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1094 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO He built a plank house on his original purchase and in 1891, replaced it by a substantial and pleasant frame residence. He is now actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. In politics he is a Republican, and for many years served as school director and supervisor, discharging his duties in a most capable and satisfactory manner. MILES MONTGOMERY, was born April 15, 1844, in Portage township. Hancock Co., Ohio. His father, George was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and with his grandfather removed to Hancock county, where he was reared on a farm. He there wedded Mary Chase, a native of New York, and after her death married Dorothy Culp, by whom he had three children Angeline, of Hancock county; Rachel, wife of Samuel Snively, of Nebraska; and Henry Wellington, a postal clerk, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. The parents of our subject had the following named children: Miles; Jane; wife of Martin Ensley, of Hancock county; Ben S., an oil man of Findlay, Ohio; Mrs. Elsie M. Archer, of Hancock county; David: a farmer of Hancock county: Susan Irene. wife of William Hicks, of Indiana; Mary S. wife of Henry Ferrall; Martha S., twin sister of Mary the wife of Philip Baucher, of Indiana: and George C., a farmer of Hancock county. The father who was born October 11, 1823, died October 5, 1895. His grandfather, Michael Helmica, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The mother, who was born April 30, 1826; died November 30, 1861. Mr. Montgomery of this review, was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools. At the age of fifteen he began work in a gristmill, where he was employed for two years. On March 16, 1862, at Lima, Ohio. He enlisted in Company H, 57th O V. I and going to the front participated in all the engagements from Lookout Mountain to the coast. At Atlanta he was captured, but escaped almost immediately thereafter, and was twice captured on the march to the sea. He was twice slightly wounded, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock Ark., July 8, 1865 For a year after his return. Mr. Montgomery follower farming, and then began work in a sawmill, at which business he was connected until 1891 when he was forced to abandon that work on account of health. He operated a mill in Liberty township, Wood county for twenty-four when it was destroyed by fire. He then removed to Stewartville, Hancock county, and in July, 1885, he took up his residence in Denver, Ohio. Two years later he established a grocery store in Denver, which he has since conducted, and now has a good business and comfortable home. In Hancock county, September 29, 1865, Mr. Montgomery married Arabel Jane Culp, who was born September 2, 1828, in McCombs, Hancock county, one of the two children of Samuel and Susan Jane (Todd) Culp. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have four children - Amanda E. wife of Grant Smith, of North Baltimore, Mary J., wife of W. H. Cook; Nellie V., wife of W. H. Ingram; and Bertie Arthur. In politics, Mr. Montgomery is an unfaltering Republican, has served as school director for six years. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army Post at North Baltimore. JAMES CARR. an agriculturist and owner of several oil wells in Bowling Green, is a native of father, was born in county January 27, 1800, and was married to Miss Mary Ingmund, who was born in Virginia, in 1803. They were married in Ashland county when twenty-eight and twenty-five years old respectively. He accepted religion at the age of seventeen, and bought a small Bible at than time, which is still in the possession of our subject. He joined the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ashland county and came to Wood county in April, 1848, settling on the Sand road in Plain township. What is now know as Carr's Church was named after him. He was one of the chief contributors to the Church, and his was the first funeral to take place in it. During his life he attended conference, and helped to preach in the circuit that included Bowling Green and Grand Rapids. He ceased preaching during the latter part of his life, as his health would not permit him to do so. He was a man of extensive learning, and a great reader, and was well known among his friends as a man with an earnest, conscientious purpose in life. He died in Wood county December 10, 1873 his wife followed him to their last resting place ten years later. To this couple nine children: were born namely: Edmund, who died in 1893; who served in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, now resides in Bowling Green; Thomas, who also was in the Civil war on the Union side, and now lives at Portage, Ohio, John was in the army, and is now deceased; James is our subject; Marie, who is the wife of Henry Thomas, lives in Dakota with her husband, Charlotte is deceased - she was WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1095 the wife of George Parsons, who was auditor of Wood county, and died while holding that office; Margaret is the wife of Andiel Whitehead, of Lucas county; and Mary is the wife of Richard Conklin, of Lucas county. Luke Ingmond, the maternal grandfather came from Virginia and settled in Ashland county, where he died at the age of ninety-two. At the age of eithty he was strong and hearty and could do many athletic feats. The subject of this sketch was an infant when his parents came to this county and he was educated in the common schools. He was married August 10, 1868, to Eliza who was born in England January 17, 1848, and is the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Limerick) Goodenough, who is mentioned the biography of Henry Goodenough this volume. Mr. Carr, and his wife are the parents of four children: Edmund, born October 10, 1871 (he married Miss Hattie Fox, who was born in Wood county February 20, 1879, and they have one Child, Dwight Cook); Dwight Cook, born October 23, 1873, died December 10, 1877; Joshua, born January 8, 1876, lives at home; and Emma, born July 4, 1882, also lives at home. Mr. Carr settled in Plain township after his marriage, and proceeded in a methodical manner to follow agricultural pursuits He bought his farm, seventy-five acres in 1889, which is in the oil belt and he leases the oil rights and gets a bonus and interest in the wells. So far they have returned him over $2,000. Mr. Carr is a Prohibitionist, belongs to the Disciples Church and is one of the moat respected men of his township, SAMUEL PRUDEN is one of the worthy citizens that England has furnished to Wood county. He was born in Cambridgeshire, May 11, 1825, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Carter) Pruden whose family numbered four children, Samuel being the youngest. He attended, the public schools until nine years of age and then worked on his father's farm until the ape of sixteen, when he began work as a farm hand at three pounds per year. At the age of nineteen he was made overseer of the farm in which capacity he served for two years, and during that time saved enough money to bring him to America. In 1852 Mr. Pruden crossed the Atlantic and took, up his residence in Monroeville. Huron County, Ohio, where he remained for fourteen being employed in the capacity of farm He then came to Wood county, and purchased 160 acres of land in land in Middleton township and twelve years later added forty acres to this. He has cleared and improved the entire amount and good buildings now stand in the midst of well-tilled fields, which the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and has diligence and resolute purpose. In 1849, in England, Mr. Pruden married Margaret Whaley, widow of William Sopp. To them; were born the following named children: William, a farmer of Van Wert county, Ohio; Thomas, an agriculturist of Middleton township; Mary A. wife of Daniel Thompson; John a farmer of Van Wert county; Sarah wife of William Diviet, a farmer Perrysburg township; Jane, wife of Henry Lloyd of Perrysburg: David who operates the homestead; Jane, Robert and Alvia, all of whom died in childhood. Mr. Pruden holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political faith Episcopal Church, and in his political faith is a Democrat. He is well known throughout the county, and held in high regard by all who know him. His is as words as good as his bond, and he is an upright man, who is all life's relations has merited the confidence universally given him. J. H. LINDOWER, Portage township, is a native of Ohio, born March 28, 1839, in Hancock county son of John and Annie (Bowers) Lindower. The father, of our subject entered; the army when the latter was a mere child and he does not remember him. Mrs. Lindower married, for her second husband, Jacob Esterly, and they roved to Wood county when J. H., was only six years old, settling on the farm in Section 23, Portage township, which now owns and occupies. Mr. Lindower received his education in the district schools, but he was always fond of agriculture, and cared more for his farm than for his books books. He has always made his home on his present farm (excepting for a year and a half, during which time he worked the place, but lived elsewhere), which consists of eighty acres of good land, in a fine state of cultivation, well improved with buildings etc. On August 8, 1880, he was in Portage township, to Miss Ida E. Kelsey, a native of New York; and they are the parents of six children, viz.; Edna born July 22, 1881; Ella, born December 21, 1883, died in 1893; Nettie, born July 12, 1896; Katie, born July 3, 1887; died July 12, 1896; Henry, born August 7, 1889; Winona Belle, born November 21, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Lindower are members 1096 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. of the German Baptist Church. In political affiliation he is a Republican, and he has served as supervisor of his township; but he is not an office attending strictly to his private affairs, which he has managed with great care. He is everywhere respected for his straightforwardness and and honesty, and his "word is as good as his bond." BENJAMIN F. SIMONS, one of West Millgrove's leading citizens and merchants, was born near Arcadia, Hancock Co., Ohio, March 15, 1846, and is a son of William and Mary (Bair) Simons. Our subject was reared beneath the parental roof, on a farm, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood, in which he acquired his education. He was early initiated into the mysteries of hard work attendant upon a life devoted to agriculture, and remained upon the farm until his enlistment in the Union service during the Rebellion. On May 16, 1863, he became a member of Company C, 86th O. V. I., with which he served eight months, and on March 19, 1864, joined Company E, 49th O.V.I. On May 27, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of the Pickett's Mills, where his brother, Lieut. Silas Simons, was killed and for three months was confined to hospital. At Chattanooga he rejoined the regiment; but November 25, 1864, at the battle of Columbia, Tenn., he received a gun-shot wound in the left thigh, so that on the 3d of June following, he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. On returning home Mr. Simons worked for his father for awhile, after which he went to Fostoria, Ohio, being employed by C. Johnson, a lumber dealer. Later the farmed one year, and then engaged work as a teamster on the construction, of a railroad. He was also employed on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad when it was being built near Bloomdale, Ohio The first property he owned was twenty-four acres of the home farm in Seneca county, on which he built a log house, and began the operation of the land. Later he traded this for property in Risingsun, Ohio, which he afterward disposed of. becoming owner of real estate in West Millgrove. There he opened a small store, his stock consisting of drugs and groceries: but from that beginning has grown his present business, and he now enjoys a liberal patronage. His goods are first-class in every particular, and, by his courteous treatment of customers, well merits a fine trade. At Fostoria, Ohio, in 1805. Mr. Simmons was united in marriage with Miss. Mary Vosburg, a natives of Montgomery township, Wood county, and a daughter of Theodore Vosburg. In politics our subject is a steadfast Republican; while a resident of Seneca county he served as constable of his township, which office he also filled for over six years in Perry township, and has been corporation treasurer and marshal of West Millgrove. He is a charter member of Conley Post, G. A. R. of the latter place. In disposition he is genial and social, is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, and a business man of more than ordinary ability. He is a lover of horses, and has owned some very fine, well-bred animals. JACOB MILLER, a farmer of good standing in Lake township, successful as a tiller of the soil, and one who has been prominently identified with local affairs; is the proprietor of a good farm in Section; 1. He was also one of the valiant defenders of the Union during the Civil War. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, in February, 1825; where his parents, Michael and Louisa (Burkler) Miller, were also born, lived and died, the former passing away in 1837, and the latter in 1844. In their family of seven children, two became residents of Ohio - George, who located in Sandusky county, and died there in 1894; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Miller was reared in Baden, where he received excellent school privileges, also for two years attending a seminary at Carlsruhe, and after completing his education he taught in his native land until 1849, when the revolution broke out, and he served in the army of revolutionists for a time. In the fall of that year, however, he went to Switzerland, and the same year embarked on a sailing vessel at Havre, France, for the United States, which he reached after a voyage of eight weeks. On landing at New York, he went direct to Philadelphia, whence he proceeded to Pittsburg, Penn., where he was employed for a time in a brewery. It was in 1851, that Mr. Miller came to the Buckeye State, first locating In Fremont, Sandusky county, where he remained until 1856, when he went to Toledo, and was there for a year. He then resided in Lucas county until . January 1, 1861, when he erected a house upon his farm in Lake township, this county, where two years previous years he had purchased eight acres of timber land, and has since made that place his home, devoting his time to its care and cultivation, with the exception of when he was in the Union army. At Toledo, he enlisted February 21, 1865, in Company B, 189th O.V.I., for one year, or WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1097 until the close of the war, and was mustered into service at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was stationed at Huntsville, Ala., and later at Bellefonte, where he did garrison duty until the close of hostilities when he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., September 25, 1865, after which he returned home. Mr. Miller was single on coming to Ohio, but in Sandusky county, in 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Korbler, a native of Fredericktown, Md., daughter of George and Catharine Korbler, who was born in Darmstadt, Germany, but removed to Maryland as early as 1823. Coming to Ohio, they located first in Seneca county, and in the early '40s became residents of Sandusky county, where the father died in 1863, and the wife in 1891. Mr. Miller has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the home farm in October, 1892. They were the parents of four children: (1) Franklin married Laura Scott, by whom he has three children - Eva, Harry and Clarence. He makes his home in Findlay, Ohio and is lineman on the T. O. & C. railroad. (2) Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Ottawa county, has three children - Stella, Charley and Milton, (3) Tena is the wife of George Ayres, of Toledo, and they have two children - Raymond and Edith. (4) Albert was married April, 1892, to Miss Maud Siglar, a native of Genoa, Ottawa county, and a daughter of Charles M. and Mary (Cheney) Siglar, the former born in Geneva, N. Y. and the latter in Macedonia, Ohio. At Genoa, this State, her father enlisted, in 1863, in the 14th O. V. I. under Gen. Sherman and served until the close of the war, and he had previously been a member of a New York regiment before his removal to the Buckeye State. He still makes his home at Genoa. In politics, Mr. Miller is identified with the Democratic party and for two-terms served as trustee of Lake township, while, socially, he is a member of George Douglas Post, G. A. R., at Millbury. He has identified himself with the welfare of the county since his arrival here, and has made many friends among the intelligent and hospitable people of Lake township. REV MICHAEL GEORGE VOLLMAYER is the esteemed pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church at Custar. He was born March 19, 1857, in Toledo, Ohio, son of Michael sons of Michael Vollmayer, a native of Germany, who on coming to America, in 1846, took up his residence in Cleveland, Ohio, whence in the following year, he removed to Toledo. He died on his farm, near that city in 1857. There his widow resided until 1889, and then removed into the city, where her death occurred in 1893. They had four children - John a merchant of Toledo, Mary, now Mrs. Glaockstein, of Baltimore, Md., George, notary public, and ticket agent for the foreign agency at Toledo, and Michael George, the subject of this review. The last named attended the German Catholic parochial and high schools of St. Mary's at Toledo, until sixteen years of age. Soon after he was engaged as clerk in the German Savings Bank at Toledo, and, in 1874, entered the Jesuit College, at Buffalo, N. Y. He pursued a five years classical course, as a preparation for the seminary course. His eyesight failing, he went to Baltimore for treatment. As soon as possible he re-entered college, and on the completion of his classical course entered the seminary in Cleveland, where he remained four years. He was ordained to the priesthood in July, 1885, and coming to Custar, assumed charge of St. Louis' Catholic Church. The home of worship was then a small frame structure, but through his instrumentality, a large brick church in Gothic style has been elected. He is a man of scholarly attainments, and enjoys the respect. not only of his parishioners, but also of the people of other denominations. WILLIAM HUFF - Quite a number of the leading and prominent citizens of Wood county are of alien birth and have transported to this land of fertility and plenty the thrifty habits of their native country. Among these there is no one better known or more widely respected than the gentleman whose name here appears. In England, beneath the roof of his parents, William and Ann (Hardy) Huff, who were natives of Lincolnshire, our subject: was born in 1833, one of a family of six children, namely : Mrs. Mary Alexander, who died at Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1853; Stephen, now a resident of Van Wert county, Ohio, who, during tie Civil War enlisted in Allen county Ohio, in the First Ohio Squadron and served three years in the Union army; Jane, a resident of Missouri; Mrs Ann Mills, of Perrysburg; William, subject of this review; and Mrs Hannah Liverton, of Bowling Green, Ohio. In 1837 the family came to America, first locating of Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1840, when they removed ,to Plain township, Wood county. There the mother died in 1866, after which the father married a Mrs. Clark. He was born in 1829, and died in 1877. 1098 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Our subject was about six years of age when he arrived in Wood county, and in Plain township he ws reared and educated. In 1862, he first located upon a farm in Lake township, which he continued to cultivate and improve until in August, 1862, he enlisted at Millbury, Ohio, in Company K, 111th O. V. I. At Toledo he was mustered in and assigned to the Western Armym with which he participated in the following engagements. Huff’s Ferry, Campbell;s Station, siege of Knoxville, Dalton, Smoke Creek Gap, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Pumpkin Vine Creek, and Kenesaw Mountain. On becoming ill, he was sent to the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., and , later, was placed on the Invalid Corps at Washington D. C., where he received an honorable discharge, June 26, 1865, after three years of arduous and faithful service. Returning to Wood county, he engaged in farming in Perrysburg township until 1880, when he removed to the farm in Lake township, which he now carries on. In 1859, in Perrysburg township, he married Miss Isabel Simons, a native of that township, and a daughter of Pearl and Cassina (McCarty) Simons. Her father was born in Connecticut, but at a very early day became a resident of Perrysburg township, where he was married in 1833, to Miss McCarty, a native of New York and to them were born children as follows: Mrs. Delia Cook; of Perrysburg; Arabel and Oscar who both died in childhood; Mrs. Huff; Byron who died while young; Lewis, who died at the age of thirty-five years; Celia, who died in childhood; and Frank, a resident of Lake township. By trade the father was a cooper, which occupation he followed in Perrysburg, where his death occurred in 1884, and his wife died three months later. He had served as county recorder one term. To Mr. and Mrs. William Huff were born eleven children, three of whom are no deceased, viz. Delia, who became the wife of Charles Pinniger, and died December 17, 1889; Ella, who was the wife of William Taylor, and died December 29, 1893, and Jennie, who died January 3, 1864. Those living are: Maggie and Mary (twins), the former being now the wife of Oscar Nicodemus, and the latter Mrs. Richard Fralic, of Perrysburg; Ernest, a resided of Cummings, Ohio; and Carrie, Charles, Grace, Mabel and Robert, all at home. Mr. Huff is a prominent member of George Douglas Post 183 G. A. R. Of Millbury, in which he has served as officer of the day and his wife belongs to the Woman’s Relief Corps. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the representative men of the county, and a credit to the land that gave him birth. JOSHUA H. DICKEY, deceased, was one of the brave volunteers who so gallently fought for the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion. He was a native of Ohio, born in Liberty township, Seneca County, December 28, 1838, and was a son of David and Anna (Luman) Dicken. The father was born at Bean’s Cove, Bedford Co., Penn., and was a son of Jonathan Dicken. When their eldest daughter, Sarah, was but an infant, the parents removed to Seneca county, when Tiffin was a small hamlet, containing only a few rude buildings. They were numbered among the earliest settlers, of Liberty township, and experienced all the trails and hardships of pioneer life, but succeeded in making a home of their wild-timbered tract. There the father died at the age of sixty-two; the mother survived him about two years and a half. In their family were the following children: Sarah, widow of Amos Overmyer, residing in Toledo, Ohio; John, who makes his home near Tiffin; Nancy now Mrs. Jacob Martin, of Jackson township, Seneca county; Joshua H.’ Jesse, of Fostoria, Ohio; Isaac, who died in Louisville, Ky., November 8, 1861, having enlisted September 3, of that year, in Company K, 49th O. V. I. ; and was buried in the citizen’s cemetery there; Henry, who in September 1863, became a member of the 9th Ohio Cav., and died in Nashville, Tenn.; Albert, who died in Liberty township, Seneca county, at the age of nineteen years; Egbert, of Kansas Station, Sprout county Seneca county and Geletta, now Mrs. George Sanders, of Fostoria. The opportunities of Joshua H. Dicken for securing an education were limited, and hardly had the echoes of Fort Sumter’s guns died away when on the first call for 75,000 volunteers, he enlisted in Company I, 21st O. V . I. For three months service. He re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company K, 49th O. V. I. After fourteen months of active service he was discharged November 17, 1862, on account of disability. In September, 1864 however he again joined the Union forces as a member of the 164th regiment, and served until the close of the war. Although never wounded, he contracted a disease from which he never recovered. In Jackson township, Seneca county, July 5, 1863. Mr. Dicken wedded Miss Sarah Elder, who was born December 3, 1840, near Centerville, Bedford Co., Penn., daughter of Achor and Eliza (Cessna) Elder, the former a native of Cumber- WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1099 land Valley, Bedford county. The mother was a daughter of William Cessna, who died in Bedford county in 1828. In 1854 the parents moved from Pennsylvania to Mahoning county, Ohio, where the father died April 29, 1855, the mother later became the wife of Emanuel Ash, of Seneca county, whither she had removed in 1859. Since Mr Ash's death she has made her home with Mrs. Dicken, in Bloomdale. On his return from the war, Mr. Dicken bought a farm in Jackson township, Seneca county, and there made his home until 1870, when he brought his wife to Bloom township, Wood county, locating in Section 13. There he passed away November 5, 1874 and was laid to rest at the old homestead with his parents in Liberty township, Seneca county. At his death he left a good farmof eighty acres, on which his widow resided until the spring of 1893, when she came to Bloomdale, and, she now has a pleasant home on Harrison street, where she delights to entertain her many friends. She still owns the farm, which is rented. She is an earnest Christian woman, holding membership with the Disciples Church. Mr. Dicken was known by all as one of the most social men in his neighborhood, his hearty laugh being often heard, and he was held in the highest regard by, a large circle of friends and acquaintances, In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. and his loyalty to this country was manifested in times of peace as well as when he followed the old flag on Southern battlefields. GEORGE TYRRELL, a well-known resident of Bowling Green. was born in Berkshire, England. June 16, 1847. His father, John Tyrrell, was born in the same place, and is still living, at the age of ninety. He married Ann Andrews, a native of Oxfordshire, England, who died May 20, 1891, aged eighty-three. They were members of the Church of England, in which the father was for many years clerk of his parish. He was a butcher by occupation. They had ten children: John, born in 1832, died at Steventon, Berkshire, January 29, 1880; Catherine went to Africa as a missionary, and married there (our subject has never seen her, as she left home before his birth); Elizabeth (deceased), married Charles Day, of London, England. Henry Sarah and Anna (now Mrs. Isaac Gedding), all living in England. Charlotte married Edwin Farmer, superintendent of the Wood County Infirmary. Joseph T. is a resident of Sterling, Rice Co., Kans, Geprge, our subject, comes next. James resides in England, Our subject worked at various occupations in England during his youth. On April 17, 1869, he left his native land, arriving at New York thirteen days later came on to Wood has remained here since working as a laborer in woods and elsewhere. He was married December 23, 1875, to Miss Mary Catherine Bailey, who was born in Devonshire, England, March 7, 1849, the daughter of John and Mary Catharine Bailey, both natives of the same county. Her father was born in 1819, and died August 3, 1889; her mother was born January 26, 1820, and died April 11, 1881. They were married in England, and came to America landing at New York September 29, 1853, having spent two months on the voyage. They bought a farm in Lake township, Wood county, in the same year, and resided there the rest of their lives. In England they had been connected with the Established Church, but after coming here they joined the Evangelical Church. Their family comprised children as follows: William born December 8, 1843, was postmaster at Millbury; John, March 28, 1846, lives in Michigan; Richard, August 28, 1847, died at the age eighteen: Mary C. (Mrs. Tyrrell),. comes next; Philippa Ann, November 5, 1850 (now deceased), was the wife of James Pinegar, of Millbury; Albert April 25, 1853, lives in Bowling Green: Elizabeth Jane, January 4, 1861, married Albert Heymon; Edward Edwin, August 7, 1857, is a drayman at Bowling Green; Ellen, October 18, 1862, married William Durant, of Monroeville; and Sherman T., February 28, 1865, is a veterinary surgeon at Bowling Green, Mr and Mrs. Tyrrell have five children, whose names with dates of birth, are as follows: John CLay, August 31, 1877: Catherine Ann, June 28, 1879; Grace Bernice, August 31, 1881; Ernest Albert, May 24, 1883; Elizabeth Frances, August 6, 1884, deceased in infancy; and Lloyd Edwin, born June 29, 1886. ALBERT NEWTON PETTEYS, Among the prominent farmers of Washington township, few
names are better know than that of the subject of this sketch who, was born on his father's farm, in and then removed to Tontogany. He was crippled by an elder snag penetrating his foot, where it remained for over thirteen years. After attending school in Tontogany: he could have secured a teacher's certificate, but he preferred to follow agricultural pursuits rather than teaching. 0n the 22d of September, 1886, Mr. Petteys 1100 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Burditt, a daughter of Greenbury and a sister of Andrew Burditt. Four children have come to bless this union: Albert Lee, who was born August 20, 1888, and died June 9, 1889; David Newton, who was born July 8, 1890, Charles Edward who was born November 25, 1892, and Margaret Belle, who was born May 9, 1895. In 1887 Mr. Petteys purchased his present farm of forty acres of partially-improved land which he has since further developed, adding greatly to its value by tiling and ditching, and now has a highly cultivated tract, which yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he expends upon it. His religious belief is in accordance with the United Brethren Church. and he now belongs to Washington Chapel. WILLIAM MARTIN one of the most prominent agriculturists in Wood county, whose fine farm is situated in Weston township, is a native of that township, his birth having taken place March 24, 1847. The Martin family is of Irish and German ancestry, ancestry, and the predominating traits of these nations are to be seen in the thrift, perseverance and enterprise of the descendants. The great -grandfather of our subject, William Martin was born in Ireland, in 154, and was married August 12, 1782, to Hannah Chapman, who was born June 30, 1765, Nine children were born of this union, namely, William, Nathan, Janette, David, Agnes, Samuel, John C., James T. and Matthew. The father of this family was a furniture manufacturer and came at a very early day to the United States, settling first in Pennsylvania. His eldest son William, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, August 8, 1783. On September 26, 1805, he was married Jane Taylor, and to them were born two children - James T. and Loucindia. In 1814 he came to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there followed his trade of cabinet maker until 1832, when he removed to Wood county, and took up 160 acres of land, the same composing a portion of the farm on which our subject now resides. On the death of his wife, which occurred two years after his arrival in Wood county he returned to Fairfield county, and remained there for two years then again came to Wood county, where he lived with his son until his death in 1861, at the age of seventy eight years. Mr. Martin was justice of the peace in Weston township for sixteen years, and married most of the pioneers in that section;— in all over hundred and sixty couples. James T. Martin, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, March 17, 1808 He came to Ohio in 1814, with his parents, settling in Fairfield county, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After the removal of the family to Weston township he took up eighty acres of land and improved it, at the same time working on the 160 acres owned by his father. He was also the principal undertaker in his section of the country. He was married January 1, 1834, to Miss Matilda Smith by whom he had the following children: Elinor, born August 2, 1836, died while young, Robert A. born February 8, 1838, died in infancy; Jane, born January 9, 1840, died September 22, 1868; Elizabeth, born October 14, 1841 married E. C. Whitney, a farmer, and lives in Nebraska; Harriet, born, April 22, 1844, is the wife of L. S. Pugh, of Henry county, Ohio; William, born March 24, 1847, is the subject of this sketch; James T., born March 28, 1849, died in childhood and John L., born September 19, 1854, also died in youth. The mother died September 21, 1868, the father and Jane on the next day, all of typhus fever and, on September 25, 1868, they were all buried in the Beaver Creek cemetery, William Martin obtained a fair education in the district school of his locality, which he attended three months in the year; the remainder of the time being given to farm duties. When he arrived at manhood he took up farming on his father's farm, and has been very successful in his enterprises. He owns 225 acres of some of the finest land in Wood county, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and on which he has placed some twenty miles of tiling. In 1883 he erected a handsome brick dwelling, one of the best in the township, at a cost of $3,000, and in 1895 he built a commodious barn which cost him $2,000 and in which he has four silo bins. In addition to general farming he is quite an extensive stockraiser, breeding fine registered Aberdeen and Jersey cattle, and some good draft horses. He is also interested in the Weston creamery. As may be inferred from the above facts Mr. Martin is a progressive, wide-awake farmer, a man who undertakes his business, and gives it the time and attention necessary to success. He stands well in his community and is deserving of the esteem and respect which is accorded him. In politics he is a Republican, and a school director and also clerk of the board. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Home and Foreign Missionary Society, the Aid Society and the Daughters of Rebekah, Lodge No. 303. Mr. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 1101 Martin belongs to the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 681, and also to Columbia Encampment. The marriage of our subject took place March 19, 1872, when he was united to Miss Lucretia J., daughter of John Pugh, a prominent farmer of Weston township, now deceased. Four children have blessed this union, namely Guy T., born March 17, 1878, is assisting his father upon the farm; Glen J., born December 13, 1885; Ruby C. born April 13, 1890, and Ruth E. March 18, 1894. A curious coincidence in connection with these births is the fact that all occurred on the Sabbath day, and that the eldest occurred on the Sabbath day and that the eldest occurred on his grandfather's birthday. VINCENT FISHER, engaged in the clover-seed and wool businesses in Bloomdale, is one of the prominent and representative business men of Wood county. He was born in Cass township, Hancock Co., Ohio, July 19, 1845, and is a son of John and Catherine (Dunlap) Fisher. The father was a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and, as he was but three years old at the time of the time of his father's death, he was reared by others. He was married in his native State, and, on coming to Ohio, located; first in Ashland county, where he remained a couple of years and then went to Washington township, Hancock county. There he remained a short time, when he went to Cass township. The land was all new, Indians still visited the neighborhood, and his first home was a rude log cabin. The children of the family were as follows: Samuel, born in Pennsylvania, died in Cass township, Hancock county:, Mary Ann, also born in the Keystone State, married David Manning, and died in Washington township, Hancock county: Catherine, who became the wife of Joseph Smart, died in Fostoria, Ohio Abraham broke his leg in a threshing machine, after which he took typhoid fever, and passed away in Cass township. Hancock county; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Edson Foster, a florist of Findlay, Ohio; James resides in Allen township. Hancock county; Vincent, our subject, is next in order of birth: Joseph lives in Putnam county, Ohio; Jackson makes his horse in Findlay and Alice died from injuries sustained by being thrown from a buggy. The father's death occurred in Cass township, in May, 1865, at the age of fifty-six years, while at the same place his wife died five years later, and both were laid to rest in Fostoria cemetery. Being the oldest son at home at the time his father's death, Vincent Fisher assumed charge of the farm, though but eighteen years of age and operated the same for two years. In Bloom township, Wood county, on Christmas Day of 1866, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Prudence Louisa, a daughter of Thomas Loman. He then rented a house in Cass township while he worked as a laboring man, but in 1868, he leased his father-in-law's farm, which he conducted for two years when he purchased eighty acres of timber land in Bloom township there erecting a log house, 18 x 28 feet, and began the improvement of his place. In 1874, however, he returned to Hancock county, where he rented land for a year, and then, in partnership with his brother James, embarked in the clothing business in Columbus Grove, but, at the end of a year, removed the business to Arcadia, Ohio. Later he conducted that enterprise alone for two years, after which he sold out at a great loss. On first coming to Bloomfield, in 1878, Mr. Fisher worked in the lumber yard of Bryant & Linhart - first as fireman, then head sawyer, and later as foreman; but, at the end of two years, he purchased, eighty acres of land in Section 26, Bloom township, forty-five of which had been improved. His means were such, however, that however, that he had to go in, debt $2,200 for his place. He continued the improvement and cultivation of his cultivation of his place until the spring of 1891, when he again came to Bloomdale, and now rents his land. For two years he engaged in the sale of farm implements, but is now extensively interested in buying and selling clover and wool, at the Bloomdale elevators, in which he has been very successful. For about fifteen years, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, he also operated a threshing machine, his first experience in that line dating back to the days of crude machinery, while his father was first to introduce a separator into the northern part of Hancock county, and the southern part of Wood county. Two children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, namely: Cora, now Mrs. William W. Wineland of Bloom township; and Addie, now Mrs. Ned Rosendale, of the same township. The father has ever taken a prominent part in the promotion of every enterprise for the welfare of his town and county, and was one of the party of citizens who helped to secure the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. By contribution of labor, in putting in the railroad switch. He is an earnest worker in the Democratic party, though no office seeker, and was five years Democratic township committeeman. He served an unexpired term both as marshal and alderman of Bloomdale, being chairman of the gas committee when the Northwestern Gas Company undertook 1102 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. to charge exorbitant prices for gas, and other companies were secured to start a competing line, which would save Bloomdale citizens many thousands of dollars. He is a stockholder; director of the Northeastern Fair Association of Fostoria, Ohio, and director in the Bllomdale Citizens Gas Company; socially, he is a member of Bloomdale Lodge No 406, I. O. O. F., while his wife has held membership with the Methodist Espiscopal Church since the age of fourteen years. They have many friends throughout the community, and justly deserve the high regard in which they are held. Although starting out with meager advantages, Mr. Fisher has by his own labor and good management, as well as by skillful, but fair manipulation, gathered a comfortable competence. DANIEL STOCKER, deceased. The subject of this sketch, formerly a prominent real-estate holder in Wood and Holmes counties, Ohio, was born February 1, 1839, in Oxford township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, the son of John and Elizabeth Stocker. He attended school in his native place until the death of his father, when he engaged in agriculture in Holmes county, renting a farm for a time. In 1883, he came to Wood county and bought a tract of land lying on the boundary between Weston and Grand Rapids townships, being the W ½ of the S. W,1/4 of Sec. 31, Weston township, upon which he made some improvements. He returned to Holmes county, however and carried on his business there until his death which occurred March 28, 1889. A man of sound judgment and fine abilities, he enjoyed the esteem and friendship of all who knew him well. He was a prominent member of the Disciples Church, and took an interest in all religious movements. Politically he was a Democrat, but held broad views on all leading questions of the day. On December 31, 1854, he was married to Miss Elmira Willhouer, who was born October 9, 1835, at Port Washington, Ohio, the daughter of Johnnes Willhouer. To this union were born nine children as follows: (1) Christian F., born December 7, 1853; was married on December 10, 1887, to Miss Lettie Watson, and has two children: Bessie and Hazel. (2) James W., born May 30, 1857, was married on March 14, 1882, to Miss Laura E. Wheaton (who was born April 6, 1864), and has six children - Daniel born October 8, 1882; Elmira, born September 15, 1884; Mitte born January 11, 1887, George W., born March 15, 1890; Ollie, born August 29,1894; and Ellen, born June 18, 1896; (3) Hiram J., born April 1, 1859. (4) Elizabeth L., born January 15, 1861, was married October 5, 1882, to Nelson Sharp, of Holmes county, and has two children - Mabel, born August 1, 1888, and Walter born July 11, 1890, (5) Daniel H. born February 4, 1863, is an oil operator in Indiana. (6) John S ., born October 1, 1863, was married March 11, 1891 to Miss Bell Ferderick, (who was born November 30, 1871) and has one son, Roy, born February 12, 1892; (7) Joseph, born February 18, 1867, died February 22, 1875, (8) Mary E., born May 28, 1870, was married June 11, 1895, to Frank Nafus, and has one child - Harvey, (9) Mitte, born March 15, 1873, died February 28, 1875. Mrs. Stocker came with her family to Wood county shortly after the death of her husband and settled upon the property here, improving and developing it into a fine farm. She now resides there with her second son, sustained by the love and affection of her children, and the esteem of a large circle of friends. SAMUEL J. HARPER is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, where he was born September 22, 1829. His parents were Thomas and Mary (White) Harper, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1816, and the latter in Washington county, Penn. They were married in Jefferson county, and moved to DeKalb county, Ind., in 1852, and Mrs. Harper died there in 1853. Mr.. Harper returned to Ohio in 1858 and settled in Wood county, where he married Mrs. Nancy (Barton) Jamison. He died the at the home of our subject in 1880. He was the father of the following children: William a farmer in Weston: Jane married George McKeg, and died in Cincinnati; Samuel J. is our subject; George P. resides in DeKalb county, Ind., on a farm: Elizabeth died unmarried: James H. is a railroad man of Bellevue. William Harper, grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, where he married a Miss Johnston, a native of the same county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was accidentally drowned in the Ohio river. Our subject remained in Holmes county, Ohio, until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he went to DeKalb county, Ind., where he stayed until 1856, when he came to Wood county. He was married in Perrysburg, October 23, 1856 to Miss Mary J. Barton, who was born in Holmes county, April 11, 1835. They have one child, Thomas, a railroad conductor residing at Leipsic. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 1103 Junction, Putnam Co., Ohio. He was born February 27, 1858, and married Miss Addie Boggs, who was born in Weston township. Three children have been born to them: Henry, Harvey, and Bessie. After his marriage our subject lived in DeKalb county for a year, then came to Wood county and from here went to Tontogany, where he accepted an appointment; on the C. H. & D. Railroad as brakeman, and in two years was promoted to the position of conductor. From 1860 to 1865, he ran an accommodation train from Toledo to Lima, after which time he entered the mercantile business at Milton Center. In 1871 he sold out and entered the railway mail service, running between Toledo and Cincinnati for two years, when he was transferred to the fast mail on the L. S. & M. R. R., and ran from Cleveland to Syracuse for fifteen and a half years. He then quit the mail service to enter the egg and poultry business in Weston, where he remained for three and a half years. Becoming tired of that, he moved to the farm on which he now lives. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He cast his first vote for Winfield Scott. Mrs. Harper was in the millinery and dress making business in Weston for nine years, while he was engaged in the mail service. Mrs. Harper is the daughter of James and Charlotte (Johnson) Barton, the former of whom was born in Mifflin county, Penn., February 27, 1807, and the latter in Jefferson county, Ohio, December 17, 1811. They were married December 18, 1826. She died April 23, 1896, but Mr. Harper is still in the enjoyment of good health. The following children blessed their union: Ann, the wife of George Bell, of Holmes county, Ohio, died in Wood county in 1855; John died at the age of two and a half years; Mary Jane is wife of our subject. Henry J. Died December 7, 1894; Samuel J. Lives in Weston township; Harriet E. married Ellis Williams; Stephen Taylor lives in Weston township; one other died in infancy. Mrs. Harper grew to womanhood in Holmes county; and came with her parents to Wood county in 1852, and they later settled in Grand Rapids township. Mr and Mrs. Barton were both members of the Disciples Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. SAMUEL BROWN, a prominent manufacturer and stock breeder, of Grand Rapids township, and a son of one of the earliest settlers of this county was born at Beaver Creek, April 18, 1841. Alexander Brown, his father was born in Perry county, Ohio, November 23, 1802, and settled in Wood county about 1828, he followed the occupation of farmer and veterinary surgeon, and was one of the first settlers to go back from the Maumee. In Perry county, he was married to Miss Anna North, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., September 30, 18, 1804. Twelve children were born to this worthy pioneer couple, namely; Caroline, born in Perry county, March10, 1823, became the wife of John McKee and died December 26, 1856; James born in Fairfield county, October 26, 1824, died September 11, 1860; Mary, born January 11, 1827, died January 6, 1842; Morgan born March 10, 1829, the first white child born on the Maumee, south of Perrysburg, died June20, 1888; Sarah born January 15, 1833, is the wife of S. Condit, a farmer of Oregon; William born September 17, 1834, a prominent stock raiser and veterinary surgeon of Weston; Isaac Newton, born August 15, 1836, died May 31, 1896; Eliza Jane, born November 25, 1838, became the wife of John McLain, and died January 17, 1884; Samuel, our subject; Margaret E. Born November 17, 1843, became the wife of Elliot Warner, November 29, 1871; Joseph born May 31, 1846, died October 4, 1847; and Anna, born September 15, 1848, became the wife of W. L. Rowland, and died April 27, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were noted for their hospitality, and the weary stranger ever found “their latch-string out.” He passed to his final rest September 15, 1870, and his estimable wife survived until June 30, 1881. Samuel Brown, our subject, attended the district school near his birthplace, and assisted his father upon the farm, until the breaking out of war, when he enlisted in Company H, 68th O. V. I. With Col. Steadman and Capt. Voris. He took part in most of the important battles of the war, including those of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Bolivar, Metamora, Iuka, the siege of Vicksburg, and the engagements of the famous Atlanta campaign, his regiment being among the host, that went “marching through Georgia” with Sherman. At the battles of Metamora, the 12th Mich. V. I. The 68th O. V. I. And the 46th Ill. V. I. Fought with unusual determination the 68th taking the lead in the desperate charge on the Rebels, compelling the surrender of 555 men. Three companies of the 68th of which Company H. was one, acted as guard for these prisoners as far as Bolivar, Tenn., where they were turned over the United States Government. During the march to Bolivar, the Union soldiers were often amused by the stories of the Confederates. |