WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 633

add what Mr. De Verna says concerning his daily habits, etc.: "When a boy I was selected for a Sabbath-school teacher, and have been superintendent of Sabbath-school nearly forty years, besides being class leader and an elder of the Church during same years. This I had to resign on account of my hearing becoming effected, and am now first Bible class teacher. I have never been intoxicated in my life, nor have I ever been guilty of using or tolerating bad language, or ever swore an oath. I have never smoked a pipe of tobacco, or a cigar, nor have I ever taken a chew of tobacco. I am a lover of home and am beloved by my family, whom I encourage in all that is good, especially music. In my house I have at the present time, and have had for years, music, piano, organ, harp, flute, cornet, solo alto horn, and a violin, on which latter I am accompanied by my daughter on the piano or organ. At one time I was a member of three different bands, but, that life not suiting me, I gave it up. Of my four sons not one drinks, smokes or chews tobacco-God bless them! My youngest daughter has been organist in the Church some two or three years, and is now president of the Christian Endeavor. So much for teaching, and the example set. Their mother is equally good, but more strict. God has blessed and prospered me all through life, and I will close my days with a light and happy heart. These few lines I desire to have perpetuated in print for the benefit of the generations that will follow me."

PERRY C. CHILCOTE, proprietor of the "Chilcote House" at West Millgrove, is one of the best known landlords in Wood county, and his hotel stands in the front rank of the hostelries in' the county. " Perry," as he is familiarly called, is one of the most accommodating hosts to be found anywhere, and seems to consider it a pleasure to do a service for a guest. His establishment is complete in every respect, and his good wife, in her turn, leaves nothing undone to make it a pleasant, comfortable home for the weary traveler.

Mr. Chilcote was born February 18, 1841, in Perry township, Wood county, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jones) Chilcote. When he was five years old his father was permanently injured. A horse ran away with him, dragging him around a twenty-acre field largely covered with logs and, stumps, and fracturing his skull in such a manner that the bone rested upon the brain. He never recovered from the effect of the accident, and his restoration to life was due to the prompt action of his son, James, who, as soon as the horse was caught, removed the dirt quickly from his father's mouth and nostrils, and breathed into his lungs the breath of life'! The accident so completely exhausted Mr. Chilcote that he was unconscious for several days. He was ever afterward tenderly cared for by his wife, to whom this was no small burden, as she had at that time six children needing her constant attention. Soon after this event the family moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where Perry, when eight years old, went to work for his uncle, Gideon Jones, for one shilling per day. When eleven years old he began work on a farm belonging to Israel Nestlerode, here receiving four dollars per month, and he lived with various other farmers, being at home only a small portion of his time, but giving most of his earnings to his parents. He was a strong, robust boy, and physically much superior to the average man. When the Civil war broke; out he was working for R. W. Kelly, who made him a most liberal offer : he would give him the use of his best team and all the land that he could farm, bear all the expenses, and allow Mr. Chilcote one-third of all the crops he could raise, telling him he would I see him through." But this was no inducement to Perry. He dropped the plow and seized his gun, and on August 15, 1861, was enrolled in Company H, 49th Regiment, O. V. I., and marched away to defend the stars and stripes. He took part in some of the most famous battles of the war, among them those of Stone River, Corinth, Shiloh and Chickamauga. At the latter place he was taken prisoner, and was held as such just fourteen months, during that time seeing terrible hardships in the Rebel prisons of Belle Isle, Richmond, Danville and Andersonville. On November 20, 1864, he was exchanged, and was taken by a vessel from Savannah, Ga., to the parole camp at Annapolis, where he was paroled, after which he returned to Ohio, here receiving his final discharge at Columbus, on January 21, 1865.

The marriage of Mr. Chilcote and Miss Martha J. Harts took place in Montgomery township, January 5, 1867. Mrs. Chilcote was born in Cumberland county, Penn., April 17, 1851, and is the daughter of Conrad and Eliza (McMillen) Harts, who came to Wood county when their daughter was two years old. No children have ever been born to this union. For a short time after his marriage Mr. Chilcote rented a small farm in Montgomery township, and later removed to West Millgrove, where he acted as fireman and engineer in the gristmill of Col. Miles, having learned this business with his brother James. From West Miligrove he went

634 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

onto the home farm in Section 26, Perry township, remaining there a year, when he returned to his former home and worked at teaming and farming. He also for several years carried on a shingle factory in company with his brother' Marcus D.

On April 21, 1877, Mr. Chilcote assumed the management of the hotel known as the " Millgrove House," which had been conducted by William McCormick. For this property he traded his house and lot in Millgrove, and a balance, which left him over a thousand dollars in debt. The name of the hotel was afterward changed to that of the "Chilcote House," which is now one of the most widely known and popular public houses in northern Ohio. Besides this property Mr. Chilcote owns a house and lot in West Millgrove, and is comfortably fixed financially. He is one of the stanchest Republicans in the county, and an active worker in the interests of his party. He has served as constable of the township. For over twenty-five years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school. At present he is acting as steward. His wife, who is a most kind-hearted and excellent woman, is also a consistent Methodist. Mr. Chilcote is a member of Conley Post, G. A. R., at West Millgrove.

JOHN McHENRY was born in the county of Lennox, Canada, in 1846, and is of Irish descent, his father, Daniel McHenry, being a native of County Antrim, Ireland. The name was originally spelled McKendry, and is well-known in the North of Ireland, from which locality the grandfather of our subject, also named John, came at an early day, settling in Canada, and dying at Quebec. Three of his brothers located in Philadelphia, Penn. Daniel McHenry came to America with his father, and made his 'home in the county of Lennox, Canada, where he purchased a large tract of land and carried on farming the remainder of his life. His wife was Margaret Sixmith, of Queen's County, Ireland. Twelve children were born of this union, of whom the following grew to maturity: Rachel married Patrick McKeller, and lives in Bradford, Penn.; Eliza P. lives on a farm in Canada; John comes next; Charles is engaged in mining in Colorado; James is a farmer in Canada; Mary lives in Chicago, Ill.; and Thomas is a millwright, living in Canada.

The subject of this sketch remained upon his father's farm in Canada until reaching his majority, when he came to the United States and located in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. There he found employment as a tool dresser and driller, which occupation he followed for a time, and then came to Ohio and to Wood county, where he has since been employed in tracing and drilling wells, for producers. Since locating in this county, Mr. McHenry's fortune has been varied. At this writing he has a half-interest in a favorable lease in the Portage field, on which are located nine good producing wells. Mr. McHenry is a man of great industry and persistence, and deserves success in life. He is a Populist in politics, and believes in the doctrines of the Free-Soil party. In religious faith he is a Catholic; socially he belongs to the Masonic order. He is popular with all classes, a man of the highest integrity, and possesses the best traits of the warmhearted, impulsive race from which he sprung. He was married in Canada, November 28, 1871, to Miss Agnes Frizzell, and they have two children: Maggie and Charles.

P. F. CLINE, a prominent farmer and valued citizen of Perry township, was born near Utica. Licking Co., Ohio, November 24, 1832. His parents were John and Phoebe (Fahs) Cline, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Hampshire county, W. Va., in which latter State they were married.

Some seven or eight years after his marriage, John Cline removed to Licking county, 'Ohio, in company with two other families, and each man took up a quarter section of land. A little later Mr. Cline and his two friends went bail for a local merchant, who afterward fled the country and left them in the lurch. Mr. Cline's land was 'seized, and he was, left with but one cow and a poor team of horses. The object of these men in taking up land in this section was to improve the country and provide a market which would attract other settlers, the merchant, who treated them so shamefully, having agreed to buy all their products. The advent of the canal, which was soon to be put through, was expected to prove a great feature in the development of the country, and these prosperous settlers, who were all publicspirited men, had thought by their efforts to greatly benefit the community. Frustrated in his efforts, and greatly reduced financially, Mr. Cline removed to Fairfield 'county, and settled near Lancester, where he undertook to repair his lost fortune, but only partially succeeded, as the troubles he had seen preyed upon his health, and his death occurred when he was comparatively a young man.

The parental family consisted of twelve chil-

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 635

dren, eight boys and four girls, most of whom were old enough to work for themselves, and in this way the family remained together and prospered. They lived in Fairfield county until about 1846, at which time the National pike was being improved through Licking county, and this affording an opportunity for employment for the boys, the family moved to Licking county, settling sixteen miles east of Columbus, where the boys went to work on the great thoroughfare. It was from here that the family scattered and several members passed away, including the mother, three brothers and two sisters. One brother who went to California, in 1849, died there; one sister died in Chicago, and one, at the age of twenty, in Fairfield county, while another brother died in northwestern Illinois. The three children now living are as follows: Our subject; Mollie, now Mrs. John Pevers, of Hardin county, Ohio; Isaac, who lives near Columbus Grove, in Hancock county, Ohio. The father of this family was six feet tall, and a strongly built man. He had poor advantages for book learning in early life, but had a wonderful memory and a good practical education.

When a boy our subject worked on the farm of his father, turning his hand to whatever he could find to do. At one time he hauled stone chips, which were made in dressing stone while the State house in Columbus was being built, which chips were used in making repairs on the National pike. Later he attended school at Etna, Licking county, where he had excellent opportunities for learning, which he improved to good advantage. When seventeen years old he began to learn the carpenter's trade under Jacob Schaff, of Aetna, with whom he worked for over two years. After working for several years at his trade in different counties in Ohio, Mr. Cline left the State, going, in about 1854, 'to Chicago. He had been there but a short time when the cholera broke out, the deaths averaging some four hundred a day. The principal remedy at this time for this dread disease was the essence of peppermint and brandy, which was found to be very efficacious. Owing to this epidemic Mr. Cline did not remain in Chicago, but returned to Ohio, making his home for a time in Adrian, Seneca county, where he remained until 1856. He then went to Kansas, and was there during the stirring times cause by the Abolition troubles. He took an active part himself in some of the events, and once rode ninety miles without a dismount, being closely pursued by a number of outlaws.

Subsequently Mr. Cline went to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade, afterward going to Kansas City, where he did considerable work on the first bridge which was built across the Kansas river from that city to Wyandotte city. Kansas City was then a small place, having but one hotel. The following winter he spent in the South, going as far as New Orleans, where he worked at his trade. He also traveled over the State of Missouri, and on his return worked throughout the State of Ohio. He made good wages by this roving way of living, and spent his money as easily as it was earned. The winter of 1858-59 he also spent in the South, and near Vicksburg built a house for a wealthy Southern planter. He spent his time in this way, working in the South during the winters and during the summers in the northern States, until the spring of 1861, when the Civil war broke out. At that time Mr. Cline came up the Mississippi on one of the last of the boats to make the journey, which was not fired upon by the Southerners. This vessel contained many refugees who were fleeing to the North to escape being forced into the Rebel army. Mr. Cline went at once to Tiffin, Ohio, where he worked at his trade, and on March 22, 1862, he was married to Miss Anna Steward, a daughter of Archie Steward, who was of Scotch extraction. Mrs. Cline was born September 25, 1835, near Republic, Seneca Co., Ohio.

The young couple went to housekeeping in Adrian, Ohio, and on August 1 of the same year Mr. Cline enlisted in Company K, 101st O. V. I., under Capt. Noble. He was made second lieutenant, as he had recruited the greater part of the company. The regiment was mustered in at Monroeville, Ohio, and two days later left for Covington, Ky., where it had a lively skirmish, and a few of them had an exciting race for their lives, as Lieut. Cline, with twenty men, was reconnoitering five miles out from the city, when they were surprised by a large force of Rebels. They, however, escaped without injury. He participated in all the skirmishes and battles in which his regiment took part until December 1, 1863, when, being disabled by illness, he was honorably discharged, and returned to Republic, Ohio, where his wife was then living.

In the fall of 1864, Mr. Cline located in Montgomery township, Wood county, where he bought eighty acres of partially improved land. For this he paid one-half down, the remainder to be paid in two installments; but, before the second payment became due, he sold that property and bought his present farm of 160 acres in Section 9, Perry township, for which he went heavily in debt. He at once went to work to improve this land, which has been his home ever since,

636 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

and which is now one of the finest farms in the township. He has disposed of a part of it, and now has 159 3/4 acres under fine cultivation. When he took possession of it only forty acres were cleared, and every building on it has been erected by himself. In 1878 he built a beautiful residence, where he is spending his days in peace and happiness.

On April 2, 1865, Mrs. Cline died in Montgomery township, and was buried near Republic. She left one child, Anna, now the widow of Walter Coe, who lives with her two children, Lena and Lester, at the home of her father. In. the spring of 1866, Mr. Cline was married to Mrs. Laura Simons, whose husband, Lieut. Silas Simons, of Company E, 49th Regiment, O. Y. I., was killed at Pickett's Mills, Ga. Mrs. Cline was born in Fostoria, Ohio, September 19, 1840, and is the daughter of Osman Divers, who in his time was one of the largest land owners in Wood county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cline, namely: Vic. I., now Mrs. Scott Emerson, of Bloom; and Charles W., residing with his parents. Mrs. Cline is a member of the Disciples Church.

Mr. Cline has carried on farming for a number of years, at one time also being engaged in stock raising. He was born and reared a Democrat; but in the fall of 186o cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has been a stanch Republican ever since. He has never been an office seeker, but an active worker for the success of his party, and through his efforts some of the best officials in the county have been elected. He is a politician from principle, and instead of using his influence in his own behalf he has never asked for office, but has endeavored to find out and secure the election of men the best qualified to fill responsible positions. He is an enterprising and progressive man, and a loyal citizen.,

SAMUEL McKEE, a well-to-do farmer of Liberty township, is the owner of a good farm of sixty acres, on which he erected, in 1892, a beautiful residence. This stands in the midst of well tilled fields, while good barns and outbuildings provide ample shelter for grain and stock. All the equipments and accessories of a model farm are here found, and the owner is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of the community.

Mr. McKee was born in Washington county, Penn., April 16, 1827, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Shellar) McKee. The father was born in Ireland in 1793, and when about nine years of age was brought to America by his parents, John and Mary (Gartley) . McKee. The family landed at New York, and went direct to Pennsylvania, the grandfather entering a part of the land on which Philadelphia now stands. He afterward sold that tract and removed to Northumberland county, Penn., where he remained for several years. His next home was in Washington county, Penn., and later he went to Guernsey county, Ohio, where both the grandfather and the grandmother died at the home of their son John, in 1837. Their children were William, Thomas, Robert, Catherine, Nancy, and Ellen and Elizabeth (twins).

Thomas McKee, father of our subject, served for about nine months in the war of 1812, enlisting at the age of nineteen. In Pennsylvania he learned the trade of shoemaking, which he followed in connection with farming. For nineteen years he lived in Guernsey county, Ohio, and then removed with his family to Seneca county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he operated some four years. On selling that property he removed to Fostoria, Ohio, where he then lived retired until his death, in 1861. His wife died on the farm in Seneca county, in August, 1849. Their children were Mary, who became the wife of William Hutton, and died in North Baltimore, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Levi Adams, and died in Liberty township; Matilda, who died in Guernsey county at the age of fourteen; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Hytar, of Bloomdale, Wood county; Samuel; Robert, who was killed by a falling tree in Henry county, at the age of twenty-one; Nancy, widow of William Ramsbottom, of Fostoria, who served five years at the time of the Civil war, and died from his wounds; Jane, wife of L. H. Laney, of Liberty township; Harriet, wife of James Hunt, of Fostoria; and Dorcas, who died at the age of fifteen.

Our subject was a child of two years when his parents came to Ohio. He obtained his education in the schools of Guernsey county, and at the age of twenty-four learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years. On April 22, 1858, he was married in Fostoria, Ohio, to Mary Stevens, who was born in Seneca county April 26, 1836, and is descended on the paternal side from Scotch ancestry, and on the maternal side from German. Her parents were natives of Ohio, but were married in Washington county, Penn., and afterward removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father died May 24, 1849, while the mother passed away September 28, 1868. They had six children: Sarah, who first married Jacob Frinth, and after his decease became the wife of John Wininger (she died in Fostoria,

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 637

Ohio); Bayard E., an army surgeon, who was never heard from after the battle of Shiloh;. Mrs. McKee; Priscilla, wife of Mathew Keo, of Liberty township: Allen, of Fostoria, Ohio; and Thomas, who died at Nashville while serving in the Union army.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. McKee number three children: Armeda C., born October 21, 1866; Elden, born August 31, 1872, and Loy, born September 6, 1876:

On August 29, 1863, our subject enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, 49th Regiment, to serve for five years. He was mustered into the United States service in May, 1864, in the call for "one-hundred-day " men, and was honorably discharged May 1, 1866. In 1871 Mr. McKee came with his family to Wood county, and since 1877 he has resided upon his present farm. His political support is given to the Republican party, but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he is meeting with good success.

C. S. ST. JOHN, M. D., a well-known physician of Bowling Green, was born in Plain township, Wood county, November 13, 1854, and is the son of S. W. and Harriet Jane (Husted) St. John. The family is of French descent, the ancestors of our subject coming to this country in an early day, and representatives are found in many States of the Union.

The father of our subject was a native of New York, born June 30, 1817. He moved thence to Milan, Erie Co., Ohio, and in September, 1843, removed to Bowling Green, where he was married and spent the remainder of his life, dying December 7, 1893. He was originally a Whig, later becoming a Republican, and held the office of commissioner of Wood county for seven years. He belonged to a large family, of whom the following grew to maturity: Mrs. Nicholas Kline, formerly of Milan, Ohio, now deceased; Henry, living in Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Nathan Moore, residing in Toledo; and Ezra, also living in Portland, Ore. The mother of Dr. St. John, who is still living, was born June 5, 1833, in Tioga county, Penn., and was one of six children, namely: Mrs. Leverton (now deceased), who lived in Wood county; Joel, residing in Toledo; Clarinda, widow of judge Ewing, residing at Piqua, Ohio (Judge Ewing was a pioneer of Wood county, and died August 20, 1890; he was president of the Wood County Pioneer Society); Harriet Jane; Philander, a resident of Wood county; and Findlay. The Husted family is of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. To our subject's father and mother were born seven children, viz.: Mary Ann, deceased wife of G. W. Callin ; Clement W., who died when twenty-two years old; C. S.; Julia M., who died when sixteen years of age; Ezra H., residing in Bowling Green; Elden, deceased when six years old; and Everett E., who died at the age of seventeen years.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Fostoria, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Ind., and being dependent upon his own exertions he early showed of what stuff he was made, and his determination to make a name in the world by his persistent efforts to acquire knowledge. During these years he taught school at intervals, being employed both in country districts and in the city public schools, in the latter teaching five years. In this way he earned money enough to pursue his own studies. After completing his literary course, during which he had studied medicine to some extent, he entered the Columbus Medical College, subsequently, in 1883, graduating from the Medical Department of Wooster University. He practiced in Bowling Green one year with Dr. Fuller, and then went to McComb, where he remained two and a half years, at the end of that time returning to Bowling Green, where he has since made his home. Dr. St. John is extensively read, well posted in his profession, and has a large practice in the city and vicinity. He is a member of both the medical societies of the county, also of the board of health, and was at one time a trustee of the Cemetery Association; also served as coroner of Wood county two terms. In politics he is a Republican. Socially, he is a member of the K. of P. and National Union, at Bowling Green. On June 30, 1880, the Doctor was married to Miss Ella Ralston, who was born February 22, 1857, in Wood county, and they have two children, Edith L. and C. Harold.

E. A. POST, like many of the prominent and representative citizens of Wood county, our subject is a native of the Empire State, born in Otsego county, May 10, 1838, and is a son of William P. and Rhoda (Osborne) Post, who removed to Medina, Ohio, when their son was but a child. There the father followed his trade of carpentering until his death at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, while his wife was eighty-one when she passed away.

Mr. Post, of this review, was the only son in the family of eight children, and in the schools Medina secured his education. When a boy he

638 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

learned the machinist's trade at Bradway's machine shop, and also took up carpentering, at which he worked for some time. In April, 1862, spurred on by a spirit of patriotism that reigned in so many of the bosoms of the young men of our land, our subject enlisted at Medina, in Company G, 84th O. V. I., under Capt. J. C. Powell. From Columbus, Ohio, where the regiment was formed, they were sent to Grafton, W. Va., where they took part in their first engagement. They were assigned to the army of the Potomac, and were in the battles of New Creek and Romney, W. Va., Harper's Ferry and Painted Rocks, after which Mr. Post returned to Cumberland, Md., and was sent home as his term had expired. In September, 1863, he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of the First Ohio Battery, and saw hard service in Tennessee, being at Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, the siege of Knoxville and Strawberry Plains. While on a raid he was taken ill and after his recovery was in the engagements at King's Salt Works, Bull's Gap, Greenville, Tenn., Stony River, Leadville, Tenn., Danbridge, Jonesboro and Ashville, N. C. At the latter place they released 5,000 prisoners. After the war was ended they were sent to Knoxville to guard stores and equipments received from Johnston and there were discharged in September, 1865, while at Camp Dennison they were mustered out.

On returning to his home in Medina, Ohio, Mr. Post worked at his trade for some time, but the winter of 1867-68 he passed in Wood county in the employ of John Norris, of Perry township, after which he went again to Medina. There on August 27, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Post and Miss Mary A. Fay, who was born at Medina Center, May 20, 1852, and is a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Conway) Fay, who were both natives of County Clare, Ireland, where they were married, and later came to the United States. Mrs. Post is the second in order of birth in their family, of nine children, and after receiving a good education taught school in Medina county. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children-William M., born October 30, 1874; Zelotes G., born June 21, 1878; and Ella M., born January 12, 1884.

In the spring of 1875 Mr. Post brought his family to Wood county, locating on an eighty acre farm in Section 16, Perry township, which he, had purchased some years previous. Only four acres had been cleared, and a log house was the only improvement; but since that time a great transformation has taken place. ' Sixty acres have been placed under the plow, a comfortable dwelling has been erected, and also good barns and other outbuildings, some of the carpenter work being done by his own hands.

Mr. Post's tastes are domestic in character, he taking great delight in his home and family, and is eminently worthy of the trust and high regard which in he is held by his fellow citizens. He takes an intelligent and earnest interest in public affairs, is a stanch Republican, and has served as delegate to the county conventions. He is a charter member of Yates Post, G. A. R., of West Millgrove, Ohio. Mrs. Post takes an active part in religious and temperance work, belonging to the Union Methodist Church, and is secretary of the Home Missionary Society and the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

H. A. ELLSWORTH, deceased. Prominent among those who were successful farmers of Wood county may be named the subject of this historical notice, whose homestead was in Section 5, Portage township, and who, by enterprise and energy in the direction of his chosen industry, had given to his work a significance and beauty of which few deemed it capable. He was brought into the world July 23, 1830, in Wyoming county, Penn., and is the son of Leonard and Maria (Dimon) Ellsworth, farming people of but moderate means, who lived and died in the Keystone State. In their family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, our subject was the fifth in order of birth. He was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-two he commenced his struggle upon the stage of life on his own account, being able at that time to do a good day's work.

In Wyoming county, January 11, 1856, Mr. Ellsworth wedded Miss Betsy A. Waring, a native of New York, who bore him the following children: Lydia J., who died in childhood; Fannie, now Mrs. Owen Borger, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Ella, wife of Lewis Abbott, of Milton Center, Ohio; Albert, of Henry county, Ohio; Andrew, who died in infancy; George, a farmer of Portage township; Charles, who died while young; Emma, now Mrs. Charles Sayer, of Portage village; and Cora, Jessie and Nellia, all at home. Mr. Ellsworth rented land in Pennsylvania until the spring of 1857, when he removed to Liverpool, Medina Co., Ohio, where for six years he kept a hotel, and on selling out came to Wood county, locating on forty acres of timber land in Montgomery township. This was the

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 639

first tract he had ever owned, and after improving it for some time, sold and purchased fifty acres elsewhere, to which he later added a tract of forty-eight acres. That farm he traded for the home property, consisting of ninety-five acres in Section 5, Portage township, which is highly cultivated and well improved with good buildings.

On December 1, 1890, his first wife passed away, and her remains were interred in Oak Grove cemetery, Bowling Green, Ohio. In Luzerne county, Penn., August 12, 1892, he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Turcan, widow of William Turcan. Her birth occurred in Kingston, Luzerne county, February 6, 1838, and she is a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Myers) Frace. She acquired her education in the district schools of her native county, and endeavors by a blameless life to set a good example to the rising generation, being a member of the Free Methodist Church.

On coming to Wood county, Mr. Ellsworth suffered considerably from malaria and ague, often having to work whole days when he could hardly stand, but he had invessed his entire capital in his-land, and his family had to be supported. Many men of less courage would have given up, but love of his family inspired him, and he kept steadily on until he had secured a comfortable competence. Politically he had always been a Democrat until 1892, since which time, until his death, he was a Populist, and a stanch supporter of that party. He passed away May 9, 1896.

GEORGE SIMPKIN was born in Cambridgeshire, England, August 6, 1849. His father, John Simpkin, was a butcher by trade. He married Anne Barley, and they became parents of eight children, namely: Robert, Mary Anne, George, Sarah (wife of Thomas Senate, of England), Lider, Ezekiah, Eliza, and Ellen.

Our subject acquired his education in his native land, and when twenty-five years of age crossed the Atlantic, locating in Toronto, Canada, where for five years he followed the butcher's trade. In 1879 he came to Wood county, Ohio, locating at Scotch Ridge. He purchased eighty acres of land in Center township, erected a dwelling at a cost of $1,000, and has here made a good home, reclaiming the land from its original condition, and transforming it into fertile fields.

Before leaving his native land Mr. Simpkin was married in Cambridgeshire, in 1867, to Eliza Houghton, who was born in that place, in 1850, a daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Day) Houghton. They have three children-John, born in 1868; Alice, born in 1870, now the wife of Isaac Lambright, of Fostoria; and Arthur George, who was born in 1872, and operates the old homestead. When Mr. and Mrs. Simpkin arrived in Canada they had only $20, but their united efforts have brought to them a comfortable competence and a pleasant home, which they richly merit.

W. B. BRYANT, M. D. This well known and popular citizen of Bowling Green, who for two consecutive terms held the responsible office of sheriff of Wood county, was born at Prairie Depot, Wood county, July 1, 1852.

The father of our subject, W. R. Bryant, was born in New York State, coming to Ohio and settling in Wood county at Freeport, about fifteen years ago. He was a lawyer by profession, and practiced in the courts of this and adjoining counties. He married Melissa A. Sherman, who was also a native of New York, and both are now deceased. Their children were eight in number, as follows: Charles enlisted during the Civil war in the 144th O. V. I., was captured by Moseby, and died in the Confederate prison at Salisbury; the second child died in early infancy; Diana is the wife of M. Hall, and lives at Hastings, Mich.; Adolphus died in infancy; George is a planter at South Riverside, Cal. ; William B. is our subject; O. N. is postmaster at Freeport, Wood county; Flora A. (deceased) was the wife of S. J. Dunn, of Prairie Depot.

Our subject obtained his literary education in his native place, and in 1872 began the study of medicine. For two years he was in the offices of Dr. Nelson Goodrick, at Freeport, and Dr. Rosendale, of West Millgrove. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute in 1875, and began the practice of his profession at Freeport, where he remained for two years, then removing to Jerry City, where he had a large general practice. In the fall of 1890 he was elected sheriff of Wood county, and the following year took up his residence in Bowling Green. Wood county is largely Republican, and Dr. Bryant had a majority of only five votes at this election; but so well did he fulfill the duties of that office, that when he ran the second time he received a majority of 323 votes in spite of the fact that the county went over a thousand Republican. He is a man of sterling character, popular with all classes, and possesses good executive ability. He has large oil and realestate interests in Wood county, and also owns a

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 640

fine drug store in Toledo, at the corner of Summit and Lagrange streets, which he opened in April, 1896. However, it does not interfere with his practice. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and K. of P.

Dr. Bryant was married November 25, 1881, to Zidama V. Dunlap, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, July 16, 1853. Her parents were David and Mary (Gribben) Dunlap, the former of whom was born in Portage county, Ohio, and the latter in Pennsylvania; the mother is now deceased; the father, who is still living, is now seventy-nine years of age. Mrs. Bryant is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most estimable woman.

A. EDDMON, M. D., a well-known physician and druggist of Tontogany, was born October 13, 1848, near Philadelphia, a son of Gottlieb Add-on and wife, who were both natives of Germany. They spent the first years of, their married life in America, returning to their old home on account of the ill health of the father, who was a druggist by occupation. The mother flied shortly after their return to Germany (the father not long surviving her), leaving four children, of whom our subject, then about five years old, was the youngest, and he was then taken to live with relatives. The others-Frank, Amelia (now deceased), and Anna (the wife of F. Nagle) all remained in Germany.

Our subject received a liberal education, graduating from Halle University,- Germany, in the departments of Literature and Medicine, having studied medicine there from May, 1865, to September, 1868 three years and four months, He then accepted the position of assistant-surgeon on the steamer " Limenia," and visited Chili, as well as other countries of South America, the Society Islands, Tahiti (a French port), and then, leaving the vessel, secured passage on a French Government vessel bound for San Francisco, where he engaged in the drug business. An attack of smallpox having interfered with his plans, he, in the following year, went to Chicago, and there remained until after the great fire, which occurred one week after his arrival. He then made a short visit to his native place, and in December, 1871, revisited Germany, where he again became interested in a drug store, and was also assistant to an old surgeon. In 1876 he returned to America, and after a trip through the Southern States, he attended a course of lectures in Cincinnati. He graduated March 5, 1877, from the Physio-Eclectic Medical College in that city, after which, in the same year, he located at Custar, Wood county, ance in December, following, settled in Tontogany, where he has since remained, and where his professional skill and wide range of knowledge have received due recognition. After a few years practice in Tontogany, he opened a drug store there, which he still owns.

In 1879, Dr. Eddmon was married to Miss Catherine Black, a sister to Capt. L; Black, of Tontogany. In politics he is an Independent, and served as township clerk one term; was mayor of Tontogany six years; and has been a notary public since 1879. He is assistant-surgeon for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Co.; . socially he is a charter member of the I. O. O. F., Tontogany Lodge No. 755, and has filled all the chairs; is also a member of the K. of P., Perrysburg Lodge No. 524, and has attained the Oriental Degree in the same. In connection with his profession he is affiliated with the American Medical Society, of Ohio, and the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1882 the Etna Insurance Co., of Hartford, Conn., appointed him recording agent for Tontogany, and in 1887 the passenger department of the C. H. & D. R. R. appointed him as special agent for Tontogany, and all through traffic is referred to him. Both positions he still occupies, and he stands in high repute with his employers. For the past ten years he has been the recognized authority for the leading Mercantile Agencies at Tontogany.

J. R. JUDSON, who is now living in Bowling Green retired from active business, was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 18, 1837. The Judson family in this country is descended from two brothers, who came from England at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. One of these subsequently went south, and all trace of him has been lost. The other was the progenitor of that branch of the family to which our subject belongs. Beyond this, the first of whom any definite history has been preserved, is Ithimar Judson, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He had four brothers, viz.: Isaac, John, William and Egbert, all of whom grew to maturity. He died near Meadville, Penn., leaving two children: Benjamin, father of our subject, and Silva. The latter married Moses H. Herrick, and removed to Clinton county, Iowa. They had four daughters, all of whom married physicians, one of them being the wife of Dr. Very, a druggist in Chicago.

Benjamin Speas Judson was born January 13, 1812, and married Catharine Osgood, born near

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 641

Elmira, Penn., October 1, 1811. They resided. for a time in Bedford county, Penn., and in 1835 removed to Ohio, settling near Waterville, Lucas county, on the Maumee river. There they lived for three years, when they decided to return to Pennsylvania, and started in wagons to make the long journey. On reaching Medina county, Ohio, however, the father was taken ill and they were forced to stop, and as they were pleased with the appearance of the country, they concluded to stay awhile. After living in that county for six years, they abandoned the idea of going to Pennsylvania, and finally decided to locate in Wood county. They reached Plain township in March, 1843, and there made a home for themselves, in which they spent the remainder of their lives, and where the father died in 1864, the mother surviving him until 1887. They were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Judson was originally an Old-line Whig, uniting with the Republican party after its organization. To this worthy couple six children were born, namely Ithimar, who died when two years old; Sarah M., who married Ernest Miehe, and died in 1864; Ithimar (2), who is a farmer in Perrysburg, Wood county; J. R., subject of this sketch; Miles, born June 18, 1844, is a mechanic and lives in Lucas county, Ohio; Lucie died when about eight years old. The parents of our subject's mother were Thomas and Abigail (Ingalls) Osgood. The former was of Irish descent, and came to Wood county in 1835, taking up his residence in Plain township, where he died.

J. R. Judson came to Wood county, when a lad of some six years, with his parents, and was reared to manhood in Plain township, attending the primitive schools of those days, and gaining as good an education as was possible with such limited advantages. When civil war threatened to dismember the Union, his patriotic impulses led him to enlist in defense of the stars and stripes, and he was one of the first to offer his services. April 18, 1.861, he entered his name as a soldier, and the following month was mustered in at Camp Dennison. The State quota was full, however, and his company was not accepted, and he re-enlisted . in Company C, 13th O. V. I., for three years, and in June, 1861, was transferred to Company D, 11th O. V. I., but was again doomed to disappointment, as in the following July he was attacked with measles, and was discharged for disability. His anxiety to serve his country did not cease, however, and although chagrined at the fact that his health did not allow him to actively participate in the conflict, he became captain of the home militia company, and assisted in recruiting men for the Union army He was also an active member of the " Wide Awakes," which organization took such an active, part in the political campaign of 1860, when Abraham. Lincoln was first elected President.

Mr. Judson was married February 28, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, who was born in Plain township, August 13, 1841, and of this union six children have been born: Florence, born May 20, 1866, was married July 3, 1888, to William Mintel, and has one child, Beatrice; Charles H., born February 9, 1868, married Mertie Abbott, and lives on the old homestead (he is employed in the oil field); Frederick S., born February 2, 1870, died a few days later; William C., born September 26, 1874, is at home, and is employed in the oil field; Albert 0., born October 24, 1876, is employed in the Toledo Bicycle Works; his twin brother died in infancy.

After his marriage Mr. Judson settled in Plain township, but a year later removed to Liberty township, where he worked at his trade as a carpenter for some time; but his health failing, he decided to take up farming as a more healthful occupation. He now owns a good farm of fifty-five acres in Liberty township, on which are five productive oil wells. Since 1894 he has resided in Bowling Green. In politics Mr. Judson is a Republican, and his advice is often asked in public matters. He is recognized as a man of broad and liberal views, and off extensive reading and general information. He is highly esteemed as a loyal citizen and a good neighbor.

OTIS BEVERSTOCK, one of the enterprising and rising young men of Wood county, is a native of the same, having been born in 1860 at Tontogany, in Washington township. He is a son of Edward Beverstock, one of the most prominent pioneers of Wood county.

Our subject was reared in his native village, attending the common and business schools there, also taking one term at a business college in Toledo, Ohio. Until he was twenty-two years old he worked on a farm, and then accepted a position with the firm of Royce & Coon, grain merchants, Bowling Green, in whose employ he still remains, in the capacity of general manager.

In 1881, at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Beverstock was united in marriage with Miss Jennie S. Fuller, who was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., and six children have been born to them, named respectively: Bertha, Beryl, Howard, Burt, Ruth, and Donald. Politically our subject is a stanch

642. - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

Republican; socially he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., a member of the Blue Lodge and of the Chapter.

FREDERIC VON KANEL, who for some sixteen years previous to his death, was a resident of Bowling Green, and one of its leading business men, was born in Asche, Canton Berne, Switzerland, September 3, 1848. His parents, David and Susanna (Buhler) Von Kanel, were natives ,of that country and both died there, the former passing away at Asche, Canton. Berne, in 1859, the latter at Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neuchatel, in 1873.

The parental family consisted of six children, of whom mention is made as follows: David lives in Massillon, Ohio; Susanna, died in the city of Berne, Switzerland; John lives in Akron, Ohio; Christian died in March, 1896, at Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neuchatel, Switzerland; Elizabeth married Jacob Russer, and died in Chaux-deFonds, in 1874; Frederic was the youngest child.

Our subject attended the schools of Asche, Canton Berne, Switzerland, until after his father's death, when his mother and her children moved to Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neuchatel, where Mr. Von Kanel finished his education, and learned the trade of a watchmaker and jeweler, a business which is very general in Switzerland, and in which that people excel. He worked at his trade for five years, in the meantime spending a short period in the military school, and on November 24, 1871, he was married at Chaux-de-Fonds to Miss Elise Marie Maurer. After their marriage the young couple resided for a time in that town, and in 1873 came to America, landing on its shores the 28th of March. They first located at Wooster, Ohio, where they remained for three and a half years, Mr. VonKanel during that time being watch repairer in the jewelry store of E. Chatlaine. They removed to Tiffin, where he was in business some five months, and in 1877 they took up their residence in Bowling Green.

Mr. Von Kanel began his operations in the latter city in a small way, but his thorough knowledge of his business, combined with his straightforward dealing and pleasant manners, soon brought him a large trade, and he gradually increased his stock and equipments until he became the leading jeweler and silversmith in the county, dealing in all kinds of wares in that line. He was a public-spirited citizen, and gave liberally to any enterprise calculated to forward the growth and prosperity of his community, and was always ready to uphold the institutions of his adopted country. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Von Kanel was not a man of robust physique, although he was not in poor health all the time; yet he was a very active man, and his death, ,which took place June 5, 1893, found his family totally unprepared for the sad event. The loss fell heavily on them, and also on the large circle of friends and acquaintances who fully appreciated his sterling worth. By that time his business had assumed large proportions, and was in a flourishing condition, and, although having no experience in such matters, his wife and daughter, Elise Marianne, bravely determined to undertake the management of affairs themselves. Their success has been almost phenomenal. They have carried on the store in an admirable manner, have largely increased the stock, keeping up with the latest styles and fancies of the day, and have not only extended their trade in every direction, but have won the admiration and .commendation of the business men throughout the county. They also stand high in social circles, and are a living illustration of what women with brains, force of character, and a, determined purpose can accomplish in any line to which they devote their energies.

The family circle consisted of six children, the eldest, Ulysses F., having died when nine months old. Elise Marianne, mentioned above, is a young lady of superior attainments, unusual business ability, and, while she is the main factor in the management of the large jewelry store left by her father, she is at the same time one of the most popular and admired of the society girls in Bowling Green. Adele Anna is a graduate of Bowling Green High School, and is at home. Carrie Mary is also a graduate of the Bowling Green High School. The remaining children are Bertha Susanna and Estelle Florence.

Mrs. Von Kanel, who proved herself a worthy helpmate to her husband, and is a. woman of much ability, was born December 3, 1848, at Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, where she was reared and educated. Her parents were Jacob (a farmer) and Marianne (Stauffer) Maurer, the former of whom was born in the town of Renan in 1821, and died in his native country, October 19, 1876. His wife was also born in Renan, the date of her birth being January 11, 1827, and after the death of her husband she came to America in 1878, taking up her residence in Bowling Green where she died September 26, 1888. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve chil-

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 643

dren, namely: Elise M., widow of Frederic VonKanel, the subject of this sketch; August, living in Bowling Green; Louis F., living in Minneapolis, Minn. ; Ulysses, who died in Switzerland; Marie, who also died in Switzerland; Adolph, residing in Bowling Green; Alfred, a farmer in Wood county; Anna, the wife of W. Parker, of Toledo; Rose, wife of Alexander Klever, of Bowling Green; Melani, who married W. Schafer, of Bowling Green; and Leon and Charlotte, who both died in Switzerland.

ALEXANDER R. BRUCE, an honored veteran of the Civil war, and one of the progressive farmers of Middleton township, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county, his birth having occurred in Perrysburg, on the 29th of January, 1836. His father, Seth Bruce, was a native of Massachusetts, and, leaving the Bay State, emigrated to Ohio when a young man. This was in 1834. He settled in Wood county, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in farming in Perrysburg township, becoming the owner of eighty acres which he transformed into a rich tract. He was married in the State of his nativity to Mary Tower, and six children were born to them, namely: Deborah, Jessie S., Anna E., Roman M., Alexander and Joseph.

Our subject attended school in a house built of logs at Perrysburg, and in this primitive manner acquired his early education, but experience and observation have made him a well-informed man. In his younger years he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in fishing on the lakes for five years. When the existence of the Union was threatened by the attempted secession on the part of the South, he enlisted in the three months' service in 1861, as a member of Company C, 21st O. V. I.. under Capt. Cook, of -Perrysburg, and Col. Norton. When his first .term had expired he joined Company. C, 128th O. V. I., for three years, under command of Capt. Norris and Col.. Hoffman. He participated in all the engagements with his company, and a third time enlisted, joining Company F, of the 144th O. V. I., under Capt. Cook. After that he served on guard duty. His army record was an honorable one, and throughout the war he remained at the front, faithfully defending the Union cause. His health, which then became impaired, he has never regained, and he still suffers quite severely from the effects of his army service.

Mr. Bruce, on returning to Perrysburg township, rented a farm which he operated until 188o, when he came to Middleton township and purchased forty acres of land on Hull Prairie. On account of his ill health his son operates the place. He was married in 1865 in Perrysburg township to Harriet Carter, daughter of Edward Carter, of that township, and to them have been born five children-Emily S., wife of Alva Hum, of Perrysburg township; Marshall, who operates the farm; Esther, at home; and two who died in infancy.

In his political views, Mr. Bruce is a stalwart Republican. He adheres to the faith of the Universalist Church, and has lived an upright, honorable life, characterized by the same fidelity to duty that marked his course on Southern battle fields.

B. W. PURDY, a stock dealer and farmer of Wood county, was born in Springfield, Richland Co., Ohio; March 13, 1833. He is the son of Archibald and Margaret Purdy, the former of whom was born in York county, Penn., and from there moved to Ontario county, N. Y., and there engaged in the milling business for several years, at the time Buffalo was burned, during the war of 1812. Two of his brothers were soldiers in that war. They moved to Mansfield, . Richland Co., Ohio, in 1823. They raised a family of ten children: Charles, James, John, Cunningham H., Boyd W., Sarah J., Mary C., Almira, Andrew and William. Three of them died in boyhood; James and Cunningham raised families. James died' at the age of fifty-two, and Cunningham at the age of fifty-five. Their father died October 7, _1875, at the age of eighty-two, and their mother five years later, at the age of seventy-nine.

Mr. Purdy received a common-school education in Richland county, and attended Oberlin College in 1856. When the news was received that Salmon P. Chase was elected governor of Ohio, he joined with the students in a bonfire jollification. Prof. Peck, made a speech to the boys. The following Sunday Prof. Finney reprimanded them, and the students were defended by Prof. Peck. In 1857 Mr. Purdy went to Minnesota, and pre-empted 16o acres of land on the Upper Mississippi; returned to Richland county, and engaged in farming for two years; sold the farm and went into the stock trade, buying and shipping to Buffalo, Albany and New York, making Buffalo his headquarters for ten years. He bought stock in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. shipping east, and selling on the markets of Buffalo, Albany and New York. He came to Wood county in the spring of 1870, and located in Center township. He leased one

644 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

thousand acres of land which he operated for four years, feeding stock and shipping East. He afterward purchased twenty-four acres of land where he now lives.

Our subject was married in Lockport, January 7, 1869, to Catharine Mason, a daughter of Charles Mason, of Lockport, N. Y. They have eight children, three of whom died in infancy; those living are Andrew .W., Chas. H. and Frank A., all graduates of the High School of Bowling Green, Ohio, and B. William and Cora A., now attending school. In politics Mr. Purdy is Republican. He is an excellent citizen, genial and affable by nature, and his name is a household word throughout the county.

MATTHIAS SCHONDELMYER is one of the well known and prominent citizens of Wood county. He has taken quite an active part in public affairs, and in all the relations of life has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have won him high regard. He was born in Cologne, Prussia, December 30, 1839, and is a son of John and Barbara (Yakley) Schondelmyer, the former born in Baden, Germany, in 1809, the latter in 1803. The father followed clock repairing in early life, and afterward carried on farming. In the summer of I840 he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at New York, and at once went to Lake county, Ohio, where he operated a small farm for six years. He then located on a farm near Findlay, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1889. His first wife died in 1863, and be afterward married Margaret Sice, who is still living. The family of John and Barbara Schondelmyer numbered the following named:' Fred, Matthias, and four daughters who died in infancy. The children of the second marriage are Paulina, wife of Ernest Irwin, of Hancock county; Margaret, wife of Frank Miller, of Findlay, Ohio; Annie, Mrs. Christina Peiffer, of Hancock county; Mary, wife of George Nelson, of Findlay Nancy; John, of Findlay; Thomas, who died at the age of three years; and Louis, of Hancock county..

Our subject was only six months old when brought by his parents to this country. He was reared and educated near Findlay, and worked as a farm hand in that neighborhood until twenty-three years of age, when he went to the West, and for nine years was engaged in the lumber business near Helena, Mont. He then returned home, and March 19, 1874, was married in Findlay, to Miss Salina Scott, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 22, 1842, a daughter of, Thomas B. and Eliza (Moorhead) Scott. Her father was born in Mercer county, Penn., March 7, 1814. His parents came to this country from Scotland after their marriage. When a young man he learned the cabinet maker's trade, and later became a veterinary surgeon. He was married in Stark county, Ohio, to Miss Moorhead, who, when five years of age, went with her parents to Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Scott died there in 1893, and his wife in 1889. John M., their eldest child, married Rachel Davis in 1861, three days later went to the front as one of Mitchell's raiders, was made a prisoner by the Rebels at Atlanta, Ga., and executed by them June 18, 1862. His remains were interred in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, and a handsome monument has been erected to the memory of the seven heroes who at that time gave their lives for their country. The other members of the family are Margaret J., wife of Jacob Powell, of Findlay; James, who married Annie Pierce, and is living in Findlay; Mrs. Schondelmyer; Robert, who married Ella Kissel, and lives in Terre Haute, Ind.; Mary, wife of George Arnold, of Findlay; Martha, wife of John Exline; Albert, who married Jennie Hill, and lives in Findlay; and Amanda, wife of Charles Ebling, of Findlay.

Mr. and Mrs. Schondelmyer began their domestic life on a 100-acre farm five miles east of Findlay, but in 1884. he sold that property, and now owns 154 acres of valuable land in Liberty township, on which he erected a fine residence in 1891. His farm is one of the best in the neighborhood, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision, while its buildings stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. To Mr. and Mrs. Schondelmyer have been born six children-Mary Isabella, born April 24, 1875, died August 19, 1875; Amanda Barbara, born August 26, 1876; Margaret Emeline, born February I8, 1878; George Albert, born September 22, 1879; Fred Scott, born February 6, 1881; and Fannie May, born March 14, 1884. Amanda and Margaret have both had educational training at Findlay (Ohio) College. In April, 1891, our subject was elected treasurer of Liberty township, in which capacity he has since served continuously. He is a Democrat in political faith;, but, though the township is strongly Republican, he was elected by a flattering majority, and in 1895 without opposition. Mr. Schondelmyer and children are all members of the Disciples Church at Rudolph, while Mrs. Schondelmyer holds membership with the Second Presbyterian Church, of Findlay, Ohio. The daughters are members of the Christian Endeavor Society of Bethel Church, Rudolph, of which organization

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 645

Miss Amanda is president, and her younger sister, Margaret, is organist.

On March 29, 1890, oil was discovered on Mr. Schondelmyer's farm, and eleven wells have been drilled, from which he receives an income of about $I,000 per annum. Much of the farm is not yet utilized, twelve or fourteen locations being still undeveloped. The farm comprises 154 acres, fertile throughout.

JOHN MERVIN, one of the early settlers at the site of the present town of Risingsun, is a highly respected resident of that place. Like many of the prosperous and influential men of the day, he has made his way to success through adverse circumstances, and his well-won competence reflects credit upon him.

He is of English birth, having entered upon his mortal career in Leicestershire, January 1I, 1824. His father, Thomas Mervin, was a butcher by trade. Our subject was reared upon a farm, near a small village, enjoying only the limited advantages of the common schools. He showed ability in the management and care of horses, and at an early age found employment in that work; but the opportunities for advancement seemed to him very discouraging, and he determined to come to America. Leaving his young wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Riley, he sailed from Liverpool, in April, 1849, in the ship " Joseph Badger," and after a voyage of four weeks landed in New York. The trip to Albany was made by river, from Albany to Buffalo by rail, and from Buffalo he came by lake to Sandusky, where he took the Mad River railroad, then the only one in this region. His destination was Avon township, Lorain county, but by mistake he went to New Haven, Huron county. On learning his error he started on foot for Lorain county, but while en route he was taken very ill in Greenfield township, Huron county, and was cared for by some friendly English people. On his recovery he had but fifty cents left of the sum which he had saved from his earnings for his journey, and a new start in life. This money was spent for wine to stimulate his impaired energies, and, instead of going on, he decided to remain there and rent a farm.

In the spring of 1850 his wife rejoined him. She had a difficult voyage, spending four months on the way, and being shipwrecked three times. They lived there for several years, renting different farms in the locality, but in the fall of 1863 they came to Wood county, driving through in a wagon. Mr. Mervin purchased sixty acres of land in Section 36, Montgomery township, where the village of Risingsun now stands. At that time the land was partially improved in the dry portion, and a plank house stood near his present home. The swampy part of the farm had to be cleared, however, and there was no small amount of hard work to be done in the first years of his stay; but the rapid development of the locality brought prosperity. He still owns seventy acres of land in the vicinity, and also has ten acres in Jackson township, Seneca county. In 1877 he built a fine residence in Risingsun, which he has since occupied. Mrs. Mervin's death, December 9, 1888, brought deep sorrow to this pleasant home. Her remains are interred in Trinity cemetery, Scott township, Sandusky county. They had nine children, all of whom are living: Sarah, Mrs. George Young, of Seneca county; Mary, Mrs. Adam Graber, of Risingsun; George, a farmer in Perry township; Elizabeth, Mrs. Frank Blonde, of Perry township; Eliza and Lucy, who are at home; Frances, Mrs. Benjamin Bates, of Risingsun; Anna, Mrs. Courtland Essex, of the same town, and Hattie, Mrs. Russell Hoover, of Montgomery township.

Mr. Mervin's parents came to the United States in 1855 or '56, and located in Greenwich township, Huron county, where his father died at the age of seventy-three years. His mother afterward made her home in Wood county with her children, but died in Richland county at ninety years of age. Mr. Mervin is the eldest of six children, all living, Thomas resides in Rising sun; George, in Longley; Elizabeth is the widow of James Brinson, of Huron county; Hannah married John Thompson, of Richland county, and Emma married first the late John Jenney, and second John Winder, of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mr. Mervin possessed in youth a powerful physique, and is still well-preserved, his strictly temperate habits being, in his favor. Fond of reading, he has intelligent views on the questions of the time, and his interest in the education of the rising generation has led to several years of able service as school director. In principle he is a Democrat, but is not bound by partisan ties in the choice of suitable men for local offices. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church.

JOHN MARRON receives that respect which fidelity to duty and an industrious life always commands. He is now serving as postmaster of Hull Prairie, and is successfully engaged in blacksmithing. A native of the Emerald Isle, he was born in County Monaghan, June 29, 1835, and is a son of Patrick and Julia (Bird) Marron. The father died in 1849, the mother in 1880. He

646 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

was a farmer by occupation, and after his death the mother brought her little family to America in 1850, and spent her last days in Toledo. Her children were Mary, deceased wife of William Davis, of Iowa; John, of this sketch; Michael, a shipbuilder of Toledo, and Annie who died in childhood.

Mr. Marron, of this review, attended school in his native land, and at the age of fifteen came to the United States, locating first in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio. For four years he was employed as a farm hand in that county, after which he learned the blacksmithing trade, which he has since followed. He pursued that business for a time in Lorain county, also in Toledo, and in 1868, came to Wood county, locating on Hull Prairie, where he has since remained, building up a very successful business. He is an excellent workman in his line, and his well-directed efforts and honorable dealings have secured him a liberal patronage. He also owns a farm of sixty acres near by, on which his son-in-law lives. In 1886 he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, but would not accept the office. In 1893 he was again tendered the position, which he is now filling to the general satisfaction of the public.

Mr. Marron was married in Erie county, Ohio, in 1864, to Miss Horan, a native of Ireland, and to them have been born six children-George; John; Carrie, wife of E. B. Twining; Julia, and Sophia, at home; and Mary, who died in childhood.

Mr. Marron was school director for two terms, and has been a member of the township board of trustees. His political support is given the Democratic party, and in religious faith he is a Catholic. His industry and enterprise, and the resolute purpose that has enabled him to work his way steadily upward, well entitle him to the honorable distinction of being known as a self-made man.

GEORGE GREEN, deceased. As a representative of the intelligent and hardy pioneers who opened up Plain township for settlement, and have since taken a conspicuous part in developing it, we are pleased to place in this volume a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman whose name introduces this review.

Mr. Green was born at Wigan, near London, England, March 28, 1846, and when quite young came to America with his parents, William and Sarah (Brown) Green, both natives of the same isle. On emigrating to this country in 1846, the father came direct to Ohio, locating in Cleveland, where he remained four months working at his trade of a butcher, after which he came to Wood county, and bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Plain township. Indians still lived in the neighborhood, wolves and deer were to be seen, and wild game of all kinds furnished many a meal for the family. They were among the first settlers of Plain township, and their first home was a rude log hut. The father continued . to work at his trade, and as his sons grew up they helped him in the management and care of the farm. He and our subject also constructed some of the roads and ditches of the township. There were seven children in the family, all of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Mary, deceased wife of John Moore; Ellen, a resident of Weston; Richard, deceased; Sarah, wife of Amos Dewese; Isaac, deceased; Jane, wife of Thomas Woodesly, of Canada; and George. The parents have both departed this life, the father dying in 1851, and the mother in 1846.

As our subject was reared in a pioneer settlement, he received his education in the primitive' school house, characteristic of the times and place. As soon as he was old enough, he was obliged to share in the labors of developing thee farm from the wilderness. This early training in agricultural labors doubtless made the young lad sturdy, self-reliant, and capable beyond his years, and prepared him for a life of independence. By dint of hard labor, perseverance and wise management, he had at the time of his death a farm which, in its neat appearance, with its ample farm buildings, unsurpassed productiveness, and all the' other essentials of a good farm, compares favorably with others in the neighborhood. Thus his thrift, frugality and industry was rewarded by a substantial home, and an assured income which gave him the means of procuring all the comforts of life for himself and family. His wife, who was to him an excellent counselor and helpmeet, shared with him the respect and esteem of the entire community.

On April 10, 1872, Mr. Green had married Miss Harriet Challen, who was born November 19, 1849, and is a daughter of William Challen. They had seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: William .W., January 9, 1873; Jessie, July 29, 1875; Alva, June 29, 1877; Maude, May 2, 1879; Stanley, February 9, 1881; Herman, December 23, 1883; and Floyd, March 19, 1887. The oldest daughter, Jessie, is now the wife of Horton Conklin, and the oldest sons are now looking after the cultivation of the old homestead. The father passed away on the 26th of July, 1894, beloved by all who knew him.

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 647

C. W. LENHART, one of the prominent citizens of Bowling Green, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, September 6, 1846. He is the only child of his parents, George S. and Elizabeth (Legron) Lenhart. His boyhood was spent in attendance at the public schools, and in the graded schools at Fostoria and Findlay. After one year in the service of his country, and several years spent in teaching in the country schools, he entered into the mercantile business at West Millgrove, Wood county, in 1867, which he carried on until 1880, when he sold out and took charge of a flour-mill which he had assisted in building. He operated the mill until 1886, when he removed to Bowling Greek and was appointed deputy sheriff of the county, which office he held for four years. In 1891 our subject entered into the abstract and loan business, in which he is still engaged; he now takes the general management of the Wood County Abstract and Loan Co., his wide acquaintance throughout the county making him peculiarly fitted for this work. He is a Republican in politics, and active in all enterprises having for their object the welfare of his community. He is an enterprising, energetic man, of excellent judgment and good business ability, and has been successful financially.

Mr. Lenhart was united in marriage May 6, 1869, with Miss Harriet N. Diver, who was born in Montgomery township, February 10, 1851. Mrs. Lenhart was educated in the public schools of the county, and is a woman of much culture and refinement. She is a member of the Disciples Church, takes an active interest in all Church work, and is also a prominent worker in the W. R. C., of Bowling Green.. They have but one child living, Edna M., an intelligent young lady, the wife of William H. Caverly; who, together with her husband, is at home with her parents. The eldest daughter, Bertha A., died when seventeen years old.

The father of our subject was born in Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married. He removed with his family to Ohio in 1845, settling in Mahoning county, soon removing to Hancock county; where he lived until 1854, then coming to Wood county and purchasing a farm in Montgomery township. In the early part of his life he was a contractor and builder, but followed farming during his later years. He was born in 1820 and died in 1879. His wife was born in 1823, and is still living in the enjoyment of good health as Longley, this county.

Jacob Lenhart, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania some time in the '40s and settled on a farm west of Findlay, in Hancock county, afterward removing to a place near Pendleton, Putnam county, where he died, in 1864, when about seventy-five years of age. Mr. Lenhart's maternal grandfather, John Legron, also removed from Pennsylvania about the same time as the other branch. of the family, settling west of Findlay, from there removing about 1856 to Montgomery township, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. Both sides of the family are of Pennsylvania Dutch descent.

E. PRICE CLOUGH, who is now living retired, has by well-directed efforts in his business career won a competence that enables him to lay aside business cares. Fair dealing was as conspicuous in his commercial life, as his honor in all the other walks of life. He was born in the town of Pike, Allegany Co., N. Y., October 19, 1824, and is a son of Bailey and Asenath (Price) Clough. In early life the father was an operator in a woolen mill, but after his marriage, which was celebrated in Allegany county, he worked at the trade of a millwright. In February, 1833, he removed with his family to Huron county, Ohio, and after nine years took up his residence in Portage township, Wood county, where for several years he worked at carpentering. For some years previous to his death in 1850, he conducted a general store in Portage. He was prominent intown affairs, and served as justice of the peace, township clerk and postmaster. He had been previously married before he wedded Asenath Price, his first union having been with Sarah Smith. Mrs. Clough was the widow of Daniel Seiley at the time of her marriage. Two children were born to the parents of our subject, of whom Samuel died in infancy.

E. Price Clough received a common-school education in his native county, and when eighteen years of age came with his parents to Wood county. He learned the trade of carpentering and wagon-making, the former with his father, but laid aside all business cares on August 21, 1861, when, at Findlay, Ohio, he enlisted as a musician in Company C, 21st O. V. I. He was first in battle at Ivy Mountain, and afterward participated in the engagements at Bridgeport, Ala. Lavergne, Tenn. ; Nashville, and Stone River. At the last named he was captured by the enemy, and conveyed to Libby prison, where he remained' for twenty-two, days when he was paroled and; sent to Annapolis, Md., remaining at the latter, place for seven weeks. In July, 1863, he rejoined. his regiment, and participated in the Tullahoma campaign, Dug Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge,;

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 648

Buzzards Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Averysboro and Bentonville. He was mustered out at Columbus, July 25, 1865. He had reenlisted as a veteran at Chattanooga, and was appointed corporal April 1, 1865. He followed the old flag on many a Southern battle field, ever true to the Union, and his war record is one of which he may be justly proud

Mr. Clough was married May 16, 1844, in Portage, Ohio, to Amelia Crego, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, May 4, 1824. They had two children-Flora, wife of Dr. William T. Thomas, of North Baltimore, Ohio; and George P., who died at the age of thirteen. After the war, Mr. Clough worked alternately at carpentering and wagon-making until 1876, then through the succeeding twelve years followed carpentering exclusively, while since 1888 he has lived retired.. In politics he is a Republican, and for six years served as clerk of Portage corporation. In 1891 he was elected mayor, which position he filled for two years.

DR. T. S. CARMAN. "Peace bath her victories no less than war, " and the men who braved privation, malaria, and countless other trials and dangers in the early days, in order to subdue the wilderness of forest and swamp which covered this section, are rightly held in honor for their achievements. Among the surviving pioneers of Wood county, Dr. Carman, of Bradner, stands foremost, and his versatile talents, sound judgment, determined will, and seemingly inexhaustible physical vigor are the wonder of all.

Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna (Critchet) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Baltimore, and was a prosperous man until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Baltimore Blues, " and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the British forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas, in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The mother of these was united in marriage in 1851 with James Chiviril, but to their union no children were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.

Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been attending the common schools in, Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed 'with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take .out to "Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80, 00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in -various dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.

Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Richmond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condition; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later entering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd financiering enabling him to accumulate money rapidly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perrysburg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Bradner, where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot, and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has done much toward the improvement of Bradner,

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 649

having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticized for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.

In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the " Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Baltimore, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others-Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham)-reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who requested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester, Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz.: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner; Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill.; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Disciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.

Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the newspapers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty-four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbending, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no matter what the cost. His wonderful memory enables him to recall the events of his early life as a-boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January 8), and in 1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steamboats built in the United States, the " Pennsylvania " and Aetna;" was present at the laying of the first stone of the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jackson, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distinguished visitors present on that occasion were James Carroll (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been equal to any task. Left to make his way from early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the most exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished possession. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever business he has undertaken, he has grasped the principles of success intuitively, and whether as a merchant or a pioneer farmer his lack of previous training seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 18 16. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's possession by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, adjoining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.

Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direction of politics, and he has declined numerous candidacies, although, with the favorable acquaintance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not indifferent to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 650

early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treasurer; but owing to his many private responsibilities, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.

A remarkable man, truly, and a remarkable life! It is a marvel that with his ceaseless activity Nature's machinery has not been worn out long ago, but happily he has renewed his strength as the years have passed over his head.

JOHN W. ANDERSON is numbered among the native sons of the Keystone State, his birth having occurred in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, December 10, 1844. His father, William Anderson, was born in 1828.. When a young man he sought the hand of Elizabeth Bell in marriage; her father, Isaac Bell, who was a large slave-owner, strongly objected to the marriage, bur when the young couple had run away from home, and had the ceremony performed, he finally forgave them. The father of our subject was a 'splendid specimen of physical manhood. More than six feet tall, he was excellently well proportioned, and had a handsome countenance. In his youth, he learned the shoemaker's trade, but afterward became a traveling salesman, and was part owner of a new invention for distilling whiskey. Subsequently he returned to Shippensburg, Penn., where he carried on shoemaking, but his last days were spent in St. Thomas, Franklin Co., Penn., where his death occurred, from cholera, at the age of thirty-three. In the family were three children, John W. being the eldest. William is living in Findlay, Ohio, with his mother, who was married a second time, becoming the wife of John Burkens; Elizabeth was the deceased wife of William Carlin.

Mr. Anderson, of this review, spent his school days in Pikesville, Md., where the mother had removed after the father's death. At the age of sixteen he laid aside his books to make his own way in the world, and his industry and capable management have been the leading factors in his success. His first independent effort was at farm work, near his home. After two years he began learning the blacksmith's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. At the end of a year his employer was drafted into the service, and Mr. Anderson started for his mother's home, she having in the meantime removed to Hancock county, Ohio. He procured work at the blacksmith's trade at McComb, and, at the end of six months, went to Findlay, where he was employed in the same way. Subsequently he returned to Eli Beach, his first employer, with whom he continued until the Rebels made their raid into that locality, when he again went to Findlay. His next place of abode was Portage, Wood county, where he followed blacksmithing in the employ of A. C. Caswell.

During his residence in Portage, Mr. Anderson was married, on March 11, 1866, to Miss Josephine Sargent, who was born January 1, 1848, and is a daughter of S. L. Sargent. The young couple removed to Bowling Green; but after a short time came to Liberty township, and Mr. Anderson bought an acre of ground at Roney Corners. He there erected a log cabin and blacksmith's shop, and has since continued business at, that place. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blessed with twelve children, namely: Arthur William, born April 19, 1869; Elizabeth, born January 1, 1871, now the wife of Elmer Fellers; _ Agnes D., born September 1, 1872, wife of William Smith, of Portage; Mary Willimeta, born May 20,. 1874, wife of Louis Allen; Vennie J., born December 27, 1877; Maggie May, born July 14, 1880; Dollie Blanche, born: May 20, 1882; Ethel Grace, born March 23, 1884; John Wesley, born December 13, 1887; Ollie Washington, born February 22, 189I ; and two who are deceased.

Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics; socially, is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, and, religiously, of the United Brethern Church. His genuine worth and thorough reliability have made him many friends.

HENRY DAVID, deceased, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and, when a young man of about twenty years, decided to try his fortune in the New World, where better opportunities are afforded for securing a home and competence. After landing on the shores of this continent, he came to northern Ohio, and for a time worked in Sandusky and Wood counties. Later he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaming, and there was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fark, a native of Sandusky county, and a' daughter of Fred and Charlotty Fark, who came to this country from the Fatherland.

Later, Mr. David sent the money to pay the passage of his parents and sister to America. For three years after his marriage he continued to reside in Toledo, and then rented land in Freedom township and elsewhere in Wood county.

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 651

until 1884, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 12, Portage township, where his family still make their home. His death occurred suddenly on May 21, 1886, he leaving a widow with the support of six children, the oldest only thirteen years, and the youngest seven months old. They are all with their mother, and are named as follows: Henry, John, William, Charles, Fred and George. The farm had not all been cultivated, and a debt still rested upon it; but Mrs. David was brave and energetic, and went earnestly to work. Her family of small children had to be looked after and provided for, but she struggled along, often performing a man's work on the farm, besides her household tasks. She has displayed business ability of a high order, while her other duties are performed with equal proficiency. She is a devout member of the Lutheran Church, and her sons through her teachings have become steady-going, industrious young men.

WILLIAM MANTEL. From Michigan there have come to Wood county a number of its worthy citizens, including this gentleman who was born in Monroe county, that State, April 23, 1862. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Denoyer) Mantel. His father was a native of England, his mother of France. When a young man the former learned the trade of shoemaking, beginning that work at the early age of eight years. When a youth of sixteen he crossed the Atlantic to New York, and went at once to Monroe, Mich., where he secured work at his trade. He was there married and made his home for about thirty-three years, when in 1884 he came to Liberty township, Wood county, and is now living with our subject. His family numbered the following-George, who died at the age of eleven months; Josephine; Mrs. Peter Ducat, of Henry township; Thomas, who died at the age of seventeen; Edward, a farmer of Wayne county, Mich.; Peter, a barber of Michigan; James, who is engaged in the same business in Trenton, Mich. ; Arthur, a farmer of Plain township, Wood county; William; Eliza, Mrs. Alferd Robinson, of Liberty township; Horace, an oil man of Henry township; and Mary, Mrs. Theodore Smith, of Liberty township.

William Mantel received but limited school privileges, but his training at farm labor was not so meager. On starting out in life for himself he rented a farm in his native county, which he operated until his removal to Wood county with his parents. He was at that time twenty-two years of age. He began work in the oil fields, and on the 11th of September, 1893, purchased fifty-three acres of land in Section 3, Liberty township, where he is now living. The lady who shares Mr. Mantel's name and fortune was in her maidenhood Florence Matilda Judson. The marriage occurred July 3, 1889. She was born May 20, 1866, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Judson, who had four children: Mrs. Mantel, Charles, William and Bert. Our subject and his wife are most estimable people, and have many warm friends throughout the community. In politics Mr. Mantel is a "Sound-money " Republican.

CALEB ROE is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Wood county, and through his enterprising efforts has won a success that is well merited. He was born in Liberty township, August 26, 1861, and comes of a family that has been connected with this locality since early pioneer days. His grandfather, Dominick Roe, came from Michigan to Wood county, and from the government entered eighty acres of land in Liberty township, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. There he spent his remaining days. His family numbered the following members-Dominick, Jr., deceased; Stephen, of Lucas county; Victoria, who is married and resides in Michigan; Lucy, wife of Pedro Maloush, of Lucas county; Mrs. Margaret Garno, of Weston, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Deshetler, of Liberty township, Wood county; Eliza, wife of Frank Ducat, of Liberty township; and Edward, father of our subject.

The last named was born and reared in Michigan, and accompanied his parents on their removal here. In Liberty township he married Miss Margaret Ducat, and secured a tract of land by giving in exchange two young calves. He farmed various tracts of land in Liberty township, and in his undertakings was successful. In 1864 he entered the Union army, and served until the close of the war. His family numbered the following members-Caleb, a farmer of Jackson township; Robert, a farmer of Milton township; Sherman, a farmer of Portage township; Matilda, who died in childhood; Hiram, who is engaged in the oil business in Ohio; Lewis, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Lucetta, at home; Albert and Alfred, twins, who died in childhood; and Guy, who completes the family. The father died August 22, 1896, at the age of fifty-four years, and was buried in Rudolph cemetery.

Mr. Roe, of this review, is indebted to the public-school system for his education. He was reared under the parental roof, and aided in the

652 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

operation of the home farm until twenty-one years of age, when he began working in the tile yard owned by George Bradshaw, for $25 per month. After eight months he entered a thirty acre tract of land in Liberty township, and in 1886 he purchased a tract of similar size. This was the first property he ever owned. After clearing two acres he found that there was oil upon the place, leased it and secured therefrom a handsome income which enabled him to get a good start in life. In the fall of 1888, he purchased his present farm, then comprising eighty acres of land, all cleared, but otherwise unimproved. He has since erected a fine residence, good barns and outbuildings, has the latest improved machinery, high grades of stock and everything found on a first class farm of the nineteenth century.

On January 1, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Roe and Myrtie Gaghan, who was born in Milton township, May 31, 1869, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Finney) Gaghan, natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to America, locating in Wood county. Here the father died August 28, 1890. Mrs. Roe was educated in the district schools of Milton township, and pursued her studies for one year in McComb, and two years in Weston, Ohio. When a maiden of only fifteen summers she began teaching school in Jackson township, and for six years successfully followed that profession. By her marriage she has one daughter, Bernice, born July 5, 1895. In politics Mr. Roe is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his support of the principles of the party. He has, however, never sought office, but served as school director.

REASON WHITACRE is the oldest resident pioneer of Bloom township, and he and his brother Isaac are the only ones of the " '34 settlers now living. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 20, 1814, and is now one of the successful agriculturists of Wood county. He has been a hard worker in his time, and is still active and energetic for a man of his years.

The Whitacre family came originally from Virginia. The grandfather, Edward Whitacre, married Martha Brown, and their son Mahlon, our subject's father, was born in the Old Dominion. When a boy of ten he was brought by his parents to Harrison county, W. Va., where he was married to Miss Phoebe Beck, also a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Preston Beck. Soon after marriage they moved to Columbiana county, which was then on the frontier line, and subject to Indian attacks and rumors of attacks, the family being so alarmed on one occasion as to seek refuge in the nearest settlement. In the spring of 1833 he came to Wood county on foot, and entered 160 acres in Section 6, eighty in Section 6, eighty in Sections 31 and 32, in Portage township; I60 acres in Section 5, forty in Sections 7 and 8, and eighty in Section 22, in Bloom township. He selected a spot for his future home in Section 6, near the present site of Cygnet, and returned to bring his family, which included seven children. They left Columbiana county April 18, 1834, and traveled in a wagon drawn by oxen via Minerva, Canton, Massillon, Wooster, Mansfield, Galion, Bucyrus and Upper Sandusky. They brought one cow with them, the younger members of the party walking by turns to drive her. Whenever they could, they stopped at hotel for the night, but often camped out, and after leaving Upper Sandusky they lived in that primitive fashion until their log house was built from trees felled after their arrival on May 4, 1834. The roads were so bad for the latter part of the trip that seven miles made a good day's travel. Their nearest neighbor lived two miles away, and their milling was done on the Maumee river, the trip taking five days, coming and going. Their first crop was corn, planted in small holes made in the solid ground, the stumps and roots making plowing impossible, and much of the grinding was done by hand-mills, made from stones found on the farm. The yield was abundant and wild game plentiful, so they fared well. They secured considerable ready. money by selling coon skins at one dollar apiece. Our subject's father was a large man, weighing ordinarily 225 pounds. He possessed fine abilities, and great force of character, and when there were but few to give was a liberal supporter of the Disciples Church, of which he and his family were members. His large tracts of land were divided among his children, with the exception of forty acres, which he gave to a preacher. In politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and he took great interest in public questions. He died in 1847, at the age of sixty-three, and his wife in 1849, aged sixty-two, both being interred in the family lot in Sugar Grove cemetery. Of their children only two are now living. Preston was married in Columbiana county to Martha Lucy, and died two years after coming to Wood county; Gula E. was married at the old home to Abiah Stackhouse, and died in Wood county in 1838; Edward was married, before coming West, to Hannah McNeely, and died in this county in 1846; the fourth child is the subject of this

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 653

sketch; Isaac was married in Wood county to Elizabeth McCrory, later to Eliza Wolfe, and now lives in Bloom township; Lydia A. married John McCrory, and died in Plain township; Sarah J. died of consumption three years after coming to this county.

Reason Whitacre in his childhood attended first a subscription school, and later, when public schools came into vogue, he availed himself of them. He was trained to farm work, and when a young man worked out for three shillings a day; for one year before coming to Wood county he had worked in a gristmill at Minerva. In all the work and hardships and pleasures of the pioneer days in this county he took his full share, and his reminiscences are most interesting. On March 22, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary McCrory, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1820, daughter of Samuel McCrory, a prominent citizen of Henry township. They commenced housekeeping on seventy-two acres of land in Section 6, Bloom township, a gift from his parents. It was in its primitive "state, and his little log cabin was the first house upon it. He cleared eighteen acres, and after his father's death traded the tract for his sister Lydia's interest in the homestead, where he has ever since resided.

By his first marriage Mr. Whitacre had eight children: Mahlon was a farmer in Liberty township; he died leaving two children-Conrad and Elmer. Hannah R. married Mandeville Milbourn, of Bloom township, and died leaving five children-Edward R., Lydia, Horace, Mary and Arthur. Phoebe married Horace C. Mercer, of Liberty township, and their children are Milton, Alburtus, Mary, Delorma, Clarence, Rosa, Jefferson, Frank and George. James, deceased, was a farmer in Liberty township; he left one child-Frederick. Samuel was a farmer in Liberty township, and died leaving two children Elletha and Olerious. Daniel is a farmer in Liberty township; he married Amanda Loe, and they have nine children-Mahlon, Hayes, Rhoda, Ardie, Wildie, Naomi, Carrie, Howard and Karl. Lewis S. is a resident of Cygnet, and has one child-Frank. Thomas lives in Liberty township; he has two children-Charles and Floyd. Mrs. Whitacre died in 1861, and was buried in Sugar Grove cemetery. On March 22, 1866, our subject was married to Miss Mary M. Bullis, a native of Durham, N. Y., born December 24, 1835, daughter of Isaac and Amanda (Hervey) Bullis, who came to Wood county in 1845, and located in Plain township. Four children were born of this union: Herman W. is a farmer in Liberty township; Arthur I. is a farmer in Bloom township (he has one son-Reason); Warren R. is at home, and Marian died in infancy.

Mr. Whitacre still operates his farm of 200 acres, and also 100 acres in Liberty and Plain townships belonging to his wife. In 1886 he leased his land to a Mr. Scott, who did not operate, but sold to Barnum & Boden, and they began operations in March, 1890, drilling two wells. Then Mr. Barnum bought out his partner, and sold a one-third interest to a Mr. Hughes, and this firm now control the territory. At this writing they are operating eight wells, and will probably drill two more. The whole production amounts to about $4,000 per month, our subject securing one-seventh. On Mrs. Whitacre's property in Plain township there are three wells, one in operation. Politically our subject is a Republican, he has been a favorite candidate of his party for various offices, and has served thirteen years as trustee, one term as justice of the peace, and has also been supervisor and school director. He is an elder in the Disciples Church, of which the family have so long been leading members, and has always been among the most generous helpers of any worthy movement.

WILLIAM HEYMAN, a well-known saloon keeper of Tontogany, this county, was born in the village Kaltenholzhausen, Kreis Diez, Nassau, Germany, February 19, 1840. At the age of fifteen years he started for this country, and the voyage across the Atlantic occupied sixty-three days, the ship being an old sailing vessel; and two weeks more were passed in coming from New York to Monroeville, Ohio, the point of destination. Young Heyman first went to work on a farm in Erie county, for which he was paid fifty cents a day. He then hired out by the month, first at eight dollars, and afterward at ten dollars. Later he became employed by the year, receiving, for his services the first year, $140, and, for the second, $150. He remained and worked for this same man-John Wright-for six years, his wages being increased until they reached $200 per year. During this period Mr. Heyman saved about $600, and then began farming for himself in Erie county; and in 1865 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Nickel, a native of Germany, whose parents had been farmers in Erie county for some years. Two children were born of this union, namely: Louise, who married Gustave Thorn, and they have three children-Gustave, Ella and Goldie; and William F., who is in the saloon and restaurant business at Ogden, Utah. Mrs. Heyman died in 1869, and in 1871 Mr.

654 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

Heyman married Miss Margretta Erbe, who was born in Erie county, near Castalia, in 185o. :Shortly after the latter marriage he moved to Bellevue, in Huron county, where he clerked in a store, and two years later came to Tontogany, where he opened a sample room. To the second marriage were born eight children, and all at Tontogany: Albert, John, Frank, George, Charles, Cora, Avery and Eddie. Through the energy, industry and good management of our subject his business has proved a profitable one. He is one of the progressive citizens of this locality. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church.

EZRA J. MOE was born in Lorain county, Ohio, February 4, 1840, and is a son of Isaac and .Angeline (Moon) Moe. The father, a native of Genesee county, N. Y., was a child of six years' when he went with his parents to Lorain county, the family locating. on a 160-acre tract of wild .land which the grandfather, Isaac Moe, purchased in 18o2. He had journeyed to this State on foot, pre-empted his land, and planted a few acres' of corn, and in the fall returned for his family. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Ridgeville township, about 185o. The . members of his family were Edwin, who died in Wisconsin; Charles, who died in Lorain county; Betsy, deceased wife of Gersham Gillett, of Lorain county; Polly, deceased wife of Abraham Moon, of Lorain county; Jane, wife of Leander Wilcox; Philand, wife of Otis Gilmore, and Hannah, wife of Husted Moe.

Isaac Moe was married in Lorain county to Miss Moon, who was there born in 18o4. She became the mother of seven children, namely: Edwin, who died in infancy; Ann, deceased wife of George Hinger, of Sandusky, Ohio; Rosanna, Isaac and Wellington, who died in infancy; Ezra .; and Rosanna, deceased wife of George Gill. After the death of his first wife, the father was married in Clyde, Sandusky' county, to Mrs. Polly Heydon, and they had three children-Isaac, Mary and Emeline, all deceased. Mrs. Moe died in Clyde, Ohio, and the father afterward removed to Michigan. In 1873 he came to Wood county to live with our subject, and died in 1881.

When a child of eight years, Ezra Moe accompanied his parents to Clyde, where he acquired his education. When only ten years of age he began earning his own living, and for seven years rode race horses for Tuttle Brothers, of Clyde. He then worked as a farm hand until October 23, 1861, when, having obtained permission from his father to go to the train to witness the departure of Company A, 72nd O. V. I.;, he, instead, joined the troops and went to the front, where he participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and aided in building a fort at Memphis, Tenn. With Grant's command he then went to Holly Springs, and after their supplies were cut off returned to Memphis, proceeding down the river to Milliken's Bend. After making the canal at Vicksburg, his command marched to Grand Gulf, and later participated in seven battles which drove the Rebels into their works at Vicksburg, where they then entered upon the famous siege, which ended with the surrender of the city July 4, 1863. Before sundown that night they were fighting Joe Johnston sixteen miles away, and engaged with that general in three battles. The troops afterward returned to Memphis, subsequently going to Little Rock, Ark., and following Price, who threatened the destruction of that city. They afterward marched to Cape Girardeau, were loaded into transports, and subsequently proceeded to Sedalia and Lexington, Mo. They then marched to Kansas City, and captured Price on the Big Blue river. Returning to St. Louis, they were at once ordered to Nashville, but Mr. Moe remained in St. Louis for about twelve hours. He rejoined his regiment in Cairo, and took part in the battle of Nashville. Later the troops marched to New Orleans, and were engaged in service in the gulf district for some time. This included the capture of Spanish Fort, after which they started for Montgomery, where the news was received of Lee's surrender, and the restoration of peace. They then proceeded to Vicksburg, and Mr. Moe, who had veteranized in 1864, was honorably mustered out September 11, 1865, after almost four years of military service, in which he made for himself an honorable record..

It was just four years later-September 11, 1869-that he was married in Perrysburg to Ellen Spoors. They removed to Garden Grove, Decatur Co., Iowa, but after a year removed to Wood county, and for three years operated the Hendricks farm near, Bowling Green. Mr. Moe later rented the Starr farm for nine years, the Lathrop farm for four years, and the Todd farm for four years. In the spring of 1892 he purchased twenty acres of land, erected a good residence thereon, and has since made it his home. His wife died in May, 1882, leaving five children: Charles, of Milton township; William Allen, of Liberty township; John, Maud and Fred, at home. 'One son, Frank, was accidentally shot at the age of thirteen years, and death resulted. Mr. Moe is a Democrat, and a member of the

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 655

United Brethren Church. He discharges his duties township. In religious belief her father was a of citizenship with the same loyalty and fidelity Dunkard, while her mother held membership that marked his honorable soldier record with the Lutheran Church. They are both now deceased, the latter passing away March 21,

E. F. METZGER, the efficient town clerk of Troy township, and postmaster of Stony Ridge, is a native of Wood county, born in Troy township, January 15, 1867, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Reninger) Metzger, both born in the German Empire, emigrating to America in 1835. In Medina county, Ohio, they were reared and married, but, as early as 1856, became residents of Wood county; in 1850, the father purchased his present farm in Troy township. They reared a family of seven children, namely: John, who died in Perrysburg township, November 7, 1894; Charles, who died in Troy township, November .3, 1888; George, a resident of Paulding county, Ohio; Henry, who died in Troy township, in 1883; E. F., of this sketch; and Carrie and ;Allen, both at home.

Our subject was reared to rural life, receiving his primary education in the district schools, after which he pursued his studies for two sea.sons in the Fostoria Normal School. On leaving school he began teaching, which profession he followed for eight years in Wood county, meeting with excellent success as an instructor. .In his political affiliations, Mr. Metzger is a Democrat, and for the past six years has taken ,an active part in local public affairs, being one of the leaders of his party in the township. In 1892 he was appointed town clerk, and afterward elected for three consecutive terms; in December, 1893, he was appointed postmaster of Stony Ridge, to succeed J. E. Stewart. He has proved a capable official, discharging the duties of the offices to the satisfaction of all concerned. He holds membership with the Lutheran Church of Stony Ridge, and Fort Meigs Lodge No. 774, I. O. O. F., of Perrysburg, and is universally respected as an honorable, upright young man.

ABRAHAM HUFF (deceased) was one of the straightforward and honorable citizens of Wood county. He was a native of the Buckeye State, born on January 20, 1825, in Sandusky county, near the city of that name, and was the fourth of six children, the others being Nancy, Mary, Snowden, George and Benjamin. He received his early education in Missouri, and followed farming as a means of livelihood.

Mr. Huff was married February 11, 1847, in Washington township, the lady of his choice being Lucy Ward, daughter of J. M. and Maria (Cowen) Ward, prominent farming people of that 1884. They had four children: (1) Elizabeth, born June 4, 1825, has departed this life. (2) Mrs. Huff is the second in the order of birth. (3) Ira, born August 16, 1831, became a member of Company H, 21st O. V. I., during the Civil war, and died in Rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga. He had married Charlotte Jeffers, by whom he had two children-Elizabeth Maria, wife of Charlie Thompkins, a resident of Missouri; and Alice Ann, wife of James Madison, also of Missouri. (4) Eliza died at the age of fifteen years.

Three children carne to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Huff, namely: (1) Sarah Maria, born July 27, 1850, is the wife of David McCombs, a contractor of Toledo, Ohio, by whom she had five children-Clinton, who died in infancy; Vernie Minnie, born August 2o, 1871; Effie Myrtle, born September 20, 1873; Orlando Lester, born March 20, 1876; and Lucy Pearl, born December 15, 1879. (2) Ann Eliza, born December 15, 1851, died at the age of three years. (3) Eugene B., born in Weston township, January 16, 1854, married Della Clark, and resides on his own farm.

Mr. Huff, for the last twenty-five years of his life, traveled the greater part of the time. His death occurred in California, September 7, 1876. In politics, he was a Republican, and by his fellow citizens was chosen to fill several offices of honor and trust, including that of supervisor, which he held for two terms, while for several terms he was constable, and his duties were always faithfully discharged. He and his estimable wife were ever faithful and devoted members of the United Brethren Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community.

G. W. SMITH, a well-known farmer of Plain township, Wood county, comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfathers on both sides of the family having fought and died in the struggle of the colonies for liberty, the one being killed at the battle of Brandywine, and the other at the battle of Trenton.

The parents of our subject were George and Mary (Wirts) Smith, the former being born in Pennsylvania in 1791, and dying in Summit county, Ohio, in 1854. The mother was a native of New Jersey, born in 1795, and died in Summit county in 1874. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the

656 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

father followed farming as an occupation. He was a Democrat, and a loyal citizen. The parental family comprised seven children, namely: Malinda, who married Joseph Hall, and died in Kansas; J. J., a physician, who resided at Akron, Ohio, and practiced there many years, but died December 7, 1884; J. B., who was assistant surgeon in the 14th O. V. I., and died at Nashville, Tenn. ; Hannah, who married W. C. Smith and died at Rock Island, Ill.; Thomas, who was killed accidentally in Missouri; G. W., the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, the wife of L. M. Newton, residing in Kansas.

G. W. Smith was born in Summit county, Ohio, September 26, 1826, was educated in Akron, Ohio, under the superintendence of Gen. Leggett, and lived at home until twenty-one years old, when he went to California. There he was taken ill with typhoid fever, and, after thirtydays unconsciousness, had but partly recovered from that terrible disease, when dread cholera broke out, and he was seized with that. He fortunately escaped with his life, and, strange to say, for twenty-eight years afterward did not have a day's illness. In the spring of 1853 Mr. Smith took passage for Australia, reaching there in July, and for three years was engaged in mining in that country. He then decided to return home, and came by way of England, landing at Bristol, and stopping at London and many of the principal cities in Europe, and, being, in all, two hundred and eleven days, and traveling about 25,000 miles on the water before he reached the United States. He says, these were the happiest days of his life.

Mr. Smith finally settled in Wood county, Ohio, and in 1857 was married to Miss Matilda Eaton, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 10, 1829. Of this union three children have been born: Era G., born June 24, 1866, is the wife of J. W. Le Galley, and has two children, Harry and Marguerite; Carl L., born March 11, 1868, was married February 6, 1895, to Miss Gertrude Hopkins, of Brownhelm township, Lorain Co., Ohio, who was born January 2o, 1871 (he was educated at the High School in Bowling Green, and at Ada Normal School, and at present is assessor of Plain township); Lulu E., born March 3, 1874, is at home with her parents.

Mr. Smith is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and is a man of good business ability and of progressive ideas. He is a Democrat in politics, and is highly esteemed as a loyal citizen and good neighbor, who wants justice to all and special privileges to none.

BENJAMIN F. PRATT. This pioneer farmer of Perrysburg township was born March 9, 1824, on the place where he still resides. He assisted in wresting the now fertile acres from the primeval forests, and the wonderful growth and development of the surrounding country have all taken place before his eyes. He can relate many most interesting reminiscences of those early days, and of the people whose struggles and privations sound like a fairy tale to the youth of to-day.

Gen. William and Bathia (Brown) Pratt, the parents of our subject, were natives of Massachusetts, where they were married, and whence, in 1814, they came to Ohio, settling in Orleans, Wood county, on the Maumee river, near Fort Meigs. They had previously lived in Canada, where the father owned a store and a farm; but when the war of 1812 broke out he came with his family to the United States, leaving behind him all his property, and cast his lot with the young republic. They crossed the lake in an open boat to Orleans, and there entered land. In later years a part of the property in Canada was reclaimed by one of the children. The father served during the war of 1812, and rose to the rank of general.

When the family took possession of the land now owned by our subject, which was in the year 1818, it consisted of eighty acres of dense forest. They made the first clearing, back from the river front, which was made in that locality, and which became known as the " hole in the woods." William Pratt ran the first schooner on the Maumee river, and followed boating for many years. He died February 3, 1824, and was buried on the farm; his wife died at Grand Rapids in July, 1858, and was buried in the cemetery at Perrysburg, where her husband's remains had been removed. Seven children were born to this estimable couple, namely: Jonas, who was a farmer, and died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1854; William served with his father in the war of 1812, and died in Grand Rapids in 1869; Hiram died in Wood county, in January, 1854, his wife surviving him until January, 1894; Amos was a steamboat captain on the lakes, and resided a part of his life in Maumee, near Fort Miami, Lucas county, and died in Buffalo, some time in the "fifties;" Sarah became the wife of judge Jerome, and died in Lucas county; Jane married Francis Hinsdall, and lives in Toledo; James makes his home in Illinois, and Benjamin F. is our subject.

Benjamin F. Pratt was reared in Perrysburg

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 657

township, and assisted his father in clearing and improving the home farm which he now owns, and to which he has added until his property comprises 192 acres, all well-improved and valuable land. He has built a comfortable residence, and is engaged in general farming. He was married in Perrysburg township, March 20, 1850, to Miss S. J. Perrin, who was born in Nova Scotia, and is a daughter of James and Nellie (Byers) Perrin, the father a native of France, the mother of Scotland. In 1838 her parents went to Indiana, where they both died in less than one week. After their deaths the children all returned to Wood county. Of these, Charles is deceased; Jane is now Mrs. Young, and lives at Albion, Mich.; Mary married Benjamin Langel, and is deceased; John resides in Roachton; William lives in Perrysburg township; Catherine married Stephen Langel, and is deceased.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, as follows: Fred is living in New Mexico; Ella (now Mrs. Kerr) lives in Grand Rapids; Arthur is in New Mexico; and May, Guy, Clifton and Benjamin F., are at home. Mr. Pratt is a Republican, and a member of the M. E. Church. He is a man of fine character, devoted to his home and family, and has never cared to hold public office. As a representative of one of the old families in the county, and for his many sterling qualities, he is held in the highest estimation by all who know him.

WILLIAM LE GALLEY, SR., one of the oldest of the honored pioneers of Plain township, was born December 20, 1812, in Colerain, Mass. He was the son of John and Margaret (Wilson) Le Galley, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts.

When he was seven years old his parents moved to Ohio, and located in Lower Sandusky, where both died a few years later, and our subject was left to make his own way in the world. He went to Seneca county, where he lived with an uncle for nine years, attending school for a short period, afterward working upon the farm. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the tanner's trade, which he followed for twenty-eight years in Seneca and Huron counties, where he also engaged to some extent in farming. He was married in Huron county, in 1836, to Miss Terry, who was born there in August, 1819. They had six children: Myron, John H., William T., Silia and Charles, all living; and Fannie, who died when six years old. In 1856 he moved to Wood county, and purchased 200 acres of land in Plain township, which was but little improved.

With the help of his sons, he succeeded in changing this wilderness into a cultivated farm, ditching, tiling, planting fruit trees, and building a good dwelling house, and commodious barns.. He has divided seventy-five acres of his land between two of his sons, and still retains 125 acres, which is under the management of his son, Charles, who resides at the homestead. There are four oil wells in operation upon the property, developed by the Ohio Oil Company.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Le Galley have passed the allotted three score and ten years, both are hale and hearty, and happy in the enjoyment of the fruits of their past labors. Their children occupy useful and honorable positions in life, and their declining years are without a cloud. They have been for many years leading members of the Baptist Church in Bowling Green. Mr. Le Galley votes the Prohibition ticket, and he has always taken an influential part in local affairs. In 1860 he was elected justice of the peace, serving for one term, and :he was school director for a number of years.

TITUS BECK was born in New Rumley, Harrison Co., Ohio, March 9, 1845. His early life was spent in Ashland county, Ohio, where he studied the elementary branches of an English education in the district schools. He enlisted in the Union army at Ashland during the Civil war, joining, on February 28, 1864, the Western army, with which he stayed for twenty-two months, being most of that time connected with the artillery corps at Fort Steel, Ark. In 1 865 he returned to Ashland county, and on March 5, 1868, was married to Miss Laura E. Campbell, a daughter of James and Isabell (Robertson) Campbell. They moved to Wood county, where he at once settled on eighty acres of land he now owns, adjoining the corporation of Bowling Green. The property contains three oil wells, which he has leased, and he is occupied in general farming. Mrs. Laura E. (Campbell) Beck was born in Ashland county, Ohio, July 8, 1847. They became the parents of thirteen children, namely: Allen Sanford, born January 30, 1869;. Myrtle E., born October 13. 1871; Alice G., born June 27, 1872, was accidentally burned to death November 19, 1876; George Campbell, born March 18, 1874, married to Miss Maud Case, of Toledo, June 15, 1896, a niece of President Garfield; Mattie May, born December 13, 1875, wife of Gilbert Harriss; Ida L., born February 19, 1878; John L., born November 17, 1879; Earl J. born November 23, 1881; Walter B., born May 19, 1884; Verah E., born June 20, 1886; Benson Foraker, born December 19, 1887; Orlie

658 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

C., born August 6, 1892; Hazel Bell, born January 27, 1894.

George Beck, father of our subject, was born in New Brunswick, on the St. Johns river, February 23, 1815. He came to the eastern part of Ohio when sixteen years old, and settled in Harrison county with his mother and family, where he lived until 1848, when he went to the northern part of Ashland county, and there died March 20, 189o. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics he was a Democrat until the beginning of the slave agitation, when he became an anti-slave agitator. His wife was a Miss Delila Miller, who was born and reared in Harrison county, Ohio, and died at Troy, Ashland Co., Ohio, at the age of seventy years. To