WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 803

L. P. TRIBBLE, the genial host of the " Tribble House " at Haskins, was born April 14, 1846, in Clermont county, Ohio, where his paternal grandfather, Cornelius Tribble, a native of South Carolina, was among the earliest settlers.

Amos Tribble, our subject's father, was born in the same county April 10, 182o. He was married in Bethel, Clermont county, to Miss Margaret Higby, a native of New Jersey, born in 1819. Her family is of old New England stock, but her parents were born in New Jersey, and moved to Ohio during her girlhood. Amos Tribble and his wife lived in Clermont county until 1853, when they. came to Wood county and settled on a farm in Middleton township, afterward removing to Portage for a few years. They were members of the Congregational Church, and honored for their consistent example. Our subject's mother died November 1, 1892, but his father is still living, and resides on his farm, near Haskins. He is a Republican in politics, and when inclined to active work was influential in local affairs. Mr. Tribble is second in a family of six children, the others being: Julia A., the widow of H. N. Rush, of Portage; Lizzie married Eli Chapman, of Bowling Green; Charles, a farmer in Middleton township; and Helen and Annie, who both died in childhood.

After acquiring a good education in the schools of District No. 6, and the town of Haskins, Mr. Tribble taught for ten years in different parts of the county, and then took charge of the C. H. & D. R. R. office at Haskins. This position he held for fifteen years, in the meantime establishing and conducting successfully his hotel business. He was married October 13, 1872, to Miss Jessie Pope, a native of Sandusky county, born September 12, 1855. Two children were born to this union: Julia, the wife of J. I. McCaslin, and Dwight, who lives with his parents. Mrs. Tribble is a lady of unusual mental endowments and force of character, and is a leader in various organizations. In all progressive movements both our subject and his wife are active supporters, and Mr. Tribble takes a prominent part in political affairs also, having been elected lately for the fifth time on the Republican ticket to the office of township treasurer. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F.

J. L. RUMLER is one of the highly-respected farmers of Montgomery his native township where he first opened his eyes to the light, February 19, 1860, in Section 21. He belongs to one of the prominent pioneer families of the county, his grandfather, John Rumler, having arrived hree in 1833. He entered at that time 160acres of wild land in Section 21, receiving a deed for the same signed by Andrew Jackson. John Rumler was born in Lancaster, Penn., of German parentage, and on reaching manhood married Catherine Augustine, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, where their wedding was celebrated. In Wood county he located upon the farm where our subject now resides, but at that time not a tree had been felled or an improvement of any kind made upon the place. There both he and his wife died at the age of eighty-eight years, his death occurring in 1862, and her's in May, 1864, and both were buried near Bradner, Ohio. In their family were five children: Eva, now Mrs. David Henline, of Sandusky, Ohio; Busias L., the father of our subject; Amelina, who became the wife of Benjamin Plants, and died in Sandusky county; John, a farmer of Montgomery township; and Elias, of the same township. In early life the grandfather learned the trade of a weaver, and he also followed teaming over the Alleghany Mountains from Lancaster, Penn., to Pittsburg; but his later life was devoted exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Religiously, he was a Lutheran.

Busias L. Rumler was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 12, 1816, and during his boyhood received a fair education in German, which language was used principally by his father and their immediate neighbors. At the age of seventeen years he accompanied his parents to Wood county, where he became a successful hunter, being very fond of the sport. He was very hardy and robust, and used to walk miles and miles in search of game, often staying out all night; but the exposure told upon his constitution in later years. He was a hard worker, and assisted many of the pioneers in clearing their land. On August 24, 1856, in Montgomery township, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Mogle, who was born in that township, May 6, 1840, daughter of David and Sarah (Stahl) Mogle, the former a native of Richland county, and the latter of Wayne county, Ohio. Mrs. Rumler was the second in order of birth in a family of eight children, the others being Mary, now Mrs. C. T. Hardaker, of Fulton county, Ohio; Susan, who died in infancy; John W., of Lime City, Ohio; Daniel J., who died at that place; Levina, wife of Isaac Whitson, of Lime City; Oliver, of Fulton county, Ind.; Annie, who became the wife of John Galbreath, and died at Prairie Depot, Wood county. The parents of these children were married in Wood county, where they arrived in 1833. The father arrived here in

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came in the spring with his father, Michael Mogle, who made a location in Montgomery township, and the mother accompanied her married sister, Mary, the wife of Daniel Edmunds, to the county in the fall of the same year.

After his marriage Mr. Rumler built a hewedlog house, upon the farm where our subject now resides, and upon the site now occupied by the latter's residence. Later he located on the old homestead, where he lived for two years, and then returned to the log house, which was destroyed by fire in October, 1877; the following year the present substantial brick residence was erected. Upon that farm his death occurred February I, 1895. For about nine years previous he had been in failing health, but was never confined to his bed until the day before he died. His remains were interred in the Prairie Depot cemetery. He had been very active in his younger years, and, his feats of strength were almost marvelous. He used his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, and religiously was an earnert member of the Lutheran Church.

Since the death of his father,. J. L. Rumler, whose name introduces this review, and his mother have lived on the home farm, which he operates. He obtained a common-school education, and early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. He has picked up carpentering, and is also quite familiar with other mechanical trades; but he devotes most of his time to the care and cultivation of the farm, which under his able management ranks among the best of the township. In manner he is quiet and unassuming; but is one of the most industrious and enterprising agriculturists of the locality, where he has always made his home and has many warm friends. Though not strictly partisan, he usually supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. Living with Mr. Rumler and his mother are the two sons of her youngest sister, Sarah Annie, who married John M. Galbreath, and these little boys, aged respectively six and four years, there find a pleasant home.

A. E. SMITH, carriage manufacturer and dealer, is a native of New York State, born March 25, 1850, at Newburg. He resided in that town until twenty-six years old, learning and working at the trade of wagon-maker, which he followed in Newburg some four or five years. He then went to Hornellsville, N. Y., and various other places throughout the State, and, coming west, worked at Cleveland, whence he came to Tontogany in July, 1875. Mr. Smith remained at Tontogany until the following March, and then he went to Van Wert, Ohio, staying there about two years. On March I, 1878, he came to Weston, and engaged in business for himself, succeeding in building up a very substantial trade, and he has an extensive stock of carriages, wagons and harness.

Our subject was married in Grand Rapids, Ohio, April 19, 1877, to Miss Emma Yost, a daughter of Peter Yost. They have no children. Mr. Smith has two brothers: William P., an engineer in Weston, and Charles A., a salesman in our subject's factory. All the three brothers are Democrats in politics.

Eli Smith, the father, was a farmer, who came from New York State in I 880, and settled in Ohio. Politically he was a Democrat. He was married on January 18, 1848, to Miss Hannah E. Fergueson, of Newburg, Orange Co., New York.

H. N. VAN VOORHIS, a successful farmer of Montgomery township, was born September 25, 1825, in the township of Whetstone, Crawford Co., Ohio, and is the son of William and Hannah (Jones) Van Voorhis. The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Holland, and H. N. is of the fourth generation in the United States. William Van Voorhis, the father of our subject, was a farmer in Crawford county, where he and his family were early pioneers.

Mr. Van Voorhis is the oldest male representative of his family in Ohio. He did not receive over six months' schooling altogether. In 1836, when he was ten years old, his parents moved to Michigan, passing en route through Wood county, and along the "Old Stone Road." They were three days going, from Fremont, Ohio, to Perrysburg, as the road was very bad and swampy, and they spent four years in St. Joseph and Cass counties, Mich. Mr. Van Voorhis lived with his parents until he was between twenty-three and twenty-four years old, with the exception of one year, during which he was learning the harness-making trade at' Bucyrus. He taught school for four or five terms in Knox and Crawford counties, receiving for the first term $8 per month, and " boarding round "; his highest salary was $14 per month, without board. Mr. Van Voorhis was married in Crawford county, March 15, 1849, to Miss Sarah Beck, who was born near New Lisbon, Columbiana county, February 26, 1831, a daughter of Henry and Rachel (Roselle) Beck, both of whom were from New Jersey. When our subject was married he did not have a dollar; but he rented a small log house in Olen

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tangy, Crawford county, for which he paid $12 per year, and his wife's parents gave them furniture with which to go to housekeeping. Later Mr. Van Voorhis bought two lots in the village, whereon he built a hewed-log house, and for seven years lived there, occupied in making shingles from rough timber, and teaching school. In the spring of 1858 he rented a farm in Morrow county, living there until the fall of the same year, when he returned to Whetstone township, bought ten acres of timbered land, and, moving an old hose onto it, lived there until he came to Wood county, April 10, 1866. He located in Section 20, Montgomery township, buying forty acres, for which he went into debt $1,100. After remaining there one year, he sold the farm at cost, and moved to Scott township, Sandusky county, bought thirty-seven acres, and after one year's residence there, removed to Section 7, Montgomery township, where he bought ninety-eight acres, for which he contracted a debt of $1,200. An old log house and a barn were the only buildings on the place, and this was his home until 1880, when he built the excellent brick house which now stands on the farm. On November 14, 1895, Mr. Van Voorhis moved to Prairie Depot, where he now resides in his house on North Center street.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Van Voorhis were as follows: Augustus, born February 12, 1850, is a farmer of Portage township; George H., born August 27, 1851, died in Portage township; Augusta J., born August 22, 1853, is now Mrs. Joseph J. Harris, of Perry county, Ill.; David C., born August 14, 1856, is a resident of Bowling Green; Owen, born March 21, 1859, died in infancy; Isaac, born November 8, 1861, is a farmer in Portage township; Frank, born September 13, 1868, follows farming in Montgomery township; Seretta, born February 23, 1871, is now Mrs. George Histe, of Portage village; Orrin, born September 9, 1877, died in infancy. Mr. Van Voorhis is a Democrat, served as township clerk in Crawford county, and was trustee for several terms in Montgomery township. He and his wife are members of the Deciples Church. He is a self-made man, and by industry and economy has acquired a comfortable amount of this world's goods.

SPENCER W. DEWITT. The subject of this sketch is a well-known farmer residing in Weston township, one and one-half miles northeast of Weston village. His birth occurred February 3, 1859, in Weston township, on the farm where he now lives. Isaac Dewitt, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, August 20, 1801. He was married three times, his third wife being Miss Theodosia Haughawout, . the mother of Spencer W. They were married at. her home in Erie county, Ohio, but in 1855, they removed to Weston township, Wood county, where they remained about six years, or until the death of Mr. Dewitt, July 7, 1861. Three children were born of this marriage, one of whom died in infancy; the others being Harriet, who married John Gingery, Jr., and died January 17, 1875; and Spencer W., our subject.

Spencer W. Dewitt, the subject proper of this sketch, was but two years of age when his father died, and was then taken by his mother to her former home in Erie county, where he found a home with an uncle. Here he attended the district schools; but when he was eleven years old, accompanied his mother on her return to the old homestead in Wood county. In 1873, Mrs. Dewitt was married to Abram Leonard, and our subject made his home with them, and worked upon the farm. Mr. Leonard died March 25, 1884.

On September 29, 1884, Spencer W. Dewitt was married to Miss Amanda J. McCrory, who was born in Wood county, September 7, 1865. They made their home with Mrs. Leonard on the old farm until the following spring (1885), when Mr. Dewitt built the house, in which he now resides, on the east half of the old homestead, making all improvements necessary to establish a comfortable home for his family. ' The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with the following children. Charles Jesse, born September 18, 1885; George Spencer, born October 6, 1887; Harriet Elizabeth, born July 24, 1890; Alta Rosetta, born February 23, 1893; Vernie Wilson, born February 18, 1895, and died April 19, 1896.

Mr. Dewitt has never taken much interest in politics, but has always sought to vote, regardless of party, for the best man for the office to be filled. He is a member of the Disciples Church. Since his mother's death, October 8, 1890, the homestead farm has been divided between Mr. Dewitt and his neice, Mrs. Addie Heckerman, who was the only daughter of his sister, Harriet Gingery- Mr. Dewitt retaining the east half, on which he had built his house. Mr. Dewitt is much respected by all his friends and neighbors for his integrity, and good, honest citizenship.

JOHN R. ARCHER, M. D., one of the younger members of the medical profession, and an enterprising and progressive citizen of North Balti-

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more, was born in Wood county, October 14, 1861. He spent his early childhood there, later attending school at Fostoria, and having become sufficiently qualified he began teaching school, which occupation he followed some five years. At the end of that time he took up the study of medicine, paying his way from the money earned while teaching, and was graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1887. Locating first at Holgate, Henry county, with his brother, who is also a physician, he remained there for one year, and then came to Wood county, settling in North Baltimore, where, by industry, ability, and strict attention to business, he has acquired a large and extensive practice.. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, the State Medical Association, and the Wood County Medical Association. Dr. Archer is looked upon as a rising man in his community, and possesses the confidence of all who come in contact with him.

Joseph Archer, father of our subject, was born in Richland county, Ohio, September 3, 1827, and was married December 20, 1853, in Huron county, to Miss Nancy Jane Howard, a native of Hancock county, born April 22, 1836. They became the parents of the following children James Dallas, born October 30, 1858; Sarah M., born March 15, 186o; John R., born September 14, 1861; Tebertha A., born January 2, 1865, died August 24, 1872; Millie B., born November 4, 1871, died March i6, 1874; Amanda E., born April 12, 1875, died March 30, 188o; Susie, born March 12, 1878. Mr. Archer settled in Bloom township from the time of his- marriage until 1887, when he returned to North Baltimore, where he now lives, one of the respected pioneers of the place. He still owns eighty acres of land in Bloom township. He is a Democrat, and a member of the United Brethren Church.

Grandfather James Archer was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, of German ancestors. He lived in Richland county, where he followed the occupations of a blacksmith and farmer until 1834, when he moved to Wood county, and died in Bloom township at the age of forty years. He married a Miss Nancy Copas, who was born in Guernsey county, and who was over seventy years old at the time of her death. They were the parents of twelve children.

ALEXANDER SCHWARTZ, a prominent baker, confectioner, and ice cream manufacturer of Bowling Green, was born in Lorraine, a German province, August 20, 1863. He is the son of John and Mary (Riff) Schwartz, the former of whom was born in Lorraine, June 2, 1817, and the latter in the same place, in 1828. She died in the old country, where her husband followed the occupation of a farmer.

Mr. Schwartz, Sr., came to America in 1882, and joined his son Alexander in Waverly, Ohio, later removing to Bowling Green, where he died July 27, 1895. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, as follows; George died at Batavia, Ohio, aged thirty-six years: Mary died in Germany; Victoria died in the old country; Paulina married John Bras, and lives in France; Alexander is our subject; Louisa lives in Nancy, France; Edward died in infancy.

The paternal grandfather, John Schwartz, was a weaver by trade, and died in Lorraine. He was in the French army under Napoleon I, and carried two bullets in his body, which were received at the battle of Waterloo. He lived to the good old age of ninety-five. Our subject's father was also a soldier, and fought in the Franco-Russian war.

Mr. Schwartz spent his boyhood days in Lorraine attending the public schools, where he learned the German language. For a while he worked in a mill, in order to learn the miller's trade, but left his position to come to America. Upon arriving in this country he first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the baker's and confectioner's trade. He worked at this in various cities, among which were Jackson (Ohio), Batavia, Waverly, Nelsonville, Fostoria and Findlay. For the first year and a half he went in business for himself at Batavia; then sold out and came to Bowling Green in February, 1892, and immediately opened a place of business which he has been operating ever since. He met with success from the start, and to-day leads all others in his line. The building in which Mr. Schwartz carries on his work is fitted out with all the latest improvements, required in the manufacture of ice cream and confectionery, and a visit through his establishment would prove interesting as well as instructive. The immense ovens in which the baking is done, the engine and machinery used in the manufacture of ice cream, and all the equipments of his business are of the best. When he put in his machine for freezing his ice cream, he was laughed at, but the first year he sold 1,400 gallons, the second 2,200 gallons, and the third, over 4,200 gallons, and this year he sold over 7,000 gallons. Besides his ice cream and confectionery plant, Mr. Schwartz owns forty acres of land east of Bowling Green.

Our subject was married in Findlay, Ohio,

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January 21, 1890, to Miss Anna M. Urschalitz, who was born in Plymouth, Ohio, June 5, 1871. Mr. Schwartz politics are Democratic. Socially, he belongs to the C. K. of St. John. He justly deserves the large and growing patronage which he at present enjoys, as he is progressive and industrious, and although he came to America empty handed, possessing nothing but a desire to earn an honest living, he not only acquired knowledge of a trade, but stuck to it, until to-day he is one of the most prosperous and successful business men in the county.

JOHN D. ROSEN, a popular citizen and successful farmer, and oil operator, of Henry township, was born in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, February 12, 1848, and is a son of John and Eliza (Dial) Rosen. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and followed the various pursuits of farming, carpentering and milling. In his native State he married Eliza Dial, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed with his wife to Warren county, Ohio, where he followed the trades previously mentioned. Later he carried on agricultural pursuits in Miami county, Ohio, and then returned to Pennsylvania, where he made his home for five years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Rosen purchased a 12o-acre farm in Henry township, Wood county, and in an old log cabin made his home while he improved his farm. As time passed greater prosperity came to him. His last days were spent in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Jeffers, in North Baltimore, Wood county. In politics he was a Democrat, and, in religious belief, a Methodist. His wife passed away five years before him. Their family contained the following children : Mrs. Sarah Jeffers; Sargent J. and Joanna (twins), the former of whom died at the age of twenty-eight years, the latter when a child; John E.; Joseph, of Ashland county, Ohio; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of B. A. Lawrence.

The educational privileges of our subject were limited. When his father went to Pennsylvania he secured work as a farm hand in Miami county, Ohio; but after a year joined the family, and continued to reside in the Keystone State for three years, during which time he worked in a gristmill. He then came with his elder brother to Ohio, securing work on a farm near Cincinnati, where he remained for three years, receiving from $10 to $15 per month. He was afterward employed on another farm for six months.

On the 26th of February, 1874, in Butler county, Ohio, was celebrated-the marriage of Mr. Rosen and Miss Mary. S. McCoy, who was born in that county in 185o. They now have one child-Albert, of North Baltimore, Ohio, who was born January 23, 1875. After their marriage they came to Wood county, locating on forty acres of land given Mr. Rosen by his father. In 1889, he discovered oil upon his place, and has since developed five wells which have proved a profitable source of income. He is an energetic and enterprising business man, and has won success in his undertakings. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but his views on the temperance question have led him to give his support to the Prohibition party.

JOSEPH DREPS, SR. (deceased), was among the pioneers of Middleton township, his residence dating from 1856. He was long numbered among the leading and esteemed agriculturists of this locality, and the success he acquired also gave him rank among the substantial citizens. A son of Antony and Alener (Crotzburgh) Dreps, natives of Germany, he was born in that country, March 4, 1824, and was one of a family of five children, the surviving members being Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Roldorf, of Germany; and Augusta, residing in that country.

Joseph Dreps attended school in his native land, and was employed on his father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he began working as a farm hand for others in order to carry out his cherished wish of coming to America. When he had acquired sufficient money, in 1852, he took passage on a sailing vessel, and after a voyage of thirty-five days landed in New York. He at once went to Detroit, Mich., thence to Toledo, Ohio, where he worked for four years. In 1856 he came to Wood county, and entered forty acres of land in Middleton township-a timber tract, also covered by water. He cut and sold the wood, then drained and tiled the land, set out an orchard and planted crops. In 1886 he purchased an additional forty acres, and later bought another forty, so that he had at the time of his death, November 2, 1895, 12o acres, all under a high state of cultivation, with good buildings and modern improvements. He led an energetic, industrious life, and in clearing his land experienced those hardships known only to pioneer settlers. He came to this country with only three dollars, but steadily worked his way upward from humble surroundings to a position of affluence.

In September, 1854, in Toledo, Mr. Dreps wedded Mary Malter, of that city, who died January 26, 18 56. In the month of May following he was again married, his second union being with

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Barbara Auth, a native of Hessen, Germany. They had ten children: Joseph, born May 14, 1857; Barbara, December 14, 1858, wife of John Shiple, a farmer of Middleton township; Henry A., July 11, 1862; Andrew, May 30, 1863; John, February 11, 1865; George, October 26, 1866; Sylvester, who was born February 14, 1870, and died October 20, 1889; Mary, Lena and Elizabeth, triplets, born June 23, 1873. The last named is the wife of Charles Redouty, of Michigan, but the other two are single.

His fellow townsmen appreciating his worth and ability frequently called Mr. Dreps to office, and for seven years he efficiently served as road supervisor, while for six years he was school director. In politics he was a Democrat, and his religious connection was with the Catholic Church. His life was well spent, and his energy, resolute purpose and honorable dealing, brought to him success in business. His name is above reproach, his reputation spotless, and he possesses a genial disposition that won him many warm friends who held him in the highest regard.

HENRY A. DREPS, a worthy representative of this family, now living in Lansing, Mich., is one of the native sons of Middleton township, where he was born, reared and attended school, acquiring his education in the common schools near his home. He worked upon his father's farm until 1881, when he entered commercial life as a traveling representative of the Toledo Molding Company, and remained in the employ of that firm until 1885. With the capital he had then acquired through his own exertions, he embarked in business for himself at Lansing, Mich., where he has since continued as a wholesale and retail dealer in molding and frames, meeting with good success. He is a wide-awake and progressive business man whose standing is high in commercial circles, and his own efforts have brought him a prosperous trade.

In politics, Mr. Dreps is a supporter of the Democracy, and, like his father's family, he is a member of the Catholic Church. He was married April 21, 1890, to Marietta Bunline, who was born in Michigan, May 19, 1866.

JOHN FLOYD McKEE, whose reputation as a stockman, particularly in the line of fine-bred horses, has become almost world-wide, as well as national, is a native of Wood county, having been born December 23, 1856, in Grand Rapids township.

Capt. John McKee, father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Penn., June 30, 1823, a son of John McKee, who first saw the light in Ireland in 1777, emigrated to this country, and was married in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Wood county, Ohio, in 1833, dying here the same year. He left a widow and four children, namely: John, father of John Floyd; Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Buckland, and died in 1886; Jane, who died young; and Nancy (Mrs. Smith), now deceased. The father of this family was a Freemason, having joined the order in Ireland.

Capt. John McKee was ten years old when he came with his parents to Weston township, Wood county, where he passed the rest of his days. He there married Caroline Brown, who was born in .Grand Rapids township, March 10, 1823, daughter of Alexander Brown, one of the early settlers of Wood county, coming from Pennsylvania. To this union were born five children, three of whom are deceased-two daughters having died in infancy, and one son, Edward, born January 13, 1854, died October 18, 1854; the two living are John F. (our subject), and Alice, born December 22, 1848, married March 19, 1875. to William Meggison, of Grand Rapids, Ohio. The mother of these was called from earth December 26, 1856. In the fall of 1863 Capt. McKee enlisted in Company I, 144th O. V. I., of which, later, he was elected captain, G. Weddell being first lieutenant, and G. Kimberlin, second lieutenant. The company did not leave for the seat of war until May, 1864. At the battle of Monocacy Capt. McKee's command was badly scattered, and he received a severe wound in the thigh of the right leg, from which he suffered more or less until his death. His service in the war lasted four months. He died December 22, 1885, mourned by a large circle of friends. He was a successful farmer, a good citizen, straightforward and honest, and firm in the upholding of his principles of integrity. He was not a member of any church, although his family have always been Presbyterians, to which faith he strongly inclined, and of which denomination he had for years been a substantial supporter.

John Floyd McKee received his education at the district schools of his native township, and assisted his father in the work of the farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he assumed entire control of the homestead. To-day he is the possessor of over 500 acres of excellent land, whereon stands his magnificent residence, the admiration of all, and the finest barn in northwestern Ohio, one especially constructed with a view to the comfort and health of his numerous stock. For several years Mr. McKee has enjoyed a wide and enviable reputation as a breeder of

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and dealer in fine-bred horses, in all varieties, his business in this line-matching and selling having extended to the farthest limits of both the Eastern and Western States. Not long since he sold a car-load of matched horses (bought in Chicago), in Bowling Green, and his market is not confined to the United States, for he has from time to time bought and sold many valuable animals for European purchases. To-day the King of Belgium is driving a fine team of horses which Mr. McKee bought in the Chicago market, and is said to have been the best team ever bought or sold in that market up to that time. Mr. McKee paid $670 for the team; within ten days sold them for $1,800 to John Miller, who in turn sold them to the King of Belgium for $4,400. Mr. McKee also feeds a large number of cattle, and at the present time has on his farm some twenty-three head of as fine cattle as can be found anywhere. As a thoroughly reliable, practical and expert stockman, and a master of the business, he has as we have already said, almost a national reputation, and that he has every facility for caring for and handling the finest of stock goes without saying.

On December 20,. 1882, John Floyd McKee was married, in Grand Rapids township, to Miss Flora Heymann, daughter of Philip W. Heymann, and three children have blessed this union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: John, June 22, 1884; Grace, September 21, 1887; and Maud, August 17, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. McKee are members of the Presbyterian Church; in politics he is a Republican, but is no office seeker, though he has served as supervisor three terms, and on the board of education three years. He has inherited many of his father's characteristics, and is greatly respected for his uprightness, genial nature and philanthropy.

R. W. KELLY. One of the best known and most prominent agriculturists of Perry township, is the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, and whose birth took place May 1, 1826, in what was then Richland county, Ohio, but is now Ashland county.

The parents of our subject were John A. and Rachel (Shawhan) Kelly, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, in 1796, and the latter in Virginia July 13, 18o6. Their marriage took place in eastern Ohio on August 22, 1822, and on June 19, 1832, they came with their family to Montgomery township and settled in Section 32. The father had come to Wood county the previous month, and preempted 160 acres of land, on which not a stick of timber had been cut.

The family made the journey from their former home by ox-team, with one horse as a leader. On the first night of their arrival they slept in the wagon, there being no building of any kind on the place or in the vicinity. A large maple tree, four feet in diameter, was cut down, and the body hollowed out and covered with puncheons, with blankets for the front and ends, this rude habitation affording them shelter until a round-log house was built. Drinking water was scarce, and their first effort was to dig a well, which they succeeded in doing after much difficulty. The first crop raised was potatoes and corn, and wild animals, such as wolves, deer, and bear, were plentiful. In reaching this isolated spot the father had to precede his family with an axe, cutting his way through the woods for four miles before reaching their future home, and in the eight miles from Risdon, now Fostoria, to their destination, they passed the homes of only two settlers, who were Isaac Keely and William Shawhan. Tiffin, Fremont, and Green Springs, were their milling points, which were reached with ox-teams, and about six days were consumed in making the trip.

To this brave pioneer couple eight children were born, of whom the following record is given: Josiah S., born September 21, 1824, died of cholera at Ellsworth, Kans., where he kept a boarding house during the construction of the Union Pacific railway through that section; Eleanor W., born November 24, 1828, is the widow of Josiah Kiger, and lives in Millgrove; Lorenzo D., born October 15, 1830, died at Maple Rapids, Mich.; Frederick S., born May 15, 1832, lives in Gratiot county, Mich.; Mary, born July 14, 1834, married Samuel Fayler, and died in Kansas; William H. H., born May 12, 1836, lives in Coffee county, Kans.; Elizabeth, born April 15, 1838, married Amos K. Rainey. He was a soldier in Company B, 111th O. V. I., and was captured by the Rebels on his return from a visit to his sick wife, and died in Andersonville prison June 18, 1864. His wife died October 19, 1863, in Perry township. The mother of these children died January 23, 1840, and is buried at Millgrove.

Mr. Kelly was married, a second time, in Seneca county, in 1841, to Miss Nancy Patterson, who bore him one child, Rachel, who was born December 20, 1842, and became the wife of Lewis Heller and died in Toledo. The father died August 8, 1859, and his second wife in 1866. Mr. Kelly was a strong, robust man, and very active in his early days. He served as land assessor of Wood county, and spent many days and nights also showing land to persons wishing to

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pre-empt it, for which purpose he kept a rude chart of lands not already entered. For this work he received one dollar a day. He was originally a Whig, and afterward became a Republican, being a leading man in his party in his locality. He held at various times the offices of county commissioner and probate judge, and was justice of the peace in Montgomery township. At the time of his death he owned 280 acres of good land, and was one of the most prominent citizens of the township.

Our subject was but six years old when his parents removed to Wood county, and his first schooling was in a log cabin, 14 x 16 feet, his teacher being a lady by the name of Emeline Palmer. He did not learn his "A, B, Cs," until he was thirteen years old, and then had but few advantages for pursuing his studies, as there was always plenty for him to do, 'and he only went to school when it was too wet to work. He afterward attended school for two winters in Tiffin, Ohio, living with Abel Rawson, an attorney of that place, and working for his board. One of his reminiscences of this time is his attendance in June, 1840, of a meeting at Perrysburg during the celebrated " hard cider campaign " at which he saw William H. Harrison, who was afterward elected President. When nineteen years old, Mr. Kelly entered the store of his uncle, R. W. Shawhan, at Tiffin, Ohio, as a clerk. This gentleman was a general merchant who owned two stores, one in Tiffin and one in Fort Ball, the latter now being a part of the former city. He remained in this position until February 1, 1849, when he became one of a company of four sent out by his uncle to California to dig gold on shares.

Mr. Shawhan gave this party $2, 800 under the following conditions : they were to refund this money out of their first profits, and in case the project was a failure Mr. Shawhan was to lose the whole amount; if a success, he was to receive one-half of the proceeds of their work. They set sail from New York to Chagres, on the eastern coast of the Isthmus, well provided with six months' provisions, camp outfit, and other necessaries. At the Isthmus they hired natives to take their outfit to Panama for $100. Eight dimes went to the dollar, and they had supplied themselves with $100 in dimes. They had shipped one year's extra provisions around Cape Horn, and when these reached San Francisco they did not even take them from the steamship offices. Each man also had a trunkfull of clothing, which was more than needed and which was never taken from the storage room. On their arrival at Panama, no vessels yet being running in the San Francisco trade, they waited ten days, and then with over a hundred other passengers boarded a British mail vessel, plying between Panama and Valparaiso. They all agreed to stay on this boat until they could put in at a port and charter a vessel for San Francisco. At Callao, Peru, they found a whaler four months out from Nantucket, which they chartered, and after ten days' delay, which was necessary to transform this vessel into a rudely equipped passenger boat, in which they finally set sail, acid fifty-two days later arrived at their destination. Soon after they went to Sacramento, and found they had but $280 left out of their $2, Boo. This was the first party that left Seneca county, Ohio, for California, and consisted of the following men: R. E. Brewster, William Holt, John Schmitt, and R. W. Kelly. It took them from February 1 to June 8, to make the journey from Tiffin, Ohio, to San Francisco, California.

Soon after their arrival this party began mining in what is now Eldorado county, Cal., on the middle fork of the American river, and wintered four miles from Sutter's mill, the place where gold was first discovered. The party remained together for two months, when our subject and William Holt formed a partnership, and worked together during the remainder of their stay there. On October 1, 1850, Mr. Kelly and his partner, Mr. Holt, left San Francisco on a steamer, and returned to New York by Panama, reaching Tiffin on the first of the following December. These men were strictly honorable, and carried out their agreement, dividing their profits with Mr. Shawhan, each having a snug sum of money left, and which, in the case of our subject, was the foundation of his success in business.

His first enterprise was the purchase of 159 acres of land in Section 14, in Perry township, for which he paid $2,000 cash, leaving a balance of $900 on time. He was married June 5, 1851, in Portage township, to Miss Eliza J. Dresser, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 23, 1830. Aaron Dresser, her father, was a son of Samuel Dresser, and was born in New Hampshire. When he was eighteen years old his time was given him by his father, and he came to Richland county, Ohio, about 1820. He had a good common-school education, and taught school for a number of years. He married Esther Davis, and in the summer of 1834 came with his family to Portage township, Wood county, the journey being -made with ox-teams, and they crossing many deep streams, some of which the cattle had to swim. Their land was in an uncleared forest,

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where they built a small house, and much hard labor was expended in preparing the land for cultivation. The children of this family were as follows: Sarah A., who died when fourteen years old; Eliza J., wife of our subject; Susan L., who married Andrew J. Hall, and died at twenty-two years of age; Daniel, who died when twenty-four years old; John, who died at sixteen; Margaretta (now Mrs. Henry Adams), who lives in Portage township; Mary A., who became the wife of Reuben Hillard, and died in Portage township. Aaron Dresser lived to be over ninety-two years old, his wife passing away at the age of fortyseven years. Both are buried in Millgrove cemetery. Mrs. Kelly taught school for four years .before her marriage, the salary being $1.5o per week, which was considered excellent wages in those days.

When Mr. Kelly located on his farm, in Perry township, it was in poor shape, its only improvements being a small frame house and a roundlog stable. He spent considerable time and labor on it, and in March, 1852, traded farms with Justus Stearns, of Montgomery township, receiving 200 acres in exchange for his 159 acres. Later he sold this farm for $3,000, and in 1854 opened up a general merchandise store in West Millgrove, buying his goods in New York City. He was very successful in this business, which he carried on for five years; but failing health compelled him to retire from business, and he traded his store and other property for 40o acres of land in Montgomery township, and, renting his father's old-home farm in that township, removed to it in the spring of 1860, where he lived until March, 1882. He then removed to his present location, in Section 4, Perry township, where he has ever since resided. He has practically been a farmer continuously since 1859, and now owns over 700 acres of valuable farming land. In 1881 he built one of the best farm residences in Wood county, which is situated near West Millgrove, and where he and his family are enjoying all the comforts and conveniences of life.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly were as follows: Josiah D., born April 5, 1852, lives in Damascus township, Henry Co., Ohio; Rachel E., July 31, 1853, resides with her parents; Charles W., October 31, 1855, died August 11, 1857; Eleanor E., October 20, 186o, married George A. Adams, and died in Montgomery township, June 25, 1886; John A., January 19, 1861, lives in Montgomery township; Rezin W., Jr., December 12, 1864, resides with his parents. Mr. Kelly has always been a public-spirited citizen, and has contributed liberally toward get ting the railroads through his portion of the county. He was originally a Whig, becoming a Republican on the formation of that party. In 1854 he served as assessor in Perry township, and in 1856 was elected justice of the peace, which office he resigned after one year. In 1870 he was elected land assessor of Montgomery township, and later served for one year as trustee. In 1871 he was elected county commissioner, and, after serving four and a half years, was re-elected; but resigned the office. In 1880 he served as real-estate assessor in Montgomery township. In all these responsible positions he showed much business ability and good judgment. He has for thirty-one years been a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the various lodges at Perrysburg, Tiffin, and Fostoria. In 1886 Mr. Kelly took a trip to the Pacific coast, visiting places where he had been in 1849, and noting with pleasure the wonderful growth and development in that portion of the country.

Mr. Kelly is a man exceedingly well preserved for his years, and possesses a wonderful memory, which makes him a very entertaining companion. He is a man of good judgment and much common sense in business matters, and is consulted by his neighbors on many subjects. He is one of the best citizens of Perry township and, with his wife, has a host of friends throughout the county. Mrs. Kelly has for many years been a member of the Congregational Church, and is a most estimable woman.

GEORGE ELLSWORTH, fruit grower, etc., was born June 3, 1828, in Allegany county, N. Y., whence, when six years old, he came with his mother to Scott township, Sandusky county, Ohio, where he received his education in a log school house.

Mr. Ellsworth learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and followed the occupation of contractor and builder in Scott township, until 1865, when he came to Wood county, and located in Milton township, on a tract of land which he improved, working at farming in connection with his trade. He remained in Milton township until 1878, going from thereto Center township, where he bought fifteen acres of land, now situated in the corporation of Bowling Green, and began the cultivation of fruit, making a specialty of grapes, from which he produces some excellent wine. Mr. Ellsworth was married July 4, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Clinger, who was born March 12, 1838, a daughter of John and Sarah Clinger. They are the parents of the following children: Reuben M., born December 11, 1854, is a police

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officer in Bowling Green (he married Belle Ferciot, and they have two children); Francis H., born March 30, 1856, is in the insurance business in Kansas (he married Nellie Finnucan, and they have three children); George W., born November 16, 1864, is a music teacher and piano tuner in Bowling Green (his wife was Hattie Shutt); Willis G.,, born November 1g, 1867; Eugene E., born April 22, 1880; and one child died in infancy. Mr. Ellsworth was justice of the peace for four years in Scott township, Sandusky county, and no appeal was taken from his court while he was on the bench; he also held the office of assessor in the township. He is a man of broad mind and liberal views, and his sense of justice so clear that even his political opponents acknowledge his worthiness, and were satisfied with the manner in which he conducted the office. In politics he is liberal, voting for the man rather than the party. In all matters pertaining to the moral advancement of the community, he has always acted a zealous part. Mrs. Ellsworth is a devout member of the Adventist Church, accepting its primitive doctrines as orthodox. She is an extensive reader, a student in all Church matters, and her friends consult her as an authority on all religious topics.

James Ellsworth, the father of our subject, was born in New York State in 1768, and was by occupation a building and contractor. He died when our subject was four years old. He married Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1832, after the death of her husband, she came to Ohio, locating in Scott township, where she bought ten acres of land, which her sons helped to clear. Those who see the present prosperous condition of the county can not fully realize the struggles and hardships endured by this noble pioneer woman in her efforts to make a home in the wilderness for her four small children. They were fifteen miles from mill, and hence they pounded their corn for the customary " Johnny cake" and '' mush; " it was of frequent occurrence, when the mother had prepared a meal for her children, that some Indian squaw would come in and demand her share-a share sufficiently large to make it inconvenient for the hungry children. Wild animals carried off the poultry and stock, and the necessity of guarding their possessions early developed the instincts of the hunter in the son George. In spite of all the difficulties that beset the widowed mother, she succeeded in accomplishing her purpose, and, in the consciousness of a duty performed, passed to her final rest in the eighty-fourth year of her age.

DANIEL FRALICK. Prominent among the men who have carved out their own fortunes by honest toil and careful management, is the subject of this biography, a highly respected agriculturist of Montgomery.

He was born in Dauphin county, Penn., December 28, 1828, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shupp) Fralick, and was brought to Ohio, during his childhood, by his parents. His father secured a tract of woodland near Bucyrus, where a brother resided, with whom he made a temporary home while constructing a log cabin upon his own property. He was a hard worker, but remained comparatively poor, owning at his death only a small farm. He lived to the age of eighty-eight years, but his wife died a number of years before him. They had eleven children, of whom five were boys.

Mr. Fralick, who was the third child and second son, from an early age was made useful upon the home farm, and did some work for others. The schools were distant, the roads bad, and at best the instruction was poor, and his chances for an education were limited. At twenty years he began working, on his own account, as a farm hand at fifty cents a day, and in a few years saved several hundred dollars. At twentysix he was married in Crawford county to Miss Ann Newcomer, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, about 1835, the daughter of Samuel and Polly (Houseworth) Newcomer, who both died during her childhood, leaving her to be reared by strangers. Mr. Fralick rented a small log house which he furnished very simply, and here the young couple began housekeeping, and for some years he lived upon rented farms in different parts of Crawford county.

In 1858 he came to Wood county and bought forty acres in Section 3, Montgomery township, near Bradner, upon which a few trees had been cut here and there, the cleared portion not being more than five acres in all. A log cabin stood upon the place, which, though small, had the unique charm of being the first home that he could call his own, and, when he could look over five acres of growing corn and two of wheat, he began to feel truly independent. His labor was rewarded with increasing prosperity, and he added small tracts of land until his farm now contains 12o acres-less the amount taken by the T. & O. C. R. R. for a right of way. His buildings and other improvements are excellent; but we regret to say that his success was not won without the impairment of Mr. Fralick's health by overwork. He is a steadfast believer in Democratic principles. Of five children, Edwin,

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the youngest, is the only survivor; Calvin died at thirty years of age, Nelson at twenty-eight, and two daughters - Minerva and Mary - were called from earth in childhood.

DANIEL PHILO, a prominent agriculturist and stock raiser of Webster township, was born in 1827 in Luzerne county, Penn., where his father, Hurlbert Philo, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits. On reaching his majority Mr. Philo left home and worked as a laborer for three years. He then rented a farm of 20o acres in Erie county, Ohio, where he remained until April, 1858, ,when he came to Wood county and settled on a farm near Tontogany. He was married in Erie county, January 19, 1854, to Miss Caroline Marks, a native of England, born April 27, 1835, who came to America with her parents when she was seven years old. Of this union seven children were born: James Dell is a farmer; Mary is the wife of Isaac Emmett; William Albert, George, and Ward are prosperous farmers; William L. died September 22, 1859, aged one year and ten months; Sarah Jane, the second in the family, who became the wife of job Walker, died September 12, 1888, aged twenty-seven years and one day.

In 1866 Mr. Philo removed with his family to Webster township, where he bought twenty acres of land, to which he has added by subsequent purchases until he now owns 20o acres, and ranks as one of the largest land owners in the township. His thrifty and energetic management have been well rewarded, and his farm is considered a model one. In 1895 he built a residence costing $2,700. For the last twenty years, he has borne a heavy affliction, the gradual loss of his sight from cataract. He is interested in several business enterprises, and holds stock in the Dunbridge Elevator Company and the Lime City Mutual Fire Association.

Politically he is a Democrat, and the esteem in which he is held among his neighbors has given him much influence in local affairs. He has been school director for twelve years, and has also served as supervisor of his township. He and his family are leading members of the M. E. Church.

JOHN ERVEN, deceased. Among the enterprising agriculturists of Grand Rapids township, there were none who commanded in a greater measure the esteem and confidence of the community than did the late John Erven. His parents, Henry and Sarah (Ward) Erven, were prominent residents of Noble county, Ohio, where he first saw the light, November 27, 1850. Henry Erven, the father, was killed in a railroad accident in 1862, leaving his wife with five children to support, of whom our subject, then a lad of twelve years was the eldest.

John Erven received a good education there, and for some years was engaged in teaching, and later in farming and stockraising. In 1875 he came to Wood county and purchased fifty-six acres of land, which he cleared and improved, digging ditches, planting an orchard, and erecting neat and substantial buildings. To this home he brought his bride, formerly Miss Lucretia McLain, to whom he was married in Jefferson county, November 6, 1878. She was born February 20, 1852, and was one of the eleven children of William McLain, a prominent agriculturist of Jefferson county, Ohio, and his wife Elizabeth (Clarke) McLain. Mr. McLain died April 12, 1878, and his wife survived him until August 3, 1887. After his marriage Mr. Erven added sixty-eight acres to his original purchase, making in all a fine farm, which is now under the judicious management of his widow, a lady of unusual executive ability.

Four children were born to their union: Orrin, December 4, 1879; Lottie, May 1, 1881; Lewis, December 18, 1884; and Bessie, November 11, 1886, all of whom are living. To his little family the death of the father on January 17, 1893, was an irreparable loss, and outside the home circle the cutting off of so strong and vital an influence for good, was felt wherever he was known. To use his mother's words, "John always was a good boy. " In the Methodist Church, which he and his wife had joined in early years, he was an active worker, holding the office of steward, and doing faithful work in the Sunday-school, both as teacher and superintendent. In politics he was a Republican, and his generous assistance was given to every local movement, especially those which promised educational advancement, and he served as school director a number of years.

ANDREW P. JAMESON, a prominent agriculturist and teacher of Webster township, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, July 2, 1831, of Irish parentage.

Rev. Ira Jameson, the father of our subject, an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, sometime in the early '30s settled on a large tract of land in Hancock county, and engaged in agriculture, at the same time continuing his ministerial labors among the settlers and Indians. Of the three sons of Ira, our subject is

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the eldest; C. S., the second son, is an agriculturist still residing on the old homestead; and Ira M., the youngest in the family, is an ordained minister in the M. E. Church.

On September 25, 1861, Andrew P. Jameson enlisted in the Federal army, becoming a member of Company H, 57th O. V. I. He was appointed sergeant; but was disabled at the battle of Shiloh, and on October 28, 1862, at Corinth, Miss., he was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability.

In 1863, our subject was married to Miss Mary A. Boltz, daughter of Jacob and Mary C. Boltz, of German descent, born in Lebanon county, Penn., January 9, 1836. Four sons graced the union of our subject and his wife: (1) Elmer was engaged in the agricultural-implement business for some years, but is now a farmer in Jackson township. In October, 1889, he was married to Fannie L. Egbert, of Vanlue, Ohio, and to them three children have been bornMary, Ralph S. and Ira Deloy. (2) Milan, the second son, completed a course at the N. A. N. S., and then taught school for some years. Under Gov. Campbell's administration, he was appointed guard in the Ohio penitentiary; but since the change in the administration he has had charge of the old homestead near Dowling, where his mother resides with him. In 1895 he was elected assessor of his township. On December 29, 1892, he was married to Miss Althea Hanney, a daughter of John and Maretta Hanney, of Dowling. One child has been born to them, Jewell J., born January 30, 1895. (3) Curtis, more familiarly known as '' Curt," is a practical machinist, having engaged in that work almost from boyhood. At present he is running a line of farm machinery on Jackson Prairie. He is still unmarried. (4) Deloy H., the youngest of this family of boys, was ordained a minister in the M. E. Church, and is now stationed at Kingston, Tenn. When only seventeen he began teaching in the public schools, and was elected superintendent of the schools at Gibsonburg, Ohio, before he was twenty-one, and he held this position until he entered the O. W. U., at Delaware, Ohio, to prepare himself for the work of the ministry. His health failing, he went to Tennessee, where he entered the U. S. Grant University; but while in his Sophomore year, his health failed him again, and he entered at once on the active work of the ministry. In 1894, he was married to Miss Kate Wetzel, who at that time was principal of the Grammar Department of the Perrysburg, Ohio, schools. They have one son, Raymond Deloy, born August 15, 1895. Rev. D. H. Jameson is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and K. P. fraternities.

In 1870, Andrew P. Jameson, the subject of this sketch, moved, with his family, to Wood county, purchasing 128 acres of the northwestern corner of Webster township, principally forest land, which he cleared and improved. For a number of years he taught school in the county, but consumption having fastened upon him, he went to Santa Barbara, Cal., for his health; after which he returned to Wood county, but died January 18, 1876, shortly after his return. Socially, he was a member of the F. &A. M., and politically, he was a member of the Democrat party, as are all of his sons, but one.

MILTON ASHLEY, a well-known carpenter and manufacturer residing at Bradner, is one of the prosperous business men of that town, and his success in business is due no less to his skill as a mechanic than to the confidence which his integrity in his dealings has won in the community. Since he started in his chosen calling he has always found plenty dodo wherever he might be, and there is no one who has employed him for whom he could not work again. He is of "Down East Yankee " stock on both sides, and was born March 30, 1830, in what is now Bennington township, Morrow Co., Ohio, then a part of Knox county.

William H. Ashley, his grandfather, came from New England with his family in 1818, descending the Ohio river to Portsmouth, and from there going up the Scioto to Morrow county. Our subject's father, William T. Ashley, was among the oldest children, and was the first son. He was married a few years after their arrival, to Miss Nancy Davis, a daughter of Samuel Davis, a New Englander by birth. Of the four children of this marriage our subject was the second, and is now probably the only survivor. Leroy, the first child, died at the age of four years; Harlas died in Cardington, Ohio, and Seaman, an expert jeweler, went to Washington State, and all trace of him has been lost. The father owned a small farm, and also followed the mason's trade. He died in 1845, and about five years later his widow married William Maley. She was a woman of fine executive ability and artistic tastes, and was engaged in the millinery business for many years. Her death occurred March 10, 1895, while she was in Bradner visiting her son.

Mr. Ashley's educational advantages were of the primitive order, the log school house of his district, with puncheon seats and floor, giving him his only opportunities. These were well-im-

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proved, however, and there is no one more desirous of better facilities for the youth of to-day than our subject. At twenty he began to learn the carpenter's trade, serving two and one-half years at three dollars per month. In April, 1851, he was married in Sparta, Ohio, to his first wife, Ruth Rees, a daughter of Theophilus Rees, of Chester township, Morrow county. They began housekeeping at Sparta, where three children were born to them: Mary, now Mrs. John Sanderson, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; William, who engaged in stove manufacturing and the tinware business at Newark, Ohio, but died at the age of twenty-eight; and Wallace, now a leading plumber and gasfitter at Newark. For a number of years Mr. Ashley followed his trade at Sparta, but after the death of his wife, which occurred December 31, 1867, he worked at different places, and was employed to some extent in the manufacture of carriage bodies. On December 24, 1872, he contracted a second marriage, with Ellen Brown, who was born January 5, 1845, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Mills) Brown, and widow of John Stahl, of Company I, 72nd O. V. I. They have had two children: Allen B., a remarkably talented boy, possessing great mechanical skill, died at the age of ten years; and Dot, an accomplished musician, is now attending school at Valparaiso, Indiana.

In 1873 Mr. Ashley moved to Freeport, Ohio, and after about three years, established himself in Bradner, where he has since remained with the exception of three years in Mt. Vernon in a sash, door and planing mill. He is a man of excellent business ability, and aside from his trade he has carried on the manufacture of sucker rods, tanks and other contrivances in demand for various purposes. He owns fifty-five acres of valuable land adjoining Bradner, and his home is a most pleasant one from every point of view. He and his wife are prominent members of the Baptist Church, and take an interest in the various lines of work. Mr. Ashley has always been a Democrat, in principle, although not a strict partisan, and he belongs to the Masonic order, and the I.O.O.F.

JOHN RUSSELL, a prominent carriage dealer of Bloomdale, is a native of Bloom township, and a representative of one of our oldest and most highly esteemed pioneer families:

John Russell, his father, for many years known as Squire Russell, was born in Austintown, Mahoning county, August 23, 1814. He was married at Middlesex, Mercer Co., Penn., by Rev. William Nesby, to Miss Lois May, a native of New Troy, Kingston township, Luzerne Co., Penn., born August 6, 1820. They lived in Mahoning county for about six years, Mr. Russell following the occupation of millwright. Two of their eleven children were born there: Caroline, who was born in Boardman township, June 11, 1840, and died January 23, 1850, at their later home in Wood county; and Benton, born on Mill creek, January 11, 1843, who enlisted in Company F, 49th O. V. I., and died of typhoid fever at Nashville before seeing any active service. His remains were brought home and buried in Bloom township. In October, 1843, our subject's parents came to Wood county by wagon, the father having previously bargained for eighty acres of land in Bloom township. His brother Jonathan had come two weeks before to prepare a shelter, and on their arrival they found a 20x20 cabin, minus floors, doors and windows; blankets supplied the places of the latter, and with true pioneer spirit they made the best of everything. The father had only $20 left at the journey's end; but he began to work as he could at carpentering, and the mother made some money by tailoring. They went to mill at Fostoria, Tiffin or Perrysburg, their ox-team taking two days to make the trip. The timber on their land was heavy, and they had to hire help to assist in clearing, paying for it in farm produce. Nine children were born at their new home: Mary, October 20, 1844, who now resides in Bloomdale; John, February 17, 1847; oursubject; Homer, September 24, 1849, a farmer of Cass township, Hancock county; Pierce, November 20, 1851, who met his death by accident, June 4, 187o, while shearing sheep; Frank, September 1, 1853, a resident of Jackson township, Hancock county; James, March 21, 1855, who died November 26, 1872; Lois, July 19, 1857, who died August 30, 1878; Adaline, March 17, 186o, now a resident of Youngstown; and Lorinda J., March 18, 1863, who died April 9, 1866. In spite of some misfortunes, including the entire loss of home by fire in 1868, Squire Russell managed to acquire a fine property, and owned at the time of his death 200 acres in good condition. He was a Democrat until the Dred Scott decision, when he became an ardent advocate of Republican principles. He was a man of sterling integrity, possessing the courage of his convictions, and was highly respected throughout the community. He was a justice of the peace for twenty-three years, and held that office during the stirring time attending the removal of the county seat. He died December 24, 1884, and his wife, who was a devout and

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consistent member of the Disciples Church, greatly loved for her many good qualities, survived him but a few years, dying January 17, 1890. She had lived on the farm forty-five years.

The subject of this sketch found plenty of work to do in his early days upon the farm, but he availed himself of the advantages afforded by the schools of his day. At twenty-one he began working for wages on neighboring farms, and in 1870 he went to Kansas and followed the same occupation in Jefferson and Douglas counties. Later he pre-empted 16o acres, not then surveyed, in Howard county, now Chautauqua county. He remained two years, keeping "bachelor's hall" in a plank house, and in the fall of 1872 returned to Bloom township, with health permanently impaired by chills and fever. He remained at home until after his mother's death, working at the carpenter's trade, and in November, 189o, he and his sister Mary went to Bowling Green to reside. In September, 1892, they moved to Bloomdale. For some time Mr. Russell has been engaged in selling carriages, and in 1894 he built a repository to accommodate his rapidly extending trade. He is a stockholder in the Bloomdale Building & Loan Association, and by the success of his various enterprises he has won a high rank in business circles. In politics he is a Republican, and has taken an active share in local work,` serving as township trustee and supervisor. He is a member of Lodge No. 406, I. O. O. F., at Bloomdale, and Green Encampment No. 210, at Bowling Green.

D. K. BROUGHER, one of Wood county's intelligent and progressive farmers, belongs to that class of representative citizens on whom the welfare of every nation depends. History usually deals with the lives of those who are prominent in political, military or literary circles; but it is the men who remain quietly at home, faithfully and honorably performing each day's duties to whom the stability of the country is due. Such a man is our subject.

Mr. Brougher was born October 18, 1828, in the village of Liberty, Randolph Co., N. C. His great-grandfather was the founder of the family in America. The grandfather, Adam Brougher, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to North Carolina. His son Frederick was born and reared in the latter State, and when a young man learned the trade of shoemaking, but on account of his health was obliged to abandon this, and turned his attention to the tanning business, which later he carried on in connection with farming. In Randolph county he married Miss Nellie Staley, a native of that county. Her father's mother was a cousin of the royal family of Germany. Frederick Brougher, after some years, removed with his family to Florida; but as his wife did not like that country, he returned northward, and for a short time lived in Ohio. He then removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he left his family, and on horseback journeyed over that part of the country in search of a suitable location. Not finding what he wanted, he spent a, short time at Ft. Wayne, Ind., and returned to southern Ohio, where he remained two years, then removed to Allen county, Ohio, thence to Putnam county, where he entered ninety-three acres of land in Greensburg township, being the third settler there. From Allen county he brought with him a hand-mill in which he used to grind corn, otherwise he would have been compelled to go forty miles to a watermill. This old mill of his has been on exhibition at the Pioneer meetings of Putnam county, as a relic of pioneer days. His farm he increased from time to time until it comprised 493 acres, and to its cultivation he devoted his energies until his death, which occurred there June 13, 1875. His wife passed away in 1889.

This worthy couple were the parents of the following children: Brockmon. who died on the old homestead in Putnam county, in 1894; Jackson, who entered the army in 1861, and died in a hospital at Vicksburg; Hoadley, a farmer of Monroe township, Putnam county; Hogan, also of Putnam county; Staley, who enlisted in the army at the beginning of the war, served throughout the struggle, and is now following farming in Oklahoma; Bersheba, who became the wife of William R. Crow, and died in Putnam county; Mrs. Tennie Goris, of Montana, and Ann, widow of William Ault, of Putnam county.

Our subject was quite young when, with his parents, he left his native State. He accompanied them on their various removals until their final settlement in Putnam county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and acquired his education in the district schools. When about eighteen years of age he inherited eighty acres of land from his father, and to this he added eighty acres, for some time clearing and cultivating sixty acres. He then sold, and purchased 520 acres in Palmer township, Putnam county, of which he remained owner for a year. He then disposed of the property, and returned to the old homestead, buying out the interest of the other heirs. This he afterward sold, and in the spring of 1882 came to Wood county, where he purchased his present farm of 320 acres. He has

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tiled and fenced the place, erected thereon good barns, and has made other excellent improvements, until he now has one of the valuable and desirable places of the community. He is a man of energy and determination, one who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his industrious efforts have brought to him a handsome property. In politics he is independent, voting for the best man regardless of party. In religion he is a Freethinker, regarding man's duty to man to be the only requisite.

WASHINGTON LINK, deceased, was born in Ingharn county, Mich., on February 22, 1840. His parents, William and Sarah Link, were natives of New York, but their marriage was celebrated in Ingham county, Mich., where the father carried on blacksmithing in connection with the improvement and development of his farm. There he died in March, 1889, but his wife still makes her home in that county.

On attaining man's estate Washington Link was married in his native county, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth Guisfert, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, and they became the parents of three children, namely: Mrs. Myrtle Mitchell, of Plain township, Wood county; Wellington, and William. In Ingham county, Mich., Mr. Link engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1888, and his wife, who still survives him, now makes her home in Plain township, Wood Co., Ohio, where she has gained many warm friends. She is a lady of kind and generous impulses, was ever a devoted wife, and is a loving mother.

The early home of WILLIAM LINK was in Ingham county, Mich., where he first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1876. He was reared under the parental roof, and early became familiar with the duties of farm life. His education was obtained in the schools of his native county, and on coming to Wood county, in 1889, he located in Liberty township, but in 1895 removed to Plain. For two years after coming to the county he was engaged in the oil business, working on a salary, and is also employed now in the oil fields. He is one of the rising young business men of the county, and will, no doubt, make a success in life.

FREDERICK STROBLE, one of the thrifty and prosperous agriculturists of Perrysburg township, residing near Stony Ridge, was horn March 7, 1831, in Wellenberg, Germany. He grew to manhood there, acquiring a fair education in the public schools, and for a short time worked in a mill, but later determined to make farming his occupation. In 1859 he came to America in search of better opportunities than his native land afforded, and after thirty days on the ocean, in a sailing vessel, he landed in New York.

On coming to Ohio Mr. Stroble located first at Liverpool, Medina county, but soon moved to Columbia township, Lorain county, where he worked for five years. He was married there April 10, 1862, to Miss Anna Eckler, a native of that township, born January 8, 1844. Her parents, Henry and Ann Eckler, were both natives of Germany, where they were married, coming shortly afterward to this country and settling upon a farm in Erie county for some years, but finally making their home in Lorain county, where they died, the father at the age of eightysix, the mother at the age of fifty-seven. They had seven children: Catherine, the wife of H. Hempy, of Cleveland; John, who died at the old home in 1893; Margaret, who married Louis Ganss, and died at Toledo; Anna, Mrs. Stroble; May, the wife of Julius Kinesy, a miller of Lorain county; Elizabeth, the wife of Edward Bickle, a farmer of the same county, and Emanuel, a teamster in Elyria.

A few years after his marriage Mr. Stroble moved with his family to Wood county, settling upon the farm of seventy-two acres upon which. they have since resided. Politically he is a Democrat, but he is not an active worker in party affairs, giving his influence in quiet ways to the support of the men and measures he deems worthy. He and his wife are leading members of St. John's Church (Lutheran) at Stony Ridge, the ancestors of both for generations having been adherents of the Lutheran faith. They have two children--Frank L., born December 17, 1862, and Mary E., born October 21, 1878.

FRANK L. STROBLE is one of the sturdy, enterprising young men who promise to make the future of our county a worthy advance upon the achievements of the past. He was educated in the schools of his district, and of late has assumed much of the labor and responsibility of the farm. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and he is a member of the Knights of Honor at Stony Ridge.

JAMES TELLER, a successful farmer, business man, and financier of Portage township, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., one mile below the Croton Dam, April 14, 1831, and is the son of Samuel and Bashaba (Underhill) Teller.

Solomon Teller, the paternal grandfather, was

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born of German parents, who came to America at about the time of the Colonial settlement at New York. He and two of his sons were in the war of 1812. He was a-hatter by trade, and accumulated considerable property. He was twice married, his first wife dying when Samuel, father of our subject, was eight years old. When he married again his second sons were bound out to various trades, Samuel going to work in a woolen factory, which was situated just above the old Quaker bridge, near the mouth of the Croton river. He was born October 25, 1797, and had no opportunity for schooling. He served his apprenticeship from the time he was nine years old until he reached his majority, when he rented the factory, operated it for a number of years, making cloth from the raw material. Samuel Teller was married January 4, 1825, to Miss Underhill, who was born October 11, 1806, in Westchester county, N. Y. She was the daughter of Benjamin Underhill, a farmer and a descendant of an old Colonial family. The following children comprised the family of Mr, and Mrs. Teller : Phoebe, born November 21, 1825, married and died in Huron county, Ohio; Charity, born April 22, 1829, was accidentally burned to death when twelve years old; James is our subject; George, born July 22, 1834, died in Greenwich township, Huron county; Benjamin, born February 22, 1836, died in Portage township; Robert, born November 24, 1840, died when young; Mary, born January 8, 1843, died at the age of nineteen years; Martha, born April 4, 1846, died young; Emily, born April 4, 185o, married Henry Cline, and died in Greenwich township.

About the year 1836 the family came to Ohio, via the Hudson river and Erie canal to Buffalo, and our subject remembers the details of the trip. They came by boat from Buffalo to Sandusky, thence by wagon to Greenwich township. The father had means; but rented some land instead of buying it, as it was a new business to him. Besides operating the farm, he worked two or three years in a woolen factory at Monroeville, Ohio. His first wife died in Greenwich township, Huron county, in 1860, and was buried in Ruggles township, Ashland county. Mr. Teller afterward married a Miss Foster, by whom he had no children. He died suddenly in Greenwich township, in 1876, and was buried by the side of his first wife. Both were Christians and strict observers of religious customs. In politics he was a Democrat, and a regular voter, but never sought office. He was robust and active up to the time of his death.

James Teller attended the district schools dear his Ohio home, and worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old, occasionally doing some odd jobs for an outsider. In the fall of 1861 he left by wagon for Wood county, where, after looking around for a favorable locality,' he bought 129 acres of land in Section 8, Portage township, which he paid for out of his own earnings. It was in its primitive condition of wilderness, and, while he was clearing a part of it, he boarded with some neighbors, until his marriage, July 22, 1862, in Perrysburg, with Miss Frances Casswell. She is a native of Jackson county, Mich., born October 29, 1840, a daughter of Asa Casswell, a blacksmith, and Lucinda (Lewis) Casswell, both of whom were born in New York. They had five children: Frances, our subject's wife; Jane and George, twins; Harriet, wife of Frank Stratten, of Portage village, and Isa. George was a member of Company C, 21st O. V. I., and died in Andersonville prison.

Mr. Teller's first house was built of round logs, hewed on the inside of the house, and was 18 x 26 feet in dimensions. It stood north of and adjoining the present home. Subsequently he bought forty acres in Section 4, also eighty acres in Section 5, and in 1880 built his present substantial residence. To our subject and his wife have been born children as follows: Emily, born December 14, 1863, now the widow of George Lembrick, of Portage; Nettie M., born December 1o, 1865, married J. F. Wollam, of Jerry City, Ohio; Charles J., born July 20, 1868, lives on a farm in Portage; Harriet L., born September 29, 1870, became Mrs. E. W. Fisher, of Portage village; Charity, born January 5, 1873, is at home; Anna, born September 16, 1875: Andrew, born September 8, 1878, is at home.

Mr. Teller is a Democrat, has served twelve consecutive terms as township trustee; has also served as director in District No. 3; and has refused other offices. In the spring of 1895, he had 320 acres of land, eighty of which he gave his son Charles. His farm is drained by 75,000 tiles, which, together with all the improvements of the place, has either been done by him personally or under his direction. He is a self-made man, possesses good common sense and excellent judgment, and is one of the successful farmers of the township. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 112, at Bowling Green, for over twenty years.

A. C. WALKER. The well-appointed farm of this gentleman is located in Section 11, Portage township, and to it he has given his close atten-

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tion with results which can hardly fail to be satisfactory to himself and where his labors have met with success. He is a native of Scotland, born in the vicinity of Aberdeen, January 16, 1854, and in the following fall was brought to America by his parents, James and Anna (Mitchell) Walker.

The father took his family to Ruggles township, Ashland Co., Ohio, where with his limited capital he purchased thirty acres of partially improved land. On that farm he passed his remaining days, dying in 1878, at the age of eightyfour years. His wife survived him until February 15, 1896. To them were born eight children, namely: George, of Bay City, Mich.; Anna, now Mrs. C. A. Neuman, of Ruggles township, Ashland county; William, of Fitchville township, Huron county; Robert and John, both of Ruggles township, Ashland county; Jennie, now Mrs. David Crowell, of Savannah, Ohio; A. C., of this review; Jeannette; and Isabel, wife of Oliver Carpning, of Ruggles township, Ashland county. The father was a well-educated man, six feet tall and weighed about 185 pounds. He regularly supported the Republican party by his ballot, and was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, which he joined in Scotland.

Until reaching his majority, our subject remained a member of his father's household, aiding in the labors of the farm and attending the district schools of Ashland county; but at that time started out in life for himself, being employed at farm labor. On February 19, 1879, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Emslie, who was born October 17, 1858, in Rochester township, Lorain Co., Ohio, whence her parents removed to Ruggles township, Ashland county, when she was but an infant. There she as educated in the district schools and later married. Three children grace this union: Clyde M., born May 26, 1882; Alice W., born November 3, 1885; and Lillian Lucile, born August 22, 1896.

On a rented farm in Ruggles township, our subject began housekeeping, and there resided until August, 1884, when he removed to his present farm of forty acres in Section 11, Portage township.. He has made many substantial improvements upon the place, and thirty-four acres are now under a high state of cultivation. In the spring of 1891 he returned to Ashland county, but at the end of a year came again to his farm in Portage township, which he is now successfully conducting. He is public-spirited and progressive, giving his support to all worthy enterprises for the advancement of the community, and socially is a member of Excelsior Lodge No. 223, K. O. T. M., at Prairie Depot. In religious belief both he and his wife are Methodists, and he is at present trustee of Bethel Church of Portage township. His political affiliations are with the Republican party.

GEORGE AND CLAYTON ROGERS, who, under the firm name of Rogers Brothers, conduct an extensive trade in drugs and kindred articles at Bowling Green, are natives of Wood county, educated in her schools, and trained here to business life. Thus identified from birth with the interests of this locality, they have early taken a prominent place among the young business men of the county seat. The elder brother George, was born in Portage, May 10, 1864, the younger, Clayton, in Bowling Green, June 18, 1868.

Their father, the late Charles Rogers, was for many years a leading druggist in Bowling Green. After attending the excellent public schools there, during boyhood, they worked in the store, to which they succeeded on the death of their father, on March 10, 1891. Under their energetic management the prestige of the firm is not likely to suffer.

George Rogers was married April 24, 1888, to Miss Addie Clayton, of Weston, and on June 14, 1893, Clayton Rogers was united in marriage with Miss Kittie Theal, who was born in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1868. Both brothers are Republicans in politics, and while the elder is a member of the K. of P., the other belongs to the fraternal order of Odd Fellows.

CHARLES R. GERDING, the efficient postmaster at Pemberville, and one of the most prominent citizens of that locality, was appointed July 1, 1893, by the Honorable Byron F. Ritchie, of Toledo, Ohio, under Grover Cleveland's administration.

His father, Yost Henry Gerding, was born in Vardendorf, Amt Witlaga, Hanover, near Osnabruck, Germany, in 182o. He married Anna Maria Harr, who was born in 1820, in Essen Amt Village, near Osnabruck, a sister of John, Fred, Lewis, Charles, and Eliza Harr, all of whom are married, the last named being now Mrs. . John Avers, of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gerding were born the following named children: Charles R., our subject; Harmon, Henry, Mary, and Fred. In 1846, soon after their marriage, the young couple came to New York City. After acquiring a knowledge of the English language, during a period of six months, Mr. Gerding opened a grocery at the

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corner of Division and Forsyth streets, in New York City, where he carried on a successful business for nine years. During the cholera epidemic in 1854 he was attacked by the disease, which left his lower limbs partially paralyzed, and after trying many remedies without avail he was advised to take an ocean voyage. He accordingly started for his native land with his wife and the four older children, and before he had been on the water three days, he began to regain the use of his limbs, and by the time the trip was over he had entirely recovered. He stayed at his birthplace for nine months, and as he was the legal heir to the family estate he almost decided to remain there. The home was, at the time, occupied by his stepfather, who was expecting to marry Mrs. Graver, of Hurbenfelt, Amt Witlaga, near Essen, Germany, and who strongly urged him to remain, or to rent the estate to Fred Harr, who is now a resident of Troy township. Mr. Gerding had left his business and household goods in charge of Mr. Swacker, residing on Forty-first and Ninth avenue, New York City, and thought it best to come back and dispose of everything before finally retiring to his ancestral property. But three days before his arrival in New York a fire swept away his possessions there, upon which he received no insurance. Mr. Clousing P. Betts, of Forty-fourth street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues, an old and valued friend, saved a few effects and stored them away for him, but otherwise the loss was complete. In 1856 Mr. Gerding opened another grocery in Brooklyn, in Green Point, corner of F and Franklin streets, still intending, however, to rent his estate, or return to it himself. But on July 3 he was taken suddenly ill, and died the next day at 4 P. M., at the age of thirty-seven years, three months and eighteen days. He was buried on July 7, in the Lutheran cemetery, near Williamsburg, Middle Village, Brooklyn. Mr. Gerding was a prominent man in his day, and for seven years was second lieutenant in the 5th Regiment, W. H. Jefferson Guards, and was honorably discharged in 1856, by Mayor Fernando Wood, of New York. His widow and children are still living.

Charles R. Gerding was born January 31, 1846, on Fifth avenue, between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, New York City. He left home six months after his father's death, and has made his own way in the world since that time. He clerked for C. H. Bulthauft, corner of Amity and Sullivan streets, New York City, until the war broke out, when his employer sold cut his business and went to the front with the regiment of militia to which he belonged, having enlisted for three months at the first call to arms.. Mr. Gerding then entered the employ of Capt.. Henry Barlach, at the corner of Forty-seventh street and Seventh avenue, remaining there until the fall of 1861, when he came to Ohio, locating first in Washington township, Wood county, where an uncle, Charles Harr, resided. For four years he worked for Lewis Avers, as a carpenter and joiner, and then for Hiram Helgernick and A. W. Luckey, of Elmore, Ottawa county, for short periods, and, in 1868, he came to Pemberville, and worked for John Hathaway, Sr., until the spring of 1879. Here he met and married Miss Mary Herman, a native of the place, born May 1, 1847, one of the eight children of John Henry and Mary Herman, who were among the early settlers in Freedom township. They came to this country in 1844, locating on a farm northeast of Pemberville, where, by industry and thrift, they acquired a fine property. In his later years Mr. Herman invested his savings in a sawmill and flourmill, and failed. He died in 1872 at the age of sixty-five, and his wife followed him seven years later, aged seventy years. Mrs. Gerding has lived at Pemberville all her life. Her brother, John, now the only other surviving member of the family, is a prominent farmer there, owning 12o acres two miles southeast of the town.

The first year after his marriage, February 28, 1879, Mr. Gerding rented a farm on the Portage river, five miles below Elmore; but the summer of 1879 was an extremely wet season, and, of fourteen acres planted in corn, seven were completely drowned out, and four acres of oats, out of twenty, were also lost. He secured 350 bushels of corn from the other seven acres, and had some oats to sell, for which he received thirty-one cents per bushel. Discouraged with these results, he sold out to his brother, Harmon, and went back to Pemberville, where he joined his wife's brother, W. Herman, in a combined sawmill and shingle factory, which they con-ducted successfully for one year. He also clerked for eight years for William Keil & Co., hardware dealers.

In 1871 he built his present home on Water street, where five of his six children were born, the eldest, Anna, having been born at Elmore. The others are-John F., Alice, Amelia G., Carrie, and Carl, all of whom are at home. Mr. Gerding holds a prominent place in the community, and was one of the members of the first council of Pemberville, corporation mayor for one term, member of the school board for nine years, and township clerk for eight years. He

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is a member of the Lutheran Church, having been confirmed in 1861 at Hessville, by Pastor Crowell, of Woodville. He belongs to the Masonic order, Blue Lodge No. 516, and Crystal Chapter, of Bowling Green.

A. E. BENTON. The New England branch of the Benton family has, at various times in our history, furnished men of brains and courage, both moral and physical, to meet the public questions and emergencies of their day. Such a memory is indeed a goodly heritage, and those of the name whose lives are spent in quieter and less known paths of duty, may find there opportunities for the exercise of the same qualities, in a measure, which in other circumstances have made their ancestors distinguished.

Our subject was born in Berkshire county, Mass., October 30, 1823, the son of Allen and Deidamia (Allen) Benton-the former born November 18, 1801., died March 18, 1864; the latter born May 16, 1805, died February 26, 1857. When he was ten years old his father, a farmer by occupation, came to Ohio, locating in Litchfield township, Medina county, then a new section, and there both parents died. Of their five sons and three daughters, our subject was the second in order of birth. His schooling was so limited that he was eighteen or nineteen years old before he could write. The improved educational methods and appliances of to-day meet with his hearty approval in behalf of the rising generation. He was reared as a farmer boy in old pioneer style, and well knows what hard work is. Before he was ten he had received cuts and scars, which have handicapped him seriously all his life. In early manhood he worked at making axe handles, and still follows sledge-handle manufacturing to a considerable extent. At twentyone he went to Cleveland and found employment on a lake vessel. At this time his strength was enormous, and on one occasion; while the ship, lay at Mackinac Island, he lifted seven hundred pounds of iron-dead weight-he and a halfbreed Indian being the only ones out of five hundred men who could lift it. He is now exceedingly well-preserved, considering his mishaps and laborious life.

Mr. Benton was married at the age of twentyseven in Medina county, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Gunsaulis, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Benjamin Gunsaulis. He took his bride to a farm of forty acres, which he owned in Litchfield township, in the same county, where they made their first home. Later he bought eighty acres in Scott township, Sandusky county, slightly improved-a little log house sheltering them for some time, until he could build a finer residence.. He lost one excellent barn by fire, but replaced it. The farm was in good shape when he moved in the spring of 1886, to Bradner, and he still owns it. Mrs. Benton died at the old home, and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Bradner. Four children survived her: Mary, who married Cornelius Houtz, and died in Sandusky county; Reuben F., a plasterer by trade, who owns an extensive farm in Kent county, Mich., where he resides; Charles W., a noted educator, now a professor in Valparaiso, Ind., and Gilbert H., a resident of Cleveland, Ohio.

In December, 1885, Mr. Benton married, for his second wife, Mrs. Emma Stover, a native of Northampton county, Penn., and the widow of Cyrus Stover, an extensive flour merchant, of Stockton, N. J. Three children were born to their union: Warren P., who died in infancy; and Mary E. and Irvin S., both at home. His children have enjoyed fine educational advantages, and he has given them, as they left home, sufficient capital to begin life in a creditable way. He and Mrs. Benton belong to the M. E. Church, in which he is treasurer and a member of the board of trustees. Politically he is a strong Republican, but he has not been an office seeker.

R. E. MILBOURN, D. D. S. North Baltimore has a number of ambitious young men whose desire to succeed in the world, and make a name for themselves, is most creditable. Among these may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, Dr. R. E.. Milbourn, whose birth took place in Bloom township, December 8, 1864. He is the son of Mandeville and Rebecca (Whitacre) Milbourn.

Both the Milbourn and Whitacre families are pioneers of Wood county, Reason Whitacre, our subject's grandfather, being one of the oldest residents in point of time.

Dr. Milbourn was married, September 12, 1895, to Miss Sylvia Wight, who was born January 19, 1863, in Lake township, Wood Co., Ohio. In politics he is a Republican. In religious connection he is a member, of the Christian Church.

LEVI SMITH WARNER, who has been postmaster at Lime City for the past ten years, is an agriculturist of Perrysburg township, born in Sandusky county, Ohio, January 23, 1844. He is the son of Levi S. and Mary F. (Francisco) Warner. The father of our subject was born in

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New York State, and came with his parents to Lake county, Ohio, when he was two years old. When he was a young man he had the contract for furnishing wooden rails for the Ohio R. R., one of the first in the State. At Fremont, then called Lower Sandusky, he married Mary F. Francisco, the daughter of Jacob Francisco, a native of New York State and a soldier in the war of 1812 (he was taken prisoner at the battle of Queenstown Heights, but was exchanged soon after; he died in Fremont, Ohio). Shortly after his marriage with Miss Francisco he removed to Lake county, and in the fall of 1849 came to Wood county, settling in Walbridge, Lake township, where his death occurred in 1854, from cholera. He was a Jacksonian Democrat. Seven children were born to this worthy couple, and grew to maturity: Zophar, Levi S., Byron J., Emerett, Harriet, Blanch, and Henry. Zophar served four years in the 14th, and Byron three years in the 67th, O. V. I., during the Rebellion. Emerett is deputy postmaster. Harriet was the wife of Samuel Perry, and died in 1887. Blanch is the wife of F. J. Shovar, who is a member of the city council of Toledo. Two years after her husband's death, Mrs. Warner married his brother Samuel, and two children were born of this union: Lillian, the wife of L. Philes, and Wilber, now deceased. Mrs. Warner was of French and Spanish descent, the name being originally Franseco. She was left a widow the second time, her husband dying in 1869, from a disease contracted in the army; she still survives, at the age of seventy-eight years.

L. S. Warner, our subject, grew to manhood in this State, acquiring his education in the district schools. On October 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 14th O. V. I., at Toledo. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, and they remained in Kentucky until about the time of the capture of Fort Donelson; from whence they were sent under Gen. Buell to Pittsburg Landing. At Nashville Mr. Warner was seized with typhoid fever, and when convalescent, was sent home, but as soon as he was able he rejoined his regiment. He was in the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded, and after the memorable battle of Missionary Ridge, veteranized December 8, 1863. He was with Sherman on the famous' "March to the Sea," and was honorably discharged July 11, 1865, after serving throughout the entire war. After his return home he worked as a carpenter and joiner, which trade he picked up, being naturally inclined to architecture. He lived for some time in Lake township, where he bought a half interest in a sawmill, which he afterward exchanged for vessel property; he then engaged as mate on the vessel "Maumee Valley," on which he sailed three years. After leaving the lakes he again took up the carpenter trade, and eleven years ago located in Lime City, where for a few years he conducted a country store, and 'attended to his farm of seventy-four acres.

On February 8, 1887, Mr. Warner was married to Miss Mellie E. Brownsberger, and to them have been born two children: Albert Levi, deceased at the age of one year, three months and fourteen days, and Milo Joseph. They now reside in a modern residence built by Mr. Warner in 1888. Socially Mr. Warner is a member of the Masonic order, and politically is a stanch Democrat.

R. PRESCOTT MORRISON, the well-known photographer of Bowling Green, is descended on both paternal and maternal lines from early settlers in this country. Since the establishment of our national government there has never been a time when the United States Army has not enrolled Some member of the family. Mr. Morrison himself was named after Col, Prescott, a relative of his mother, and served during the Civil war, in Company H, 133d O. V. I., and was for four months in front of Petersburg, Va. His only brother, J. V. Morrison, died in 1867 of disease contracted in the army. Charles A. Varnum, a son of Gen. John Varnum, who was a brother of Mr. Morrison's mother, was a survivor of the ill-fated Custer expedition. He had charge of a detachment of Indian scouts, and was in advance of the troops at the time of the massacre. The Indians deserted him, but he escaped unharmed, and is now in command of the 7th Cavalry, U. S. Regulars.

Mr. Morrison's paternal grandfather, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of Lowell, Mass., where he was a machinist by occupation. He had three children -William, Henry, and Robert. The latter, our subject's father, was born in Keene, N. H., and became overseer of a factory in Lowell. He married Miss Charlotte Varnum, a native of that town, and a few years later went to California, where he met his death, in 1851.

Our subject was born in Granville, Ohio, March 16, 1848, and received his early education in the public schools there, and in the Business College at Columbus. His mother was married, in 1855, to Col. D. M. Baker, of Granville, and had one daughter, Jessie M., now Mrs. Wallace M. Smith, of Bowling Green. Mrs. Morrison

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died in Granville, at the age of sixty-seven, an early age for one of her hardy and long-lived race. Her mother, who died at ninety-five, had nineteen children, and her five sisters all lived beyond the age of ninety. Mr. Morrison learned photography in Columbus, and for two years was engaged in that business in Fostoria; but in 1879 he established his present well-equipped gallery in Bowling Green, where he has since resided.

In 1871 Mr. Morrison married Miss Linnie Ball, who was born in Millersport, Fairfield Co., Ohio, February 21, 1849. She is descended from one of the wealthiest and most honored families of that locality. Mr. Morrison is a man of fine physique, and is noted for his artistic tastes and accomplishments. In his professional work he ranks among the leaders, while he also finds time to take a prominent part in local affairs. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the G. A. R., the F. & A. M., the K. of P., and of the order of Maccabees.

CHARLES W. BENSCHOTER, a leading agriculturist of Grand Rapids, was born in Erie county, Ohio, April 7, 1846, a son of Samuel Wetherlow and Nancy A. (Bassett) Benschoter. His father, Samuel W. Benschoter, was born March 27, 1811, a son of Jeremiah Benschoter, who moved from New York State, about 1800, and settled in Erie county, Ohio. He was married in 1838 to Nancy A. Bassett, who was born March 4, 1821, the daughter of A. Biron Bassett, who also came from the Empire State to Erie county about 1800. To this honored couple were born the following children: W. A.; J. S.; C. W. (our subject); J. W.; C. E.; L. M.; and Mrs. E. E. Black, all of whom are proving worthy representatives of the family name in this generation.

Charles W. Benschoter finished his education at the excellent high school in Grand Rapids, in 1871, and in early manhood began to clear up and improve a farm of forty acres, a gift from his father. After improving this he bought forty acres more, the whole being conducted in a model manner. He has a fine barn and a handsome brick dwelling house. For twelve years he was engaged in dealing in horses and other live stock, but his attention is now given to general farming. He was married in 1874 to Miss Frances Jones, daughter of William Jones, a well-known resident of Center township. Four children were born of this union: Ada, who finished her education at Grand Rapids; Howard, also at Grand Rapids; Joseph Guy, and Lewis J., all of whom reside with their parents.

Our subject and his wife are actively interested in temperance and other reforms, Mr. Benschoter voting the Prohibition ticket. He be longs to the F. & A. M., Grand Rapids Lodge No. 289, and ranks as a Master Mason.

L. RHOAD, one of the most successful and enterprising agriculturists of Bloom township, was born July 29, 1857, in Crawford county, Ohio, to John and Catherine (Strong) Rhoad.

The father's birth occurred in Cumberland county, Penn., February 5, 1816, and at Republic, Seneca Co., Ohio, he wedded Miss Strong, who was born August 2, 1833. He was a son of Frederick and Elizabeth Rhoad. For many years he made his home in Seneca county, but in the spring of 1861 he brought his family to Bloom township, locating on eighty acres of land known as the Slater farm, for which he went in debt. The improvements upon the place were not extensive, but included a small story-and-a-half house, and in the orchard was one row of trees. There the mother of our subject died July 21, 1865, and she was buried in Van Buren cemetery, Hancock county. To them had been born the following children: Sylvester, born August 6, 1852, who died January 4, 1853; William, born October 27, 1853, who is now a farmer of Hoytville, Ohio; our subject; Lucinda, July 4, 186o, who died of spotted fever March 27, 1866; and John W., born March 24, 1864, died of the same dread disease March 23, 1866. The father was absent in Michigan at the time his children took the spotted fever, and arrived home just in time to see them alive. He was later attacked by the same disease; but his strong constitution saved him, though after any illness large spots would appear on his body. Five years after the death of his first wife Mr. Rhoad married Catherine Shireman, who was born May 4, 1837, and they had one daughter, Margaret A., born June 14, 1874, who is now the wife of William Brandeberry, of Bloom township. Mr. Rhoad passed away February 23, 1894, and Mrs. Rhoad died October 30, 1884. They were also interred in the cemetery at Van Buren. In connection with his farming operations, Mr. Rhoad also ran a threshing machine for twenty seasons. He was exceedingly neat both in his agricultural pursuits and dress, was fond of good horses, always keeping a spirited team, and was a model farmer in every respect. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and his political support was given to the Democratic party.

Mr. Rhoad, of this review, was only four years old when brought to Wood county, where he ob-

824 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

tained his education, and as his own mother died when he was quite young, he found a loving substitute in his father's second wife, a kind-hearted, agreeable lady, to whom he became much attached. He was married at Eagleville, October 23, 1879, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma O. Crozier, who was born in Cass township, Hancock county, September 1, 1862, the second daughter of Thomas and Mary (Campbell) Crozier, prominent farming people. To them have been born seven children-Charles W., Ellis C., John L., Howard, Lewis, Ethel and Leila, all at home with the exception of Howard, who died at the age of four years.

After his marriage Mr. Rhoad rented the old home farm for a couple of years, his entire possessions at the time comprising a light team, buggy and harness, and the first plow he owned was given him by his father. In the spring of 1882 he purchased thirty-eight and a half acres in Section 33, Bloom township, for which he went in debt. $700, and there made his home for four years. In July, 1885, he sold the land, and the following month bought eighty acres in Section 32, of the same township, going in debt $2,700; but he went earnestly to work, and each year the amount became less. In May, 1893, he added another eighty acres, so that he now has an excellent farm of 16o acres. In October, 1889, he suffered quite a loss, as his house and its contents were burned; but he erected a more comfortable dwelling, which he has surrounded by good and substantial outbuildings, and the neat appearance of the place indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He deserves much credit for the success he has attained, and deserves to be classed among the most active and energetic farmers and business men of the locality. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, in the success of which he takes a lively interest.

JONAS HANLINE, a gentleman of genuine worth, a valued and enterprising citizen of Liberty township, claims Pennsylvania as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Morrison's Cove, Huntingdon county, December 10, 1825. His parents were Michael and Hannah (Owerant) Hanline.

During his early boyhood the father came from Germany, with his parents, to the United States, and '^,settled on a farm in Huntingdon county, Penn., where his father's death occurred about 1825. Michael Hanline was married in , that county, and after living for many years on a farm there, removed to Stark county, Ohio, where he operated a tract of rented land until coming to Wood county, in September, 1836. He located at Freeport, and for five years carried on a hotel there. Subsequently he removed to Genoa, where he died soon afterward, his wife surviving him many years. They were the parents of nine children: John, of Wauseon; Samuel of Napoleon, Ohio; David, who died in Findlay, Ohio, many years ago; Eliza, wife of Charles; Beyers, of Toledo, Ohio; Jonas, of this sketch; Catherine, wife of John Shoffstall; Mrs. Louise Chamberlin, who died in Bradner, Wood county; Harriet, deceased wife of William Gregg, of Sandusky county, Ohio; and Joshua, who resides in Bradner, Wood county.

Our subject acquired the greater part of his education in Freeport, Ohio, and attended school until eighteen years of age, when he worked at anything that he could find to do in order to earn an honest living. When a young man he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In Liberty township, in 1849, he was married to Fidelia Norton, who was born in Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y., December 13, 1827. They located in Liberty township, and Mr. Hanline worked as a farm hand, until purchasing an acre and a half of land in Section 4. There he built a log cabin which later was destroyed by fire, and was then replaced by a comfortable home. He afterward added five acres of land to his original purchase, and has now upon his place two good oil wells, which yield on an average 64o barrels per month, thus furnishing him with a good income. His life has been one of industry and earnest labor. In his business career, he has met with reverses; but steady application and diligence have now brought to him a comfortable competence.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hanline are: Julia, born December 8, 1854, became the wife of Nelson Emmons, of Kansas, where she died April 18, 1882; Mary Eliza, born July 1, 1857, is the wife of Charles Ferris, of Liberty; and Jessie, born July 8, 1862, was burned to death in the fire which destroyed their home. In her sad death 'the loss to the family has been an irreparable one. Mr. Hanline takes quite an active interest in politics, and by his ballot supports the Republican party.

W. H. RIDGELY. The life of this gentleman, a resident of Bloom township, is a striking example of perseverance and industry. He is a native of Maryland, born in Anne Arundel county, November 3, 1827, and is a son of Elijah and Mary (Higgins) Ridgely, who came to Ohio in November, 1829, locating in Seneca county, on Honey creek. The father there secured eighty

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acres of land from the government, and at the time of his settlement wild game of all kinds was plentiful, and his nearest neighbor on the east was six miles distant. The first home was a log house 18 x 22 feet, and upon that farm the parents both died, the father at the age of fiftyseven years, and the mother when sixty-six. They were buried at the old stone church on Honey creek.

Our subject is the third in order of birth in the family of six children, three sons and three daughters, and in the district school, three-quarters of a mile from his home, he received his education. As a partner on life's journey he secured Miss Mary A. Mohr, a native of Lehigh county, Penn., born July 28, 1837, and a daughter of Charles Mohr, their wedding being celebrated at Tiffin, Ohio, October 5, 1859. They became the parents of the following children: Arthur C., who died at the age of twenty-six years; Mary I., now Mrs. F. J. Pelton, of La Grange county, Ind.; George M., a farmer of Bloom township; J. W., of New York State; Ellen, wife of John Monasmith, of Bloom township; and Emma, wife of Rev. John Stove, of Canada, a minister of the Disciples Church. The mother, who was a consistent member of the German Reformed Church, died November 7, 1872, and was laid to rest in Bloom Chapel cemetery.

After the death of his father our subject and his eldest brother, Charles A., took charge of the home farm comprising 175 acres, which they operated in partnership for nine years, during which time they purchased 12o acres in Bloom township, Seneca county. In April, 1861, Mr. Ridgely removed to that place, where a hewedlog house had been constructed, and a part of the land cleared, but in January, 1867, he removed to Eagleville, where, in connection with Henry Mohr, he carried on wagon making, which trade he had picked up at different times. For two years he followed that business, during which time he sold his farm, and in 1872 he erected the first gristmill in Eagleville, which he operated for eleven years. Being unfortunate in his financial affairs, in February, 1882, he bought eighty acres of wild land in Section 13, Bloom township, and at the age of fifty-five began life anew. He continued to reside in Eagleville, however, until November, 1888, as at the time of his purchase the land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and not a building stood upon it. It is now well improved and equipped with an excellent class of farm buildings. From the time of casting his first vote up to 1880, Mr. Ridgely supported the Democratic party; but he now affiliates with the Peoples party, in whose principles he firmly believes. He occupies an honorable position in society, enjoying to the fullest extent the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated, and is widely and favorably known in business circles as an upright, incorruptible man, whose word is as good as his bond.

WILLIAM H. STROCK is spoken of by his neighbors as an excellent farmer and a good citizen, and such a tribute from those who know him best is certainly an enviable one. His life record is as follows: Born October 12, 1837, in Mahoning county, Ohio, he is the son of Abraham Strock, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania, April 7, 1813. The grandfather, Henry Strock, was one of the earliest settlers of Mahoning county, Ohio, and there spent his remaining days. With the exception of one daughter, his five sons and five' daughters all reached adult age.

Abraham Strock was married in Mahoning county to Sophia Whetzel, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania. They became the parents of the following named children: Sarah A., wife of Daniel Blatt, of Mahoning county; William H.; Eliza, wife of Henry Shaffer, now deceased; Benjamin' F., who died in infancy; Caroline, wife of Andrew Shefenstine, of Mahoning county; Lucy, wife of J. P. Hill; of Canton, Ohio; and George. W., of Niles, Ohio. The father of this family followed carpentering, and was quite successful. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and with his wife held membership with the Lutheran Church. He died at the age of seventy-seven years, his wife at the age of seventy-one, and their remains were interred in Smith cemetery, in Mahoning county.

Mr. Strock, the subject proper of this sketch, is indebted to the district schools for his education, which, however, was limited to a few months attendance during the winter season until he was twenty years of age, when he spent a term and a half in Hiram College, Ohio, of which James A. Garfield was then principal. He then began learning carpentering with his father, which he followed for about eight years. On September 21, 1865, Mr. Strock was married in Jackson township, Mahoning county, to Drusilla Duer, who was born in that township, July 23, 1844, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Eckenrode) Duer, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They had nine children, of whom Mrs. Strock was the fifth. Previous to his marriage Mr. Strock had purchased 160 acres of land in Bloom township, and in July, 1866, he removed

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with his wife to that farm. The purchase price of the property was $ 1,900, and he paid for it as he could, until it was cleared from all indebtedness. It was heavily timbered, and he transformed it into a highly cultivated tract, also erecting all of the buildings upon the place. During the first few years of his residence here he worked at the carpenter's trade, for his farm in its unimproved condition did not yield him a livelihood. As the result of his labors, however, it is-now a very productive place, and he derives therefrom a good income.

Mr. and Mrs. Strock have two daughtersLeona, wife of J. M. Baird; and Mary S., wife of Charles Brubaker. Mr. Strock has given his daughters eighty acres of his land, retaining eighty acres for himself and wife. This estimable couple are members of the Church of God, of Bloom Center, 'of which he is serving as trustee. In politics he is a Republican, and for fourteen years has served as treasurer of Bloom township. His life has been well and worthily passed, and he has the sincere regard of many friends.

JAMES P. KRAMER, the senior member of the firm of Kramer & Chaney, leading hardware merchants in Bowling Green, was born April 14, 1846, in Franklin county, Ohio.

David Kramer, his father, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1805, of an old and highlyrespected Dutch family, settled in early manhood upon a farm in Franklin county, Ohio. He was married there to Miss Elizabeth Moore, who was born of New England parents in 18o9. They were consistent members of the U. B. Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio, for many years, the father dying in February, 1859, the mother in June, 1890. Of their twelve children, seven lived to maturity: Eliza, who married the late J. B. King, of Dayton, Ohio, and now lives in Columbus; Mary, deceased, formerly the wife of John Gehm; Ellen, the wife of George Powell, of Canal Winchester; Levi, a hardware merchant at the same town; Benton, a resident of Young county, Texas; J. P., our subject; and David, now in Colorado.

Mr. Kramer attended the common schools of Franklin county during boyhood, and, after working for a year on a railroad, he continued his studies in Dayton and Westerville, Ohio. He prepared himself for teaching, and in 1868 went to Iowa hoping to find an opening in that profession, but that locality was not then sufficiently developed to provide profitable employment in that line, so he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Marshall county, Iowa, for three years. Returning to his old home, he continued the same business for thirteen years, and then opened a hardware store in Canal Winchester. He sold this in 1887, and removed to Bowling Green, where he and his partner, Mr. Chaney, bought out the stock of Lynch Bros., to which they have added until they now have one of the best hardware stores in Wood county.

Mr. Kramer married Miss Marilla Waters, of Columbus, Ohio, and has one child, Mildred, the wife of Elmer Spafford, the well-known civil engineer, of Bowling Green. In politics our subject adheres to the faith of his father, and is a member of the Democratic party.

JOHN C. WEBB, one of the oldest settlers of Wood county, where he arrived in 1822, when Bowling Green was unknown, has seen the complete growth and development of that region. The land was then covered with a dense forest, and much of it was under water for a portion of the year; the wild game of all kinds, which was very plentiful, furnished many a meal for the early pioneers. His boyhood and youth were passed amidst such surroundings, so that he early became inured to the arduous task of clearing and cultivating wild land. On the 26th of November, 1822, he was brought to Wood county, and it was in 1857 that he located in Troy township, where he owns a good farm on Road Tract No. 62.

Mr. Webb was born September 2, 1822, in Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Charles) Webb. The father's birth occurred in New York, August 27, 1795, and on attaining manhood went to Mifflinburg, Union Co., Penn., where he married Miss Charles, who was born in that State in 1794. Immediately afterward they came on horseback over the mountains to Stark county, Ohio, arriving there in March, 1820. By trade Mr. Webb was a hatter, and carried on a shop in Canton until coming to Wood county, in November, 1822. At Perrysburg he continued the manufacture of hats for about two years, when he was appointed county clerk, which office he capably filled for thirty years. He was also sheriff for three terms, and at one time held the position of internal revenue collector.

The mother of our subject died at Perrysburg, December 17, 1833. In her family were seven children, namely: Susanna, deceased; John C.; Rebecca, Catherine and Sarah, all three deceased; Thomas, who enlisted in 1861, becoming a member of the Commissary Department, and now makes his home in Dayton, Ohio; and Henry, who died at the age of fifteen years. In Perrys-

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burg, the father again married in July, 1834, his second union being with Mary Dean, who died February 14, 1849, leaving four children, three of whom are still living-Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Marshall, of Canada; Mrs. Sarah Ann Smith, of Columbiaville, Mich. ; Corwin, of Perrysburg; and Clayton, deceased. Corwin enlisted in an Indiana regiment during the Civil war, and lost an arm at the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. For his third wife Mr. Webb married Mary A. Jones, of Perrysburg, February 23, 1851, and she still makes her home in that city. By this union three children were born-Ellen Dustin, of Perrysburg; Mrs. Eliza H. Taylor, of Conway, Ky., and Lewis, of Maumee, Ohio. The father was widely known throughout northwestern Ohio, and took an active part in political matters in Wood county, being a leader of the Whig party in this community at an early day. He continued to make his home in. Perrysburg until his death on the 27th of August, 1885.

Our subject was educated in the schools of Perrysburg, and there learned the trade of a tanner and currier, after which he traveled about, working at that occupation until he located upon his present farm. On January 16, 1861, in Perrysburg township, he led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza Polly Jones, a native of New York, and a daughter of Daniel S. and Polly Jones, who were also born in that State, where the father died in 1832. His widow, in 1856, removed to Wood county, where she passed away in 1870. To our subject and his wife have been born three children John Charles, who is married and resides in Troy township; Florence Savanna, a graduate of the Michigan State Normal, and a teacher for several years in Michigan; and Lyra Claribel.

In Troy township, February 11, 1864, Mr. Webb enlisted in Company C, 21st O. V. I., for three years' service or until the close of the war, and was mustered into the United States service at Columbus, Ohio, being assigned to the army of the Tennessee. He participated in the engagements at Goldsboro and Resaca, and was in all the battles under General Sherman during his March to the Sea. He took part in the Carolina campaign, and was in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. At Louisville, Ky., he was honorably discharged July 25, 1865, and returned to his home in Troy township with an untarnished war record, having always been found at the post of duty. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has supported its banner, being previously was a Whig, and though never an office seeker, has served as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Benedict Post, No. 26, at Pemberville, Wood county.

ALFRED SIMON is a prominent representative of the family of that name in Wood county, and is one of Bloom township's progressive farmer citizens. He was born in Jackson township, Mahoning Co., Ohio, January 8, 1837, and is a son of Reinhart and Maria (Brougher) Simon. His paternal grandfather, Adam Simon, was one of the six sons born to the first marriage of Michael Simon, the founder of the family in the Buckey State.

The father of our subject was born in Boardman township, Mahoning county, January 13, 1811, and on November 13, 1834, he wedded Miss Brougher, also a native of Mahoning county, born May 28, 1817, daughter of Daniel Brougher. Five children blessed this union - Lorinda, born October 8, 1835, is the widow of James Hamilton, of Bloomdale; Alfred is next in order of birth; Daniel, born December 18, 1838, enlisted August 15, 1861, in Company H, 49th O. V. I., and died at Nashville, September 5, 1862; Rebecca, born in September, 1840, is the wife of Rev. J. Whistler, a Methodist Episcopal minister of Denver, Colo. ; and Lucy Ann, born June 13, 1843, died September 19, 1855. In September, 1854, Reinhart Simon brought his family and household goods in two covered wagons to Wood county, driving the entire distance. He bought 16o acres of land in Section 15, Bloom township, and made his temporary home with his brother Cornelius. He was at first forced to buy supplies, as there was not land enough cleared to raise crops sufficient for the family's use; but he soon converted the place into an arable tract, and his first crop of corn from fifteen acres amounted to 1, 50o bushels in the ear. From that time prosperity attended his efforts, the greatest trouble experienced by the family being sickness from fever and ague. Mr. Simon reached the ripe old age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixtyfour, and they were laid to rest in Bloom Chapel cemetery. They were active workers in the Lutheran church, and in politics he was formerly a Whig, and on its organization joined the Republican party; for six years he served as treasurer of Bloom township.

During his boyhood Alfred Simon attended the subscription schools, but the greater part of his education has been obtained since leaving school, being acquired through reading and observation. He was seventeen years of age at the

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time the family came to Wood county, and remained upon the home farm until his marriage, with the exception of one summer, when he worked by the month. About 1858, he bought an eighty-acre tract of school land in Section 16, securing the same from his father, to whom he paid interest until the land became productive, when he paid off the principle. His land lay just across the road from the old homestead, where he often worked during the day, while he cleared and improved his own place in the evening. He believes in using the latest methods and machinery in his agricultural pursuits, and now has seventyeighty and three-quarters acres of the best developed land in Bloom township.

At Portage, Wood county, Mr. Simon was united in marriage, October 20, 1859, with Silvina Milliron, who was born in Westmoreland coun