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In 1891 Mr. Gamble was married to Anna McCoy, daughter of John and Ellen (Montgomery) McCoy, of Columbiana County, Ohio. They have three children, all girls : Juno, Ruth and Grace. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Lima, the Odd Fellows lodge at Middlepoint, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men.

GOODWIN & KISER. The livery and feed stable at Ohio City, conducted by the firm of Goodwin & Kiser, is acknowledged to be the leading establishment of its kind in the southern part of Van Wert County. The firm is composed of L. A. Goodwin and Simon Kiser.

L. A. Goodwin was born near Elgin in York township, Van Wert County, on January 1, 1868, and is a son of Abijah and Catharine Goodwin, the former of whom is still living and resides in Elgin; Mrs. Goodwin died in 1888. With the exception of three years which he spent in Allen County, Ohio, L. A. Goodwin has lived continuously in Van Wert County, where he has been engaged in farm work much of the time, but has always taken a great interest in horses. In 1899 he opened a livery barn in Spencerville, Ohio, which he conducted successfully for three years, when he sold the establishment and in 1902 moved to Ohio City, where he built the fine large brick barn which he at present occupies and which is metropolitan in every detail. The building is lighted by electricity, which is supplied by a dynamo operated in the barn, there being no electric light plant in Ohio City. In August, 1904, Mr. Goodwin formed his present partnership with Simon Kiser, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of Goodwin & Kiser.

Simon Kiser is also a native of Van Wert County, being born in Liberty township. Both Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Kiser are members of the Improved Order of Red Men and Fraternal Order of Eagles.

JOSEPH D. SPEER, a prosperous farmer of Van Wert County, has lived for many years on his farm of 40 acres located in section 7, Hoaglin township. He was born in Hancock County, Ohio, August 1, 1854, and is a son of James and Anna (Davis) Speer, natives of Richland and Franklin counties, respectively, the father being a resident of Hancock County, Ohio, at the time of his death in 1866.

After the death of his father, Joseph D. Speer remained at home and assisted his mother by taking upon himself the management of the farm until his own marriage, when he operated on rented land. He remained in Hancock County until 1887, when he moved to Jay County, Indiana, and there cultivated rented land that year, in the fall of 1887 locating in Van Wert County and purchasing his present homestead.

On May 6, 1875, Joseph D. Speer was married to Nellie Crates, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Baldwin) Crates. Her father is a native of Germany and her mother of Ohio, both families having taken up their residence in this State during the very early days when the Indians had possession. To Mr. and Mrs. Speer have been born eight children, namely: Cloyd J., who married Hattie Baxter, of Union township; Annie L., wife of Daniel Mohr, of Hoaglin township; James A.. who is a soldier in the United States Army, located in the Philippines; John, Edward G.,

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Mary C. and Lydia Irene, all living at home; and Dewey, deceased. The family are members of the Evangelical Association, being affiliated with the Grand Victory Church, in Hoaglin township, where Mr. Speer was formerly superintendent of the Sunday-school and delegate of the anti-saloon league held in Van Wert. Mrs. Speer is a prominent member and an earnest worker in the Ladies' Aid Society of the church and is also active in the Women's Relief Corps, of Scott; in fact, the family are prominently identified with all the social and religious life of their locality: Mr. Speer is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Scott.

HENRY POHLMAN, a prosperous and highly esteemed agriculturist of this county, resides on a fine farm of 266 acres in section 14, Washington township, and owns an additional 334 acres in the same township. He is a native of Prussia, but an American in spirit by reason of long residence, education and sympathies. Born June 7, 1842, he was a child of about 18, months when his parents, Mathias and Gertrude Pohlman, emigrated to America and settled in Van Wert County. The elder Pohlman was an industrious, hardworking man, and soon secured employment on the Miami and Erie Canal. He died in 1886 and his wife in 1892, both being laid to rest in the East Side Catholic Cemetery of Delphos.

Henry Pohlman was educated in the Catholic school, and at an early age gave his attention to the subject of agriculture, in which few men are better versed. He also engaged extensively in the raising and shipping of cattle, making a specialty of the Hereford strain and meeting with such flattering success as enabled him to lay up a competency which places him among the moneyed men of the county.

Mr. Pohlman's wife was formerly Elizabeth Koldsmith, a native of Germany and a daughter of Henry and Mary (Miller) Koldsmith. In 1897 her mother died in Prussia, but her father is still a resident of that country. Mr. and Mrs. Pohlman are the parents or 11 children and the grandparents of a like number. Their children are as follows : Mathias, who married Anna Geise and has three children—John, Sylvester and Lizza; Gertrude, wife of Frank Hotz, a farmer of Marion township, Allen County, Ohio, and the mother of four children—Henry, Lena, Leo and Rosa; Mary, who married Casper Kneble, of Washington township and has two children—Johanna and Leander; Henry C., Jr., who married Anna Linger, and is the father of one child—A1phonso; Clara, the wife of David Eickhold, of Putnam County, Ohio, and the mother of one child—Autor; Joseph, who married Nellie Wellman ; Leo, Fred ; Otto ; Ella and George. Mr. Pohlman and his family are devout members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos, in which he has been councilman for the past to years; he himself belongs to St. Joseph's Society. A portrait of Mr. Pohlman accompanies this sketch.

JAMES J. McMILLEN, deceased, one of the prominent citizens, and formerly one of the leading farmers of Ridge township, died October 1, 1897. He was born December 23, 1827, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James W. and Mary (Leach) McMillen.

The great-grandfather of James J. McMillen came from "Ireland to America and set-

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tied in Pennsylvania, where William McMillen, the grandfather, was born. William McMillen married a daughter of Dennis McKnight, whose ancestral record shows that he too came from Ireland and served in the patriot army through the Revolutionary War, being at Bunker Hill and in subsequent battles. James W. McMillen, our subject's father, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and married Mary Leach, a neighbor, who was born in 1796. Of their 10 children, James J. was the sixth in order of birth.

James J. McMillen was three years old when his parents started for Ohio with their children and household goods. The father entered 200 acres of government land in Knox County, where the family lived in a log cabin for some 12 years, passing through the usual hardships of pioneer settlers. The father then sold this land to advantage and removed to Allen County, where he died in March, 1880. Like many of the early fathers, he was a man of sturdy frame, great courage, deep religious convictions and of unimpeachable integrity. Naturally he assumed the prominent place in the community as he was fitted by nature to do so.

The boyhood of James J. McMillen was spent in going to school and in assisting on the home farm ; but he was still a youth when he took charge of his first school, and after completing two terms he used his money in perfecting his education in Delaware University, at Deleware, Ohio, again returning to teaching and again using his earnings in securing advanced instruction for himself. About 1852 he entered into a mercantile business at Elida, Ohio, and later embarked also in the produce and grain business, to which he finally gave his entire attention. In 1858 he purchased 60 acres of land and engaged in farming and raising of fine stock. Subsequentlyhe disposed of this farm in Allen County, and in 1860 settled in Ridge township, Van Wert County, where he remained until his death. He was a man of great enterprise and, with the assistance of his sons, developed this land into a fine farm. Its improvements equal any in Van Wert County.

On September 7, 1854, Mr. McMillen was married to Harriet Gilliland, who is a daughter of James G. and Margaret (Lawson) Gilliland, a very prominent family of Van Wert County. The 10 children born to this union were : Joseph Warren ; Alice, widow of M. D. Mann, of Van Wert; Phoebe, deceased; Alonzo B., of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ida, wife of Thomas Pollock, of Middlepoint, Ohio; Charles S.,. of Woodburn, Indiana; Walter, deceased; Albert and Delbert (twins), residents of Van Wert County; and Hattie, wife of Edward Carlo, of Van Wert.

Politically Mr. McMillen was in accord with the Democratic party. He was prominent in Lima Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M., and was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He was a man of enlightened views, was a great reader and fond of travel, which recreation he occasionally enjoyed with his wife. He was a man of noble impulses, of virtuous life, of kindness of heart and one who had Christian pity for all who were needy or distressed.

E. E. ZOLMAN, M. D., physician and surgeon at Ohio City, and one of the city's intellectual men and leading practitioners, was born in Fulton County, Indiana, March 8, 1872, a son of Sanford P. Zolman, who is a prominent farmer of Fulton County.

Dr. Zolman was reared on the home farm and attended the schools of Fulton County.

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His inclinations did not tend in the direction of agriculture, and his ambitions to enter a profession were encouraged by study in the scientific department of the Northern Indiana Normal College, at Valparaiso. After completing his course there, he taught school during several winters, in the meantime preparing himself for entrance to the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated April 9, 1901. In that year he located at Ohio City, where he has established a very satisfactory private practice, being also medical examiner for the Prudential Life Insurance Company and for the endowment rank of the Knights of Pythias.

In 1898 Dr. Zolman was united in marriage with Addie Perschbacher, who was born in Fulton County, Indiana, and they have two children, both born in Ohio City—Maxine Mildred, March 20, 1904, and Naoma Pauline, July 7, 1905. Fraternally Dr. Zolman is a Mason, and politically a Republican.

JAMES BRADLEY, one of the representative agriculturists of Hoaglin township, whose well-cultivated farm of 89 acres is situated in section 32, was born March 25, 1838, in Richland County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Priscilla (Hoy) Bradley.

The father of Mr. Bradley was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Richland County, Ohio. In 1820 William Bradley settled in Richland County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years subsequently dying at Mansfield.

James Bradley was reared on his father's farm until his majority, and was educated in the local schools. He has always given his main attention to agricultural pursuits, and has been very successful in this line. He is now practically retired, one of his sons being the active operator of the farm, which is conceded to be one of the most valuable in the township. He settled here in the spring of 1882, after a residence of 17 years in Allen County.

In September, 1863, Mr. Bradley was married to Catherine Light, who was born in Richland County and was a daughter of Michael Light, one of the substantial farmers and early settlers of that county. Mrs. Bradley died on November 16, 1904. She was the devoted mother of these children : William M., of Hoaglin township, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work ; Cora, deceased ; Hattie, wife of Charles A. Doner, of Hoaglin township; Lydia, wife of Edward Andrews, of Paulding County, Ohio; George F.; and Mary C., wife of E. C. Cogswell of Van Wert, Ohio. George F. Bradley, the youngest son, who rents and operates his father's farm, was married to May Mosier, of Ridge township, Van Wert County, on February 20, 1905.

In politics Mr. Bradley is a stanch Republican. He has served as one of the trustees of Hoaglin township, and has always been considered one of the reliable citizens whose influence in the direction of education and morality has been very beneficial. He is one of the leading members and trustee of .the Mount Tabor United Brethren Church.

HARVEY FOSTER, township trustee and representative farmer of Washington township, who resides on his well-improved farm of 44 acres, situated in section 18, was born February 14, 1867, on the farm now occupied by his mother and directly across the road from his present home, which was at one time a part of the old

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home farm. He is the only son of Simon and Susan (Fisher) Foster. Simon Foster was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 2, 1828, and was a son of George Foster.

Rev. William Forster, as the name was once spelled, great-grandfather of J. Harvey Foster, was the first member of the Foster family to settle in America. When but 15 years of age he came to this country, and later was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church, and preached for man years in Virginia and Ohio. He entered 2,000 acres of land in Perry County, Ohio, and was a very wealthy man at the time of his death. He left 160 acres of land in Perry County to each of his 12 children.

George Foster, grandfather of J. Harvey Foster, was born in 1779 in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents when still a small boy. He was married in Perry County, Ohio, to Christina Bean, also a native of Pennsylvania, and had a family of to children, of whom Simon was the seventh.

Simon Foster, father of our subject, was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 2, 1828. He was one of the pioneer farmers of Van Wert County, where he located in 1848, after purchasing a farm in York and Ridge townships. He also bought 215 acres in Ottawa County. He was married in. Lima, Ohio, June 12, 1856; to Susan Fisher, a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Highland County, Ohio. Simon Foster inherited 215 acres of timberland in Ottawa County from his father. This he sold, and in 1853 bought at $12 per acre the farm of 160 acres, now occupied by his widow, which was all timberland with the exception of 40 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Simon Foster had six children, of whom J. Harvey Foster was the only son, the five daughters being as follows: Alice (Veach), of Washington township: Ellen (Manship), of Middlepoint; Agnes (Morgan), of Scott, Paulding County; Emma (Ridenour), of Van Wert..

J. Harvey Foster was reared and educated in Washington township, and on May 21, 1890, was married to Ella Downing, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Eli and Martha (Miller) Downing, the former a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a son of William Downing.

Politically Mr. Foster is a Democrat, and he was elected trustee of the western section of Washington township in 1902 by that party. He is responsible for many of the improvements made in this section of the township. He cut the road running north of Middlepoint and also made changes in an old road that formerly cut through many of the farms on an angle. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the Lutheran Church of Middlepoint.

PETER F. REMAGEN, a prominent agriculturist residing on his farm in section 7, Hoaglin township, and a successful dealer in agricultural implements, wire fences, etc., was born in Allen County, Ohio, July 28, 1854, and there grew to manhood. His parents, Peter and EIizabeth (Bargs) Remagen, were natives of Germany, where they were married; but soon after came to America and settled in Allen County, Ohio, where they died.

Peter F. Remagen began farming as soon as his school days were ended, and, even before that time, was well versed in practical agriculture. In 1884 he purchased his present homestead of 60 acres, having since brought the land to a high state of cultivation. In connection with farming, he also handles all kinds of farm implements and fence wire and as he is enterprising and honorable, enjoys a good trade in the surrounding country.

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On March 14, 1878, Peter F. Remagen was united in marriage with Annie B. Rumble, daughter of Henry Rumble of Van Wert. To this union two children were born—Ethel M, wife of Oris Rogers, and Henry G., who married Carrie Bogard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Remagen are members of the Evangelical Association are honorable and upright in every path of life. Mr. Remagen is a member of the tent of the Improved Order of Red Men at Scott. He is a Democrat, and was formerly assessor of Hoaglin township.

JOSEPH RINNER, formerly one of Washington township's most prosperous farmers, but now living retired in Delphos, was born in Bayern, Germany, March 21, 1840, and is the son of Wolfgang and Barbara (Fleishman) Rinner. Wolfgang Rinner and wife were both natives of Germany and passed their lives in the fatherland, the father living to be 93 years of age and the mother 72.

Joseph Rinner was reared and educated in Germany, after which he engaged in farming until he was 21 years of age, when he entered the German Army and participated in the war of 1866. Being crippled in one hand, he was appointed a wagon driver, and while not able to take active part in any of the battles, was brought in close contact with them.

He decided to come to America and in 1868, with Walburga Klieber, who afterward became his wife, crossed the Atlantic and landed in New York. Having friends in Delphos, he immediately went to Van Wert County and was married within the year of his arrival. He first worked at ditching, but later was employed at the Union Stave factory. In 1869 he bought 60 acres of farm land in Washington township and, after building a log house upon it, occupied it as a homestead, later erecting a frame house as a residence. Mr. and Mrs. Rinner have these five children, all living: Theressa, wife of Nicholas Neittling of Portland, Oregon, and the mother of 10 children; Catherine, who married John Von Sossau of Fort Jennings, Putnam County, and has six children; Joseph, who married Nellie Cook and lives in Toledo, Ohio; George, who also resides in Toledo; and Anna, living at home.

In October, 1900, Mr. Rinner leased his farm to his son-in-law, Mr. Neittling, and removed to Delphos, where he bought his present home located on the corner of Second and State streets. In the fall of 1905 he sold his farm of l00 acres in .Washington township and has since lived in retirement. He is an extensive real estate owner; at one time built a house on Fifth street, which later he sold, and also owns four other houses and lots in Delphos and one at Fort Jennings.

Joseph Rinner is one of the most highly esteemed men among the prominent German-Americans and Catholics of Delphos. He is a member of St. John's Catholic Church and is identified with St. Joseph's Society.

WALLACE N. WILLIAMS, a director of the Van Wert County Infirmary and a prosperous farmer of Liberty township, where he owns two fine farms in section 21, was born in

Logan County, Ohio, and was a son of Jesse Williams. His grandfather, the great-grandfather of our subject, originally came from

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Wales and was one of the pioneer settlers of Logan County, later becoming one of the most prominent farmers of the county.

John Q. Williams, father of Wallace N., was born and raised in Rush Creek township, Logan County, Ohio, and was there married to Mary E. Hoge, daughter of Solomon G. Hoge, a well-known school teacher of the township. Mr. Williams bought his father's farm, which was settled by Jesse Williams, and was in the possession of the family for over 80 years. Originally the tract contained 86 acres. He added to this until at his death he owned 140 acres. The highest point in Ohio was said to be on his farm. The old geographies gave Hoge Hill, owned by an uncle of Wallace N. Williams, as the highest point, but later surveyors gave the land just back of the barn on the old Williams farm in Logan County that distinction. The water runs in three directions from that Hill. John Q. Williams died October 28, 1905, at the age of 77 years. His widow is still living. They reared a family of six children, namely : Emma (Musselman), of St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio; Wallace N., our subject; Warnic L., who lives on the old home farm in Logan County ; George W., of St. Paris; Jennie (Ansley), of Logan County; and John, a telegraph operator living in Bucyrus, Ohio.

Wallace N. Williams was reared and educated in Logan County. On October 10, 1877, he was married in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, to Ella Jones, a daughter of William and Delilah (Coate) Jones. They have had six children : Forrest L., Pearl A., Gertrude, Grace, Harold E. and Madge (deceased in infancy). Forrest L. Williams married (first) Mollie Hoffman, a sister of Benjamin F. Hoffman, mayor of Ohio City; she died in 1901, after one year of married life. He next married Olive Roller; they live in Ohio City, where Mr. Williams runs a restaurant; they have one child—Cloyd. Pearl A. Williams married Etta M. Purk and lives on part of his father's farm; they have no children. Gertrude Williams married Peter Putman, of Liberty township, and has one child—Stanley.

For four years after his marriage, Wallace N. Williams continued to live in Logan County. In 1883 he moved to Eastern Tennessee, where he bought a farm of 160 acres, which he cultivated for seven years. He then traded the land for 80 acres in Liberty township, Van Wert County, where he lived for 10 years until 1905, since which time his son Pearl has occupied this farm. In 1900 he bought a farm of 40 acres, which is about one-half mile east from his old farm, and to this farm he moved in 1905. Both farms are well developed and finely improved, each having a large frame house and good substantial barn and all other necessary farm buildings. Mr. Williams has on his farm the first oil-well drilled in the Ohio City field and the first oil gusher in Northwestern Ohio. At the present time six wells are in operation on the two farms.

Mr. Williams was for several years school director of Liberty township, and in the fall of 1905 was elected infirmary director by the Republican party to serve a term of three years. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

JOHN WOLFE, M. D., a well-known physician and surgeon .who since the spring of 1900 has been settled at Wetsel, was born in Jennings township, Van Wert County, Ohio, September 17, 1866, being a son of George and Mary J. (Williams) Wolfe. The father of Dr. Wolfe

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was born in Licking County, Ohio, and the mother in Van Wert County, both being early settlers and valued residents of Jennings township, where the father died in 1896. The marternal grandfather settled in Jennings township in 1840.

John Wolf was reared in Jennings township and during boyhood and early youth attended its common schools. After his own school days were over, he engaged in teaching, and continued in the profession for seven years, mainly in his native township. In the meantime he had been preparing himself for a professional life, and in 1896 was graduated from the Ohio Medical University, at Columbus.

For several years Dr. Wolfe was engaged in practice at Burkettsville, Darke County, Ohio, but in 1900 he settled at Wetsel. Here he has built up a large and satisfactory practice, having become endeared to the community because of his skill and highly respected for his good citizenship. He is president of the Board of Education of Jackson township and is also a member of the Board of Health for Jackson and the east half of Hoaglin township. Dr. Wolfe keeps closely in touch with all the important movements within the profession and is a valued member of the Van Wert County Medical Society. Politically he is a Democrat, and, even outside his profession is one of the town's most intelligent, progressive and enterprising residents.

On June 30, 1892, Dr. Wolfe was married to Mary Jane Clark, a native of York township, this county, and a daughter of Henry and Frances (Slentz) Clark, residents of York township, where the father is a respected farmer. Dr. and Mrs. Wolfe have three children, as follows : Harold Grover, born June 12. 1893: Zoa Ruth. born October 10. 1895 ; and Clayton Clark, born October 2, 1905.

PETER HERTZ, who is a member of one of Van Wert County's earliest families, is a progressive citizen of Harrison township, where he has a fine farm of 160 acres situated in sections 3 and 10. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 12, 1844, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Germany) Hertz, and a grandson of Peter and Anna (Klein) Hertz.

Peter Hertz, the grandfather, came to the United States from Germany in 1837, being accompanied by his wife and two children, Peter and Mary. The family located in Holmes County, Ohio, October 13, 1837, and a month or so later came to Van Wert County. Here our subject's grandfather entered 160 acres of land in Harrison township on August 28, 1838. He erected a log cabin and began clearing his new property, which he lived to enjoy for only one short year, his death occurring in August, 1839, aged 69 years. His widow died aged 71 years.

Peter Hertz, father of our subject, was born in Becher, Coburg, Germany, January 31, 1820, and was about 17 years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States. Owing to the early death of his father, the task of clearing the home farm in Harrison township devolved largely upon him. He was an energetic and progressive man, and assisted materially in effecting the transformation of this forest country into a rich farming community, with roads bounding every section, to take the place of paths through the timber. He cleared up the original quarter-section, and added to it until he had 390 acres. He assisted in the establishment of public schools. At the time of his death, January 8, 1897, he was the oldest resident of Harrison township, and had a fund of interesting reminiscences of pioneer life, when the nearest neighbor was six miles

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distant and Lima was the market. On January 17, 1840, he married Mary M. Germann, a daughter of Henry and Anna (Reidenbach) Germann, natives of Hesse-Homburg, Germany, who came to America three years prior to the coming of the Hertz family. Mr. Germann finally made a good farm of 160 acres in Harrison township, and died at the age of 70 years. He was steward of the local Lutheran Church. Five children were born to Peter Hertz and wife: Annie E. wife of Philip Germann, of Wilshire township; Mary wife of Henry Germann, Jr., of Harrison township; Margaret, widow of John Reidenbach, of Harrison township; Jacob, who died at the age of 16 years; and Peter, the subject of this . sketch. Peter Hertz was a member of the Evangelical Church and Mrs. Hertz was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Peter Hertz, the subject of this sketch, attended school in the home district and has always lived on the home place, excepting a two years' residence at Van Wert. On May 1, 1873, he married Mary E. Scaer, who was born in Germany, and was a year old when brought to this country by her parents, Philip and Christina (Reidenbach) Scaer. To Mr. and Mrs. Hertz have been born seven children: Jacob, who attended St. John's Lutheran College at Winfield, Kansas, and then entered the employ of the International Harvester Company, which he represented in South America for a time and which he is. now representing in Germany, having his headquarters in Berlin; Otto, employed in Baxter's hardware store in Convoy, who married Elnora Ehrman ; Anna, who married Albert E. Etzler, and lives with our subject; Karl, who lives at home; Theodore, who is attending college at Fort Wayne; and John P. and Arthur W., who live at home.

Politically, Mr. Hertz is a Democrat. Heis a member of the Lutheran Church and was for a time a deacon. He served as treasurer of Van Wert County in 1893-94, was township treasurer for seven years and clerk for four years.

JOHN SMALLEY, a well-known resident of Liberty township, who carries on general agricultural operations on his farm of 100 acres situated in section 3, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, June 12, 1845, and is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Dwyer) Smalley. His father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, being a son of Richard Smalley, who was a native of New " England, of English descent. His mother was of Irish ancestry, the maternal grandfather being a native of Ireland.

In 1848, when three years of age, John Smalley moved with his parents to Wyandot County, Ohio, where his father bought a farm of 160 acres and where the boy was reared and educated.

On September 20, 1866, our subject was married in Hancock County to Lucetta Kiehl, a daughter of Eli Kiehl, a well-known farmer of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Smalley became the parents of three children: Ida, William and Elmer J. Ida Smalley married William Willimen and lived in Indiana, where her husband died in 1895; She herself passed away eight years later, leaving three children : Bessie, who married C. I. Davis, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the mother of one daughter—Maxine Mildred ; Earl and Clarence. William Smalley married Ida Krugh, lives in Liberty township and has five children—Myrtle, Inez, Camilla, Ruth and John Joseph. Elmer J. Smalley married Effie Stump and was living on a 160-acre farm in Oklahoma, when his wife died, in April, 1904, leaving two children.

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—Edna and Carl,—one child, "Lewis, having died in infancy. While still owning his farm in Oklahoma, Elmer J. Smalley with his children lives with his parents on the home place.

John Smalley continued to live in Wyandot County for 15 years after his marriage, in 1881 removing to Van Wert County, where he bought his present farm of 100 acres. He has made many substantial improvements on the place, and in 1898 built a large frame house. It is his intention to build or remodel his barn in the summer of 1906. He was for many years a member of the School Board and served two terms as township trustee of the township. He is also a member and trustee of the Evangelical Church.

PERRY KOHN, president of the board of trustees of Jackson township and

a highly honored citizen of Van Wert County, was born in Pleasant township, September 20, 1873, his parents being Harvey and Sarah M. (Smith) Kohn. Harvey Kohn was a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and it was there his father died when the son was quite young. Soon afterward his mother, with her children, moved to Paulding County, and located in Latty township. There Harvey Kohn reached adult years and then came to Van Wert County and married Sarah M. Smith, who survives him as an esteemed resident of Grover Hill, Paulding County. Mrs. Harvey Kohn was born in the State of Indiana a little more than 60 years ago. After their marriage the husband operated a rented farm in Pleasant township until the fall of 1873, when he purchased the tract now occupied by our subject in section 4, Jackson township, taking possession of the property in October of that year. Here he resided untilhis death on October 21, 1902. The deceased was a Democrat, and a man whose opinions on all subjects were based upon his honest convictions. A member of the Elm Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, he was consistent in all things, upright in his dealings, and a valued member of the community in which he lived. so industriously and honorably. Besides his widow, he is survived by two children—Etta M., wife of E. W. McGinnis; and Perry.

After an attendance at the schools of sub-district No. 1, Perry Kohn became a student of what at that time was the Middlepoint Normal School. Later, for a short time, he became a partner of W. M. McGinnis in the grain business at Middlepoint, but eventually turned his attention to agriculture, to which he has devoted the greater part of his life. Mr. Kohn was married April 22, 1897, to Rhoda Longworth, a daughter of B. W. Longworth, who is a prominent citizen of Paulding County. Two children—Harry B. and Florence M.—have added the sunshine of their presence to the happy family circle. In politics Mr. Kohn is a Democrat, and is at present serving as trustee of Jackson. township, being president of the board. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Grover Hill. The confidence and respect he enjoys are but just tributes to his life of useful service.

RICHARD H. AINSWORTH, whose valuable farm of 40 acres is situated

in section 32, Willshire township, was born in this township, January 30, 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Beadle) Ainsworth.

The parents of Mr. Ainsworth are both deceased, the father having been a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother, of Ohio. Their

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children were : George, who served throughout the Civil war and was imprisoned nine months and 17 days at Andersonville, dying from the effects of his army hardships; Thomas, who enlisted at the age of 17 years, in the last year of the Civil war; James L., of Fort Wayne; Richard H., of this sketch; William, of Fort Wayne; John, of Van Vert County ; and Amos, deceased:

Richard H. Ainsworth has always resided in his native township, where he was educated in the public schools. He remained with his parents until their decease, the mother passing away in 1875, and the father, in 1877. For the succeeding 12 years he worked by the month and during all that period had but three employers. After his marriage in 1880 he settled on his present place, which he has vastly improved, and, in addition to operating it, farms an adjoining 40 acres for his sister-in-law. Mr. Ainsworth also takes much interest in his fine orchard, which is in a very flourishing condition.

On December 23, 1880, Richard H. Ainsworth married Mary Elizabeth Dudgeon, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, May 15, 1858, and who came here with her parents in 1865. She is a daughter of Isaac and Caroline (Ulery) Dudgeon, who were born and married in Knox County, Ohio. Both of her parents died on the farm, that is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth, the father at the age of 60 years, and the mother, aged 70 years. Mr. Dudgeon owned 80 acres here and also 120 acres in Mercer County. Had his health been that of ordinary men he would have left a much larger fortune than he did, but from the age of 30 years he was delicate: notwithstanding this, he was one of the township's substantial men. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Dudgeon were: Idora. widow of Jacob Tickle, of Mercer County; Douglass. of

Indiana; Mary E. (Mrs. Ainsworth) ; Laura (Springer), who resides on the 40-acre farm which Mr. Ainsworth operates with his own land; and Frank, of Mercer County.

Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth have twin daughters—Hettie May and Hernia June, bright little maidens who were born July 30, 1893. In his political views Mr. Ainsworth is a Republican.

DAVID S. CARPENTER, a retired farmer and well-known citizen of Delphos, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Susan (Ream) Carpenter.

James Carpenter, the father, was a native of Virginia, and came to Fairfield County after the death of his parents, which occurred when he was three years old. He was married in Fairfield County, where his wife was born and raised, and became the father of 13 children—three boys and 10 girls—all of the children are living except two, one daughter dying at the age of six, and the oldest child, Mrs. Sarah Klinger, passing away December 24, 1905. In 1853 Mr. Carpenter and his family moved from Fairfield County to Van Wert County, where he purchased a farm of 40 acres iii section 10 and 11, Washington township. He gradually added to this tract until at the time of his death, in 1903, he owned 120 acres. At one time he was the proprietor of 160 acres, but sold 40 acres to his son David. Mrs. Carpenter died in 1890, her husband surviving her until the 14th of August, 1902.

David S. Carpenter was reared and received his education in Washington township, and followed the life of an agriculturist until 1902, when he sold his farm to Korto Crax. afterward retiring from active life and fixing his residence in the town of Delphos. He was

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married in May, 1873, to Serepta Alspach, of Washington township, and to them were born four children, namely: Charles, who married Dessie Styverson, his wife dying in 1903 and leaving four children; Eva, who married Korto Crax, lives on the old homestead and has five children; Perry, who is married and lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Dollie, who married Walter Huysman, and has one child. Mr. Carpenter is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church, at Delphos.

BENJAMIN JOHNSON, who for the past 40 years has resided on his present farm of 160 acres, in section 11, Willshire township, this county, owns one of the most thoroughly improved and finely clutivated estates of the locality. He was born in Pennsylvania, near the border of West Virginia, on June 1, 1839, and is a son of Elias and Jemima (Emmett) Johnson.

Elias Johnson, the father, was born in West Virginia in 1810, and died June 11, 1861, his entire life having been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he came to Willshire township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and entered 640 acres of land in sections 11 and 12, paying therefor $1.25 per acre. At his death his estate was still intact, with the exception of 100 acres which he had given his son Benjamin. In his earlier days Mr. Johnson was a Democrat, but later in life became a Republican. He was a man of quiet, domestic tastes, and was most highly respected by those who knew him best. Elias Johnson's wife was Jemima Emmett, who was born in West Virginia and died in 1859, aged 40 years, the mother of the following children : Benjamin, of this sketch ; Wilson and Jacob, both deceased; Armitta ; Mary Ann; Elizabeth, deceased ; Smith, of Paulding

County ; George, of Liberty township, and three children who died in infancy. Wilson Johnson, the second born of the family, enlisted for service in the Civil War—first, for three months, and one year later, reenlisting under Capt. T. S. Gilliland and serving for three years. After the war he returned home and finally died in Willshire.

Benjamin Johnson was reared to the age of nine years in Brooke County, West Virginia. His parents then started for Willshire township, Van Wert County, the trip to Cincinnati being made by boat and that to St. Mary by canal. The mother and other children, with the household goods, were stowed away in the great canvas-covered conveyance coming from St. Marys; Benjamin still remembers how proud he was to make the journey on horseback with his father. The family settled near the present farm, and Benjamin Johnson has spent all his subsequent years in this township, his homestead of 160 acres being all that remains in the family of his father's former large body of entered land. When he took up his residence here, a small clearing had been made and a cabin built; now a handsome family residence stands in place of the latter, and 100 acres of the farm are under a fine state of cultivation.

On June 24, 1860, Benjamin Johnson was united in marriage with Delila Morehead, who was born in Liberty township and died September 24, 1904, aged 63 years and 24 days. The deceased lady was the estimable daughter of Vinton and Phoebe (Heller) Morehead, pioneers who had preceded the Johnson family in Willshire township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had seven children born to them :—Wilson Wallace; Rose Alphia May, deceased: Annie, wife of Fred Handwerk, of Willshire township; Melvin A., who lives at home; Clalinda Alice, wife of David T. Johnson, of Fort

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Wayne, Indiana; Benjamin F., deceased; and a child who died when an infant.

Mr. Johnson is a pronounced Republican, and is one of the leading members of the United Brethren Church of Liberty township, being one of its trustees and long serving as a class leader and steward. As one of the upright and useful members of his community, Mr. Johnson is worthily grouped as among the substantial representatives of the honorable pioneer families of Van Wert County. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson accompany this sketch.

JOHN W. BOWERSOCK. Among the many splendid farms in Van Wert County, the 200-acre tract located in section 17, Jackson township, owned and occupied by John W. Bowersock, is especially to be noted. Mr. Bowersock is a practical agriculturist, and during the two decades in which he has been engaged in the tillage of this land has brought it to a splendid state of productiveness. He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, May 29, 1857, and is a son of James and Isabel (Sunderland) Bowersock, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father lost his life in the Civil war, and soon afterward the mother and children removed to Allen County.

Being thrown upon his own resources at an early age, John W. Bowersock became self-relient and was not slow to grasp every opportunity for advancement. When 13 years old he began independent life as a farm hand, receiving for his services during the summer months his board and $8 per month in money. As his strength and usefulness increased, so did the wages he received until his monthly pay was $21 with board.. Later he engaged in farming for himself, continuing in Allen County until 1885, when he brought his family to Van Wert County and took possession of the farm upon which he still lives.

John W. Bowersock was married June 20, 1879, to Jennie Adams who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, on January 12, 1860. Her parents were Emanuel and Lydia (Hoffman) Adams, the former a native of England, and the latter, of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowersock the following children have been born, namely : Fara, wife of Samuel Anderson ; James L.; Emanuel; Goldie H., deceased ; Isabel; John; Clifton; Leta and Columbus. Mr. Bowersock and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Union Church, of which he was formerly trustee. He is now serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school and has met with great success in his efforts to increase its membership and influence.

Mr. Bowersock is a Republican and takes an intelligent interest in political questions. He has served as school director of sub-district No. 4, Jackson township, and has always supported progressive measures designed for the general welfare. Realizing the great advantage of good thoroughfares to the farmer, Mr. Bowersock was among the first to advocate pike roads and opened a stonequarry to provide material for their construction.

EDWARD EDWARDS, M. D., a popular and successful practitioner of Delphos, was born at Tynybwlch Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, North Wales, March 5, 1859. As far hack as can be traced, the Edwards have been engaged in agriculture in Wales and the present homestead there was taken possession of over 80

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years ago by the parents of our subject, Lewis and Margaret (Morris) Edwards. Both parents died in that country, the father in November, 1889, and the mother in August, 1897. They reared their entire family of nine children, all but three of whom reside in Montgomeryshire. The record follows : Lewis, who resides near the homestead in Montgomeryshire ; John, who is also a farmer in Montgomeryshire ; Ann, who married Allen Price and resides on a farm south of Van Wert, in York township; Thomas, who occupies the old home in Montgomeryshire; Mary, widow of Thomas Ellis, who reside in Montgomeryshire ; Catherine, who makes her home with her sisters ; Humphrey, who resides at Gomer, Allen County, and is now on a visit to Wales; Margaret, who married Thomas Ellis and resides in Montgomeryshire; and Edward, who is the third child in the family.

Edward Edwards landed in New York on March 21, 1878, and at once came to Ohio, reaching Lima seven days later. Going to Gomer, he secured work on a farm and continued this work until he had sufficient means to take him through the veterinary college at Ontario, Canada.

Entering this college in the fall of 1886, he was graduated from it in March, 1888, and practiced until 1892. Having decided to enter the regular medical profession, he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia in 1892 and graduated two years later. He then went to Germany and took a course in the University of Berlin, following this with four months practice in Guy's Hospital, London, England, where he had the advantage of working with the most skilled physicians of the world. Being now well prepared for his chosen work, Dr. Edwards returned to America, and opened an office in Venedocia, Van Wert County, where he remained some 18months. In August, 1897, he located in Delphos, where he has since been in active practice. On November 10, 1898, Dr. Edwards was married to Emma J. Gilliland, daughter of John Gilliland, a well-known and highly respected resident of the county, living two and one-half miles south of Van Wert. During the past summer, the Doctor and his wife spent four months in Europe, making a pleasant visit at the old home in Wales. Dr. Edwards took advantage of this opportunity to take six weeks' work in the leading hospitals of London.

WELLINGTON NAPOLEON ROBINSON, one of the most progressive young farmers of Liberty township, owner of 200 acres of rich farm land situated in section 9, was born in the township named and is a son of Edward W. and Celesta (Dull) Robinson.

Edward W. Robinson, the father, was a son of William Robinson, was born January 22, 1837 in Muskingum County, Ohio, and when four years old the family moved to Knox County, Ohio. In 1856 he migrated from Knox County and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Van Wert County, to which he added at various times until at the date of his death, on May 5. 1882, he owned 200 acres of land. He was married December 25, 1860, to Celesta Dull, a daughter of Lenhart Dull—a full account of whom will be found in the sketch of James Monroe Dull in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Robinson had six children, namely: Wellington Napoleon, the subject of this sketch ; Alice S., born December 6, 1863, who died January 17, 1881 ; Ida May, born November 5, 1865, and died September 7, 1902, who married (first) John Adams, by whom she had one child—Florence, now the

726 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

wife of C. C. Gephart—and (second) Lewis Malin, on December 26, 1893, by whom she had four children—Rex, Ethel, Mildred and Ralph (who died September 3, 1902; Oscar L., born November lo, 1867, who married Jennie Flager, December 9, 1895, and died May 30, 1901 ; Patrick, born April 28, 1873, who lives at borne; and Claude D., who was born September 11, 1878, and died April 15, 1879. Mrs. Celesta Dull Robinson was born December 2, 1843, in Willshire township and is still living on 40 acres of the old homestead, which she has retained in her own name.

Wellington N. Robinson has spent his entire life in his native township and is one of its leading residents. He has served as trustee and has always worked for the advancement of his home community. Fraternally Mr. Robinson is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

SCHUYLER SIMPSON TUTTLE, M. D., one of the youngest class of physicians, who is fast advancing to the front as one of the most successful practitioners of Van Wert, was born in this city September 1, 1869. He is a son of M. H. and Mary J. (Murphy) .Tuttle, honored residents of Van Wert. During his boyhood Schuyler S. Tuttle attended the district schools and then entered Middlepoint Academy, from which he graduated with the class of 1885. He entered upon the actual duties of life as a bookkeeper for Thaddeus S. Gilliland, of Van Wert, and later was a teacher in the schools of Union township, being thus engaged for a couple of terms before he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. L. Wilkinson, of Van Wert. Two years were spent in hard study, the first under the able preceptorship of Dr. Wilkinson, and the last, in his own home. Being appointed to a position on the staff of the Newburg Insane Asylum, Cleveland, he spent one year in that institution and thence went to Chicago, where he entered Rush Medical College, graduating March 28, 1893.

Dr. Tuttle determined to practice his profession in his native town, among his friends, althought he realized that a young physician has usually a better chance to establish himself among strangers. But having perfect confidence in his ability to succeed in the home field, he opened his office in Van Wert, and the success attending his ministrations soon won him the confidence of the public and placed him among the leading physicians of the community.

On October 4, 1893, Dr. Schuyler S. Tuttle was married to Mary C. Clay, who was born in Mendon, Ohio, October 24, 1872, and is a daughter of John Clay. There are two children of this union—Miles Henderson, born November 16, 1894, and Eugenia Elizabeth, November 18, 1904. Mrs. Tuttle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which she is a zealous worker, and their hospitable home, on West Main street, is the prolific source of many a charitable act, as well as a magnet which makes it a social center. The Doctor is prominently connected with the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Van Wert County Medical Society. He is also a member of Van Wert Lodge, No. 218, F. & A. M., and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he affiliates with the Republicans.

WILLIAM M. BRADLEY, one of the prominent citizens and prosperous agriculturists of Hoaglin township, who owns a valuable farm of 50 acres in section 31, was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 27, 1863, and is a

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son of James Bradley, the well-known citizen of the above mentioned township, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this work.

Our subject was yet a child when his parents removed from Richland to Allen County, Ohio, and there he remained until his father removed to Van Wert County, in 1882. His mental training was secured in Allen County, while his practical education made-him a first-class farmer; he has devoted his main attention throughout life to the tilling of the soil and the raising of live stock. His land is well adapted to agriculture and his thorough methods have brought about its present high state of cultivation.

On April 1, 1895, William M. Bradley was married to Fannie Stevens, who was born in Madison County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Rufus M. and Martha J. (Todd) Stevens—the former of whom was born in Madison County, Kentucky, and the latter in the same neighborhood. Mrs. Stephens died many years since, but her husband has been a resident of Hoaglin township since July, 1905.

Politically Mr. Bradley is affiliated with the Republican party. He is one of the enterprising, intelligent and progressive agriculturists of Hoaglin township, and enjoys in large measure the esteem and confidence of all his neighbors.

N. E. BRUNDAGE, M. D., the genial and efficient health officer of Delphos, and a leading physician of this locality, was born in Van Wert County, September 16, 1863. He is a son of Dr. Israel and Emily J. (Duckworth) Brundage, of Delphos, who have been actively identified with the history of Van Wert County during almost half a century of residence here.

Dr. Israel Brundage was born in Delaware County, Ohio, on September 16, 1827, and was

a son of Caleb and Catherine (Bensley) Brundage, the former from New York and the latter from New Jersey. Both had been residents of Delaware County since early youth. After acquiring the rudiments of his education in the schools of his native county, Israel Brundage entered the college at Gambier, Ohio, from which he graduated as a doctor of medicine. He began the practice of his profession in his home county, where he continued until 1863, when he located in Van Wert County, about two miles west of Delphos, in Washington township. He was married December 30, 1854, to Emily J. Duckworth, of Delaware County. Of the family of seven children born them, all are now living, namely; Mary, who married Sebastian Alspaugh of Union township; Charles, who married Emily Tongs and resides in Delphos ; Henry and Henrietta (twins), the former of whom married Mary Emsoph, and the latter S. C. Hill, of Licking County, Ohio ; N. E., of this sketch ; and Dora and Nora (twins), the former of whom married H. A. Miller and the latter B. A. Rolson. The venerable Doctor and his estimable wife have made many warm friends among all classes, and it is amid the most congenial surroundings that they are spending the declining days of useful, well-rounded lives.

N. E. Brundage early decided to enter the profession which was so ably represented by his. father. After leaving the public schools. he entered the Fort Wayne Medical College, in which his brother Henry was also a student, and was graduated in the class of 1892. He at once began practicing in Delphos, where he has since been located and has built up a large and lucrative practice. In 1900 he was appointed health officer of the city, and is still serving in that capacity. Dr. N. E. Brundage

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was married iii 1890 to Luella Cloud, and their home is the center of much pleasant hospitality.

FRANCIS T. GILLILAND, one of Van Wert's leading business men, a member of the firm of Gilliland & Gilliland, implement dealers, was born at Van Wert, August 31, 1841, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Hill) Gilliland.

Robert Gilliland was one of the leading men of Van Vert County for a number of years, a brilliant lawyer and a prominent citizen. He was born in Maryland and came to Ohio prior to his marriage, accompanying his mother. He died at Van Wert in 1853, aged but 41 years. After admission to the bar he was associated with Judge Phelps, a connection which continued almost through life. He was very active in Democratic politics, was clerk of the county, county commissioner and county treasurer. He was appointed by the Governor as a member of the committee which had the building of the State Insane Asylum at Cleveland in charge, and was shown many other tokens of public confidence. He dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling great tracts of land, mainly in Van Wert County. He would have been a man of vast fortune had he not given way to generous impulses, it being said that no person in need ever applied to him without ready relief, and his purse was always open to assist any cause for the general welfare. He had acquaintances all over the State, and, when he was laid low with typhoid fever, friends came long distances to offer help and to express their sympathy. He was a charter member of the Masonic body at Van Wert and was an active member until his death.

Robert Gilliland was married (first) to Mary Hill, who was born in Ross County,

Ohio. She died in 1846, when our subject was five years old, leaving two children, Francis T. and William H. The latter volunteered at LaFayette, Indiana, in the beginning of the Civil war, and served three years when he was discharged for disability. At a later date he enlisted in the regular army as a member of the Seventh U. S. Cavalry, and after serving five years was lost sight of by his family. The father married (second) Henrietta Marsh, and they had two children—Lenox O., of Indiana, and Kate, who died aged four years.

When our subject was 13 years old he went to live with an uncle, Gordon Gilliland, a farmer in Ridge township, with whom he remained about a year, and then started out for himself. Until he reached the age of 19 years he worked around for various people and at numerous employments, keeping on the lookout for a permanent location and a settled business. Of his father's vast estate little was realized by his family when everything had been settled up, and Mr. Gilliland is practically a self-made man. When less than 20 years of age he went to Bureau County, Illinois, where he remained for three years; from there he came back to Van Wert to enlist with old friends for service in the Civil war. He entered Company B, 192nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. W. Patrick, of Lima. The command was sent to the Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia, but after eight months service the war closed, and this company was never called on to take part in any serious engagement with the enemy. He keeps up his connection with W. C. Scott Post, No. 100, G. A. R., at Van Wert.

After his return from the army, Mr. Gilliland bought a farm of 80 acres in section 28, Ridge township. At that time it was entirely unimproved, but Mr. Gilliland has developer) here a fine grain and stock farm, making improvements which have converted it into a com-

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fortable place of residence. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Gilliland has been for the past three years in partnership with E. B. Gilliland, in an implement business at Van Wert, under the firm name of Gilliland & Gilliland.

Mr. Gilliland was married (first) in 1866 to Mary E. Tombaugh, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and came to Van Wert with her parents, Isaac and Mary Tombaugh. She died in 1880, leaving four children, viz : Beatrice M., wife of F. H. Gipe, of Defiance County, Ohio; Robert C.; Nellie K., wife of Lewis Schimke, of Stark County; and Inez, of Cleveland. He was married (second) to Adeline DeCoursey, a native of Allen County, and a daughter of Abraham and Sarah A. DeCoursey. Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland have three children—Francis N., Ruth and Alma.

In politics Mr. Gilliland has always been an active Democrat. He has repeatedly served in responsible offices, has been township assessor and from 1878 to 1881 he served as county commissioner.

EZRA C. STEMEN, one of the representative agriculturists of Jackson township, who resides on his home farm of 174 acres in section 31—the estate being known as "Walnut Grove Farm" —was born in Allen County, Ohio, July 31, 1840, and is a son of Christian and Margaret (Mover) Stemen. The father of Mr. Stemen was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and the mother in Pennsylvania. They were early settlers of Sugar Creek township, Allen COunty, Ohio.

Ezra C. Stemen was reared to manhood in Allen County, his boyhood being passed amid pioneer surroundings. His father had entered land from the government in Sugar Creek township and he assisted in its development.

His schooling was obtained in the primitive establishments of the township, which, however, turned out men and women fitted to do well their parts in the various fields to which they were called in after life.

On November 14, 1867, Ezra C. Stemen was united in marriage with Rachel C. Shoemaker, born January 12, 1849, in Allen County, Ohio, a daughter of Charles and Rebecca Shoemaker, deceased. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stemen, viz : John C. and Charles A., both of Jackson township; and Neri B. and David G., both deceased. After his marriage Mr. Stemen located in Sugar Creek township, Allen County, where he engaged in farming until 1874, when he removed to Van Wert County and settled on his present farm in Jackson township. At that time the entire land was heavily timbered, no cutting having yet been done upon it; it has since continued to be his homestead, with the exception of a few years spent in Allen County. Mr. Stemen was one of the pioneers here. When his eldest son attained manhood, he received him into partnership, the firm of E. C. Stemen & Son being organized; in 1905 Charles A. was admitted into the firm, which became E. C. Stemen & Sons. The firm own 257 acres in Jackson township, their business being the buying and shipping of stock and the breeding of pure Duroc-Jersey swine.

Mr. Stemen is a charter member of Washington Grange, No. 1,327, P. of H., Jackson township and has always taken an active interest in its affairs. Politically he is a Democrat. In his sons and partners, Mr. Stemen has able assistants. Views of the Stemen residence and barn accompany this sketch.

John C. Stemen, the eldest son of our subject, was born May 6, 1870, in Allen County, Ohio, and on December 25, 1890, was married to Mary J. Duvall, a native of Warren County,

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Ohio, and a daughter of Nimrod J. Duvall, now of Jackson township, Van Wert County. They are the parents of these children: Alvin P., Albert B., Lola F., Ezra N. and Lehr O. John C. Stemen is a Democrat, a member of the School Board of Jackson township, and belongs to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias at Middlepoint, being also master of Washington Grange, No. 1327, P. of H.

M. M. AYERS, M. D., a leading medical practitioner at Ohio City, was born at Tedrow, Fulton County, Ohio, in 1867, and is a son of David Ayers and a member of one of the

pioneer families of his native county.

Moses Ayers, the grandfather of Dr. Ayers, moved to Fulton County when it was practically a wilderness, entering a large body of Government land there. He was a native of Maryland. On the maternal side, grandfather Tedrow was one of the earliest settlers in Fulton County, and the postoffice of that name keeps in memory one of its most prominent citizens in his day.

David Ayers, father of Dr. Ayers, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in April, 1828, and removed with his father to Fulton County, in 1838. He became a prominent farmer in Fulton County at a later date,. and served as county treasurer from 1871 to 1875. He married Ann Bayes, who was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1835, but later accompanied her parents to Fulton County.

M. M. Ayers was reared at Tedrow, where he obtained his earlier education, going from there to the Normal School at Wauseon, and later teaching school for two years. in 1890 he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Here he remained through thefour-years' course, his being the first class that, as a whole, took the four-years' medical course there. He was graduated with credit in 1894, and returned to Tedrow, where he remained for six months, removing then to Continental, Putnam County, where he practiced his profession until March, 1902. After taking a thorough post-graduate course at the Chicago Post Graduate College, he located for one year at Wauseon, and then came to Ohio City where he has since been in active work. Dr. Ayers is one of the progressive medical men of this city, always awake to all the scientific discoveries of benefit to his profession, and he keeps himself closely in touch with the best medical thought of his time by membership in the Ohio State Medical Society and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association.

Politically, Dr. Ayers is a Republican. In Putnam County he served several years as a member of the Republican Executive Committee. Fraternally, he is a Mason, a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 592, of Ohio City, and of the Knights of the Maccabees, of which order he is a trustee and tent physician. He is also identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

ROLLAND EVANS, one of Vanedocia's venerable retired and highly esteemed

residents and one of the best-known citizens of York township, was born at Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales, July 21, 1820, and is a son of William and Margaret (Davis) Evans.

The parents of Mr. Evans lived and died in Wales, the father at the age of 87 years, and the mother at the age of 79. Of their nine children, our subject is the only survivor, and was the fourth in order of birth.

Rolland Evans was reared on his father's

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farm, where he remained until 22 years of age; he then decided to emigrate to America. With his young wife, in 1842, he took passage in a sailing vessel to make his first voyage across

the ocean. This was completed in five weeks and three days. Mr. Evans has crossed the Atlantic nine different times, and has noted the improved methods of transportation on each trip. On his first trip he landed in New York City, and from there went to Utica, New York. He was able to perform almost any kind of manual labor, and during a protracted period was engaged as a wood chopper. In 1845 he joined his uncle, John Evans, at Paddy's Run, Butler County, Ohio. The latter died in 1893, aged 96 years.

In 1849 Mr. Evans settled in Jennings township, Van Wert County, buying 80 acres of land three-fourths of a mile from Venedocia, for which he paid $310. The land was covered with forest growth, and before it could be conveniently reached a road had to be cut through. For a number of years he assisted in making roads in different directions, good highways being very necessary adjuncts at all times to successful agriculture. Mr. Evans found his nearest mill depot at Delphos, and a trip there necessitated his staying over night. Spencerville consisted then of a single frame house, although the frame of the first mill was being laid. During the period required to clear his farm, Mr. Evans and family lived in a hewed-log cabin, which remained the family home until 1879, and subsisted mainly on the game which was plentiful all about them.

Mr. Evans still owns the farm in Jennings township, as mentioned above and which now contains 127 acres of well-improved land. He continued to reside there until 1880, when he retired from business activity, purchasing his present dwelling in Venedocia. This residence was the first one erected on the west side of Main street, and is a very comfortable home Although Mr. Evans reached this locality with a very limited amount of capital, he possessed the qualities which brought success, and is now one of the substantial men of this region. He has interested himself with all the agencies which have contributed to make Van Wert County civilized and prosperous, and early identified himself with educational and religious affairs. In those early days of the first Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church in Jennings township, services were often held out-of-doors, with the sky for a canopy and with dense woods all around to echo the hymns of praise. Those were the days when those revered preachers, William Bebb and Thomas Morris, ministered to the people and with earnest persuasion led their thoughts away from the sordid cares and many hardships of their daily lives. For some time also services were held in the home of Rev. William Bebb. Mr. Evans was a liberal contributor to the building of the first church edifice.

In 1842, in Wales, Mr. Evans was first married, espousing Jane Jones, who was a daughter of John Jones. She died in 1884. To this marriage two children were born at Utica, two at Paddy's Run, and two in Van Wert County. Mr. Evans was married (second) on August 28, 1886, to Mrs. Ann (Morgan) Jones, a daughter of John Morgan. She was a widow at this time with a family of three sons and one daughter. She also has one sister and one brother.

The children of Mr. Evans were : William D.; John, who died aged 19 years; Robert, who died in infancy; Eleanor, who was married May 4, 1865, to Oren O. Pugh, has six children, and since the age of 15 years has been a consistent member of the Calvinistic Methodist Church; Margaret, (wife of John N. Jones. who at death left two children) ; and

734 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Mary, who united with the Calvinistic Methodist Church when but 15 years of age, married Richard Breese, resides in Van Wert and has four children. Mrs. Evans belongs to Salem Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church at Venedocia. Mr. Evans has every reason to be proud of his descendants, 16 of whom are grandchildren and 14 are great-grandchildren.

WILLIAM D. EVANS, the eldest son of Rolland Evans, was born in Butler County, Ohio, in December, 1846, and accompanied his parents to Van Wert County. He was only 14 years of age when he united with the Calvinistic Methodist Church at Venedocia, and he had been a consistent member and an earnest worker until his lamented death on September 6, 1891.

On February 27, 1873, William D. Evans was married to Sarah A. Davies, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 19, 1849, and was 15 years of age when she was received into the fellowship of the Calvinistic Methodist Church at Gomer. She is a daughter of the late David D. Davies and wife, the former of whom died in 1900 and the latter in 1902. The children of William D. Evans and wife were : J. Russell, who married Sarah Williams, of Oak Hill; Robert T.; William A.; Edgar R., who died in 1902 ; David C., and Bertha A.

C. W. MAHAN, senior member of the firm of Mahan & Johnson, and one of the reliable business men of Van Wert, was born March 7, 1854, on a farm near the village of Jamestown, in Greene County, Ohio. He is a son of Charles and Adelia (Johnson) Mahan, who are residents of Van Wert, and have passed the 80th milestone in life's journey. The father reached his 84th anniversary on the 5th of December, 1905, and six days later the mother attained her 83rd year. The former was a native of Ross, and the latter of Greene County; but both were reared in the latter county where they were joined in marriage in 1843. They were the parents of 10 children, all of whom grew to maturity and eight of whom are still living. About 1862 they came to this county and lived on a farm in the vicinity of Van Wert for about 10 years. They then went to Indiana and remained one year, after which they returned to Van Wert, where they continued t0 reside. James Johnson, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia, while the Mahan family are of Irish descent, having sprung from four brothers who came to this country during colonial times, one settling in Ohio, one in Kentucky and two in Virginia.

C. W: Mahan was a lad of eight years when his parents moved to this county. The farm upon which they settled has since been included within the city limits of Van Wert. He continued to live on the farm and engage in that work until he was about 21, when he went to Indiana and, for a short time, was in the lumber business. Returning to Van Wert, he was employed in a grist-mill until 1896, when he moved to Dunkirk, Ohio, and ran an elevator for a year, handling a considerable quantity of grain. He then purchased the grist-mill in Van Wert, which was conducted two years as the Mahan & Rice mill, his partner being Samuel Rice: Selling his interest in this enterprise, he built a grain elevator at Elgin, which was soon disposed of at a good price, after which he bought and sold hay until he formed his present partnership with S. E. Johnson and purchased the elevator which had formerly belonged to Thaddeus S. Gilliland. They took possession of this property in September, 1905, and are buying and shipping large quantities of grain.

On December 30, 1886, Mr. Mahan was

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joined in marriage to Mary A. Rice, who is a native of Mercer County, but was reared from childhood in Van Wert County, her parents, Paul and Elizabeth Rice, having been residents here many years. Mr. and Mrs. Mahan have two children, Madge and Ivan S. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Mahan affiliates with the Republicans. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a man of kindly and charitable attributes.

RUBEN HOOKS, a highly esteemed citizen and progressive farmer of Liberty township, owning 80 acres of farm land in section 23 and 70 acres, section 32, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, June 25, 1840, and is a son of William and Lydia (Harp) Hooks and grandson of Thomas Hooks, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1784 and died in 1834.

William Hooks was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and removed to Mercer County in 1833, locating near Shanes Crossing (now known as Rockford) where he lived until his removal to Liberty township, Van Wert County, in 1841. Here he was engaged by Levi Roland to split 10,000 rails, for which he received 40 acres of timberland. At that time there were only seven voters in the township. Later he purchased 80 acres adjoining that land for which he paid $1 per acre. He then sold a tract of 40 acres of land near Fort Wayne, Indiana, which he had previously acquired, and added 40 acres to his 120 acres, making a total of 160 acres. In 1839 he was married to Lydia Harp, a daughter of Peter Harp, who in 1831 migrated from Montgomery County, Ohio, to Mercer County. William Hooks died in 1840, his wife having passed away in 1826.

William Hooks was the father of six children, namely: Malinda (Hankins), of Van Wert; Ruben; Inman, of Lima; Mary Ann (Miller), of Dublin township, Mercer County; Abraham, who lives in Lima ; and Frank, who died at the age of 38 years. William Hooks died in 1888, and his wife in 1896.

Ruben Hooks was reared and educated in Liberty township. He was married on January 30, 1866, to Manerva Miller, a daughter of Rev. Abram and Martha (Garrison) Miller. Mrs. Hooks' father was born in Perry County, Ohio, March 22, 1808, and was a son of Peter and Mary Miller. Rev. Abram Miller was raised in the county named and later moved to Fairfield County and thence, in 1832 or 1833, to Mercer County. He was a minister of the United Brethren Church. He died March 9, 1874, near Mendon, Mercer County.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Hooks have one child, William Sherman, who was born December 5, 1867. He married Alma Waters and lives in Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, where he is the proprietor of an undertaking establishment.

Mr. Hooks is a Civil war veteran. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, 41st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war. He moved to his present location February 14, 1866, and has lived here continuously since. A week after his marriage he commenced to occupy a house of hewn logs which he had himself built, and made this the family home until 1905, when the household moved into their new frame residence, which had been erected in the preceding summer. Mr. Hooks has served one term as trustee of Liberty township, and is highly honored both for his upright and substantial character and his good citizenship.

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JOHN ACKLEY, one of the substantial representative citizens, successful farmers and well-known men of Union township, who is also a veteran survivor of the Civil war, was born October 30, 1835, near Olive Green, Noble County, Ohio, and is a son of Erastus and Ara (Adney) Ackley.

The father of our subject was born in New York, but died in Ohio, in 1862, at the age of 58 years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania, and also died in Ohio, at the age of 97 years. They had 11 children, as follows: Jane (Mrs. Benjamin Mothena), of Vinton _.County, Ohio; Fannie (Smallwood), of Montezuma, Indiana; John, of this sketch; Asenath, of Cass County, Missouri; Arthusa (Hescott) of Jackson County; Obed, who died while capturing a prisoner, being shot in the battle of Mission Ridge; Phebe, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Smith, who died after his return from the army; Israel, deceased; Julia (Johnson), of Chillicothe; Jacob, a member of the 12th Regiment Ohio Vol. Cav., during the Civil war, who died at Plain City; and Nancy (Byers), of Ross County. It was a happy, domestic circle when the children were all at home together. All survived to maturity and all married.

Our subject remained on the home farm until he was 18 years of age, when his father sold the homestead and moved to Vinton County and settled on a farm near Vigo. The son remained', assisting on the new farm until his marriage, when he removed to Jackson County and located on a rented farm. It was from Jackson County that he enlisted, October 1861, in Company D, 53rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Crumits. The first battle in which the regiment took part was at Shiloh, and it participated in all the engagements until it was ordered to assist in constructing fortifications at Memphis, and then went on to Vicksburg and to Jackson, and then accompanied General Sherman in the Mississippi and Atlanta campaign to the sea. The 53rd then marched through the Carolinas to Raleigh and on to Washington for the Grand Review. After this the regiment was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas. After the expiration of his first enlistment, Mr. Ackley veteranized January 1, 1864, and served as a veteran for some months. He was finally honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, August 11, 1865. Although during this long period Mr. Ackley had been exposed to every vicissitude attending the life of a brave soldier, and had participated in numberless terrific battles, including Lookout Mountain, the only injury he sustained was a slight one in his face, just under his right eye.

After his army service was over, he returned to Jackson County. In the summer of 1871 he went to Sumner County, Kansas, where he remained two years, during which period he cast his vote in favor of making Wellington the county-seat. He bought out a claim of 160 acres in Sumner County, but in 1873 he returned to Ohio and purchased a farm of 140 acres in Vinton County. In 1895 he came to Van Wert County, trading his Vinton County farm in 1898, for his present one of 80 acres, situated in section 9, Union township. Here he has successfully carried on general farming, has erected good buildings and enjoys continued prosperity.

In 1860, Mr. Ackley was married to Almira Utz, who was born in Pennsylvania, October 30, 1843, and died here October 24, 1904. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Propes) Utz, natives of Pennsylvania and Germany, respectively. The 11 children of this union were: Alzina, wife of James Osenbaugh, of Williamstown, West Virginia; Sherman of Union township; Belle, wife of Albert

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Wilson, of Auglaize County; Zoa, residing at home; Logan, of Union township; John, residing at home; Joseph, who died aged 22 years ; Daisy, who died aged 20 years ; Maude, living at home; Minnie, who died aged three years, and a child who died in infancy.

Politically Mr. Ackley is a Republican;. He is a member of Lieut. Fellers' Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Raysville, Jackson County, Ohio.

JACOB CLOUSE, who is distinguished as the first white child born in Liberty township, is also an honored survivor of the Civil war and an esteemed resident of Ohio City. He was born November 19, 1838, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Kessler) Clouse.

George Clouse, the father, was the second householder to locate in Liberty township, Van Wert County, coming here when the entire country was covered with its native growth of timber, and when the Indians still claimed' much of the land and, by their unfriendly attitude, caused much uneasiness among the scattered settlers. George Clouse was born in Congress township, Wayne County, Ohio, and was a son of Michael Clouse, a native of Germany. Michael Clouse entered 160 acres of land in Liberty township, which he divided between his two sons, George and Michael. The latter, however, never settled here, but sold his 80 acres to his brother George, who, with his wife, came hither on September 2, 1838.

The "History of Ohio," by Harris, states that our subject, Jacob Clouse, was born on this land in a tent; this statement, however, is. a mistake which the present biographer is glad to correct. In the fall, as above stated, the family located in the woods. and George Clouse immediately set to work to fashion some kind of a shelter for his young wife. He succeeded in putting together a room of logs—as complete a structure as one man could erect without assistance—which could not be denominated a cabin in the accepted definition of the word, but was far removed from a tent. In this humble little home, in the great wilderness, with the wild animals peering through the unilluminated darkness of the forest, our subject was born, the first of nine children. The other members of the family were : Solomon, who died in infancy; Michael; William; George Washington ; Mrs. Mary Jane Duncan ; Esly; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; and Hugh, who died aged two years. George Clouse clung to the task of clearing his land until the time of his death, which occurred June 26, 1859, his wife surviving him until 1889. She was a woman of remarkable force of character, and had passed through the pioneer hardships with courage and cheerfulness.

Jacob Clouse was reared in Liberty township and attended the local schools as opportunity offered. On September 30, 1860, Mr. Clouse was married (first) to Elizabeth Roush, a daughter of Samuel Roush, who was a native of Germany and a resident of Medina County, Ohio. There were four children born to this marriage, namely: Mary Elizabeth, who died when almost 12 years of age Elnora, who married (first) John Temple, and (second) Jesse Roberts; Sarah Alberta, wife of Thomas Miller; and Eva Jane, who is the wife of William Flager. Mrs. Clouse died in 1867, and Mr. Clouse married (second) Emeline Boyer, who died in 1869, leaving two children—Charles and John O. Mr. Clouse was later united to the present Mrs. Clouse, formerly Sarah Jane Emerine. They both belong to the Lutheran Church. Since selling his farm of 80 acres, Mr. Clouse has resided in a comfortable home in Ohio City.

738 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Mr. Clouse is an old soldier of the Civil war, having served from the beginning of hostilities until his honorable discharge June 27, 1865. He was a member of Company A, 99^th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., first under Capt. W. C. Scott and later under Capt. W. T. Exline. He saw considerable hard service, received a number of slight wounds, and has a record of which he may feel proud as a faithful, loyal soldier.

DAVID B. STEMEN is an influential, progressive and well-to-do farmer, who has devoted the greater part of his life to cultivating and improving his fine farm of 94.7 acres, situated in section 6, Washington township. He was born October 1, 1856, on the farm which he now occupies and is the oldest child of John and Lydia E. (Myers) Stemen.

The Stemen family originated in Switzerland. Christian Stemen, the great-great-greatgrandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, it is thought, on May 28, 1747. He was the father of Peter Stemen, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and was born January 2, 1771. Christian Stemen, son of Peter, was born April 23, 1799, in Rockingham County, Pennsylvania, and was the father of John Stemen.

John Stemen, the father of our subject, was born in 1825, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and at the age of nine years accompanied his parents to Allen County, Ohio, where they settled on a tract of land in the woods, north of Elida. He helped to clear the land and improve the farm. In 1850 he bought 94.7 acres of land in section 6, Washington township, Van Wert County—the property that the subject of this sketch now occupies. This tract of land was in the woods, without house, barn or fences, andwithout any road leading to it. In 1855 John Stemen was married in Allen County, Ohio, to Lydia E. Myers, and in 1856 built a log cabin on his land in Washington township and with his wife moved to his home in the woods. He at once proceeded to clear the land. John Stemen died October 9, 1875, aged 50 years. His widow still lives on the old farm, with her oldest child, David B. Stemen. The farm is now all cleared and well drained with tile, with good buildings and the necessary arrangements for the stabling of all the livestock on the place. John Stemen was the father of eight children, of whom but three are living. The record follows: David B., our subject; Mary A. (Wallace) ; Martha, deceased at the age of 20 years; Edward, deceased at the age of four months; William, who lives in Ridge township on his farm of 55 acres, which is in a fine state of cultivation, with excellent buildings; Louis H., deceased' at the age of 25 years ; Benjamin, deceased at the age of 19 years; and John, deceased at the age of two years. John Stemen was a warm personal friend of Thaddeus S. Gilliland, the historian of this work.

David B. Stemen was reared and educated in his native township. He was married on February 20, 1879, to Mary E. Bressler, a daughter of George and Mary ( Jamison) Bressler. Mrs. Stemen's father is a resident of Van Wert; her mother died in 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Stemen were born nine children : Clarence, born March 25, 1880, who married .Maud Anderson and has two children—Marly and Lloyd ; Orpha M.., born September 9, 1881, who married Noah Ashbaugh on October 7, 1903, and died April 2, 1905, leaving one child—David Lawrence; William, born March 14, 1884, who married Bessie Ross; Irvin, born April lo, 1886; Jesse Allen, born March 16, 1889 ; Alnorah, born August 29, 1891 ; Delmar Raymond, born October 2, 1898 ; Grace, born

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December 2, 1901 ; and David L., born February 13, 1904. David B. Stemen is a member of the Methodist Church, of which he is also treasurer and one of the trustees.

HERMAN C. AUSTIN. The poultry business has come to be recognized as one of the important industries of the United States. The demand for eggs and poultry is always in excess of the supply and this has been the cause of numberless houses opening up all over the country as a market for this particular farm product. Van Wert is now well supplied with facilities for caring for eggs and poultry. The movement in this section may be said to have been inaugurated by Sanford B. Austin, who started in as a poultry dealer in 1872. Since that time it has been carried on by members of the Austin family, and Herman C. Austin is now the proprietor of one of the largest and most flourishing plants in the city. Mr. Austin was born April 5, 1865, about 20 miles south of the the city of Boston, and is a son of Sanford B. and L. Olivet (Field) Austin.

The Austin family is of English origin, long established in Massachusetts. Sanford B. Austin was the eldest of three brothers, all of whom served through the Civil war in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment. Albert A. Austin enlisted when but 15 years of age. He dealt extensively in horses after the war, but is now deceased. The third brother resides in Louisiana and is a well-known horseman. There were four sisters, all of whom were school teachers and had received college educations. Two of them are deceased. Sanford B. Austin came to Van Wert in 1872, and engaged in buying, packing and shipping poultry, being the first to engage in that line ofbusiness here, and has always kept at the head of the enterprise. He was also well known to horsemen throughout the country on account of the many fancy horses he placed on the market, his draft and other high-bred stock always commanding the highest prices. He enjoys an extended acquaintance throughout the State. In 1890 he moved to New England, where he lived three years, after which he lived in Toledo for a couple of years. He is at present in Virginia for the winter, and is engaged in raising some fancy stock for his own pastime.

Mr. Austin was married to L. Olivet Field, whose birthplace was near Boston in the same house in which her father was born, on the banks of Lake Winneconnette. Six children were born to them : Herman C.; Katie, wife of I. M. Risk, of Toledo—Mrs. Risk is cashier for the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company's Toledo house, of which her husband is manager; Nellie, wife of Fred L. Jones, a banker of Columbus; Ruby, wife of Arthur S. Salm, of Toledo; Lillian and Lendall (twins), the former in Virginia and the latter in Toledo, where he is day clerk in Hotel De Veaux. Mr. Austin is a member of the Lutheran Church. He was a Republican in former years, but more recently supports the Prohibition policy. He was elected mayor of Van Wert at one time, but resigned after a few months, as public life holds no charm for him.

Herman C. Austin was eight years of age when his parents first came to Van Wert, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He began to assist his father in the business at an early age, and in 1890 returned to Massachusetts, where he represented his father for two years in the produce business, at the same time dealing extensively in horses. Returning to Van Wert in 1893, Mr. Austin opened a poultry, egg and produce market for himself, which

740 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

he has spent the greater part of his life. He basis. He pays the highest market price for eggs, poultry, etc., buying only the best, his purchases amounting at times to about $5,000 per week, while it requires during the busiest times a force of 25 pickers and packers to prepare the goods for the Eastern markets.

Mr. Austin was married in 1886 to Katie Ostheimer, a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Solomon Ostheimer, who later moved to Van Wert County. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have two children, Hazel C. and Kathleen Mavourneen, the former a young lady of 17 years and the latter of to. Mr. Austin has been singularly fortunate in that there has never been a death in either his own or his father's family. He is secretary of the Sons of Veterans at Van Wert and is also a prominent Knight of Pythias.

JAMES A. SWOVELAND. one of the prominent citizens of Ohio City, the owner of the leading drug business, secretary and manager of the Ohio City Telephone Company, and a director of the Farmers' Bank, was born in 1871 in Liberty township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Mary Catherine (Weagly) Swoveland.

Peter Swoveland was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 20, 1839, and was a son of Jacob and Sarah Swoveland. In 1842 he was taken by his parents to Van Wert County, where his father located on a tract of forest land in Liberty township, about one mile south of the present site of Ohio City. Peter was the second born in a family of to children, two of whom still survive, viz.: John A., of Tipton, Indiana. and Aaron F., of Sims, Indiana. In 1861 Peter Swoveland enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company H, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Cal., and reenlisted in 1864, at the expiration of his first term, in the same company and regiment, at Pulaski, Tennessee. He received his honorable discharge on July 22, 1865, having faithfully and loyally served through the entire war without mishap, except a short period of imprisonment by the enemy. In all that long time he was absent but once in the face of danger, from his regiment, that being when he was forcibly detained by the Confederates. Soon after his return from the army, Peter Swoveland married Mary Catherine Weagly, who still survives, with their nine children. When Mr. Swoveland died January 31, 1905, there passed away a man of sterling. character. His children are : John A., George F., James A., Jacob R., William E., Hiram O., Ottis F., Lewis P. and Odel M. James , A. Swoveland attended first the schools of Willshire township and later the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana ; then took up the study of pharmacy, and in 1892 was graduated at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, in this branch. He entered into business as a druggist almost immediately, at Ohio City, where he has remained ever since. He has been interested in many of the leading enterprises of the city. He was one of the organizers of the Ohio City Home Telephone Company, of 'which he is secretary and manager, and has been a leading factor in other successful organizations.

In June, 1895, Mr. Swoveland was married to Mabel B. Cassel. who was a daughter of the late Rev. Jacob Cassel, a minister of the Church of God, who. at the time of his death was traveling in the interest of Findlay College. Mr .and Mrs. Swoveland have two children, namely : Von C. and Beatrice A.

Mr. Swoveland has always taken an active

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interest in educational matters here, and taught serveral terms of school in his earlier years, Van Wert County. He has served five years as treasurer of Liberty township, but takes no part in politics beyond the efforts of a public-spirited citizen. He is a member of the Church of God of Ohio City, of which he is a deacon, and he is serving his third year as the superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

WESLEY FRAGER, a retired farmer living at Middlepoint, and the owner of 140 acres of as fine farm land as can be found, in section 26, Ridge township, is a native of the Buckeye State, having made his advent into the home of Lewis and Sidney (Harper) Frager in Stark Ccunty, Ohio, on April 27, 1842. His grandfather, Jacob Frager, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, and was at one time engaged in running a ferryboat across the Ohio river at Harper's Ferry. Lewis Frager removed from Columbiana County, Ohio, to Stark County, and was there married to Sidney Harper, who had been a resident there since her 12th year when she came to that county from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 1852 they moved to Ridge township, Van Wert County, where they engaged in farming and resided until their death, the father passing away in January, 1903, and the mother in August of the same year. The deceased had been esteemed pioneers in the two counties—Stark and Van Wert. They are survived by our subject and two daughters—Mrs. Melinda Ross, of Ridge township, and Mrs. Louisa Judd, a resident of Middlepoint.

After leaving the district school, in which he acquirerl his education, Wesley Frager began work on his father's farm and continued in this employment until 1882, when he embarked in the grain business at Middlepoint. He was associated in this enterprise with Harrison Leathers for about eight years, when he sold out to Ireton Brothers and is now living in retirement in his pleasant Middlepoint home, which is owned by him, as well as the farm, which is rented. Mr. Frager entered the Union Army as a member of Company G, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., having enlisted in September, 1864, and served in Tennessee until February, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio.

On June 10, 1897, Wesley Frager was united in marriage to Catherine Wiker, a native of Lancaster County,. Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Phillip and Catherine (Lawson) Wiker, natives of Lancaster and York counties, Pennsylvania, respectively.

Mr. Frager is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is trustee; holds .a prominent place in the membership of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of Zellar Hamilton Post, G. A. R., at Middlepoint. Honorable and upright in his everyday life, he is a man among men and well deserves the high regard in which he is held. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Frager accompany this sketch.

HARRISON W. FOLTZ, who owns and operates a well-improved farm of 80 acres in section 28. Hoaglin township, has been a resident of this vicinity but a few years ; yet he is already widely and favorably known by reason of his energy and enterprise as one of the most influential and prominent citizens of Van Wert County. Mr. Foltz was born in Hancock County, Ohio,

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August 8, 1858, and is a son of Noah and Mary A. (Hizzey) Foltz. His parents were natives of Virginia, his father being of German and his mother (supposedly) of English descent.

Harrison W. Foltz was reared in Hancock County, remaining there until he was about 32 years of age, when he went to Jay County, Indiana, and resided there until 1898. He then came to Van Wert County, and soon after moved to the farm now owned by him. Mr. Foltz is not only a good farmer, but a good citizen, and is always ready to do his share in promoting the welfare of the public. It was largely through his efforts that the pike roads in Hoaglin township were built, as it was the result of a petition started by Mr. Foltz that the first pike road in the township, known a "Johns' Pike," was constructed.

Mr. Foltz was married June 12, 1898, to Mary A. Ketzenbarger, who was born in Hancock County. Ohio, June 26, 1862. Her parents, Sebastian and Rachel (Cramer) Ketzenbarger, were natives of Germany and Fairfield County, Ohio, respectively, and were among the first settlers of Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Foltz have two children : H. Holland, who was born February 6, 1899, and Robert K., born June 2, 1905, Mr. Foltz is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

JONATHAN BARNS, one of the substantial farmers and respected citizens of Jackson township, who resides on his home farm of 226 1/2 acres, situated in section 5, was born July 16, 1852 in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Christina (Wood) Barns. The parents of Mr. Barns were natives of England, coming to America about 1845, and locating first at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but later settling in Pickaway County, Ohio.

Jonathan Barns was reared in Pickaway and Fayette counties, Ohio, was educated in the public schools, and has devoted his mature life to agricultural pursuits. When Mr. Barns settled on his farm in Jackson township, he was a pioneer in this locality, and for some years was obliged to endure the hardships attendant upon distance from good markets and poor public highways. He was, therefore, one of the active promoters of the excellent turnpike road which runs north and south through the center of Jackson township, which has done so much to aid in the development of this locality. But his main business was the clearing and improving of his Jackson township farm, and he is now also the owner of an 80-acre farm in Union township.

Mr. Barns was married July 27, 1872, to Melissa Dunbar, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, August 4, 1850. Mrs. Barns father died when she was a child in Jackson County, whither the family had removed when she was six weeks old. Her mother subsequently married John Thompson and they removed to Madison County, where Mrs. Barns resided at the time of her marriage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Barns are : Albert, of Union township, Van Wert County; Josephine, wife of George Miller, of Jackson township; George H. and Thomas, living at home; and Hugh, Annie and Sarah Elizabeth, who all died at the age of eighteen months and one child, at birth. Mr. Barns stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, having proven himself an honorable man, a good neighbor and a public spirited citizen.

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EMERY LATTANNER, editor of the Van Wert Morning Daily Times and Times-Democrat, semi-weekly, was born on a farm in Williams County, Ohio, December 4, 1866. He is the product of a close-of-the-war marriage, his father having served over three years under General Thomas. The young man received a good common-school education and then attended the Montpelier (Ohio) High School, where he graduated in May, 1885. The following week he became the deputy county treasurer, remaining there until January 1, 1888, when he became bookkeeper in The Farmers' National Bank at Bryan. In January, 1889, he was made assistant cashier and in November of the same year was elected cashier to fill a vacancy, serving until February, 1897, when he resigned and became a bookkeeper in a Cleveland bank for a time. He was for years the youngest hank cashier in Ohio.

In 1898 he entered the newspaper business on the Findlay Courier in the advertising and business department. In October, 1900, with others, he purchased the Van Wert Times and the Van Wert Democrat—two weeklies—and consolidated the two into a semi-weekly. In June, 1904, the paper was sold, but in July, a month later, a stock company bought it back and established in connection the Morning Daily Times. Mr. Lattanner has been the editor from the beginning. An up-to-date linotype machine was put in and the paper made up-to-date to meet the requirements of the growing city and county.

Mr. Lattanner has ever taken an active part in the political affairs and has been signally honored on numerous occasions by being placed in charge of the campaigns of the Democratic party. He was chosen chairman of the campaign committee in Williams County when 20 years of age, was chairman of the committee in Hancock County and in Van Wert County and has served as a member on committees in nearly every campaign. He served as a member of the State Central Committee and was made a member of the State Executive Committee in 1903. He was an alternate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1892 and in the absence of the delegate voted for Grover Cleveland.

He never sought an office, but was elected a member-at-large of the Board of Education of Bryan, without opposition and was chosen president of the hoard. He served on the City Council twice, once by appointment and once by election and as chairman of the electric light committee was active in installing a municipal light plant at Bryan in connection with the water plant.

He has been active in Pythian affairs, has passed through all the chairs and was representative to the Grand Lodge three terms and served on Grand Lodge committees.

Mr. Lattanner is married and is the father of one daughter.

J. H: JOHNS, proprietor of one of the most successful poultry houses In Van Wert, was born July 20, 1842, about two miles from this city, on a farm owned by his parents, William and Lucy Jane (Broom) Johns. His grandfather was Samuel Johns, who came from Wales in very early times and settled in Pennsylvania. William Johns was born in Pennslyvania in 1812, and in early manhood went to Richland County, Ohio, where he was married to Lucy Jane Broom. In October, 1837, they located in Van Wert County. Here William Johns entered 80 acres of land and bought an additional 80 in Pleasant township. He was one of the larg-

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est fur dealers the country at that time, and also dealt quite extensively in livestock, but paid little attention to regular farm work. After the death of his wife in 1865, he moved to Van Wert, where he died in 1871. Mrs. Johns was born August 2, 1816, near Marietta, Ohio, and became the mother of six children, viz.: David A., deceased, for many years a prosperous merchant of Van Wert; Mary, who died at the age of four years ; William, who died at the age of two; J. H., our subject; Alvina (Springer), deceased; and a child who died in infancy.

J. H. Johns left the paternal roof to do for himself at the age of 16, and that winter taught his first term of school. He continued teaching until he entered the general store of Bonewitz & Johns as a clerk; his brother being one of the partners. Two years later he went to Chicago, where he took a complete business course in one of the best commercial colleges of that city'. He then returned to Van Wert and resumed his old position as clerk, with the additional work of keeping the books of the company. In 1866 he went to Columbia City, Indiana, where he engaged in the dry ,goods business, the firm being Johns, Meely & Company. Once more returning to Van Wert, he engaged in the livestock industry with Sampson Kohn, the business being conducted under the name of Sampson Kohn & Company. Following this he entered the employ of Capt. T S. Gilliland, and was with him as buyer and bookkeeper from 1889 until 1892. It was about this time that he embarked in his present business, which is a very profitable one and to which he devotes his entire time.

Mr. Johns was married in 1863 to Mary E. Riddle, daughter of Thomas J. and Ann (Cooper) Riddle; she was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, and came to Van Wert County with her widowed mother. Two of their children are living and two have passed to the higher life, namely: Charles S., who was unmarried and died in September, 1904, at the age of 36 years; Lucy A., wife of Von S. Goetz, of Indianapolis ; Gay C., who is a student in a convent at Cleveland; and Gertrude, who died in infancy. The comfortable home on Washington and Sycamore streets was erected by Mr. Johns in 1898. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the National Union. He was in the county auditor's office three or four years under L. A. Harvey, and also represented the First Ward in the Van Wert City Council.

GEORGE H. BALTZELL, the owner of a finely improved farm of 75 acres of farm land in section 35, Liberty township, was born in Dublin township, Mercer County, Ohio, on December 20, 1861, and is a son of Harrison and Nancy (Barton) Baltzell, the latter of whom died in 1898.

Harrison Baltzell is also a native of Mercer County and still resides on the farm of 120 acres on which he was born. Joseph Baltzell, the paternal grandfather, was one of the pioneers of the county in which both his son and grandson were born.

George Baltzell was reared and educated in Mercer County and has always been engaged in farming. The first of his two marriages was with Cora Z. Buck, of Dublin township, and they had three children—Dona, Dema and Howard (who died aged eight years). Mrs. Baltzell died in Dublin township, Mercer County, in the year 1892 After the death of his wife, Mr. Baltzell sold his farm of 40 acres in Dublin township and in 1896 bought his present farm of 75 acres, which was then without buildings of any kind. He has since erected

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a house, barn and all the other necessary buildings. His second marriage, on the 21st of August, 1895, was with Angela Miller, a daughter of Rev. Peter A. Miller, and of this union there were four children—Kenneth; Dwight; Genevieve and Mary Frances. Mr. and Mrs. Baltzell are both members of the Christian Union Church, he being superintendent of the Sunday-school. .

PETER KESLER, a retired citizen of the city of Van Wert, and a gentle- man of the most exemplary character, has devoted his life to the pursuits of agriculture. He has accumulated a neat competency, which enables him to spend the evening of his life in well-earned ease and comfort. Mr. Kesler was born June 21, 1837, in Fairfield County, Ohio, near the village of Amanda, and is one of 13 children born to Samuel and Louisa (Frazier) Kesler. Samuel Kesler was born July 12, 1812, in Fairfield County, and in September, 1840, came to Van Wert County and entered 160 acres of land in Ridge township, about six miles east of Van Wert. With his wife and four young children he took possession of a little log cabin on this property, and it was not until a number of years had passed that this structure gave way to a more comfortable, modern residence. He continued to reside on this property for 55 years, until his death October 20, 1895, at a good old age. His first wife, Louisa Frazier, and the mother of his 13 children, was a daughter of Jacob Frazier and was born in Fairfield County. She died in 1881 at the age of 68 years. Her children were : Jacob, deceased, a veteran of the Civil war; Peter; Barbara (Workman), deceased; Laura (Griswold), of Fort Wayne; Mary Jane (Malchi ), deceased ; Reuben, of Ridge township; Mattie (Baker), of Elwood, Indiana; Charles, of Ridge township; Ellen (High), deceased; Sarah (Hire), of Union township ; and three who died in infancy. In 1885 Samuel Kesler was united to Mrs. Margaret Fisher, who resides in Middlepoint, Ohio. He was an earnest Christian and a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

Peter Kesler has always been a farmer, and from the age of three until his 25th year he resided on the farm near Van Wert. August 26, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. W. C. Scott, and was sent to the front. A year later, on account of disability, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and set as a guard over prisoners. Later, he was sent from Columbus to Chicago, where he was discharged at the close of the war. Having been married while home on a furlough, he now rented a farm of his father's near Convoy, and cultivated it four years. He then purchased 80 acres which adjoined his father's farm in Union township. He had lived there about 10 years when he sold out and moved to Shelby County, Illinois, and purchased 160 acres upon which he lived 14 years, until the death of his father made it necessary for him to return to Ohio. He bought 85 acres of the old homestead and made that his home for almost 10 years, after which he rented the farm, and on the first of March, 1905, moved to Van Wert, where he owns one of the finest residences in the city.

Mr. Kesler was married September 1, 1865. to Martha Ann Johnson, daughter of William and Ellen (Burcaw) Johnson. She was born December 3, 1844, in Butler County, Ohio, and was a child of six years when her parents removed to Ridge township, Van Wert County. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kesler, namely: William Samuel, who died at the age of one year and nine months ; Ida

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May, born May 11, 1870, who died October 20, 1872 ; and Chloe Delila (Mrs. Walter Lockhart), who lives with her parents. Mr. Kesler is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Van Wert. He has been a lifelong Republican, and is a member of W. C. Scott Post, No. 100, G. A. R.

JOSHUA HUNSAKER, a representative pioneer citizen and one of the leading farmers of Jackson township, residing on his well-improved farm of 45 acres, situated in section 12, was born June 19, 1848, in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Catherine (Huffort) Hunsaker. The parents of Mr. Hunsaker were both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. The family came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where John Hunsaker, the great-grandfather, his wife and youngest child, were killed by the Indians at a very early day.

Joshua Hunsaker was reared in Hocking County and attended the district schools. In 1871 he came to Jackson township, Van Wert County, and here has spent the main portion of his life since that year. In 1895 he settled on his present farm which he has placed in a fine state of cultivation.

On January 3, 1872, Mr. Hunsaker was married to Catherine Tigner, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Tigner, a prominent old citizen of Hocking County. They have had five children, the three survivors being : Joshua D. and James, both of Delphos; and Louis, of Jackson township. The family belong to the old German Baptist Church, one of the early religious organizations ofthis township.

In politics, Mr. Hunsaker has always been a Democrat. Although he has taken an abiding interest in township affairs, he has consented to hold office on but one occasion, serving for a short period as constable. He is a very highly respected citizen and has many friends throughout the township.

SAMUEL B. PRICE, one of the representative citizens and progressive farmers of Union township, the owner of a well-improved farm of 160 acres, situated in section 31, was born in Mills township, Coshocton County, Ohio, December 1841, and is a son of John G. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Price.

The Price family can be traced far back in our country's annals: Its founder in America came from England, and a member of this branch of the family served during the Revolutionary War as an aid-de-camp to General Washington. While agriculture has been the family vocation for some generations, the military spirit has also appeared, our subject and a brother both serving in the Civil war. George W. Price, the paternal grandfather, reared his family in the State of New York and later accompanied some of them to Ohio. John G. Price, father of Samuel B., was born in Orange County, New York, and died in Ohio in 1865, aged 57 years. He married Elizabeth Barnes, who was born in Orange County, New York, and died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, at the age of 48 years. Not much is obtainable concerning her family, as her parents died when she was small; but the tradition is that the family is of French extraction. The children of John G. and Elizabeth Price who reached maturity were : Mary, who married E. G. Taggart, of Delaware County, Ohio; Phoebe, deceased, who was the wife of Isaac Evans, of Peoria, Illinois; Samuel B., of this sketch; John E.; and Hattie, who married William

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Gray, of Hancock County. The life history of our subject's young brother, John E. Price, is a very sad one. When but a lad he enlisted for service in the Civil war and was discharged at Winchester, with typhoid fever. Naturally he hastened home, where he soon died, in spite of the family care given him. To add to the bereavement, the father, worn out with watching and anxiety, also succumbed to the same disease and died shortly after.

After his marriage and the birth of one child, in Orange County, New York, John G. Price and wife had moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, some time in the early '30's. He understood the blacksmithing business, but he devoted his attention to farming. In 1864, after the death of his wife, he removed to Van Wert County. He was a very earnest member of the Baptist Church, and a man who was held in esteem by all who knew him.

Samuel B. Price grew up on his father's farm, and attended school in Coshocton County. In September, 1861, in Tuscarawas County, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company E, 51st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Chalfin and Col. Stanley Mathews. At Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. Price was detailed as a provost guard. After a term of service lasting for eight months, he was discharged on account of disability, and he returned to Tuscarawas County. As soon as he had recovered he reenlisted, entering Company E, 161st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served under Captain Cabel at Harper's Ferry, Manassas Junction and other places of danger. This enlistment was for three months and after it was over, he joined his father in Van Wert County.

The death of his brother John, which was so closely followed by that of his father, threw many responsibilities upon our subject, and entirely broke up the family home. He purchased50 acres of woodland, and had partially cleared it when he had an opportunity to sell. He then bought his present farm, which contained but 80 acres at that time, with 30 or 40 acres cleared. Until prepared to do so, he did not erect a new residence, using the log cabin on the place; but in the course of time, he not only erected a commodious and comfortable home, but all the present substantial buildings, which make the place look thrifty and attractive. Mr. Price has almost all of his 160 acres under careful cultivation.

In 1873 Mr. Price was married to Almira Richie, who was born in Van Wert County, and is a daughter of Marlborough and Sarah (Eaton) Richie, natives of Crawford County, Ohio, who came here in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Richie had these children : John, Horace, Walter, Olivia, Kate, Ruth and Almira.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Price were : Evan J., of Harrison township; Corwin R., of Geneva, Indiana; Ward W., the home farmer; Helen, wife of Clyde Richie, of Pleasant township ; Mary, wife of Frank Richie, of Pleasant township ; and Donald J., who was accidentally killed by being run over by a wagon, when I I years of age. The surviving children are all married and doing well.

Politically Mr. Price is a Republican, and he has frequently held local offices. He has been school director for some 20 years, and he also served for a term as township trustee. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church at Convoy:

JOHN B. BIENTZ, whose death took place March 29, 1904, was for many years a prominent and well-known citizen of Liberty township, where he resided on a farm situated in section 33. At an early age he was left an orphan, and went to

752 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

live with his uncle, John Bientz, by whom he was practically reared and educated, and with whom he remained until he reached manhood. He then went to live with John Putman for the next six years, but remained in Van Wert County, where he passed his entire life, devoting his time and talents to agricultural pursuits.

On February 27, 1872, Mr. Bientz was married to Elixia Krick, a daughter of William and Sophia (Brouse) Krick, who were farmers and residents of Liberty township. Mrs. Bientz resides on a farm of 86 acres, upon which there are two houses—one of them being occupied by Mr. Putman, who is engaged in operating the farm for Mrs. Bientz. Mr. Bientz at one time owned 80 acres of land in Mercer County, which he sold, and later bought another tract of 40 acres in the same county, which Mrs. Bientz still retains and on which oil has been developed, there now being one well in operation. There is also one producing oil well on the farm where Mrs. Bientz lives. She has in all 126 acres of very fine productive farm land. She is a member of the Church of God, whose church building is situated on one acre of land, formerly part of the Bientz farm, which was sold to that denomination previous to the death of her husband. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bientz accompany this sketch.

GEORGE F. STRAW, one ofthe energetic and progressive farmers of Liberty township, owner and operator of a valuable farm of 160 acres situated in section 35, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, on October 28, 1873, and is a son of A. G. and Hulda (Clark) Straw, who are now residents of Van Wert.

A. G. Straw was for many years a prominent farmer of Liberty township, where he owned a fine tract of 217 acres and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has sold this land and is now living in retirement in Van Wert, enjoying a well-earned rest after many years of activity. He had four children, namely: Ella (Ball) ; George F., subject of this sketch; Clara (Smith), of Marion, Indiana; and Russell, who married Nancy Brown.

George F. Straw came to Van Wert County with his parents when a boy of 12 years and has since continued to make this locality his home, being reared on his father's farm in Liberty township, and passing his early years in such labors as he could perform and in obtaining an education in the district schools. In 1895 he was married to Emma Bowers, a daughter of B. F. Bowers, of Pleasant townsship, and they have had two children—Clarence, who, died aged five years, and Alvin, born in 1898.

Mr. Straw's farm is a very valuable one. When he purchased the land on March 12, 1901, there were no fences, buildings or any improvements whatever ; but in 1904 he erected a frame house and barn upon it, and in the five years he has lived on the place has cleared 80 acres of timberland, 50 that now he has a farm agriculturally equal to any in the township, and upon which are also located two producing oil-wells.

JOHN W. PLUMLEY, mayor of the town of Convoy, has been a resident of

Tully township since 1867, and of the town for a period of 14 years. He is a man of enterprise and public spirit, who has always been among the foremost in the development of the community. Mr. Plumley was

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born in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 2, 1844, and is a son of Mahlon and Elizabeth (Hedges) Plumley.

Mahlon Plumley, who was a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, moved from there to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he died when our subject was young. His union with Elizabeth Hedges resulted in the birth of the following children : Nancy, widow of John Downey, living in Muskingum County, Ohio; Samuel, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Joseph Rice, deceased ; John W.; Jesse, who resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mary, wife of James Borden, living at McConnellsville, Ohio; Charles, who is farming in Morrow County, Ohio; and Laura, deceased wife of John Swank. Mrs. Plumley still resides on the old home place in Muskingum County, and although past 87 years of age retains the strength and mental vigor of a woman many years her junior.

John W. Plumley resided on the home place until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, 122nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the Civil war. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Monocacy by General Early's forces, at the time of their raid toward Washington. He was imprisoned at Lynchburg, then at Danville, and finally at Libby Prison—in all about nine months. A letter written by him while in Libby Prison to his mother is now a treasured possession of his, and although written with pencil can still be deciphered. He entered the army in the strength of young manhood and came out in very poor health, having suffered hardships and privations, from which he never fully recovered. Returning to Muskingum County, he remained there until 1867, when he came to Van Wert County, locating on a farm on the Ridge road in Tully township, which he still owns. He engaged in farming there until November 3,

1892, when he moved to the town of Convoy and engaged in the hardware business. He sold the business after a short time, and has since been engaged as a broker. His success as a business man has been won through the employment of honest and conservative methods. His business has frequently brought him in touch with people in dire financial straits, to whom he has loaned and given without expectation of earthly reward. Since January 1, 1906, when the First National Bank of Convoy was established, he has been a stockholder and director of the institution. When the bank issued its first bank notes, recently, Mr. Plumley received No. 1, a $10 bill, which he keeps as a souvenir.

His popularity among his acquaintances and associates was duly attested by his nomination and election as mayor of Convoy. In the fall of 1905 he was nominated by the Republican party while he and his wife were away on a visit, and although he made no especial effort he was elected by a good majority in a Democratic stronghold. In the official discharge of his duties, he has not looked to making his office a paying one, but more to caring for the interests of the town, and settling disputes out of court, at the expense of losing his own fee.

In the fall of 1865, Mr. Plumley married Elizabeth West, of Morrow County, Ohio, who at her death left five children : James, born in Muskingum County, now living in Tully township, who married Effie Krick and has five children; Ora, wife of John Sponseller of Tully township and the mother of four children; Nellie, who married James A. Krick and has three children; Charles, *ho married Bertha Shultz, has four children and lives in Tully township; and Elizabeth, who married H. B. Leslie, lives in the outskirts of Convoy and has three children.

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Our subject's second marriage was with Mary Whitcraft, a native of Hocking County. Mr. Plumley and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of Caper Porst, No. 136, G. A. R., of Convoy and also of the Odd Fellows lodge.

JACOB MOHR, one of the prominent residents of Van Wert, a member of a family of pioneer settlers in the State, was born February 25, 1838, at Baden, Germany, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Kuhn) Mohr.

The Mohr family came to America in 1849 and settled first in Richland County, Ohio ; but in the following year they came to Van Wert County and settled in Hoaglin township. At that time the country was but sparsely settled and pioneer conditions prevailed. The parents were thrifty, industrious people, who accumulated property and reared their children comfortably. There are but two survivors of the latter, viz.: Jacob, our subject, and his brother Gottlieb. The father died in 1871 and the mother in 1869.

Jacob Mohr was reared on his father's farm and taught habits of honesty and industry. As occasion offered, he attended school ; but there were few school advantages provided for children during his boyhood. Experience and reading, as well as contact with the world, have made Mr. Mohr, however, a well-informed man. He continued to live in Hoaglin township, until April, 1902, when he removed to Van Wert, where he has lived ever since in his comfortable home at No. 708 North Washington street.

Mr. Mohr was married (first) February, 1864, to Martha Hattery, who was a daughter of Josiah Hattery, late of Pleasant township, and an early settler of Van Wert County. The widow of Josiah Hattery still survives, now over 83 years of age, and resides in Van Wert County. She is one of the few surviving pioneer women of this locality, coming here when the whole country was wooded, with scarcely a road made or clearing cut. By this marriage Mr. Mohr had three children, viz.: John A., of Paulding, Ohio; Joseph E., of Union township; and Elizabeth E., wife of Louis Holtrey, of Hoaglin township. Mrs. Mohr died October 2, 1898. Mr. Mohr was married (second) in April, 1902, to Mrs. Mary A. Yager, widow of William Yager, formerly of Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Mohr was born in Allen County, Indiana, August 2, 1853, and is a daughter of Jacob and Magdalena Laymen, early settlers in Indiana. By her first marriage Mrs. Mohr had three children, viz.: Emma, wife of Lester Brook, of Chicago; Magdalena, of Chicago; and Inez, also of Chicago.

Mr. Mohr still retains his fine farm of 240 acres of well-improved land in Hoaglin township, which, under rental, brings him in a nice income. He has always been an enterprising, public-spirited man, and during a long and busy life has laid up an ample fortune for old age. Politically he is a Republican, and while living in the country he served as trustee of Hoaglin township. He is a member of the Evangelical Association.

JOSEPH P. KUNTZ, one of the leading business men of Ohio City, who is secretary and manager of the Ohio City Lumber Company, Was born at Greenville, Darke County, Ohio, in 1873, and is a son of Nicholas Kuntz, formerly a large lumber dealer, who now lives retired at Greenville.

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Joseph P. Kuntz was reared and educated in Darke County, and has been identified with lumber interests ever since the beginning of his business career. After leaving school he kept books for his father for two years, and then took the position of head sawyer in the mill at Greenville, holding the same for four years. In 1894 he came to Ohio City, and in association with his brother established the N. J. Kuntz Lumber Company. Six months later our subject was called to Van Wert to take charge of the machinery in the wood department of the Cincinnati Northern 'Railroad car shops. He remained in charge here for six years and then returned to Ohio City and was engaged with his brother Nicholas J. for four months. He and his brother then bought out the Charles Gay Lumber Company at Lewisburg, Ohio, and our subject was in charge of that plant one year and four months.

When the Ohio City Lumber Company was incorporated, with a capital stock of $5,000, Mr. Kuntz became a member of the board of directors and its secretary and manager: He has been a resident of Ohio City since January, 1904.

In May, 1903, Mr. Kuntz was married to Florence A. Gilliland, who is a daughter of Edward B. Gilliland, a large implement dealer at Van Wert. Mr. Kuntz is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. "

DAVID DAVIS, M. D., the oldest physician and surgeon in continuous practice in the village of Venedocia, was born in 1858 in Jackson County, Ohio, and is a son of Morgan and Mary (Davis) Davis.

The father of Dr. Davis died in 1870; but his venerable mother still survives and still resides in her pioneer home in Madison township, Jackson County, Ohio. She was born in 1816, in Delaware County, Ohio, a daughter of John Davis, and is probably the oldest lady of Welsh extraction, born in the State of Ohio. She is the oldest member of the old Moriah Welsh Calvinistic Church, where she still regularly attends service, enjoying the half-mile walk to and from church, up and down hill, with the same vigor as she did 40 years ago. Mrs. Davis has lived through a remarkable period of the world's history, and, although her life has been spent within somewhat narrow territorial limits, it has been none the less interesting.

Mrs. Davis was one of a family of three daughters and two sons born to her parents. All reached maturity, formed domestic ties of their own, and all except herself have passed on to the other shore, leaving representatives behind them. Her birth took place on Christmas Day, in her father's pioneer cabin, which stood near the present site of Radnor station, surrounded by dense woods. There she grew to young womanhood, witnessing many changes. For many years wolves were still so numerous that they surrounded the cabin at night and carried off all provisions not carefully hidden away. Indians also were frequent visitors. Their language she could never understand ; but as they usually wanted to be fed, she wisely permitted them to help themselves from her larder and, never suffered in any way. They. roamed up and down the surrounding forests and almost trackless swamps, lands which she has seen redeemed and transformed into fruitful fields.

In the days of her girlhood Mrs. Davis was taught all the frugal ways of housekeeping of her day, and expended time and patience in learning the mysteries of spinning and weaving. She can easily recall bow important was

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the growing of flax, the careful sowing of the seed, its cultivation like oats, its beautiful blue flower, its careful cutting and drying. Every stage of its preparation is still recalled by this venerable lady whose busy, useful hands have fashioned numberless garments from the product of the seed she planted herself. On many occasions she has dropped corn down the long rows, and later cultivated it with a hoe. Mrs. Davis remembers when it was a serious matter to allow the kitchen fire to go out. Punk and tow would start it again ; but there were occasions when a trip had to be made to the neighbors in order to procure a fresh supply, when accident had quenched the flame.

Mrs. Davis accompanied her parents in girlhood, from Delaware County to Van Wert County, the trip being made in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen. She was married in 1836, in Jackson County, Ohio, where she has lived ever since. She became the mother of 11 children, six of whom survive, namely : Sarah, who is the widow of David D. Evans, of Jackson County, and the mother of seven children ; Ruth, who is the widow of William Redfern, of Shawnee, Ohio; Ellen, who is the wife of John W. Evans, of Jackson County, and has six children; Jonathan, who married Vrina Jones and has four children; David, the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, who lives with her venerable mother near Clay, in Jackson County. Mrs. Davis has 46 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren,

Mrs. Davis had but few educational advantages in her youthful days, attendance in a log school house covering but a few winter months. She was early taught to look upon religion with reverence, and was 14 years old when she made a profession, since which time she has faithfully and sincerely lived a Christian life. She was reared with the Chidlonfamily, noted Sunday-school workers. In the early years of her married life, before the church was built, which can be seen from her door, she was accustomed to ride on horseback to attend services, four miles distant, having one child strapped behind and another in front. In every way possible the life of this venerable lady is made comfortable. In the full possession of her faculties she is passing the evening of life, surrounded with comforts and tended with loving care, and when this long and worthy life has closed, there will remain memories of a noble, Christian woman whose influence has always been beneficent.

David Davis, the immediate subject of this sketch, was about 12 years old when his father died. The. latter was born in Wales and had emigrated to America in 1828. His death occurred on his farm in 1870, his whole life having been an agricultural one. After the death of his father, our subject and his older brother, Jonathan, took charge of the homestead. The former continued to operate the farm for his mother until he was 21 years of age, when he began to teach school. Before this his educational opportunities had necessarily been restricted ; but he subsequently attended the Rio Grande College and Morgan Brothers' Academy, at Oak Hill. In 1881 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, where he was graduated three years later. He began to practice at Kieferville, Putnam County, Ohio, where he remained four years, and then came to Venedocia. At that time the thriving village was but barely redeemed from the forest and swamp, and for the first years his professional visits through York and Jennings townships were necessarily made mainly on horseback, especially in the winter seasons. His practice at present is a large and lucrative one and is not confined to the village or the townships named.

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Dr. Davis was united in marriage with Elizabeth Evans, who is the daughter of John W. Evans, a well-known pioneer. They have had four sons, all dying in infancy, except Morgan, named for his grandfather. Both Dr. Davis and wife are devout members of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, in which both were reared.

In political sentiment Dr. Davis is a Republican, but takes little more than a good citizen's interest in politics. He is a member of the board of pension examining surgeons for Van Wert County, and he belongs to the Ohio State Medical Eclectic Association. Fraternally he has been interested in the Knights of Pythias for many years, of which he is now chancellor commander and has been sent on occasion as a representative to the Grand Lodge.

CLINTON ALEXANDER HOGHE, one of the most extensive farmers of Liberty township, who owns 180 acres of land situated in sections 2 and 3, was born in Liberty township, April 2, 1851, and is a son of Abraham and Eliza (Caldwell) Hoghe.

Abraham Hoghe was born near Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. He subsequently moved to Franklin County, Ohio, and from there he moved to Van Wert County, when it was all a wilderness. He was one of the very earliest settlers of this county, and took a very active and prominent part in the development of this section. He traded for 80 acres of land, later bought 40 acres of canal land, and finally purchased from a relative another tract of 80 acres making in all 200 acres. Abraham Hoghe and his wife both died in Liberty township; the former atthe age of 80 years and the latter at the age of 77 years. They reared a family of eight children, as follows : Clement R., deceased at the age of 51; Elizabeth A. (Copeland), of Lima; Sarah (Custer) ; Clinton Alexander; Andrew, who died at the age of 19; Alice (Cooper) ; Irene (Vance); and Charles M., who died at the age of 35.

Clinton A. Hoghe was reared on his father's farm, and his education was such as could be obtained in a new and undeveloped country. On April 5, 1882, he married Alice B. Watt, a daughter of William and Margaret T. (Wilson) Watt. William Watt was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, and was a son of Joseph Watt, who was a native of Ireland. In the spring of 1865 he moved from Guernsey County to Van Wert County, and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Liberty township. He had a family of five children, of whom Mrs. Clinton A. Hoghe is the eldest. The others are as follows : Minnie F. (Hitchcock) ; Henry Grant, who died in September, 1902; Isabel (Bailey), of St. Louis; and William H., of Kansas.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoghe became the parents of four children : Hallie Alice ; Earl Clinton ; Ray who died in infancy; and William Guy. Mr. Hoghe has always been engaged in farming, and has one of the finest and most productive farms in the county. It is situated in sections 2 and 3, the tract of 100 acres in section 2 being the homestead. Mrs. Hoghe is a member of the Evangelical Church, and Mr. Hoghe, his two sons and daughter are all members of the Home Guards of America.

Clement R. Hoghe, Mr. Hoghe's oldest brother, was a soldier in the Civil war, being almost three years in the cavalry arm of the service. He was in many battles and skirmishes. had several horses shot from under him and was wounded several times.

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JOHN A. CONN, who was identified with the business interests of Van Wert for many years, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, July 3, 1838, and died in Van Wert, December 25, 1905, being interred in Woodland Cemetery. He was a son of Andrew and Margaret (Patterson) Conn.

Andrew Conn was for a long period a very prominent citizen of Richland County, where he served as county treasurer. He was engaged there in a banking business. In 1855 he removed from Mansfield to Van Wert, and in 1860 he was elected treasurer of Van Wert County. After completing this public service he retired and his death took place in 1877. He was the father of seven children.

John A. Conn was educated in the public schools, both at Mansfield and Van Wert. He entered into business as a clerk in 1858 for his brother, Robert Conn, but in 1863, in association with a Mr. Scott, he embarked in a grocery business which was continued until 1874, when Mr. Conn withdrew in order to engage in a banking enterprise. He continued prominent in the financial life of Van Wert until 1895 when he again entered the grocery line and remained so connected until 1905. In this year he organized the firm of Conn & Son, in the fire, accident and plate glass insurance business. His long period of activity in business circles was marked with eminent success, brought about by his own ability combined with the qualities which preserved to him the confidence and regard of his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Conn was united in marriage with Ann F. Slade, daughter of Edward Slade, and they had a family of six children, as follows : Eugene R., a member of the insurance firm of Conn & Son, of Van Wert, who married Jennie Webster and has two sons—Donald and Robert; Luna M., deceased wife of William King, also deceased, who left one child—John Howard, who resides with his grandmother, Mrs. John A. Conn; Miles, a member of the firm of Conn & Balyeat, grocers of Van Wert, who married Louisa Coleman and has two children —Frank and Leila ; Robert, who resides in Van Wert, is married and has a son—Leonard; Myrtle, who married Arthur Fagan, of Van Wert, and has one son—Gareld; and Bessie, who is single and lives with her mother. The family home is situated at No. 716 Washington street. Mrs. Conn is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert, as was her husband. Mr. Conn was an advocate of the free coinage of silver.

GEORGE MILLER, owner and operator of a farm situated in section 35, Liberty township, was born in Dublin township, Mercer County, Ohio, on October 20, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Shetterly) Miller.

Henry Miller was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of Peter Miller, a native of Germany and a millwright by trade, who died in Fairfield County. Henry Miller, father of George Miller, was reared in Fairfield County, but was married in Clermont County, to Elizabeth Shetterly. She was a daughter of Philip Shetterly, a prominent German farmer of Clermont County, who at one time, with his two brothers, owned a great deal of land where Cincinnati now stands, and which they traded for two farms of 160 acres each in Clermont County and one farm in Indiana. After his marriage, Henry Miller moved to Mercer County and located in Rockford for a time, subsequently settling on a farm of 80 acres which he owned. He at one time owned a farm in Liberty township, Van Wert County,

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just west of where Ohio City now stands. This he traded for his farm in Mercer County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of eight children, of whom George was the third. He died May 14, 1892, and his wife died December 23, 1891.

George Miller was reared and educated in Mercer County and in 1860 was married to Margaret Keffer, a daughter of Adam and Bertha (Jarvis) Keifer. Mrs. Miller was born in Pennsylvania, where her parents were both born and raised. They later moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and passed the remainder of their days, Mrs. Keffer dying in 1843 and Mr. Keifer in 1874.

After his marriage, George Miller moved to his farm of 80 acres in Liberty township, where he has since lived. He first occupied a log house for many years, and in 1894 erected his present large frame house. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born nine children: Emeline, who married William Rickard and died at the age of 42, leaving two children—Cora and Mabel ; Mary, who married Amos Rickard, lives on her father's farm and has two children—Sherman and Homer; Thomas, living in Mercer County, who married Alverta Clouse and has four children—Clella, Norma, Clayton and Garret (deceased) ; Alba, who married William Edwards, of Van Wert, and died at the age of 31 years ; Lewis, who married Sylvia Rousch, lives in Liberty township, and has three children—Ottis, Gladys and Margaret ; Elizabeth, who married Loren Loro, lives in Mercer County and has one child—Elva; Nellie and Della (twins), the former deceased at the age of 21 years and the latter at the age of 18; Henry, the fourth child in order of birth, who died at the age of four years and seven months.

Mr. Miller is a Republican, and was elected by that party to serve two terms as township trustee; he was also supervisor of the township.

He is a member and a director of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is also a member. He was one of the building committee at the time of the erection of the present church, subsequent to the burning of the old church.

PETER WITTEN, who owns a fine farm of 80 acres in Liberty township, has lived retired in Ohio City for the past year, where he enjoys the acquaintance and respect of many of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Witten was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, April 3, 1842, and is a son of Philip and Rebecca ( Jackson) Witten.

The father of our subject was born in Virginia, but was brought in infancy to Guernsey County, Ohio, where his whole life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He married Rebecca Jackson, and they had eight children, the survivors being: Thomas T., Samuel, Peter and William, two of whom served in the Civil war.

Peter Witten came to Van Wert County in 1859, and completed his education here. He followed farming until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war and served 100 days in Company H, 139th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., at Point Lookout, Maryland, and then reenlisted in Company A, 41st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. This regiment was used to guard the railroad from Nashville to Chattanooga and Atlanta, was then sent to Pulaski, and later took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. The regiment was kept in almost constant activity in and around Nashville until our subject received his honorable discharge there and returned home in 1865.

After the close of his army service, Mr. Witten resumed farming in Liberty township,

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Van Wert County, acquiring a valuable farm of 80 acres, on which he resided until be retired from active life. In addition to farming he ran a blacksmith shop for 30 years, and became not only one of the best-known residents of Liberty township, but one of the most substantial.

December 25, 1869, Mr. Witten was married to Thirza K. Welch, who is a daughter of Dennis and Aseneth (Roberts) Welch, who settled in Liberty township in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Welch had seven children, three of whom died young, and the survivors are : Asenath Elizabeth, wife of H. G. Stemen, of Delphos, Ohio, and Mrs. Witten.

Mr. and Mrs. Witten have two children, viz : Otto and James. The latter is a farmer in Van Wert County. The former, is a civil engineer at Celina, Ohio. He was graduated in civil engineering from the Ohio Normal University at Ada, in the class of 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Witten are valued members of the Church of God at Ohio City.

H. W. JOHANTGEN, the leading hardware merchant and agricultural implement dealer at Ohio City, was born in Ridge township in 1877, and is a son of John Johantgen.

The father of our subject has been a retired resident of Van Wert for some four years. For many years he was a successful farmer, having settled in Ridge township, Van Wert County. in 1870.

H. W. Johantgen was reared and educated in Ridge township until young manhood, when he attended the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Indiana. Mr. Johantgen then began teaching school, a profession he followed for some years, during which period he was principal of the Mill Shoals school in Illinois for two years. For one year he operated the McWilliams elevator at Van Wert, and for three years was with the Kauke & Alspach hardware firm in the same city.

In October, 1904, Mr. Johantgen came to Ohio City and erected here a fine two-story brick building, 28 by 104 feet in dimension, in which he has placed the finest stock of hardware to be found in Van Wert County. His stock is as complete as can be found anywhere, and his trade connections are such that he can procure special patterns of all kinds of hardware for any purpose. He also is a large dealer in farm implements.

In 1901 Mr. Johantgen was married to Laura Gilliland, who is a daughter of Shaffner M. Gilliland, of Ridge township, a member of one of the most prominent families of this section.

They have one little daughter, whom they have named Mildred.

REV. AMOS W. BUCHER. The death of the Rev. Amos W. Bucher, which took place September 3, 1898, when nearing his 75th year, removed from Hoaglin township one of its representative men and pioneers. Mr. Bucher was born in Pennsylvania, in 1823, and was a son of Peter and Elizabeth Bucher.

Our subject was a child of six years when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to . Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Like all farmer's sons, he was trained in agricultural pursuits; but unlike many, he also learned trade, and for some years he worked at saddle and harnessmaking. Subsequently he settled down to farming in Richland County, removing during the period of the Civil War to Van Wert County, and lo-

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cating on the farm of 80 acres on which his widow still resides. This well cultivated land was then all brush and heavy timber, and it was through the energy and industry of Mr. Bucher that it was developed into one of the best farms in Hoaglin township.

Mr. Bucher proved an excellent agriculturist, although his attention was not exclusively given to his land, for he was, for many years, a local minister in the United Brethren Church. This brought with it many duties, and all through the township there are people who remember his kindness in times of affliction, his advice and his helpfulness in neighborly ways. His life was one of exemplary living and of great usefulness.

On December 23, 1847, Mr. Bucher was married to Rebecca Kaufman, who was born December 17, 1826, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Kaufman, who moved' to Holmes County, Ohio, when she was about one year old. They resided there a number of years and then went to Wayne County and later to Richland County, where their daughter Rebecca married Amos W. Bucher. There were eight children born to Rev. Amos W. Bucher and wife, namely: Henry P., of Hoaglin township; Joseph O., of Crawford County, Ohio; Mary E., wife of Jacob Keith, of Hoaglin township; Sarah C., deceased; John F., of Van Wert County; Amos B., of Paulding County, Ohio; Levi W., of Canada, and Daniel W., of Hoaglin township. Rev. Henry P. Bucher, the eldest son, is one of the well-known citizens and esteemed ministers of Hoaglin township, serving in the United Brethren Church, where he is noted for his piety and Christian earnestness. His venerable mother still survives, and is a beloved member of a community in which she has lived so long.

JOSEPH ROYER, one of the pioneers of Liberty township, who occupies a well-developed farm of 77 acres in section 21, was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1824, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Holburn) Royer, natives of Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Royer had two children—Juda, who died when 17 years of age and Joseph, of this sketch. Mr. Royer died when Joseph was an infant, and his widow afterward married a Mr. Smith, moving to New York State, where her second husband died in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had one daughter.

Joseph Royer was reared to maturity in New York State and when 19 years of age removed to Medina County, Ohio, where, on May 27, 1851, he was married to Maria Rousch. They became the parents of to children, five of whom are deceased. The record is as follows : Joseph, who died at the age of 11 ; and John Henry, at the age of 10 years ; Israel, who married and lives on a farm in Mercer County; Catherine, wife of Hiram H. Wegley, of Lima, Ohio; Sarah, wife of George Butler, of Lima; George, unmarried, who is at home ; William T. Sherman, who also lives at home ; Mary Elizabeth, who died aged two years ; Samuel, at the age of 18 months, and Lenora, at about five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Royer have now been married 55 years and are two of the oldest and most honored inhabitants of Liberty township, being steadfast members of the Lutheran Church. Their portraits accompany this sketch.

On Oct. 12, 1851, Mr. Royer moved from Medina County to Van Wert County and settled in Willshire township. After remaining :here four and a half years, he bought a farm of 40 acres in Liberty township, and lived there 1 little over four years. finally moving to his

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present location which has since been his home.

In 1862 Mr. Royer enlisted in Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the rest of the war. He was in the battle at Stone River and was standing near Capt. W. C. Scott when the latter was killed. After this engagement, he was sick for nearly a year. At the close of the war, he returned home and resumed farming again, having passed the intervening years in the cultivation and improvement of his farm.

HON. EDWARD B. GILLILAND, of Van Wert, is too well known in Van Wert County to need an introduction to our readers, as he has been prominently before the public as one of the ablest and best legislators ever sent from this district to the State Legislature. He was born in Van Wert County, April 10, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Katherine (McCann) Gilliland, former prominent residents of this county.

Thomas Gilliland was born in Maryland, on October 22, 1806, and was there married to Catherine McCann, who was also a native of Maryland and was born December 11, 1809. In 1835, with their two children, William and Martha, they came to Van Wert County and located in Ridge township, where they entered a quarter section of land which forms part of the present holding of our subject. Thomas Gilliland prospered in his farming operations, and eventually added 320 acres to his first tract, making him one of the largest landowners in the county. He took an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the public, and for 15 years was justice of the peace, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a fearless and decisive manner, which caused him to be a terror to evil-doers. He was still holding that office when death overtook him, July 28, 1857, in the very prime of life. He was laid to rest in the Van Wert Cemetery by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an honored member; but his noble life and example were an influence for good which has continued to live in the hearts of his fellowmen and has borne fruit a hundred fold. His wife survived him many years, passing away November 13, 1888. They were the parents of a large family of children, namely : Martha, who became the wife of Ira Cavett; William, deceased; Mary Jane, deceased wife of G. C. Weible; Sarah Ann, who married D. M. Conroy ; John Francis, deceased ; Robert A. Webster, deceased; James Maxwell, a resident of Van Wert; Edward B.; Ellen and Elizabeth, both deceased; Henrietta C., wife of Allen Lown, of Van Wert; and Thomas Hiram, deceased.

Edward B. Gilliland spent his early years very much as other boys of his day. He attended district school, helped with the farm work at home and, being of a studious and retentive character, stored his mind with a fund of useful knowledge. He was a school teacher for about six years and became such a close student of mankind that he seldom makes a mistake in reading the character of those he meets. He is a farmer by choice, and has been very successful. He now owns 206 acres of valuable farm property, in addition to consider. able real estate in the city of Van Wert.

He was nominated for the State Legislature by the Democratic party and received a flattering majority in a district that had always given about 200 majority to the Republicans. He served on several important committees, being one of the committee on ways and means,. on agriculture and on the insane asylum, and looked after the interests of his constitutents in a manner that was highly gratifying to them.

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Mr. Gilliland was united in marriage to Mary Jane Collins, by whom he has a family of seven children, viz : Florence, Daisy, Thomas, Grace (deceased), Myrtle, Edna May (deceased), and Edith. The family are members of the Catholic Church and are among the most prominent and highly respected people in the county.

WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, a very prominent farmer of Liberty township, owner of 80 acres of valuable farm land in Willshire township, and half owner with his son George of 71 acres in section 16, Liberty township, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, April 16, 1830. He is a son of John Cunningham, a native of Brooke County, Virginia, and a grandson of William Cunningham.

William Cunningham, the grandfather, was one of the original contractors for the Ohio Canal, his section being situated at Newark, Ohio. He died before he had completed this contract, which was finished by his son John, the father of our subject.

William Cunningham, our subject, was reared and educated in Coshocton County, Ohio. He was married on June 24, 1858, to Margaret Gault, a daughter of Adam and Sarah (Miller) Gault. Adam Gault was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Coshocton County with his father, who settled on a farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have had four children, as follows : George, the only son, born December 3, 1859, who lives on the home place, of which he is half owner; Anna B. (Foor), who lives in Willshire township, and is the mother of eight children ; Sarah E., who died at the age of eight years; and Terzah Olga, who lives at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham came to Van Wert County from Coshocton County in 1867, and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Willshire township, which they still own. Here they lived until 1891, when they bought a farm of 71 acres in Liberty township, and have since made their home on this farm.

Mr. Cunningham, while living in Coshocton County, served as township clerk, and has served as township trustee several terms in Willshire township. His son George has served as township assessor in Liberty township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.

C. E. YOUNG, a prominent citizen of Delphos, and an extensive dealer in flour, grain, seed, hay, etc., has elevators at different points, but maintains offices in this city. Mr. Young was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 12, 1856, and is a son of Aaron and Lucinda (McAninch) Young, old residents of that county. The five children born to our subject's parents were as follows : J. W., of Kenton, Ohio; Amanda (Mrs. William Lindsay), of Forest, Ohio; Belle, who married Rev. William Seuman, and died in 1884; T. M., of Forest; and C. E.

C. E. Young spent the greater part of his life at Forest, Ohio, where he became car inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad soon after leaving school. In 1874 he was promoted to the position of baggage agent at Forest, and held that post for 12 years. While still in this office he became a partner of William Lindsay, his brother-in-law, in the lumber and hay business, and in 1885, four years afterwards, the grain business was added and an elevator built. This enterprise proved to be a profitable one,

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and the business grew to such proportions that in 1887 Mr. Young resigned as baggage agent and devoted his entire time to the lumber, hay and grain business. In 1893 the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Young has since engaged in the hay and grain business alone, with the most flattering success. In 1901 he moved to Delphos, where he has since maintained his office and keeps a careful oversight over the business at various points. In 1902 he purchased the old creamery building in Landeck, which was used for handling grain ; but the business has grown to such proportions that it is necessary to have greater accommodations; hence Mr. Young is at present constructing a modern, up-to-date elevator plant at this point.

Mr. Young was married in 1883 to Naomi Briggs, daughter of M. B. Briggs, of Forest. Two children, Ted and Gladys, have blessed their union. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Delphos, and Mr. Young is a member of the board of trustees. He is also a member of the Masonic order.

DAVID K. OLNEY. In the death of David K. Olney, which occurred at the beautiful home of his parents, on South Washington street, Van Wert, this city lost one of its most promising young business men and one whose personal friends were limited only by those who had come within the circle of his acquaintance.

David K. Olney was born in Van Wert, Ohio, July 2,1881, and passed away on November 5, 1905, at the early age of 24 years. He was a beloved member of a family of four children born to his parents, Hugh V. and Sarah O. (Harvey) Olney. His liberal education was pursued in the schools of his native city and completed at Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. At Van Wert, on February 1, 1905, he entered into business life as a member of the well-known firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, a house which stands very high in commercial circles. The few months which intervened prior to his sudden and fatal illness proved his business capacity and convinced his friends that, like his father, he would soon have taken a very prominent place in the affairs of the city. He displayed keen business judgment, but always recognized the underlying principles of commercial life—the honesty and integrity which form the foundation upon which all reputable business is built—and, at the same time, possessed those qualities which made him friends wherever he went.

Mr. Olney was popular, and deservedly so. He was kind, courteous, generous, forgiving, was enthusiastically "in favor of those things which stood for the right, and was ever ready to oppose dishonesty or any kind of meanness. Those who knew him best acknowledged his personal magnetism—a faculty which drew men to him and retained their confidence, admiration and affection. He was unselfish in his desires, and the most loyal of friends. Fraternally he was an active Mason. Preparing to take his 'part in public affairs, he had identified himself with the Republican party, and with intelligence had studied the questions of the hour. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

As age comes on apace, with its dimmed vision and halting step, life fortunately loses many of its allurements, but sad it is to see the passing of one to whom life's treasures were only being fairly revealed. Although he has gone so early from the visible life, he so lived his few years that the deepest grief of those left behind can be softened by many tender recollections.

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JOHN YOH, a representative agriculturist of Hoaglin township, and one of its best-known citizens, resides on his valuable farm of 250 acres, which is located in section 9. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 30, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah Yoh.

Both parents of our subject were natives of Pennsylvania, and they had resided for a number of years in Seneca County, Ohio, before they came to Van Wert, in 1852. Jacob Yoh resided on his farm in Hoaglin township until his death on March 29, 1865. His wife survived him a few years. Their surviving children are: John, Benjamin, George C., and Mathew, all residents of Van Wert County. The children who have passed away were : Amos, a brave soldier in the Civil war, who gave up his young life on the bloody field of Shiloh; Jacob, who died in 1885 ; Jonas, who died in 1903 ; and Sarah and Mary.

John Yoh was 10 years old when his parents settled in Hoaglin township, where he grew to maturity and attended the pioneer schools. Counting in years it does not seem so long since the days when Mr. Yoh went to school here; but counting in improvements, it is a long, long time. The little log schoolhouses with their primitive fittings have long since given way to the neat, attractive and comfortable buildings, in which the children of farmers can enjoy just as many advantages as those who go to school in towns and cities. Mr. Yoh has done his part in advancing the educational interests of his community, and is justly considered one of its useful men. He owns a large amount of land, and has almost all of it under a fine state of cultivation, having come here in 1871.

On March 5, 1871, Mr. Yoh was married to Catherine Mohr, who was born here June o, 1851, and is a daughter of Charles Mohr, one of the township's earliest settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Yoh have these children : Curtis V., born March 8, 1878; Allie L., born January 28, 1881, wife of A. A. Jenkins, of Hoaglin township; Charles Wilbur, born May 7, 1883 ; and Joseph E., born October 28, 1886.

In political sentiment, Mr. Yoh is a stanch Republican. He is one of the efficient turnpike commissioners, and is secretary of two local boards of commissioners who superintend the construction of the turnpike roads in this district. The road running north and south along our subject's farm is called the "Yoh Pike No. 33," he being the main promoter of this valuable public improvement. He is a member of and one of the trustees of the Grand Victory Evangelical Church, in Hoaglin township.

THOMAS BARNES, a representative agriculturist and well-known citizen of Jackson township, whose well-cultivated farm of 80 acres is situated on the turnpike road that runs north and south through the township, was born January 26, 1848, in Philapelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Christina (Wood) Barnes. The parents of Mr. Barnes were natives of England, coming to America about 1845, and Thomas was about three years old when they settled in Ohio.

Thomas Barnes is a self-made man, having enjoyed few advantages except those gained by his own efforts. For some years his schooling consisted of a few months during the winters, his summers being occupied with farm work for his father and others. In young manhood he established a reputation for industry and honesty throughout Pickaway County. On February 28, 1869, he was married to Amy A. Durham, the estimable daughter of Isaac and

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Elizabeth (Roland) Durham. Mrs. Barnes was born March 4, 1847, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a member of one of the old pioneer families; her only sister, Mrs. Jennie Kemp, is a resident of Jackson township, Van Wert County. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have three children, namely : John, a resident of Paulding County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of G. F. Snyder, of Jackson township; and Alvin C., also a resident of Paulding County.

After his marriage Mr. Barnes worked in Pickaway County for a time by the month, awl then rented a farm in the county named, and, later, one in Madison County. He operated the later for some years and then returned to Pickaway County. In 1886 he settled on his present place. He has made all the improvements here, cleared all the land and converted a wild timber tract into a well-cultivated, attractive and productive farm. He formerly owned 280 acres; but has decreased his estate by gifts to his children.

In political sentiment, Mr. Barnes is a Republican, but he has never been willing to take upon himself the cares of office. He has, however, always done his part in supporting schools and public improvements, and was one of the promoters of the excellent turnpike road through Jackson township.

LON RICHARDS, one of Van Wert's prominent men of business, and a member of the well-known clothing firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, was born October 1, 1871, on his father's farm in Van Wert County, and is one of two children born to his parents—A. B. and E. (Warren) Richards.

Mr. Richards was reared and educated in Van Wert County and left school to go into the mercantile business. After a training of 17 years in this field, during which time he mastered every detail, in 1905 he became a member of the firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, proprietors of one of the largest establishments in this city. The firm is well and widely known throughout the county and has secured a large part of the best patronage.

Mr. Richards was married to Frieda Bolz, and they have two children. The pleasant and hospitable family home is located at No. 303 Harrison street. In his political affiliation Mr. Richards is a Republican, but he takes no active interest in politics. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias.

LEMUEL J. RUTLEDGE, postmaster, and one of the enterprising and successful business men of Dull, an extensive dealer in general merchandise, is a native of Ohio, and was born February 8, 1868, in Mercer County. He is a son of John and Mary (Robinson) Rutledge.

John Rutledge was born in Licking County, Ohio, a son of Thomas Rutledge, but lived a great many years in Perry County. He was the father of eight children, namely : Annie, who died at The age of two years ; H. F., who lives on the old home farm in Mercer County ; Lemuel J., the subject of this sketch; Nettie. wife of Dr. Kannel, a . prominent physician of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Elizabeth, who married Emanuel Williams and is now deceased ; Adelia, who married Emanuel Williams after the death of her sister Elizabeth, and lives in Mercer County; Ora, the wife of Howard Purdy, of Mercer County ; and James, who married Emma Teeple and lives at Rockford, Mercer County.

Lemuel J. Rutledge was reared and educated in Mercer County, Ohio, and in 1893

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was married to Dora Smith, a daughter of Samuel Smith of Van Wert County. They have had five children; Leota Fern ; Mary Ethel ; Grace Lucile, who died January 16, 1903, aged four years ; Hannah Beatrice and John Merritt.

After his marriage, Mr. Rutledge was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Black Creek township, Mercer County for seven years. He then sold his farm and moved to Van Wert County, where he purchased and located on a farm of 71 acres in Liberty township. Here he remained four years, when he sold his farm and moved into Dull. On January 16, 1904, he bought from J. F. Tickle & Company the store which he has since successfully managed. He made many needed improvements in the store and carries a complete line of general merchandise. He has one of the most up-to-date stores in Liberty township, and has won an enviable reputation among his patrons, through the employment of honest and conservative business methods. Mr. Rutledge also owns his residence property, which adjoins his place of business. He is a member of the United Brethren Church and fraternally is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees.

J. A. GERDEMAN, residing on his well tilled farm of 160 acres located in section 33, Washington township, has established an enviable reputation as a breeder of fine horses and is a member of the executive committee of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. He was born in Delphos, Ohio, being the only child of Henry Joseph and Denna (King) Gerdeman. Henry J. Gerdeman, the father, was born December 18, 1820, in Hanover, Germany, and there was reared, educated and engaged in farming, continuing in that avocation until he emigrated to America in 1840. Landing at New York, he located in Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, making his home with his brother and brother-in-law, and remaining there until 1845, during which time he worked on the Miami and Erie Canal. His wife, the mother of our subject, died when J. A. Gerdeman was but nine months old. In 1845 the father moved to Delphos, where for 15 years he worked in a sawmill with a Mr. Martin. In the meantime he had purchased a farm of 160 acres and and in 1860 moved upon his land. Henry J. Gerdeman's second marriage was with Mary Moennig, of Delphos, and they had seven sons, all living—Henry C.; Fred, John, William, Frank, Sylvester and Theodore. At the time of the father's death, December i6, 1903, he was the largest landowner in Washington township, having at that time 640 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. His widow died November 14, 1905.

J. A. Gerdeman, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Washington township, received his education in the schools of the vicinity and in 1877 married Theressa Longmeir, by whom he had six children ; Anna, who married Louis Lause and has one child—Edward; Edward ; Louis ; Arnold ; Elizabeth and Frederick. Mrs. Theressa Gerdeman died in the spring of 1895 and Mr. Gerdeman was again married in 1900, to Louisa Ebener, who was born in Germany and came to America alone at the age of 16 years. The family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos. Mr. Gerdeman is now serving his seventh year as director of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Delphos ; is prominent in the expansion of the livestock and agricultural interests of Van Wert County, and an able, substantial citizen of pro-

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gressive tendencies in every direction. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Gerdeman accompany this sketch.

C. F. KOCH, proprietor of the leading dry goods store at Ohio City, and one of the well-known, substantial citizens, was born in Liberty township, Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1869, and is a son of John H. Koch, Sr. The father of our subject, like his ancestors, was born in Hanover, Germany. In 1853 he emigrated to America and settled for some years at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1860 he located in Van Wert County. The rest of his life was spent in clearing up a farm and in working at his trade of shoemaker. He died in 1888.

C. F. Koch was reared on his father's farm in Liberty township, and attended the common schools and later prepared for teaching at the Western Ohio Normal School at Middlepoint. Following this he taught school for two years, and then located in Ohio City to embark in business. He became a member of the mercantile firm of Mathew, Koch & Company, and one year later he succeeded the firm, since which time he has conducted a large business alone. In point of service he is the oldest general merchant in the city. His very complete stock includes dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and furnishing goods.

In 1892 Mr. Koch was married to Luella Bevington, who was born in York township, Van Wert County, and was a daughter of John Bevington. She died in 1901, leaving three children, Gwyn, Bynon and Lile. In 1902 Mr. Koch was married (second) to Carrie Robinson, who is a daughter of Robert Robinson, formerly of Van Wert County, now of Michigan.

Mr. Koch has always been a prominent and reliable citizen. In Liberty township he served five years as treasurer, and since coming to Ohio City has served on the council, and at present is a member of the Board of Education. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, has been a member of its board of trustees for some years, and for six years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Maccabees at Ohio City.

HENRY FLAGER, township trustee, and owner of 120 acres of valuable farm land in Liberty township, 80 acres being situated in section 16 and 40 acres in section 14, was born in this township, on February 29, 1848. His parents were Adam and Margaret Flager.

Adam Flager and his wife were both natives of Germany. He came to this country at the age of 21 and first settled in New York State, where he was married. Later he moved to Pennsylvania, and thence to Allen County, Ohio, where he bought a small lot of land, the first piece of property he ever owned. After living there a short time, he moved to Van Wert County, where he entered 80 acres of land in 1832. He was one of the oldest pioneers of this county, when the land was all a wilderness. He built in one day a little shanty in which the family lived for many years, later erecting a house of hewn logs. Our subject, Henry Flager, was born in the first little shanty, and when he was about 16 years of age his father built a frame house, which was :he only one for miles around. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Flager reared a family of six children. She still survives her husband, who died in July, 1882.

Henry Flager was reared in Liberty town-

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ship, and received such schooling as could be obtained in his youth. On January 23, 1873, he was married to Rosanna Harp, a daughter of Jonas and Mary Harp. Jonas Harp was born in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Liberty township, where he was engaged in farming. At the time of his death in 1861 he owned 160 acres of land, 80 acres being in Liberty township and 80 acres in York. Mrs. Harp died in March, 1902.

Mr. and Mrs. Flager became the parents of three children : Margaret Alice, who married C. E. North, lives on the home farm in an adjoining house and has two children—Russel C. and Flo J.; Jennie, who married (first) Oscar Robinson, who died in 1901, and (second) Archer Russell in 1904; and Basil Henry, who lives at home.

Henry Flager bought from his father the 80 acres of land on which he now lives. He has made a great many improvements on this place. In 1884 he built a fine large barn and made additions on the house and other needed improvements.

Mr. Flager is a Democrat, and was elected township trustee by that party, and served a term of two years. He is steward and a member of the Methodist Church.

CHARLES W. FELDNER, of the firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, a well-known clothing firm of Van Wert, was born in this county, December 11, 1873, and is a son of Jacob and Antoinette (Wendell) Feldner. The parents of Mr. Feldner reared a family of six children, and now reside at Van Wert in merited retirement.

Charles W. Feldner obtained an excellent common-school education before he began hi business career, which has been almost entirely in the line of clothing. He began as a clerk and thus learned every detail before he became a member of the firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, proprietors of an establishment which stands very high in the community, with a constantly increasing trade which already covers a wide territory. Personally Mr. Feldner enjoys the absolute confidence and respect of his business associates and fellow-citizens.

Charles W. Feldner was united in marriage with Emma Weber, who is a daughter of John Weber, a well-known citizen of Van Wert, and they have one child—Marguerite Louise. Their attractive home is located at No. 821 East Central avenue and they are especially prominent in German social circles.

Both Mr. Feldner and his wife are members o f St. Peter's Church, and he himself is active in the local work of the Knights of Pythias.

GEORGE WASHINGTON WEBB, one of the substantial and representative farmers of Union township, who resides upon his well-improved farm of 55 acres in section 20, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, April 15, 1834 and is a son of Elias and Anna Elizabeth (Holmes) Webb.

The father of Mr. Webb, as well as his mother, were natives of Virgina. In 1854 they moved to Fayette County, Ohio, and in 1874 to Van Wert County. They became the parents of these children : Phoebe Ann, who died in Illinois ; Andrew Jackson, who was a member of a Fayette County cavalry company during the Civil war; Joseph, who died aged four years ; George W., of this sketch ; John Wesley, who died in young manhood in Fayette County; Alexander, who also served in the

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Civil war, enlisting from Fayette County; William Morgan, now of Michigan, who was also a soldier of the Union Army ; and Mary Agnes (Clemmons), who resides in Kansas.

George W. Webb, who was 20 years old when his parents moved to Ohio, remained at home until he was 21 years of age, employed in the fields and the timber. The young man proved himself an adept in the use of the drawing knife and worked at rail and shingle making both in Virginia and in Fayette County, Ohio. In 1875 he purchased his present farm, all timber-covered at that time, its only improvement being a log hut which had been used by former settlers. Mr. Webb now has a comfortable home, including a good dwelling and all necessary buildings, and has his land under fine cultivation, reserving some three acres in timber. He has always been noted for his industry and is largely a self-made man.

On July 2, 1855, Mr. Webb was married to Charlotte Shaver, who was born in Augusta County, Virginia (now West Virginia), September 29, 1837, and is a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Good) Shaver, both natives of that State. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shaver were born the following: Elizabeth (Kelly), deceased; David, of Missouri; Joseph, deceased, who was a veteran of the Civil war; Rachel (Pierce), deceased; Jacob, of Missouri; Charlotte, wife of our subject ; Mary (Hudson), of McHenry County, Illinois; Benjamin, of Missouri; and Martha (Burner), of Kansas..

The children of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Webb are the following: Henry M., of Van Wert; William Wesley, of Convoy; Peter E., of Union township; Anna, wife of George W. Bowers; Emily J., wife of Louis Tracy, of York township; Adah Pearl, wife of Wilbert Poling, who resides at home: and Vernon J., who lives on a neighboring farm.

Politically Mr. Webb is a Democrat, but he no longer takes an active part in political matters. Formerly, as road commissioner, he had much to do with establishing good permanent roads through the township. Religiously he is a valued member of the Olive Branch Christian Church. He has always been a stanch citizen, and, at the time of the Morgan raids through Ohio joined his loyal neighbors, and for a week was connected with the military organization then formed to protect the Buckeye State.

SAMUEL FARLING, who owns and operates a farm of 80 acres in section 26, Liberty township, was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 14, 1857, and is a son of Abraham and Lavina (Zimmermann) Farling.

Abraham Farling and his wife were both Pennsylvanians by birth. They were married in that State, and moved from there to Richland County, Ohio, where they owned a farm of 60 acres. In 1865 they moved to Van Wert County and located on a farm of 80 acres in Ridge township. In 1870 Mr. Farling was injured by a falling tree, which accident resulted in his 'death. His wife is still living on the old homestead in Ridge township. They reared a family of nine children—five sons and four daughters.

Samuel Farling spent his early boyhood days in Richland County, and when eight years old moved with his parents to Van Wert County. Here he has lived ever since as a tiller of the soil. He was married August to, 1882 to Minnie Elva Wade, a daughter of Robert and Ursula (Fultz) Wade. Robert Wade who was a native of West Virginia came with his parents to Ohio when about five years old. In 1867 he moved from Clinton

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County to Van Wert County and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Pleasant township. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are still living, and reside on a farm of 80 acres in Mercer County.

Mr. and Mrs. Farling have reared five children : Robert, born April 23, 1884, who married Myrtle Lichty, and lives in Mercer County; Olive Sophronia, born October 12, 1886; Edward Quigley, born September 29, 1888; Bertha May, born June 1, 1890; and Hazel Iona, born June 1, 1894. Mr. Farling lived on the John Smith farm in York township for three years subsequent to his marriage, and then moved to Hoaglin township, where he bought a farm of 20 acres and lived there for six years. He then sold that place and moved to the old home farm, where he remained for the next five years. In 1896 he bought 40 acres in York township, and lived there until 1901, when he sold this farm, and bought his present farm of 80 acres.

Mr. Farling was elected township trustee by the Republican party in 1903 and will serve until the fall of 1906. He was at one time school director and township supervisor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ISAIAH K. ACKERMAN was born on the old Dix farm in Pleasant township December 7, 1856, and has always lived in Van Wert County, devoting his time and energies to farming. He is a son of William B. and Rebecca (Wiler) Ackerman, his father, a native of Stark County, Ohio, coming to Van Wert County in 1854, where he engaged in farming until his death. Besides Isaiah K., the following five children were born to our subject's parents :Martha (Merris), now deceased; Nancy Catherine (Beatty), of Van Wert; R. F., who lives on the home place ; W. G., who resides in the northeastern part of Tully township ; and Rebecca J. (Omen), of Tully township. William B. Ackerman served in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war for about 11 months, largely in the capacity of a scout. His death occurred in 1877. Politically he was a Republican, and he and his wife were both members of the United Brethren Church.

Isaiah K. Ackerman lived on the Dix place until he was one year old, when his parents moved to Harrison township, where they remained 11 years ; then locating on a farm one mile north of Convoy, Tully township. In 1872 he was married to Anna Waller, who was a native of Indiana and a daughter of Edward and Mary J. (Henney) Waller. After his marriage, Mr. Ackerman left the family homestead and lived on two different farms until 1901, when he settled on his present place. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have had the following nine children; of whom but three are living: Lottie May, who died when to days old; two unnamed infants, who died shortly after birth; J. Orville, deceased at 16 days; Iva B., who died at the age of four years and six months ; Abner B., who died April 16, 1905, aged 10 years; Pearl C., born August 23, 1897; Oval Modean, born August 4, 1904; and Harold Isaiah, born October 5, 1905. Mr. Ackerman has always been a Republican. Mrs. Ackerman is a member of the Church of God.

HUGH V. OLNEY, one of the highly esteemed retired residents of Van Wert County, formerly very active in several important lines of business, but now solely interested in superintending his large landed interests, was born in Marion County, Ohio, February 25, 1848, and is a son

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of Benjamin and Eliza J. (Smith) Olney. His grandfather, Gilbert Olney, who was a native of Nova Scotia, was an early settler of Muskingum County, Ohio, and died in Wyandot County, this State.

Benjamin Olney, father of Hugh V., was born and reared at Marietta, Ohio, but in 1838 located in Wyandot County, where he engaged in farming and school teaching until 1885. Later he became associated with the Marion Manufacturing Company, of Marion, Ohio, and for 16 consecutive years served as a justice of the peace. In 1856 he married Eliza J. Smith, who was born in Union County, Ohio, in the year 1826, and they became the parents of five children, viz.: a child who died in infancy, Hugh V., Alice, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Hugh V. Olney was educated in the district schools and remained on the home farm until ready to enter into business, going then to Ottawa, Putnam County, where he was associated with an uncle for three years. He then accompanied his father to Marion, Ohio, where he worked as a carpenter until 1877, when he came to Van Wert and embarked in the clothing business. He sold the establishment in 1888, but conducted a boot and shoe business until 1891, since which year his large property interests, in Pleasant, Washington, Hoaglin and Union townships, have claimed his entire attention. He also owns city property and is one of the county's capitalists. He is on the directing board of some of the city's successful enterprises and as a .business man probably has few superiors.

On September 26, 1871, Hugh V. Olney was united in marriage in Marion County, Ohio, to Sarah O. Harvey, and they have had four children, viz.: Clara; Edith, wife of Edward Doe; Myrtle; and David K. (deceased), extended mention of whom will be found in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Olney are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee.

In city affairs Mr. Olney has been very prominent, serving as a member of the council, where his business perceptions have been of the greatest value to the municipality. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and is also connected with the Royal Arcanum and the National Union.

J. E. SCHMIDT, one of the enterprising business men and valued citizens of Ohio City, who is engaged in a mercantile business at this point, was born in Willshire township, in 1860, and is a son of Peter Schmidt, who accompanied his father, Charles Schmidt, .when a child of five years, to Van Wert County about the year 1835.

J. E: Schmidt was reared on his father's farm, and was educated in the local schools. He was trained to be a practical farmer 'and would probably have continued to follow agricultural pursuits all his life, had not an accidental injury rendered him unable to follow farming. He was then about 30 years of age. Removing to Ohio City, in 1890 he went out on the road for J. W. Lambert & Company, selling farm implements and remained their representative for four years. He then became connected with the Plano Harvester Company, his territory including from four to seven counties, and continued with them for nine consecutive years. In 1902 Mr. Schmidt embarked _,.in a grocery business, which he continued until 1904, when, on account of his wife's failing health, he sold out and took her to Jacksonville, Florida. A six months' residence in that balmy climate restored her to health. Upon his return to Ohio City, Mr. Schmidt bought a

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fine brick building, 22 by 70 feet, in the Union Block, and here he has put in a stock of staple and fancy groceries second to none in the city.

Politically Mr. Schmidt is a Republican, and he has served four years on the City Council, being the only Republican member. He has also served as city assessor.

On October 8, 1882, Mr. Schmidt was married to Tillie E. Fowler, who is a daughter of Reuben W. Fowler, one of the old settlers of Willshire township. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have one daughter, Lucy, who is the wife of Frank Kimball, a well-known oil driller of Ohio City.

WILLIAM H. REID, owner of a valuable farm of 100 acres in section 30, Liberty township, upon which oil has been developed, was born in Defiance County, Ohio, on April 10, 1856, and is a son of William and Hannah (DeHaven) Reid.

William Reid was born in Richland County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. Afterward locating in Van Wert County, he married Hannah DeHaven, born October 31, 1832, a daughter of William DeHaven, who died when she was quite small, the widow marrying Henry F. Tindall, a resident of Willshire township, and an early settler of the county. After Mr. Reid's marriage he moved to Defiance County, where our subject was born, as well as another son, John, who now resides in Seattle, Washington. William Reid died November 26, 1856, after which his widow settled at Spencerville, Indiana, and married Lewis Griest of that place.

Until his ninth year William H. Reid was reared in Spencerville, Indiana, and then his mother and stepfather moved to Illinois, where he lived for nine years. The youth then accompanied them to Iowa, where his mother and stepfather both died, his mother's death occurring on August 12, 1900. After his marriage to Catherine Rittenhouse, of Union township, this county, Mr. Reid returned to Iowa where he lived only 18 months, after which for three years he resided on his father-in-law's farm in Union township. He then bought 40 acres of land in the same township in section 28, which he farmed for five years. After selling this property in June, 1901, he purchased his present homestead, on which he located in the fall of that year, where he has continued to live since. Mr. Reid has three producing oil-wells on his farm, which, with its agricultural productiveness, makes it a very valuable property.

William H. Reid is the father of seven children : Alameda, who married Ira Showalter, of Union township, and has two children—Byron and Ansel; Hallie Blanch, deceased September 10, 1903, aged 20 years, who was the wife of H. H. Mace, and left one child—Eva; Elva; Nina, who married H. H. Mace, widower of her sister; Charles; Lon; and Gaylord.' Mrs. Catherine Reid died on July 28, 1896, and on October 17, 1898, Mr. Reid married Mrs. Annie M. Sloan, a daughter of Oren Chapple.

CALEB HUNSAKER, whose excellent farm of 80 acres is situated in section 12, Jackson township, is one of the well-known early settlers of this locality. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, June 19, 1848, and is a son of John and Catherine (Huffort) Hunsaker, both of whom were natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, the father being for more than 40 years a member of the old German Baptist Church.

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The family is of German extraction and were early settlers in Pennsylvania. The great-grandparents of our subject were captured, with their youngest child, and all were killed by the Indians. Jacob Hunsaker and his brother Isaac were carried from Pennsylvania to Quebec, Canada, where they were kept by the savages for nine years, but finally escaped. The elder of the two sons was the grandfather of Caleb Hunsaker, and subsequently settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, as one of its early pioneers.

Caleb Hunsaker was reared in Hocking County, there attended school and was trained in the practical ways which made certain his future success. On January 31, 1869, he was united in marriage with Catherine Mowery, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, May 29, 1849, and is a daughter of John and Lucy (Red) Mowery. Her father was born in Hocking County, and her mother in Licking County, Ohio. The former was a veteran of the Civil war, one who, in the danger of battle and the toil of the march, bravely did his duty. He was honorably discharged and was hastening home to greet his loved ones, when he was killed by the explosion of the steamboat which was conveying the soldiers up the Mississippi River.

To Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Hunsaker were born 12 children and 11 of them still survive. namely : Noah, who lives in South Dakota ; Ida (Mrs. Norval Dearing), of Hoaglin township ; Charles, of Jackson township; Cora (Mrs. William Reed), of Putnam County; Ellen (Mrs. William B. Foster), of Union township; Bertha (Mrs. Isaac L. Denlinger), of Montgomery County, Ohio; and Mary A., Daniel, Thomas, Amos and Jennie, all of whom live at home. Nancy is deceased. Both Mr. Hunsaker and his wife are members of theold German Baptist Church, and for years he has been a local minister in the same. About 1874 Mr. Hunsaker moved to Allen County, where he resided until 1879, and then came to Jackson township, Van Wert County, locating on his present farm, which was then all woodland. The clearing and improving of this land has been Mr. Hunsaker's business for a number of years, and he now has it under a fine state of cultivation; and he is not only one of his township's reliable, substantial men, but takes a creditable interest in public matters and assist in all good works. At present he is a school director of District No. 2, Jackson township.

JOHN F. SHAFFNER, M. D., physician and surgeon, residing at Willshire, and probably the oldest practitioner, in years of service, in Van Wert County, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1829, and is a son of Martin and Anna Eve (Wert) Shaffner.

The Shaffner family originated in Switzerland and was established in Pennsylvania in the person of the grandfather of Dr. Shaffner, whose parents were both . natives of the Keystone State. The father was born in 1787, and died September 13, 1872 at Van Wert, while on a visit from Bucyrus, Ohio. From farming pursuits and judicious investments in land, he amassed what would be considered a fortune in those days, a part of Bucyrus now standing on what was formerly one of his farms. Like all of the older Shaffners, some of whom have lived to the age of 90 years, he reached an advanced age and left behind many descendants.

Martin Shaffner married four times and had three families of children, all of whom

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were reared comfortably and lived in harmony. Nine children were born to his first marriage, three to the second—one of whom is our esteemed subject—and nine to the third. Of his 21 children, 19 lived to marry. The first wife and her children rest together in a quiet churchyard in Pennsylvania. Dr. Shaffner is the only survivor of the second union and is the only one of all the children to take up a profession. Seven members of the third family still survive; at one time four of the brothers were soldiers in the Civil war.

In the fall following the birth of our subject, his parents moved from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to a location one mile east of Bucyrus, Ohio, where they lived from 1829 until 1843. Then the father sold the property and removed to Seneca County, John F. assisting on the farm and attending the common schools until 1846. In that year he entered Delaware College, now the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he remained for two years, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Eli Dresbach, a well-known practitioner of Tiffin, Ohio. During his three years of study he had many opportunities to do a little practicing, after which valuable experience (in the winter of 1861) he attended a course of lectures at Cleveland, and during 1874-75, lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, where he completed his course.

Dr. Shaffner first engaged in professional work at New Washington, Crawford County, Ohio, practicing there, at Waynesburg, Stark County, and in Seneca County, until 1864, when he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the 164th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. He was mustered out in the following September, his service having been in Virginia. Dr. Shaffner then returned to Republic, Seneca County, Ohio, and remained there until the winter of 1867. In January, 1868, he located in Willshire and this town has been his home ever since. Once he was known to almost every man, woman and child in the place, and still he is known by reputation, if not personally, to all his fellow-citizens. He has devoted a long and useful life to alleviating the sufferings of all who have solicited his aid, irrespective of condition or station, and no one can truthfully declare that a matter of remuneration has every stood between him and a patient, his services in the cause of charity being given freely and unheralded.

Dr. Shaffner has been twice married—first on March 29, 1849, to Barbara Mader, who^. was born in Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of David Mader. She fell a victim to consumption. Several of her children have also succumbed to the "Great White Plague." The fruits of this marriage were: Agnes, born in 1851, who died in 1878 ; David, who died at the age of 35 years; Kate, who is the wife of Sylvester Brock, of Payne County, Oklahoma ; Webster, a resident of Elwood, Indiana ; Winfield and Malvina, who died in infancy; and Addie, who died aged five years.

Dr. Shaffner married (second) Nancy Jane Roop, who was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frederick Roop. The children of this marriage were : Frederick, deceased; Anna E., the wife of F. P. Hancher. )f Elwood, Indiana; and Lucy, William, Bess Paul, Ruth, Esther and Selma, all living it home. Dr. Shaffner owns his comfortable, commodious residence, his office building on \lain street, and some vacant property in the form of building lots; and in the rapidly developing conditions of Willshire his properties are yearly growing more valuable.

Since 1852 Dr. Shaffner has been a stanch Democrat. He cast his first presidential vote or Winfield Scott, for whom he entertained he greatest admiration, and in 1853 his first

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real Democratic vote was given to Governor William Medill, of Ohio.

In local matters Dr. Shaffner has been an important factor for many years. He is a justice of the peace and for the past 30 years has been a notary public. Probably on account of his fluency in the German language he has done more notary business than any other like officially in his locality. He has always been an active promoter of public improvements and has liberally supported all educational and religious movements. For some seven years he has been a member of the Board of Education and at present is its able president. For 27 years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Willshire, and for 25 years its recording secretary, being a constant attendant at the quarterly conference of the church.

For many years Dr. Shaffner has also been prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging ing to Willshire Lodge No. 402, F. & A. M., and to Van Wert Chapter and Ivanhoe Commandery at Van Wert. Until the organization disbanded, he was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Willshire. He is well and favorably known in the various medical organizations ; is identified with the American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Society and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and his presence is always welcomed in any representative gathering of his profession.

In meeting Dr. Shaffner the stranger has no difficulty in understanding the esteem and affection with which he is regarded by his fellow-citizens. He possesses the qualities which belong essentially to a man of his profession. and it is easy to imagine the cheer his mere presence would bring into a sick chamber. He possesses a kindly heart and a sympathizing manner, entirely consistent with the faithful discharge of the stern duties which very often face him, and inspires confidence from the start. His happy philosophy of life is that it does not pay to worry, and that he carries out his theory is proven by his hale, hearty, remarkably youthful appearance, although he is the shadow of his 77th birthday. He attributes much of his good health to his strict temperance.

Dr. Shaffner was one of the builders and directors of what became the Kokomo division of the St. Louis & Western Railroad (narrow-gauge), from Delphos to the State line.

COLBERT A. McGOUGH, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Liberty township, residing on a farm of 106 acres located in section 30, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, November 10, 1851, and is a son of William Henry and Margaret (Arnold) McGough. Both parents were natives of Knox County, Ohio, where they were married, and for many years engaged in farming.

Mr. McGough was quite young when his parents moved from Franklin County to Auglaize County, and thence in 1862 to Liberty township. Mr. McGough was educated in District No. 1, Liberty township, and later studied under Hon. Augustus L. Sweet, now )f Van Wert. He was married in 1878 to Arabelle Shaffer, a daughter of John Shaffer. They are the parents of 12 children, namely: John, who married Eva Behymer, of Mercer County. and lives in Lima, where he is bookkeeper for the Oil Well Supply Company: Clarence, who married Alice Tipple and lives n Mercer County on a farm: Percy, a stenorapher for a mining company in Waterloo, Ohio, who married Martha Taylor—he is a

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graduate of the Lima Business College, as is also his oldest son, John ; Lucy, who married Rev. J. P. Hight, pastor of the United Brethren Church of Celina, Ohio; Colbert; Harry, who died November 14, 1905, aged 18 years; Nina, who died at the age of 15 months; Addie; Marie; D'Arle; Ruby; and Vernon.

After his marriage, Mr. McGough rented for one year a farm in the eastern part of Liberty township, and in 1897 bought a 106-acre tract, which was at one time the property of his wife's grandfather, Absalom Brey. He located on the farm in 1898, and has since resided there. Oil has been developed on the place, and there are now eight wells in operation. Mr. McGough is a member of the Mount Zion United Brethren Church, of which he is also trustee and superintendent of the Sunday-school.

W. M. HOAGLIN, postmaster of Cavett for the past seven years, and proprietor of a large general store in this village, is a son of Isaac and Sabina E. (Rank) Hoaglin, who reside on a farm in Hoaglin township. His grandfather, Aaron Hoaglin, came to this county in 1840, entered the first land and built the first cabin in the township, which was later named in his honor. His son Isaac, the father of our subject, was born January 29, 1836, in Richland County, and was four years of age when the family located here. Aaron Hoaglin resided on this land until his death, and was survived by his wife, Sarah, for many years. Isaac Hoaglin has a farm of 86 acres, 40 of which comprised the original tract entered by his father. The present residence is built within a few feet of the site of the old log house. Isaac Hoaglin married Sabina E. Rank, who was born in Richland County in May, 1840. They are the parents of six children, namely : W. M.; Sarah Elizabeth (Fife), of Scott; Rosa M. (McMillen), who died in November, 1905; Pearl N., of Scott ; Jerry C.; and Odessa Gilbert, of Grover Hill, Paulding County. The two younger sons live at home.

W. M. Hoaglin was born on the old homestead July 6, 1861, and resided at home until his 24th year, when for one year he was employed in the tile factory of Mr. Mohr. He then returned to farming, renting land for four years, and then purchasing 80 acres of woodland in section 12, Union township. This tract he cleared and improved, after which he disposed of half of the land, and for the past nine years has kept a tenant on his 40 acres. For about two years he conducted a grain elevator at Briceton, Paulding County, and was at Worstville where he bought the first grain hauled to that point. About seven years ago he purchased his present store and stock of goods, and located at Cavett. He has added a complete line of coal, pulp, plaster, cement, etc., and receives a large patronage from the surrounding country.

Mr. Hoaglin was married in 1885 to Susie M. Mohr, a native of Hoaglin township, and a daughter of Gottlieb and Sarah Mohr. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs_; Hoagfin : Hollie E., Gernie W., and Nellie Beulah. Mr. Hoaglin is a Democrat, and both he and Mrs. Hoaglin are members of the Grand Victory Evangelical Church.

CHARLES G. CHURCH, M. D., a member of the firm of Flemming & C J Church, physicians and surgeons, physician for the Van Wert County Infirmary and health officer of the city of Van Wert, was born June 2, 1873, at Erie,

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Pennsylvania, and is one of a family of three children born to his parents, Leonard and Emma (Gerrish) Church.

Charles G. Church was reared and attended school at Marysville, Ohio, where his father was engaged as a merchant. In young manhood he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, for one year, and the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, for two years, and then attended Northwestern University at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1899.

After graduating and receiving his medical diploma, Dr. Church came to Van Wert where he has been a resident ever since. On July 1, 1905, he entered into partnership with Dr. Flemming, who, like himself, is a valued member of the Van Wert County Medical Society. In 1900 Dr. Church was appointed health officer of Van Wert and infirmary physician—positions which he fills with the utmost efficiency.

Dr. Church married Claire Robinson, a daughter of George P. Robinson, and they have one child. Their pleasant home is locater on Boyd avenue. Both he and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor's offices are situated on the corner of Washington and Central avenues. Politically Dr. Church is a Republican, and fraternally, a Mason.

THOMAS GEETHING, an esteemed resident of Hoaglin township, whose home is located in section 2, was born in Washington County, Maryland, December 19, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Thomas) Geething, also natives of Maryland. His grandfather, Rev. Jacob Geething, was a native of Germany, who came to America and devoted his life to the Master'sservice in Washington County, Maryland, in which State he died.

Thomas Geething was probably 10 years of age when his parents moved to Stark County, Ohio, where he received his education. In 1844 he came to Allen County, and in 1850 located in Van Wert, which has since been his home. In May, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 139th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., as a 100-day volunteer, and was sent to Point Lookout. He was on guard duty part of the time and was later detailed as cook. He was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison in August, 1862.

On August 12, 1846, occurred the marriage of Thomas Geething and Esther Crates, and if their lives are spared a few short months they will have rounded out 60 years of married life—years in which the bond of affection has been strengthened by the various vicissitudes through which they have passed. Esther Crates was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1822, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Yonkman) Crates. When she was three months old her parents who were natives of Pennsylvania moved to Portage County, Ohio, where they remained until her 18th year. At that time they moved to Allen County, and about 1849 came to Van Wert County and settled in Ridge township, where they died. A brother, Winston T. Crates, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Bresler, reside in Van Wert. To Mr. and Mrs. Geething seven children have been born, namely : Catherine, who is the wife of Andrew J. DeCamp, of Jackson township ; Sarah E., widow of Henry Davis, and a resident of Los Angeles, California; William D., of Hoaglin township; Eliza M., wife of William Critchell, of Hoaglin township ; Viola E., deceased, who was the wife of John Wisner; and who died and Jacob, in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Geething are members of Mount Tabor United Brethren

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Church, and are devoted and consistent Christians. The subject of this sketch is a stalwar Republican and bases his views on principle! of right and justice.

J. R. SWOVELAND, agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company, at Ohio City, was born at Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, April 4, 1873, and is a son of Peter and Mary Catherine (Weagly) Swoveland.

The grandparents of Mr. Swoveland were the pioneer settlers of the family in Van Wert County, the grandfather locating on a forest tract in Liberty township. There the father of Mr. Swoveland was reared and from there he went out as a soldier of the Civil war, through the whole period of which he served with loyalty and fidelity. He died in January, 1905.

J. R. Swoveland was reared and educated at Ohio City and the city of Van Wert, and then taught school for three years in York township. About this time he became financially interested in the Windfall Glass Works, at Windfall, Indiana, acquiring a third interest in the business; but this he later disposed of and returned to Ohio City. For the next six years Mr. Swoveland was a clerk in the offices of the Erie Railroad, at Ohio City, and in 1902 he accepted the agency of the Wells-Fargo Express Company in this city. He has numerous business interests here, one of these promising to become one of the most important industries of the place. He has erected a plant for the manufacture of cement blocks, and has large capital behind him. He also owns an interest in the plant of the Ohio Whipstock Manufacturing Company here. As a business man he is able and progressive, and is one of the city's hest known men.

In 1899 Mr. Swoveland was married to Emma Kiser, who is a daughter of Jacob Kiser, one of the prominent farmers of Van Wert County. He has three children : Hugh; Madge; and Dale. Mrs. Swoveland died March 9, 1906.

Politically a Republican, he has been active for some years. For almost three years he has served as treasurer of Ohio City, and for two years was city clerk. His fraternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias.

GEORGE W. WORTMAN, farmer and veteran of the War of the Rebellion, was born Tully township, Van Wert County, July 2, 1840, and has been almost a lifelong citizen of Hoaglin township. James and Hannah (Beck) Wortman, his parents, were born in New Brunswick, where they were married and some of their children were born. Coming to Ohio, they resided a short time in Harrison County before locating permanently in Van Wert. This was some time in the '30's, at which time James Wortman entered 160 acres of land in Tully township, where he resided many years. He was a man who had the good will and esteem of all who knew him, and his death, which occurred June 27, 1862, was regarded as a loss to the entire community. Four of his sons took part in the Rebellion, James, Jacob, Aaron and George, the three first named being slain in battle and laid to sleep in the enemy's country. Mrs. Hannah (Beck) Wortman died in 1856.

George W. Wortman enlisted June 19, [862, in Company A, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., all three of his brothers having entered Company H, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He vas in the Army of the Cumberland, and took

784 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

part in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Altoona, Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Rome, and many others, going with Sherman to Atlanta. On this march he received two severe wounds during a charge made on the Confederates on June 27, 1864. This necessitated his removal to a hospital, where he was confined for several months. He was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on May 12, 1865. He draws a pension of $12 per month.

Returning to Van Wert County, Mr. Wortman again turned his attention to farming and on September 10, 1865, was married to Barbara A. Kesler, a native of this State. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are living, viz.: Samuel A.; Mary E., wife of Isaiah N. Baker, who resides near Hudson, Michigan; John E., David P. and Oliver P. The sons are all residents of Hoaglin township. On April 26, 1902, Mrs. Wortman entered her long rest, leaving a wide circle of friends who felt her death to be a personal loss. Mr. Wortman is an earnest Christian, and has taken an active part in church work for many years. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1859, and has held various offices in the church. He is a man whose exemplary life is worthy of emulation.

WILLIAM McCRACKEN. Among the prominent farmers of Van Wert County, William McCracken, who resides on his farm in section 31, Jackson township, may well be given a prominent place. He was born January 7, 1855, in Fairfield County, this State, and is a son of James and Frances (Gilbert) McCracken. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of Ireland : they settling in Fairfield County in 1850, where the father died 10 years later. The mother, now almost 70 years of age, resides in Athens County, Ohio, with the half-sister of our subject—Jane, the wife of Alexander Moore.

Mr. McCracken remains in his native county until after he reached his majority. In 1877 he came to Jackson township, Van Wert County, where he entered 40 acres of land, which was the nucleus around which he has formed his present farm of 115 acres, the attractive and prosperous appearance of which stamps him as a farmer of far more than average ability. Having learned the plasterer^'s trade in early life, Mr. McCracken followed that occupation for about 30 years, and, in addition to his farming operations in Jackson township, he was for many years the leading contractor in that line in his locality.

On September 2b, 1883, William McCracken was joined in marriage to Mrs. Laura J. Beery, who was born March 9, 1851, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Abner and Mary (Poling) Elder. Her parents moved to Van Wert County, where they lived many years and where the father was familiarly known as Squire Elder, having for some time been justice of the peace in Jackson township. He was a Republican and his death, which occurred in December,. 1902, was universally regretted. Of the children born to Abner Elder and wife five survive, namely : Laura J., wife of our subject; John W., of Jackson township; Mary E., wife of R. F. Kiger, of Van Wert ; Hiram T.. of Marion, Indiana ; and Charles D., of Van Wert. One con. Lehr, born June 10, 1891, has blessed the union of Mr. McCracken and his estimable wife. They are both members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jackson township, and take a leading part in the work of that body as well as in the social life of the com-

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munity. Mr. McCracken was one of the charter members of 'Washington Grange, No. 1327, P. of II., of Jackson township, served as master of the same, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Middlepoint. He is at present president of the Middlepoint Home Telephone Company and is a man of undoubted business ability.

FRANK A. GAMBLE was appointed liquor tax inspector February 15, 1902, and has since maintained offices in Van Wert for the discharge of the duties required by the Ohio dairy and food laws. He was born at Pleasant Mills, Indiana, November 30, 1866, and is a son of Robert W. and Margaret C. (Williams) Gamble, residents of Indiana. The father was a native of Carroll County, Ohio, and a harness maker by trade, but in later years turned to farming. The family consisted of eight children, of whom but three are now living.

Frank A. Gamble received his education in the common schools of Mercer County, and at 18 years of age began his career of independence, at first stopping for a short time in Paulding County where he engaged in farming until about 1888, when he came to Van Wert County. Locating in the village of Scott he conducted a mercantile business there, and was also postmaster until he came to Van Wert in 1900, where he has since lived. From 1897 to 1899 Mr. Gamble served as assistant department revenue collector of the 10th Ohio district, under Col. George P. Waldorf.

Mr. Gamble married Icy M. Homey, daughter of John Horney. Both he and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Three children blessed their union, the two living being Maud M. and

Aimee M. Mr. Gamble is a strong Republican and takes an intelligent interest in the success of that organization. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being past president of Van Wert Aerie, No. 1886, Fraternal Order of Eagles; past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and past sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men, and past grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Home Guards of America. He has closely identified himself with the best element of the city.

HENRY COTTERMAN, the well-known farmer who resides on his estate in section 4, Hoaglin township, was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1838. He is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Long) Cotterman, natives of the same place in which his paternal great-grandfather had settled many years before, when he arrived in this country from Germany.

The family moved to Shelby County, Ohio, where our subject attended school and grew to manhood, after which he went to Miami County, where, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 110th Reg.; Ohio Vol. Inf., and served almost three years. He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Cedar Run, took part in the engagements in the Shenadoah Valley and in many other decisive battles under Grant and Sheridan. He was fortunate to escape from these encounters unharmed, except from the first named, in which he received a wound in the left leg. Returning to Miami County, he remained there a few years and then moved his family to Shelby County, which was their home before moving to Van Wert County. In the fall of 1881 he purchased his present farm, and by his care and

786 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

improvement of this property has proved himself to be one of the foremost agriculturists in this section of the State.

Mr. Cotterman was married in Miami County, August 2, 1859, to Catherine Ralston, a native of that county and a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Wellhance) Ralston. Mrs. Cotterman was born August 17, 1839, and is a lady of domestic tastes, who believes a woman's first duty is to her family and she has devoted her life to the practice of this belief, finding ample compensation in the love of husband and children. Ten children have been added to the household, namely : Andrew, residing in Paulding County; Harriet E., wife of John Hipsley, of Paulding County ; Clara E., wife of Lorenzo D. McGlaughlin of Paulding County ; Roswell ; Lewis A.; Charles E.; William F.; Frances Irene, wife of Clyde Kiser; Eugene H.; and Grover C.—all of Hoaglin township, except Mrs. Kiser, who lives in Miami County, and those mentioned as residing in Paulding County. Mr. Cotterman is a Democrat. While he is not a member of any church he is a liberal contributor towards the cause of religion and is always on the side of right and justice.

SHAPHET DWIRE, one of Harrison township's most substantial and respected citizens, has been a resident of Van Wert County continuously since 1858. He is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, the date of his birth being March 9, 1831. His parents, Joseph and Lucinda (Johnson) Dwire, were Pennsylvanians by birth and early settlers of Carroll County.

Shaphet Dwire was six years of age when he was left an orphan, and his progress in life was consequently attended with greater difficulties than fall to the lot of the average youth. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and continued there until 1858, in which year he located in Pleasant township, Van Wert County. Here he remained about one year, when he settled on his present farm in section 13, Harrison township.

In September, 1864, Mr. Dwire enlisted in Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in General Thomas' army until the close of the war. Among the most important engagements in which he participated were Franklin, Spring Hill and Nashville, all in Tennessee. He was with General Thomas command throughout the campaign against Hood, the destruction of whose army was one of the most important steps in bringing the war to an end. In June, 1865, Mr. Dwire was honorably discharged at Camp Harper, near Nashville, and immediately returned to his home and family. He resumed his work on the farm, which, in the course of time, was converted from timberland to a tillable tract. The original buildings occupied by the Dwire family have been replaced by a more modern residence and barn, and substantial outbuildings.

For a period of nearly 40 years Mr. Dwire sold farm implements throughout this section of the State, but has done very little in that line in recent years. He installed the first "Buckeye" reaper in Van Wert County, soon after the Buckeye factory was started. Mr. Dwire is a man of progress and public spirit, and has done even more than his share in the development of Harrison township, which has been his home continously for about 48 years.

In 1852 Shaphet Dwire was married in Carroll County, Ohio, to Sarah Jane Figley, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and died on the old home place October 2, 1899. The following children were born to their union : Rebecca (Brown), who lives in Van Wert;

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Lemuel, living on the home place, who married Esther Robinson and is the father of Cleo, Ilo, Murle, Ruth, Vera and Nellie; Sarah Edna (North) who resides in Convoy ; William, also a resident of Convoy; Orlando, who lives in Newton, Iowa; and Leroy, who lives in Newton, Iowa; and Leroy, of the State of Washington. Politically, Mr. Dwire is a Republican, and fraternally, a member of W. C. Scott Post, No. 100, G. A. R., at Van Wert.

GEORGE L. MOORE, one of the leading business men of Ohio City in the line of real estate, loans and insurance, has resided here since 1891. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, May 14, 1869, and is a son of Lysander S. Moore, who was a native of Belmont County, Ohio, but died on his farm in Clermont County.

George L. Moore was reared and educated in Clermont County, and when prepared fo^r business, he came to Ohio City and joined his brother, J. C. Moore, who was the first mayor of this municipality. One year later, in 1892 he succeeded his brother in the hardware business, and successfully conducted it for six years. He then sold out and has since engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. The latter includes fire and cyclone insurance, and he represents these reliable companies : the North America, Glenn Falls, Germania, Connecticut and Phoenix. He handles a large amount of valuable property, including farming land and city real estate. Mr. Moore is treasurer and director in the Liberty Oil Company, large producers in the Ohio City oil-field.

In 1893 Mr. Moore was married to Emma R. Boltzell, who is a daughter of Samuel Boltzell, one of Ohio City's esteemed retired citizens. Mr. Boltzell was born at Cincinnati December 28, 1832, and was reared and educated in Hamilton County. Later he came to Van Wert County and resided on his valuable farm in Liberty township until 1894, when he settled at Ohio City. For the past 52 years Mr. Boltzell has been a member of the Odd Fellows.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore have four children, viz.: Samuel, Paul, Hazen and Marcus. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ohio City.

Fraternally, Mr. Moore is a Royal Arch Mason, a Maccabee and an Odd Fellow. In the latter organization he belongs_, to the Encampment, and he is financial secretary of the Ohio City lodge.

J. R. EVANS, one of the leading citizens of York township, and a substantial and representative farmer, resides on his fine farm of 300 acres, situated in sections 24 and 25. Mr. Evans was born in 1853, in Brown township, Franklin County, Ohio, and is a son of Richard E. and Mary ( Jones) Evans.

Richard E. Evans was born in 1816, in Montgomeryshire, Wales, and died on the farm now occupied by our subject, on June 4, 1890, after a long and useful life of 77 years. He married in-Wales, and his wife died in 1882. In 1845 he emigrated to America, and settled first in the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, but in 1854 he removed to Van Wert County, and settled in section 24, York township, taking up [70 acres of forest land, to which he subsequently added 120 acres, all choice land. For his 170 acres he paid $3.50 per acre. As long as he was active, he continued to improve his property, and it is today one of the most valiable farms of the township. Both he and

788 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

wife were stanch in their adherence to the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and were liberal in their support. A deed is on record, bearing the date of May 8, 1855, which shows a transfer of land from Richard E. Evans and wife to Rev. Hugh Pugh, this land being in section 23, —the west one-half of the northeast one-quarter. Of their eight children, five still survive, viz. : Richard M., of Jennings township, who married Ellen Evans, and has seven children; David H., of Mercer County; and Hugh W. and J. R. (twins), the former a farmer of Ridge township, and the latter living on the homestead.

J. R. Evans was reared on the home farm and obtained his early education in the local schools. He then spent three terms at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, after which he engaged in teaching. For 20 years, off and on, he taught school in Van Wert and Allen counties, usually the winter sessions, as his summers were spent in farming. In 1893 he purchased the interests of the other heirs, and assumed control of the homestead, which now contains 300 acres. Mr. Evans has made a feature of raising fine cattle and now owns a fine herd of Polled Angus and Hereford cattle, as well as a large flock of Shropshire sheep. This land is all very productive, and Mr. Evans has a 20-acre tract, which he is certain will yield as high as 85 bushels to the acre in corn. He is a heavy stock feeder, and has met with most satisfactory success in every branch of agriculture.

In February, 1903, Mr. Evans was married to Jennie Davis, who is a daughter of John J. and Catherine (Morgan) Davis. They have one daughter, Emma, who came to them on Thanksgiving Day, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are attendants of the Welsh Presbyterian Church at Venedocia, of which she is a member.

ARTHUR HINES, M. D., one of Van Wert's leading physicians and surgeons, was born in this city, September 12, 1842, and is a son of Dr. Philip John and Relief (Morse) Hines.

Jacob Hines, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Maryland and owned a plantation and slaves. The latter he freed before the opening of the Civil war. His life between 1840 and 1850 was passed in Van Wert County. He died in 1874, aged 97 years. His children were: Mrs. W. Barker, of Washington, D. C.; Philip John, father of our subject; and Johanna R., deceased.

Philip John Hines, the only son of Jacob and Susannah Hines, was born August 11, 1815, at Fredericksburg, Maryland. His father was a government official for a number of years and the family resided at Washington, where Philip John was educated both in literature and medicine, completing his medical education in the University of Maryland where he was graduated in 1837. His early medical reading was done with the well-known Washington physician, Dr. Thomas Miller, long since passed away, who had been the attending physician of many of the Presidents of the United States. In 1838 Dr. Hines came to Ohio, remaining for a short period at Bucyrus, but settling permanently in the little village of Van Wert, which at that time had but lately emerged from the forest. Dr. Hines not only taught school and practiced medicine in those early days, but he took a leading part in public matters. He was one of the committee appointed in 1839 to convey the county records from Willshire to Van Wert, when the latter Place became the county seat. In 1847, and again in 1848, he was elected a member of the State Assembly, and some years later served is clerk, as auditor and as coroner of Van Wert County. From 1852 to 1856, under the

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administration of President Pierce, he served as postmaster at Van Wert. In 1849 he went to California, but returned to Van Wert in 1852, resuming his place in the county's public life and taking up his practice. He was the pioneer physician of Van Wert County, and continued to practice here until 1869. From that time until his death, September 12, 1884, he engaged in the drug business. He established the first drug store in Van Wert and possessed in the highest degree the confidence of this community as to his professional attainments and as to his uprightness as a man and citizen.

On March 6, 1841, he was united in marriage with. Relief Morse, who had come from New York to teach the first school established at Van Wert. She died October 20, 1886. Dr. and Mrs. Hines had six children, viz.: J. Arthur, of Van Wert; Mary A., wife of W. W. Hillerman, of Springfield, Ohio; Robert, deceased ; Sarah A., deceased ; John B.; and C. E., of Van Wert. Our subject's grandparents and his parents were all consistent supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, their membody at Van Wert.

Under his capable father, J. Arthur Hines prepared for his medical career, and in the local schools for his higher literary training. In 1859 he entered the Columbian National College, at Washington; but the college building, in the earlier years of the Civil war, was taken for hospital purposes, and the young man returned to Van Wert. In 1866 he entered Georgetown University, where he was graduated from the medical department. He naturally returned to his native place, where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession ever since, making a specialty of the diseases of women and children. He has served as county physician and also as pension examiner.

On September 6, 1874, Dr. J. Arthur Hines was married to Elizabeth J. Hays, who was born in New York, April 22, 1857, and is a daughter of James and Elmira (Lown) Hays. They have two children, Frank H. and Mary, Eva. Dr. and Mrs. Hines are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal associations are with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He is a valued member of the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

GEORGE WASHINGTON ROUSH, one of the prominent and influential citizens of Middlepoint, belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section of the State. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the surviving heroes of the great Civil war, the results of which secured to the present generation the peace and prosperity they enjoy. Mr. Roush was born in Hocking County, Ohio, January 15, 1831, and is a son of William and Susanna (Meyers) Roush.

The Roush family is of German extraction, but for generations has been loyally American. Our subject not only bears an honored military name, but he comes of military ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather took part in he War of the Revolution, as a soldier in the patriot army. His uncle, Joseph Roush, served with equal patriotism in the War of 1812. Mr. Roush and a younger brother proved their loyalty to the old flag by becoming members )f the Union Army in 1862. The latter gave up his life in defense of his principles, dying before Vicksburg, after the brave attack made by his company on the outposts. He was a member of the 114th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.

790 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and was about 12 years of age when his parents removed to Hocking County, Ohio. There he grew to manhood. He was married in Fairfield County, to Susanna Meyers, who was also born in Pennsylvania. When she was four years old she came to Ohio with her parents, who located in Fairfield County. After her marriage she accompanied Mr. Roush to his home in Hocking County, where he owned a farm of 80 acres, on which our subject, the eldest of their nine children, was born.

George W. Roush attended the district schools and assisted his father in farming until he was of age. In 1853 he married, and two years later, removed with his wife to Marion County, Illinois, where he had purchased 80 acres of timberland. When he visited the land, he discovered its undesirability as a home, and after remaining for 11 months in Illinois traded the property for a small sum of money and a good team of horses. The latter he utilized in returning to Ohio. In 1856 he traded the team for 40 acres of wild land in Washington township, Van Wert County. There were many disadvantages about this property, much of it, like other portions, being swampy and subject to overflow. He remained here for three years, making the first clearing and building a cabin ; but he discovered that the property was about knee deep in water the greater part of the year, and therefore took advantage of the first opportunity to dispose of it.

Mr. Roush then bought 80 acres of land located in the southwest part of Putnam County. The first few seasons on the new farm were almost as discouraging as on the old one, beginning with the necessity of cutting a road through swamp and woodland in order to reach the place. In many places the water was so high that it covered the wagonbeds.

However, Mr. Roush and family lived on this farm for 22 years, conditions improving year by year, under his persistent industry. It was a wild place at first, a two-days journey by ox-team from Delphos ; surrounded on every side by dense woods in which wolves howled all night, frequently visiting the lonely little cabin. Mr. Roush succeeded in clearing all this farm with the exception of a few acres, and erected here a comfortable home and made many substantial improvements. In 1881 he sold the Putnam County farm for the sum of $4,000, and then removed to Jackson township, Van Vert County, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres, paying $3,000. This land also proved subject to overflow, and Mr. Roush calculates that he spent fully $400 in ditching before he could put in any crop. On this property he erected a substantial barn and a handsome resident which cost fully $1,000. He became a large raiser of horses, doing more in this line than in cattle raising. Subsequently he sold 40 acres in order to improve the rest of his farm and here he resided for 22 years. In 1899 he sold this property, which he had made a very desirable one, to John Swander, for $4,000. By this time his children had Ieft the old home, three of them having passed away, and the other three having homes of their own, and Mr. Roush decided to settle at Middlepoint and enjoy the relaxation due one who had lived so busy and so successful a life.

George W. Roush became a Union soldier on August 18, 1862, enlisting at Delphos, in Company F, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He entered the army as a private, but was subsequently promoted to the rank of corporal. Before being honorably' discharged on July 2, 1865, this loyal, farmer-soldier had fought in 22 battles and participated in 35 engagements. He was never absent from his company during this long period, with the exception of three

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days, when, under orders, he remained in a school building recuperating after an unusually wearisome march. The regimental records prove that the gallant 118th Ohio traveled 12,000 miles, and it must be recalled that a large portion of this was through mountain districts, swamps and morasses and included the fording of rivers, often when the weather was at the freezing point, probably one half of this distance being traveled on foot.

Corporal Roush served first in Eastern Tennessee under General Burnside, and later under other distinguished commanders. Later he came under General Sherman's command, but his regiment was sent to General Thomas when Sherman started on his memorable "March to the Sea." The campaign of General Thomas was brilliant enough and, from commander to the humblest private, won merited admiration. After the dispersion of Hood's army, the regiment was sent to Cincinnati, then to Columbus, from there to Washington and then on to Fort Fisher. It assisted in the capture of Fort Anderson, where his division had the honor of planting the flag on the ramparts. On Washington's birthday, 1865, the regiment crossed Cape Fear River and entered the city of Wilmington, North Carolina. A few days of rest prepared them for the three days' weary march through mud and water to Kingston. At this point the command joined General Sherman and they were in the vicinity of Raleigh, North Carolina, on the way to Richmond, when the joyful news reached them of the surrender of General Lee and then of the surrender of General Johnston. The regiment entered into quarters at Raleigh, where they were stationed when the sad news was flashed over the wires of the assassination of President Lincoln. From Raleigh the regiment was marched to Sailsbury, thence to Cleveland and from there to Columbus. Mr. Roush draws a pension of $30 per month.

On January 13, 1853, Mr. Roush was married to Mary Ann Davis, a daughter of Jabe and Jane (McCoy) Davis, of Guernsey County, Ohio. They have had six children, namely : Sarah Jane, born December 24, 1854, who married William Tong, of Delphos, now deceased—she and her 10 children reside near Marion, Indiana; William Leander, born February 4, 1856, who married Emma White of Delphos, has four children and resides at Toledo ; Hugh Clarence, born February 4, 1858, who married Angenetta Hamilton, of Washington township, and has three children; Margaret Ann, born July 2, 1860, who died November 24, 1881; Mary Elizabeth, born June 12, 1863, who married Reuben Timbers, of Washington township, and died at Fort Scott, Kansas, July 7, 1889, leaving three children ; and John Fletcher, born May 2, 1866, who died December 28, 1879.

Mr. Roush reared his children carefully, giving them good, common school advantages, and always looking after their welfare. He is a man of substance in his community, owning over 18 acres of valuable land adjoining his home at Middlepoint, on the west, and a number of houses and lots in the town which are proving good investments. Had he not been, through life, a man of kind heart and sympathetic nature, he would not have lost a small fortune. On a number of occasions he has been led to endorse motes in order to assist friends out of difficulty, with the result that in he last 22 years he has been obliged to pay bail debts amounting to $2,000.

Mr. Roush is one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church at Middlepoint, and for some years has served as one of the

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trustees. Few citizens of the county are more entitled to the esteem of their fellow-citizens than is George Washington Roush.

LAFAYETTE SNYDER was for many years one of the highly esteemed residents of Liberty township, where his death occurred in 1888. He had the distinction of being the first male child born in the village of Lafayette, Madison County, Ohio, and was named for his birthplace. His parents were Jacob Frederick and Christina (Arres) Snyder, natives of Germany. By trade the father was a blacksmith and he followed that occupation for some 16 years at Lafayette, Ohio. He then moved to Mercer County and settled on a farm of 41 acres, which is situated just across the public highway from our late subject's home, this highway being the line between Mercer and Van Wert counties. Mr. Snyder's health was poor and he survived his removal to Mercer County but a few years, and at his death left a widow with one son and five daughters, heavy responsibilities thus falling upon the son (Lafayette) when he was little over 16 years of age.

Lafayette Snyder was a well-informed man, having been educated in the district schools of Madison County. He was considered an excellent farmer and, during his long residence in Van Wert County, enjoyed the unwavering respect of his fellow-citizens.

On September 26, 1860, Mr. Snyder was married to Milberry Sidenbender, who is a daughter of Joseph and Ann (Van Gundy) Sidenbender. Mrs. Snyder was born in 1837 in Mercer County, Ohio, her father being a native of Ross County, Ohio, where he subsequently married, immediately afterwardmoving to Mercer County, near the Van Wert County line. There he entered 160 acres of land, reared his eight children and died in 1880. The mother of Mrs. Snyder died February, 20, 1898, aged 89 years, 4 months and 14 days, having been born October 4, 1808, near Chillicothe, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Snyder were the parents of these children : Willis, who married Mary Ayers and died in 1899, leaving three children; Annie, who married Alonzo Bechtol, and resides at Elida, Ohio; Joseph, a graduate of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, who is a well-known teacher; Margaret, who resides at Lima; Lillian A., who lives at home; Clyde, a teacher in the Rockford (Ohio) High School, being a graduate of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, who married Anna Hawk; and Sophia, who married Charles Temple and has three children—Helen Lucinda, Carl Lafayette and an infant.

Mrs. Snyder resides on the old family homestead, which is situated in Liberty township, directly across the road from Mercer County. The farm contains 115 acres, 15 of which are in Mercer County, and the remainder in section 34, Liberty township, Van Wert County. Mrs. Snyder is a member of the Church of God.

JOHN BENJAMIN WILSON, M. D., the genial and popular physician of Scott, was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 31, 1858, and is a son of George and Eliza J. (Woods) Wilson. Both parents were natives of Ross County, where they grew up and were married. The father was born in 1835 and the mother in 1832. They now reside in Paulding County, near Scott, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing both

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their children (they have but two) occupying prominent positions in the medical profession. Richard S. Wilson, M. D., the brother of our subject has been practicing in Berne, Indiana, for about 21 years, having commenced to practice before he graduated from the Fort Wayne Medical College in 1890.

John Benjamin Wilson spent the early years of his life, up to his 15th, on the farm in Ross County. His parents at that time coming to Middlepoint and taking a farm nearby, he engaged in agricultural pursuits until he had reached his 23rd year. Having received a course in the district schools, he took preparatory work in the graded schools of Clinton County and, in 1883, began the study of Medicine in the Fort Wayne Medical College. Graduating from this institution in March, 1889, he began the same month to practice in Scott, where he has since remained. Dr. Wilson has been most successful in his practice and has, virtually, all the work within a large radius of Scott. Since he located here, doctors have come and gone, but Dr. Wilson kept on his way, adding new patients to the already long list. When he first opened his office in Scott, the village had four physicians. Now besides Dr. Wilson, there is only one who located in the village about two years ago.

Dr. Wilson was married in 1882 to Susan A. Stiverson, whose home was near Delphos. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Joel and Elizabeth J. (Roush) Stiverson, and has been a help and inspiration to the Doctor in his arduous work. They have had four children: Washington H. and Ida May, both of whom live at home; Jessie Elizabeth, who died at the age of three years ; and Russell O., who died in infancy. Dr. Wilson owns a good farm of 120 acres located near Scott, in Paulding County. His residence was erected by him in 1903, and is at once comfortable and attractive in appearance. Dr. Wilson is a Democrat, and was pension examiner under Cleveland's last administration. He was coroner for a time, is president of the present School Board, has served on the Council and as mayor of Scott. He served as trustee of Washington township before locating at Scott, and has always taken a prominent part in the good government of the village. Dr. Wilson is a member of Lodge No. 791, I. O. O. F. ; and Lodge No. 102, Improved Order of Red Men.

WILLIAM E. FRYE was born in Delaware County, Ohio, November 28, 1856, and passed into the higher life April 25, 1900. He possessed to a remarkable degree the esteem and confidence of his' fellowmen, and never, by word or deed, was that confidence betrayed. He was known as a leading agriculturist of Jackson township, and an honorable upright man. His parents were William and Caroline (Fegley) Frye, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Delaware County.

Mr. Frye spent his early years in Delaware County, and was accorded all the advantages of a good education. Leaving the public school, he spent three years in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and then turned his attention to farming. When the was 20 years of age, he came to Van Wert County and made his home here until his death. He was always devoted to agricultural pursuits and engaged in that occupation here. In 1882 he purchased a tract of 40 acres in section 33, Jackson township, to which an adjoining 40 acre tract was added at a later time, and the entire farm was improved and cultivated.

September 15, 1883, Mr. Frye was married

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to Allie Reed, daughter of James C. Reed, an agriculturist of Hoaglin township, whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. This union resulted in the birth of one son, H. Glenn, who was born August 2, 1887, and who with his widowed mother, resides on and carries on the farm. Two children are deceased : Myrtle, who died at the age of 18 months, and a son, who died at birth. Mr. Frye was a Republican and was elected for two terms as assessor of his township, but resigned after his second election. He was a prominent member of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson township, as is also Mrs. Frye, and for many years was class-leader in the church. He was also connected with the I. O. O. F. lodge at Middlepoint.

JAMES K. P. JOHNSON, one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Hoaglin township, residing on his farm in section 34, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Butler County on November 19, 1844. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Mustard) Johnson, prominent residents of that county, of which they were both natives.

In Butler County our subject received his education in the public schools, and was reared to manhood. He took up the occupation of a farmer, and followed that work in that county until the year 1870. In that year he came to Van Wert County and engaged in farming in Ridge township for about 26 years, coming to Hoaglin township and his present farm in 1896.

On August 26, 1869, Mr. Johnson was joined in marriage to Emma Yeakle, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, February 28, 1848, and is a daughter of Michael and

Susanna (Troutman) Yeakle. Her parents were early settlers of Butler County, the former coming from Pennsylvania and the latter from North Carolina. Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, seven of whom are living and reside in this county. The record is as follows: Harry, deceased; Charles D., of Hoaglin township; Susie, wife of Elmer E. Allen, of Hoaglin township; WilIard, of Ridge township ; Nellie, wife of Charles Barringer, of Pleasant township ; Herman J., of Hoaglin township ; and Alonzo G. and Ruth, both of Hoaglin township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which they contribute liberally both of their time and means, and they are among the first families of the section. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politics.

GEORGE W. SILL, one of the pioneer settlers of York township, where he owns one of the best farms and finest residences in the southeastern section of the county, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary H. (Fryer) Sill.

Both parents of our esteemed subject were born in Pennsylvania and were probably of German extraction. In 1848 they located at Pittsburg, during the period of the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1855 Jeremiah Sill moved to Washington County, Ohio, by way of the canal, and two years later to Mercer County. The conditions then prevalent in Mercer County—the few settlers and the swampy character of much of the land—determined Mr. Sill to seek still further for a desirable place in which to establish a home. In 1864 he settled on the present homestead of our subject in section 35, York township. Van

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Wert County, buying 40 acres of land, while the latter bought an adjoining 40 acres. Here Jeremiah Sill died on September 29, 1875, and he was survived five years by his wife. The surviving children of Jeremiah Sill and wife are: Phoebe (Denney), of Mercer County, born in 1841 ; George W., of this sketch ; and Francis Marion, of Union township, Mercer County, who married Dora Bradford. Both Jeremiah Sill and wife were worthy, virtuous people, and lived according to their religious professions, being devoted members of the Church of God.

George W. Sill was 14 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Mercer County. His educational opportunities were meager, but long association with people and participation in notable public events have instructed him more than year of attendance in the school room. He accepted inevitable conditions and, to the limit of his strength, assisted his father. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army, from Mercer County, entering Company E, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. William Kennedy, of Auglaize County, which regiment was attached to the Second Brigade, Second Division, 23rd Army Corps, under the command of Gen. John H. Schofield. The records of the Ohio regiments show how faithfully the 118th Regiment marched, fought and conquered on many a hotly contested field, and in the long series of important engagements Mr. Sill bravely performed a soldier's duty.

The siege of Knoxville was the first important battle in which Mr. Sill took part, and then rapidly followed Mossy Creek (in which 47 members of this regiment lost their lives), Rocky Face Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca (in which battle the 118th lost 47 per cent of those engaged), Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, New Hope, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain. Prior to the last mentioned battle, Mr.

Sill had passed through all dangers unharmed; but in this battle, which took place on June 27, 1864, he was wounded in the right arm, and had seven bullet holes in his clothes. In this battle a brother was also killed, who was a member of the 46th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Dunathan. After his recovery, Mr. Sill rejoined his regiment and was sent to the rear, later participating in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. From Nashville the regiment was sent to the North Carolina coast, where its good work was shown in its regimental colors being the first to float over the fortifications at Fort Anderson, and it entered the city of Wilmington on Washington's birthday, 1865. Mr. Sill also took part in the fight at Kingston, North. Carolina, after which his regiment joined General Sherman's forces at Goldsboro, followed Johnston to Raleigh and was present at the surrender of the Confederate general. Mr. Sill was honorably discharged from the service at Salisbury, North Carolina, June 14, 1865, and was mustered out at Cleveland on July 8, 1865, reaching home on the following day.

At that time, the land which Mr. Sill and his father had purchased was a totally unimproved tract, swampy to a degree and heavily wooded. He married late in 1865, and built a round log house on the land, 18 by 24 feet in dimensions, and settled in it on April 16, 1866; his neighbors assisted him in rolling the logs for this dwelling. He immediately set about improving the place, his, beginning being the digging of open ditches for drainage, this long preceding the extensive tiling which he has since done. In 1856 he built a log stable, which he replaced in 1877 by a good frame barn. In 1902 this. was destroyed by fire, with its contents. It was immediately rebuilt, with dimensions of 62 by 38 feet. The family :continued to reside in the log house until 1885,

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when a fine modern residence was built, after plans made by Mr. Sill. It is fitted with equipments for comfort which one only looks for in a city home.

Mr. Sill has carried on general farming, and has raised many horses and cattle, and a great deal of stock. In 1893 a test drill was made on his land for oil, and it was found that oil flowed freely 50 feet above the derrick, the well producing 250 barrels a day. It was drilled in November. and kept up a fine flow for several months. The following April it was producing 75 barrels per day. There are now three producing wells on the place, and gas is produced in a sufficient quantity for domestic purposes. This farm is considered the model one of York township.

In December, 1865, Mr. Sill was married to Elizabeth Slentz, who is a daughter of Eli and Mary Ann (Shulenbarger) Slentz. Eli Slentz was born in Pennsylvania. In 1854 he settled in York township, where he followed the trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker all his active life. His death occurred in 1879, and that of his wife some 18 months later. They had 12 children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Sill was reared to young womanhood amid pioneer conditions, and she remembers many occasions when she assisted in the harvest field and in her day could swing a cradle with as much effect as could her brothers. She was reared to all the homely duties which pertained to the housekeeping of her youth, and both before and after marriage transformed the pulled flax into clothing for herself and for neighbors who were not so thrifty. She has a local reputation as a fine housekeeper. She has seen the whole country develop, and remembers when the highway which now passes by her beautiful home, was only a cow path through the woods. She recalls how she had to climb over logs in orderto attend church. From her girlhood she has been a devoted member of the Church of God. Mr. Sill is one of the elders in the church, which is situated about a mile from their home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sill are most highly esteemed by all who know them, and they are especial objects of love and veneration among the young people of the church.

Mr. and Mrs. Sill have two daughters and an adopted daughter. These are : Rebecca Elizabeth, who married Dr. Jacob H. Goodwin, president of the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Grover Hill, Ohio, and has two daughters —Mary Elizabeth and Mildred; Mary Euthema, who married Dr. Ezra Burnett, of Delphos, and has one daughter—Edith Rebecca, aged 12 years ; and Osa M. The last named, who is a daughter of David Hughes, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Sill from the age of 10 years to 23 years, when she was married, in May 1903, to William Swigert; they now live at Elgin and have one son—Emory George. She received a careful Christian training with Mr. and Mrs. Sill. Their home has always been one open to religious worship, and on many occasions conversions have taken place there. They are passing the evening of life surrounded by all that is calculated to make this season most enjoyable.

RUSH R. RICHISON, M. D., a rising young physician and surgeon of Van Wert, was born in Logan County, this State, November .11, 1879. His parents are Jasper N. and Anna (Carlo) Richison, the father being a highly respected merchant of that county. The family consisted of four children. Rush R. Richison attended school at Athens and then studied medicine in the Ohio Medical University. Columbus,

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graduating from that institution in April 1904.

Coming immediately to Van Wert, Dr. Richison entered into a partnership with Dr. Perry, on April 7, 1904, and began the practice of his profession. This partnership was discontinued on the 20th of the following September, since which time our subject has practiced by himself and is building up a large following. His offices at No. 118 South Washington street consist of six rooms, and are well equipped for his work and most pleasantly situated.

Dr. Richison was married to Nellie B. McMillen, a daughter of Joseph McMillen. They have one child—Pauline. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and are active in both church and social circles. Dr. Richison is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Masons and the Eagles.

FRANCIS E. REED, M. D., physician and surgeon at Van Wert, is a young man widely and favorably, known in this county, where he was born and grew to manhood and where he has a host of warm friends who appreciate his manliness and worth. He is a son of William I. and Fannie B. (Staman) Reed, and was born January 26, 1879. William I. Reed, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, is one of the prosperous and most extensive farmers of Van Wert County, and also one of its efficient commissioners.

Francis E. Reed first attended the common school and then entered the Ohio Medical University, Columbus, from which he graduated May 3, 1905. He has but recently opened his offices at No. 238 West Main street, but is already establishing a good practice, bringing to his work an energy and ability which are sure to win success. He is thoroughly conscientious in his work; skilled and thoroughly at home in all the approved methods applied in surgery and medicine, and his friends predict for him a brilliant future. The Doctor is living with his parents on their farm near Van Wert. In politics he is an ardent Democrat.

SAMUEL ANDERSON BROWN, for many years one of prominent and substantial farmers of Liberty township, now lives in comfortable retirement at Ohio City, where he is held in high esteem as a good citizen, and also as a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Brown was born in Lawrence County, ,Pennsylvania, in 1843, and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Wright) Brown.

The parents of Mr. Brown, who also were natives of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, came to Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1844, settling in York township. Their children numbered 12, six sons and six daughters. Of these the following survive : Elizabeth, wife )f Peter Moore, of Michigan ; Abraham, of Dakota ; W. J., of Dakota ; J. C., of Dakota ; Nancy, of Mercer County, Ohio; and Samuel Anderson, of this sketch.

Samuel A. Brown was but 15 months old when his parents brought him to Ohio, and he has given his adopted State good reasons to be proud of him. When but 18 years of age he eft borne to answer the call for defenders of his country, enlisting in September, 1861 in :company A, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He vas mustered in at Camp Lyon, where several months were spent in drilling and preparing or the dangers to come ; but about February is regiment was sent to Camp Dennison,

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thence by boat to Paducah, Kentucky, and with the whole brigade was sent to Pittsburg Landing. At the terrible battle of Shiloh, the young soldier had his first realization of real war, then quickly followed the seige of Corinth; then Vicksburg, after which the regiment was sent to Jackson, Mississippi. From there his regiment returned to Black River and thence to the rear of Vicksburg, where it remained until September, when it marched to Chattanooga and took part in the battle of Mission Ridge. The command to which Mr. Brown belonged was then sent to relieve Burnside and went on to Scottsboro, Alabama.

It was at this point that Mr. Brown, having completed his first enlistment, again entered the service of his country, contracting for three more years or until the close of the war. Again he took up the duties of a brave, cheerful, loyal soldier, marched with his companions through that memorable campaign which extended from Chattanooga to Atlanta. At Resaca he received a wound which placed him in a hospital at Louisville for a long period. He was then sent back to Camp Dennison, and it was not until his regiment had reached Raleigh that he was able to rejoin it and march to Washington to take part in the glorious review in that city. He was mustered out of the service July 22, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky.

After the close of his veteran service, Mr. Brown returned to Van Wert County and became engaged in farming and stock-raising in which he continued until about a year ago, when he removed to Ohio City. In the spring of 1867 he settled on 80 acres of land, situated in the virgin woods, not a stick of timber having been removed. His brother had purchased it for him with money he had saved while he was in the army. The first trees felled upon the property were those with which he built his cabin. After clearing all but 17 acres of the tract, he sold it and bought a farm of 240 acres in Van Wert County and 40 in Mercer County and cleared about 40 of this. He is considered one of the most substantial men of Liberty township.

In 1866 Mr. Brown was married to Maria Kesler, who is a daughter of John Kesler, who came to Van Wert County in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have nine children, namely : Lewis, a farmer of Liberty township; John W., at home; Rosa, wife of William M. Medaugh, of Willshire township; Della, wife of J. G. Medaugh, of Ohio City; Edith, at home; Nancy, wife of Russell Straw, of Pleasant township ; Susan, at home ; and Gaylord and Fernie, who are attending school.

Mr. Brown is a member of the Mount Zion United Brethren Church at Mount Zion. Although never a politician, he is identified with the Republican party. Mr. Brown has always been an active citizen, and at all times matters pertaining to the welfare of Liberty township have received his careful attention.

JOHN W. JOHN, who resides on a fine farm of 80 acres in section 9, Liberty township, is one of the, successful farmers of the township. He was born July 6, 1861 in Paulding County, Ohio, and is a son of John C. and Amy (Rollins) Keck.

John C. Keck was a native of Germany and when an infant was brought to America by his parents, Jacob Keck and wife. The family first settled in Crawford County, Ohio, and liter moved to Paulding County where Jacob Keck entered land.

John W. Keck was reared and educated in Paulding County, and lived with his par-

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ents, who were located 011 land that as has been stated, had been entered by Jacob Keck, his grandfather. When 30 years of age, our subject was married to Virginia Slane, a daughter of Thomas Slane, and they have one child—Hazel, born July 6, 1890. Mr. Keck moved to Van Wert County one year after his marriage and located near Venedocia, later moving to his present home purchased in February, 1898. Mr. Keck joined the United Brethren Church when he was 16 years old and was a member of that denomination until his removal to Liberty township, when he united with the Methodist Church, being at the present time a member of the North Liberty Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school.

GEORGE A. HEIST, one of the prominent citizens of Van Wert County, formerly a director of the County Infirmary, has lived in his comfortable residence at Middlepoint since 1905, but still retains 40 acres of fine farming land in Washington township. Mr. Heist was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1843, and is a son of Joseph G. and Mary (Aimon) Heist.

George Heist, the grandfather of George A. Heist, was born in Germany, and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania before his son Joseph G. was born. The latter married Mary Aimon who was also born in Pennsylvania, and they reared these children: Keller; Sarah ; George A.: David: Harriet and Mary (twins), the former of whom married Charles Childs and the latter, Edward Mottershead; and Josephine, who married Fred Stellwagon.

Until he was 22 years of age, Mr. Heist remained at his old home in Pennsylvania, where he obtained his education and became a first-class farmer. In order to see something of the world and to decide upon a place in which to make a permanent residence, Mr. Heist came to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County. In July, 1872, Mr. Heist came to Van Wert County. For 14 years he lived on a rented farm in Washington township, and subsequently bought a farm of 80 acres. For 15 years he also operated a portable sawmill. In 1905 he retired from active life and settled at Middlepoint, where he has many acquaintances and numerous warm friends.

Mr. Heist was married in Pickaway County, Ohio, to Maria Stout, on June 15, 1871. Mrs. Heist is a daughter of Benjamin and Juda (Bowers) Stout, old settlers of Pickaway County, but natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Heist have had these children: Burton, residing in Washington township, who married Lizzie McCullom, of Van Wert, and has two children—Gail Willard and Leona Georgia; Cora Edna, who died at the of six years; Alexander, who married Bertha Pollock, and has two children—Lola and Mildred; Minnie Myrtle, who married Harry Fling and has one child—Leila; Keller, who resides at Fort Wayne and works as a fireman in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad; Grover Cleveland, who married Laverne Cover and has one child—Marcile Viola ; and Clyde, who died in infancy.

Mr. Heist has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, and has been very active in the ranks of the Democratic party. Although the county is strongly Republican, he ,was elected county infirmary director, and served with efficiency for a term of three years. By the advice of his friends he became a candidate for reelection, and was defeated by but

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14 votes in the whole county. This speaks very favorably as to Mr. Heist's record as a public official. He also served several years as township trustee and for a long time was also president of the township school board.

DANIEL D. BAILEY, an enterprising and prosperous farmer residing in section 6, Jackson township, came to Van Wert County in 1882 and purchased the 80-acre farm upon which he still resides. He was born in the adjoining county of Allen on December 14, 1852, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Davis) Bailey. The father was a native of New Jersey, but was an early settler of Jackson township, Allen County, where he died some 15 years ago in his 83rd year.

Daniel D. Bailey engaged in farming in Allen County and later in Putnam County, finally coming to Van Wert. In addition to the homestead, he owns a farm of 40 acres in Washington township, Paulding County. On August 8, 1880, he was married to Eliza J. Harpster, a native of Monterey township, Putnam County, and a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Harpster. Mrs. Harpster is a lady who has passed the 79th milestone of life. and is spending her declining years in Delphos. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Bailey, four of whom survive—Charles D., Jennie P., Grace and James M.—all living at home with their parents. The family are members of Middle Creek Christian Church, of which Mr. Bailey has served as deacon and trustee. He is s. Republican in politics, and when a young man in Allen County was for a period of five years.a member of Company E, 11th Regiment Infantry, Ohio National Guard, part of the time being sergeant.

WILLIAM T. WISHER,* a well-known agriculturist and horse-breeder of Jackson township, is a leading citizen of this county, where he has resided for a period of 30 years. He is a son of James G. and Sarah A. (Evans) Wisher, natives of Ohio, who settled in Fairfield County at an early day. There our subject was born May 16, 1848, and there he was also reared and educated.

On January 9, 1861, William T. Wisher enlisted in Company H, 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the entire Civil war, not being discharged until July, 1865. At the time of his enlistment he had not yet reached his 13th year, and he enjoys the distinction of having been the youngest soldier in the ranks of the Union Army. He fought in a number of engagements—notable among them being the battles of Winchester and Fort Wagner his four and one-half years of service being filled with activity. He was but little past 17 years of age when he returned to Fairfield County, where he remained about 11 years and engaged in farming pursuits. In '876 he moved to Jackson township, Van Wert County, of which he has since been an esteemed resident. In 1888 he purchased his present farm of 40 acres in section 8, and, in addition to general farming, engaged in raising a standard breed of draft and road horses. During the '8 years which he has devoted to this,. work, he has established an excellent reputation as a horse breeder, his animals always commanding a good market.

On May 25, 1873, Mr. Wisher was mar-

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ried to Sarah A. Brenneman, daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, prominent citizens of Allen County, Ohio, where the ceremony was performed. The following children were born to this union, all but two of whom reside near the parental home in Jackson township : James G.; Fannie D., wife of W. M. Morrison; Charles E. and William W., of Allen County; Daisy M., wife of Frank Dunlap; Jennie, wife of David Dunlap; David H.; Elsie L. and Mary B., the last two residing at home. Mr. Wisher is a member of Zion Christian Union Church, of Jackson :township, and for a number of years was class leader.

C. L. SHAFFER,* who occupies a prominent position as an educator in Van Wert County, now serving his third term as superintendent of the schools of Ohio City, was born in Liberty township, this county, in August, 1874, and is a son of John and Martha (Ayers) Shaffer.

George Shaffer, his grandfather, was a native of Germany, and one of the earliest settlers in Van Wert County. After locating in this section of the State, he entered a large body of government land, where John Shaffer, our subject's father, was born and where he lived until his death in 1900. John Shaffer married Martha Ayers, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and they had a family of three sons and two daughters, viz.: John, who is with the Pullman Company at Chicago; Fred, who is foreman at the Solar oil refinery in Lima; C. L., of this sketch; Minnie, wife of Dr. A. C. Musgrove, of Ohio City; and Flossie, who resides at home.

C. L. Shaffer attended the schools of Liberty township and those of Ohio City, subsequently entering the scientific department ofthe Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he was graduated in 1901. Previously he had taught several terms of school in Liberty township, and afterward was placed in charge of the grammar schools at Scott, Ohio, later being made superintendent of the village schools. When he was called to take charge of the schools at Ohio City, he resigned his position at Scott, and since 1903 has been located here. His work speaks for itself in the added interest shown by the pupils and the higher standard of instruction which he has maintained. It is a position of much responsibility, and to successfully fill it requires a man of tact, education and culture. Mr. Shaffer has the hearty support of the best element in the city, and .has every reason to feel highly gratified at the results of his professional work.

In 1902 C. L. Shaffer was married to Myrtie Ann Koogle, who is a daughter of Oliver Koogle, one of the leading and prosperous farmers of Liberty township and an early settler in this section. Mrs. Shaffer died May 9, 1904. She was a graduate of the Ohio City High Schools, and a lady of culture and beautiful character. Fraternally Mr. Shaffer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Home Guards of America. He belongs to the Church of God at Ohio City and has official connection with this religious body.

DAVID O. DAVIS,* one of the most progressive young agriculturists of Washington township, resides on his finely improved farm of 175 acres located in section 31. He is the youngest son of David O. and Anna (Alben) Davis, and was born May 14, 1874, on the farm which he now owns and occupies.

802 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

David O. Davis, Sr., came to this country with his parents when eight years of age. In 1864, he and his wife moved from Jackson County, Ohio, to Van Wert County, where he purchased the farm which his son now owns. Here the father spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming, passing away in 1895. His widow still resides on the family homestead with her son.

David O. Davis, the subject of this sketch, has always lived in the locality where he was born, being educated in the schools of Washington township. He has never been married and is a member of the Horeb Welsh Calvanistic Church.

FRANK HOFFMANN,* one of the successful agriculturists of Washington township, residing on his farm of 60 acres located in section 11, was born near his present home August 15, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Mary Hoffmann.

Henry Hoffmann and wife were both natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to America in 1846 and were married in Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, afterward removing to Van Wert County. Mr. Hoffmann worked on the Miami and Erie Canal; then bought 40 acres of land and settled in Washington township. He continued to purchase more land, and at the time of his death in 1867, was the owner of about 200 acres of land. Mrs. Hoffmann died in 1890, leaving three children—Mathias, who lives in Arkansas ; and David and Frank, both residents of Washington township.Frank Hoffmann, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Washington township, and has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits. His farm of 60 acreswas given him by his father and is in excellent condition; in 1896 he erected his present residence, which is a large brick house of six rooms. On October 9, 1873, Mr. Hoffmann was married to Mary Friemoth, a daughter of John Conrad and Gertrude Friemoth, both natives of Germany. They have no children. Religiously they are Catholics, being members of the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos. Mr. Hoffmann is a member of St. Joseph's Society.

THEODORE WROCKLAGE, JR.,* a son of one of the original settlers at Delphos, and a nephew of the town's founder, was born January 28, 1854, in Delphos, Ohio, in the house which is still his home. His father, Theodore Wrocklage, was born in Prussia, Germany, and was a son of Christian Mathias and Mary Elizabeth (Gerdeman) Wrocklage, both natives of Germany, who died at Delphos, Ohio, in 1846, one year after their arrival in this country. Of their two children, Mary Elizabeth was born August 28, 1819, in Germany, and came to America with her brother Theodore when she was 17 years of age. She was married in February, 1836, to Ferdinand Bredeick, who later became the founder of the town of Delphos. Theodore Wrocklage came to America in 1836 and in 1841 located on the Auglaize River in Putnam County, Ohio, with his brother-in-law, Ferdinand Bredeick, and the latter's family. When the present route of the Miami and Erie Canal was decided upon, the Bredeick family and Theodore Wrocklage located on the present site of Delphos in 1842. In 1845 in partnership with Bernard Esch, he established a potash and pearl-ash factory, which firm was later succeeded by that of Wrocklage & Stall-

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kamp. Esch & Wrocklage also conducted one of the first general stores in the village. Thereafter until his death Theodore Wrocklage was very prominently identified with the affairs of the town. In 1846 he entered land in section 31, Marion township, Allen County, Ohio. He was one of the incorporators of the Ohio Wheel Company, founded at Toledo in 1868 and incorporated October 20, 1871, the works being removed to Delphos the following year. In 1872 he assisted in the organization of the Union Flouring Mill Company, which later became the Eagle Mills. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Delphos, incorporated February 16, 1863. Twenty years later the bank was reorganized as the Delphos National Bank, with Mr. Wrocklage as its president. He was also one of the first board of directors of the Fidelity Fire Insurance Company of Delphos, which was organized in August, 1875. He was elected councilman of the village at the election in 1851 that followed the incorporation of the village on February 7th of that year. For many years thereafter he served as councilman although not continuously.

After leaving school Theodore Wrocklage, Jr., at once engaged in business at Delphos, associating himself with the lines of trade and manufacture with which his father was intimately connected. The Wrocklage interests, including those of Theodore Wrocklage, Jr., and the Wrocklage estate, are principally located in Allen County and are of large importance.

On January 10, 1900, Mr. Wrocklage was married to Rose Fetzer, a daughter of Jacob and Louise (Kelbley) Fetzer, of Seneca County, Ohio. To this union was born a child, Theodore, July 12, 1904. Mr. Wrocklage has visited quite a few sections of the United States and has also made one trip to Europe.