instrumentality of Mr. Bates that young Garfield entered Geauga Seminary in the fall of 1849. Of him the martyred President once said, "To him I owe more than to any other living man for what I am to-day." Mr. Bates continued to teach until he entered the ministry of the Free Baptist Church in 1851. The first six years of his ministry were spent in Trumbull County, Ohio. In 1857 he came to Marion to accept the charge of the Free Baptist Church in this city. He remained in charge of the local church without interruption until 1876 and during his ministry of 19 years built up a strong congregation. He might be rightly termed the church builder of Marion County. When he came to Marion, the Free Baptist denomination worshiped in the old church located on Mount Vernon avenue, but through his energy and executive ability the church on East Center street was built at a cost of $16,000. He organized the Grand Prairie Free Baptist Church, and was its pastor for nine years. He organized the Claridon Free Baptist Church during the winter of 1870~71 and assisted in building the first church of that denomination in the township" When the building was destroyed by fire in 1876,with characteristic determination he set to work and rebuilt the church. He was pastor of the Claridon Church for 15 years, ministering to the wants of his people until a few months prior to his death, which occurred September 17, 1886. He was pastor of the Green Camp church for nine years and of the Morral church for a time. Mr. Bates was zealous in the cause of education as well as religion. He was a trustee of Hillsdale College for 15 years. In 1872 he was elected president of Ridgeville (Indiana) College and so continued up to the time of his death. For one year he taught in the Marion schools, at the same time continuing his ministerial duties, and for 20 years was a member of the Board of School Examiners. In June, 1884, Ohio Central College, at Iberia, in recognition of his thorough learning and earnest work in behalf of education, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Mr. Bates was small in stature, but of unlimited energy and enthusiasm. His was a life of unremitting toil for God and humanity. He was a real and exemplary Christian gentleman. Kind of heart and social in manner, his every acquaintance was a friend and admirer. In time of trouble his advice was always sought. It is said of him that so great and general was the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him that he was never spoken of except as a grand, good and magnanimous man. Mr. and Mrs. Bates and their only daughter were buried in the Marion Cemetery. There were also two sons in the family, who are thought to be still living. Mr. Bates was a member of Cooper Post, No. 117, G. A. R., and of the Masonic order, and the beautiful burial service of the Mascaras was read at his interment.

HERSCHEL D. BEAVERS, one of the most extensive horse dealers of Marion County, has been a resident of the village of Prospect since 1898. He was born September 10, 1873, in Smithville, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas H. and Frances (Darling) Beavers and a grandson of Hezekiah Beavers, who died many years ago. Thomas H. Beavers was born in Carroll County, Ohio, and in early youth was thrown upon his own resources by reason of his father's death. He was reared on a farm in Northeastern Ohio and received but very little schooling. He was self-supporting years before he attained manhood, working on various farms. For his first winter's work, he was given a pig, which he fattened and sold for 11 cents a pound; the money he thus secured, $222, was the first he ever had. He has been very successful in all of his business adventures, which have included a livery and hotel business at Smithville, Ohio, a drug business, at Perrysville, Ohio, as well as a meat and grocery business at the latter place, and has always been somewhat of a speculator: For the past 24 years he has been dealing in horses at Perrysvllle. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man. He was married to Frances Darling, a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Darling of Richland County, Ohio. Six children were born to this union, as follows: Herschel D.; Anna Bell, who lives at home; Ernest Abraham, a veterinary surgeon at Perrysville, Ohio, who married Mary Gladden; Thomas, John and Eugene, the last three deceased. Herschel D. Beavers was a child in years when his parents moved to Perrysville, Ohio, where he was reared and where he attended school. At the age Of 21 he entered Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio, and continued as a student for four years, returning then to Perrysville. Subsequently he went to New York City, where he took a course in a night school, while attending to his father's business in that city. This was during the business depression of 1893-94; Mr. Beavers' father kept his faith with the farmers, with whom he had contracted to buy horses, even though he lost money by doing so, as horses sold at very low figures in New York City at the time. Our subject remained in New York City for two years and then returned home to Perrysville where he engaged in business with his father, although it had been his intention to become a doctor. About 1897 he took his mother to Magnetic Springs, Union County,. Ohio, for her health. While there he saw that there was much fine stock, especially horses, in that section, so he immediately bought all the horses in that county that he could. Mr. Beavers came to Marion County in the fall of 1898 and located at Prospect, and engaged in his present business. He first rented the Marion County Importing Company's stable, in 1906 building his present large barn, which will hold 40 head of horses. He has sales of Iowa horses twice a month and ships to the Eastern markets twice a month. He has been for the past four years associated with the Fiss, Doerr & Carroll Company, one of the largest dealers in horses in the world. Our subject was able to carry on a sale successfully when but 15 years old, and has the reputation of conducting some of the largest sales in the State. There is little question but that he handles a greater number of horses than any other dealer in the county. Like his father he is a self-made man, starting with nothing; though his father was able to start him in business, he preferred to make his own way in the world; he has gradually climbed the ladder of success step by step, and now ranks with the most successful business men of Marion County. He has one of the best equipped barns in the county and usually has from 40 to 50 head of horses, some of which often sell for $350. Mr. Beavers was married August 6, 1899, to Vena. Gast, a daughter of John William and Lovina Gast, the latter of whom is deceased. She comes, of a family which is prominent in the southern part of Marion County and which has been prominently identified with the history of the county since the early days of its development. Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Florence and Isabel. Mr. Beavers and his, family reside in a large, 10-room. frame house, which he bought from his father-in-law's estate. He is a member of the Masonic order and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM W. BEAVER, whose fine farm of 177 acres is situated in Green Camp township, was born in Marion township, Marion County, Ohio, September 22, 1864, and is a son of James and Mary Ellen (Brown) Beaver. He was reared and educated in Marion township. All his life he has followed farming and is one of the most prosperous representatives of that calling in the county. After his marriage, Mr. Beaver lived for a number of years on a farm in Grand Prairie, township, owned by his father. He subsequently located on a farm of 156 acres in Marion township, about two miles east of Marion, which he purchased in 1901. After living there for two years he traded the land for a farm nearer Marion, but which he kept only a few weeks, selling it and buying his present farm of 177 acres, on which he has resided since April 1, 1904. Mr. Beaver was married November 24, 1887, to Nettle Cook, a daughter of T. F. Cook, and to them have been born three children: Edna, Hazel and Harry. Mr. Beaver was elected a member of the School Board of Green Camp township in the fall of 1904 and the following spring was made president of that board to fill an unexpired term caused by the death of David LaRue, the former president. Mr. Beaver is a member of Green Camp Camp Lodge, No., 644 IOOF

ALBERT GOTTLIEB BEHNER, who comes of one of Pleasant township's oldest families, is a substantial citizen, residing on a farm of 100 acres, situated in section 22. He is a son of Gottlieb and Catherine (Gayer) Behner. Christian Gottlieb Behner was born July 17, 1835 in Horrheim, Wuerttemberg to Christian Gottlieb Behner and Rosina Barbara Burger. Catherine Friedricha Gayer was born Feb 17, 1839 in Rosswag, Wuerttemberg to Johann Heinrich Gayer and Elizabeth Friederica Mack. The father of Mr. Behner was born in Germany and was a son of Gottlieb Behner who died in that country. When nine years old, young Gottlieb came to this country with his widowed mother, who had some capital, and she purchased a tract of timberland, in Pleasant township, five miles south of Marion. A log cabin was built upon this land and it was here the father of Albert G. Behner was reared. He was the youngest son in the family of eight children, namely: Henry, Christopher, John Gottlieb, Mary, Rosina, Catherine and another daughter who married and removed to Indiana. Gottlieb Behner grew to manhood on. the home farm, and married Catherine Gayer, a sister of George H. Gayer, a sketch of whom appears in this work. To them were horn six children: Mary, who married Adam Lauer; Catherine, who married George Benzler; Henry F.; Albert Gottlieb; and Christopher, who died aged nine years. Gottlieb Behner died October 12, 1892, at the age of 56 years, and at that time was the owner of 220 acres of land in Marlon County.

Albert G. Behner was born January 9, 1872, on the home place in Pleasant township, where he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools until 19 years of age, when he entered the Ohio State University at Columbus, with the intention of preparing for the ministry, but after three years of study was obliged to return home and look after his mother's interests on account of the death of his father. Since that time he has been engaged in general farming, cultivating the farm which he owns jointly with his mother. Mr. Behner was married October 12, 1899, to Anna Elizabeth Augenstein, who was born January 4, 1875, in Waldo township, and is a daughter of John G. and Elizabeth (Neidhardt) Augenstein. They have four children: Raymond, Martha, Leroy and Mabel. Mrs. Bahner's parents still reside in Waldo township. Besides Mrs. Behner, they have the following children: Edward, Henry, Milton, Aluin, Irene, Amelia (who married H. Knickle), Alma and Tillie. Mr. Behner has always been a Democrat as have all his relatives, and has served his township in several offices. In 1897 he was elected township assessor, to which office he was reelected, and since 1904 has been township clerk. During the years 1902-03 he was a member of the School board. He is a member of and has served as deacon in the Lutheran Church

RUSSEL B. BELL, a well-known educator, and superintendent of the public schools of LaRue, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 21, 1848, and is a, son of Alfred and Eveline (Glick) Bell. The parents of Mr. Bell were both born in Pickaway County, Ohio, the father in 1824, and the mother in 1826. Alfred Bell was reared on a farm and continued agricultural pursuits until within a short time of his death, in 1893, in Wyandot County, Ohio. His wife was of German extraction, her parents having come to Ohio from Pennsylvania and settled on Big Walnut Creek, in Pickaway County, while Mr. Bell's ancestors were from Switzerland. Alfred Bell and wife had children, as follows: Russel B.; Joseph T., who resides at Mount Blanchard, Ohio; Emma, widow of Solomon D. Zimmerman, residing at Toledo; Marion, who resides at Findlay; David B., who is a practicing physician at Fostoria; Eliza and Lydia, both of whom are deceased; and Charles W., who resides at Wharton, Ohio. Russel B. Bell was thoroughly trained for the profession in which he has met with such gratifying success. From the age of 19 years until the present, he has given his best energies to purely educational work. From the schools of Mount Blanchard he entered the universities. at Delaware and Ada, taking his teacher's training course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. Even in boyhood he was looked upon as an unusually bright student and in early youth was a clever teacher, and there are those throughout Wyandot and Haricock counties who still gratefully remember his instruction in the early days of his professional career. For 13 years he was superintendent of the public schools of Wharton and for four years was similarly connected with the schools of Versailles. In 1899 Mr. Bell came to LaRue and accepted the position of principal of the public schools, the following year becoming superintendent. The LaRue schools are kept up to a very high standard and the position of superintendent is no sinecure. The requirements for the office are many and demand a man of culture as well as native ability. A normal school training is imperative, as is a pleasing personality and a tactful manner. Mr. Bell has a force of eight teachers in the public schools, with an average attendance of 225 Pupils. The High School course covers four years, the attendance being about 45 throughout. His methods have met with the approval of the Board of Education and the results, which have been apparent ever since he took charge, have contributed justly to his popularity, both as an educator and as a citizen. Prior to coming to LaRue, he served six years as a member of the Board of County Examiners and on May 31, 1905, he was appointed to serve out the unexpired term of Mr. Kennedy as a member of the Marion County Board of School Examiners and was reappointed for a full term, August 31, 1905. On September 22, 1870, Mr. Bell was married to Lorinda J. Shoemaker, a daughter of Abraham and Deborah Shoemaker, of Mount Blanchard, Hancock County, Ohio. Four sons and three daughters have been born to them, as follows: Clarence A., who resides at Wharton; Clinton J., deceased in 1906, who was in the offices of the C., H. & D. Railway Company at Toledo for three years; Mazie, formerly a teacher, who is the wife of O. P. Magann, of Kenton, Ohio; Erne, formerly of Gallon, now a resident of Marion; Correl M., a graduate of the LaRue High School, who is cashier of the "Big Four" Railroad at Union City; Lena M., a graduate of the LaRue High School, who is engaged in newspaper work at Bell Center; and Cartha, who is a student in the LaRue High School. Professor Bell has pleasant fraternal connections at LaRue, belonging to LaRue Lodge, F. & A. M.; Day Lodge, No. 328, IOOF; and Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, K. of P.

WILLIAM BENDER, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Waldo township, residing on his valuable farm of 316 acres situated in section 23, was born near Bethlehem, Marion County, Ohio, November 1, 1867, and is a son of Philip and Caroline (Benzler) Bender. The Bender family occupies a prominent place among the old pioneer ones of Marion County. Justus Bender, the grandfather of our subject, was a weaver by trade and prospered in a small way in his native village in Huttengesass, Germany, where he owned his own loom and engaged in the weaving of cloth. As he grew older, however, he saw that working conditions were growing more difficult in his own land and as land agents and old acquaintances continually represented the fertile and yet unoccupied farming land in Ohio, to he secured at small outlay, he decided to remove with his family to America. After some 60 days on a sailing ship on the Atlantic Ocean, the party was safely landed at the port of New York and immediately started for Marion County, Ohio. At that time no railroads were running in the section through which they desired to travel and they secured a covered wagon and in it started overland. When they reached Marion, they found but a small village which they passed through, continuing to Waldo township, to the place now called Bethlehem. Justus Bender found all this section covered with a heavy growth of green woods and, as it had never been drained, a large part was under water a considerable portion of the year. He bought 40 acres of this land and immediately set to work building a log cabin, chopping down the first tree ever felled on the place. A round-log house was constructed and as he and his son, Philip, then 15 years of age, were able, they cut other trees, split them and made rude furniture, which sufficed for their needs and probably was of the same construction as that owned by their neighbors. Later Mr. Bender added more land, increasing the farm to 160 acres. On this first farm Justus Bender died in advanced years; his widow died on our subject's present farm, at the age of 85 years. Philip Bender, father of our subject, was the only son of the parental family. His sister Margaret later married Daniel Augenstein, a well-known resident of Marion County. The early youth of Philip Bender was one filled with hard work as he was his father's only helper and often he would go into the woods alone and cut and split trees, when he was but a boy in years. He helped his father clear all the land and was married before the death of his parents. He continued to live in Marion County, doing general farming even when the grain had to be hauled to Sandusky to be disposed of, and he was considered one of the most progressive and fore-handed men in his township. He owned one of the two old-fashioned power threshing machines then in Waldo township and this was a source of considerable income, as he did the threshing over a large territory. He kept on adding and improving his land and became one of the most substantial men of his section. Philip Bender was married September 15, 1848 to Caroline Benzler, who was born December 2, 1827 in Horrheim, Wuerttemberg, Germany and had accompanied her mother to Bethlehem in Prospect township, Marion County, when about 18 years, of age. Her father, Joseph Benzler, had died in Germany. Philip and Caroline Bender had the following children: George, deceased in infancy; Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of Frederick Stoble; Philip, deceased Catherine, wife of Jacob Hecker; William, of this sketch; Margaret, deceased at one year George, deceased; Susan, widow of Philip Almendinger; Caroline, wife of Jacob Denman; and Charles, deceased, aged seven years. Philip Bender was one of the leading Democrats of Waldo township but he was never willing to run for office. His fellow-citizens however, elected him school director and also made him road supervisor. He was one of the early members of the German Reformed Church in the township and was a member of its board of trustees. He lived to the age of 77 years and 13 days, dying October 1, 1903. He was an industrious and hard working, farmer through all his active years, was careful and economical in the management of his farms, was honest in all his dealings with his neighbors and is remembered with feelings of respect by all who knew him. His widow still survives, approaching her 80th year, a member of our subject's household. William Bender followed closely in the footsteps of his father, in his boyhood, as regards hard farm work, but he had more educational opportunities, although nothing like those given his own children and grand-children His father kept adding land to the original tract and this land had all to be cleared and put under cultivation, and as he was the eldest surviving son he early had heavy responsibilities. He can remember when almost all of the farm work was yet done by hand. His father owned a threshing machine but the greater number of the machines, which now do farm work with such accuracy as to almost seem human, had not yet come from the brain of the inventor, and those already on the market were so high priced as to make their us impossible by the ordinary farmer. Mr. Bender bought 106 acres of land from his father and the rest of the homestead farm was left to his mother. He manages both his own and his mother's property and is largely interested in the buying, feeding and selling of stock-horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. His land is well adapted to the growing of grain and he is one of the largest shippers of his section. The old home still has in it pieces of the old furniture that has belonged to the family for years, and there are many samples of the grandfather's weaving here, some of which he did after coming to Marion County. Mr. Bender prizes these old quilts and comforts made by his grandfather, as none now on the market are so well woven as those made on the old German hand loom. On January 30, 1892, Mr. Bender was married to Emma Fazler, who is a daughter of Christian and Philomena (Gornflo) Fazler. Both parents of Mrs. Bender came to America Unmarried, the father when 14 and the mother when 19 years of age. They reside on their valuable farm in Prospect township, Marion County, on which Mrs. Bender was born, August 21, 1871. They are prominent residents of that section. They had the following children : Emma (Mrs. Bender); Sarah, who married Christian Benzler and has had three children-Madilla (deceased), Clara and Oliver; Clara, wife of Albert Folk; and Sophia, wife of Edward Leffler. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have had five children, as follows: Edna and Edwin (twins), the latter of whom died in infancy, the former, On August 1, 1899; Arthur; Irene and Leroy. Politically, Mr. Bender is a strong Democrat, but he has no aspirations toward office. He is a universally respected man and one of the best farmers and citizens of Waldo township.

F. D. BENTZ, senior member of the well-known firm of Bentz & Court, plumbers and gas-fitters at Marion, was born in Marion in 1873, and is a son of Daniel Bentz,a farmer and butcher of Mason County, Michigan, who was born about 1847.

F. D. Bentz was two years old when his parents moved to Michigan and located in Mason County, where he was reared and educated. Early in life he entered an underwear factory at Curtis, Michigan, where he continued to work for about 12 years. In October, 1901, he returned to Marion and engaged in the bicycle and plumbing business with F. W. Wilhelm, under the firm name of Wilhelm & Bentz. One year later Mr. Court became a member of the firm and for the last three years the firm has been known as Bentz & Court. It does quite an extensive bicycle and plumbing business. On December 9, 1896 Mr. Bentz was united in marriage with Lida J. Romoser, who is a daughter of the late John Romoser. Mr. Bentz is a member of the American Insurance Union and of the Modern Woodmen of America He belongs to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN LEWIS BERINGER (BOEHRINGER), proprietor of what is known as "Ohio's White Stock Farm," a tract of 70 acres of valuable land situated in section 8, Pleasant township, is one of the best known men of this part of Ohio. Mr. Beringer was born February 16, 1864, On his father's farm in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Lewis and Christina (Kraner) Beringer. Lewis Beringer was born in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Christopher Beringer and wife, natives of Oelbronn, Wuerttemberg, Germany, who, when they came to America settled first in Columbiana County, Ohio, but later moved to Marion County. Christopher Beringer and wife had six children, namely: Jacob, John, David, Lewis, Lydia, wife of Michael Dietsch; and Catherine, wife of Fred Kraner. All have passed away with the exception of Lewis and Lydia. Lewis Beringer married Christina Kraner, who was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America with her father, William Kraner. To this union were born the following children: John Lewis; William, deceased; Matilda, widow of William Huntsman; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Dietsch,; Adaline, wife of Charles Retterer; Sophia, wife of William Mautz; alla Benton, living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Beringer still survive, and reside on their excellent farm in Richland township. John L. Beringer spent his boyhood at home and was educated in the township schools. He assisted his father in the management of the home farm until his marriage, in 1888, when he purchased his first farm, a tract of 28 acres, from Mrs. Elizabeth Barks. Later he sold this property and purchased from B. F. Ackley 73 1/2 acres in Grand Prairie township. Finally selling this farm, he bought his present farm of 70 acres from John Thibaut in 1904, moving upon the place in April of the above year. This is excellent land. It is crossed by the Hocking Valley Railway, while the C. D. & M. interurban line is on the west line of the farm. The residence, still substantial, is one of the oldest houses in this locality, but the great barn Mr. Beringer erected himself, making it suitable for his general farming and large stock operations. Mr. Beringer's farm is a novelty in that he raises exclusively white stock, and some of the products of this stock farm have taken the highest prizes when exhibited. He raises Improved Chester White hogs; White and Angore Belgium hares; white guinea-pigs; White Plymouth Rock chickens; Embden and White China geese; Pekin ducks; and White Holland turkeys. He has met with much success and his fine stock and poultry meet with ready sale, a great deal of it at fancy prices. Although Mr. Beringer is a busy man in the management of his farm and stock interests, he is also a thoughtful one and as results show, also an inventive one. He is now engaged in introducing an improved fence post, which is entirely his own invention. It is of cement and has a reinforcement of steel wire in the center, which makes it more durable than anything that has yet been put on the market. He has had much encouragement and doubtless will be manufacturing this valuable farm adjunct by the time these lines reach the public. On September 20, 1888, Mr. Beringer was married to Mary E. Strine, who was born in Waldo township, Marion County, Ohio, January 7, 1869, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Renzenberger) Strine. George Strine was born, reared and married in Marion County, and his wife also belonged to one of the county's pioneer families. They had eight children, as follows: Carrie, who is the wife of John Miller; Benjamin; Perry; Mary E.; George; Margaret, who is the wife of Edward Toben; Minnie, who is the wife of Frederick Klingel; and Simon James. The parents died while the children were yet young, and Mrs. Beringer was reared, from the age of 10 years to her marriage, by Michael Jacoby. Her brother Simon, was adopted by Isaac Cunningham. Mr. and Mrs. Beringer have five children, namely: Herbert, Mabel, Paul, Lewis and Wilbur. The family belong to the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Beringer is a Democrat. In Grand Prairie township he served as township trustee and as a member of the School Board. He is a representative citizen of his locality and is noted for his enterprise and progressive methods.

WILLIAM A. BERRY, who was for many years one of the best known farmers of Green Camp township, passed out of this life April 13, 1903. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, August 4, 1837, and was a son of John F. T. and Elizabeth (Close) Berry. John F. T. Berry, who was of German descent, was born February 20, 1811, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his wife, the mother of our subject, who was also born in the same county in 1815, was of English ancestry. Their union resulted in the birth of 10 children. After the death of the mother of our subject, Mr. Berry again married, 1849, his second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, a daughter of Daniel Reed. Mr. Berry died in Marion County in 1859. William A. Berry was reared on a farm in Marion township and obtained his education in the township schools. He was one of the first to respond to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers and enlisted on April 20, 1861. He reenlisted, June 6, 1861, in Company K. Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., to serve three years, and gave faithful service at the battles of Rich Mountain, Romney, Winchester, Port Republic, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristol, Mine Run, and Morton's Ford, where he was wounded. His discharge was granted June 22, 1864. After the war, Mr. Berry returned to. Marion County and engaged in farming on his well-improved farm of 104 acres in Green Camp township. Mr. Berry was united in marriage February 16, 1865, with Nancy A. Snyder, who was born March 16, 1841, in Pleasant township, and was a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Jones) Snyder. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Berry: Sheridan C., born December 4, 1865, who died February 1, 1888; Samuel E., born May 11, 1867, residing in Marion, who married Anna Collins; Ella F., born December 9, 1869, who resides on the homestead; Adeline A., born February 6, 1872, who married Jacob Seiter, of Green Camp township, and has three children; Milton W., born December 15, 1873, who died December 19, 1897; Jetta V., born June 7, 1876, who died February 9, 1902; Harley W., born July 11, 1882, and Katie 0., born March 30, 1884, both living on the home farm and Ulysses Eugene, born August 19, 1868, who died January 7, 1869. Mrs. Berry died, December 23, 1901.

JOSIAH BINDLEY, president of the Bindley Grocery Company, extensive wholesale dealers in groceries at Marion, is one of the city's energetic and substantial young business men. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1870. Mr. Bindley attended school in Warren County during boyhood and then went to the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed the commercial and teacher's courses, subsequently accepting a position as bookkeeper with the Great Western Marble Works, of Cincinnati. He continued with that concern for two years and then turned his attention in another direction, buying a retail grocery business at Washington Court House, Ohio, which he operated for eight months, and then was associated for nine years with the Dahl-Millikan Wholesale Grocery Company at that point, first as traveling representative and later as a stockholder. He finally sold his interest in the company, and then, on December 27, 1900, organized the Bindley-McKinniss Company, of Marion. In August, 1905, he sold his interest to Mr. McKinniss and bought the business of the Mezger Grocery Company, which he reorganized as the Bindlev Grocery Company. In September, 1905, this company, capitalized at $50,000, was incorporated with Josiah Bindley as president; J. A. Bindley, as vice-president; and E. H. Bindley, as secretary and treasurer. The business is the handling of staple and fancy groceries and their facilities are such that they are able to meet any competition. They enjoy a very large trade, which is being rapidly extended. The company has just completed a fine brick building at No. 236 North State street, 54 by 110 feet in ground dimensions, three stories and basement, and occupies the whole building. The company keeps four representatives on the road and their goods are known all over this section of the State. Mr. Bindley is also a director in the Marion Savings Bank Company. On July 10, 1899, Josiah Bindley was married to Lucile D. Bennett, of Warren County, Ohio, and they have one son, Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Bindley attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr. Bindley is a Knight Templar Mason, holding membership in Masonic bodies in both Washington Court House and Marion. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the United Commercial Travelers and the Marion Commercial Club.

GEORGE W. BLACK, who owns 160 acres of valuable land in Bowling Green township, is not only a prominent farmer but a leading citizen and a self-made man. He was born in Noble County, Ohio, November 29, 1856, and is a son of Dr. David A. and Elizabeth (DeLong) Black. The father of Mr. Black was born in Ireland and was 16 years old when he came to Noble County, Ohio, with his father, William Black, who subsequently lived in Vinton and Hocking counties, dying in the latter. The children of William Black were: James, Margaret, Jane and David A. The last named married Elizabeth DeLong, of Noble County, Ohio, whose parents were old residents of that county. The children of Dr. Black and wife were: William; George IV.; Margaret Jane, who married George Bramhall, of Marion, David A., engaged in farming in Green Camp township, who married Rena Bilger, a daughter of George Bilger; and John C., formerly a resident of Marion County, now conducting a hotel in Lorain County, who married (first) Laura Wilson and (second) Mahala Clause. The parents of Mr. Black subsequently moved to Missouri, where the father continued in the practice of his profession until his death some 18 years since. George W. Black has lived in a number of the counties of his native State. He attended school in Vinton, Hocking and Union counties and then lived for one year in Franklin County, returning to Union County for 12 years and then coming to Marion County, which has been his home for the past quarter of a century. In all his changes he has been engaged in agricultural occupations and through inclination and experience has become an excellent farmer. He has resided on his farm of 160 acres in Bowling Green township for the past 24 years; he owns also 300 acres of land in Hardin County. Considering that 25 years ago Mr. Black had absolutely no capital, his success is remarkable, but he has acquired all he possessions by industry and good management. He has paid close attention to raising good stock and has made money out of feeding. In 1896 he erected his fine modern residence and has put, all his buildings in good condition. He believes in improvements and his land and stock, his crops and machinery, show that he has many sensible, practical ideas. On September 20,1883, Mr. Black was married to Alma Imbody, a daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth Imbody, of Bowling Green township, now residents of Marion, the former of whom is a prominent citizen and ex-county commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Black have three children living and two deceased, namely: Edward, a capable young man of 23 years, who is engaged in farming, having previously spent several years in railroading; Elizabeth and Ida Willeou, deceased; and Hazel Etta, aged 15 years, and Wilson Imbody, aged 12 years, who are attending school. Mr. Black takes no very active interest in politics, although he always performs the duty of a good citizen in voting at elections. By preference he is a Republican, but does not let his party affiliation interfere with his supporting the man best qualified for the office. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

JOSEPH BLAND, a representative citizen of Waldo township and the owner of a fine farm of 140 acres, which is situated in section 36, was born on his father's farm in Union County, Ohio, October 9, 1870. He is a son of John and Margaret (Kennedy) Bland. The Bland family originated in Germany, but for several generations has been established in America. Solomon Bland, the grandfather of Joseph, was born in Virginia, where he married Abigail Ferris. Later, accompanied by his family, he moved to Ohio and settled in Union County, where both he and his wife died. The children who survived them were: Huldah, Susan, Mary, Emma Emeline, John, George, Peter and Charles W. Those still living are: Huldah, Mary, Emma and George, who still reside in Union County, Ohio; and Jane, who is a resident of Champaign County.

John Bland, father of Joseph, was born in Virginia, July 14, 1825, and died on his farm in Waldo township, Marion County, Ohio, January 29, 1900. In early manhood he left his home in Virginia and crossed the Ohio River, subsequently settling in Belmont County, Ohio, where he learned the cooper's trade and worked at the same for some time. During his residence in Belmont County he married his first wife, and then moved to Union County, where he invested his money in farming land. Mr. Bland sold his property in Union County in 1886 and came to Marion County, where he bought a tract of 500 acres of land from the estate of Daniel Drake. Mr. Bland proved himself a man of excellent business judgment in the buying and selling of his property. When he bought his first farm, of 50 acres, in Union County, he was obliged to contract a debt, but he soon discharged this and sold that farm, subsequently buying 100 acres in Union Comity, to which he later added 90 acres, and was able to sell the whole, after improving, it, for $100 per acre. His purchase in Marion County was of land in pretty good condition, with buildings, but he never ceased improving it. For some years Mr. Bland carried on farming and stock-raising on his large property., but he was awake to other business opportunities and subsequently bought a large hotel at Colinwood, not far from Cleveland. This enterprise was managed by his son Solomon. his death, Mr. Bland's property was divided among his heirs, Joseph purchasing from the heirs a portion of his present farm, having resided on 67 acres of the same since 1892. In Belmont County, Ohio, John Bland was married (first) to Margaret Kennedy, a native of that county, who died in Union County, Ohio, in July, 1873. She belonged to one of the pioneer families of Belmont County. She was a good mother and a consistent, Christian woman The 10 children born to this marriage were as follows: Mary, who died aged 16 years, Dora, who died aged 15 years; Emma who married W. H. Oborn; Margaret who married Lee Long; Robert, Lewis, George, Solomon and John, all deceased; and Joseph. In 1890 John Bland was married (second) to Electa Jones, who was born in Waldo township, Marion Comity, Ohio, a daughter of Jasper Jones. one of the best known men of Richland township. Jones was a pioneer in Marion County. and was a soldier during the Civil War. T'here was no issue to the second union. Joseph Bland, was a child of three years when his mother died, and until his father married again his sister managed the household and took care of him during his youth. When Joseph was 14 years of age, his father first visited Marion County and when he located here permanently, Joseph accompanied the household. His education was obtained entirely in the district schools of Union and Marion Counties, his attendance being at irregular intervals as there was always so much work to do on the farm. He continued to remain on the, home place until 1890. Prior to settling on this farm, he rented land in Waldo township for one year from Captain Drake. Mr. Bland has successfully carried on general farming, raised some good stock and does dairying to the extent of supplying all home needs. In 1888 he erected his present comfortable frame residence of eight rooms and also built his substantial barn together with other buildings needed for large farming operations. On December 24, 1890, Mr. Bland was united in marriage with Ella Gornpf, who was born on her father's farm in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, December 18, 1869, and is a daughter of Philip Gompf, who still resides in Waldo township, one of the prominent citizens. He was born in Marion County, his father having come to Ohio from Pennsylvania Philip Gompf was married (first) to Christina Metzger, who was also born in Marion County, of German parentage. Mrs. Gompf died March 26, 1900, aged 56 years. The children born to Philip Gompf and wife were: Flora, wife of W. A. Sager; Rose, deceased, who was the first wife of John Bland, a brother of Joseph; Ella; Clara; John; Webster; Mary, who became the second wife of John Bland; and Maude. Mr. Gompf was married (second), September 29, 1903, to Nellie Brown, who is a native of Delaware County Ohio. About 1880 Mr. Gompf sold his farm in Richland township and bought a farm in Waldo township, where he is a very highly respected citizen. He has served as township trustee and is a member of the present Village Council of Waldo. For many years he has been a leading member of the Democratic party in this section. Mrs. Bland was educated in the public schools of Waldo township, where she was creditably graduated, and at the age of 17 years was given a teacher's certificate, following which she successfully taught two terms in Richland township, three terms in Bowling Green township and two in Waldo township. A pleasant coincidence is that the one daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bland, Mazie Margaret, who was born February 1, 1892, is one of the brightest students of the school in Waldo township, which was once taught by her very capable mother. Politically, Mr. Bland has always been identified with the Republican party, but takes no very active interest beyond always casting his vote for his party's candidates. He is a man well qualified for office but has never been willing to accept any. He possesses musical talent and is a member of an organization known as the Musical Stock Company, a band and orchestra, his favorite instrument being the slide trombone. He belongs to Whetstone Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM BLAND, member of the well known firm of Leffler & Bland, at Marion, contractors in all kinds of stone and brick work, and dealers in sewer-pipe, fire brick, plaster, cement, etc., was born on the Isle of Jersey, July 28, 1849. His father, James Bland, who died in 1873, was of English birth and served 12 years and 128 days in the British Army. In 1852 he emigrated to Canada and was connected with the Grand Trunk Railway before removing to Akron, Ohio, and engaging with the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, now known as the Erie, with which he continued to be associated until his death. He was a resident of Marion the last 10 years of his life. William Bland spent his boyhood and school days in Canada. After coming to Marion, in 1864, he worked on what is now the Erie Railroad and in 1869 learned the brick and stone-mason's trade, with Culbertson & LeMer, serving a three-years' apprenticeship. He then worked one season with James Culbertson, when the firm became Culbertson & Company. Two years later, Mr. Bland worked alone and then formed a partnership with Gilbert Seibert, which continued until June, 1881. In that year he entered' into partnership with Godfried Leffler, who was succeeded, in 1898, by his son, Charles W. Leffler, the firm name continuing, as at first, Leffler & Bland. In addition to his large interests in this business, Mr. Bland is a stockholder in a number of manufacturing concerns. On November 19, 1874, Mr. Bland was married to Belle Treese, who died March 21, 1902. She is survived by four children, as follows: Charles Henry, who is with a large firm at Fargo, North Dakota; Carrie, who is the wife of Arthur J. Monroe, a train dispatcher on the Erie Railroad, at Galion, Ohio; and Lulu Belle and Florence J., both at home. Mr. Bland is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Council, at Marion, the Shrine at Columbus and the Consistory at Cincinnati. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and has been connected with these two fraternal orders for the last 33 years.

FRANCIS E. BLAKE, whose large truck garden and florist establishment is situated on the Garden City turnpike, about one mile and a half miles from the Marion County Court House, was born February 19, 1853, in Jersey, England, and is a son of William John and Elizabeth Ann (Falconer) Blake. Francis E. Blake spent his boyhood days in Southampton, England, where he was educated, and after leaving school engaged in teaching for one year. In 1869 he came to America with his brother Frederick anal his sister Elizabeth, locating first at Pittsburg, where they were engaged in gardening for three years. In 1872: he canoe to Marion County, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1873, when he returned to E ngland with the intention of remaining in his native country, but soon found he was completely weaned from the English customs and returned to America in the fall of 1873. He came again to Marion County, where he taught district schools and also worked on a farm for two years. He was married April 25, 1875, to Jennie Reams, a daughter of Jordan Reams, of Champaign County, Ohio. They have two children, Bessie Belle and Benjamin F. After his marriage, Mr. Blake resided in Champaign County for two years, continuing to teach and farm. He then returned to Marion County and engaged in gardening at his present location. At one time had over 100 acres of land in vegetables, but now has a garden of but 28 acres. In 1890, he entered the florist business in connection with truck gardening, and built on his place a fine large greenhouse. For six years he devoted a window to a floral display of cut flowers and plants. In August, 1905, he rented a large store-room at No. 126 West Center street, Marion, which is under the management of his son, Benjamin F..Blake. Mr. Blake has made all the improvements on his place, which was nothing but a swamp when he located on it. He now employs eight men to assist with the work, having a constantly increasing trade. Mr. Blake served one year as a member of the Marion City Council. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. For many years he has belonged to the Presbyterian Church.

DAYTON BLOW, one of the. substantial and leading agriculturists of Grand township, residing on a fine farm of 160 acres, was born in a log house on his present farm, February 2, 1865, and is a son of Charles and Nancy Agnes (Rice) Blow. Charles Blow was born in Lincolnshire, England, about 1824 and came to this country in 1853. He was a son of Robert and Hannah Blow, who came to this country shortly after he did. Robert and Hannah Blow were the parents of four sons and three daughters, namely Peter, Robert, George, Charles, Hannah, Rachel, who resides at Versailles, and Lucy, who resides in Missouri. Charles first located near Marion on the Little Scioto River, where he resided for two or three years. After his marriage, he purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, and with the exception of a short time resided on this farm until his death. He had but $1.30 when he first came to Marion County, and at his death was the owner of 320 acres of land. He married Nancy Agnes Rice, who was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Jane Rice, with whom she came to this county about 1855. Four children were born to the parents of our subject: Willshire, who married Maud Halstead and died on the home place; Elizabeth, who married Joseph D. Gillespie, a prosperous farmer of Montgomery township and a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County; Victoria, who married Lee Eager and resides in Oklahoma; and Dayton. Charles Blow died November 22, 1904, in his 81st year and was buried in Paw Paw Cemetery in Grand township, as were his parents also. Mrs. Blow is still living at the age of 83 years. Dayton Blow was reared on his father's farm in Grand township and received his education in the township schools. He has always been engaged as a general farmer and stockraiser and has met with abundant success in his operations. He has a well-cultivated and improved farm of 160 acres and a fine brick residence, which was built about 32 years ago. Mr. Blow was married in 1888 to Elizabeth Smith, who is a native of Indiana and a daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Eager) Smith, who reside in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana. Mr. Smith died about 1877, after which his widow married Herman Smith. Mrs. Blow has two brothers, Franklin and Cortland Smith, and a sister, Mrs. Herma Coen, who resides in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Smith. are both living in Indiana; the latter is 57 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Blow have had four children: Dorris Fay, born December 24, 1889, who died May 4, 1899; Golden Glen, born March 1, 1891, who is attending the township schools; Mildred, born February 8, 1894, who also attends school; and Belva, born February 11, 1898, who died March 1, 1898. Politically, Mr. Blow is a Democrat. While not seeking political preferment, he has always shown a deep interest in the progress of the affairs of his party.

JOHN C. BLUE, one of the largest dealers in and shippers of hay, grain and live-stock in Marion County, with business quarters at LaRue, owns and operates a valuable farm of 200 acres, which is situated in Union County, Ohio. Mr. Blue was born in Union County, August 14, 1863, and is a son of John M. and Sarah A. Blue. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Michael Blue, who came to Union County from Ross County, settling as a pioneer. He developed a farm out of the wilderness and both he and his wife spent their lives on that property. When their long and useful careers were closed, they were laid to rest in Price's Cemetery, the family burying-ground. The father of Mr. Blue was born in Union County, where he subsequently married Sarah A. Reed, who was a native of the town of Essex. He died in January, 1902, at the age of 71 years, his wife having died in the previous year, aged 68 years. Their family consisted of seven sons and four daughters, namely: James., who is in the on business in Wood County.; Ellen, who is the wife of William T. Southwick, of Richwood, Ohio; Jonah, who resides at Richwood and is in partnership with our subject in the stock business; Jacob, who owns a valuable farm near Broadway, Union County; Simeon, residing at Prospect, who is a member of the stock shipping firm of Mooney, Cox & Blue; Olive, wife of Robert Fields, who is interested in the industrial insurance business at Richwood, having formerly been a successful teacher; John C., of this sketch; Nettie, who is the wife of Rev. M. E. Lewis, who is a member of the: business firm of Lewis & Woodburn; Emma, who is the wife of S. Mack Temple, a large stock shipper at Atlantic, Iowa; William, who has been engaged in the piano business at Marion for the past 15 years; and Jesse R., who is engaged in farming near Richmond. John C. Blue was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools of Jackson township, mainly at Rush Creek. Until 1896 Mr. Blue continued to personally operate his large farm in Union County, where he has always ranked with the most successful agriculturists. In the above-named year he came to LaRue and began operating a hay and grain business, to which he later added live-stock and has developed this business until he has become one of its important factors in this section of Ohio. He is reputed the largest shipper to the Cleveland market and the largest hay shipper in the State, his average being 800 cars of hay annually, his shipments being from 22 different points, where he has trade connections. He handles the bulk of all the live-stock, however, from LaRue. His dealings closely approach a million dollars yearly, at times his transactions amounting to $100,000 in two months. On December 31, 1884, Mr. Blue was married to Maggie Moore, a daughter of John and Catherine Moore, both of whom were born in Jackson township, Union County. Mr. Moore still survives, having reached his 72nd year, and resides at Knoxville, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have four sons, namely: Orus, born in April, 1886, who teaches school during the Winter seasons and assists his father during the summer; Herbert, born March 29, 1888; Zell, born March 27, 1891 ; and Emerson born January 7, 1900. The family home, one of unusual magnitude, comfort and convenience, is kept up in Union County, Mr. Blue driving into LaRue daily to attend to his immense business. Politically, Mr. Blue is identified with the Democratic party. He belongs fraternally to North Star Lodge, No. 452, Knights of Pythias, and to Lodge No. 629, I00F, both at Rush Creek, Union County. Personally, Mr. Blue impresses visitors favorably, a frank, hearty, genial manner testifying to social qualities of a high order. He occupies a very high place in the business world all through this section, and numbers both business and personal friends by the score.

GEORGE W. BOLANDER, a well known truck gardener of Marion township, who established his present business in the spring of 1897, cultivates a tract of 66 acres just outside the corporation limits, of which he owns 26 acres. He was born March 2, 1870, about two miles south of Marion in Pleasant township, and is a son of William and Christina (Setter) Bolander. William Bolander was born in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, and was a son of Conrad Bolander, who lived and died in Ross County. William Bolander came to Marion County when a young man and became a well-to-do farmer He married Christina Seiter and they had a family of nine children, as follows: George W.; Flora, who died aged nine months; Mrs. Bertha Boyer, of Detroit, Michigan; and Harry William Walter, Edward, Earl and Nellie. Mr. Bolander died May 31, 1905 George W. Bolander has always bten a resident of Marion County. After reaching manhood, he worked for seven years on his present farm for J. B. Virden. In the spring of I8g7 he rented this land and in partnership with John Francis operated a truck farm for two years. Since he has been running the farm alone and now owns 26 of the 66 acres that he cultivates. He makes a specialty of raising potatoes, tomatoes, sweet corn and asparagus, and carries on a very extensive business. In the spring of 1902 he erected a large barn on the place. One year later it burned down and was replaced in 1904 by his present fine barn, which cost $1,300. Mr. Bolander was married April 14, 1897, to Stella McDaniels, who was born near Zanesville, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Catherine McDaniels. Mr. and Mrs. Bolander have two children: Dewey and Mildred.

HARRY L. BONNER, V. S., is the leading veterinary surgeon at Marion, and has had a wide experience in the practice of his profession. Dr. Bonner was born in New York, March 31, 1841, and is a son of Joshua and Caroline (Wentworth) Bonner. The late Joshua Bonner was a farmer and Dr. Bonner first became interested! in veterinary science while attending to the stock on the homestead. He completed his medical course in the schools of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was graduated in 1871. Upon his return to America, he located first at Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged in practice for a time, and then for eight years traveled over a wide extent of country, continually practicing, in this way securing experience that he could scarcely have otherwise obtained. In the fall of 1888 he chose Marion as his home and place of business, and has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in this city ever since. His office is conveniently located in Dr. Strayer's drug-store, at No. 121 East Center street. Dr. Bonner was married to Louisa Gorenflo, a daughter of Wilhelm C. and Eva Katharine (Gorenflo) Gorenflo, who was born in Friedrichstal, Alsace-Lorraine, France. Dr. Bonner was reared in the Presbyterian Church, while Mrs. Bonner belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church. They enjoy a pleasant home, which is situated at No. 216 Pearl street, Marion. Politically Dr. Bonner is a Democrat.

RUSSELL CLARK BOWDISH, M.D., one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons of Marion County, who has lived more or less retired from practice at his home at No. 247 West Church street, Marion, since 1889, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, November 19, 1823, and is a son of Elijah Bowdish. Elijah Bowdish, who was a native of Providence, Rhode Island, located at Columbus, Ohio, at a very early date, moving then to Delaware County and in 1828 to Marion County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years and then moved into Marion and here resided until his death. His farm was located at the north end of Prospect street. Dr. Bowdish was five years of age when his parents came to Marion County. His father bought a tract of land just north of Marion, for which he paid what now seems the absurd sum of $2.50 per acre. On this farm the son spent his boyhood and secured a good common school education in the Marion schools. In 1840 he entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Norton and in 1844 he was graduated from the Cleveland Medical College. After a short period of practice at Delaware, he came to Waldo, Marion County, and entered into partnership with Dr. Gliddon, but removed one year later to Caledonia, where he was associated in practice for one year with Dr. J. M. Briggs. While residing in Caledonia, the Doctor served as postmaster, his appointment coming from President Lincoln. He then removed to Big Island, where he remained for 40 years. His first years of practice were carried on on horseback , because of the unsettled condition of the country and later he covered many miles each day, driving the whole extent of the township on many occasions. When he decided to seek rest in retirement at Marion, expressions of regret were heard on every side from those to whom he had so faithfully and skillfully ministered for almost a half century. There are remaining some patients who still travel long distances to seek his counsel and advice. Dr. Bowdish is a member of the Ohio State and of the Marion County medical societies. Dr. Bowdish was married (first) to Irene Hardin, of Delaware, Ohio, who became the mother of two children, both of whom died in infancy. Dr. Bowdish was married (second) to Margaret E. Wheatley. Politically, Dr. Bowdish is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His time is mainly occupied in looking after real estate investments at Marion and two fine farms aggregating 227 acres.

JOHN DAVID BOWER, cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Waldo and one of the leading business citizens of the village, was born on his father's farm in Seneca County, Ohio, December 7, 1867, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Brigel) Bower, both natives of Crawford County, Ohio. The parents of our subject were reared and married in Crawford County and subsequently moved to Seneca County. they had a family of eight children, as follows: John David; George; Melinda, who married John Utz; Monetta, who married Fred Eppley; Ida, who married John Miller; Elizabeth, who married Robert Probst; Anna, who died aged eight years; and Edward. All the living members of the above named family are residents of Seneca County, with the exception of our subject and Mrs. Eppley, who live in Marion County. The father is still living on a farm in Seneca County; the mother died in 1893 at the age of 59 years. John David Bower was reared on his father's farm and received his primary education in the district schools of Seneca County, in the meantime assisting with the work on the farm. In 1885 he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada and for two years studied the common branches and the third year took a complete commercial course. He then returned to the farm where he remained until,1895, engaged in operating a hay press and a threshing machine that he owned. He then located in Waldo, Marion County, and acquired an interest in the Waldo Elevator Company, whose elevator he helped to erect; he conducted the business for five years, finally disposing of his interest. He then operated a farm in Waldo township, which he rented from John Kraner, for a period of four years, and in 1904 accepted his present position as cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Waldo, filling the vacancy caused by the death of W. H. Moore. Mr. Bower has been a stockholder in the bank since it was first established in 1899. Mr. Bower was united in marriage, May 30, 1900, with Alice F. Kraner, who was born and reared in Waldo, township and is a daughter of John and Hannah (Augenstein) Kraner. Mrs. Bower's grandparents, who were among the early pioneers of Marion County, were natives of Germany. One child has been born to our subject and wife, Isabelle, who was born August 9, 1902. Mr. Bower has always been a Democrat politically. He served as Mayor of Waldo one term, was township trustee one term and served on the village Council for three years. He was elected township treasurer in 1905 and is still serving in that capacity. Mr. Bower is a member and treasurer of the Lutheran Church at Waldo.

EBON L. BRADY, M. D., coroner of Marion County, is one of the well established physicians and surgeons of the city of Marion, where he was born April 9, 1880. He is a son of Albert J. and Ida (Corey) Brady. Albert J. Brady is a son of S. L. and Mary J. Brady, and is a well-known citizen of Marion, where he has been engaged in contracting for a number of years. His three children are: Ebon L., Lura Irene and Lewis D. Dr. Brady was reared at Marion and here received his literary education. His medical studies were pursued at the Ohio Medical University, at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1903. His field of practice has been confined to Marion County. His office is conveniently located at the southeast corner of Church and Main streets, Marion. He is a member of the Marion County and Ohio State medical societies and the American Medical Association. Dr. Brady was married to Marie Rice, whose family live in Columbus, Franklin County.

ELLIS C. BRADY, who carries on a general line of agriculture on his farm of 80 acres, located in section 12, Big, Island township, is also engaged- in road and turnpike contracting through Marion County. He was born November 10, 1855, near Espyville, Big Island township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Simon L. and Mary J. (Halstead) Brady, Christopher Brady, the great-grandfather of Ellis C., was a native of Ireland and was one of the earliest settlers of Marion County, where he entered a very large tract of land, at one time owning nearly all of Big Island township between the Little Scioto River and Espyville. He died in advanced age at Marion. Jackson Brady, grandfather of Ellis C., came to Marion County but moved to Labette City, Kansas, in 1870, and died there in 1885. Simon Brady, father of Ellis C., was reared in Big Island township and married Mary J. Halstead, who was also born and reared in Marion County. She is a daughter of Irey Halstead, a well-known pioneer of Big Island township, who for many years conducted a hotel in what was then the thriving village of Big Island, which was about the same size as Marion at that time, and a rival candidate for the county seat of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Simon Brady were the parents of eight children six of whom were reared to maturity, namely: Ellis C.; Albert J., residing at Marion; Princess J., who married M. J. White, of Marion; Perry D., a well-known farmer of Marion township; M. Harrison, an agriculturist of Marion township; and Mrs. Lura Buckingham, deceased. Simon Brady and his wife are both living and reside with their son, Perry D. Brady, in Marion township. Ellis C. Brady was reared and has practically lived all his life in Big Island township though he has spent some time at Marion engaged in, road contracting. He has built a great many miles of turnpike in Marion County,.and over 400 miles of roads in Marion, Delaware, Wyandot, Crawford and Morrow counties. He still continues to follow this business in connection with the attention due his farming interests. Mr. Brady has been twice married (first) to Lindoyah Hickman, by which marriage he had four children: Daniel, who married Edna Cooper and resides in Big Island township; and Ollie, Moore and Irwin, all deceased. He was married (second), in 1906, to Dell Donagan and they have one child, Bradford K.

CORNELIUS BREED, a prominent business man of Marion, engaged exclusively in the jobbing of cigars, has been identified with the interests of this city all his life having been born here December 24, 1860. The late Thomas Breen, father of Cornelius, was born in Ireland and came to Marion, March 1, 1857, where he established a grocery business with which he remained connected until 1893, the year of his death. He was one of Marion's old and substantial business men.

Cornelius Breen completed his education at Marion, attending the Old Central School, and then went to work in his father's grocery. In 1893 he succeeded to the business and continued in the same until 1906, having both a retail and wholesale trade. Since retiring from the grocery line, Mr..Breen has been interested as above stated. On February 14, 1893, Mr. Breen married Annora O'Hara, of LaRue, and they have four children, namely: Kathyleen, Thomas A., Virginia, Mary and Ellen. With his family, Mr. Breen belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. Breen is a Democrat and has long been more or less interested in local affairs. During the last campaign he was selected as the Democratic candidate for sheriff.

DENNIS M. BREEN, a retired grocer and one of the most highly respected citizens of the village of Prospect, was born on his father's farm in the Ottawa Valley in Canada, and is a son of Morris and Mary (Flannegan) Breen, both natives of Ireland. Morris Breen was reared in Ireland and married Mary Flannegan, after which they came to America and settled on a farm in Michigan, after living for some years in the Ottawa Valley in Canada. They were the parents of four children: Thomas, who was killed in 1887 at Marion, Ohio, by a train; Catherine, who married James Havey; Margaret, who married D. Stewart; and Dennis, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Breen dying, the father of our subject subsequently married Ellen O'Toole. Six children were born to this second union, namely: Martin and James, deceased; Hannah, who married Thomas Phillen; Mrs. Mary Ann Mulenix; Michael, and Nell, who married William Graves. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Breen went to live for a time with his son who ran two large hotels in St. Marie, Michigan, after which he went to live with his daughter in Ottawa, where he died in 1906 at the age of 94 years. Dennis Breen was reared on his father's farm in Canada. When still a boy in years, he accompanied his brothers, Thomas and James. to Saginaw City, Michigan, where he entered the employ of the J. R. Booth Lumber Company, subsequently becoming foreman of that company and still later general manager. he was employed by this company for a period of eight years. In July, 1885, he came to Marion, bought property in the west end of the city and engaged in the grocery business on the corner of Center and Davids streets. He was the first to establish a grocery in the west end of Marion, and put down the first board walk west of the Hocking Valley Railway. The walk extended 210 feet on Davids street and 50 feet on Center. He continued to operate this store for 12 years when he sold the property and store to William P. Murphy, after which he removed to the village of Prospect and again engaged in the grocery business until 1905, when he retired from business. He resides in a fine, large, 12-room frame residence on Water street, which he purchased from C. Nemier. On November 19, 1891, Mr, Breen was married to Jennie Fitzgerald, who was born on a farm in Athens County, Ohio, November 21, 1867, and is a daughter of Garret and Catherine (McCarthy) Fitzgerald, both natives of Ireland. Garret Fitzgerald was reared in Ireland, and after leaving school taught for some time in the city of Limerick, Ireland finally coining to America. He fought in the Civil War in defense of the Union. Mrs. Fitzgerald came to America with her father, Dennis McCarthy, when a girl of 12 years. Her parents settled in Syracuse, New York, and there she was married to Garret Fitzgerald. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Catherine, who, married Thomas Breen, a brother of our subject-both now deceased; Anna, who married P. Smith; Margaret, who married M. Snyder; Jennie, the wife of our subject; and John Garret, who died young. Mr. Fitzgerald died in Athens County, Ohio, in July, 1893, at the age of 63 years, and was buried at Marion; his widow died in Marion in August, 1904, at the age of 72 years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Breen-Mary Sabina and James Robert. Besides his fine residence property in Prospect, Mr. Breen also owns considerable real estate in Marion-on Silver street and on the corner of Bellefontaine avenue and Davids street. Mr. Breen and his wife are both members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Marion.

EDWARD B. BREWER, (PICTURE) who comes of one of Marion County's prominent old families, resides in Grand Prairie township, on the Sandusky and Marion pike, and is the owner of 503 cres of valuable farm land, of which 210 acres ire in Salt Rock township. He was born in Salt Rock township, Marion County, Ohio, August 1, 1862, and is a son of Emery and Cynthia (Lapham) Brewer. Emery Brewer was born in New York state, March 22, 1820, and was 23 years of age when he came to Marion County, Ohio, waking the entire journey on foot. During his first year here he was in the. employ of Thomas Dye, receiving as compensation a horse, saddle and bridle. He rode back to his native State the second year on this horse, leading two horses. There he disposed of his horses and later in the year returned on foot ; to Marion County, where he entered the employ of Arthur Lapharn, his future father-in-law. Subsequently he made another trip to New York State, taking six horses with him, which he disposed of at a good profit. He again returned to Marion County on foot and on May 25, 1849, was joined in marriage with Cynthia Lapham, who had formerly been his school teacher. She owned a tract of 80 acres, and with what money he had saved he bought an additional tract of 80 acres in Salt Rock township, their farm being known as the "Goose Pond" farm. This farm of 160 acres they subsequently exchanged for 240 acres belonging to Thomas Dye. Then for a period of 20 years Mr. Brewer continued at general farming, making a specialty of stock-raising and feeding. He was particularly successful as a breeder of sheep and raiser of wool, which were the basis of the large property he accumulated. He increased his landed interests in Salt Rock township to 1,220 acres, and in 1869 purchased a 762-acre tract in Grand Prairie township, known as the Vint Pettit farm, where he thereafter resided until his death and where his son, Edward B. Brewer, now lives. He died May 7, 1880, after a most active and successful business career, leaving to his heirs some 1,800 acres of land. Mrs. Brewer, who is now past 76 years of age. is living on North State street, Marion. She was born September 20, 1830, and is a daughter of Arthur Lapham, who was one of the pioneers of Salt Rock township. In 1836 Mr. Lapham erected one of the finest country homes of that period, which still stands on the old farm in a good state of preservation. When on a journey to California that he undertook, he was accidentally drowned while crossing a stream in a boat, accompanied by two companions, who also lost their lives. Emery Brewer and his estimable wife had five children, three of whom grew to maturity, namely: Amanda, born February 24, 1853, deceased August 17, 1876, who was the wife of Madison W. Monnette, whose father, Abraham Monnette, was one of the largest land owners in Crawford County--at her death she left two children, Edith and Ernest; Edward B., the subject of this sketch; Cora, wife of H. B. Williams, superintendent of the public schools of Sandusky, Ohio, and the mother of four children--Lloyd Brice, John Lapham, Elbert and Mary Cynthia. Edward B. Brewer was seven years of age when his parents located on the place where he has ever since lived. He first attended school in Salt Rock township one year, and then attended school in Grand Prairie township, in the meantime assisting his father in the work upon the farm. He has always farmed and is one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his community. He is one of the most extensive stock-raisers in the county, feeding about 200 head of cattle and some 1,500 head of sheep. A man of enterprise and public spirit, he gives his support to such measures and enterprises as are calculated to advance the interests of the county and the community in which he lives. On November 23, 1882, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage with Ida R. Carhart, a daughter of G. W. and Ann (Merchant) Carhart, and to them have been born five children, as follows: Harry Carhart, who died at the age of six months; Herbert Merchant, born February 22, 1885; Leroy, born June 9, 1887; Elrey Lapham; born December 27, 1889; and Gertrude May, born December 11, 1891. Edward B. Brewer resides on 242 acres of the old home farm owned by his mother, and himself has a tract of 172 acres lying directly across the road. He has two farms in Salt Rock township--one of 50 acres and the other of 160 acres. The.family own 1,374 acres in Marion county, all told. Fraternally, he is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, Knights of Pythias. Views of Mr. Brewer's residence and barn accompany this sketch.

JOHN M. BRIGEL, deputy probate judge of Marion County, was born in this county in 1864, and is a son of Michael and Friedrika (Eibling) Brigel. Michael Brigel was born February 9, 1899 in Mannenberg, Wuerttemberg, Germany and came in 1853 to Marion County, where he married a Frederica Eibling daughter of John Eibling, an early settler in Richland township. Mrs. Brigel was born in Marion County in 1839. John M. Brigel was educated in the Marion schools. In youth he learned the harness and saddlery trade with his father, and after three years with him spent eight years with the T. J. McGruder Novelty Saddlery Works. Mr. Brigel was connected with the "Big Four" Railroad office at this point for two years, and in 1896 he became deputy probate judge under Judge F. J. Schultz, continuing in the office under his two successors, Judge M. J. Burke and Judge George H. Foster. Fraternally, Mr. Brigel is a member of Kosciusco Lodge, No. 58, IOOF; Marion Lodge, No. 32, B: P. O. E:.; and Model Tent, No. ray, K. O. T. M. of the W. He belongs to the First Reformed Church at Marion.

ERNEST BRICKER (BRUGGER), one of the progressive farmers and leading citizens of Green Camp township, now filling the office of township trustee, resides on a valuable farm of 105 acres, which is the property of his father but which he operates with very satisfying results. Mr. Bricker was born in Green Camp township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Brinker) Bricker. The Bricker family originated in Germany and John Bricker, our subject's grandfather, was the first to come to Ohio. He settled in Delaware County for a short season and then came to Marion County, where he entered land in Green Camp township. Jacob Bricker, father of our subject, was born in Switzerland in 1846 and was six years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. he has spent most of his subsequent life in Green Camp township, where he is one of the substantial citizens. He married Elizabeth Brinker and they have five children, as follows: Ernesest, of this sketch; Laura, wife of E. O. Smith, of Green Camp township, Elmer and Alma (twins) ; and Clarence. Ernest Bricker was reared on the home farm in Green Camp township and was educated in the local schools. In early manhood he was married to Hannah Zieg, who died leaving one child, Ruth. Mr. Bricker was married (second) to Emma Schultz, One daughter Kathleen, has been born to the second marriage. Mr. Bricker is identified with the Democratic party and on that ticket he was elected in the spring of 1903 to his present office. Mr. Bricker's farm is a valuable property and is in a fine state of cultivation. He carries on general farming and raises a large amount of good stock.

JACOB BRICKER (BRUGGER), a representative citizen and substantial resident of Green Camp township, who has lived on his present farm for the last quarter of a century, own's 405 acres of excellent farming land, of which 108 3/4 acres are in the home farm on the Mount Olive and Green Camp, turnpike, two and a half miles west of Green Camp; 105 acres make up a farm lying in bofh Green Camp and Pleasant townships on which his son, Ernest Bricker resides; 112 acres lies on the north side of the same turnpike west of the home farm and 80 acres are situated about one mile south, in Union County. Jacob Bricker was born in Thoerigen, Switzerland, July 29, 1846, and is a son of John and Barbara (Brugger) Brugger. When he was six years old, his parents with their three children, John, Jacob and Mary the latter of whom is now the wife of J. C. Porter, came, to America. The family lived in Delaware County, Ohio until 1861, and then came to Marion County. settling in Green Camp township. Two more children were added to the family after settlement was made in Ohio, Samuel and Rosa, who is the wife of Herman Flach. The father died in Green Camp township, April 20, 1891, but the mother still survives, a venerable lady now in her 84th year, who resides with her son Samuel, on the old homestead.

Jacob Bricker was a youth of .6 years when he came to Marion from Delaware County and so closely have his large interests been identified with the growth and development of this section ever since, that it almost seems as if he had always lived in this county. He is one of the large land-owners and has lived on his present highly cultivated farrn for the past 25 years. He has made all the excellent improvements which make his one of the most valuable properties of the locality. He has always been an industrious, hard-working man and possesses excellent business qualifications. On October 9, 1873, Mr. Bricker was married to Elizabeth Brinker, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Shiveley) Brinker, both of whom were natives of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Bricker have five children, as follows: Ernest, a prominent citizen of Green Camp township, a member of the board of trustees, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book: Laura, who is the wife of E. O. Smith, of Green Camp township; Elmer, who married Mabel Manley, and resides in Union County, Ohio; Elma, twin of Elmer and Clarence, who resides at home. Mr. Bricker and family belong to the German Reformed Church. For three years he served on its board of trustees. He is a man of honorable upright character and represents the best citizenship of Green Camp township.

SILAS W. BRIGGS, who enjoys the distinction of being one of the most venerable citizens of Grand Prairie township, resides on his valuable farm of 100 acres in section 25, and owns 60 additional acres in section 26. Mr. Briggs comes from one of the old and substantial families of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 14, 1828, and is a son of Jonathan Stevenson and Margaret (Gilliland) Briggs. The family has retained the old Briggs estate intact from the days of William Penn from whom it was secured by the English founder of the family many years prior to the Revolutionary War. The grandfather of Silas W., Benjamin Briggs, was born near Philadelphia and died on the family estate in Huntingdon County, where two of his daughters still reside. Jonathan Briggs, father of Silas W., was born in Huntingdon County, Philadelphia, and there followed in agricultural life until his death. He married Margaret Gilliland, who belonged to another old and respected family and they had 16 children. Silas W. Briggs was reared on the home farm where he remained until he was 2 years of age. In 1853 he cut loose from old ties and started out for himself, coming to Ohio and securing, farm work in Dallas township, Crawford County, and there was married June 12, 1855, to Charlotte Shank, who is a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Bush) Shank, and was reared in Crawford County. Jacob Shank was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, but he was mainly reared in Monroe County, in the vicinity of Stroudsburg, where he was subsequently married to Lydia Bush. Mr. Shank continued to reside in Monroe County for some years following his marriage, and then removed to Dallas township, Crawford County, Ohio, in 1834. He died on his farm there, in March, 1853, but his widow survived until 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Silas W. Briggs continued to live on the Shank homestead until 1861, when they came to their present home in Grand Priarie township, where they have ever since continued to reside. This farm Mr. Brigg's purchased on Christmas Day, 1860, beginning with 80 acres. The family took possession of the old log cabin that then stood on the place, this being about the only improvement, with the exception of a split-rail pen which served as a stable for the one horse which then represented Mr. Briggs' stock farm. It was not long, however, before many changes were brought about. The work was necessarily much delayed, on account of the swampy condition of a large part of the land, which required extensive tiling. Its present condition shows how careful1v and systematically Mr. Briggs carried on his improving. To his original purchase he added until he owns 160 acres; his property is now fine, arable land capable of producing abundantly. He has always carried on a general line of farming and has also devoted attention to the raising of good stock. he is one of the successful and substantial men of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have had eight children, namely Josephine L., Curtis J., Luther A., Emma E., Llewellyn, Otto G., Eugene U. and Clarence N. Three of the above family are deceased : Josephine L., dying in infancy, Llewellyn, at the age of 12 years; and Curtis J., in mature manhood, being cut off in the midst of a life of great usefulness. Curtis J. Briggs was born in Dallas township, Crawford County, December 20, 1857, an died February 8, 1894, at which time he was one of the leading physicians in the community in which he lived. He was thoroughly educated, spending two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware prior to entering the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, where he was graduated, immediately thereafter entering upon the practice of his profession. He was happily married and is survived by three children, namely: Curtis I.. Nina Edna, who is the wife of Clarence Davis, and Zelda Christina. They reside at Scott Town. Luther A. Briggs, the oldest surviving son of Silas W. Briggs, resides at Santa Monica,. California, and has two sons, Harold and Howard, Emma E., the eldest surviving daughter, married Erastus Bryson and resides in Montgomery County, Indiana; they have two children--Charlotte E. and Lola L. Otto G., the sixth member of the family, resides at Marion, where here he is a prominent citizen, being secretary of the Marion Building and Loan Company; he has two children-Fred Glyndon and Dorothy Elizabeth. Eugene U. and Clarence N. both reside at home and carry on agricultural activities here. The latter is unmarried but Eugene N. married Clara B. Baker and has a daughter, Lotus Lorean. Eugene U. Briggs is probably one of the most traveled men in his section of Marion County, for he has circumnavigated the globe. In young manhood he prepared himself for teaching and became one of the popular educators of Marlon township When troops were required for service in the Philippine Islands, he enlisted from Indianapolis, Indiana, December 1, 1898, in Company H, Fourth Reg., U. S. Inf., and served until July 25, 1900, when he was honorably discharged. His company was sent to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, but did not enjoy those comfortable quarters for a very long period, being sent early in 1899 to, New York and ordered aboard the U. S. transport "Grant." It crossed the Atlantic Ocean, steamed through the Mediterranean Sea, through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, on through the Strait of Malacca and thence across the China Sea, landing finally in Manila Bay. In this far distant portion of the earth. so many miles from his peaceful home, Mr. Briggs on several Occasions had to engage in deadly conflict with the savage islanders. He participated in a heavy skirmish in the foot hills of Mariquina Valley, March 31, 1899, and in the battle of Dosmaimas June 19-20, 1899, but escaped injury in both cases. In addition to filling the duties of a good ,soldier, Mr. Briggs performed special services for which he was selected on account of his personal fitness. When the brave General Lawton met his death, Mr. Briggs was chosen as one of the private guards at the residence, and following both before and following the funeral and was guard while the body was lying in state and te and was also one of the escorts when it was conveyed to the boat which brought it to the United States. A position of that kind is one that reflects great credit upon a soldier. When his term of service expired, Mr. Briggs returned to Ohio, by way of San Francisco, and thus made the circuit of the earth.

S. H. BRITTON, M. D., physician and surgeon at Marion, where he enjoys a large practice, was born in July, 1859 in Knox Countv Ohio. Being a member of one of the old families of that section. Britton was liberally educated, graduating from Kenyon College, with the degree of A. B., in 1880, and then beginning the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Devore. In 1884 he was graduated from the medical department of the Western Reserve University, and then formed a medical partnership with his former preceptor, which continued until the death of Dr. Devore. In 1899 Dr. Britton came to Marion and opened an office at. No. 122 East Church street. In 1890 he was appointed a member of the United States Pension Examing Board for Marion County, served four years, and in 1889 was elected coroner. He is member of the American Medical Association and the Ohio State and Marion County medical societies. In 1892 Dr. Britton was married to Mary F. Williams, a daughter of C. C. Williams, of New Philadelphia, Ohio. Formerly Dr. Britton took an active interest in politics but now devotes all his energies, to his profession. He is a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias and also belongs to some insurance organizations.

JOSEPH CURTIS BROCKLESBY, a leading citizen and substantial farmer and stock-raiser of Clarldon township, was born on his present farm, February 19, 1860, and is a son of William and Abigail (Curtis) Brocklesby. The Brocklesby family was established in Ohio by William Brocklesby, the grandfather of Joseph C., who left the old home at Hatton, England, with wife and children, in 1844, and settled in Claridon township, Marion County. At that time there was every prospect that the village of Claridon would become a great railroad center arid Mr. Brocklesby invested in considerable land in this vicinity and engaged in farming and in industrial enterprises. He was just the kind of, pioneer settler needed full of energy himself and thoroughly appreciative of all the advantages which the new country offered. In communicating with his family some nine years after his settlement in Claridon township, he wrote in the highest terms of his American surroundings and, from indications then showing, predicted that America would become the greatest country in the world and that great prosperity would certainly descend upon Marion County. He was particularly pleased with the chances then offered to a laboring man, who, he said, could easily earn property of his own and fill public offices up to the highest in the land, if he were industrious and temperate. Public education also, pleased him and he told, in an interesting way. of his plans to educate his children. Mr. Brocklesby must have been a man of most excellent parts, a close observer and a just judge of men and affairs. Many years have passed since he wrote thus kindly of his adopted country. All that he hoped did not take place in his immediate locality, but his grandchildren have reaped benefits where he sowed the seed and they venerate his memory and realize how wise were his predictions of American supremacy. William Brocklesby, the pioneer settler, who married Emma Thew, also a native of England, and they had five children, namely: William, Robert, John, Betty and Emma. In mentioning hi schildren, in 1856, Mr. Brock mentioning is children in 1856, Mr. Brocklesby wrote: "William is farming for His uncle on shares." John remained to assist his father at home and the latter described them to the English relatives as "both fine boys, as free as the country we live in." William Brocklesby, son of William and father of our subject, was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 30, 1833. After the death of his father, he lived with his uncle, William Thew, for whom he had been working, as mentioned by his father, and remained an inmate of the uncle's home until his marriage. He acquired property and became the independent citizen his father had hoped, at the time of his death owning 410 acres as the result of his industry. He resided on the far m until 1889, when he retired to Caledonia, where he died September 5, 1906. He was in partnership with a nephew in a hardware business at Caledonia for several years, and was a stockholder in the electric light company of that place and the telephone company. In politics he was a Republican and on numerous occasions his party placed him in nomination for responsible offices; when elected, he served with the greatest efficiency. For 57 years prior to his death, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for a long period served as class leader and as steward. He demonstrated in his long and worthy life the type of citizen made by grafting American training on English stock. On January 1, 1856, William Brocklesby was married to Abigail Curtis, who was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Woodhouse) Curtis, natives of England. This union resulted in the birth of eight children of whom four are living, is follows: Joseph C.; Ernma, born May 15, 1863; John B., born October 22, 1865; and Ella A., born November 2, 1878. Those deceased are: William, born December 29, 1857, who died October 2.9, 1874; Charles Y., born July 1, 1868, who died October 25 , 1877; Ma ry O., born August 9, 1875. who 1875, who died October 25, 1877 and a babe deceased in infancy. Mrs. Brocklesby is still a resident of Caledonia. Joseph C. Brocklesby was reared and educated in Claridon township and has always resided on the home farm, the operation of which is divided between himself and brother, Who live in adjoining houses. Mr. Brocklesby has been much interested in stock-raising for a number of years and makes a specialty of growing sheep He has other interests and is one of the stockholders in the Caledonia Telephone Company. On September 9, 1889, Mr. Brocklesby was married to Rose Bell Immell, who was horn in Morrow County, Ohio, and died June 2, 1897, leaving three children, Ivy M., Pearl Elsie and Carl Edward, the eldest of whom makes her home with her grandmother at Caledonia. On August 28, 1901, Mr. Brocklesby was married (second) to Elizabeth Bleasher, who was born in Tully township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Baker) Bleasher, now residing at Bucyrus. They have one little daughter, Mary Abigail. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Caledonia. In his political views, Mr. Brocklesby is a Republican, but he has never aspired to office. He belongs to Caledonia Lodge, No. 299, IOOF

EZEKIEL BROWNE, a prominent citizen of Marion County, one of its most substantial and successful men, who is identified with its agricultural and manufacturing as well as its commercial and financial interests, resides on a finely improved farm of 418 acres in Grand Prairie township-the old Bretz homestead. Mr. Browne was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, January 24, 1850, and is a son of Abram and Mary Jane (Ekleberry) Browne. William Browne, the great-grandfather of Ezekiel, was a native of Pennsylvania. where he spent his whole life. The old family name was spelled by the Scotch ancestors with a final "e", but now some. branches of the family drop the "e". Henry Browne. the grandfather of Ezekiel Browne, was born in Pennsylvania and remained there until he arrived at manhood, when he came to Ohio, settling first in Fairfield County. He followed the trade of wheelwright. Later in life he moved to Wyandot County, where he lived until his demise. Abram Browne father of Ezekiel, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was three years old when his parents settled in Wyandot County. He was reared in Wyandot County and there married Mary Jane Ekleberry, a daughter of Ezekiel Ekleberry. They had 11 children, eight of whom grew to maturity and five of whom still survive. Ezekiel Browne was the fourth born in his parents' family and is the oldest of those now living. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm in Wyandot County, and his education was obtained in the district schools. Since his marriage. in 1876, he has been a resident of Marlon County, where he is one of the largest land-owners and most extensive stock-men. His ownership of land covers 1,126 acres, 520 of which are situated in Grand Prairie township and the rest in Salt Rock township. He requires a large amount of land to carry on his operations in stock-raising, in which he takes much interest. At the present writing he has 270 head of cattle and fully 3,000 head of sheep, all of which have been raised under the. best conditions and represent an immense amount, of capital. In addition to operating his own land and the home farm, which is the property of his wife, Mr. Browne rents 1,200 acres, and all of this is scientifically cared for and made to bring in returns to its fullest capacity. The superintendence of this large amount of land and his stock and cattle interests require a very systematized way of doing business and this Mr. Browne has. In this way he is able to also give attention to other enterprises which are of importance to himself and also to the community. Mr. Browne is a large dealer in real estate, and through his agency much capital has been brought to this section and lands have changed hands to the benefit of all concerned. He is the largest stockholder in and one of the directors of the Morral Canning Company, at Morral, Ohio, and of the Morral Lumber & Elevator Company, and has been president of both of these successful concerns since their organization. He is a large stockholder and one of the board of directors of the Giant Stone Company, of Bedford County, Indiana, and also is a stockholder and a director of the City National Bank, at Marlon. His experience and judgment are of value to other organizations with which his name is not directly concerned. His many interests have brought him into contact with a large number of his fellow-citizens and on, account of his attitude in relation to all business affairs, that of strict fairness and undoubted integrity, he enjoys a very large measure of their esteem. On January 20, 1876, Mr. Browne was united in marriage with Alice C. Bretz, the only daughter of Andrew and Mary Bretz, very prominent old settlers of Grand Prairie township. The father of Mrs. Browne was long one of the most substantial men of this locality, the owner of a large amount of fine farming land. His death occurred January 9, 1905. Mrs, Bretz still survives, a lady very much esteemed by the residents of this locality, and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Browne. Mr. and Mrs. Browne have had four children, namely: Effie, who married J. P. Robinson and has one son, Richard; Ralph, who died aged three years, Frank, who ably assists his father in his agricultural operations; and Ray, who died aged eight and a half years. Mr. Browne and family belong to the Free Baptist Church. He is one of the trustees of Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Michigan, and never permits himself to be too busy not to attend an annual meeting of the board. This brief review cannot be closed without making mention of the fact that Mr. Browne and family are eligible to membership in, the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, through the services of the great-great-grandfather, Mahlon Browne. The romantic story connected with this old patriot ancestor is thus told: Mahlon Browne was a native of Scotland, who through the influence of his distinguished family, secured a commission in, the British Army and it chanced that he was in command of troops sent to subdue the Colonies. He had been in America but a short time, when his views changed on the situation-perhaps the old Scottish love of liberty had an unconscious influence-at any rate, he left his British comrades and presented himself to General Washington, by whom he was kindly received and later became one of the zealous and useful officers under the great commander. The close of the war found him willing to cast his lot in with the free Colonies and doubtless he was the founder of the family in one of the rich counties of Pennsylvania, which appears to have been the cradle of the present branch.

CHARLES BRUNDIGE, a prominent farmer and large stock-raiser of Marion County, resides on his well-improved farm of 168 acres, situated in Waldo township. He also owns a farm of 216 acres, opposite his home farm, just across the public highway, 25 acres of which is in Delaware County. Mr. Brundige was born on the farm he now owns, August 31, 1841, and is a son of John and Harriet (Taylor) Brundige. The Brundige family has been known in Ohio since 1805. According to old family records, it originated in France. At an early day it is found in New York, where it still has representatives. The grandfather of Charles Brundige was Nathaniel Brundige, who was born in Ulster County, New York. In 1797 he went to Virginia, and in 1805 came to Ohio. It is probable that at this time he was a man in middle life, as family records prove that before he left New York he was a man of business, owning and operating a lime kiln on the Hudson River. He also was engaged in trading, having customers on the opposite side of the river, whom he would visit by means of a rowboat, and it is related that on one occasion he returned to his home with his hat full of money. In New York he married Elizabeth Kniffin, who was probably of Holland Dutch extraction. She accompanied him to Virginia, in 1797, and when they came to Ohio, in 1805, they had nine children. Nathaniel Brundige took some time to select a permanent home, living for a short time in Pickaway County; in Liberty township, Delaware County; and in Franklin County, reaching what is now Waldo township, Marion County, in February, 1806. On his way here he met Colonel Kilbourn, an early speculator in land, who laid out the town of Norton in Delaware County and Bucyrus in Crawford County. Desiring to enter a tract of 160 acres in Waldo township that his judgment told him would become a valuable property, Nathaniel Brundige entered into an agreement to pay $400 to Colonel Kilbourn, who was to enter the land in Brundige's name at the United States Land Office at Delaware. Although the land was subject to entry at $1.25 per acre, or $200 for the whole tract, Mr. Brundige paid a double price by reason of Colonel Kilbourn's representations that he had previously entered the land for himself. It was later ascertained that the entry Colonel Kilbourn made for Mr. Brundige was the first and only entry of the land. This very desirable land is now the property of our subject. At the time that this farm was first settled upon, it was a wild, timber-covered tract, where Indians still roamed and hunted and where game was plentiful and wild animals were still numerous. The Indians were disposed to be friendly and the Brundige family often fed the wanderers. One occasion is recalled when a squaw, with her papoose strapped on her back, called at the door, and when she was admitted, tucked the baby out of the way on the ground by the step. Rain was falling and dripped from the eaves into the little one's face, but neither the mother nor child seemed disturbed by such a circumstance, which in a civilized family would have raised a great outcry. On this farm Nathaniel Brundige and wife ended their days, his death taking place on July 11, 1825. He bought other land north of Waldo and is credited with cuttug through the first road in Marion County. His first log cabin, which was 18 by 20 feet in dimension, was later succeeded by a hewn-log house, 18 by 30 feet in dimension, which stood until quite recently. He was a member of Capt. William S. Drake's company of militia, and was connected with the memorable "defeat," referred to in the chapter on the military history of the county. Mr. Brundige was an old-time pioneer, a man of great personal courage and wonderful resource. He was looked up to by his family and the community and his name is associated with many of the early improvements of this part of Marion County. The nine children of Nathaniel Brundige and wife were: Polly, who married Reuben Drake; Anna, who married James Trendle; Lavina, who married Samuel D. Wyatt; Rachel, who married L. F. Hull; James, who lived to be 93 years of age; Sallie, who married Evan Norris; William; Elizabeth, who married David Mitchell; and John, the father of our subject. John Brundige, the youngest of the above mentioned family, was born in the old log house in Waldo township, September 10, 1813, which was further memorable as being the day of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. In later years his children often heard him say, with a twinkle of the eye: "The 10th of September, let us all remember." He grew up on the pioneer farm, which he helped his father to clear, and secured a fair education for the time. He continued to live on the home place, developing it into such a fine farm that he later refused to sell, even when offered $100 per acre for it. He added to the original tract and after giving to his children some 200 acres had an estate of 650 acres at the time of his death, November 21, 1893, which was caused by a runaway accident, while he was hauling lumber from Prospect. He was a man of great energy and robust health. For many years he was a member of the Baptist Church, and on account of being an official was generally known as Deacon John Brundige. On September 10, 1837, John Brundige was married to Harriet Taylor, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and died in Iowa, at the home of a daughter, August 10, 1899, aged 82 years. The children born to this marriage were the following: Sanford, a member of the 48th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., who died in the army in the Civil War; Charles, the subject of this sketch; Mary Eliza; Josephine; Elizabeth, who died aged five years; John Fremont, a substantial citizen of Waldo township; and Thomas Nathaniel. Charles Brundige was reared on the homestead and was educated in the district schools in the neighborhood. For two years following his marriage, he continued to reside at home and then moved to a farm of 100 acres, which his father gave him, and which had been partly improved, a brick house standing on it. Later he purchased the farm of William Beecher, to which he then removed, living there until his father's death, when he returned to the homestead, purchasing 360 acres of the family estate. He has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and formerly did an extensive business in buying, feeding and; selling stock, and during his active years has sold many thousands of dollars worth of fine cattle. His last shipment, which went to Chicago, brought $1,900. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in many of the latter's business enterprises. He helped to build the dam for his father's sawmill, clerked in the latter's general store and for a number of years ran a threshing machine. In this way his life has been filled with business, too much so, as he remarks, to permit him to enter actively into political life, his interest in this direction being confined to regularly casting his vote, as becomes a good citizen. Like his father, Mr. Brundige is identified with the Republican party. On December 17, 1863, Mr. Brundige was married to Emma Jacobs, who was born in Waldo township, January 17, 1846, and is a daughter of John D. and Rachel (Hendricks) Jacobs, the former of whom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Fairfield County, Ohio. The Jacobs family came to Waldo township at an early day and until 1849 Mr. Jacobs worked here as a shoemaker. In this year he made the overland trip to California and returned safely, with some gold, but he was heard to say that there was little chance for an honest man to make a great fortune in the far West at that time. Some 10 years later, with his two sons, Byron and John he again went overland to the mining regions, and remained six years, John accompanying his father back to Ohio. Byron Jacobs went on to Oregon and now is a wealthy horse dealer there, never having returned to the East. Subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs sold their property in Waldo township and moved to Kansas where both died. They had eight children namely: Malinda, who married John Renzenberger; Byron; John; Rachel, who married Horatio Wilkson; Priscilla, who married William Ambrose; Emma, wife of our subject; Medora, who married Jacob Jones; and William. Mr. and Mrs. Brundige have had five children, namely: James, deceased; Maggie, who married Newton Roberts and has two children --Charles and Allen; Beverly; John; and Helen Pet, who married Clement Weiser, and has one child, Hall Brundige. Mrs. Brundige is most highly esteemed and respected wherever she is known, and her friends are legion. She has always taken an active interest in church work, especially such as relates to practical charity. The Brundige family belongs to the Baptist Church. The old farm on which they live in interesting as being one of the very first settled spots in the southeastern part of the county and among the historic objects here is a pear tree, which was set out here by Mr. Brundige's uncle over 100 years ago, which is still bearing.

JOHN FREMONT BRUNDIGE, who resides on his well-improved farm 200 acres, in section 18, Waldo township, also owns a farm of 230 acres, situated in Delaware County. He is one of the representative citizens and leading farmers and stockmen of this section of country. Mr. Brundige was born November 24, 1856, on the old homestead farm in Waldo township, was entered by his grandfather, and is a son of John and Harriet (Taylor) Brundige. The Brundige family is one of the oldest and most prominent families of Marion County. The family record's show that it most probably originated in France, but for generations it has been established in America. Nathaniel Brundige, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ulster County, New York where he grew to manhood, becoming a business man along the Hudson River. He owned a lime kiln and also engaged in t