578 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

and occupied by him for 28 years. While he is .a Republican, he has persistently refused to allow his name to be used for office. A member of the English Lutheran Church, he has held almost every office in the organization, having been elder, deacon, trustee, a member of the building committee, etc. He is also a member of Van Wert Lodge, No. 261, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the fraternity over 40 years ago and passed all its chairs. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hertz accompany this sketch.

JOHN CRAMER, who in life was one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of this county, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1821, and died at Van Wert, November 1905. He was a son of John Cramer and a grandson of Helfar Cramer—the latter being the founder of the family in America. Helfar Cramer, who was a native of Germany, came to the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War and joined the patriot army. After the close of the war, he settled in York County, Pennsylvania, where he left a family of seven children. One son, John Cramer, was born in York County, in 1792. In 1816 he married Catherine Schlote, also of Pennsylvania and of German extraction, and they had nine children, namely : Daniel and Henry, both of Fostoria, Ohio; John ; Mary, deceased ; Emanuel, of Ionia, Michigan ; Adam, of Fostoria, Ohio; Sophia, wife of P. Wickersham, of Seneca County, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Augustus Elliott, and Levi, long since deceased.

In 1840, John Cramer, father of our subject, came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Seneca County, on which he died June 29, 1856; his wife having passed away September16, 1854. They were worthy members of the German Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Cramer was a Democrat, and during the War of 1812 he served in the United States forces, with the rank of captain.

John Cramer, the immediate subject of this sketch, was 18 years of age when the family settled in Seneca County, Ohio, where until 1847 his time was occupied as a farmer and a workman in a sawmill. He was married about this time and afterward bought 80 acres of land in the same county (Seneca) and lived there until 1864, when he moved to Van Wert County, buying his homestead farm of' 120 acres in Pleasant township. Previous to his death, the disposed of a portion of this tract, and in all probability the farm will shortly become a part of the city of Van Wert, its location being favorable for a residence district.

John Cramer was married in Seneca County, Ohio, on December 29, 1847, to Ann E. Shaffner, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, September 17, 1830, and died at Van Wert, March 28, 1901. She was a daughter of Martin and Ann E. (Wert) Shaffner.

Martin Shaffner, Mrs. Cramer's father, war born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1795, and was a son of Martin and Frances (Haider) Shaffner. For many years Martin Shaffner, Sr., lived in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and then moved to Dauphin County, where both he and his wife died. They had nine children—Jacob, Nancy, Martin, Henry, Frederick, John Christian, Frances and Elizabeth. The son Martin was married in Dauphin County, to Ann E. Wert, and they were the parents of Levi, John F. and Ann E. Martin Shaffner and wife settled in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1829, and there the mother died September 23, 1831. The father of Mrs. Cramer (lied September 17, 1870. For many

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years both he and his wife had been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The children of John Cramer and wife were 9 in number, as follows : John W. and William J., both deceased; Sarah C., wife of John W. Balyeat, who lives in Middlebury, Indiana; Frank A. and Ralph W., both residents of Van Wert; Irene H., who is the wife of J. W. Kensler, of Ridge township ; Anna E., who resides with her sister Irene H. ; Martin S., a resident of Ohio City; and Charles B., who is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, stationed at Spencerville, Ohio.

In his political views Mr. Cramer was a Prohibitionist, and in religion, a Methodist. He was a man of high personal character, widely known for his integrity, and trained his children to be good men and women, one of the deep satisfactions of his life being that they followed the example set by their parents and early united with the church. During his long residence in the county, Mr. Cramer became well and favorably known to the general community. He gave practical encouragement to agricultural development and was instrumental in founding the grange in his locality, of which he was the treasurer for 14 years.

GEORGE H. STETLER, who is serving his second term as township trustee of Willshire township, resides on his fine farm of 172 acres, situated in sections 33 and 34. He was born in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 10, 1855, and is a son of Alfred and Matilda L. (Detmer) Stetler.

Jacob Stetler, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and came to this section of the State with three brothers, George, John and Daniel, all securinglarge tracts of farming land. They were of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. Alfred Stetler, father of George H., was born about one-quarter mile from our subject's farm, in Mercer County. He died here aged 36 years, from typhoid fever. He married Matilda L. Detmer, who was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to the United States. Her father, George A. Detmer, served three terms as auditor of Mercer County, and E. J. Detmer, her grandfather, did a great deal of surveying here in the early days. Alfred Stetler and wife had four children, namely : George H., of this sketch ; Augustus, of Mercer County ; Mahala (Huffman)," of Rockford, Ohio; and Nancy (Hileman), also of Rockford.

George H. Stetler remained on the farm on which he was born until he was 18 years old, when his parents came to his present farm, on which he has lived ever since. He has 80 acres of the old homestead farm and 92 additional acres, which he subsequently purchased. The father built a very fine residence and our subject has erected substantial barns and other buildings. He has done the greater part of the clearing on his 92 acres and the whole property is well improved. Mr. Stetler is a practical farmer and he is also a public-spirited citizen. He has given his attention to all movements which he has found to meet his approval, in regard to the public welfare, and he assisted in building some 20 miles of the turnpike road. Mr. Stetler no longer carries on large agricultural operations, as his land is proving more valuable in other ways. He has leased the whole of it to the Baldwin Oil Company, and six oil and gas wells are now in active operation here. In his own home the gas is used for light and heat.

On August 25, 1881, Mr. Stetler was married to Clara Hileman, who was born in Van Wert County, and is a (laughter of John A.

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and Annie Hileman, natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stetler have these children: Oscar, Ollie, Ray, Roy, Annis and Gale. The family belongs to the United Brethren Church of Black Creek township, Mercer County, in which Mr. Stetler is a trustee.

Politically our subject is an influential Democratic leader in this locality. For the past 28 years he has been constantly in office, called to different positions of trust by his fellowcitizens, who have thus shown their esteem and confidence. He has been supervisor, has held various school offices and for seven consecutive years has been one of the township trustees.

HENRY J. WIECHART, whose farm is located in section 34, Hoaglin town ship, was born in Van Wert County, June 6, 1861, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Trentman) Wiechart, who were among the earliest settlers of the county. Both were natives of Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 15 and living for a time in Cincinnati. He soon after came to Van Wert County and entered 80 acres of land in Washington township from the government. Here he resided until his death in 1891. His wife came to America when a child, her parents being the second family to settle in Washington township. Their home was about two miles from Delphos, and the sturdy, thrifty farmers of that section today are composed largely of their descendants. Mrs. Wiechart is now 67 years old, and still resides on the Wiechart homestead. She is a lady of strong personality and is surrounded by a host of warm friends. Eight children are living, all of whom reside in Washington township except Henry J. and Theodore F., who lives in Dubuque, Iowa; their names are as follows : Mary E., Henry J.. Ferdiand A., Frank T., Benjamin, Theodore F., Agnes and Gregora.

Mr. Wiechart has spent his entire life in Van Wert County and is today one of our most estimable citizens. He received his education in the schools of Delphos and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. With the assistance of his good wife, he has provided well for old age. He was married October 13, 1886, to Winifred A. Clark, who was born in Madison County, Ohio, February 27, 1862, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Driscol) Clark. Here parents came from Ireland in their youth and were married in Cincinnati. After living there a short time, they went to Madison County and later came to Van Wert, settling in section 35, Hoaglin township. The father died soon after locating here and the mother died in 1896. Their children were as follows : Elizabeth J., of Van Wert; Battle, a prominent physician of New Haven, Indiana; John J., of Van Wert : Winifred A. (Mrs. Wiechart) ; Charles S.. and Dennis D., both medical practitioners of Decatur, Indiana; and Andrew J., a student in Rush Medical College, Chicago. Mrs. Wiechart was a teacher in the schools of Van Wert County for more than to years previous to her marriage. She began her work in this line at the age of 14 years, after attending the schools in Hoaglin township and taking a course in the Ohio Normal University at Ada. Her union with Mr. Wiechart resulted in the birth of two daughters—Elizabeth .E., born April 29, 1889, and Nellie M., born April 19. 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Wiechart are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, of Van Wert. Mr. Wiechart is a Democrat, and served three years as school director in sub-district No. 2.

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JACOB BIENZ, one of Willshire's old and honored pioneer citizens, has spent 55 years on his present farm, which now consists of 113 acres, situated in sections 15 and 22. He was born at Wittenberg, about five miles from Stuttgart, Germany, on April 1, 1825, and is a son of Baldas and Catherine (Weidley) Bienz.

Baldas Bienz, the father, was born also at Wittenberg and died in Tully township, Van Wert County, Ohio, aged 65 years. The mother lived to be 85 years old, and died at the home of our subject. These worthy people had 12 children. One of the family died in Europe, six accompanied the parents to the United States, and the others were born in America. Their names were : Baldas, George, Catherine, John, Jacob, Barbara, Christian, all born in Europe ; Fred, Margaret, Mary, Ana and Philip, born in the United States. The last named, who is now a veteran of the Civil War, now resides in Liberty township. In his first enlistment he was seriously wounded at Pittsburg Landing; but after his recovery he reenlisted and served until the close of the war.

Our subject was too young to recall the long voyage his parents took, in 1831, in a sailing vessel from Havre-de-Grace to Philadelphia, 64 clays being spent on the water. From Philadelphia teams were engaged to take the family to Columbiana County, Ohio, their destination, where they landed, weary and footsore, having had to walk a great part of the distance across Pennsylvania. They remained there until the spring of 1832 when they moved into Tuscarawas County, and for two years the father and three older sons mined iron ore. In 1834 they removed to Richland County, and the father took a six-year lease on a farm. Soon after, he sent his eldest son to Van Wert County to enter a piece of land,and the latter secured 80 acres in Tully township on the present site of Dixon. When all arrangements had been completed, the family settled here in 1839, made many improvements and on this farm the father died.

Jacob Bienz remained at home until his. majority, and then worked by the month, mainly at clearing land which was then wild and with but few attempts at improvement. In the meantime he attended a German school. When he had accumulated enough capital, he bought 80 acres of his present farm, on which not a stick had been cut. Here, in the wilderness, he felled the trees himself and erected a log cabin 18 by 20 feet in dimensions, to which he brought his bride. Game was plentiful, but there were many hardships to endure. The Indians were friendly, and as Mr. Bienz treated them kindly, he never suffered either from their anger or cupidity. Mr. Bienz paid the sum of $325 for his first 80 acres of land ; but its present value is so far beyond that that we venture no valuation, for it is one of the best farms of the township. It is well-improved and is now operated by our subject's oldest granddaughter's husband.

Mr. Bienz was married on August 21, 1850, to Elizabeth Pflueger who was born July 30. 1835, in Holmes County, Ohio, and came to Van Wert County when eight years old, accompanying her parents, who were Christian and Barbara Pflueger, natives of Wittenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Bienz have eight children, namely: Louis; of Indianapolis, whose one daughter, Volina, was married on her grandfather's "Golden wedding" anniversary, to Charles H. Kruckeberg; Margaret (Schmidt), of Joliet, Illinois; George, of Pleasant township ; Adam, of Indiana ; Fred, of Indiana; Mary, widow of John Rheinking, of Indiana; Annie (Mrs. William Schamelo), of Indiana: Ind Emma, who died aged 18 months. Four of

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the children live in Adams County, Indiana. Mr. Bienz has two great-grandchildren in his home.

Mr. Blenz has been a lifelong Democrat, but has taken no very active interest in politics, giving the greater part of his attention to the development of his farm and to providing for his family. He is one of the leading members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. He owes his ample means and comfortable surroundings to his own industry and perseverance, having always been a hardworking, careful and frugal man. In the evening of life he can look back over years well spent.

ELIAS F. RINGWALD, one of the substantial farmers and representative men of Washington township, who is engaged in cultivating his valuable farm of 96 acres situated in section 31, was born in Jennings township, Van Wert County, April 28, 1858, and is a son of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Wolford) Ringwald.

The father was born in Germany, and in 1852, when 21 years of age, came to this country with his parents, settling on a farm in Jennings township. In 1853 he was married to Elizabeth Wolford, daughter of Adam and Barabara Wolford. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania and when seven years old came with her parents to Knox County, where she lived for three years, her parents removing to Van Wert County in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Ringwald had the following six children : Barabara, who married Jacob Distler, of Van Wert County and has had five children —Emily Elizabeth (deceased in infancy), John Frederick (a teacher in the Summerset school in Washington township), William Henry (intermarried with Josie Sterling), Noah Jacoband Martha Senora (wife of John L. Good and. the mother of one child—Harold Lee); John G., who married Anna Eliza Dolbey and has 10 children; Sarah Jane (Mrs. N. R. Pollock), who died in 1898, leaving six children ; Mary Magdalene, who died aged four years; William F., who married Stella Shaner and lives on the old home farm, the father of six children—Floyd, Anna, Hazel, May (deceased), Clarence, Delta, Myrtle and Elias F. Gottlieb Ringwald, the father, died in 1894; his wife still lives on the home place.

Elias F. Ringwald, subject of this sketch, has passed his life in Van Wert County. Here he was reared and educated, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, operating one of the most productive and well improved farms in the county. He and his brother operate threshing machines and also own and manage a portable sawmill.

BENJAMIN B. TEEPLE, superintendent of the large grain and stock farm of George H. Marsh, of Van Wert, is a native of Adams County, Indiana, where he was born to John E. and Catherine (Smith) Teeple, on January 5, 1867. His parents are still residents of Adams County, where the father has lived since early childhood and where the mother was born, their ages being 75 and 72 years, respectively.

Benjamin B. Teeple acquired his education in the public schools and for a short time engaged in teaching in his home county ; but he was intended for a farmer, and from his youth has taken a deep interest in all that pertained to agriculture. When 16 years of age he began buying and selling live stock and now possesses a practical knowledge of the business

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which is seldom equaled. After dealing in stock for several years in Adams County, in 1893 he came to Van Wert County, Ohio, and bought a farm in Willshire township. There he engaged both in farming and the stock business, soon becoming known as one of the best posted, most reliable stockmen in this section of the State. Mr. Marsh heard of him and, wanting a competent man to take charge of his large farm of 1,300 acres, decided to engage the services of Mr. Teeple, and in 1899 installed that gentleman as superintendent of his large estate. General farming and stockraising are here carried on and the results of the present management have been so satisfactory as to reflect great credit upon Mr. Teeple's judgment, practical knowledge and executive ability.

Benjamin B. Teeple was married September 25, 1887, to Amanda Green, of Crawford County, Ohio, her parents being John and Mary (Hilderbrand) Green—the former a resident of Decatur, Indiana, and the latter, deceased. Mr. Teeple is a Republican, but has been too busy attending to his private affairs to take part in politics, although he keeps well informed on current events and is thoroughly up-to-date on all public questions. He is a member of Abanaki Tent, Improved Order of Red Men, of Van Wert, and is one of the most thorough and successful business men in the county.

FREDERIC J. HOELDERLE, who is engaged in farming in Washington township, near the city of Delphos, was born in Peru, Huron County, Ohio, May 1, 1874, and is a son of Joseph and Caroline (Kappus) Hoelderle.

Joseph Hoelderle, who is now employed as sexton at the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos, after a life given to the vocation of teacher and musician, was born October 12, 1841, in the vicinity of Engen, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, not far from the Swiss frontiers. He came to the United States in December, 1868. On May 23, 1871, at New Washington, Crawford County, Ohio, he was married to Caroline Elizabeth Kappus, who was born June 22, 1853, in Huron County, Ohio, and died February 16, 1880, at New Washington, Crawford County, Ohio. The children of this marriage were three in number, viz.: Charles Andrew, now living in Delphos, who married Agnes Wassman, and has three children—Arthur, Mandolin and Carl ; Frederic Joseph, the subject of this sketch ; and Frances Louisa, wife of Bert Detmer of Cincinnati, and the mother of two children—Norval and Ruth. Joseph Hoelderle was married on November 21, 1881, to his second wife, Theresia Catherina Myers, who was born April 30, 1860, in Shelby County, Ohio. Eight children were born to this union, of whom five are now living,

namely : Mary Carolina, who married William Wahmhoff, lives on a farm near Delphos and has two children—Carl and Adelina ; and Mary Cecelia, Edmont Henry, Stella Herberta and Clarence, Herbert who are still living at home. Those deceased are: Adela Catherina, who died at the age of 10 years; and Wilhelm A. and Herbert Raymond, who died in infancy.

The mother of our subject died when he was a child of five years. He was given a good, practical education and took up farming as an occupation. His farm in Washington township is well cared for and is considered an excellent property. Mr. Hoelderle stands well in the community, hearing an excellent reputation for solid integrity and worth. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America, being vice-president of the Delphos branch of the order. He takes an active interest in educational

586 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

matters and is at present serving on the School Board of Washington township.

On April 21, 1897, Frederic Joseph Hoelderle was married to Mrs. Mary Johanna (Bloemer) Goedde, a lady well and favorably known throughout Washington and adjoining townships. She was born in Germany in 1866 and was a child of three years when her parents, Barney and Josephine (Kankle) Bloemer, came to America.

The Bloemer family were large landowners in the Fatherland, where they occupied a prominent place and they brought with them to their new home the same sturdy, thrifty characteristics that generally mark those of German birth and parentage. Barney Bloemer in his younger days was a sailor for 16 years and served three years in the German Army. Coming to Putnam County, Ohio, the family located in Glandorf and later moved to Fort Jennings where they still live. There were eight children in the family, of whom the following three are deceased : Mary Johanna (1), Bennie and Emma. Those living are : Mary Johanna (2), Mary, Elizabeth, Annie and Christine. Mary married Frank Hermiller, of Ottawa, Ohio, and is the mother of three children—Eddie, Emma and Frank. Elizabeth became the wife of Teuben Frayhn, of Dayton, Ohio, and has one child—Josephine. Annie married Joseph Utrup, of Washington township, Van Wert County, and has two sons —Benjamin and Edward. Christine married John Loepolt, of Glandorf, and has three sons —Edwin, Clarence and Benjamin.

Mary Johanna Bloemer, the second of the name in the family, was educated in Glandorf where she grew to womanhood and where she married Henry Goedde. Two children were born to this marriage, namely : Mary Josephine Amelia, born August 1, 1888; and Harry B., born December 6, 1891, who is now attending school. A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Hoelderle and the son and daughter accompanies this sketch.

Among the many pleasant country residences of the county, there is none that will attract more favorable notice than the handsome modern brick residence of Mr. and Mrs. Hoelderle, erected in 1893, which occupies a very desirable site on their 80-acre farm in section 14, Washington township. It is well suited as a home of culture and refinement. A view of this residence is shown in the historical department of this work. They also own 24 acres in sections 2 and 3, Washington township.

DAVID W. McNALL, a highly respected citizen and one of the most substantial farmers of Washington
township, this county, and the owner of a finely improved farm of 100 acres situated in section 17, was born in DeKalb County, Indiana, December 5, 1850, and is a son of William and Caroline (Zimmerman) McNall and the grandson of William McNall, Sr. The father was a native of Ireland, coming to America and locating in Richland County, Ohio, where he was engaged for many years in farming. William McNall moved to Indiana during his early manhood, making the journey
on horseback and passing through Van Wert County, on his way thither. At that time there
were only two houses in Van Wert County, and he refused an offer of Too acres of'
land for $80 in the region where Van Wert city is now located. He was married in Indiana to Caroline Zimmerman, and they had a family of eight children : Mrs. Almira Hawk of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Cole, of Spencerville, Indiana ; John, of Fostoria, Ohio ; and D. W. McNall, of this sketch—all living; and

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George, who died aged two years; Elias, at 12 years of age; William, aged 21, and Mary Etta, at 19 years of age.

David W. McNall was reared and educated in DeKalb County, Indiana, and was married 'June 4, 1874, to Naomi Zimmermann, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Zimmermann, of Van Wert. Mr. Zimmermann was one of the early settlers of Van Wert and one of the first contractors on the Pennsylvania Railroad, assisting in the construction of the road through Van Wert County. He is still living in Van Wert at the advanced age of 93 years.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McNall lived in DeKalb County for two years, and in 1876 moved to Van Wert County, where they purchased a farm of 70 acres on which they still reside. In 1893 he purchased an additional 40 acres, and now has a fine farm of 110 acres. They have reared two children—Rolland Abraham, who was born July 22, 1878, and Goldie Princess, May 16, 1884. Mr. McNall's mother is still living and resides with her oldest daughter in Akron, Ohio. His father died in 1893 in DeKalb County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. McNall are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Middlepoint. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Middlepoint.

CHELCIAS SLENTZ. The thriving village of Monticello still has, as an honored, retired citizen, the man who once owned a large part of the ground on which its largest buildings stand. This citizen is C. Slentz, who was born in September, 1838, near Franklin Square, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Eli and Mary Ann (Shulenbarger) Slentz.

The father of Mr. Slentz was born in Pennsylvania. By trade he was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. In 1854 he settled in York township, Van Wert County, almost in a wilderness, and he followed his trade in this county all the rest of his life, dying in 1879. He was survived some 18 months by his wife. Of their 12 children, eight grew to maturity.

Our subject attended the schools of his day—and very primitive were the ones in the neighborhood of his home—until he was old enough to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1858 he started out for himself. About 1865 he came to Jennings township and bought the land on which stands the western portion of the town of Monticello, the place being given its name by his uncle, David Shulenbarger. Mr. Slantz still owns 40 lots in Monticello, some of these having been improved with dwellings. He has seen and has assisted in the development of this place from the time when it was a home for deer and wild turkeys to its present position as an important grain center. He started a general store and was the first express agent. He served for 16 years as postmaster and for a long time was the principal handler of grain at this point.

Mr. Slentz has his property under rental, and resides in Monticello, on the east side, opposite the postoffice. His possessions include 74 acres in Jennings township. His first 80 acres cost him $500, and today the property is worth $20 an acre. The 30-acre tract south of the railroad, which is known as "Slentz Woods" has the finest hickory trees to be found in the township, and walnut trees which can scarcely be equaled. This land is very valuable, and Mr. Slentz has refused $2,200 for the timber on it.

Mr. Slentz was married (first) in 1862 to Sarah Townsend, who was a sister of W. A. Townsend, of Jennings township. She died in February, 1890, leaving three children, viz :

588 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Mary Jane, wife of Charles Hiser, of Michigan, and the mother of four children—Warren, Roscoe, Zora and Martin C. ; Icem, who married Jennie Davis and has three children—Floyd, Denzel and Eunice; and Alvira, who married Samuel Heiss and has two children—Orlay and Homer. All the children were well educated and all became teachers except the youngest. In 1893 Mr. Slentz was married to Catherine Van Sweringen, who is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Shaffer) Van Sweringen, who came here in 1853 from Juniata County, Pennsylvania. The father of Mrs. Slentz settled in the woods in section 7, Jennings township, ,and she can remember how the wolves howled at night around their lonely log cabin. Of the family of eight children, Mrs. Slentz was the fourth born and seven still survive. She can recall many very interesting stories of pioneer days in Jennings township. She has been a member of the United Brethren Church at Monticello for many years. Mr. Slentz is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Auglaize County, and has been one of the elders since the completion of the new church. He has liberally helped both religious bodies, as he has assisted in the building of schoolhouses and in all else which has contributed to the general prosperity. In politics he is a Democrat, and in early days he served as township trustee. His present residence was the second house erected in the town. More extended notice of the founding of Monticello will be given in the historical portion of this work.

DAVIS JOHNSON, for many years one of the leading men of Van Wert, a member of one of the old pioneer families of this part of Ohio, and one of its first surveyors, was born June 17, 1814,in Harrison County, Ohio, and died March 19, 1890, at his home on the corner of Main and Market streets, Van Wert. He was a son of Joseph and Mary (Davis) Johnson.

The Johnson family is of English extraction. Abel Johnson, the paternal grandfather of Davis Johnson, was born in England and was an infant when his father, Benjamin Johnson, emigrated with his family to America, in 1744. Abel Johnson was reared and educated in Philadelphia. He learned the cooper's trade, and was married there, in 1768, to Anna Alexander. Of their 15 children, 12 reached maturity. In 1782 he removed with his wife and children to Virginia (now West Virginia), and died in 1824.

Joseph Johnson, father of Davis Johnson, was reared a farmer and learned the cooper's trade, which in his day was a very profitable one. He remained in Virginia until after his marriage, when he removed to Harrison County, Ohio, where he subsequently entered 480 acres of land. He was the first white man to locate in that county, and his daughter Anna was the first white child born in Stock township. During the War of 182 he was made adjutant of a regiment. In 1837 he came to Van Wert County, where he entered a large amount of land, his entire land holdings in Ohio at this time aggregating 2,160 acres. Here he became one of the first county commissioners, and in his official position assisted in the organization of the townships. He filled other offices of responsibility, and the records of the time show him to have been a man of good judgment and uncorruptible integrity. He died July 29, 1855. On April 2, 1806, he married Mary Davis, who was born January 3, 1783, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, of Welsh parentage. They had 10 children, our subject being the fifth in order of birth.

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Davis Johnson was reared and educated in Harrison County. His educational acquirements was sufficient to enable him successfully to teach school, to which profession he devoted some years. He also followed surveying, and thus assisted greatly in the original surveys of Van Wert County. His first marriage was in Harrison County, but his wife died after he had settled on a farm in Willshire township, Van Wert County, leaving a daughter, who subsequently married J. I. Cable, of Van Wert. After his home was thus broken up, he returned to his father's roof and lived there until 1856, when he removed to the town of Van Wert in order to assume the duties of county treasurer, to which office he had been elected. He was a man of keen business perception, and showed his foresight by investing extensively in land, which later became very valuable and enabled him to become financially well-to-do. In politics he was a Republican, In early life he joined the Masonic fraternity, and was one of the charter members of Van Wert Lodge.

In September, 1854, Davis Johnson married (second) Mrs. Susan A. Lennox, daughter of James and Jane Short, of Richland County,. Ohio, and the widow of Dr. John Lennox, one . of the pioneer physicians. The children of this union were : Mary Alice, deceased; Ella, residing at home; W. Scott, formerly deputy probate judge of Van Wert County; Brough, a farmer; Anna, wife of T. Tumbleson ; Lorenzo, now at Seattle, Washington; and Charles, Emma C. and Abel, deceased.

In his religious belief, Davis Johnson was a Quaker, and his life was patterned in accordance with the precepts of this body. Mrs. Johnson still occupies the old family home in Van Wert. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. All of the surviving childrenare well settled in life and are esteemed members of society. One son, W. S. Johnson, who is now successfully engaged in the practice of the law in Van Wert, is one of the leading members of the bar and a very prominent citizen of both city and county.

PETER FELDNER, who resides on his fine farm of 100 acres, situated in section 2, Willshire township, is one of the solid citizens and industrious, intelligent and thrifty farmers of this locality. He was born in Breitenheim bei Meisenheim Begweirings bezirk Coblenz, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, February 25, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gehres) Feldner.

The parents of our subject spent their whole lives in the district where he was born, until the death of the mother; then the father came to America and spent his last 15 years with his children. These were : Katherine (Mohr), now of Germany; Jacob, of Van Wert; Elizabeth, of Germany; Phoebe (Gehres), of Germany ; William, of Nevada ; and Peter, the subject of this sketch. The venerable father died in 1894, aged 84 years, 6 months and 11 days.

Peter Feldner resided in his native land until he was 17 years of age, a strong, well-developed youth who had been in school from the age of six to 14 years, according to the excellent laws of his country. This law explains why America finds so few ignorant Germans among those who, come to her shores in order to improve their material condition. The pioneer of the family was his older brother Jacob, who was established in Van Wert County. Peter left home on April 24, 1867, and landed in the city of New York on

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the l0th of the following May. He went up the Hudson River to Albany and remained in that vicinity, working on farms, for three years, and then joined his brother in Harrison township, Van Wert County. He worked as a farmer by the day or month until his marriage. He then bought 80 acres in Pleasant township, which was partially cleared and was improved to the extent of a dwelling and barn. After living here six years he rented it and bought 80 acres in Adams County, Indiana, which he sold eight months later and returned to his Pleasant township farm, where he resided for two more years. Then Mr. Feldner sold both that farm and the one in Indiana, and bought 40 acres in section 2, Willshire township, which he also sold prior to purchasing his present farm on June 11, 1881. This property was only partly cleared when he purchased it, and he has finished the clearing and has made the numerous fine improvements. For a number of years he worked very industriously—clearing, ditching and improving his farm—before he succeeded in putting it under its present fine state of cultivation. He devoted his attention to a general line of farming and stockraising. His handsome brick residence is one of substantial comfort and all his surroundings and outbuildings show excellent management and a justifiable amount of pride in the making of a good home.

In September, 1872, Mr. Feldner was married to Anna Elizabeth Hunsinger, who was born at Barweiler, in the same locality as our subject, on April 19, 1853, and is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Hunsinger. She came alone to America in April, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Feldner have had these children : Emma (Mrs. Fred Kreisier), who left at death two sons—Arthur and Norman; Elizabeth (Mrs. Fred Lillick), of Willshire township, who has two sons—Paul and Arthur; Josephine (Mrs. Martin Kreisier), of Harrison township, who has one daughter—Viola; Frederick Peter; Adolph, deceased; and Phoebe, Martin, and Nora and Dora (twins), who live at home.

Politically Mr. Feldner is a Democrat. He is a member of the Evangelical Church in Harrison township, in which he served two years as an elder. He is a well-known and universally respected man.

GEORGE W. GRIFFITH resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 14, Hoaglin township, and has been an esteemed resident of Van Wert County since his early boyhood. He was born in Union County, Ohio, August 17, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Susan (Fausnaught) Griffith. The father was reared in the State of Maryland, although he was a Virginian by birth, while the mother was born and reared in Fairfield County, Ohio. When our subject was a small lad his parents moved to Van Wert County and settled in Harrison township, at that time there was a log jail and but few houses in the countyseat. Later they moved to Washington township, and in the spring of 1861 located in Pleasant township which was their home for many years. A brother of our subject, Benjamin F., and a sister, Lovina A. (Mrs. George Glosset), reside in Van Wert.

George W. Griffith enlisted on October 2, 1861 in Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.. the same company in which his father served for 11 months, at the expiration of which time he (the father) was discharged on account of disability. Young Griffith received his honorable discharge December 15, 1864. He was detailed as teamster, and for the last 18 months of his time drove the wagon which carried the ammunition. He took part in the battles of

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Shiloh, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Perryville, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge; he was in the march to Atlanta and later from that point to Jonesboro. Returning to Van Wert County, George W. Griffith engaged in farming in Liberty township for a short time and then moved into Van Wert. Later he again took up farming, and about 1887 moved to Paulding County, where he cleared a virgin tract of 80 acres in section 14, Latty township, and carried on farming operations for about 14 years. In February, 1901, Mr. Griffith moved back to Van Vert County, taking up his residence on his present farm.

October 30, 1867, he was married to Sarah R. Tomlinson, who was born in York township, Van Wert County, July 11, 1848. She is a daughter of James and Nancy K. (Smith) Tomlinson and a granddaughter of James Smith, a pioneer of Mercer County, Ohio. Nancy Smith was born in Miami County about 77 years ago and went with her parents to Mercer county, where she was joined in marriage to James Tomlinson, since deceased, and later located in York township, Van Wert County. She now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Griffith. Two sons and one daughter also reside in Van Wert County, viz. : Callista J., wife of Sylvanus Norris, of Van Vert ; Lewis L., of Ohio City ; and William S., of Liberty township. Of the children born to our subject and his wife, 11 survive, viz.: Annie E., wife of George Geiger, of Toledo ; William E., of Cedar Run, Michigan; George A., of Gratiot County, Michigan; Harvey F., of Paulding County; Mary M., wife of W. D. McClure, of Grover Hill; Laura A., wife of Sanford Ryan, of Grover Hill; Minnie E., wife of Francis Ireland, of Paulding County; W. Clifford, Grace F.; Benjamin H.; and Bessie E. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church and a woman of many admirable qualities. Mr. Griffith is a Republican and takes the liveliest interest in all that pertains to the public welfare.

GEORGE W. MICHAEL, a genial and substantial farmer of Van Wert County, residing on his farm in section 4, Hoaglin township, was born in Logan County, Ohio, June 23, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Edmiston) Michael. Frederick Michael, the grandfather, emigrated to this country from Germany and located in Virginia, where he was married. Later he moved to Brown County, Ohio, where he lived a short time, thence migrating to Clark County and entering government land upon which he resided until his death. Benjamin, his son and the father of George W., was born in Virginia, whence he migrated to Ohio, locating in Logan County where he entered 120 acres of land from the government. He married Elizabeth Edmiston, who was a native of Tennessee, and the couple continued to make their home in Logan County until about 1849, when they moved to Champaign County.

George W. Michael is one of those farmers who take pleasure in keeping their premises in the best possible condition, making them a credit to the neighborhood and a pleasing bit of landscape to the passerby. In 1881 he purchased 84 acres of almost undeveloped land, which he has improved until it ranks high among the many beautiful country homes for which Van Wert County is noted. .

Mr. Michael was married December 3r, 1865, to Sarah E. John, a native of Shelby County, Ohio, where he then resided and the marriage took place. His first wife died October 28, 1868, leaving two sons—William R. of Hoaglin township, and David E., who resides

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in Paulding County. On September 28, 1871. Mr. Michael was married (second) to Eliza F. Burriss, born June 7, 1841, in Madison County. Her parents were Samuel and Ellen (Richardson) Burriss, the father a native of Maryland and the mother of Ross County, Ohio. Mr. Burriss lived in Madison County from his seventh year until his death in 1872; his wife died in Van Wert County. By his second union Mr. Michael has three children, two of whom are living, viz.: Ottawa A., of Union township; and Ella J., wife of Harry Giffin, of Hoaglin township. Both Mr. Michael and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and take an active interest in its work. In politics he is a Democrat. A view of the Michael _home, showing an interesting family group, is shown on a preceding page.

JOHN B. WERMER, one of the representative citizens and well-known agriculturists of Pleasant township, resides on his finely cultivated farm of 129 acres, situated in section 18. He was born June 27, 1858, in Prussia, and is a son of John N. and Julia (Miltenberger) Wermer, both of whom died in Prussia.

John B. Wermer grew to manhood in his native land. He was educated in the local schools and then served an apprenticeship of three years to a painter and decorator. After completely mastering all of the details of this business, he traveled through his own country as a journeyman until 1881, when he emigrated to America and settled in Ohio. For. a number of years he combined work at his trade with farming, through Van Wert County, mostly in Liberty and Harrison townships. In 1889 he settled on a farm in Liberty township, but in 1903 he came to his present valuable farm which he has ever since continued to improve. He has here a home of which he may justly be proud, for he, with the assistance of his estimable wife, has earned it all by hard work.

On December 20, 1883, Mr. Wermer was married to Catherine Young. She was born March 27, 1863, and is a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Miller) Young. All were born in Prussia. In 1875 Jacob Young, with his family, emigrated to America and settled in Harrison township, which at that time was but sparsely settled, and in many portions was still in its wild state. Jacob Young, now deceased, was twice married, his second wife, the mother of Mrs. Wermer, still surviving and residing in Harrison township. The surviving children of Mr. Young are: Philip, of Harrison township; Charles, of Willshire township; Frederick, of Harrison township; Catherine, wife of John B. Wermer; and Caroline, who is the wife of Peter Bauer, of Mercer County,. Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Wermer have these children : Julia M., wife of John Fritz, of Convoy, Ohio; William, of Pleasant township; and Otto, Gustave, Cora M. and Rosa M., all at home, 'a happy family. The religious connection of this family. is with the Evangelical Association. Mr. Wermer is one of the intelligent, public-spirited men of his township. He has served two terms as tOwnship assessor during his residence in Liberty township, and he is always foremost in advocating those measures which will add to the efficiency of the public schools. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow.

FLOREAN F. WILHELM, one of the successful farmers of Washington township, living on his well-developed and productive farm of 65 acres in section 32, was born August 16, 1858. on the
farm which he now owns. He is the oldest son

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of Valentine Wilhelm and grandson of Landelin Wilhelm, who was a native of Germany and spent his entire life in the land of his birth.

Valentine Wilhelm was born in Baden, Germany, where he was reared and educated, and in 1853, after his marriage with Julia Kald, emigrated to America, immediately locating on a farm near Landeck, Allen County, Ohio, where he remained for one year. He then moved to Van Wert County, and settled on the farm which his son now owns and here passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred on June 19, 1904, in his 87th year. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Wilhelm had nine children, six of whom are now living, namely : Ursula (Gemke) ; Effersine (Weber) ; Theressa (Mrs. John Willmann) ; Louis H. ; Rose (Longholts) ; and Florean F., the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth (Tegenkamp) one of the children died March 20, 1891, aged 42 years. The mother of this family died in 1873.

Florean F. Wilhelm has passed his life in the county where he was born. He was educated in the schools of that locality, at the same time assisting his father with the work on the farm, and later assuming the entire responsibility of its management. He was married June 2, 1903, to Mary Droll, a daughter of George and Catharine Droll, of Allen County: They have had no children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm are members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos.

EMANUEL B. WESTENHAVER came to this county in 1888 and located on the farm of 20 acres in section 6, Jackson township, where he has since resided. The following year he 1was elected to the office of justice of the peace and has been continuously retained in that position. He was born October 24, 1859, in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Susan (Dennis) Westenhaver.

The Westenhaver family are of German extraction and owe their existence in America to Christian Westerhaver, the great-grandfather of our subject, who came to this country and settled in Maryland. After a few years spent in that State, he moved to Hocking County, Ohio, and located on the land which is now the site of Logan. At that time his son Henry, who is the grandfather of our subject, was a child of four years, in after life holding the position of surveyor of Hocking County for 2 years and becoming an influential man.

Emanuel B. Westenhaver was reared in Hocking County until he was about 15 years of age, when his parents moved to Wood County, Ohio, and, after a short residence there, to Greene County. Later they located in Hardin County, where the father died and the mother still resides. Before coming to Van Wert County, Mr. Westenhaver resided for a short time in Clark County where he also engaged in farming. He has always taken an active part in the advancement of worthy public measures, and for a number of years was a member of the township school board.

On February 26, 1884, Mr. Westenhaver was married to Appolonia M. Angle who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, May 19, 1860, and is a daughter of Jacob and Julia A. (Graffis) Angle. Her father was a native of Perry County, this State, and her mother, of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Westenhaver are the parents of three children, viz : Nettie M. who was born April 28, 1886; Susie R., born January 2, 1893 ; and William J. B., born November 6, 1897. Fraternally our subject is a

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member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Grover Hill, and a man whose long years in public office have but served to endear him to the people and to emphasize his sterling worth.

BENJAMIN W. VAN EMAN, one of the representative agriculturists of York township, owning a fine, well improved farm of 252 acres, in sections 25, 26 and 35, was born in this township in September, 1840, and is a son of Johnston and Amy Emeline (Griffin) Van Eman.

The father of Mr. Van Eman was born in Trumbull County, and the mother, in Champaign County, Ohio, and they were both pioneers in Van Wert County. The mother, who after the death of her husband, married Dr. Parrott, still survives, and is in the enjoyment of both mental and physical powers. Her wonderful memory vividly recalls her girlhood, and her reminiscences of the days before modern inventions had displaced the old primitive methods of farm and housework are very interesting. She can recall summers when she was accounted a very good helper in the hay field, and was mistress of the many useful domestic duties of her active days. For a long period she was noted as a cheesemaker, and, on many occasions, her viands of this description carried. off the premiums at the county fairs. For over 50 years she resided on the farm which she finally divided among her children.

Mrs. Parrott is a daughter of Benjamin Griffin and a descendant of Nathaniel Griffin, who held an officer's commission in the War of the Revolution, serving in close association with General Washington. Of other members of her family may be mentioned two brothers —Benjamin Griffin, who is said to have killedthe largest grizzly bear that ever frequented the mountains of Colorado, and Claudius, who resides in Mercer County, Ohio, at the age of 93 years, he and wife having lived together for 66 years.

The children of Johnston and Amy Erneline (Griffin) Van Eman were: Benjamin W., of this sketch; a child who died in infancy; Experience,, deceased, who was the wife of Jahue Goodwin; Oliver Scott, who died aged two and a half years; George, who died when 13 months of age ; D. C., born in 1854, who married Jennie Pretty; daughter of Adison Pretty of Van Vert County, and has five children—Lodessa (Mrs. Clyde Adamson), Victor, Marshall, Ira and Mamie; Pearl, who married Ella Rosabone, has one son, Marion, and lives on the homestead ; and John A., of Mercer County, who married Mary Black of Bellefontaine, Ohio. D. C. Van Eman, mentioned above, is an elder in the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Elgin.

Mrs. Parrott has always been active in church work. She was reared in a religious atmosphere, her father's house ever being open as a home to the itinerant preachers of the Methodist Church. It was through the representations of one of these, John Hill, whose circuit covered the territory 20 miles east of Jennings Prarie, that Benjamin Griffin finally located in Van Wert County. For many years Mrs. Parrott has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and has served as a delegate to the conference of this body.

Benjamin W. Van Eman was reared on the home farm; his education was such as was provided by the primitive schools of his boyhood. and his entire life has been absorbed in agricultural operations. After he left home, he farmed first in section 25, purchasing 80 acres of his brother John. A part of his present farm consists of 160 acres in section 35,

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York township—a tract which was entered from the government by Samuel Curl and then purchased by Benjamin Van Eman's mother. It is choice farming land and its full productiveness maintained through Mr. Van Eman's excellent methods of cultivation. His entire landed possessions in York township now aggregate 252 acres. During the Civil War, when Mr. Van Eman was about 22 years of age, he was drafted into the service, and for 10 1/2 months was a member of Company C, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.

Mr. Van Eman was married (first) to Margaret Rigdon, and their children were as follows: Blanche (Mrs. Frank Cook), of Chicago; Sarah (Mrs. Nicholas Johnson), of Portland, Oregon; Arthur E., who was married October i2, 1905, to Mamie Ella Bitz, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin—they now reside in Portland, Oregon ; and Avry O., of San Francisco. Mr. Van Eman was married (second) on September 11, 1890, to Elizabeth Emans, a daughter of Gilbert and Anna (Sitz) Emans. now of Putnam County, Ohio. Mr. Emans was born in New Jersey, and his wife, in Fairfield County, Ohio. The children of this union are : John P., named for an uncle, and Annie E., who bears the name of both her grandmothers. Mr. Van Eman is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He is one of the well-informed, intelligent citizens of the township, is a great reader, especially of instructive and religious works, and owns an excellent library.

SAMUEL GRUNEWALD, one of the representative agriculturists and well-known citizens of Pleasant township, resides on his fine farm situated in section 36. He was born February 22, 1861, in Ashland County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Drull) Grunewald. The parents were both born in Germany, emigrating to America in the late '40's and settling in Ashland County, Ohio. The father still resides there but the mother died July 28, 1898.

Samuel Grunewald was reared in his native county and attended the district schools. In young manhood he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has been engaged, more or less, all his life, although farming has been his main occupation. In 1883 Mr. Grunewald came to Van Wert County, and after residing for a short time in Liberty township removed to his present farm in Pleasant township, where he has met with results both satisfactory and fully merited by his years of persistent industry.

On October 8, 1885, Mr. Grunewald was married to Nora E. A. Cooper, who was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jesse K. and Hester A. (Kistler) Cooper: Mrs. Grunewald's father was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and her mother in Fairfield County. In young manhood, Mr. Cooper followed the trade of a millwright and for a number of years engaged in the manufacture of grain drills at Lancaster, Ohio, being one of the first to be thus employed. In 1865 he moved from Fairfield and settled in Pleasant township, Van Wert County, locating on the farm on which our subject and family now reside. He was an early settler in this locality and was regarded with respect and esteem throughout his long life, which terminated on July 26, 1891. His venerable widow still survives, the mother of four children, viz.: Darius O., of Liberty township; George W., of Hoaglin township ; Hiram V., of Pleasant township: and Nora E. A. (Mrs. Grunewald). Mrs. Jesse K. Cooper is a member of the Presbyterian Church; her husband, at the time of his death, was a prominent Mason of this section,

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being a member of Shawnee Commandery, K. T., at Lima.

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Grunewald have had nine children, of whom one died in infancy ; the eight survivors are as follows : Anna M., Amy F., Henry R., Jesse K., Samuel C., George A., Perry I. and Thelma N. M. Both Mr. Grunewald and his wife are charter members of Alpha Lodge, No. 1, Home Guards of America, at Van Wert, the former being also connected with the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics Mr. Grunewald is a Democrat. As an honest, industrious man—as a citizen who upholds the laws and who acts at all times for the welfare of his township and locality, he is very highly respected, and the entire family have a wide circle of friends. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Grunewald accompany this sketch.

HON. W. SCOTT JOHNSON, at one time deputy probate judge of Van Wert County, now engaged in the practice of the law at Van Wert, was born in this city, March 19, 1861, and is a son of Davis and Susan A. (Short) (Lennox) Johnson. A sketch of Davis Johnson appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Johnson was primarily educated in his native city. In 1879 he entered the National. Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, for the summer term, and then returned to the Van Wert High school, which he attended until June, 1880. In the following September he entered the preparatory department of Kenyon College, at Gambier, Knox County, Ohio, then known as Milner Hall, a military school for boys. He continued to be connected with that institution until the spring of 1882, when he returned to Van Wert in order to enter business. During the remainder of 1882 and a part of 1883 he was employed in the grocery business in this city, but resigned in the spring of 1883 to accept the position of deputy county recorder. He continued in office until the spring of 1885, resigning then to accept the agency of the United States Express Company, also becoming agent at Van Wert for the leading newspapers of Chicago and Cincinnati.

In the meantime the young man had been entertaining an ambition for professional life, and in order to find leisure for the reading of the law he disposed of his business interests and entered the office of Saltzgarber & Glenn, where he remained both as a student and clerk until January 1, 1889, during which time he also filled the position of secretary of the Van Wert Gas Company: Early in 1889 he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in June of that year, having completed a two-year course in six months, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio, second in the class of 66 students. Mr. Johnson then became associated in the practice of the law with Hon. Hiram C. Glenn. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent in July, 1891. He continued to practice alone, enjoying a very large clientage until February, 1894, when he was honored by an appointment as deputy judge of probate for Van Wert County. During his continuance on the bench, Mr. Johnson made a record that holds out a stimulus and example to those who are called upon to assume the high responsibilities attached to such a position. He proved that he possessed a well-balanced judicial mind with the intellectual honesty and freedom from bias which are required in a judge. He served one term also as prosecuting attorney of Van Wert County. He has always stood very high at the local bar and he belongs to the various county and State organizations relating to his profession.

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On August 2, 1883, Mr. Johnson was married to Mary Raker, who is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Raker, of Fulton County, Ohio. They have three sons, namely : David, Glen and Paul Hastings.

Mr. Johnson was cradled in the Republican party, and during all his political life he Ins been an active factor in his party. During 1894 and 1895 he served as chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee, and upon numerous occasions has advanced his party's interests and ably represented its principles as a delegate. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is very prominent, being a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. In the last named society, he holds the highest office in Ohio, that of Great Sachem ; at present he is a representative for the State of Ohio, by election, to the Great Council of the United States, which met last year at Nashville, Tennessee, and meets again this year at Dallas, Texas. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian.

WILBERT A. DULL, proprietor and sole owner of the Willshire (Ohio) Milling Company and a successful business man of the place, has been located here for some six years. He was born March 14, 1869, at Dull Station, 10 miles east of Willshire, and is a son of James Monroe and Martha A. (Lintemoot) Dull. His father was born January 23, 1846, one of the first white children native to Willshire township, and he has always resided within three miles of his birthplace. James M. Dull now owns 360 acres of choice land, Dull Station, of which he was the first postmaster, being named in his honor. His wife, formerly Martha A. Lintemoot, was born in Liberty township, February 10, 1851, and to their union were born 2 children, namely : Wilbert A., of this sketch ; Arthur, of Rockford ; Lenhart, of North Baltimore, Wood County ; Fannie M. (Custer), of Ohio City; Edgar M., of Celina ; Serena (Taylor), of Ohio City; Curtis, living on the home farm at Dull; Daisy, residing at home; James M., of Celina, Ohio; Herbert, engaged on the home farm ; and Cleveland and Thurman, also both at home.

Wilbert A. Dull was reared on his father's farm, educated in the local schools, and pursued a business course at the Michael Business College, Delaware, Ohio. From 1887 until 1899 he conducted a general store at Dull, in which the postoffice .vas also situated, continuing in business there until he came to Willshire. Mr. Dull now handles coal, hay and grain, and does a general milling and elevator business. When he located in this place In purchased both the mill and elevator, the former being a 40-barrel mill, and the elevator having a capacity of 10,000 bushels. The combined establishment forms one of the largest industries in this section of the county, and is energetically and capably managed by Mr. Dull. He also owns the mill property, as well as lots 83, 84 and 103 east of the mill along the side 0f the "Clover Leaf" Railroad, and is thus insured fine transportation facilities.

On March 24, 1892, Wilbert A. Dull was married to Florence R. Anspaugh who was born 'in Whitley County, Indiana, April 7, 1875, and is a daughter of A. J. and Sarah (Bair) Anspaugh, natives of Indiana and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dull have had six children—Russell, Vera N., Merrill B., Clifford H., Leonora and Rua M. (who died in infancy).

Mr. Dull is one of the leading Democrats of his section of the county and his efficiency

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has frequently been recognized by his party, He takes a deep interest in National politics, being a visitor to the last great Democratic convention held at St. Louis, Missouri. On several occasions he has efficiently served in the Town Council and as a member of the Board of Education. Fraternally he is connected with Monitor Lodge, No. 542, Knights of Pythias.

AUGUST HENRY PICKER, whose fine farm of 140 acres is situated in section 15, Washington township, is one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of his locality. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, August 31, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Lillianbeck) Picker, who are still living and reside in Germany.

August Picker came to America in 1883 and landed in Baltimore, on May 3d of that year. The youth emigrated to America at the suggestion of his uncle, Bernard Picker, who was the owner of the farm of which our subject is now the possessor. He lived one year in Liberty township, Seneca, Ohio, and in 1884 removed to the farm of which he is now the proprietor. Bernard Picker, the uncle above mentioned, had lived on the farm now occupied by August H., for several years previous to 1880, but on Christmas Eve of that year his home was entered by robbers, who attacked and nearly killed him. Soon afterward he removed to Seneca County, Ohio, but returned to Washington township in 1884, bringing with him his nephew (who had come to this country the previous year) and again took possession of his farm, where he lived until the time of his death in 1890—his widow also continuing to make it her home, residing with her nephew until her death, which occurred in 1897.

August H. Picker has one brother and three sisters, all living in Germany. He was married April 14, 1891, to Louisa Steible, and they had five children, namely: Joseph, who died in infancy; Elizabeth; Louisa, deceased; Catharine and Frank. Mrs. August Picker died July 19, 1902. Mr. Picker has made many improvements on the farm, has a fine large barn on the place, and in 1889 erected a large brick house. Religiously he is a member of the St. John's Catholic Church of Delphos, and is a representative citizen and farmer of this section of Van Wert County.

SHAFFNER M. GILLILAND, one of the representative farmers of Ridge township, where he owns a finely-cultivated farm of 80 acres, was born in this county June 15, 1842, and is a son of Adam. and .Sarah (Shaffner) Gilliland. The father was born in Maryland and was still a young man when he came to Ohio and settled in Crawford County, There he married, and about 1832-33 removed to Van Wert County and settled as a pioneer in Ridge township. Here he passed the remainder of his life of public usefulness, serving as assessor of Ridge township and filling other positions where a man of judgment was required. Of his II children, these survive : John, a0 farmer in Ridge township, who was the first male white child born in Ridge township; Julia A., wife of Christian Palmer, of Ridge township; Shaffner M., our subject; Mary F., wife of Hon. Jonas S. Stuckey, of Ridge township: Sarah Elizabeth, who married Christian Honsted, of Pottawatomie County, Kansas ; Martha E., wife of John A. Tomilson, of Ridge town-

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but is more concerned in looking after his farming than in seeking political preferment. His fraternal connections are confined to membership in W. C. Scott Post, G. A. R., at Van Wert.

WILLIAM FOSTER, familiarly known as Squire Foster all over Washington township, has served continuously as a justice of the peace for 32 years, and is one of the leading citizens of Middlepoint. He was born December 12, 1841, in Thorn township, Perry County, Ohio, being a son of George and Nancy (Martin) Foster.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Foster was William Foster, whose grandfather was born in Prussia, Germany. About .1800 our subject's grandfather, William Foster, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he acquireed government land in Perry County. In 1849 the father of our subject came to Van Wert County and settled in the midst of a forest in York township. He was a man of enterprise and industry, and it is probable that pioneer hardships shortened his life, as he died in 1851, leaving his farm uncleared and a family of five children dependent upon his widow. For several years the mother struggled braiely to keep her flock together. In 1853 she married again, and our subject did not accompany his stepfather, John Clendenning, to the Tatter's home in the vicinity of Convoy.

William Foster, who was 2 years old at this time, was received into the home of Samuel Foster, of Middlepoint, who was a cousin of his father. Here he remained until he enlisted on August 8, 1862, for service in the Civil War, as a member of Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He remained with this ship; and Samuel B. and Robert, both of Ridge township.

Shaffner M. Gilliland was named for his maternal ancestors, the family of Shaffner being an old one in Pennsylvania, in which State his mother was born. He was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. An agriculturist all his life, he is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of his township, his well-improved and thoroughly cultivated property testifying to the care and intelligent attention it has received. He has always been a patriotic citizen and during the Civil War he served eight months as a member of Company B, 192nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., participating in the campaign of the Shenandoah Valley.

On February 3, 1870, Shaffner M. Gilliland was married to Amanda E. Balyeat, who was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Frances (Thomas) Balyeat. The father of Mrs. Gilliland was born in Pennsylvania, being one of the very early settlers in Van Wert County, where he died in 1899. His wife still survives him in her 80th year, as do nine of their children, namely: Jonas, of Ridge township; Philip, of Van Wert; Amanda (Mrs. Gilliland) ; Melvin and Michael T., both of Ridge township; Mary L., wife of G. Summerset, of Washington township; Martha A., wife of Samuel B. Gilliland, and Sarah F. (Mrs. Jesse Vorp), both of whom reside in Ridge township; and Luman, of Van Wert. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland are : Homer J., of Van Wert ; Ira A., of Ridge township; Laura, wife of Hayes Johantgen, of Ohio City; Sarah F. (Mrs. Wilbur Fugate), of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Jessie.

Politically Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat,

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regiment until it was consolidated with the 50th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., on January 1, 1864., serving in the new organization until his honorable discharge at Salisbury, North Carolina, June 26, 1865. During this long period, although exposed to every danger, privation and hardships in which his company took part, participating in 23 engagements. He was one of the half-dozen members of the command who were never sick, wounded, or taken prisoner by the enemy. His war record discloses that he was never absent from his company for one single day. Mr. Foster's service placed him under a number of the most noted commanders of the war, notably, Rosecrans, Buell, Sherman and Grant. He was mustered out at Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati.

After the war Mr. Foster returned to Middlepoint and learned the carpenter's trade, or rather continued working at it, as he had previously had some experience. He has always enjoyed work in this line and still, on occasion, in spite of his many public honors and official duties, engages with old-time enthusiasm and practical skill in particular pieces of carpentry. In 1877 he engaged also in undertaking, and continued this line in connection with his trade, until 1902, when he sold out to E. F. Gamble.

Squire Foster has always been a pronounced Democrat. In the spring of 1874 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, justice of the peace, and has served continuously ever since, undoubtedly being in this respect the oldest office-holder in Van Wert County. He has had much to do with the progress and substantial improvements of Middlepoint, being its first mayor, to which office he was re-elected on numerous occasions. His standing as a citizen is of the highest. He owns 50 acres of fine farming land in section 36, Ridge township, and also has several valuable houses and lots in Middlepoint, which he keeps in such a good state of improvement that his rentals constitute a good income.

On December 20, 1866, Mr. Foster was married to Sarah E. Henderson, who is a daughter of John and Anna Henderson, of Pleasant township. They have four children, namely : Emma, born February 11, 1868, who married E. A. Temple, of Bluffton, Ohio, and has two children—Eunah and Beulah Marie ; James Monroe, born July 9, 1871, who married May Askins and resides in Lima; Mary V., who married N. A. Tingley, of Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, and has four children—Earl DeWitt, Bernice Sophia, Lena Elizabeth and Ilo Lucile; and Luther J., born July 28, 1877, who married Agnes Morris, of Middlepoint, lives at Fort Wayne, and has two children—Ionena and William Homer.

Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Middlepoint, in which he is one of the deacons. He is a valued member of Zeller-Hamilton Post, No. 260. G. A. R., and belongs also to the Masonic and Odd Fellow bodies.

ASA BINKLEY, one of the leading agriculturists and prominent and useful citizens of Jackson township, whose fine farm of 90 acres is well improved and highly cultivated, was born December 8, 1850, in Allen County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Keller) Binkley. His parents were born in Fairfield County, Ohio ; his mother died in 1903, and his .father now resides in Michigan.

Asa Binkley was reared and educated in Amanda township, Allen County, Ohio, and was there trained to practical farming. After reaching man's estate, for a time he engaged in

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the manufacture of drain tile, at Wetsel, Ohio, conducting that industry in connection with his farming, and, as he had settled there in 1872, he was one of the first in this line in Jackson Township. In 1876 he located on his present farm, which by his industry and practical methods he has literally developed from a wilderness into one of the best-cultivated and most productive tracts in this locality.

On December 24, 1871, Mr. Binkley was married to Elvina Shock, who was born in Allen County, Ohio, December 11, 1847, and is a daughter of Peter and Mary (Boyd) Shock, natives of Pennsylvania and both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Binkley have had six children, viz: Anna C. (wife of John A. Baker), Nelson and Cloid, all of Jackson township; Mary J:, wife of William Dito, of Wetsel, Ohio; Melvin, deceased; and Stella C., of Jackson township. Mr. and Mrs. Binkley are members of the Harmony United Brethren Church of Jackson township.

Politically Mr. Binkley is a Democrat. He sewed for four years as treasurer of Jackson township and is now a member of the School Board.

ISAAC N. GIFFIN, county surveyor of Van Wert County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is a native of this State, born in Miami County on November 16, 1852. He is a son of William and Martha (McKee) Giffin. The parents of Mr. Giffin came to Van Wert County in September, 1858, where they resided the remainder of their lives and reared a family of t0 children. For many years the elder Mr. Giffin was county surveyor.

Isaac N. Giffin was a child of six years when his parents came to Van Wert County, and here he was reared and educated. After leaving school he became a teacher, and succeeded so well as a member of the profession that he continued in that occupation for 15 years. In 1870 he completed his course in engineering and assumed the line of professional work which led to his election as county surveyor.

In 1904 Mr. Giffin was married to Fannie M. Gleason, who is a daughter of Andrew J. Gleason, her family being firmly established and highly honored in the county. Mr. Giffin belongs to the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their pleasant home is at No. 913 Hughes street.

Politically Mr. Giffin is a Republican. In 1900 he was elected by that party to his present office by a majority of 277 votes and is now serving his second term, having been reelected in 1903 by a majority of 329. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.

CHARLES W. McCONAHY. For many years the late Charles W. McConahy was a prominent businessman of Van Wert, his line being that of florist. He was born July 13, 1867, and was a son of Joseph and Della (Link) McConahy, formerly of Wyandot County.

The father of Charles W. McConahy has always been a farmer, but since the death of his son has given valuable assistance to his daughter-in-law, who found herself with heavy responsibilities on her hands on account of her late husband's extensive operations. Charles W. was one of a family of eight children.

The early life of Charles W. McConahy was passed in Wyandot County, where he attended school. He first went into the undertaking business; but in 1900 he embarked in

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the florist business, investing in building lots at Van Wert, where he constructed his greenhouses. The property is valued at several thousand dollars. Had he been spared, there is no doubt that he would have become one of the leading florists of the county, his business perceptions being excellent and his knowledge of the particular line he followed being complete. The business is carried on by Mrs. McConahy, who is a lady of much enterprise and business faculty.

Mr. McConahy was united in marriage with Libbie T. Richey, who is a daughter of George W. Richey, one of the substantial farmers of Van Wert County. She was left a widow on November 21, 1902. Both she and the late Mr. McConahy were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican in his political views. His fraternal connections were with the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Pythias. He was a man who was very highly esteemed, of pleasant, genial nature, and he left behind many warm friends. In business he was honest and upright, and in every position in life to which duty called him, he served to the best of his ability.

JOHN BALDAUF, deceased, was formerly one of the most highly esteemed citizens and most substantial farmers of Washington township. He was born in Regensberg, Germany, March 19, 1846, and died on the fine farm he had acquired in section 20, Washington township, on September 16, 1903, at the age of 57 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Our subject's parents, Joseph and Frances (Bearschneider) Baldauf, were natives of Germany. They had nine children : Annie(Smith), who died in Elyria, Ohio, in 1905;. Frances (Kuchenreiter) now of Elyria; Theressa (Smith), of Elyria; Catherine (Leinfelder), deceased; Grasanzia (Smith), of Washington township; Joseph, of Elyria ; John the subject of this sketch; and two children who died in infancy.

The late John Baldauf was six years old when his parents emigrated to America and settled near Avon, Lorain County, Ohio. There John grew to manhood, attending the district schools and learning to be a careful farmer and stockraiser. When he was 20 years old he moved to Delphos, and soon settled on a farm of 40 acres about two miles from the home of his widow, which he operated until about 1880. Then he sold that property and bought 160 acres in Washington township, this being a part of the 320 which he left at the time of his death, and which is owned by his widow. He was a man of honest intentions and of great industry. Nobly assisted by his capable wife, he continued to increase his possessions and at the time of his decease was considered one of the township's most substantial men. He was a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church, at Delphos, and always took a great deal of interest in the affairs of St. Joseph's Society. He was always very liberal in religious matters, was a man who was kind to the poor, helpful to his neighbors and devoted to his wife and children. .His remains now rest in St. John's Catholic Cemetery at Delphos, and the spot is marked by one of the finest monuments in that sacred ground, which was erected by his loving widow.

On March 1, 1870, Mr. Baldauf was married to Annie Mary Nicolai, the estimable laughter of John and Gertrude (Schnitzler) Nicolai, of Prussia, Germany; she was born day 9, 1846, in Rheinland on the Lake Land

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Karn. Mrs. Baldauf is the fourth member of a family of seven children born to her parents, namely: Michael, of Germany; John and Anthony, both of Germany ; Elizabeth and Mary, both deceased; and Catherine (Mrs. Nicholas Huymas), who lives in Missouri. The parents of Mrs. Baldauf died in their native land in 1864, and in 1867 she came alone to America, joining friends at Cleveland, where she lived for three years. In that city she met Mr. Baldauf and they were married at Elyria, on the 1st of March, 1870, and settled immediately on the 40-acre tract of land above mentioned.

These children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baldauf : Jacob, residing at home ; John who married Catherine Goebel, daughter of Casper Goebel, resides on his farm of 80 acres and has one child—Richard; Henry, who is a resident of Lorain County, Ohio; Frances, who married John Brickner, resides in Seneca County, Ohio, and has three children-Evelina, Raymond and Lorin ; and Joseph, Frank, George, William and Dorotha. George is the only one deceased. These children have all been carefully reared in St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos, of which Mrs. Baldauf is a very prominent member. She is much interested in its various avenues of benevolence, liberally contributing at all times, and is a member of the Altar Society of the Sacred Heart. On many occasions this Christian lady has remembered the church in Germany where her parents worshiped and has sent substantial help. She continues to resides on her fine farm of 320 acres and is a lady well known and much esteemed. She can recall many interesting events connected with the development of the social affairs and religious progress connected with this section during more than 30 years of residence here.

JOHN LUERSMANN, a representative , farmer and good citizen of Washington township, who resides on his well-cultivated farm of 120 acres, situated in section 35, was born in this township on May 8, 1852, and is a son of Casper and Anna Elizabeth (Raude) Luersmann.

Both parents of Mr. Luersmann were born in Hanover, Germany, and there were married. In 1844 they emigrated to America and settled first at Fort Jennings, in Putnam County, Ohio, but later made plans to leave the close vicinity of the Auglaize River and to settle permanently in Van Wert County. They were not able to carry out their plans quite so soon as they had hoped to do, and thus met with a misfortune which not only swept away all their possessions, but endangered their lives. Their pioneer home was strongly built and had an unusually substantial brick chimney; it was this that saved the lives of the family. January, 1847, proved to be unusually warm along the Auglaize River, and the snow rapidly melted and swelled the beautiful stream until it rose above its borders. Although the water was very high, Casper Luersmann and family retired one night at the ordinary hour, with no thought of real danger. While the little family slept in fancied security, the water continued to rise faster and faster and when morning broke they stepped from their beds into cold and muddy water. To any one who has witnessed an angry, swollen river rushing on with devastation, in its path, over fields and farms, carrying everything before it, the picture returns again Ind again as a fearful one. This was what greeted the eyes of the Luersmann family as hey climbed to the garret and then out upon he sloping roof. On every side was a waste )f water and every moment they expected their home to be washed away. By four o'clock in

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the afternoon they were rescued ; for months they found a home with kind and sympathetic neighbors.

By this disaster Casper Luersmann lost not only all household possessions, but all his livestock and the products of his farm. As early in the spring as possible the family left their kind friends and moved to Washington township, Van Wert County, where the father purchased 40 acres from the government and commenced life anew. This land is a portion of the farm now owned by our subject. Here the parents lived out their many busy years, and when they passed out of life left friends and a loving family behind them. Their children were : Clara, deceased in 1884 and buried in St. John's Catholic Cemetery at Delphos, who was the wife of Herman Trentmann, of Marion township, Allen County; Dine, who has resided with our subject ever since his marriage, and is a lady well known in this community ; and John, who is the youngest of the family. The father died in 1886, aged 77 years, and the mother in 1891, at the age of 82 years, both having been born in 1809.

On August 24, 1876, our subject was married to Anna Mesker, who was born February 5, 1856, in Marion township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Casper and Clara (Lause) Mesker, natives of Hanover, Germany, who crossed the ocean on the same vessel as did the parents of Mr. Luersmann, and married after landing. Their children were : Mary, deceased in 1894, aged 50 years, unmarried, who never was able to walk a step in her life; Mrs. Elizabeth Elver and Mrs. Emma Hellenkamp, both of Delphos ; Mrs. Catherine Kaverman ; Mrs. Clara Kaverman, a widow ; Mrs. Anna Luersmann ; and Fred, who resides on his father's old homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Luersmann have had t0 children, as follows : Rosa. who married Frank Etzkorn, of Marion township, Allen County, on June 13, 1897, and has had five children—Clara (deceased), Aggie, Theressa, Clarence and Albert; John H., who resides at home assisting his father; Frank, Mary and Regina, residing at home ; and Joseph, Alice, Leo, Bertha and an unnamed infant, who are deceased.

The family belong to St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos. Mr. Luersmann belongs to St. Joseph's Society and his wife to St. Mary's Altar Society, both being very devout and earnest church workers.

CAPT. DAVID P. DUNATHAN, one of Van Wert's most respected men of affairs, for many years a political factor in Van Wert County, and an honored survivor of the Civil war, was born April 17, 1840, in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Robert H. and Mary E. (Protzman) Dunathan.

The grandparents of Captain Dunathan were born in Scotland, but resided for many years in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where their son, Robert H., was born March 7, 1810. The mother of the child died when he was two years of age, and his father was probably killed by the Indians ; so he was reared in the home of an uncle. When 20 years of age, he came to Ohio, settling in Montgomery County, where he married. Shortly afterward he moved to Sidney, Shelby County. There he followed the trade of weaver until 1839, when he removed to Mercer County, where he died in 1872. His first wife died in 1855 and he married (second) Nancy Moore. The children of his first marriage were: J. H., Sarah F., David P., James M., Jacob B., Robert U, Edward P., Johnson L. and Harman. The children of the second union were George M. and Mary.

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David P. Dunathan was reared on his father's farm in Mercer County, where he might still be following an agricultural life had not the call to arms in defense of his country come just at the time when the adventurous spirit of youth was at its flood tide. On September lo, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company A, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for the three years service, through which he served with valor and faithfulness, and in 1864 became a veteran. During this pregnant period of our country's history, he participated in many of the great battles that settled the issues at stake, fighting at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Chickamauga. Prior to August, 1864. he served as sergeant, but was then commissioned 1st lieutenant as a reward for gallant action on the field. In February, 1865, he became captain of Company A, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and with his original company served in the 100 days' fight from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and took part in all the glorious events which had for their culmination the Grand Review at Washington.

With thousands of other loyal men who had laid down every personal interest to give themselves to their country's service, Captain Dunathan returned to his home, where he engaged in farming until 1869. A business opening then presented itself at Van Wert, and he entered into a partnership in the manufacture of burlaps. As years passed he became interested at different times in other lines. In 1883 he was appointed postmaster at Van Wert by President Garfield. Before the expiration of his term of four years, he entered into partnership with Dayton Hard, under the firm name of Dunathan & Hard, in the handling of agricultural implements. He has made investments both in city and farming lands and is one of the substantial men of the community.

Captain Dunathan was married at Van Wert, in 1865, to Amanda Gilliland, a member of a prominent family of this section, and they have had three children : Charles Walcott, deceased in infancy; Laura Rosaltha; and Jessie, wife of William D. Redrup, of Toledo, Ohio. Captain and Mrs. Dunathan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Knight Templar Mason.

RODNEY SMITH was born in Crawford County, Ohio, October 14, 1847, and is a son of John and Catherine (Spayd) Smith. He has been a resident of Hoaglin township, since September, 1874, and is one of the representative farmers of Van Wert County. John and Catherine Smith were natives of Pennsylvania but moved to Portage County, Ohio, and later to Crawford County. The father went to California, in 1849, where he died soon afterward, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Emil Seele.

Rodney Smith grew to manhood in Crawford County and at an early age was thrown on his own resources, being compelled by circumstances to make his own way in the world. On May 1, 1881, he was married to Emma J. Oliver, who was born October 14, 1860, and is a daughter of Jasper N. and Sarah (Dunkelbarger) Oliver, the former of Morrow, and the latter, of Marion County, Ohio. Mrs. Smith's sister Minerva (Mrs. J. L. Shaw), still resides in Morrow County. Jasper N. Oliver, her father, was killed at the battle of Chickamauga, in September, 1863, and in the spring of 1865 his widow settled in Hoaglin township, Van Wert County. Peter Dunkelbarger, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, and Jacob Spayd, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Smith, were soldiers in the War of 1812. Two

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children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Smith, viz.: K. Estella, who married Grover Foltz, resides in Hoaglin township and is the mother of one son—Peter Preston ; and Ada A., who married Edward Keith and also lives in that township. For five years Mr. Smith served as director of subdistrict No. 2, Hoaglin township, and did much for the school of that district. In politics he is a Democrat, and all in all, a man who stands well with the entire community.

LEONARD KUHL, a representative old settler of Van Wert County and a wellknown citizen of Pleasant township, residing on his well cultivated farm of 80 acres, situated in section 24, was born at New Philadelphia, Ohio, October 20, 1833, and is a son of John A. and Annie E. (Culp) Kuhl.

The parents of Mr. Kuhl, who were natives of Germany, emigrated to America and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In 1843 the family moved to Richland County, and five years later to Van Wert County. The father settled in Liberty township, right in the woods, among the very earliest settlers. John A. Kuhl developed a farm of 80 acres from the wilderness and passed through the hardships incident to those times. Both parents died in Liberty township.

Our subject was 10 years old when the family settled in Richland County, and was 15 when the home was established in Liberty township, Van Wert County. The educational advantages possible to the youth of that time and locality were few and mainly confined to a few months in a logcabin in some clearing, during the winters. Many of the men of Mr. Kuhl's age were reared among just such conditionsand, like him, through selfeffort, developed into wellinformed members of the communities in which they live.

On November 20, 1859, Mr. Kuhl was married to Phebe Hardenbrook, who was born in New Jersey. Of their five children, two survive: Albert A., of Pleasant township, and Clara A., wife of Peter Stump, of Ridge township. On May 5, 1897, Mr. Kuhl was married (second) to Mrs. Susan Lowther, who was born at Columbus, Ohio, October 13, 1851, and is a daughter of John and Louisa (Thomas) Gottshall. The father of Mrs. Kuhl was born in Morrow County, Ohio, and the mother in Virginia, although she was reared at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Gottshall, now in his 83rd year stillresides in Morrow County, where he is one of the leading farmers. He was a soldier of the Civil war, serving in the 47th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.

Mrs. Kuhl was first married on October 17, 1869, to Henry Lowther, who was a native of Morrow County, Ohio, and they had two children, viz : Imogene, wife of Frank Miller, of Paulding County, Ohio; and John, of St. Louis, Missouri.

During the Civil war our subject served for five months as a member of Company D, 147th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., enlisting from Miami County. His regiment was stationed in the Shenandoah Valley and was made use of in repairing and guarding railroads to Washington. After his return from the army, in 1865, he settled on his present farm, which he cleared from the woods and which he has converted into the valuable property it now is.

Politically Mr. Kuhl is a Republican. He has always lived as a good citizen, upholding the laws and performing his public and private duties with integrity. He is very well known and thoroughly respected.

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HENRY G. Schumm, a substantial citizen and prominent farmer of this county, resides on the old Schumm homestead—the northeast quarter of section 27, Willshire township—where he was born on November 14, 1854, a son of George M. and Maria Anna (Pflueger) Schumm.

The Schumm family has been identified with the township named since pioneer days. The founder of it was John Schumm, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to this locality in 1832, where he subsequently entered 800 acres of land, being thus able to start each of his four sons and his one' daughter in life with quartersection farms. He died on his farm in Willshire township, as did all the children, and all were buried in the old Lutheran Cemetery. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Schumm, the grandparents of Henry G., were Rosanna, George M., Frederick, Jacob and Louis. Mr. Schumm was a worthy representative of the best German element ; an industrious, intelligent, thrifty man ; a good homebuilder and a solid citizen. The present postoffice bearing his name was designed to honor his memory, and stands as a recognition of his services to the community.

George M. Schumm, father of our subject, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 20, 1812, and was 20 years of age when he accompanied his father to Ohio. The family lived in Holmes County until 1838, although the father had previously entered 800 acres of land, as noted above, in Van Wert County. Before leaving Holmes County, George M. Schumm had married and was accompanied on his removal by his young wife. The journey was made in covered wagons, over roads which frequently had to be cut through the deep woods and, on many occasions, before their destination was reached fires had to be built around the wagons at night to prevent attacks from wolves.. Until a log house could be constructed the family camped out in a tent and for a number of years pioneer conditions prevailed all about the new home. Those were days in which the courage of both men and women was frequently tested. Our subject remembers hearing his mother tell of meeting a bear while on foot, carrying her butter to the Willshire market. Game of all kinds was so plentiful through all this section that the food question was easily settled; and fortunately so, for it was a long distance to Dayton (the nearest mill), or to Fort Wayne, or Piqua, a week being required to make such trips. Indians were still very numerous, but as the Schumm family treated them kindly, permitting them to rest over night and to partake of their bounty, the savages never molested any of its members.

The father of George M. Schumm continued to live on the farm here, where he died June 4, 1871. He had accomplished much in the way of clearing and improving the property and erected a barn which at that time, was, the best in the township. It was built in 1852, and in 1858 a comfortable and commodious residence was added to the other improvements. These structures still stand, having been remodeled and increased in size since Henry G. Schumm has come into possession. The de:eased was a fine man, honest, upright, industrious and in every way reliable ; was one of the founders of the Lutheran Church here, which was built in 1846, and politically was a stanch Democrat.

George M. Schumm was married in Holmes County, Ohio, to Maria Ann Pflueger, who was also born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on June 20, 1820, and died on our subject's farm March 5, 1903. She was a daughter of Christian and Maria Pflueger, natives of Germany, who came to Holmes County, Ohio, when she was 11 years of age. Two of her sisters reside here.

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The children of George M. Schumm and wife numbered 13, of whom Henry G., tile subject of these lines, was loth in order of birth. The others were : Jacob Frederick, a substantial farmer of Mercer County, Ohio; Louis, of La Porte, Indiana; George M., a Lutheran minister, now stationed at LaFayette, Indiana; John, who died a prisoner of war, in 1864; Rosanna (Roehm), of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mary (Peters), who died in 1877 at Baltimore, Maryland; Jacob, who died at LaPorte, Indiana; Christian, deceased, who was a teacher in . a private school in Chicago ; Margaret and William, who died in infancy; Martin J., a resident of Brooklyn, New York; and Sophia, who resides at LaPorte, Indiana. The fourth member of the above family, John Schumm, held the rank of major in the State militia. He went out during the Civil War as flagbearer of the 60th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry; was confined in the terrible Confederate prison at Salisbury, North Carolina, and died there on October 28, 1864.

Henry G. Schumm has lived on the homestead all his life, having followed a general line of farming. In addition to owning and operating the quarter section in Willshire township, as mentioned, he also has a tenant on a fertile tract of 53 acres in sections 28 and 33, lying along the river bottoms. Besides the substantial, modern home, and the fine farm buildings of all kinds, which add to the value and attractiveness of his homestead, Mr. Schumm has, upon his land, a twostory and basement brick store building, 42 by 80 feet, which he purchased in 1897 for mercantile purposes, in partnership with two cousins.

Politically, Mr. Schumm has always been identified with the Democratic party, of which he is a very influential local factor. On many occasions he has been the choice of his discerning fellowcitizens for their most important county and township offices. From 1893 until 1897 he served as township trustee, and ill 1902 was again elected to this office and served for four years. In 1896 he was chosen county commissioner, serving one term, during which notable improvements were made all over the county. While he was trustee, there were laid 43 miles of turnpike in Willshire township, and during his period as county commissioner he settled the dispute over Flat Rock ditch—a subject which had agitated the taxpayers of the township and county for 30 years, involving, as it did, a dispute concerning ditching over the State line into Indiana. The first turnpike granted under the mile system was also done during Mr. Schumm's Iast years as county commissioner. On numerous occasions he has served in the interests of his section as a delegate on county and district delegations to various legislative bodies. In 1905 Mr. Schumm was appointed by Judge E. S. Mathias as a member of the jury commission. and has served for some three years as a member of the School Board.. It may be added that he is the agent for the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association, of Willshire township. It will be rightly inferred that he is an able, useful man, of broad and practical abilities.

Mr. Schumm was married (first) in 1879 to Anna Roehm, who was born in Tully township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and died here in 1901, aged 44 years and 3 months. She was a daughter of Andrew Roehm, who subsequently moved to Willshire township. The children born to this union were: Amelia, wife of Hugo Schumm, of Chicago ; Annie, who died in 1901, aged 18 years, and Henrietta, who died at the age of 16 years—all three, the mother and the two daughters mentioned, dying of typhoid fever, within two months of each other; and Walter E. and Esther, both at

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home. Mr. Schumm was married (second) in November, 1904, to Mrs. Minnie M. Limecooly, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who is a daughter of Frederick Kroemer. Mr. Schumm has been a trustee in the German Evangelical Lutheran Church since he was 25 years of age, and is now one. of the deacons of that body. The cozy church parsonage is situated on his land, and the church is on the opposite side of the road. Accompanying this sketch are shown portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Schumm.

CHARLES A. MELSHEIMER, M. D., physician, business man and publiccitizen, was one of the most highly esteemed residents of Van Wert, where his death occurred, January 21, 1895. Dr. Melsheimer was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 8, 1826, and was the youngest son of Henry W. and Mary (Kimmell) Melsheimer.

Dr. Melsheimer came of German ancestry and of an educated family. His grandfather, in his day, was a noted entomologist, and his father, a saddler by trade, was a man of intelligence who encouraged his son in securing literary and medical training.

Dr. Melsheimer was educated in the schools of Canton, Ohio, where his parents settled in 1816. The father carried on his saddlery business there for many years ; but prior to his decease entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church. The son was also of an intellectual turn of mind, anxious to enter a profession, and finally upon deciding to become a physician, was received as a student by Dr. Whiting one of the prominent medical men at Canton at that time. The young man completed what was then the necessary course, comprising four years of study, and located in Indiana. He practicedthere for some three years and then removed to Willshire, where he continued in active practice until 1860. He then came to Van Wert, where he embarked in the drug business, which he continued to the close of his life, conducting his store in a business block which he erected.

On April 27, 1852, Dr. Melsheimer was married at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Eliza Ann Hawk, who was born in Pennsylvania. They had four children, three of whom survive, one daughter, Elta A. (Mrs. William Andrews), having died in December, 1900.

Wallace A. Melsheimer, the eldest son, was born January 29, 1855, while the family resided in Willshire, and was five years old when removal was made to Van Wert. Under his father he became an expert pharmacist. In 1876 he became associated with his father as his partner, and succeeded him in the business. He was married June 19, 1884, to Ada May Moltz, of Richland County, and they have two children—Ethel and Eva. The family reside in Springfield, Ohio. Both he and wife belong to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

Ellis E. Melsheimer, the second son, married Flora Neff, of Richmond, Indiana, and they have three sons : Charles A., Robert and Lewis. This family reside in Pleasant township.

Leon Melsheimer, the third son of Dr. and Mrs. Melsheimer, was born August 10, 1869. His business life has been in the line of telegraphic railroad work, and he is the operator at Van Wert for the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company. On May 16, 1892, he was married to Nettie Campbell, a native of Van Wert. They are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

The late Dr. Melsheimer was a very prominent member of the Republican party, and in 1877 was its standardhearer for Representative. In 1884 he was elected city treasurer,

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having served in 1876 as township treasurer. He was interested in many city and county organizations, and in 1869 he was elected treasurer of the Van Wert Agricultural Society, which position he retained until 1894. He belonged to the Lutheran Church and was liberal in his benefactions. For many years he was identified with the Odd Fellows, and his funeral obsequies were conducted by the brethren of this order.

Dr. Melsheimer was an honorable, upright man, one who appreciated the meaning of civic duty, and who endeavored always to act as became a good citizen. To the needy he was a friend, giving medical advice long after he had ceased to practice, and, through courtesy and kindness made every one his friend.

HOMER GILLILAND, one of Van Wert's enterprising business men, a member of the hardware firm of Jones & Tudor Co., was born in this county November 24, 1870, and is a son of Shaffner M. and Amanda E. (Balyeat) Gilliland.

After completing the commonschool course in Van Wert County, Homer Gilliland became a student at the Angola (Indiana) Academy, and later became a teacher, but soon returned to Van Wert and as a clerk entered the business house of Jones & Tudor Co., being admitted to a partnership in January, 1903. This is one of the large business enterprises of the city, the firm retailing in hardware, stoves, tinware and building material, and being wholesale dealers in bale ties and specialties. They are favorably located at Nos. 142 and 144 East Main street, Van Wert, and to facilitate the transaction of their large business have two telephone connections.

On November 21, 1894, Homer Gilliland was married to Florence Johantgen, and theyhave two children—Russell L. and Gladys M. The family residence is at No. 615 South Walnut street. Politically Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat, fraternally he is a Mason and both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gilliland is recognized as one of the progressive young business men of the city—one who is enthusiastic and effective in the furtherance of worthy public movements.

THOMAS POLLOCK. It is said that "Death loves a shining mark" ; and never was. this phrase better illustrated than when the Grim Reaper visited Ridge township on September to, 1905, and took to himself that loved and honored citizen, Thomas Pollock, whose unselfish and kindly life, and his deep interest in the public weal made him one of the most valuable, popular and generally beloved men in Van Wert County. Born in Ridge township July 9, 1858, his entire life had been spent here, and was an open book to those who cared to read. His parents, Robert and Eliza A. (Sutton) Pollock, were also prominent residents here during their lives. Robert Pollock being at one time treasurer of Van Wert County. He purchased 200 acres of land from his father, of which 120 acres fell to Thomas Pollock and is now occupied by his widow. Previous to his death Mr. Pollock added 40 acres to the tract which he inherited, making the entire homestead 160 acres.

Thomas Pollock received a liberal education, and then turned his attention to farming and stockraising—an occupation in which he met with unqualified success. On October 15, 1884, he was united in marriage with Ida McMullen, and a family of four children were born to them, namely: Walter A., James R., Nellie I., and Gordon T., last named being

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deceased. Mr. Pollock and his family were zealous members of the Presbyterian Church at Middlepoint, where for a number of years he was trustee and secretary. In politics he was a Democrat, and held various offices, being assistant treasurer of the county under his father; township trustee for two terms; and, for a number of years, served on the School Board, being president of that body at the time of his death. He took great interest in all that pertained to agriculture and was a member of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society, in which he was also a director. His absence will be felt in every phase of township life, and his counsel and advice everywhere sadly missed. In the home he was the kind and sympathetic companion, counselor and guide, the clouds of trouble being dissipated by the sunshine of his love.

Mrs. Thomas Pollock was born in this county and is a daughter of James J. and Harriet (Gilliland) McMillen. James J. Miller, who is now deceased, was a native of Knox County, but for many years was a resident of Ridge township, Van Wert County ; his widow who was born in Ridge township, now resides in Van Wert. Mrs. Pollock and her children reside on the home farm in section 36, Ridge township, and will continue the useful work begun by her husband.

LORENZO DOW WISENER, who resides on his farm in section 15, Hoaglin township, is the owner of a valuable and wellimproved farm of 352 acres, which makes him one of the largest agriculturalists in Van Wert County. He is a breeder of AberdeenAngus cattle and Poland-China hogs, and his continuous success has resulted from the application of intelligent business methods to his stockraising and agricultural operations. Mr. Wisener is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, where he was born July 8, 1847, his parents being Andrew and Elizabeth (Bird) Wisener.

Jacob Wisener, the paternal grandfather, was of German parentage but a native of Pennsylvania, whence he migrated to Ohio about 1825, locating in Carroll County. Andrew Wisener, the father, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, but passed the greater portion of his life in Ohio. He was married in Carroll County to Elizabeth Bird, a native of England, whose parents settled in that county about 1821. In 1851 Andrew Wisener brought his family to Van Wert County, establishing a home for them in section 15, Hoaglin township. At the. outbreak of the Civil war he was among the first to answer the call to arms, going to the front with Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and sacrificing his life to the Union cause, his death occurring December 24, 1862. He is survived by three children—Lorenzo D., Hannah C. (Mrs. Benjamin Geesey) and John, all residents of Hoaglin township.

Lorenzo D. Wisener was reared in Van Wert County, attended the public schools and later graduated, in the classics, from the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He taught school to meet his university expenses, and continued as a teacher in Van Wert County for about 15 years, being uniformly successful in this profession ; and since he has assumed agricultural work, he has likewise given to his farming and stockraising his best thought and attention with the result that he has risen to a leading place among the agriculturists of Van Wert County. On July 23, 1863, when only 16 years of age, Mr. Wisener enlisted in Company K, 88th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving in the Union Army for two years, and receiving an honorable discharge on July 5, 1865.

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Mr. Wisener was married August 3, 1899, to Mary W. Claytor, who was born in Bedford County, Virginia, and is a daughter of William G. and Mary P. (Jordon) Claytor, natives of that county, and of ScotchIrish and English descent respectively. The Claytor family is a prominent one in the Old Dominion. William G. Claytor, Mrs. Wisener's father, was born in 1821, and received a classical education in the University of Virginia. He was an educator by profession and conducted a private school for young men, known as Claytor's Academy, in which he himself taught Latin, Greek and mathematics. Mrs. Wisener's father and four uncles were officers in the Confederate Army, and two of her brothers—one an attorney and the other an editor—were members of the State Senate of Virginia. After finishing her education, under the tutelage of her father, Mrs. Wisener taught in private and public schools for a period of eight years.

Mr. Wisener is a Republican and at one time was assessor of Hoaglin township. In 1903 his friends placed his name before the nominating convention as a candidate for the office of State Representative, his opponent being Hon. Jonas Stuckey. Mr. Wisener is a firm believer in the Christian religion and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man of splendid character—kind,. sympathetic, energetic and progressive, and of unquestionable integrity and worth. His portrait is shown on a preceding page.

JOHN GILLILAND, a prominent citizen, old settler and wellknown agriculturist of Ridge township, residing on his wellimproved farm of lot acres which is situated in section 31, was born July 5, 1836, and is a son of Adam and Sarah (Shaffner) Gilliland. He enjoys the distinction of being the. first white child born in Ridge township. His father was a native of Maryland, who in young manhood located in Crawford County, Ohio, where he was married to Sarah Shaffner, who was born in Pennsylvania. He was a most worthy man in every particular and served in some of the local offices of Ridge township. His children were : John, of this sketch; Julia A., wife of Christian Palmer; Mary F., wife' of Hon. J. S. Stuckey; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Christian Honsted, of Pottawatomie County, Kansas ; Shaffner M.; Samuel Martha E., wife of John A. Tomlinson; and Robert—all of Ridge township, with the exception of Mrs. Christian Honsted.

John Gilliland was reared in Ridge township and obtained his education in the district schools, being trained as a practical farmer and for a number of years engaged in the buying and shipping of livestock. After his marriage he settled on the present farm, which formerly belonged to his fatherinlaw, and this tract he has greatly improved, it being now one of the best properties in the township.

On June 7, 1866, John Gilliland was married to Lucy Cavett, who was born in Williams County, Ohio, January 10, 1839, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barns) Cavett. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother, in New York. In 1839 they came to Van Wert County, settled for a short time at Middlepoint and then located on the farm in Ridge township occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland. Our subject and wife have had to children, as follows: Ella A., wife of H. V. Cooper, of Pleasant township; William C., of Ridge township; Adam, of Pleasant town;hip; Emma J., wife of Dr. Ed. Edwards, of Delphos, Ohio; Bertha M. (Mrs. Alonzo Huffine), of Liberty township; Clara P., who married D. A. North, of Van Wert; Hugh, of

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Preble County, Ohio; Sarah and Ira, both living at home; and a child who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. John Gilliland are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat and on many occasions has been chosen by his fellowcitizens for important local offices. He has served as township land appraiser and for some years was chairman of the board of township trustees. He has been very active and most useful in overseeing the construction of the turnpike road through Ridge township, being anxious at all times to safeguard the interests of the public. Mr. Gilliland is a man held in very high esteem and may justly be considered one of the township's representative men.

GEORGE B. SWARTZ, one of the representative farmers of Liberty township, who owns a fine farm of 105 acres of land in section 32, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on December 19, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary (Bright) Swartz. His father was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of George Swartz, a native of Pennsylvania who moved from that State to Fairfield County. Mrs. Swartz, the mother, was a daughter of John Bright, a farmer of Fairfield County. John Swartz died in 1866, and his wife, in 1873.

George Swartz was reared on his father's farm and received a common school education, living on the family homestead until the death of his mother. He was married on November 19, 1879, to Relieffa Lillian Schenck, a daughter of David Schenck. Mr. Swartz lived for 14 years in Fairfield County ; after his marriage engaged in farming and in March, 1894, moved to Liberty township, Van Wert County, where he settled on a farm of 105 acres, which he hadbought the year previous and upon which he has since resided. He found it necessary to make many improvements and has erected good substantial buildings, his frame residence being built in 1903 and his fine large barn in the summer of 1905.

Mr. and Mrs. George Swartz have had three children, two of whom are living : Mamie Dale, the oldest, who married Ralph L. Royer and has one child—Cecil Leo ; Elmer D., who died in 1887, just one day previous to his first birthday anniversary; and Florice Velma. The parents are both members of the United Brethren Church.

REV. JOHN BROUGH GOTTSCHALL, pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, of Delphos, was born at Gettysburg, Darke County, Ohio, October 28, 1863, a son of Jacob and Fianna (Martian) Gottschall, both of whom are natives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His paternal grandfather, David Gottschall, was born in Germany and came to America during his earlier years.

John B. Gottschall attended the public schools of Darke County, and in 1886 entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. Two years later, he became an instructor in that institution, having charge of the commercial course. He was thus employed for eight years, when he decided to take up the work of the ministry. He was placed in charge of the churches at Gilboa and Pandora, Putnam County, as his first charge. He was well qualified for his chosen work, being a sympathetic and logical reasoner, and it was with genuine sorrow that his parishioners saw him depart for his second charge at Bloomdale. Wood County. After two years in the First

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Methodist Episcopal Church of that place, he was sent to the church at Willshire, where he was stationed for five years, and had the satisfaction of seeing the organization there make steady and rapid advancement.

In the fall of 1905 he took charge of the church at Delphos, and entered upon the work with an enthusiasm and zeal which portends a great spiritual awakening in an already strong church. The membership is about 400 at the present time and, from the interest being manifested, it is hoped to add many more to the roll. Mr. Gottschall has made himself popular, not only among the people of his immediate congregation, but among all classes, many of his warmest friends holding different religious views. He is a deep thinker, a keen observer of human nature, quick to respond to the call of the unfortunate, and fearless in his denunciation of evilindeed it is this very fearlessness that lends potency to his utterances. Mr. Gottschall was married to Mary Reck, daughter of Levi Reck, of Darke County, Ohio. Three children have blessed their home : Rea, born September 9, 1890; Eva, born September 9, 1892; and J. Joyce, born February 10, 1901.

DARIUS O. COOPER, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Liberty township who owns the farm of 80 acres in section 2, upon which he resides, as well as 160 acres in section 35, Pleasant township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is the son of Jesse K. and Hester (Kistler) Cooper, his father being formerly a wheat drill manufacturer of Lancaster, Ohio. Jesse K. Cooper and his wife came to Van Wert County about 1864, when our subject was about 12 years old, and settled on a farm in Pleasant township, where the husband died in 1891. Mrs. Cooper is still living and resides on the old homestead in Pleasant township. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse K. Cooper had 10 children, four of whom are still living, as follows; Darius O.; George; Hiram; and Nora (Grunewald).

Darius O. Cooper has lived in Liberty township since his 12th year, and been engaged in farming. In 1877 he was married to Alice Hoghe, a daughter of Abram Hoghe, and himself and wife have reared to maturity, 10 children—Hester A., who married Henry Bowers and has one child, Gordon; Maud (Mrs. Charles Rader) ; Delcena, wife of John Rader and mother of one child—Pearl ; Jesse: Goldie ; Hiram; Owen; Florence ; Nellie and Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are members of the North Liberty Methodist Church, of which he is trustee. He is also connected with the Van Vert lodge of Masons.

ADAM WISE, proprietor of the Union Flour Mills, of Van Wert, is the leading miller of Van Wert County and the manufacturer of one of the best grades of flour put upon the market. His parents are George M. and Elizabeth (Hetzel) Wise. The former was a baker during the early part of his life, but later became an agriculturist and moved to the farm in Van Wert County where our subject was born on December 5, J 860.

Adam Wise was one of a family of six children and was accorded a good commonschool education. In 1878 he entered the employ of the City Mills as driver of their wagon in the city delivery, and by faithful work won his way from one position to another until he had at last mastered the business. and was ready to start out for himself. On May 5, 1904,

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he took possession of the Union Mills, for which he had paid the sum of $12,500, and enjoys the satisfaction of seeing the output of his plant rated among the best in the country. No expense has been spared to make this mill superior in every way, and the introduction of the Stevens and Allis rollers has gone far to bring about this result. It has a capacity of 80 barrels per day, and is an industry which gives employment to a number of people and brings considerable money to the city.

Mr. Wise married Kittie Shoop, daughter of Benjamin Shoop. They have two children —Princess L. and Cathaleen, and are pleasantly located in their home on the corner of Crawford and Tyler streets. They are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which both are members. Mr. Wise is a Democrat and a man of sterling character.

LOUIS BENDER has been an esteemed resident of Hoaglin township since the spring of 1888, when he moved to his recently purchased farm of 103

acres in section 5, which has since been his home. He was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Lena (Rupert) Bender, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America about the middle of the last century and were married in Erie County which was their home until 1865. At that time the family removed to Franklin County, Ohio, in which they remained a short time before finally locating in Licking County where both parents passed away many years ago. The children born to them were as follows : Louis ; John, of Franklin County; Charles W., of Colorado; Otto L.; Elizabeth, wife of Allen Barb; Mary, wife of John Link; Emma, married to Homer Gerheart; and Daniel. The five last named still reside in Licking County.

Louis Bender was 10 years of age when the family located in Licking County and it was. there he grew to manhood. When quite young he began working on the farm by the month and in this way gathered the funds which enabled him to stock a rented farm and, in 1888; to purchase his present holdings. It is a case where industry and perseverance have brought their reward, and but shows that success awaits those who strive for it by practical means. Mr. Bender was married February 12, 1888, to Olive Bourne, a native of Indiana, by whom he has a family of four children, viz. : Elizabeth B.; Charles W.; Frederick ; and a child who died as an infant.. Mr. Bender is a prominent member, class leader and steward of the Grand Victory Church, of Hoaglin township, and one of the most indefatigable workers in the Evangelical Association.

GEORGE J. SMITH, recorder of Van Wert County, who is now serving his. second term of office, is one of the best known educators in this section of the State. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, November lo, 1857, and is a son of George W. and Mary A. (Saum) Smith. The father of Mr. Smith, born in 1832, still survives, being a well known and respected citizen, having worked at the carpenter's trade, through several counties in this section, for a number of years of his active life.

George J. Smith was educated in Perry County and while still a young man began to teach school, being thus employed for two terms in Perry County and for 15 years in Allen County. After removing to Van Wert County he continued in the educational field

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and taught until 1902, when he was elected county recorder and reelected in 1905. Mr. Smith is able and popular as a public official, and in the discharge of his present duties employs one assistant and one clerk. He has always identified with the Republican party.

Mr. Smith's wife was formerly Emma Huber, a daughter of Christian and Mary K. (Kneisley) Huber and they are the parents of five children—Harley C., Marion J., Errol F., Mary E. and Dale—all of whom reside at home. The family have a very pleasant home at No. 514 North Jefferson street, Van Wert. Fraternally Mr. Smith is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Home Guards of America.

JONATHAN TUMBLESON, a venerable and esteemed resident of Pleasant township, residing on his farm of 120 acres situated in section 16, is a pioneer of Van Wert County, having lived in the county since his 13th year. He has fully participated in the material development of this part of the country, as well as in its moral and intellectual advancement. Mr. Tumbleson was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 26, 1828, and is a son of John and Susanna (Bowers) Tumbleson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal ancestors were English. John Tumbleson, familiarly known as "Judge" Tumbleson (having served as associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Van Wert County), removed from Wayne to Allen County and, in 1841; came to Van Wert and located in Pleasant township when that locality was still covered with dense forests. He enjoyed the wild and rugged life of the pioneer and later removed to Iowa, settling in Polk County, where he passed his last years. At one time he was trustee of Pleasant township, invariably manifested the liveliest interest in all local events and was recognized as one of the county's most influential citizens.

Jonathan Tumbleson was reared and educated in Pleasant township and then learned the trade of a plasterer, which occupation he followed for about 20 years. He then turned to agriculture and has since given his entire time to this industry, meeting with deserved success. On August 15, 1850, he was married to Lucinda J. Eller, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frederick and Eliza J. Eller. Mrs. Tumbleson's parents came to Van Wert County and located in Harrison township when she was but a child, and the greater part of her life was spent in this vicinity, where she was so well known and beloved. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal faith, and in her death, which occurred March 13, 1901, the church lost one of its most earnest workers, the community a sympathetic and kindhearted neighbor and the family a devoted wife and mother. For more than 50 years this couple had traveled life's pathway, together brightly facing the sunshine, as well as braving the gloom. Sixteen children blessed their union, of whom two died in infancy. The 14 that grew to maturity were as .follows : Alice D., of Van Wert ; George W. (see below) Emma C., wife of Albeit N. Terry; Alfred S.: Eliza J., wife of James Bowers; Mary L., wife of John Kreider; Susan, wife of John Eckfeld ; Addie B., wife of Francis Arnold; Iona, wife of K. Gamble; Frank J.; Cora B., wife of Walter Conn ; Cecelia, wife of Robert Conn; Charles G., of California; and Rosetta L., wife of Adam Gilliland. Mr. Tumbleson is a lifelong Republican; served as trustee of Pleasant township for four years; is a consistent Methodist, and a man whose life record commands general respect.

GEORGE W. TUMBLESON was born in Pleas-

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ant township April 26, 1858; and has been a resident here throughout life. He was married September 1, 1883, to Ida B. Hammell, by whom he has two children—Fred C. and Etta L. George W. Tumbleson resides on the farm with his father and superintends its operations, being one of the most capable farmers in the township. He is a Republican. His maternal grandmother, Mrs. Eliza J. (Eller) Johns, is in her 88th year, resides in Andrews, Indiana, and has 163 descendents, viz.: 54 grandchildren; 103 greatgrandchildren ; and 6 greetgreatgrandchildren.

HENRY F. SCHINNERER, one of the leading men and most substantial ; farmers of Willshire township, who resides on his magnificent farm of 212 acres, situated in sections 29 and 30, was born near Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, May 2, 1867, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Schumm) Schinnerer. His father, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1824, came to the United States in 1849; settled in Mercer County, Ohio, where he was a large farmer, and died February 5, . 1905. Immediately after his first marriage, he came to America, being at that time a man of small capital.

From 1849 until 1871, he operated a grist and shingle mill at Rockford. having learned his trade in Germany, and from 1872 until the close of his active life he farmed in Willshire township, Van Wert County, where he acquired 300 acres of land, our subject's farm being a part of the property. During the Civil war he served as trustee of Mercer County. Politically he was a Democrat ; for many years was a leading member of the German Lutheran Church,and was generally a man of great natural intelligence and very well educated.

In Germany, Frederick Schinnerer married (first) Margaret Dyer, and they had two children—Rosanna, deceased, who married Henry Schumm, and Lena, who is the wife of Christian Hoffman, of Pleasant township. Mr. Schinnerer was married (second) to Elizabeth Schumm, a daughter of Louis Schumm, and they have these children : Clara, wife of Joseph Gunsett, of Willshire township; Henry F., of this sketch; Hannah, wife of Peter Scare, of Union township; Liccie, wife of John Scare, of Willshire township ; Sophia, wife of Herman Gunsett, of Van Wert; Emma, wife of Bert Balyeat, of Van Wert ; and Mollie, who resides with her mother on an adjoining farm in a fine brick residence, one of the substantial homes of the township.

Henry F. Schinnerer was five years old when his parents came to Van Wert County, and he has resided on the present farm almost ever since. In addition to owning this large body of land, he also has valuable holdings within the corporate limits of Willshire. His farm is one of the best improved in the whole township and he devotes his entire time to cultivating his land and increasing its productiveness. Like his father he has always been identified with the Democratic party, and like him is also one of the leading members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 1892 Mr. Schinnerer was united in marriage with Louisa Schumm, who was born in Dublin township, Mercer County, Ohio—an old schoolmate and a daughter of J. Frederick Schumm, of Mercer County. They have had four children, namely—William, Lydia, Frederick, and Emma (who died when one year old). Mr. and Mrs. Schinnerer are highly respected residents of Willshire township, both

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being members of well known and long established families. Their _,kindred are numerous and their circle of friends is wide.

A view of the Schinnerer home accompanies this sketch, being shown on a preceding page.

WILBUR C. LAWRENCE, clerk of an Wert County, was born June 11, 1853, in the State of New York, and is a son of Cyrus and Clarinda (Bouton) Lawrence. The parents of Mr. Lawrence were natives of New York and reared a family of four children, the father being a merchant, for some years, but at a later period of his life, a well known practitioner of law.

Mr. Lawrence passed his boyhood and early manhood in his native place, coming to Van Wert County in January, 1882. At Van Wert, for 10 years he engaged in a hardware business, under the firm name of Bouton & Lawrence, and was also interested in a furniture manufacturing company. In the business difficulties which later came upon this company Mr. Lawrence served as receiver until its affairs were adjusted. For some six years he was also engaged in a general insurance business.

When Mr. Lawrence was first elected county clerk, he discontinued his insurance business for a time. His official service extended through the three years following 1896 and he was again chosen by the Republican party as its candidate for the county clerkship, but this election resulted in his defeat by 70 votes. He then resumed his insurance business until 1901, when he was again brought forward by his party and twice elected, first by a majority of 90 votes and the second time by 740. In the face of this record it is perhaps needless to add that he has proven himself a very efficient public officer, and is popular with all who have business to transact through his office. He has been a lifelong Republican and has always been in close accord with the local party leaders.

Mr. Lawrence was married to Clara B. Uhrich, a daughter of Cyrus Uhrich, and they have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Personally Mr. Lawrence is a man of social impulses and genial manner, and is a very acceptable and faithful member of a number of fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Brotherhood of America, the Home Guards of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Mr. Lawrence owns a handsome home at No. 502 North Market street, Van Wert.

ROBERT DOLBEY, one of Ridge town      representative citizens, a prominent farmer who is also identified with public affairs and educational and religious interests, owns a fine farm of 80 acres,. which is situated in section 16, Ridge township, Mr. Dolbey was born January 31, 1848, in Delaware County, Ohio, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thomas) Dolbey.

Both parents of Mr. Dolbey were born in Wales. The father was 26 years of age when he came to America, locating first in the vicinity of Utica, New York. Later he removed to Delaware County, married there in 1845, settled for a short time in Greene County, and in 1855 located permanently in Van Wert County. He settled on the Jennings Prairie, in York township, from which he removed in 1865 to Washington township, where he lived until his death in October, 1891. He was a man of

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sterling character, one who commanded the respect of all with whom business or friendship brought him into contact. He was a consistent member of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church.

In 1845 Robert Dolbey, father of our subject, was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thomas. She was born May 2, 1829, in Montgemeryshire, Wales, and was one of a family of 12 children who with their parents emigrated to America in 1829. They settled first near Utica, New York, but removed from there to Delaware County, Ohio, where, as mentioned above, the daughter Elizabeth was married to Robert Dolbey. She accompanied her husband to Van Wert County in 1856, residing for some years near Venedocia, and then coming to the homestead south of Middlepoint, in Washington township, where she died November 13, 1890. She was a faithful and earnest member of the Horeb Welsh Presbyterian Church. She was reverently esteemed by all who knew her. In her death Van Wert County lost one of its representative and valued pioneer women.

The children of Robert and Elizabeth (Thomas) Dolbey were nine in number, the survivors being: William T., of Delphos; Robert, the subject of this sketch; Margaret, wife of John W. Jones, of Washington township; Anna Eliza, wife of John Ringwald, of Ridge township ; John L., of Washington township ; and Mary, wife of Evan Morris, of York township.

Robert Dolbey, the second son of the above family, was reared to agricultural pursuits and obtained his education in the public schools of York township. In 1884 he settled on his present farm in section 16, Ridge township, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stockraising. He has made many substantial improvements here and his property is conceded to be very valuable. Like hislate father, Mr. Dolbey is identified with the Republican party, but he has never consented to accept any except school offices. He has been one of the township's intelligent and interested school directors for many terms, and served as treasurer of the special school district of Ridge township.

On December 31, 1875, Mr. Dolbey was married to Elizabeth A. Summersett, who was born in Van Wert County, September 11, 1854, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. (Clendenning) Summersett. The father was born in Ross County, Ohio, and died January 5, 1888. The mother was born in Vermont, and died June 5, 1905. John Summersett and wife were early settlers in Van Wert County, coming before the Indians had disappeared. Of their children, the survivors are : John W., of Denver, Colorado; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; and Greenbury and Henry E., both of Washington township.

The children of Robert Dolbey and wife are : Mae, deceased ; Laura B., wife of John Slattery, of Ridge township ; and Abner G., who lives at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Dolbey are prominent members of the Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Dolbey has long been a trustee.

JOHN C. SCHUMM, a representative farmer of Willshire township, who owns a fine farm of 180 acres in section 22, was born on his present homestead December 29, 1849, and is a son of Louis and Barbara (Pflueger) Schumm. The father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and about 1833 accompanied his parents to America. He was a son of John Schumm, who emigrated from Germany and settled in Ohio, where he entered 800 acres of

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land and was able to give each of his five children a farm of 160 acres. Our subject owns the farm which thus came to his father, who lived on it until his death, in 1854, aged 37 years—John C. being then five years of age. The deceased was a man of quiet tastes, devoted to his family and home. In politics he was a Democrat.

During his residence in Holmes County, prior to coming to Van Wert, Louis Schumm married Barbara Pflueger, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 28, 1822, accompanied her parents to America when nine years old, and now lives in Willshire township. After the death of Mr. Schumm, his widow married Adam Beuchner, who is now deceased. The children of Louis Schumm and wife were: Elizabeth (Schinnerer), of Willshire township; Marie (Schinnerer), deceased; Henry, of Willshire township; Rosa (Schinnerer), of California; Jacob, who died young; John C., of this sketch; Louis, of Willshire township; Hannah (Germann), of Harrison township; and George, who died in 1904. By her second marriage our subject's mother had two children, viz: Maggie (Kreiselmeyer) and William A. Beuchner, both of Willshire township.

John C. Schumm has spent his whole life on the old homestead, with the exception of two years in young manhood when he worked away from home. His farm consists of nearly 180 acres, his father having added 20 acres to the original 160, and two acres being railroad property. The many improvements upon the place make it a very attractive, as well as valuable homestead. Mr. Schumm has erected a fine modern home, has remodeled the barn and placed everything in proper condition ; his land is also fertile, and is well adapted both to the growing of crops and the raising of first class livestock. The farm has never been outof the family, since it was originally entered by the grandfather and it is out subject's desire that it shall so continue. All the Schumms of this locality, and they are numerous, are people of substantial position.

In 1880 John C. Schumm was married to Wilhelmina Breuininger, who was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, August 22, 1858, and died here on January 28, 1899. She was a daughter of Louis and Maria Breuininger, natives of Germany, and the mother of these children : Victor A. ; Hilda M. and Lydia B. (twins) ; Elizabeth C., Arnold L. and Saloma S. Mr. Schumm is a stanch Democrat, but he takes only a good citizen's interest in political campaigns, having no desire to hold office. Religiously he is a worthy member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

WILLIAM BERRY KRUGH, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Liberty township, residing on a welldeveloped farm of 80 acres—40 acres of which are located in section 27, and the remaining 40 acres in section 34—was born in York township. Van Wert County, on February 4, 1861. He is a son of John and Amanda (Custer) Krugh, both of whom are still residents of Liberty township. John Krugh is a native of Wayne County, Ohio; he later moved to Mercer County with his parents (who afterward settled in Van Wert County), and is at present one of the oldest pioneers of this county. He is the father of 12 children, eight of whom are living.

William B. Krugh, the subject of this sketch, spent his early boyhood in Mercer County, and when 13 years of age removed with his parents to Liberty township, where he

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attended the district schools and has always been engaged in farming. In 1885 he was married to Marry Ellen Hertz, a daughter of J. F. Hertz, who also lives in Liberty township. They have had eight children : Charles Oscar, who married Cora Lichty, a daughter of George Lichty and has one child—Fredda; John Franklin ; Bessie Ann, who died aged two years ; Samuel Benjamin; Carrie Eugene; Edith Mary ; Orlie Andrew and Velma May. Religiously Mr. Krugh is a member and an elder of the Church of God.

For four years after his marriage, Mr. Krugh was engaged in farming in Pleasant township, and in 1889 moved to Liberty township, where he purchased the tract of 40 acres upon which he has_since resided. In 1899 he added 40 acres to this tract, the buildings being all situated. on the original 40 acres in section 27. From time to time he has made many substantial improvements, developing the place into one of the best farms in the township. In 1904 he erected a fine large frame house, with all the modern improvements—including furnace, telephone, and various other conveniences. At various times he has also built a new barn and the other necessary outbuildings. Aside from its value for agricultural purposes, the worth of the land has been increased by the development of oil, there being at present five producing wells in operation.

OLIVER W. DUTTON, a highly esteemed citizen and leading agriculturist of the county, whose farm is located in section 35, Hoaglin township, was born in Perry County, this State, on September 9, 1854. His parents are John W. and Sarah (Parker) Dutton, the father being a native of Perry County, and the mother, of Pennsylvania. The Parkers were of English origin. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Dutton, who settled in Perry County when a young man.

Oliver W. Dutton was reared on a farm in his native county, and at an early age worked both at the carpenter's and blacksmith's trades, the latter of which he followed in connection with farm work for several years. In 1882 he located on his present farm of 40 acres in section 35, Hoaglin township, where he has since conducted agricultural operations. In addition to this he had a blacksmith shop for a number of years, doing all his own work until recent years, when he abandoned it to devote his entire attention to farming.

Mr. Dutton was married February 26, 1880, to Matilda Stemen, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, December 26, 1856, and is a daughter of George and Lydia (Burkholder) Stemen. Her grandfather was Nicholas Stemen who, in his early days settled in Perry county, where her father was born. Her parents are of German descent, her mother, who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, dying August 6, 1902. Mr. Stemen is in his 80th year and resides in Jackson township, this county. Mrs. Dutton has a sister, Martha, wife of Sanford Shockness who resides in Hoaglin township. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver W. Dutton have one daughter, Bertha M., who resides at home. They are both members of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Dutton is trustee. In politics he is a Democrat and is now serving his second term as trustee of Hoaglin township, being president of the board. For many years he has been on the township Board of Education, and is a gentleman who commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.

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JOHN VOGT, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Washington township, has been a resident of this township for at least half a century. His farm is located in sections 1 and 12, and comprises 159 acres of land, which Mr. Vogt has converted into one of the finest modern, country homes in this county. He is uptodate and progressive in his methods, and during the past summer completed the handsome residence now occupied by him, and which was built of cement blocks. Mr. Vogt was born in Switzerland, July 10, 1833, and is a son of John Jacob Vogt, who was a farmer and linen weaver of that country. In 1841 the mother died, and in 1854 the father with his two sons and two daughters came to America, settling in Washington township, where the younger son died two years later. Mr. Vogt took a 10 year lease upon a 30acre tract of land, and gave his attention to farming. He passed away in 1895.

John Vogt was educated in his native land, and was 21 years of age when he accompanied his father to the United States. In 1860 he was married to Bertha Kundert, who was born in Italy, but of Swiss and German parentage. They have had 14 children, viz: John Jacob, Jr., born in .1861, educated in the Wisconsin Mission House and now a minister in the German Reform Church, who married Elizabeth Lahr and has six children ; Mary, who is the wife of Charles Neely and resides near Lima; Margaret, who married William Allemeyer and is the mother of four children; Christopher, who married Lydia Funkey, has two children and resides in Decatur; Henry W., who married Katie Lahr (a sister of Mrs. John Jacob Vogt, Jr.), who died in December, 1905, leaving one child; Caroline, who married Charles Judkins, of Grover Hill, Paulding County; John Aaron, who married Nellie Mowery in

October, 1905; David, who married Laura Corderman, resides about two miles south of Middlepoint and has one child; Lewis George, who is unmarried; Elizabeth, the youngest of the family; Anna (Mrs. William Raabe), who was the mother of eight children, one of whom was taken to the spirit land but a short time before her own death in 1897; and three that passed away in infancy. Mr. Vogt is a member of the German Reform Church and is an elder of that body.

WILLIAM. H. TROUP, auditor of Van Wert County, was born in this county, April 1, 1855, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Heberling) Troup. His parents settled in Van Wert County as early as 1852, the father who died on his farm in January, 1885, having reared a family of six children.

William H. Troup reached maturity and was educated in his native county, the early years of his manhood being devoted to teaching, and the study of civil engineering. The latter profession he followed for some years, when he became assistant editor of the Van Wert Times, being connected with that journal for a period of 10 years and becoming well. and favorably known throughout the county. Prior to his election to his present responsible public office, he served two terms as deputy auditor In the fall of 1902 he was elected auditor, and reelected in 1905, his administration of the office having net with the universal approbation of those concerned.

Mr. Troup was united in marriage to Mary A. Pence, who is a daughter of a well known resident of this county. The pleasant family home is located at No. 633 North Washington street, Van Wert. Mr. and Mrs.

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Troup are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Troup is a Democrat, and his fraternal associations include membership with the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Home Guards of America.

RODOLPH W. INWOOD, a director of the Van Wert County Infirmary, has been an occupant of his farm in section 17, Hoaglin township, since the spring of 1862, and is well known and respected by every one in his locality. He was born January 13, 1858, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of William J. and Ann (Kendell) Inwood, both of whom were born in England—the former in Warwickshire and the latter, in Leicestershire. The father was a sailor on the high seas for six years and ten months, shipping first when he was 14 years old. He was shipwrecked three times. In 1848 he and his wife embarked for America, taking passage in a sailing vessel, which was eight weeks in making the voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans. They first went to Evansville, Indiana, but soon afterward located at East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio. In 1860 they became residents of Columbus, and in March, 1862, located in Van Wert County ; having been from that year identified with the history of this section. William J. Inwood was a trustee of Hoaglin township and a Republican. He served three years in the Civil war, and was so unfortunate as to meet with a very serious injury in a railroad wreck between Covington and Chattanooga. His son, Rodolph W. Inwood, has often made the remark that if there was any one fact in which he has taken more pride than in any other it was that he had a father who was so loyal tohis adopted country that he was willing to sacrifice his life for the "Stars and Stripes" and the freedom of an enslaved race. William J. Inwood was a devout member of the Evangelical Association and his death, which occurred in September, 1903, was a loss to that organization and the entire community. His widow and four children survive him. William J. Inwood resides at Scott, Ohio; Rodolph W. Inwood is the subject of this article; Annie is the wife of A. W. Kohn, of Grover Hill, and Elizabeth A. is married to William J. Mohr. Mrs. Inwood, the widow, is in her 79th year, and makes her home with her daughter at Grover Hill.

Rodolph W. Inwood obtained his schooling in Van Wert County, where he has followed agricultural pursuits so successfully. He was married on November 20, 1880, to Mary A. Cahill, a native of Union County, Ohio, and a daughter of Asbury and Mary (Bird) Cahill. Mrs. Cahill is still residing in Union County and has almost reached the 70th milestone of life's journey. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rodolph W. Inwood, namely : William A., who married Susan Mohr and resides in Hoaglin township; Orpha, who lives with her parents ; and Lloyd, who died when one year and eight months old. Eleven years ago the parents of this family also adopted into their home a child of four yearsMatilda Cooksey—who has lived with them since as a close member of the domestic circle. Among the family heirlooms most highly prized by Mr. Inwood is a tomahawk that was captured in the Revolutionary War by a near relative of his father, to whom it was given and who afterward presented it to his son, the subject of this sketch.

In the fall of 1904 Mr. Inwood was elected a director of the Van Wert County Infirmary for a term of three years, and in this capacity

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has proven most efficient and faithful. He is a Republican, and both he and Mrs. Inwood are members of the Evangelical Association. Fraternally he is connected with the tent of the Improved Order of Red Men at Scott and to the Sons of Veterans, at Van Wert. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Inwood accompany this sketch.

JOHN K. WAGERS, mayor of Wren, is one of the prominent men of Willshire township, where he owns a fine farm of 80 acres, a part of the old Wagers homestead, which is situated within a half mile of the village. He was born October 10, 1852, in Willshire township, and is a son of John and Anna (Johnson) Wagers.

John Wagers, the father, was born July 2, 1806, in Baltimore County, Maryland, and was 11 years old when he accompanied his parents to Harrison County, Ohio, where, in 1831, he married Anna Johnson. He was a son of Richard Wagers, a native also of Baltimore County, Maryland, who died in Harrison County, Ohio, and who was a son of Richard Wagers, who emigrated from Ireland, settled in Maryland and reared a large family. Richard Wager, the second, had four sons and one daughter, viz.: John, Nimrod, Joshua, Lemuel and Mary Ellen, John and Lemuel came to Van Wert County, but the others remained in Harrison County. Lemuel entered 80 acres in section 5, Willshire township, while John entered 240 acres in section 9 and 80 acres in section 8, and later bought 40 acres in section 9, having thus 360 acres in one body. He came to Van Wert County in 1837, with wife and three children, the other five children being born in this county.

The mother of our subject was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 15, 1808, and died in Willshire township on April 28, 1899, when within nine years of completing a century of life. For a few of her later years her eyesight had left her, but otherwise she was remarkably well preserved, a type of the pioneer women of other days. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Davis) Johnson, natives of West Virginia, who came to Harrison County as pioneers, and about 1837 settled in Van Wert County. Joseph Johnson was a colonel in the War of 1812. The children of John Wagers and wife were: Rachel, deceased, who was the wife of John C. Tindall ; ; Joseph Johnson, deceased ; Mary, widow of James Neiferd, of Willshire township; Joshua, of Willshire township; Davis, a member of Company H, Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., who probably died in the battle of Nashville, in the Civil War; Catherine, residing at Wren, widow of David S. Wolf, who also served in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry; Eliza Ellen, who died aged 10 years; and John K., of this sketch.

The parents of John K. Wagers lived on the homestead until their death, the father passing away there on February 16, 1892. He was a very industrious, exemplary man. He cleared 150 acres of his land, in the meantime living in a log cabin which he erected when he settled on it. U e was a man of standing in his neighborhood, served as township trustee and was interested in both schools and church, being a leading member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant View.

John K. Wagers remained on the homestead farm until he was ^*30 years of age and then purchased a farm of 100 acres in section 4, Pleasant township, which he farmed for four years, and then sold and returned to the homestead. In 1899 he came to Wren, but still retains his farm in Willshire township. He has been one of the representative men of

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the town ever since locating here, has served two terms as councilman and is serving his second term as mayor, giving the people a clean, publicspirited administration. Politically he is a Republican.

On November 4, 1874, Mr. Wagers was married to Margaret Bowen, who was born September 18, 1853, in Willshire township, and is a daughter of Cyrus and Mary (McQueen) Bowen, natives of Pennsylvania, who came from Crawford County to Van Wert in 1837 and were married here. The mother of Mrs. Wagers still survives and resides in Willshire township.

Our subject is one of the most active members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee. He is secretary of the quarterly conference, and for some 30 years was a classleader and for a long period he was superintendent of the Sundayschool. He belongs to a family which has been noted in Willshire township for its reliability, intelligence and good citizenship for almost 70 years.

JOSEPH FRIEDRICH, deceased, was born in Huntington, Indiana, December 1, 1855, and was quite young when he came to Van Wert County, Ohio, and located in Washington township, where he became one of the leading agriculturists. He was married October 17, 1882, to Mary Reindel, who bore him 11 children, all of whom are at home, viz. : Katie, George, Anna, Mary, Evaline, Carl, Francis, Joseph, Lucile, Eleanor and Amilda. Mr. Friedrich also has two brothers and two sisters who reside near him, namely : Mrs. Mary Smith of Delphos ; Mrs. Dan Reddington ; Anthony and George.

Joseph Friedrich was a hardworking man and a good manager, and at his death, May 18, 1904, left to his widow a valuable farm of 110 acres in sections 28 and 29, Washington township. He was a devout Catholic, a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio, and a man whose sterling principles and upright life made him a power in the community, his death being a distinct loss to the community and keenly felt by the many who were bound to him by ties of kinship and friendship.

Mrs. Mary Friedrich, the widow, is a daughter of George and Barbara Reindel, both of whom were natives of Germany and were married in Bern. They came to the United States in 1845 and settled in Van Wert County, Ohio, on 40 acres of land which they purchased from the government, this acreage being later increased to 130, which now constitutes the home of two of the sons, George and Joseph Reindel. There were 12 children in the family, eight of whom are living at this time. George Reindel, Mrs. Friedrich's father, died April 21, 1895. He was a member of St. Joseph's Society and a man who enjoyed he good opinion of all who knew him.

DAVID J. JONES, one of the prominent citizens and leading agriculturists of York township, resides on. his finely improved farm of 175 acres situated in section 34. He was born March 27, 1850, in Jackson County, Ohio, and is a on of John H. and Mary (Edwards) Jones, natives of Wales, who both died in the county named, the former in 1892 and the latter in 893.

For a number of years during his early manhood, Mr. Jones engaged in schoolteaching and two of his sons are similarly emloyed. Although a practical farmer, Mr. ones has taken an interest in other lines than

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agricultural and has been prominently identified with the township's public affairs. Since 1887 he has been serving as justice of the peace in York township, enjoying a reputation for legal knowledge and sound judgment second to no like official in this part of the county, having satisfactorily adjudicated in a number of complex cases.

In Jackson County, Ohio, in 1877, David J. Jones was married to Lizzie Lewis, who is a daughter of David and Eliza (Davis) Lewis, natives of Wales. The father died in Jackson County, in 1888, and the mother in 1878, while on a visit to her daughter in Van Wert County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones are: John L.; Lizzie A.; David E.; Mary Edith, who died July 2, 1888, and was buried in the Venedocia Cemetery ; Ada C.; Mary; and Evan E. Mrs. Jones died April 7, 1902, after a lingering illness of several months, and was buried in the Venedocia Cemetery. The children of the family have been liberally educated, and are prominent in the intellectual and social circles of the community. Mr. Jones is one of the broadminded, clearheaded men of this locality and keeps fully abreast of the times. He is an elder in the Zion Calvinistic Methodist Church, which is located northwest of his home.

HENRY H. LUDWIG, formerly county commissioner of Van Wert County, and one of the leading agriculturists of Hoaglin township, where he owns a fine farm of 277 acres in section 23, was born November 17, 1862, in York County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William W. and Caroline (Stiles) Ludwig.

William W. Ludwig, father of our subject; is one of the substantial farmers and bestknown citizen of Hoaglin township, where hesettled in May, 1884. He was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, July 8, 1838, and is a son of John and Eve (Hildebrand) Ludwig, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Bavaria, Germany. In 1844 William W. Ludwig accompanied his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, where the family resided for several years and then removed to Seneca County, and later to Hancock County, where William W. grew to manhood.

In April, 1862, William W. Ludwig was married in York County, Pennsylvania, to Mrs. Caroline Smith, widow of Charles Smith and a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Strayer) Stiles. Her father was of English extraction ; her mother was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. The children of William NW. Ludwig and wife were: Henry H., of Hoaglin township; Lydia A., wife of Joel Glover, of Los Angeles, California; Amelia. wife of Homer Cheasman, of Hoaglin township; John W., of De Kalb County, Indiana ; and Della, wife of Joseph E. Mohr, of Union township. The surviving children of Mrs. Ludwig's first marriage are: Sophia, wife of William Barnes, of York County, Pennsylvania, and Charles F., of Oceana County, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics he is a Democrat and is serving his second term as justice of the peace. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Scott, Ohio. He has been more or less prominent in public affairs ever since locating in Hoaglin township, which he has served as township trustee. He is familiarly known as 'Squire Ludwig, and is a very popular justice of the peace.

Henry H. Ludwig has been a resident of Hoaglin township since 1884, and has resided on his present farm since the fall of 1889. Most of his education was received in Richland County, Ohio, where his parents lived before

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coming to Van Wert County: For several years after coming here, Mr. Ludwig followed carpentering but, in the main, he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. His first purchase of land was made with money he had accumulated by work at his trade. He invested $800 in 80 acres of land, going into debt to the amount of $2,400. This debt he soon paid, and in a short time was in a position to buy more land. He continued to add to his holdings until he now owns a splendid farm of 277 acres of wellcultivated land. He has the reputation of being one of the county's best farmers.

Mr. Ludwig married Jennie McCracken, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hiram B. and Mary A. (Stough) McCracken, the former of whom resides at Findlay, Ohio. Her mother is deceased. Two sons were born to this marriage, O. Leonard and Charles H.

For many years Mr. Ludwig has been one of the county's prominent men in public life. In the fall of 1894 he was elected a commissioner of Van Wert County, and entered upon the duties of his office on September 16, 1895. He served for three years and during the last year was president of the board. His administration covered many important improvements in the County and his record as a presiding officer is one he may recall with pride. For 11 years he has served as a member of the School Board. He is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Hoaglin township.

NAAMAN BRUBAKER, one of the substantial farmers of Liberty township, owner and operator of 176 acres of farm land in section 31, was born in this township on December 12, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Dull) Brubaker.

The parents were natives respectively of Franklin and Fayette Counties, Pennsylvania. Peter Brubaker came to Van Wert County in 1840 (before his marriage) and bought land in what afterward became Liberty township, which he assisted in organizing. He first built a log house and later erected a frame house—the first to be erected in Liberty township, which is still standing and occupied by his son, Naaman, the subject of this sketch. He was a carpenter by trade and was paid in land for his work. His first wife died shortly after their marriage in July, 1840. In 1844 he was united to Catherine Dull, who was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and in 1839 came from Stark to Van Wert County, being accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Wiant. Peter Brubaker and his wife became the parents of to children, of whom Naaman was the third in order of birth. Mr. Brubaker died July 12, 1898: his wife is still living at the advanced age of 81 years.

Naaman Brubaker was reared in his native township, was educated in the old school district No. 1, and also studied under Hon. Augustus L. Sweet, now judge of probate, who was at the time boarding at his father's house. With the exception of two years Mr. Brubaker has spent his entire life in Liberty township. He was married on December 12, 1875, to Ellen Lintemoot, a daughter of Martin and Amanda Lintemoot, who were old settlers of Liberty township. They have had 16 children, as follows : Charles Victor ; Ira Raymond; Ada Grace, who married Melvin Myers and has two children—Vance and Gerald ; Pearl ; Nevada, wife of Benjamin Frisinger, of Lima, and the mother of one son ; Amanda; James G. Blaine, who married Cecil Sutton, lives in Mansfield, Ohio, and has one child—Lucile: Edna Frances (Mrs. Earl C. Thompson), of Mansfield, Ohio; Meredith; Annetta; Clara; Bessie, and Oressa ; all of the above are living,

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while Lizzie; Chesney; Russell and Arta are deceased. Mr. Brubaker has served his township in the capacity of clerk; is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church, and politically is a Republican. A picture of the Brubaker family accompanies this sketch.

HENRY C. GERDEMANN, whose farm is situated in section 33, Washington township, was born in Delphos. Van Wert County, April 3, 1857, being a son of Henry J. and Many Ann Gerdemann, who were among the most prominent residents of the county. His parents were natives of Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 2o, and the mother, at the age of seven years. After residing in Delphos for a time, in 1859 they moved to the Cerdemann farm in Washington township, where Henry J. Gerdemann accumulated a large property, being at the time of his death, November 16, 1903, one of the wealthiest farmers in the township. His wife survived him until October 19, 1905.

Henry C. Gerdemann was married November 15, 1883, to Anna Pohl, a daughter of Henry Pohl, of Putnam County, Ohio, and a family of four children have been born to them, viz: Joseph, February 19, 1887; Katie Mary, December 26, 1888, who died September 3, 1903; Minnie, October 9, 1891; and Clara, March 21, 1894. Mr. Gerdemann has given his continuous attention to farming, remaining on the home place until the spring following his marriage, when he moved to a farm of 83 acres which was given to him by his father. The place had a new house upon it, but the land was covered with timber, which Mr. Gerdemann cleared off, converting the once wooded tract into a fine,productive property, from which he thoroughly understands how to get the largest yield. Mr. Gerdemann applied himself so diligently to his work that his health was seriously impaired and he was told by his physicians that the only means of saving his life would be to submit to a surgical operation. The first trip away from home in which he ever indulged was to the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan, where he underwent a very delicate operation for stomach trouble. He remained there three months, with the gratifying result of almost complete recovery of his health. Mr. Gerdemann and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church, and are highly respected members of their community.

JOSEPH H. AUER is a product of Van Wert County, having been born March 17, 1858, on the farm upon which he still resides in section 28, Washington township. His parents, Joseph and Barabara Auer, were natives of Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in the same sailing vessel, the journey keeping them on the ocean for 56 days. Coming at once to Delphos they were married in October, 1853, by Father Bredeick, founder of St. John's Catholic Church of that place and settled on a small farm of 50 acres which through the intervention of friends, had been secured for them before their arrival. To the original farm was afterward added 70 acres, the combined tract being their lifelong homestead. Mrs. Auer passed away January 30, 1897, and Mr. Auer May 23, 1899. They had a family of six children, namely : Barbara (Mrs. Henry Busch) ; George, of Toledo; Joseph ; Mary (Mrs. Louis Schaffer) of Landeck ; Michael, a resident of Iowa ; and

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Annie (Mrs. Theodore Reddelberger), who died February 21, 1905.

Joseph H. Auer was educated in Van Wert County, where he grew to manhood and is now one of the leading farmers of his section. He is the owner of a farm of 120 acres in section 28, having purchased of the heirs their interest in his father's old homestead, and is a man whose industry and worth cormmand the respect and esteem of all.

Mr. Auer has been twice married—in October 18, 1883, to Clara, daughter of Matthias Heitz, of Landeck. Mrs. Clara Auer died January 2, 1896, leaving four children—Laura, Edward, Arthur and George. The second and present wife was Mrs. Mary (Gehlert) Brueckner, widow of Frank Brueckner, and by her he has had three children—Madeline. Irene and Viola. Mrs. Auer being the mother of one child, Amy, by her first marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Auer are members of St. John's Catholic Church and of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

HENRY ELLER, a pioneer of the county, resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 14, Hoaglin township, in which township he is well known and highly esteemed. He was born in Crawford County, Ohio, July 4, 1839, and is a son of John and Susannah (Keith) Eller, natives of the State of Pennsylvania, who first located (with their parents) in Richland County, Ohio, where they were married, soon afterward removing to Crawford County, where they remained a short time. They then returned to Richland County, and later settled in De Kalb County, Indiana, where they resided about eight years, and thence came to Van Wert County, where, about two years afterward, the father died. The deceased was a Whig in politics, ,and in religion a member of the United Brethren Church, as was also his wife. Of the children born to this couple, Henry Eller alone survives. As long as his mother lived, Mr. Eller remained with her and cared for her, and, about 40 years ago, she finally passed to her reward.

Henry Eller was reared on a farm, has always followed that occupation and since 1853 has been located in Hoaglin township. He is a man of industrious habits and keen observation, and, consequently, has been eminently successful in his chosen vocation. His farm, originally covered with brush and timber, has been brought to its present state of improvement by his own persistent efforts. The progress achieved by science, during his residence here of more than half a century, would have been regarded as a wild flight of the imagination, had it been prophesied to the men who braved the pioneer dangers and hardships of his day and settled in a country where a bridle path often represented the public highway, the tallow dip furnished the only light and stoves were only a luxury for the extravagance of fashion. Mr. Eller is a Democrat and a man of sound convictions. He is a member of Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church, of Hoaglin township, and a citizen who is esteemed for what he is and what he has done for the progress of the community.

WILLIAM STOVE, one of the most highly respected retired citizens of Willshire, the owner of a fine farm f 120 acres in section 28, Willshire township, is also a survivor of the great war, in which he suffered an injury, which permanently impaired the sight of one

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eye. Mr. Stove was born in the parish of Breedon, Leicestershire, England, October 8, 1828. and is a son of John and Catherine (Leawood) Stove, natives of the above named. parish.

Mr. Stove belongs to an old landed family of England ; but his father was a tailor and draper in his native land. In order to provide better opportunities for his large family, John Stove decided to emigrate to America, and in the spring of 1838 sailed from Liverpool on the old ship "Albion" for the land of promise. She was an old sailing vessel of 900 tons and the passage covered 37 days. Landing at New York, they journeyed to Albany, then by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo and across Lake Huron on the ship "Bunker Hill," to Richland County, Ohio. The father and mother both died within two weeks of each other, in Wood County, Ohio, and both were buried at Fostoria. The father was then 71 years of age and the mother about 68. He was a very loyal man during the Civil war, giving all of his sons to the army, and paying the sum of $600 when a draft was ordered in the township. His children were : Elizabeth, William, Joseph, John, George, Thomas, Mary Ann, Edmund, Hannah, Priscilla and Sarah. Seven members of this family never married and three of the sisters, Mary Ann, Priscilla and Sarah, reside together at Fostoria. Hannah died unmarried. Elizabeth also resides at Fostoria—she is the widow of Solomon Whistler, who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga.

Of the sons, all participated in. the Civil war. Joseph was a member of Shover's battery in the Mexican War, and served 13 years in the United States Navy. He had charge of a vessel at Charleston stockade and captured a good prize. He now resides at Avonia, Pennsylvania. John, a printer, was in the South when the war broke out and, on account of his loyal sentiments, lost all he possessed. He came north and served one year in the Union Army. He died at Cincinnati in the year following the death of his parents, and was buried at Fostoria. He was unmarried. George was also a soldier, and was accidentally killed by his horse, at the age of 31 years. Thomas served one year with our subject in the 46th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. Edmund, now a resident of Bloomdale, Wood County, Ohio, was a member of the 49th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with his brotherinlaw, Mr. Whistler, when the latter met his death.

In close connection with the above we append the war record of our subject. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company E. 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Pinney and Colonel Worthington, and under these brave officers took. part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg. In these fearful battles he escaped much, but suffered an injury to his eye which at first sent him to a hospital and in 1864 caused his discharge, on account of disability. For several years he was rendered almost sightless. He was awarded first a pension of $8 per month; later this was increased to $12; but no amount could compensate for the loss he suffered. His record is that of a brave and efficient soldier. He was a member of Heath Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Willshire, until it was discontinued.

Going back to his earlier life and relating its events outside his connection with public matters,—Mr. Stove remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age. and worked industriously by the day or month as duty demanded, until 1851. For two years, 1849 and 1850, he worked on the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1851 he moved to Black

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Creek township, Mercer County, where he entered 40 acres of land and also bought 40 acres. The former was what was denominated canal land, and was located about six miles from Willshire. He made many improvements on this property, on which he remained until the spring of 1861, when he moved to Van Wert County. In that year he bought the Bolenbaugh farm, which was first settled upon in 1822. This is one of the oldest settled farms in Van Wert County, and comprises 92 acres on the river. After the close of the army service, mentioned above, Mr. Stove returned to this farm and continued to reside on it until 1871, when he sold it advantageously, and bought what was known as the Tague farm, consisting of 120 acres, in section 28, Willshire township, a short distance north of his former farm. This is now occupied by his son, Mr. Stove having in 1903 retired to Willshire, where he has a very comfortable home.

In 1851 Mr. Stove was married to Mary E. Widmer, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in March, 1832, and died on the farm in November, 1891. She was the estimable daughter of Frederick Widmer, who was born in Switzerland and emigrated to America, spending the greater part of his life in Wayne County, Ohio. Mrs. Stove was a good, Christian woman, and was admired and beloved by everyone for her many admirable traits.

The children of our subject and wife were : Clara M., who is the widow of Samuel Fairchild, of Willshire; Sarah Elizabeth, who is the wife of A. Tindall, of Albany, Indiana; Medora, who is the wife of B. Nye, a resident of Mercer County, Ohio; John, still mourned by the family, who was 24 years old when he left home 20 years ago and has never since been heard from; Ida, who died a babe; Edwin, who died aged four years ; Kate, deceased at the age of six years; Frederick, deceasedat the same age; Clinton, who is a successful hardware merchant of Willshire; Arthur and Armond (twins), the former a resident of Adams County, Indiana—the latter deceased in infancy; Monroe, who died in infancy; Willard, who is a telegraph operator on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in Utah ; and onethat died in infancy. Mr. Stove has a number of his children settled closely around him.

Politically he has been identified with theDemocratic party the whole of his life, and he has frequently been called upon to serve his township in public offices. For two years he was township clerk, and for 20 years he was a member of the School Board of Willshire township, his service only ending when he postively refused to serve longer. He has seen all this section wonderfully developed, and has done his full share in assisting in the good work. The evening of life is being quietly spent among comfortable surroundings, and he is assured on all sides of the respect and esteem in which he is held.

FRANK A. CRAMER, one of the substantial citizens of Van Wert, now engaged in contracting and building, and enjoying a large measure of prosperity, was born in May, 1855, near Bloomville, Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna E. (Shaffner) Cramer.

The Cramer family is of German stock, and its founder in America was Helfar Cramer, a Revolutionary patriot. He settled in York County, Pennsylvania, after the close of the Revolutionary War, and there were born both the father and grandfather of our subject. In 1840 the grandfather (John Cramer), came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Seneca County, where he died in 1856. He was a

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soldier in the War of 1812, serving with the rank of captain; he married Catherine Schlote, of Pennsylvania, and was the father of nine children.

John Cramer, the second, father of Frank A. Cramer, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1821, and died at Van Wert, November 11, 1905. He came to Ohio with his parents when 18 years of age and lived in Seneca County until 1864; then moved to Pleasant township, Van Wert County, where he bought 120 acres of land. At the time of his death he owned 75 acres of finely improved, fertile land. John Cramer was married December 29, 1847, to Ann E. Shaffner, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, September 17, 1830, and died at Van Wert, March 28, 1901. Nine children were born to their union, as follows : John W. and William J., both deceased; Sarah C., wife of John W. Balyeat, of Middlebury, Indiana; Frank A. and Ralph W., of Van Wert; Irene H., wife of J. W. Kensler, of Ridge township; Anna E., who resides with her sister Irene H.; Martin S., of Ohio City; and Charles B., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, stationed at Spencerville, Ohio.

Frank A. Cramer was nine years old when his parents came to Pleasant township and settled on the farm which is located just outside the city limits of Van Wert. He remained on the family homestead until he was 21 years of age, and in the meantime acquired a good commonschool education. He then passed several years away from home, traveling over about 14 States, working at various occupations and having many adventures ; but when he found himself 1,000 miles from home, with only three cents in his pocket, he wisely decided to return to that safe harbor as soon as possible. He met with a ready and hearty welcome, and, while not desiring to become afarmer, found this a fine locality in which to learn the carpenter's trade, and, for the past 12 years has been a leader at Van Wert in the building and contracting line. Prior to entering into business for himself, he worked for 13 years for one employer. About 1901 he built his own shop on Jackson street, which is a commodious establishment two stories in height, with dimensions of 48 by 50 feet. Mr. Cramer gives employment to from 12 to 15 men, and has successfully carried through a number of very large contracts, at present erecting a $30,000 structure for the Central Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company, the finest building ever erected in the city.

In 1882 Mr. Cramer was married to Kate P. Harris, daughter of Elijah and Ann Harris, of this county, and they have two children—Hazel and Milo. He is the owner of the beautiful family residence at No. 314 North Jefferson street, which he built, and now occupies; has a half interest in three other dwellings; is administrator of his father's estate and is contemplating the platting of the old homestead farm.

Politically Mr. Cramer is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow; religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and is one of the stewards.

JOHN GEORGE HEYMAN, treasurer of Hoaglin township, is a prominent farmer of the township. He resides on his farm of 80 acres in section 16

—an estate that is kept in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Heyman was born in Huron County, this State, February 16, 1863, and is a son of Philip A. and Catherine (Kurtz) Heyman, both of whom were born in Germany. Our subject's parents were married in Huron

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County, Ohio, and lived there until about 1864, when they brought their family to Van Wert County and located in Hoaglin township, Here the father died in 1872. The children were as follows: Henry P., of Hoaglin township; Charles, deceased; John George; Mary (Mrs. Frederick Merkle), who resides in Michigan; Edward VV., a resident of Genesee County, Michigan; Robert A., of Gratiot County, Michigan; and Elizabeth C., of Monroe County, Michigan. After the death of Mr. Heyman, his widow became the wife of John Metz of Huron County. Later they removed to Monroe County, Michigan, where she now resides.

John George Heyman grew to manhood in Hoaglin township, where he acquired a public school education. Later he went to Michigan where for seven years he engaged in agriculture. In 1901 he moved to his present premises, which he has greatly improved and converted into a most desirable country home. On March 22, 1894, Mr. Heyman was married to Ella M. West, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and a daughter of Alexander D. and Sarah (Swigart) West. Her father is a deceased and her mother, a lady of 65 years, lives with her daughier Mrs. E. M. Crow, in Hoaglin township Mrs. Heyman has a brother, C. S. West, living in Hoaglin township, and two brothers, George T. and William J. West, residing in Seneca County. Mrs. Heyman has resided in this county since 1891 when she came here with her mother. She is the mother of four children, viz : Hazel W., who died in infancy; Corwin G.; Edna M. and Norma C. Mrs. Heyman is an earnest Christian woman and a member of the Evangelical Association, of which Mr. Heyman is a regular attendant. Mr. Heyman is a Democrat and is now serving on the township board of education. Being aman of ability and great force of character, he commands the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.

THOMAS C. LEPLEY, assessor of Ridge township, and a prosperous farmer of this section, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, November 1851. His parents were Jacob and Eleanor (Creighton) Lepley, who came to this county early in the '60's and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject. They were active workers in the Presbyterian Church, of which Jacob Lepley was an elder, and stood high among their neighbors as conscientious, Godfearing people. While the father was a Republican and took an intelligent interest in politics, he was in no way a politician and desired only to see those candidates elected who would best discharge their duties. He passed away March 14, 1902, and his wife on July TO, 1895, having rounded out most honorable and useful lives. Six children survive them : Susanna, residing at North Baltimore, Ohio; who is the wife of S. M. Hickman; Mary E., wife of J. R. Crooks, of Van Wert; Thomas C.; Nancy E., wife of L. C. Callahan, of Ridge township; Omar, a resident of Hastings, Nebraska; and William J., of Ridge township.

Thomas C. Lepley has spent his entire life in Ridge township and received his education in the public schools here. He has been very successful in his farming operations and owns a fine tract of 120 acres which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Lepley is a bachelor, and is a publicspirited, enterprising man who may always be relied upon to shoulder his share of the work designed for the good of the community. He served as clerk of Ridge township four years and is at this time assessor, dis

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charging his duties in a highly commendable manner. Religiously Mr. Lepley is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Middlepoint and a trustee of that organization. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

BENJAMIN J. LINDEMAN, a well-known agriculturist of Washington township, was born November 22, 1872, in Covington, Kentucky, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Lindeman, the biography of the former appearing elsewhere in this work. In 1875 the parents came to Ohio and purchased a tract of 80 acres in section 27, Washington township, which has since been the home of. Benjamin J. Lindeman and was inherited by him at the death of his father in June, 1898.

Mr. Lindeman is one of the progressive young farmers of the county and is the owner of a wellimproved homestead, the large barn, which was built in 1895, being one of the many improvements placed upon the property. He carries on general farming and has been very successful. Mr. Lindeman was married May 17, 1898, to Emma Martz, daughter of John Martz, .of Washington township. They have two bright children—Raymond A., born June 19, 1901, and Joseph E., born February 6, 1903. Mr. Lindeman is a prominent member of St. John's Catholic Church of Delphos and of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

ROSCOE GRANT SMITH, a well-known farmer of Liberty Township, who owns and resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 13, is a son of John A. and Rebecca F. (Hardenbrook) Smith.

John A. Smith, the father, was a nativeof Germany, and when about six years old, came with his mother to America. His father had died in Germany, and his mother came to this country with her two children, locating in Pennsylvania, where she lived for some time and was later married. When a young man, John A. Smith went to California, during the gold excitement, remaining there for about four years, when he returned and settled in Miami County, Ohio. In September, 1854, he was married to Rebecca F. Hardenbrook, who is still living and resides on a farm of 80 acres directly across the road from the residence of her son, Roscoe G. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. John A. Smith were the parents of five children, as follows : Lucinda J., wife of John F. Keller, of Peoria, Illinois; Cora L., living at home; Ralso L., who resides in Mercer County, Ohio; Celia G., wife of W. E. Barfield, of Peoria, Illinois ; and Roscoe Grant.

Roscoe G. Smith was reared on his father's farm, was married to L. A. Thomas and they have had the following five children : Paul W., who died at the age of two years; Lelia May; Hazel Grace; Fern B., who died at the age of 19 months; and Walter B. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Church and in politics our subject is a Republican.

HENRY WIECHART, deceased, who was a well to do agriculturist of Washington township, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 20, 1831, and was a son of Henry Wiechart, a farmer of that locality. Coming to America at the age of 15, he came at once to Ohio and took up his residence at Delphos, where, by industry and economy, he became the owner of 93 acres of land in section 11, Washington township, where Mrs. Wiechart resides. He took a great interest in all public improve-

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ments and for two terms proved one of the most satisfactory supervisors Washington township ever had. He was a devout member of St. John's Catholic Church and a citizen in whom his community took a just pride.

In 1859 Henry Wiechart was married, at Delphos, by Father John Otto Bredeick, the founder of Catholicism in that place, to Mary Trentman. Mrs. Mary Riechart was born in Hanover, Germany, February 26, 1839, and was a child of six years when her parents came to the United States and settled on a farm west of Delphos ; her mother died in 1854 and her father, February 14, 1895. A family of 12 children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wiechart, of whom the following eight are living: Mary E.; Henry J., who married Winifred A. Clark and is the father of two children—Elizabeth E. and Nellie M.; Ferdinand A., who married Rosa Wanamaker; Frank T. and Benjamin, both at home ; Theodore F., who works on the railroad at Dubuque, Iowa; and Agnes and Gregora, who also live at home. Frank and Ferdinand own 80 acres of land in Washington township. Since the death of her husband in October, 1891, Mrs. Wiechart has continued to live on the home farm, where she is in the enjoyment of the best of health and, although a woman of 67 years, might readily pass for one of 50.

JOHN OSCAR ARMSTRONG, whose death occurred November 15, 1901, was for many years one of the wellknown and representative farmers of Washington township, and was engaged in operating a thoroughly developed and finely improved farm in section 18. Mr. Armstrong was born in a log cabin on the farm now occupied by his widow, being a son of Thomasand Sarah Ann (Saum) Armstrong. He was reared in Washington township, and obtained his education in the district schools of the vicinity. Throughout his early manhood he assisted on his father's farm, and during his entire later life engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old homestead farm. The Armstrong family was at one time among the largest land owners of Washington township, Thomas Armstrong, father of our subject, having at one time between 300 and 400 acres of land.

On January 25, 1874, John O. Armstrong was married to Christina Foster, a daughter of John and Mary (Bowers) Foster. John Foster was born and raised in Perry County, where his father (George Foster) was one of the pioneer farmers.

Mrs. Christina Armstrong was born in Perry County, Ohio, on November 1, 1853, and in 1866, when 13 years old, came to Van Wert County with her parents, who settled on a farm of 80 acres, three miles west of Middlepoint, Ridge Township. Her father died the following year; her mother lived until September, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. John Foster had the following eight children : Catherine, Daniel and Adam, who died during infancy; Mary, who married Albert Moore, of Ridge township; Elizabeth, who died aged 23 years ; Samuel, who married Hannah Frey, of Xenia, Ohio, where the couple now live; Christina, widow of John O. Armstrong; and Emma (Laman), who resides in Middlepoint.

Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong had 10 children, all living : Charles, who married Catherine White, lives in Middlepoint, and is the father of Fane, Guy and Virgil (deceased in infancy) ; Arthur, employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, who lives in Fort Wayne, Inliana; Mary Ellen, who married James Rayer, of Van Wert and has one child, Christina ; and

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Thomas, May, Frank, Minnie and Minta (twins), Josephine Pearl and Lee Owen, all living at home. Religiously the family are members of the Lutheran Church.

CHARLES LONGWELL, a representative agriculturist of Jackson township, whose well-improved farm of 80 acres is situated in section 30, was born in this township on April 3, 1863, and is a son of George and Mary (Sheets) Longwell.

The parents of Mr. Longwell were pioneer settlers in Jackson township, locating here in 1851. The father was a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and the mother of Virginia. After a long and useful life, George Longwell died on his farm in Jackson township in July, 1872. His wife survived him until April 2, 1901. They were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the parents of a family of 13 children.

Charles Longwell was reared in Jackson township and was educated in the district schools. He was early trained in agricultural pursuits, for which he has always had a leaning, and has proved a successful farmer and stockraiser. His fine estate is known as "Brook Side Farm." For some time Mr. Longwell has made a specialty of raising thoroughbred Percheron horses, and has done much to increase interest in this specialty and to improve general agricultural methods in his section of the county.

On February 14, 1901, Charles Longwell was married to Herma Downing, who was born September 7, 1881, in Jackson township, Van Wert County, and is a daughter of Israel and Amelia (Hamilton) Downing, both natives of Ohio, who settled in Jackson townshipshortly after the close of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Downing are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson township. Of their children, the survivors are : Reuben W., of Middlepoint; Vashti, wife of Leroy Leist, of Allen County, Ohio; Perry, of Hoaglin township; Olive, wife of Marion Cowgill, of Pleasant township; Maria, wife of John Phillips, of Allen County, Ohio; Leafa, wife of Reuben Thatcher, of Jackson township; Herma, wife of our subject; and Charles R., of Jackson township.

Mr. and Mrs. Longwell are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson township. Mr. Longwell has been a very active worker in the various agricultural organizations in his section of the county; is a charter member, and for a number of years was master; of Washington Grange, No. 1327, Patrons of Husbandry; is also identified with the State Grange, and on two different occasions has represented Van Wert County as a delegate to that body. He belongs also to Pomona Grange, of Van Wert County, and is a director of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. Politically Mr. Longwell is a Republican ; but above all he is a good citizen, who cheerfully and firmly supports the laws and willingly contributes to public measures designed to develop and improve his community.

A. P. HOFFMAN, one of the leading farmers of Liberty township, who owns the old Hoffman homestead farm of more than 40 acres in the outskirts of Ohio City, and is also interested in oil production, was born here in 1865, and is a son of the late Christopher Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman's early life was spent on the home farm, but after completing his education

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he worked for three years on a railroad, and then, in association with his brother, Benjamin F. Hoffman, the present mayor of Ohio City, entered into a grocery business at Ohio City. The firm of Hoffman Brothers continued for seven years, doing a large trade in staple and fancy groceries. After the sale of the grocery, A. P. Hoffman went into the hardware line with a Mr. Hill, under the firm name of Hoffman & Hill, which conducted the business for seven years. After selling his hardware interests, Mr. Hoffman removed to the old home farm where, on account of its nearness to the city, he can enjoy both rural and urban life. He is also financially interested in the Liberty Oil Company.

In 1888 A. P. Hoffman was married to Ella Harp, daughter of Alexander Harp, who formerly lived in Liberty township, but is now a resident of Gas City, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have three children—Hazel, Maud and Dale. Both our subject and wife are members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which he is a trustee.

Politically Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat. He has served as marshal of Ohio City, but is more interested in agriculture than in polifics. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Odd Fellows, being a member of the Encampment of the latter fraternity,

JACOB SMITH, who resides on a well-developed farm located in section 28, Washington township, is one of the most progressive farmers of the locality. He is a som of Jacob Smith, a native of Germany, and was himself born in Prussia on May 27, 1839.

As an infant of one year Jacob Smith was brought by his parents to America, the family locating on a farm at Grafton, Ohio. When he was nine years old they moved from Grafton to the vicinity of Elyria, Lorain County, and there remained for 20 years. There our subject was reared and educated. When the father died in 1856 he was the owner of 101 acres of farm land near Elyria.

In 1868 Jacob Smith was married to Chrisincia Kalsch, widow of Christopher Kalsch, and daughter of Joseph Baldauf, who lived and died in Germany. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith moved to Washington township and settled on a farm of 30 acres, which, with 40 acres afterward added, constitutes their present homestead. The original land was mostly wilderness, in the clearing of which much hard work was expended.

Mrs Jacob Smith came to this country with her mother and stepfather, when but 10 years of age. By her first marriage she had three children—Catherine' wife of Joseph Schaefer, of Cleveland, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Michael Kalozi, also of that city ; and Frances, unmarried. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two children—Barbara and Joseph. They are all members of St. John's Catholic Church, of Delphos, and Miss Barbara Smith is a member of the Young Ladies' Sodality.

F. WILLIAM STAMM, one of the leading citizens of Van Wert and a member of the Stamm Clothing Company of this city, was born in 1869 in the village of Convoy, this county. He is a on of David and Katherine (Schumm) Stamm, the former of whom is a native ofHolmes County and the latter of Van WertCounty, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. David Stammmoved West in 1883, and are now residing in

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Pittsburg, Kansas. Our subject was the oldest of 12 children, eight of whom are living.

When he was 12 years of age J. F. William Stamm accompanied his parents to Bates County, Missouri, but two years later started out for himself, in October of 1885 returning to Van Wert and clerking for his uncle, W. G. Stamm. He remained thus employed until July, 1887, when his uncle opened a store in Lincoln, Nebraska, and our subject retained his position with him there for another two years. Returning to Van Wert in September, 1889, he became a clerk for L. J. Germann & Company and later, until January, 1903, was connected with Henry Davis. In the following September the store of the Stamm Clothing Company was opened to the public, Mr. Stamm being one of four proprietors and having the entire management of the business. He has had a splendid business training, while few men are better qualified to appreciate the needs of their patrons and to supply them with that promptness and tact which mark the perfect salesman. The stock carried by the company is one of the best to be found in this part of Ohio and their establishment enjoys a very liberal trade.

In 1897 J. F. William Stamm was married to Alice Swartout, a native of Van Wert, born in 1878, and a daughter of O. D. Swartout. They have had two children—John M., who died in infancy, and Frederick O. The family are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, in which they are untiring workers. Mr. Stamm himself is a member of the Home Guards of America and the Trewnav Club and is also a prominent Mason, being identified with Van Wert Lodge, No. 218, F. & A. M.; Van Wert Chapter, No. 71, R. A. M.; Van Wert Council, R. & S. M.; and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 54, K. T.

W. M. CLOUSE is an extensive landowner and a representative farmer of Liberty township. He has 366 acres of land, divided into several farms, the resident property of 157 1/2 acres being situated in section 20. Mr. Clouse was. born in Liberty township on March 18, 1843 and was the fourth child of George and Elizabeth (Kessler) Clouse, who were among the very earliest settlers of Van Wert County.

W. M. Clouse has always lived in his native township, with the exception of the time he spent in the army during the Civil War. Here he was reared and educated. At the beginning of the war, our subject enlisted in Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. W. C. Scott and later served under Capt. W. T. Exline. He served from August, 1862, until July, 1865, and in the charge at Lookout Mountain was severely wounded, causing him to be in the hospital or several weeks. On two other occasions he was confined to the hospital ; once in Louisville, Kentucky, from the fall of 1862 until the following March, and also in Washington, D. C., for three months. With these three exceptions he was with the regiment continuously.

On June 17, 1866, Mr. Clouse was married to Emaline Boyer in Willshire township, and had three children by this marriage : Emma May; George Monroe, who married Clara Anspach and has three children; and Orpha Annis, who married Bert Wright, lives in Harrod, Ohio, and has three children. Mrs. Clouse died in 1873. Mr. Clouse was married (second) to Minerva Watt, in 1873; they had two children : Charles Lucine, a farmer of Liberty township, who married Bertha Stover and has three children ; and Nellie Victoria, who married Owen Boyer. Mrs. Clouse died in 1879, and Mr. Clouse was again mar-

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ried, in 1881, to Frederica Riddle, and has four children by this marriage: David Waldo; William Elsworth ; Lusta Lee ; and Ernest Virgil.

Mr. Clouse has erected a fine large frame house and barn on his residence property. Another house and barn on the farm are occupied by a renter. Mr. Clouse has a farm of 80 acres in section 29, Liberty township, on which he first settled. In 1903 he purchased 80 acres in York township in section 30, which is also rented, and has good substantial buildings. In 1904 he bought the old Lindemoot farm of 46 1/2 acres, which has upon it one of the finest frame houses in Liberty township, as well as a fine barn. There are 12 producing oilwells on this land.

Mr. Clouse has never been actively interested in politics, but has served one term as township trustee. He is a member of the Church of God, and was for five years deacon ; he has also served as trustee of this church. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.

DANIEL A. BAER, a prominent farmer of Hoaglin township residing on his homestead in section 23, was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, in the township in which he now resides, on July 22, 1863. He is a son of Daniel and Margaret E. (Peters) Baer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former being of German extraction. Our subject's parents were married in the State of Pennsylvania, later removing to Richland County, Ohio, and in 1859 coming to Van Wert County and making a home in Hoaglin township. Here the father died October it, 1894. He is survived by his widow, now a lady of 81 years, who resides in Scott, and four children, viz : John D., of Union township; William H., of Middlepoint; Samuel G., of Washington township; and Daniel A., the subject of this sketch.

Daniel A. Baer attended the public schools, after which he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1893 he purchased the 80 acres which comprise his present farm. He has converted the property into one of the most productive and desirable homesteads of the township. On January 2, 1892, Mr. Baer was married to Mary Myers, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 12, 1865, and is a daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Sherburn) Myers, both of Fairfield County. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baer : Ruby A., February 24, 1893; Edith E., November 19, 1894; Ray L., October 17, 1896; Glenn, December 28, 1898 ; and Gale W., April 30, 1905. Mr. Baer is a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife are devout members of Pleasant View Methodist Episcopal Church in Hoaglin township.

MRS. CATHERINE MILLER, widow of Abraham Miller, who died in 1888 at the age of 46 years, is the owner of a valuable farm of 80 acres situated in section 27, Liberty township. She was born in Shanesville (now called Rockford), Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George Conrad and Catherine (Deal) Koepple.

George C. Koepple was a native of Germany and came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Koepple, who .settled in Mercer County and were among the early pioneers of that county. Mr. Koepple owned 95 acres of land in Mercer County, where he was engaged in farming, and was the father of 12 children, 10 of whom are still living. Catherine Koepple was reared in Mercer

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County, and in 1866 was married to Abraham Miller. a son of Henry and Elizabeth Miller, of Mercer County, and a brother of George Miller, of Liberty township. For one year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived in Mercer County and in 1867 moved to Liberty township, Van Wert County, locating on the farm which is now occupied by the widow, and which is a very valuable property, as oil 1as been developed upon it. There are at present ten producing oilwells on the farm. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: Ora, the oldest, who resides at home; George Perry, who married Bertha Stuck and has three children—Mary Catherine. William Kenneth and Beatrice Leola; Henry Conrad, who died when five weeks old; and Oliver Chester, who lives at home. Mrs. Miller and sons continue to operate the home farm and in 1894 erected a large barn on the place. The family all attend the United Brethren Church.

JOHN D. LARE, an influential farmer of Tully township, was born January 31, 1853, on the old home farm, which is situated in section 28. He is a son of John Lare, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He has always resided in Tully township and been engaged in agricultural pursuits. For a year after his marriage he farmed the home place, clearing all but the 15 acres of the farm which did not require it. At first he lived in a cabin on the place, in section 28, but in 1889 erected a fine modern home, and four years later built the substantial barn.

John D. Lare was married December 27, 1877, to Mary Tracy, who was born in Allen County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Reed) Tracy, who came to this county nearly 40 years ago and now live in Convoy, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lare have had four children : Ira, a resident of Monroeville, Indiana, who married Inez Clem and has one son, John Lauren, and a daughter, as yet not named; Jay, who married Bessie Webb; Iris, wife of James Sponseller of Tully township, and the mother of one son ; and Ray, who lives at home. Both Mr. Lare and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Lare is a Republican in national politics, but locally is independent. As he is a citizen who has the welfare of the community at heart, it was through his efforts despite strong opposition, that pike roads were built throughout Tully township. He has also an interest in the Convoy Telephone Company, and for six years has been a director of the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association of Van Wert County.

GEORGE SHAFER, one of the prosperous farmers and representative citizens of Dublin township, Mercer County, Ohio, has all his life resided on his present farm of 210 acres—60 of which are situated in section 34, Liberty township, Van Wert County, and the remaining 150 acres in Mercer County. He was born in Liberty township, Van Wert County, February 26, 1843, and is the oldest son of George and Margaret (Snyder) Shafer. Mr. Shafer's father was a native of Germany, came to America when a young man and first settled in Columbus, Ohio, where he lived for four years. He then moved to LaFayette, Madison County, remaining there for about two years, and in 1840 removed to Van Wert County, where he entered 60 acres of timberland. He was the father of eight children

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(the subject of this sketch being the only survivor), and died in 1877, his wife surviving him until 1887.

George Shafer was one of the first white children born in Van Wert County and has lived on the Van Wert and Mercer County line during his entire life. He has endured many of the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, and remembers well the time when the woods around his father's place were thickly inhabited by such wild animals as wolves, bears and deer.

Mr. Shafer was married to Elizabeth Flager, a daughter of Adam Flager, who was also one of the pioneers of Van Wert County. They have had twelve children, as follows : George Adam, who married Belle Dull, a daughter of William Dull, and is the father of six children; William, who married Rebecca Baltzell and has six children : John, who married Elizabeth Denman, and has five children; Frank, who married Frances Hays, and is the father of two children; Clarence, married to Jesse Shingeldecker ; Ora ; Nellie (Mrs. Arthur Dillbone), the mother of four children : Otie, who married Edward High and has one child : Grace.; Cecil; and Lewis, Urcel and Clark, the last three deceased.

JOSEPH LINDEMANN, who passed away June 30, 1898, will be well remembered as a prominent farmer of Washington township, having resided here for more than 20 years before his death. He was born in Germany about 1832, and was still young when he accompanied his parents, (Frederick and Clara (Brames) Lindemann), four brothers and a sister to the United States, where they became prominent and valued citizens. The children of the family were as follows: Joseph ; Frederick ; Henry, who is the father of Hon. J. F. Lindemann, of Delphos; Frank, a leading farmer of Washington township; and Mrs. Anna Vonderembse, also a resident of Delphos. By a second marriage Frederick Lindemann had 13 children, and was altogether the father of i8 children, Joseph being the eldest of the family by his first wife.

Joseph Lindemann was for many years a resident of Cincinnati, where he was foreman in a dry goods store, later moving to Covington, Kentucky, and in 1877 retiring from commercial life to his farm of 80 acres in Washington township, Van Wert County, which had been purchased by him when a youth in his teens. Here he spent the remainder of his years and was accounted a gentleman of thrift and honor. He had been twice married—first to Catherine Ricke, who died leaving him a widower with three children; then to Mary Lanse, who passed away March 24, 1890, leaving five children. The children of the first union were : Joseph, Jr., who died in Delphos on May 19, 1903, for many years proprietor of the Eagle shoe store; Mrs. Anna Dulweber; and Frank, a traveling salesman, residing in Covington, Kentucky. The second family of children are : Mrs. George Reindel and Benjamin, both of Washington township; Edward, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Christina, (Mrs. Joseph Recker), who died June 28, 1905; and Alois, who died July 15, 1896, aged twenty years.

Anna Lindemann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was there educated, being married April 14, 1880, to John Dulweber, a proseprous lumber merchant of that city. The ceremony was performed in Covington where Mr. Dulweber resided. Her husband subsequently purchased the lumber interest of Bungener & Company, of Cincinnati, ' and conducted the business until his death on December 12, 1897.

660 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

The deceased was recognized in the commercial world as a shrewd and successful business man. By his death Mrs. Dulweber was left with four sons, the eldest not yet 17: but she bravely bent her energies to the task of rearing them to lives of usefulness and honor, and has displayed a wisdom, both in their training and the management of her large business interests, which marks her as a woman of exceptional ability and sound judgment. Except the youngest son, Alfred, who is still a student in the Delphos public schools, the sons are well established in business and all promise to be a credit to the mother and themselves. Benjamin F. Dulweber married Nannie Noble, of Mount Healthy, Ohio, and resides in Cincinnati, where he owns and manages the lumber business formerly conducted by his father. Edward Dulweber married Mabel McGrievy, and has one child, a resident of Covington and in the employ of a Cincinnati lumber firm. John Dulweber, Jr., is in the employ of the Union Hardware Company, of Delphos. Although Mrs. Dulweber still owns the old home in Covington, she moved to Delphos in July, 1904, and the following year bought a residence here. She is a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church, and universally respected for her fine qualities of head and heart.

SOLOMON B. FACKLER, one of the representative agriculturists of Union township, the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres in section 17, was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 12, 1847, and is a son of Henry H. and Nancy (Bear) Fackler.

The parents of Mr. Fackler remained in Richland County until 1869, when they removed to Bloom township, Wood County. Ohio. Their children were : Jacob, who died young; Solomon B., of this sketch ; Emanuel, who died aged 40 years; Martin, deceased ; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Ketzenbarger; Leah, who died at the age of 10 years; Sarah Ann, deceased, formerly wife of Adam Fry, also deceased ; and Alice, wife of William Young, of Union township. The Fackler family comes of German ancestry and Revolutionary stock. Our subject's greatgrandfather, Wendel Fackler, with his two brothers, George and Adam, emigrated to America, settled in Pennsylvania; all three served in the Patriot army, during the Revolutionary War, and all held official positions. The father of Solomon B. Falker was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1823. In Richland County, Ohio, on September 7, 1843, he married Nancy Bear, who was born March 14, 1819, and died January 23, 1897. In 1889 Mr. Fackler came to Van Wert County and purchased a farm of 240 acres in section 21, Union township, where he still lives.

Solomon B. Fackler has been a resident of Union township for the past 17 years, although he came here as a visitor in the early '60's, remaining, at that time, until 1864. In 1889 he purchased his present farm, which was then only partially improved, and he has since placed it under excellent cultivation, engaging in a general line of farming. The family home is one of comfort, and all the improvements are of a substantial character.

In 1867 Solomon B. Fackler was married to Sarah C. Daup, who was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1846, and in 1856 accompanied her parents to Ohio. She is a daughter of William and Katherine (Artz) Daup, of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction ; both of her parents died in Richland County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fackler have

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had six children, as follows : Loren D., of Michigan; Nancy Katherine (Fulton), deceased; Clarence, of Union township; Jennie A. (Mrs. Delbert Staley), of Union township; Henry, of Union township; and Elnora, who died young. Politically Mr. Fackler is identified with the Democratic party.

MATHIAS BOCKEY, one of the best and most prosperous agriculturists of this county, resides on a farm of 268 acres located in sections 15 and 16, Washington township. He is regarded as a reliable authority on all questions pertaining to the care and cultivation of land and crops. Mr. Bockey is a son of John and Margaret Bockey and was born June 4, 1841, in Seneca County, Ohio, where he was educated, grew to manhood and was married.

In 1864, Mathias Bockey moved to Allen County, Ohio, locating in Marion township, near Landeck, on a tract of timberland containing 120 acres. This land Mr. Bockey cleared and put under cultivation, converting it into a most desirable property, of which with the exception of 80 acres, he disposed in 1885. In that year he moved to Van Wert County, locating on his present farm which he has improved and developed into one of the most productive in the county.

In 1863 Mr. Bockey was married to Anna Koch, daughter of Adam Koch, a farmer of Seneca County, Ohio. After her demise, March 5, 1870, he was married to Agnes Koch, a sister of his first wife. The death of his second wife occurred September 20, 1905. Mr. Bockey is the father of 10 children, four of whom are by the first marriage, viz.: Catherine, who is unmarried and resides at home: Mary Agnes, who did in infancy: Mary (Mrs. Dennis Clark, of Decatur, Indiana; and Anna, who lives at home. The six children born to his second marriage are : Ralph, who resides at home ; Lucy, who married Bert Carpenter and died October 8, 1897; Emma, who died September 21, 1874, aged six months; George Amos, who died January 21, 1876, also six months of age; Edward, who lives at home; and Arthur, who was married to Anna Dalk on January 2, 1906.

Mr. Bockey has reared his family in the Catholic faith and has the satisfaction of seeing them grow up a credit to his example, and devout members of the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos, of which he himself has been almost a lifelong member and of which he was at one time a councilman. He is prominently identified with the Sacred Heart Society, and a man whose sterling worth and uprightness place him among the most esteemed and respected citizens of Van Wert County. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bockey accompany this sketch.

FRANK B. HALL, chief clerk of the Pennsylvania Company at Van Wert, was born April 15, 1854, in Crestline, Crawford County, Ohio, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah Elizabeth (Gardner) Hall. The father, a native of Lisbon, Columbia County, Ohio, is still a resident of Crestline, where the mother died at the age of 54 years. Mrs. Alexander Hall was born in . Mercer County, Ohio, and at her death left a family consisting of the following six children : Mary Alice, now the wife of \W. H. Raymond, of Galion, Ohio; Lawrence, who was killed on the railroad; Frank B. ; Rosa, widow of J. M. Raifsnyder, of Crestline; Charles A., who re

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sides in New York City ; and Ellsworth, who died in infancy.

In 1871 Frank B. Hall took his first position with the Pennsylvania Company, as clerk in the yard dispatcher's office at Alliance, Ohio, and he has been with this company ever since. His first promotion was to the position of clerk of the freight office at Mansfield; then he was transferred to Crestline, where he filled the same position, and thence, in 1887, came to Van Wert as chief clerk of the company here. This road handles all the business of the Adams Express Company at Van Wert, and the travel for the State of Pennsylvania. In addition to being thus prominently connected with these important interests, Mr. Hall assists with the correspondence of the freight office, his close and intelligent attention to business making him a valued official.

In 1878 Frank B. Hall was married to Emma L. Hassinger, a daughter of Jonas T. Hassinger, deceased; who resided near Leesville Cross Roads, Crawford County, Ohio. Mrs. Hall is a graduate of the Crestline High School, and for several terms before her marriage was a teacher in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are the parents of two children—Harry, who died in infancy, and Alman E. In 1893 Mr. Hall erected the family residence at No. 639 North Washington street. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Van Wert, and is always prepared to labor for the spiritual, moral or intellectual advancement of the city. He is a member of its Board of Education and has charge of the construction of the Second Ward School Building, having also been a member of the committee which had in charge the erection of the Fourth Ward School Building. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the treasurer of the local council of that order.

LORENZO D. THARP is one of the prosperous, progressive farmers of this county, and has lived on his farm of 40 acres in section 17, Hoaglin township, for over 30 years. He is a son of James and Sarah (Hamilton) Tharp, and was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 9, 1846. His father was a native of Licking County and his mother, of Muskingum County. The former died when our subject was a small lad and for her second husband, his mother married Thomas George.

Lorenzo D. Tharp remained with his mother and stepfather until his marriage, attending the district school and acquiring an education such as most farmer boys of that day received. On March 12, 1872, Mr. Tharp was married to Rachel A. Harter, who was born in Licking County, March 6, 1850, and is a daughter of William and Mary G. (Wheeler) Harter. Her father is a native of Virginia, and her mother, of Licking County. Of the 11 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tharp the following survive : Lillie R. (Mrs. John W. Hennis), and Anna M. (Mrs. Frank Brown), both of Hoaglin township; and Roy C. and Ruby E., living at home. The year after his marriage, with his wife and one child, Mr. Tharp moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where they resided until about 1875, when they came to Van Wert County. In the following year he located on his present farm upon which he had already constructed a log cabin, the rude dwelling giving place 12 years later to his present residence. At that early day wild game was still abundant and' furnished many an appetizing meal for the pioneer's table.

Mr. Tharp is a man who takes an active interest in the current topics of the day and is well posted on all important issues. He is a Democrat in politics and served many years as school director of subdistrict No. 6, most of

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the time as clerk of the board. He is a man of honor and integrity, and his high standing in the entire community has been attained by many years of faithful, useful work.

AUSTIN T. JOHNSON, one of the most prominent men of Liberty township, owner and operator of 202 acres of valuable farm land, 162 acres situated in section 12, and 40 acres in section 14, was " born in Richland County, Ohio, on January 4, 1842, and is a son of Richard M. and Rebecca (Walkup) Johnson. The father, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, became a farmer of Richland County, Ohio, and in 1836 moved to Hardin County, Ohio. Originally the owner there of 40 acres of land, he increased the home farm, from time to time, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death was a very prominent man.

Austin Johnson was less than a year old when his parents settled in Hardin County, where he was reared and educated. On July to, 1861, soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, he entered Company D, 34th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served through the entire conflict. In 1863 he veteranized, being severely wounded at the battle of Winchester, after which he was in the hospital for three months. Regaining his health, he returned to his company, but the entire command was captured at Beverly, West Virginia, and Mr. Johnson was then confined in Libby Prison for about two months. On February 28, 1865, his regiment was consolidated with the 36th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and with this regiment he was mustered out on July 27, 1865. After the close of the war he located in Van Wert County, having in 1863 bought a farm of 60 acres.

Austin Johnson was married August 16, 1865, to Rosanna M. Unger and they had two children. Of these, John Richard died when past six years of age. William B. Johnson, the surviving son, .married Mary Magdalene Parker and lives on his farm of 80 acres. He has one daughter, Mary Lenore. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a member of the I. O. O. F.

JOHN W. MYERS, of the firm of McConahay & Myers, jewelers, of Van Wert, was born April 15, 1846, in Greenup, Greenup County, Kentucky, and is a son of John A. and Isabella (White) Myers. His parents were born in Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married, soon after which they moved to Kentucky, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a miller by occupation and worked at that trade during the greater part of his life. John A. Myers was twice married, having four children (of whom our subject is the youngest), by his first marriage and one by his second.

John W. Myers attended school in Kentucky until he was 19 years of age, and the following year started out for himself. Coming to Van Wert, he entered the employ of A. P. McConahay, under whom he learned the trade of a jeweler, becoming an expert in every detail of the business. He was with Mr. McConahay almost 40 years, when, with Clarence R. McConahay, a son of his employer, he purchased the stock of the establishment and succeeded to the business, under the firm name of McConahay & Myers. The store has been located in the same building on East Main street, for more than 22 years. and is one of the substantial, reliable institutions of the city. The store is 22 by 80 feet in dimensions, is well

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stocked with a splendid assortment of jewelry, silverware and musical supplies. An extensive business is transacted.

Mr. Meyers has been twice married; first, to Gertrude Scott, of Mansfield, Ohio, by whom he has one son, Thomas Gaylord, chief clerk of the Pennsylvania freight depot in Van Wert. The second union was with Mrs. Jane Hattery, who had been left a widow with three children. She is a native of Van Wert and a daughter of James Murphy, one of the pioneers of Hoaglin township. Mr. Myers owns their pleasant home at No. 120 South avenue, and the family occupy an important place in the religious and social circles of Van Wert. He possesses a baritone voice of exceptional quality and sweetness, and for more than 20 years he sang in the choir of the FirSt Presbyterian Church, of which church he is a valued member. He is a prominent Mason, having been knighted a Templar, has passed through all the chairs in the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is the present treasurer of the Commandery. In politics Mr. Myers is a Republican.

FREDERICK MINZING, proprietor of a brickyard at South Delphos, is a native of Sandusky, Ohio, where he was born December 17, 1857, a son of Jacob F. and Catherine (Scheuer) Minzing. Both parents were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1848, settling in Sandusky, Ohio. In 1863 they returned to the Fatherland on a visit of one year, after which they located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where Frederick attended school and acquired his education. On July 18, . 1876, his parents purchased a farm of 40 acres in Washington township, about three miles west of Delphos, which was the family residence when the father died March 5, 1889.

When Frederick Minzing was about 23 years of age, he came to Delphos and began working in the brickyard of Ahlemeier & Fetter. Three years later he purchased the interest of Mr. Fetter and two years thereafter that of Mr. Ahlemeier, acquiring the entire business in 1886. The yard employs about 12 men, is operated during the entire season, and occupies five acres of land just outside the limits of Delphos. In addition to this tract, Mr. Minzing owns about 35 acres, which is devoted to farming purposes and lies immediately outside the city.

Frederick Minzing was married February 21, 1884, to Bertha Ahlemeier, daughter of Joseph Ahlemeier, of Delphos, their three children being: Fred, who was born December 2, 1884; Lizzette, June 14, 1888; and Martha, March 19, 1904. Mr. Minzing and his family are devout members of St. John's Catholic Church and. he himself is connected with the Catholic Knights of America.

PHILIP JOHN RADER, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Liberty township, residing on a farm of 200 acres situated in sections 3 and 4, was born on the farm which he now owns in an old log house which is still standing, and is a son of John Adam and Catherine (Good) Rader.

John Adam Rader was born in Germany and came to America when 28 years of age, landing in New York City on the 4th of July, 1848, and, after working in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in 1850 moved to Van Wert County. After working here for a few years, he bought 80 acres of land just west of Van Wert, where he engaged in farming until 1863, when he sold the property and bought 160 acres, which is the farm now owned and oc

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cupied by Philip John Rader. The land, which was mostly in timber, was cleared by himself and sons, and many other needed improvements were made. The family lived in a log cabin until 1870, when the house was built, which is still on the farm.

John Adam Rader was the father of the following five children, four of whom are still living: George, who lives in Van Wert; Joseph, who died in infancy; Kate, who resides at home and is the owner of a farm of 80 acres, which was formerly in the possession of the Brodnix family; Philip John, the subject of this sketch; and Jacob A., who lives on a farm of 160 acres in Liberty township. Mr. Rader died March 3, 1904, his wife having preceded him, April 16, 1900. At the time of his death he left 480 acres to his children, having accumulated that estate during his residence in Van Wert County.

Philip John Rader was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district schools of Liberty township. He has always lived on the old home farm, been engaged in farming, and has never married; but his sister Kate, who is also single, lives at home and superintends the household affairs. Mr. Rader is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Ohio City.

LLEWELLYN A. SEVERNS, who resides in a comfortable home in the outskirts of Van Wert, is a well-known citizen of Pleasant township, and owns a wellimproved farm of 80 acres, situated in Hoaglin township, in section 15. Mr. Severns was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 5, 1848, and is a son of Simon and Catherine (Shaffer) Severns. The father of Mr. Severns was born in Ohio, and the mother, in Maryland. They were early settlers in Perry township, Allen County, where the father served many years as a justice of the peace. In this capacity he was known far and wide,. and was held in very high esteem.

Llewellyn A. Severns attended the neighborhood schools during his earlier years ; assisted on the farm, and then became his father's righthand man, the latter being much engrossed in public matters pertaining to his office. In the spring of 1871 he came to Hoaglin township, cleared a farm he had formerly purchased, and was married in 1875. In 1876 he removed to Union County, Iowa, where for several years he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was also concerned in the buying and shipping of grain. In 1881 Mr. Severns and family returned to Hoaglin township, and shortly afterward became superintendent of the famous George H. Marsh farm, which is located near Van Wert, he being the first manager Mr. Marsh ever employed. After closing out his business with that gentleman, he continued to farm in Hoaglin township until the fall of 1905, when he removed to his present home of 10 acres situated in the outskirts of Van Wert, in Pleasant township. As mentioned above, he still retains his 80acre farm in Hoaglin township.

On February 24, 1875, in Van Wert County, Mr. Severns was united in marriage to Clara Jobes, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 18, 1858, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Anderson) Jobes. Both of Mrs. Severns parents were born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and were very early settlers in Wayne County. To Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Severns were born these children : Katie C., wife of Grant Shaw, of Pauling County, Ohio ; Ivy L., of Van Wert. County; Maud F., wife of L. A. Cummings, of Hoaglin township; Nellie V., wife of Harvey C. Smith, of Jackson township, and Sylvanus

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B., of Hoaglin township. In the various localities in which Mr. Severns has resided, he has always been considered a man of upright character and a representative of the best citizenship.

PETER TEMPLE, owner and operator of a farm of 97 acres, of which 73 acres (the residence property) are situated in section 33, Liberty township, Van Wert County, and the remaining 24 acres in section 5, Dublin township, Mercer County, was born in Liberty township, Van Wert County, November 20, 1855, and is a son of Seth F. and Lucinda (Dull) Temple. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Van Wert County in 1845, and engaged in farming.

At an early age Peter Temple was left an orphan and after the death of his parents went to live with his grandmother, Mrs. John Temple, remaining with her for about two years. When seven years old he made his home with his grandfather, Peter Dull, who resided in Dublin township, and with whom he lived until he was 15 years of age. He then worked for Peter Brubaker for a time, attending school during the winter months. He was married in Willshire township to Mary Elizabeth Krick, a daughter of William Krick, and they have had three children : Charles, who married Sophia Snyder, lives in Liberty township and has two children—Helen Lucinda and Carl; William Clark, who married Nettie Frey and lives in Syracuse, Indiana; and Peter Calvin, who lives at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Temple moved to a farm of 40 acres in section 33, Liberty township, and resided there until 1896, when he traded the 40 acres for his present farm, paying the difference in cash. Since taking possession of his present homestead, he has made various changes and improvements, though the large brick house and the barn were on the farm when he purchased it. There are four producing oilwells on the farm, which are leased to William H. Ayers.

B. L. VORE, the leading undertaker of Van Wert, was born in 1861, in Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Allen and Caroline (Sinks) Vore. Both parents were natives of Miami County, but soon after the birth of our subject moved to a farm near the Stillwater River, a beautiful spot among the hills of Montgomery County, Ohio, where the father is still living in his 77th year. The mother passed away July 13, 1904, at the age of 67 years. The family consisted of three sons : George B., an undertaker of St. Marys; B. L., our subject; and D. W., a farmer residing about nine miles north of Dayton.

B. L. Vore first engaged in business in Mendon, Ohio, in partnership with his brother, George B. They conducted a furniture and undertaking business there for four years, when our subject sold out and removed to Kansas. He intended to preempt a tract of land in that State, but a short residence there was sufficient to satisfy him that Ohio was a pretty good place in which to live; he therefore returned to the East, and on February 17, 1888, embarked in business at Van Wert. His original undertaking establishment was contained in an unpretentious little building located on East Main street, where the Home Guards Temple building now stands and where he continued until about 14 years ago, when, having outgrown the limited quarters of the earlier years, he purchased his present parlors at No.

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212 East Main street, known as the Hammond Block. This building is 22 by 132 feet, two stories in height; the upper floor is used as a dwelling, leaving the lower floor for the offices and casket show room. He has the latest and most approved hearses, and the first call buggy and ambulance used in the city. He is the favorite undertaker of this section and receives fully 90 per cent. of the business of Van Wert, averaging about 130 funerals per annum. He considers this one of the best locations in the State.

Mr. Vore was married December 10, 1891, to Emma J. Haven, daughter of Jacob Haven, of Van Wert, and they have two children: Nellie C. and Kathryn A. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Vore has membership in the I. O. O. F.. Knights of Pythias, K. O. T. M., I. O. R. M., Home Guards of America, and Haymakers.

MATTHEW HENRY BROWN, one of the large farmers and substantial citizens of Union township, who owns an estate of l00 acres situated in section 18, was born near South Bloomingville, Hocking County, Ohio, May 1, 1853, and is a son of Adam and Nancy Agnes (Johnston) Brown.

The Brown family is of Irish descent, and the Johnstons of Scotch. Adam Brown, the father of Matthew H., Was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, but the greater part of his married life was spent in Hocking County, Ohio, where his wife died, his own death occurring in Columbus. The 12 children of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Brown were: Sarah (Mitchell), of Madison County; Hiram S., of Hocking County; Margaret (Poland), of Columbus ;Tabitha, who died at the age of three years; Mary Ann, who was born in 1841, and died August 25, 1892; Lydia (Williams) and Harriet (Hutchison), both of Columbus; Thomas P., of Vinton County; Isaac, of Columbus ; Matthew Henry ; Andrew, deceased ; and Jane (Rochte), of Fulton County.

Matthew H. Brown remained on the home farm with his parents until he reached his majority, working as a lumberman during the winter seasons in Athens, Hocking and Vinton counties. Later he entered the business himself, buying, cutting and shipping lumber, his main depotbeing Columbus. For about seven years he was in partnership with his brothers, Hiram S. and Thomas P. Brown. He then went to Lyons County, Kansas, where he was engaged in the carpenter and stonemason lines, having a practical knowledge of many trades, as well as a natural skill in actual workmanship. After spending a few months in Kansas, he was taken down with typhoid fever, which necessitated his return to Hocking County, where he was married. He then removed to Wood County and worked for one summer as a carpenter, after which he returned to Hocking County, where he assisted in the building of 22 houses and, working with a partner, cut 375,000 feet of logs.

In June, 1887, Mr. Brown came to Van Wert County and bought loo acres of woodland in sections 17 and 18, Union township, paying $1,450 for 80 acres as a first purchase, the additional 20 acres costing him $800. He has recently been offered $110 per acre for the entire farm of loo acres, all of which he has cleared with the exception of 15 acres. The land is all under a high state of cultivation and is very productive, and the improvements he has made in the way of erecting substantial buildings, have made the property of great value. Views of Mr. Brown's residence and farm building accompany this sketch. Mr.

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Brown has always been a good business man, and has not only made money for himself, but has assisted those in business with him. He helped his father pay off a debt of $1,500, and he has always been ready to assist in necessary public improvements—in the way of making goods roads and providing school facilities. Finally, he is a man of excellent standing and commands general respect among his neighbors, his fellow citizens and in the more general community.

On March 17, 1886, Mr. Brown was married to Ella Nichols, who was born in Athens County, Ohio, August 26, 1867, and is a daughter of Andrew and Amanda (Bagley) Nichols. The former is a native of Morgan County and the latter of Muskingum County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have these children, who form a happy, domestic home circle : Agnes, Floyd, Orlana, May, Jessie, Walter, Clinton, Arthur and Oscar. Another child died as an infant. Politically Mr. Brown is identified with the Republican party, and formerly was connected with the local grange.

ALBERT LONGWELL, the wellknown proprietor of the "Sulphur Springs Farm", in section 30, Jackson township, is one of the representative citizens of this locality. He was born in the township named on December 13, 1853, and is a son of George and Mary (Sheets) Longwell.

George Longwell was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and in 1851 removed, thence to Jackson township, Van Wert County, settling, through a mistake, on land adjoining the property for which he had already paid. After residing there for two or three years, his mistake was discovered by a survey of the land, and he then located on what is now our subject's farm of 160 acres, now finely improved and valuable. Then it was a wilderness, even the pioneer's axe not yet having sounded through the forests, which still sheltered deer and other animals. Right in the woods he built his log cabin and with manly courage began the clearing of the land around it, Hardships of a most trying character were finally overcome, and, as years passed, Mr. Longwell was able to enjoy the fruits of his hard and faithful work. He was a man of prominence in his section and the first township election was held in his cabin, the mother of our subject generously preparing an oldtime, abundant election dinner. George Longwell died in July, 1872. He had served in numerous township offices and had been recognized as an honored and valued citizen. Politically he was identified with the Republican party.

Those of the children of Mr. and Mrs. George Longwell who still survive are : Betsey A., wife of Frederick Markley, of Jackson township; Henry, also of that township; Catherine, wife of John Lewis, of Middlepoint; Martha J., wife of W. T. Sterling, of Jackson township; Albert, the subject of this sketch ; Lucy A., wife of Samuel Weldy, of Jackson township; and Charles, of the same township, of whom a sketch appears in this volume. The children deceased are Henrietta, Lucretia, Mary E. and three children who died in infancy. Mr. Longwell was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his widow, who survived him until April 2, 1901.

Albert Longwell was reared in Jackson township to an agricultural life. His educational advantages were those presented in the little log structures of that day, where, at least, the children were thoroughly drilled in the elementary branches.

On April 28, 1892, Mr. Longwell was married to Etta Shockey, who was born in Allen

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County, Ohio, October 15, 1860, and is a daughter of Abraham and Mary R. (Counseller) Shockey. The father of Mrs. Longwell was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war and died from fever while in the service, now resting with his fellow heroes at Knoxville, Tennessee. Her mother died when she was an infant and she was reared by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Counseller, early settlers of Auglaize County.

Mr. and Mrs. Longwell are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson township, he being one of the trustees, a class leader and a steward. It is said, on good authority, that Mr. Longwell has the distinction of being the first white child born in Jackson township.

SETH S. BRIGGS, who resides in a comfortable home three miles south west of Convoy, is now living in retirement after many years of productive activity. He is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where he was born March 24, 1836, and is a son of Jacob and Lodemia (Hale) Briggs. John Briggs, his grandfather, was born in England, while his wife was a German woman.

Jacob Briggs moved from Clark County, Ohio, to Warren County, Indiana, and thence to Vermilion County, Illinois, where he died in 1894, aged 80 years and two days. His marriage with Lodemia Hale resulted in the birth of 13 children, four of whom are now living, namely: Seth S., subject of this sketch; Violetta (Hushour), of Illinois; Samantha Jane (Richards), also a resident of that State, and William, who lives in Colorado.

Seth S. Briggs was reared to maturity in Clark County, Ohio, and in 1857 moved to Warren County, Indiana, following his father who had located there three years previously. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F., 72nd Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf., and served in the Army of the Cumberland under General Thomas. The regiment was more immediately under Gen. John T. Wilder, whose command had a wonderful record and was known as the ."Lightning Brigade." General Wilder was a man of wonderful foresight and an intense patriot. He secured permission to mount his brigade (which thereby became mounted infantry) and all its marches were made by horse; but the troops dismounted when going into action, and, although always at the front and in the thick of battle, they never were repulsed. Permission was sought by General Wilder, to use 8shot Spencer rifles, but the request did not meet with approval at headquarters, and as a consequence the government did not purchase them. General Wilder, however, mortgaged his home and personally secured the money to thus equip his men.

Mr. Briggs was in all the engagements of the "Lightning Brigade," including Hoover's Gap, Stone River, Chickamaugua, siege of Atlanta (which lasted a month), and Selma, Alabama, the last being the hardest fought battle in his service. He was at Nashville when General Thomas routed Hood's army, and was at Macon, Georgia, when his command was honorably discharged. The regiment has had frequent reunions, the one at Chickamauga, in 1898, being signalized by the erection of the monument on the bloody battlefield in memory of the lives there sacrificed by the brave comrades of Wilder's brigade.

At the close of the Civil war, Mr. Briggs returned to his Indiana home, and eight years later moved to Vermilion County, Illinois, where he followed farming for 25 years. In he fall of 1899 he came to Van Wert County, and purchased his present farm of 160 acres,

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half of which is in section 12, Harrison township, and the remainder in Pleasant township. His son Charles, now a resident of Convoy, owns a farm adjoining his father's, consisting of Too acres in Harrison township.

On March 16, 1854, Seth S. Briggs was married to Mary H. Buffenbarger at South Charleston, Ohio. Mrs. Briggs was born near Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Washington and Mary Buffenbarger, who were pioneers of that county. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Briggs—Albert, who died at the age of 13 ; and Charles, who is in the furniture business at Convoy. Politically, Mr. Briggs is a Republican. His fraternal membership is confined to W. B. Flemming Post, G. A. R., at West Lebanon, Indiana.

JOHN WILLIAM EAST was born March 13, 1863, in German township, Allen County, Ohio, and was about one month old when his parents came to Van Wert County and settled. on a tract of land in section 21, Washington township, where he now resides. The family was founded in America by a Hessian who fought in the Revolutionary War, and afterward established himself in Pennsylvania, his descendants being widely scattered over the Union and many of them residing in Allen and Van Wert counties. The immediate progenitors of our subject were Abraham and Jane (McMillen) East, the former a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio and was married in Allen County to Jane McMillen, daughter of James W. McMillen, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, but who became a prominent farmer of Allen County and later moved to Van Wert County.

Mr. McMillen died at the advanced age of 84 years, while visiting his daughter, Mrs. Martha Muman, in Allen County. When Abraham East came to Van Wert County, he purchased 120 acres of land, but he added to this acreage until, at his death seven years later in September, 1870, he owned 242 acres. Mrs. East died in May, 1898. Their family consisted of the following children : Mary Elmira (Mrs. John Grant), of Butler County, now deceased; Martha Matilda (Mrs. Jeptha Morris), of Jackson township ; Rhuhama Jane (Mrs. A. Freeman), of Leipsic, Putnam County; Jeremiah, a widower of Washington township, whose wife was Elizabeth Snodgrass; Isaiah, who married Elizabeth Miller and lives in Allen County; Florence M., who died at the age of 27 years ; Catherine K., who died when 13 years old; John William; and Ada May (Mrs. Fred Rice), of Washington township.

John William East resides on the East homestead of 140 acres, located in sections 16 and 21, about midway between Delphos and Middlepoint. He is one of the substantial agriculturists who help to form the frame work of American prosperity and are always ready to help along a good cause. He was married on June 26, 1895, to Winona A. Boyd, a lady of pleasing personality who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio. Her parents are Rev. D. A. and Florence (Mahan ) Boyd, the former a native of Union County; they now reside in Bryan, Ohio, but were stationed at Middlepoint where Mr. Boyd was pastor of the United Brethren Church at the time of Mrs. East's marriage. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. East are: Ralph H., born March 25, 1898; and Loren W., born August 27, 1901. Mr. East is now serving his second year as a director of the School Board of Washington township.

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FRANK CUSTER, a highly esteemed young agriculturist of Liberty township, and owner of a valuable farm of 150 acres, situated in sections 33 and 34, was born in Liberty township on August 19, 1869, and is a son of Milton and Sarah J. (Hoghe) Custer.

Milton Custer was a native of Mercer County, born July 3, 1847, and his wife was born in Van Wert County, October 28, 1847. Peter Custer, the father of Milton Custer and grandfather of Frank Custer, was a native of Pennsylvania and later moved to Mercer County, where he lived for many years. He then located in this county, where he resided until the time of his death. Mr. Custer and Mr. Hoghe, grandparents of Frank Custer, were among the earliest and most prominent pioneers of Van Wert County, and lived to see it develop from a wilderness, occupied by Indians and wild animals, into a state of high cultivation. Milton Custer died December 27, 1887; his wife is still living.

Frank Custer was reared and educated in Liberty township, where he is now one of its most prominent farmers. He was married August 19, 1891, to Fanny M. Dull, a daughter of James Monroe Dull, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. They have had seven children, the two oldest of whom died in infancy—Glen, at the age of 2 months and 19 days, and the second unnamed, aged 6 days. The children living are Edna, Ethel, Mabel. Treva and Wanda.

Oil is being developed on Mr. Custer's farm and he now has three producing wells which pay him a royalty of about $50 per month. It is his intention to erect a fine new frame house on the farm, in the summer of 1906. Mr. Custer is a member of the Church of God and is superintendent of the local Sunday-school of that denomination.

JOSEPH H. RITCHIE who owns a well-improved farm of 120 acres

which is located in section 25, Hoaglin township, is one of the wideawake and influential agriculturists of the county, and a gentleman whose influence has been invariably cast for the upbuilding of the community. He was born September 30, 1855, in Licking County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Susan (Stoolfire) Richie, who settled in that county about 1850.

Joseph H. Ritchie attended the schools of Lima township, Licking County, where he attained manhood and engaged in farming. To this occupation he added stockraising, remaining in his native county until 1882, when he came to Van Wert County and settled on the farm still occupied by him as a homestead.

Joseph H. Ritchie was married October 3, 1876, to Mary B. Merchant, a native of Licking County and a daughter of William W. Merchant, formerly a prominent resident of that county. To this union four children were born Clyde D., Nathan L., Herbert E. and Susanna M. Mr. Ritchie has taken an active interest in township affairs, has served for many years as director of school district No. 3 and is now serving on the township Board of Education. He is a Republican and was formerly trustee of the township, serving in that office most creditably and satisfactorily. Religiously, he is a member of Fairview United Brethren Church, of which he is at present treasurer.

JAMES PARKER, deceased, was for many years one of the progressive farmers of Liberty township, where he operated a farm of 160 acres in section 2. He was born in Hocking County. Ohio, on April 23, 1832, and was a son of John and Hannah (Holcomb) Parker.

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James Parker was reared in Hocking County and received his education in the district schools of his native township. He moved to Van Wert County in 1862, where several years previously he had purchased 124 acres of land in Liberty township, and located on this farm. Mr. Parker was married three times and by his first wife, Saloma Beery, who died in February, 1869, he had five children, as follows : Wilbur F.; Elizabeth (Thomson) ; Albert; Amos LeRoy and Clara—the last named dying at the age of four years. His second marriage was with Clara Ford, who died one year after marriage. On January 20, 1874, he married Mrs. Louisa Brey, widow of William P. Brey, who was a soldier in the Civil war and died while in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Parker had two children—Mary Magdalene and John C. The former married William B. Johnson, in 1903, and has one child, Mary Lenore. John C. married Agnes Winklemayer and lives in Michigan, where he is a bookkeeper in a copper mine in the northern part of the State.

At the time of his death April 4, 1901, James Parker owned 160 acres of land, and his widow retains 84 acres of the homestead. The residence, a fine frame building, was erected in 1873, and the substantial barn was built in 1900. Mr. Parker was justice of the peace for six years, and also served several terms as trustee of Liberty township. The deceased was a member of the Evangelical Church.

G. M. HALL. Among the leading citizens of this county, perhaps none can show more satisfactory results than G. M. Hall, who came here from Germany when a poor boy, his only capital being his industry and stouthearted honesty, by which he rose to his present standing as an honored citizen of Van Wert and the proprietor of one of the city's largest drygoods stores. Mr. Hall was born in HesseDarmstadt, Germany, near Frankfort, on February 12, 1842, and is a son of John N. and Barbara (Roeder) Hall. His parents both remained in their native land, his father dying when our subject was about six years old. At the age of 18 he bade his mother farewell, and started out in the New World to do for himself. One brother, G. A. Hall, is a veteran of the Civil war and a retired citizen of Van Wert, while a sister, Anna Margaret, died in Germany.

Starting out alone in 1860, Mr. Hall came direct to Van Wert and was fortunate in securing a clerkship with T. S. McKim. Three years later in August, 1863, his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment in Company M, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, under Colonel H. G. Gibson, and he was sent south to Kentucky and then to Knoxville, Tennessee. He was in the army for two years, the last seven months being mostly devoted to detached service under General Thomas, who had his headquarters at Nashville. Returning to Van Wert, Mr. Hall became a clerk in the drygoods store of J. S. Brumback, and about 10 years later became a partner in the business, which was conducted jointly for seven or eight years. In 1883 Mr. Hall disposed of his interest in the store and established a drygoods business himself, his store being 24 by 132 feet in dimensions, with a room overhead for the storage of extra stock. He gives his entire time to his business and now has a fine store, owning both stock and building, in addition to which he has a half interest in the adjoining block, one of the finest in the city, which is occupied by a large clothing store.

In 1873 G. M. Hall was married to Hattie

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L. Smith, daughter of Col. William Smith, M. D., of Van Wert. They have five children : Eva B., wife of Harry Sidle; Jessie L.; Grace M., a teacher in the High School and Erma J. and Raymond R., both of whom are attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they are active workers. He himself is a Republican, and was a member of the Board of Education for six years, during five years of that period acting as president of the board. He is also prominently connected with the Masonic fraternity.

LEWIS MILLER, one of Liberty township's firstclass farmers, residing on a farm of 80 acres in section 13, was born in the township named, on November 9, 1872, and is a son of George and Margaret Miller, a full sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work.

Lewis Miller was reared and educated and has always resided in his native township, being recognized as one of the most progressive young agriculturists of the locality. He was married on November 9, 1892, to Sylvia J. Rousch, a daughter of George and Mary Jane Rousch.

George Rousch was born in New York State and later moved to Medina County, Ohio, where he was married, settling in Van Wert County about 1866, and locating on a farm of 160 acres. He had three children, of whom but one is living—Mrs. Miller, the wife of our subject. William, the oldest, died in infancy, and Samuel, died at the age of two years. The father died in October, 1872; the widow resides in St. Marys, Ohio.

Lewis Miller and his wife have three children—Ottis G., Zella Gladys and Mary Margaret. In 1895 Mr. Miller built a fine large barn on the homestead and in 1900 remodeled the family residence. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of the Methodist Church.

JOHN LARE, deceased, one of Van Wert County's pioneer citizens, came here in November, 1844, settling in Tully township. He was a progressive citizen, and did much toward the development of his township. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1817, and was a son of Samuel Lare, who moved from Pennsylvania to Crawford County, Ohio, where he lived until his death. The mother of our subject was in single life Mary Ann Leap.

Upon coming to Tully township, John Lare entered 120 acres of land, to which he added from time to time until at his death he had 360 acres. A part of this land he cleared with the assistance of his sons. It was partly swamp land, and the clearing difficult, as the land had to be ditched before the timber could be removed.

On December 24, 1840, John Lare was united in marriage in Crawford County, Ohio, with Susannah Roop, who was born near Harrisburg, Lancaster County, Ohio, July 30, 1820, and is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Eshelman) Roop. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and after marriage located in Crawford County, Ohio. Although he never located in Van Wert County, he entered half a section of land in Tully township, much of it swamp land, and at that time considered of little value. Mr. and Mrs. Lare became parents of the following children : Sarah Ann. wife of \W. M. North of Portland, Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of John D. Friedline, of Monroville, Indiana ; Peter and Rebecca. both de-

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ceased in infancy; Joseph P., who lives in Tully township; Susanna, who married John S. Van Gundy, and lives on the home place ; John D. a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Mary A., who died the age of one year.

Politically he was a Know Nothing, a Free Soiler, a Democrat and a Republican at successive periods, his changes representing changes in the principles of the parties. He was the first postmaster in Tully township, the post office now being known as Convoy. Religiously, he was a member of the "Old School" Lutheran Church. He died September 24, 1893, and was buried in the Tully Union Cemetery.

Mrs. Lare died February 24, 1906, aged almost 86 years, and was buried beside her husband in Tully Union Cemetery. Up to the time of her death, she was in the enjoyment of good health, and retained her faculties to a remarkable degree. She was a pleasing conversationalist, and recalled a number of amusing incidents of pioneer life. One of them related to an earlyday trip to market at Fort Wayne, made by her deceased husband and a neighbor. On their return trip, they waited over night at Flat Rock, as the creek was too high to cross, and shortly were joined by more neighbors. The water having gone down sufficiently, they hitched three oxen to one of the wagons and piled poles on the wagon to keep the provisions raised above the water. A number of men were at the back end of the wagon to keep the load in place. On approaching the opposite bank, a steep ascent had to made. Unfortunately the poles and provisions slipped off, most of the men being brushed into the water. A son of one of the men was not a good swimmer and floundered about, but was finally brought to the bank without the father's assistance, as the latter was more interested in saving a jug of whisky which also was in jeopardy.

Mrs. Lare had 25 great-grandchildren, and possessed a remarkable picture showing herself and 21 great-grandchildren. June 25, 1903, a family reunion was held, at which 72 were present, of which number 66 were members of the family. A picture of this gathering was also taken at the time.

WELLS WICKISER, deceased, was formerly one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Van Wert; one whose ample fortune had been honestly earned through his own efforts. Mr. Wickiser was born November 1, 1829, in Harlem township, near Center Village Delaware County, Ohio, and died at his home, the "Maple Grove Dairy Farm" (now included in the city limits) on January 23, 1896. His parents were Philip and Mary (Miller) Wickiser.

The family of which Wells Wickiser was a worthy member was established in Ohio in the days of his grandfather, who came to this State from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Wickiser's great-grandfather (Wicks) was killed by the Indians at Wyoming Springs, Pennsylvania, while guarding the springs there. Both of our subject's parents were born in Pennsylvania although they were reared in Ohio. Philip Wickiser, the father, enlisted for service in the Civil war, at Newark, Ohio, and died on the transport boat "Tycoon" within 40 miles of Cincinnati, in which city he was later interred. The mother survived him until 1874, dying at the age of 66 years. She had resided on a farm near Columbus and received a pension from the gov-

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ernment. Our subject was the oldest of their family of to children.

Wells Wickiser remained on the home farm until his marriage in 1855. After a short period passed in Columbus, on March 23, 1864, he located at Van Wert. Formerly he had combined farming and brickmaking, and for three years after coming to this city he worked in the brick kilns of a local firm, and then entered the stave factory of Brumback & Butler, with whom he remained a number of years. He also worked some seven years in the mill and feed store of Levi Meredith, but in the fall of 1878, having acquired some desirable property, he established a dairy business upon his home place of 10 acres, which has since been known as the "Maple Grove Dairy Farm." This property has greatly increased in value, now being within the corporate limits of the city. Other property owned by Mr. Wickiser comprised 16 acres adjoining the fair grounds, and a building opposite the Hotel Avenue—which is under rental. During his 17 years in the dairy business Mr. Wickiser erected all the substantial buildings on his property and made all the improvements. Mrs. Wickiser still carries on the dairy in a small way.

On August 26, 1855, Wells Wickiser was married to Annah Devereaux Belknap, a cousin of Secretary Belknap, of President Grant's cabinet. His wife was born October 4, 1835, at Alexandria, Licking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Foris and Sarah (Bateman) Belknap, the latter of whom was a .granddaughter of General Bateman, of Revolutionary fame. It is a record in history that his honorable position on his general's staff was third from the officer selected to receive the sword of General Burgoyne. In the late General Buell, the distinguished general in the Civil war, Mrs. Wickiser had another military cousin.

The late Mr. Wickiser was a Republican in his political views. He was frequently offered public office, but persisted in refusing, believing that his defective early education would interfere with faithful and satisfactory service. He was a man of excellent business perceptions and was successful in whatever he undertook. He had many friends who knew him to be a man of sterling character, honest and upright in all his commercial transactions and a good, reliable citizen.

HENRY B. STEMEN, a well-known agriculturist and prominent citizen of Jackson township, owner and proprietor of the "Buckeye Stock Farm", situated in section 16, was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 1, 1851, being a son of George and Lydia (Berkholder) Stemen. The father of Mr. Stemen was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and the mother in Virginia. They were early settlers in their section of Perry County. The venerable father, now in his 80th year, is a resident of Jackson township, this county, but the mother passed away on August 6, 1902.

Henry B. Stemen was reared in Perry County and, during his boyhood, as opportunity offered attended the district schools. The larger part of his training, however, was in the line of agriculture, and it has resulted in his being a very successful farmer and stockraiser. Prior to coming to Van Wert County, Mr. Stemen resided for several years in Fairfield County, but in 1882 he settled with his family on his present valuable farm of 120 acres, in Jackson township. At the time, however, there was no indication of his present wellcultivated fields, the heavy timber yet cov-

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ering all his land. Before it assumed its present prosperous appearance, Mr. Stemen had spent years of hard work upon it. In connection with farming he now devotes much intelligent attention to the raising of highgrade livestock.

On September 16, 1875, Henry B. Stemen was married to Lydia Huddle, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Beery) Huddle, the former of whom was born in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Stemen have become the parents of these children : Leefie M., wife of Ira Cashel, of Jackson township; Estella B., wife of Irven Swander, of Jackson township ; and Raymond G., Ida, Ella, Perry H. and Stanley C., all living at home.

Politically Mr. Stemen is a Republican. He is one of the school directors of District No. 4 and gives time and attention to the advancement of the cause of education in his locality. Mr. Stemen was one of the active promoters of the enterprise which resulted in the building of the H. B. Stemen turnpike road, which skirts his farm and is a great public convenience. Both he and his wife are active members of the Elm Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jackson township. Mr. Stemen has been one of the trustees of the church and an official both in the church and Sundayschool.

ADAM L. UHRICH, a well-known enterprising agriculturist of Liberty township, resides on his farm of 40 acres in section 17. He is a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a son of. William and Susan (Myers) Uhrich.

William Uhrich was born April 4, 1815, and was a son of Michael Uhrich and grandson of Michael Uhrich, Sr., who was a native of Germany, and later came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. Michael Uhrich, Jr., was a Pennsylvanian by birth, but moved to Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, which was named after Michael Uhrich, Jr., grandfather of our subject, and is now a town of 10,000 inhabitants.

In 1865, William Uhrich, the father, moved to Liberty township, Van Wert County, and settled on a farm of 80 acres. In the following year he built a log house, which is still standing and occupied by his son Adam ann family. Mr. Uhrich married Susan Myers, by whom he had the following six children, three of whom are living: Belle, who married J. A. Exline and lives in Lima; William, who died in infancy; Adam L., the subject of this sketch; Fletcher Scott, a brakeman on the railroad, who was killed at Pittsburg, February 18, 1904; Ursula, who married Benjamin Smith and died in Texas, on January 19, 1906; and Edward, who lives in Pittsburg. William Uhrich died May 17, 1882, aged 57 years, and his wife died on June 4, 1877, at the age of 45^. William Uhrich had been previously married to a Miss Huston, by whom he had several children, the three survivors being—Marvilla (Scott), who resides in Scott, Ohio; Florenda (Buffington), of Uhrichsville, Ohio; and Jennie (Collins), a resident of Steubenville, Ohio, Another daughter, Catherine, is deceased.

Adam L. Uhrich is one of the best known farmers in Liberty township and was practically raised here, as he was only five years old when his parents settled in this county. He assisted his father in clearing the timber from the land and has done much work of the same kind for other people. During the summer of 1905 he erected a large barn costing about $900 which is 34 by 50 feet in dimensions and has a solid cement floor, laid by Mr. Uhrich himself. Mr. Uhrich was one of the leaders in the

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introduction of pike roads into Liberty township and he himself constructed the first three miles therein.

Mr. Uhrich was married December 2, 1886, to Anna Wolfe, a daughter of David and Catherine Wolfe, and they have become the parents of six children :—John Lawrence, Flossie May, Mary Hazel. Ivy Leola, Edith and William Scott, whose death occurred at the age of 18 months, on February 5, 1905. Mr. Uhrich is a Republican and was elected township trustee by that party, serving from 1901 to 1905. As to his religious connections, he is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church at Wolfe's Corners.

L. E. BEAGHLER, M. D., physician and surgeon at Middlepoint, and a citizen prominent in public affairs, was born in this village March 22, 1872, and is a son of Dr. A. C. and Leah Beaghler.

Dr. A. C. Beaghler, the father, for many years one of the prominent and wellbeloved physicians of Van Wert County, was born at Fremont, Ohio. After completing his primary education in the public schools of that city, he entered upon the study of medicine and subsequently graduated with credit from the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, For a period of to years he practiced medicine at Mendon. Mercer County, Ohio, and then came to Middlepoint, where he remained in active practice for over a quarter of a century, his death occurring December 22, 1895. Both of his sons have adopted his profession, L. E. being well established at Middlepoint, and A. L. being a student in the medical department of the University of Michigan. The mother ofour subject makes her home at Ann Arbor, Michigan.

L. E. Beaghler completed his literary training in the Middlepoint High School and the Western Ohio Normal School at Middlepoint, and, after pursuing a course at the Wooster (Ohio) University into the sophomore year, entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1896. The death of his father recalled him to Middlepoint, where he assumed his father's practice, to which he himself has added many patrons during his decade in the profession.

In 1894 Dr. Beaghler was married to Alice Fisher, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret Fisher, of Middlepoint, and they have three children, . viz. : Margaret Leah, Rachel Madeline and Una Gladys. A picture of Dr. and Mrs. Beaghler and their three daughters accompanies this sketch.

Dr. Beaghler and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Aside from his engrossing professional demands, Dr. Beaghler has not a vast amount of time at command, but occasionally has consented to serve as a member of the Town Council. His fraternal associations are with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

GEORGE W. KETZENBARGER, a prominent and influential farmer residing in section 28, Hoaglin township, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, February 15, 1859. He is a son of Sebastian and Rachel (Cramer) Ketzenbarger, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. Mrs. Ketzenbarger's parents were born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. About 1866 the family removed to Wood County where our subject at-

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tended the public school and developed into manhood. In 1900 he came to Van Wert County and took up his residence on the farm he now occupies, having made many warm friends in the few years of his residence here.

George W. Ketzenbarger has been twice married, his first marriage being with Cora Fisher of Pennsylvania, to whom he was wedded on February 3, 1886, and who is now deceased. On October to, 1900, he was united to Ida V. Sherburn, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, December 4, 1868, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Huddle) Sherburn, who were natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. About 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Sherburn moved from Champaign to Darke County, where they lived some 12 years, at that time coming to Hoaglin township and later moving into Van Wert, where they now reside. They are the parents of eight children, viz.: Thomas; Ida V. (Mrs. Ketzenbarger) ; Edward D., a resident of Scottville, Michigan; Charles E., of Berne, Indiana; Joseph C..; Edith (Mrs. Eustace H. Wisely), of Putnam County; Mary E. (Mrs. Joshua Gillispie), of Berne, Indiana ; and Earl J. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ketzenbarger are members of Pleasant View Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ketzenbarger , is a Democrat. He is deeply concerned in public improvements, having taken an active interest in the good roads movement and worked hard to secure turnpikes.

JOHN KETZENBARGER. One of the old and well established families of Ohio, of German extraction, is that of Ketzenbarger, and a worthy representative of it is found in John Ketzenbarger, who owns a fine farm of 160 acres of valuable land, which is situated in section 28, Hoaglin township, Van Wert County. Mr. Ketzenbarger was born on November 28, 1851, not far from Findlay, in Hancock County, Ohio, and is a son of Sebastian and Rachel (Cramer) Ketzenbarger, and a grandson of Michael and Eve (Stanngy) Ketzenbarger.

In 1835 the grandparents of John Ketzenbarger emigrated from Germany to America. They belonged to the best class of Germans and through their thrift and industry developed a fine farm in Hancock County, Ohio, on which both died.

Sebastian Ketzenbarger was born August 31, 1823, in Germany, and was the only son in his father's family. The latter had been the only son in the grandfather's family. Sebastian was 12 years old when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where his whole life was spent as a farmer and stockraiser. He married Rachel Cramer, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Philip and Christina Cramer. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer were both born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry, and removed to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1830. Mrs. Ketzenbarger had three brothers and one sister, of whom one brother only is living—Daniel Cramer, who lives on his farm eight miles west of Findlay; he is 86 years old, while his wife is 80. The children of Sebastian Ketzenbarger and wife were: [Isabella (Wentz), deceased; John, the subject of this sketch; Andrew, of Wood County, Ohio; Sarah, deceased ; Irena (Fisher), of Ridge township; George W. and Ella (twins), he former a resident of Hoaglin township and he latter deceased in infancy; Oliver, the operator of the home farm; and Mary Ann (Foltz) )f Hoaglin township. Mrs. Sebastian Ketzenbarger was a member of the United Brethren Church. John Ketzenbarger went to school until he as 15 years old, in the meantime assisting his

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father on the farm. The family then removed to Wood County and settled near the present site of North Baltimore, and there our subject resided until 1890, when he came to Van Wert County and settled on a farm of 160 acres, in section 28, Hoaglin township, which he still owns but which is occupied by his son-in-law. Mr. Ketzenbarger farmed this property himself until 1902, when he turned it over to his son-in-law, J. C. Sherburn, who is a very capable farmer. Since then he has resided with his aged father-in-law, in section 21, Union township, the latter being a widower with all his children married and with domestic ties of their own.

On February 22. 1872, Mr. Ketzenbarger was married to Mary Elizabeth Fackler, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, not far from Mansfield, on January 29, 1853. She is a daughter of Henry H. and Nancy (Bear) Fackler. Nancy (Bear) Fackler, mother of Mrs. Ketzenbarger, was born March 14, 1819, near Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, where her father, Henry Bear, owned a fine farm. On this farm he built a stone barn in 1819. This historic barn is a landmark, having been remodeled, a few years ago and still stands as an example of the substantial character of the building of long ago. The father of Henry Bear was a Swiss Waldensian, who emigrated from Switzerland to America, shortly before the Revolutionary War, a member of a colony which came hither to escape religious persecution, willing to give up all the temporal wealth and advantages they had in their own land in order that they might worship according to their belief, in peace and safety.

Mrs. Ketzenbarger's great-grandfather Bear settled near Philadelphia, where he married a lady who was also of Swiss parentage. It is on record that he served faithfully with the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, and after its close settled down to an agricultural life. At the time of his death he owned 12 fine farms in Pennsylvania, one of which, known as the "Mansion Farm," came into the possession of his son Henry, and on that Mrs. Fackler was born. Her brothers and sisters, eight in number, lived to be 60 years of age, two dying young. Her mother lived to be 79 years old but her father died at the age of 54 years. Mrs. Fackler was reared in the Mennonite faith. She was faithful to every duty in life and was beloved for her many Christian traits. She died January 23, 1897.

Henry H. Fackler, father of Mrs. Ketzenbarger, was born near Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on June 23, 1823, and was a son of Abram and Barbara (Hough) Fackler, natives of Pennsylvania. Abram Fackler lived to be 89 years old, while his wife died at the age of 83. Abram Fackler was a son of Wendal Fackler, who was born in Germany and came to Philadelphia when a young man some years before the Revolutionary War. He worked to earn money to bring to America his two brothers, George and Adam Fackler, who after they arrived here served all through the Revolutionary War. Henry H. Fackler holds an old deed as a relic that was made in 1807 by his grandfather, Wendel Fackler, to Abram Fackler, father of Henry H. Fackler, which came into his possession when he settled up his father's estate. Abram Fackler had a fine farm in Pennsylvania and helped his 11 children to homes. He lived to advanced years and became so childish that he did not know his own children, although he never forgot to pray, being always faithful to his Christian duties. The brothers and sister of Henry H. Fackler were 14 in number, of whom 11 lived to be married; five lived to be 82 years old—Mr. Fackler, himself is now nearly 83 and is the only one living of the family. All

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died in Pennsylvania and Ohio but three; of these three, Samuel Fackler and Mrs. Hunsbarger died in Iowa while Wendel Fackler died in South Dakota ; Samuel Fackler had one son who served all through the Civil war and is now 64 years of age. Henry H. Fackler saw both his grandfathers, Fackler and Hough, who served in the Revolutionary War.

When 17 years old, Henry H. Fackler accompanied his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where, on September 7, 1843, he married Nancy Bear. They had eight children, the two survivors of the family being: Mrs. Mary E. Ketzenbarger and Solomon B. Fackler, a resident of Union township. The others were: Emanuel, Leah, Sarah Ann (Fry), Martin and Alice (Young).

Henry H. Fackler owned and cleared an 80acre farm, near Mansfield, in Richland County, Ohio. In 1869 he sold his farm and with his family moved to Wood County, where he bought 200 acres of land and lived thereon for 22 years. In 1891 he again sold and then removed to near Union Center, Van Wert County, where he purchased 240 acres of land. Subsequently he sold 80 of this, but still retains 160 acres. When he came to Van Wert County, he had four married children, all of whom he had assisted to secure homes. He still resides on his farm in section 21, Union township. Although almost 83 years of age, he takes an interest in family happenings and daily reads his Bible, being able to do so without the aid of glasses. He was reared in the faith of the German Baptist Church. All his life he has been a man of sterling character, honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men. He is passing the evening of life honored and respected and carefully looked after by affectionate kindred.

Mr. and Mrs. Ketzenbarger have five children, as follows : Homer, who is a prosperousfarmer in Union township; Herma Irena, who is the wife of C. E. Miller, of Van Wert; Florence Etta, who is the wife of C. E. Sherburn, of Van Wert; Alice, who is the wife of J. C. Sherburn, manager of the Ketzenbarger homestead in Hoaglin township; and Ernest, who is still is school.

Mr. Ketzenbarger is one of the leading and influential Democrats of this section and on numerous occasions he has been called upon to accept positions of responsibility in county and township. In 1897 he was elected a county commissioner and served as such for three years. He also served three terms as treasurer of Hoaglin township, one of these by appointment and two by election. .His public services have been entirely satisfactory to his fellow citizens and his reputation is that of an able, honorable and hardworking official. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Elks, both at Van Wert.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Ketzenbarger belong to families whose prudence, wisdom, industry and success, have given proof of those qualities which make up the very best citizenship of America. For generations they have been homebuilders, have cultivated their own lands and have given support and encouragement to education and religion in every community in which they have lived.

FRANCIS M. BALL, proprietor and operator of the oldest sawmill in Liberty township, also one of the most successful farmers of the locality, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1845, and is the son of James William Ball, who was a wagonmaker by trade.

Mr. Ball was reared and educated in Knox County, Ohio, whither his parents moved when he was still quite small. During his early

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manhood he worked two summers on a farm, subsequently being employed by a firm, for three years, in cutting gun stocks for the United States government. Later he worked in a sawmill, finally entering the business himself in 1874 locating about two and a half miles south of Ohio City. He operated this mill for four years and then moved it into Ohio City. He was the fourth man to locate in Ohio City and is the pioneer sawmill operator of the city, being still engaged in that line—actively and most successfully. In connection with the sawmill business, Mr. Ball owns a well-improved homestead of 73 acres adjoining Ohio City, upon which he conducts general farming and stock-raising.

Francis M. Ball was married (first) in Hardin County, Ohio, to Mary Freeman, and there were four children by this union—Walter H., foreman in a lumber establishment at Urbana, Ohio; Charles D., living at home; Wilford, O., who died at the age of 11 years; and Clara B., wife of William Gloset, of Ohio City. Mrs. Mary Ball died January 1, 1900, and Mr. Ball's second marriage occurred in May, 1904, to Leona Meek.

Mr. Ball served for two terms in a most satisfactory manner, as treasurer of Liberty township; fraternally he is worshipful master of the Ohio City Lodge of Masons, and generally a substantial, faithful and able citizen.

FRANKLIN PIERCE DULL, owner and operator of a fine farm of 120 acres situated in sections 16 and 17, Liberty township, born January 31, 1855, in Willshire township, Van Wert County; and is a son of Lenhart and Susanna (Ream) Dull, a sketch of whom will be found in the biography of James Monroe Dull.

Mr. Dull was reared in Willshire township, receiving his education in the schools of that locality, and in Van Wert County he has spent his entire life engaged in farming. He was married January 6, 1881, to Hattie E. Martin, a daughter of William and Caroline (Fitzsimmons) Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Dull have had eight children, six of whom are living: Curtis Olin, the eldest, was born January 5, 1882, and on August 28, 1889, fell from a beam 18 feet from the floor, dying within 30 minutes of the occident; his father was in Van Wert at the time. Gettis, who was born December 8, 1883, is now in North Dakota where he lives with an uncle. Flossie, who was born January 20, 1886, died October 14, 1887. Edna was born June 25, 1888; Ray, August 24, 1890; Imo, November 4, 1894; Edith, July 1, 1897, and Helen, November 26, 1901. Mr. Dull and family are members of the Lutheran Church.

After his marriage Mr. Dull moved into an old log house, on his present farm, which the family occupied until 1882, when he built a frame house—remodeled in 1895, but on February 4, 1898, entirely destroyed by fire. In the same year Mr. Dull erected the commodious frame residence which he now occupies.

GEORGE W. ROLLER, one of theprosperous farmers of Van Wert County, residing on a welldeveloped farm of 60 acres, situated in section 35, York township, was born in 1862, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Susannah (Fox) Roller.

The father of Mr. Roller was born in Mahoning County, and the mother in Columbiana County, Ohio, the parents moving to Van Wert County in 1865, and settling in York township, in what was then a perfect wilderness. At that time no clearing had been made for a

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mile from their home in any direction, and game was very abundant. Our subject can still recall the fact that a number of years after, when he was old enough to handle a gun, wild turkeys were still plentiful. The father of George W. died September 5, 1865, leaving the widow with a family of children. She still survives, bearing well her weight of 85 years, and makes her home with a daughter in Jennings township. The children of John Roller and wife were : Martha (Mrs. Silas Rice), deceased; Albert J. and Allan F. (twins), the latter of whom died aged 24 years, the former being a farmer in Jennings township, his farm being located in section 31; Joseph M., a resident of Liberty township; Mary Jane (Mrs. Samuel Wentz), of Jennings township; John, of Michigan; George W., of York township; and Harriet, who died in infancy.

During her active years the mother of George W. Roller was a woman of much business capacity. Although she has endured much hardship, she retains her mental strength and much bodily activity, and still attends small social gatherings and church services at Elgin. The venerable lady is a charter member of the United Brethren Church of that town. When her husband died, she possessed 60 acres of uncleared land and a small log cabin, which it took a month to build after the family arrived—and she had little else, except her own ability and courage and a family of .excellent children. She remained on the farm and was assisted in the farm work by her sons ; she still retains this property in her husband's name and our subject rents and operates it. In 1883 the present comfortable home was erected, and in 1890 a substantial barn was added to the improvement of the place. Mr. Roller has always resided on this farm and is counted one of the excellent agriculturists of the township. Under his methods of cultivation the landyields abundantly, his corn usually averaging 60 bushels to the acre.

On January 14, 1886, George W. Roller was married to Anna Black, who is a daughter of William and Margaret (Like) Black, of Jennings township. William Black was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1835, a son of Henry and Susannah (Cary) Black. In 1861 Mr. Black enlisted in Company C, 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served for two years in the 24th Army Corps. Subsequently he reenlisted and his second term of service was concluded when he was honorably discharged on August 23, 1865. Mr. Black continued to farm in Perry County until his removal to Van Wert County, in 1876, and in December, 1889, settled on his present farm in section 7, Jennings township, now owning 50 acres there and 10 acres in section 6. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. On November 8, 1857, in Perry County, Ohio, Mr. Black was married to Margaret Like, who was born there November 13, 1839. They had 11 children, the survivors being: Flora, wife of J. M. Roller; Anna, wife of our subject; Carrie, wife of Henry Barber, of Van Wert County; Ellsworth, of Portland, Oregon ; Eugene, who married Bessie Spohn, of Monticello; and Lawrence, living at home.

Mr. and Mrs. George W. Roller have had five children, namely: Merle, who is a student at Mendon, Ohio ; Floyd, deceased ; Gladys ; Wayne; and Ilo. Mr. and Mrs. Roller are worthy members and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Elgin

ALBERT J. ROLLER, the eldest brother of our subject, who resides on his farm in section 31, Jennings township, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, June 3, 1847, being 16 years of age when his father died and left much of the family responsibility upon his shoulders. Although, on this account, he had fewer educa-

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tional advantages than many others, he developed into a man of sterling character and most excellent judgment. In 1886 he was elected county commissioner and served as such for six years, during this period many most desirable public improvements being made in the county. Among others may be mentioned the building of the jail and the armory, and the digging of 300 ditches. On the Democratic ticket he was also elected trustee, and at the time he was chosen commissioner was serving as justice of the peace.

In 1868 Albert J. Roller was married (first) to Mary Jane Guthrie, who died October 2, 1894, being a daughter of George and Mary J. (Moore) Guthrie. Nine children were born to this union, as follows : Walter, a practicing physician of Willshire; Emory, who is a merchant and business man at Spokane, Washington; Ira, of Willshire, who married Rilda Whittredge, of West Virginia; Ada, wife of Byron Whittredge; Myrtle, wife of Ada Clark; Leota, who married John Hoage, of Pendleton, Indiana ; and Marion, Ernest and Dwight, all residing at home. In 1897 Mr. Roller was married (second) to Nora Longsworth, and to this union have been born these children : Ralph, Alice, Ruth, and Roy and Ray, the two latter being twins.

Prior to settling in Jennings township, until 1875, Mr. Roller resided in York township, and he now is the owner of a wellimproved, very valuable farm of 120 acres, which he has continued to operate to the present time. In many ways he has been one of the most useful men of his township. It was mainly through his efforts that the fine turnpike road was built through the township, which was accomplished without any heavy tax falling upon the citizens. He has also taken a great interest in the building of the public school systemand at various times has served on the School Board, frequently being the president of that body. He is also a member of the Van Wert County Fair Association.

The Roller family is numbered with the hardy pioneers of Van Wert County; for they came to its wild, uncultivated regions when most primitive conditions prevailed. George W. Roller, the youngest of the sons, can remember when all the land in the vicinity of the home was covered by widespreading forest trees, and when a common amusement was the hunting of porcupines, turkeys and raccoons, which ranged over the present sites of the most fertile and valuable farms of York and Jennings townships. These records are worthy of preservation.

HENRY SAUM, an extensive land owner of Van Wert County, has for many years been engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 96 acres—48 acres of which are located in section 6, Washington township, and 48 acres in section 1, Ridge township. He also owns 114 acres in Jackson township. He was born July 14, 1828, and is a son of Adam and Margaret (Miller) Saum.

Adam Saum was born in 1795 in Shenandoah County, Virginia, and was a son of Nicholas Saum, who was born in Germany and came to the United States when 18 years of age. Nicholas Saum first settled near Richmond, Virginia, and later moved to Shenandoah County, that State, where lie was first married. Altogether he was married four times and became the father of 22 children, the father of our subject, Adam Saum, being the youngest. Margaret (Miller) Saum, the

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mother, was a daughter of George Miller, who served during the entire Revolutionary War. During three years of this period he was a captive of the Indians; when he finally escaped he rejoined the patriot army; he was at Valley Forge, during the winter of 177778 and at the siege of Yorktown. For his captain, Mr. Miller had that noted Indian fighter and frontiersman, Daniel Boone. In consideration of his loyal services, the government gave him land where Little York, Pennsylvania, now stands. Adam Saum was reared and educated in Virginia and there was married. In 1826 he came to Ohio, at that time being the father of six children. Later seven more children were born to him. Adam Saum died in 1855 and his wife two years afterward.

Henry Saum, who was the eighth child in his father's family, was practically raised in Knox County, whither his father moved from Licking County when Henry was but three years of age. The father owned a farm of 160 acres in Knox County which he sold in 1845, two years later removing to Van Wert County, where he first bought 80 acres of land. The family occupied a log cabin and the land was principally covered with timber, which necessitated clearing.

In 1853 Henry Saum was married to Rebecca Clendenning, a daughter of John Clendenning, of Van Wert, and by this marriage he had seven children : Antoinette, who married Wesley Johnson, of Ridge township, and has six children; Frank, who lives in Paulding County, where he is the owner of 240 acres of land; Ella, who married David Weaver and died in 1895, leaving four children—two of whom (Amanda and Rill) are living with Henry Saum, the other two being Homer and Nellie; Vasta, who married Ed. Kershaw and died leaving six children; Jennie (Mrs. William Clapper), of Washington township; John, \N ho lives in Paulding County and owns 75 acres of land; and Belle, who died at the age of 16 years. Mrs. Rebecca Saum died in 1875. Mr. Saum's present wife was Mrs. Jennie Potts, widow of Henry Potts and daughter of Thomas and Margaret Redding, who lived in Indiana and died when their daughter was quite young. She had five children by her first husband, namely : Henry Albert, who died aged four years ; James Franklin, who died at the age of 20; Perry Ladoyt, who entered the army ' at the time of the Spanish-American War, and died in the Sternberg Hospital at Macon, Georgia, when 22 years of age, the body being brought home and buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Van Wert; Jesse Lawrence, who lives in Ridge township and is the owner of 40 acres of land ; and one child, who died in infancy. By Mr. Saum's second marriage, he had two children—Reuben and Garfield.

After his first marriage, Henry Saum moved from his father's farm to his present location, where he built a log house, having originally 129 acres of land. He formed a partnership with Messrs. Clendenning and Neff, embarked in the sawmill business and finally lost everything he owned. But, being young and persistent, he started anew and by hard and intelligent work recovered a part of his farm, being now the owner of 202 acres of land. In 1866 he built his present house, which is a large, substantial, brick building. During his younger days he was a cooper by trade and was engaged in this business for about 35 years. Henry Saum is a Mason, being the oldest living member of the Delphos lodge, having been :connected with it for over 40 years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, whose house of worship stands on his farm. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Saum accompany this sketch.

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JOHN KOOGLE, a successful agriculturist of Liberty township, who resides on his welldeveloped farm in section 21, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April _17, 1843, and is the oldest child of Jacob and Ellen (Moss) Koogle.

Jacob Koogle was born in Frederick County, Maryland, and was a son of Jacob Koogle, Sr., who was of German descent and it is thought was a native of Germany, but it is known that he was one of the old settlers of Frederick County, Maryland. Jacob Koogle, the father of John, was born in 1816, and in 1821 was taken by his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where the family settled on a farm of 160 acres. The place is still occupied by his youngest brother, George W. Koogle, who is a bachelor in his 81st year, and his son, Martin L., a brother of John Koogle. Jacob Koogle passed the remainder of his life as a farmer of Richland County and died September 20, 1901, aged 84 years, his wife having preceded him in 1880.

John Koogle was reared on his father's farm in Richland County and has always devoted his time and talents to agriculture. In 1874 he was married in Ashland County, Ohio, to Mary Amanda Scott, a daughter of John and Julia Scott, prominent old residents of the county named. His marriage took place in May, 1874, he and his bride going to Liberty township, Van Wert County, on their wedding trip, and while there buying his present farm, of which he took possession in the following November. In 1870 he had bought 80 acres of timber land in Liberty township, lying just south of his present location, this making a farm of 160 acres, which he retained until 1890, when he sold 40 acres of his first purchase. The "Clover Leaf" Railroad runs through his farm, cutting off about three acres. Mr. Koogle has cleared about 50 acres of the timberland and now has the land in a high state of cultivation. The family first occupied an old, roundlog house, which served as a home for 14 years, but was replaced in 1888, by his present large frame house. Mr. Koogle now has four producing oil wells on the farm, and there still remains about 30 acres of timberland.

Mr. and Mrs. Koogle had two children, both girls. The oldest, Viola L., was born September 14, 1876, and still lives at home; Chloe Alice, born April 22, 1882, was married March 12, 1903, to Ralph Hileman, of Willshire township, and they have one child, Ethyl. Mrs. John Koogle died September 18, 1901.

Mr. Koogle is a stanch Democrat and was elected township clerk by that party, to serve a term of two years. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of Pleasant Grange. His religious connections are with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which he is a deacon.

 JOHN HARPSTER, whose death occurred on March 29, 1891, had long              been a prominent and substantial farmer and citizen of Monterey township, Putnam County, Ohio. He was born June 14, 1828, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of Anthony and Sophia Harpster.

Mr. Harpster was eight years old when his parents moved from Fairfield County to Allen County, where they lived until their death. He was educated in the schools of Allen County and was reared a farmer. There he was married and resided until February, 1852, when he removed to Putnam County. He bought, at first, loo acres of land in Monterey township, and subsequently added to this property until he owned 500 acres in Putnam County. At the time of his death he left 190 acres to his

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widow and bequeathed farms to several of his children. He was a man of unblemished character, with fine business capacity, and was regarded with respect and esteem by all with whom he was associated. He served as trustee of Monterey township. His burial was in Antioch Cemetery, in that township.

On November 22, 1849, Mr. Harpster was united in marriage with Elizabeth McMillen, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 6, 1827, and is a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Ridenour) McMillen. The McMillen were settlers in Allen County in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Harpster had a family of 14 children, namely : Mary Elizabeth, born August 27, 1850, who married Amos Tongs, and died in Monterey township, December 14, 1893; George Washington, born January 17, 1852, who was married (first) to Rosina Stern, and (second) to Arreta Martin, and resides in Putnam County; Susan, born August 21, 1853, who married Martin Wise, and died October 4, 1874; Samuel, born February 23, 1855, who married Elizabeth Lochhead, and resides in Putnam County ; Sophia, born February 8, 1857, who married C. A. Bray and lives in Paulding, Ohio; Sarah Luzina, born February 14, 1858, who married C. A. Bray ; Eliza Jane born February 5, 1860, who married Daniel D. Bailey and lives in Van Wert County; Ida, born April 18, 1862, who married Henry Gudakunst, and died in 1878; Anthony, born November 20, 1864, who died April 4, 1865 ; John Wesley, born in 1865, who died August 21, 1865, aged 5 months and 12 days ; Eva, born March 30, 1867, who married John Gesner and lives in Putnam County ; Carrie Jenettie, born June 15, 1875, who married Robert Martin, and lives in Putnam County; and Minerva Idella, born May 25, 1872, who resides with her mother.

After the death of Mr. Harpster, his widowand daughter moved from the farm to Grove Hill, Paulding County, where they resided for eight years, after which they sold that property, and in August, 1903, settled at Delphos. Although Mrs. Harpster is 78 years of age, the mother of 14 children, 53 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren, she still retains a great deal of her physical strength and all of her mental faculties. In 1904 she sold 160 acres of her land in Putnam County, retaining a 30acre tract, which is very valuable. She is a lady well known and much esteemed in Delphos. Both she and her daughter are valued members of the Christian Church.

GEORGE WILLIAM ZANER, a well-known carpenter and contractor of Van Wert, Ohio, was born in this county, April 5, 1872, and is a son of John A. and Katherine (Shoemaker) Zaner. The father was a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and the mother, of Pennsylvania, being formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits but now residing in Van Wert. Their three children were: George William, of this sketch ; Harry Albert, deceased ; and Rosa Ann, wife of R. J. Whitecraft, of Van Wert.

George William Zaner was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district schools; began to learn the carpenter's trade at the age of 15 years, and was 23 years old when he accompanied his parents to Van Wert. Here he has since been continuously engaged in building and contracting, his work including many residences and the constructing of 17 elevators in this vicinity. As a good, reliable, skillful carpenter and builder, Mr. Zaner commands much custom.

On August 7, 1892, Mr. Zaner was united in marriage with Ora Pearl Welker, who ,was

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born January 25, 1883, and was reared at Delphos, being a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Rhodes) Welker. For several years past —both before and since her marriage—she has resided with Mrs. Wells Wickiser. Mr. and Mrs. Zaner have one son, Raymond. Politically Mr. Zaner is a Republican, and fraternally is connected with the Home Guards of America.

DAVID REED, proprietor of the farm known as "The Hickory Nuts," a wellcultivated tract of 80 acres of valuable land located in section 1, Jackson township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 1, 1855, and is a son of Lemuel and Catharine (Baker) Reed.

Being left fatherless when he was but three years of age, David Reed was carefully reared by a good mother, and taught to be honest and industrious. He attended school during his boyhood, until able to make his own way in the world, and earnestly turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. For a short period after his marriage he continued to live in Fairfield County ; then for a time resided in Pickway County, and thence removed to Fayette County where he lived for 14 years. Afterward he returned to Pickway County, but in the fall of 1894 settled in Jackson township, Van Wert County, where he has since resided, occupying his present fine farm in 1900. Here he carries on extensive agricultural enterprises and raises a large amount of excellent stock.

In 1881 Mr. Reed was married to Amanda Adams, who was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of David Adams, formerly of Fairfield County. Three children have been born to their union—Florence E. ; Mary M. (Mrs. Richard Wyatt), of Paulding County; and Robert L.

Mr. Reed formerly served as school director in Hoaglin township, and has taken a deep and abiding interest in the public schools. He belongs to the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Grover Hill. Politically Mr. Reed is a Democrat, and in the fall of 1905 was elected a trustee of Jackson township for term of three years. In his religious faith he is identified with the Elm Grove Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN A . TOMLINSON, one of the best known farmers of Ridge township, owns a farm of 140 acres in section 21, upon which he resides. He was born in Mercer County, Ohio, October 11, 1848, and is a son of Joseph F. and Mary (Arnold) Tomlinson. The father was born in Madison County and the mother in Fayette County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, John Tomlinson, was one of the early settlers of Mercer County, and, the maternal grandfather, John Arnold, came to Van Wert County and settled in York township.

John A. Tomlinson received a good common school education in Mercer County, and it was not until he had reached his maturity that he located in Van Wert County. Here he was married to Martha E. Gilliland on November 4, 1873. She is a native of Van Wert County and is one of 11 children born to Adam and Sarah (Shaffner) Gilliland, viz : John, a farmer of Ridge township; Julia A., wife of Christian Palmer, of Ridge township; Shaffner M., of Ridge township; Mary F., wife of Hon. Jonas S. Stuckey, of Ridge township: Elizabeth S., wife of Christian Honsted, of Kansas; Samuel B., of Ridge township; Robert of Ridge township ; Martha E.; and three who are deceased. Adam Gilliland was a native of Maryland, and his wife, of Pennsylvania. Both

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have passed to the higher life, but they have left enduring memories enshrined in the hearts of those who knew them. Coming to Ridge township at an early day, they took a leading part in the work of building up and advancing the general welfare of the public, and were honored and esteemed by all.. Mr. Gilliland, who was a "War" Democrat, was trustee of Ridge township for many years and also served as assessor.

Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson are the parents of eight children, namely : Mabel F., wife of William E. Poe, of Ridge township; Edward L., of Ridge 'township; Lulu, wife of Samuel Sherrick, of Allen County; Bertha S., wife of Arthur Pollock, of Columbus, Ohio; Wilma 1\I., who lives with her parents ; Clarence A., who is also living at home; and two that died in childhood. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Tomlinson is a Republican and has served as clerk of the township three terms. He is at present an efficient member of the township School Board.

LEWIS SWITZER, a progressive agriculturist of Liberty township, resides in section 21, on a farm of 80 acres, which he keeps in a state of high cultivation and which has been made valuable because of the discovery on it of oil and gas. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 13, 1846, and is a son of Frederick and Catharine (Moser) Switzer. His father was also born in Richland County, a son of Frederick Switzer, Sr., who was a native of Switzerland, where he was reared, educated and married. He emigrated to America and located in Richland county, being one of its pioneers and one of its most prominent farmers. It is an interesting fact that he built the first blockhouse in Richland County, to be used in fighting the Indians.

Frederick Switzer, the father of Lewis, obtained his education in the district schools, and remained on the home farm assisting his father until he reached his majority. In 1858, after his marriage, he moved to Van Wert County and settled on a farm of 40 acres. During the Civil war he served in Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Finfrock. His regiment was engaged in many battles of the first year's conflict; after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, he became ill, dying in the General Hospital in Mississippi, in June, 1862. His wife passed away in 1866.

Lewis Switzer. spent his early boyhood days in Richland County, and when 11 years of age his parents moved to Liberty township, where he obtained the greater part of his education and has always been engaged in farming. In July, 1872, he was married to Catharine Hitesman, a daughter of David and Catharine Hitesman, the former a native of Jersey, and the latter of Clermont County, Ohio. In 1864 Mr. Switzer enlisted in Company I, 139th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, the injuries received in the service bringing him a pension of $17 per month.

Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have reared to maturity seven children, namely : David, who married Catharine South, lives on part of the home farm, and is the father of two children—Leona Jane and Floyd; Jennie; Orlida C., wife of Jacob Rader, of Liberty township, and the mother of one child (Asa McKinley Spray) by her first marriage with the late Arthur Spray; Mary, who lives at home; Eva, who married . Naaman King and lives in Rockford, Mercer County; and John and Charles, who reside at home.

For many years Mr. Switzer lived on a

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farm of 13 acres, about four miles northwest of his present home, where he built a store which he conducted successfully for many years. In 1890 he sold the store and bought a farm of 80 acres in sections 17 and 20, which has since been his homestead. He is also the owner of three lots in Ohio City, and has three producing oilwells and one gaswell in operation on his farm. Mr. Switzer has served his township in a number of offices, having been for many years supervisor and school director of Liberty township. His religious membership is with the Lutheran Church, and politically he is a Republican.

JAMES SEITZ, who resides on a highly cultivated and wellimproved farm of 160 acres in section 5, Washington township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 4, 1858, and is a son of Andrew Jackson Seitz, who still resides in the above named township.

James Seitz has lived the greater part of his life in Washington township, and in April, 1901, was married to Mrs. Eva (Reeder) Armstrong, widow of Adam Armstrong. Mrs. Seitz was born in Tippecanoe City, Ohio, the only child of George and Rebecca (Manner) Reeder. Mr. Reeder was a farmer, who in 1862 moved to a place near Delphos, where for a time he farmed, and then entered the service of the Union Army, in which he died. His widow was subsequently married to John Hepfer, by whom she became the mother of these three children : Lida, now deceased, who married William Jewell ; John, who died aged four years: and Melvin, who died at the age of nine months. The father died in December, 1905, but his widow is still living at Delphos.

Mrs. Seitz was married to Adam Armstrong April 19, 1882, and by him had eight children : Etta, who was married to William Gattshall in October, 1905, and lives in Washington township; Chester; Rosa, who died at the age of eight years; Bessie; Otis, who died aged five years; Frances; Hazel, who died at the age of three; and Nelson. Mr. Armstrong died April 20, 1897.

Mrs. Seitz owns the fine farm of 160 acres on which the family now reside, and she and her children are all members of the Lutheran Church at Middlepoint.

JOHN W. SHUMAKER, superintendent of the Van Wert County Infirmary, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 8, 1850, and is one of a family of nine children born to his parents, John and Rebecca (Beery) Shumaker—farming people and natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Mr. Shumaker was reared on his father's farm, and in his boyhood attended the schools of Fairfield County. In 1888 he came to Van Wert County, Ohio, where he has carried on farming ever since. In 1900 he was made superintendent of the County Infirmary, which comprises a tract of 320 acres of land. Mr. Shumaker manages this large acreage to the entire satisfaction of the residents of the county, having five men in his employ. At present :here are 36 inmates cared for on the farm, and :heir comfort and wellbeing is carefully at:ended to by Mr. Shumaker.

On August 12, 1869, John W. Shumaker married Laura A. Baker, who is a daughter of Amos Baker, of Lancaster, Ohio, and they lave a family of four sons and one daughter. James W. Shumaker, the oldest, married Nancy Hickman, of this county, resides m

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North Baltimore, Ohio, where he has charge of a large stonequarry, and is the father of one child, Wilma Helen; John A. married Anna Clapper, of Van Wert County, resides on a farm near Middlepoint and has three children —Floyd, Esther and Willie; Eli married Metha Bell, of Van Wert, lives in Middlepoint and has two children—Arthur and Lucile; Frank married Lillie Quackenbush, of Van Wert County, and resides in Washington township on a farm, their two children being Carl and Marjorie; Maude, wife of W. S. Johnson, of Van Vert County, resides on a farm in Ridge township, and is the mother of three children—Valera, Harold and John Franklin (an infant son). The family of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Shumaker belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Shumaker is identified with the Republican party.

GEORGE EMERSON LICHTY, a well known citizen and prosperous farmer of Liberty township, residing on his farm of 80 acres in section 26, was born in Hoaglin township, Van Wert County, April 17, 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Fikner) Lichty.

Jacob Lichty and his. wife were both born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His father, who was a native of Switzerland, upon coming to this country located first in Pennsylvania; later he moved to Stark County, Ohio, when his son, Jacob, was still a small child. Jacob Lichty was therefore practically reared and educated in Stark County. Here he was married to Sarah Fikner. Later they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they remained for several years. To this union were born seven children, only three of whom are living. The record is as follows : John, who died in the Civil war, who was member of Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. W. C. Scott, and later under Capt. W. T. Exline; Mary (Mrs. Tobias Koogle) deceased; Jacob, who lived in Rockford, Mercer County, where he died in 1902; Sarah, who died at the age of 12 years; Benjamin, who lives in Mercer County; George Emerson; and Alice, who married James Shingeldecker and lives in Rockford. The two youngest children were born in Van Wert County; the others in Seneca County. Jacob Lichty is still living and resides in Rockford, Mercer County, and although past 88 years of age retains the strength and mental vigor of a man many years his junior.

George E. Lichty was reared and educated in his native county. Here he has always lived, devoting his time to the development of his wellimproved farm, which he bought, and on which he located shortly after his marriage, on October 3, 1877, to Celia Overholt, a daughter of Sanson and Elma Overholt. Mrs. Lichty died February 18, 1906. They had 10 children, of whom the eldest died in infancy, unnamed. The remaining nine, seven of whom are now living, are as follows : Olney, who died August 30, 1897, aged 17 years ; Bessie, who married George Umbaugh, of Ohio City, and has two children—Carol and Della May; Ida, who married Wesley Skinner and lives in Ohio City; Cora, who married Charles Krugh, of Ohio City, and has one child—Fredda; Goldie; Ora; Roy; and Don and Von (twins) the latter deceased at the age of six weeks. For many years the family lived in a house built of hewn logs. In 1906 the fine large frame house, which the family now occupy, was erected. Mr. Lichty and family are all members of the Church of God, of Liberty township, of which he is also one of the trustees.

When Mr. Litchy was about 45 years old,

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he had a cancer develop on his lower lip. He treated with many doctors, and at last was given a remedy by one of the many he had consulted, which completely cured him. He has since made this disease a study, and now guarantees to cure any case of cancer, and makes this business a specialty. It is his intention to establish at his country home, in the near future, a hospital for the cure of cancer. He has an ideal location for such a hospital, with his large, modern house, and fresh country air such as could not be found in the environs of a city.

JEREMIAH EAST, a progressive farmer of Washington township, who resides on a fine farm of 124 acres which is situated in sections 16 and 21, was born in German township, Allen County, Ohio, on April 12, 1852, and is the oldest son of Abraham and Jane (McMillen) East.

Abraham East, the father, was born in Pennsylvania, his grandfather, John East, being a Hessian soldier who was brought to America from Germany, during the Revolutionary War, and who later settled in Pennsylvania. When quite small Abraham came from Pennsylvania with his parents and located in Allen County. There he was reared' and married to Jane McMillen, daughter of James W. McMillen. The father of Mrs. Abraham East was of Irish descent. He was engaged in farming in Pennsylvania, later moved to Knox County, Ohio, and finally located in Allen County, where he lived until the time of his death.

In the spring of 1863 Abraham East moved from Allen County to Washington township, Van Wert County. and bought 120 acres of land. He increased the original tract until atthe time of his death, in 1870, he owned 242 acres. The deceased had nine children, of whom Jeremiah was the oldest son, the family in the order of birth being as follows : Mary Elmira (Grant), now deceased; Martha Matilda (Morris), of Jackson township; Rhuhama Jane (Freeman), who lives in Leipsic, Ohio; Jeremiah, subject of this sketch; Isaiah, who resides in Allen County; Florence M., who died at the age of 27 years; John William, a sketch of whom will be found in this work; Ada May (Rice), of Washington township; and Catherine, who died aged 13 years.

Jeremiah East came to Van Wert County with his father when he was 10 years old, and as the land was mostly covered with timber, he assisted in clearing it; consequently his education was such as could be obtained during the winter months. In 1880 he was married to Elizabeth Snodgrass, daughter of Samuel Snodgrass, of Ridge township, and they are the parents of one child—Blanchard Wilbert, who was born January 31, 1882, and lives at home. Mrs. East died March 26, 1886. Mr. East is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church, of Bethel, Washington township.

ISAIAH MERICLE, a representative farmer and wellknown and respected citizen of Jackson township, resides on a wellcultivated farm of 80 acres which he owns in section 1, and which he has occupied for the past nine years. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, December 13, 1858, and is a son of George and Barbara (Beery) Mericle.

The parents of Mr. Mericle were born in Ohio, the grandparents on both sides of the family having been early settlers in Hocking County. Mr. Mericle has one sister, Sarah,

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who is the wife of John E. Gillespie, a resident of Jackson township; a brother, Noah, resides at Grover Hill, and another sister, Margaret, wife of Jacob Slane, lives in Paulding County. In 1860 George Mericle, the father, removed with his family to Jackson township, where he lived until a few years before his death, which occurred at the village of Grover Hill, in May, 1901. His widow still resides there, she and her husband having retired from the farm shortly before his death., The deceased was deeply mourned by the entire community.

As an infant Isaiah Mericle came with his parents to Jackson township, and here he was reared and educated. All his business life has been concerned with agricultural pursuits, and he is considered one of the township's most excellent farmers, his land being carefully cultivated, well managed and productive of handsome returns.

On October 17, 1881, Mr. Mericle was married to Mary C. Gusler, who was born in Paulding County, Ohio, and is a daughter or George Gusler, an early settler of that county. The seven children born to this marriage are: Stella, George F., Warren B., Cleo, John H., Lewis and Carrie. In politics Mr. Mericle is a Republican, as was his father. The latter was a member of Mount Tabor United Brethren Church in Jackson township. Our subject belongs to the Church of Christ at Grover Hill, and fraternally is a member of the lodge of Odd Fellows at the same place.

LARK ROEBUCK, whose death took place in November, 1903, was one of the most progressive farmers of Liberty township, and lived on a farm of 80 acres situated in section 27. He was born in Mercer County, Ohio, December 24, 1871, a son of Ruel and Catherine (Harb) Roebuck, his father being one of the oldest residents and most prominent farmers of the county named.

Clark Roebuck was the third of a family of seven children, was reared and educated in Mercer County, and always gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. On November 25, 1893, he was married to Irene Custer, a daughter of Milton and Sarah (Hoghe) Custer. Mrs. Roebuck's father was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, and was a son of Peter Custer, one of its pioneer farmers. Milton Custer died in 1888; his wife still resides in Liberty township.

After his marriage, Clark Roebuck rented a farm in Mercer County, where he lived until 1900, when he bought the tract of 80 acres now operated by his widow. Moving the old house from the farm, in the summer of 1903 he built the large frame residence which the family now occupy. Mr. and Mrs. Roebuck had three children, namely: Forrest, born August 13, 1894: Violet, born July 6, 1898; and Leona, born October 18, 1901, who died July 8, 1903.

Mr. Roebuck's death was the result of a most peculiar accident. While engaged in stretching a fence, one of the posts gave way, throwing him in such a manner as to break his neck. At the time of his decease, he was one of the leading members of the Mount Olive Christian Union Church; was also superintendent of its Sundayschool, and at one time ruling elder and financial elder of the church.

Mrs. Roebuck is still living on the farm which she is operating in a most successful manner. She has nine producing oilwells on the land. Mrs. Roebuck is also an honored member of the Mount Olive Christian Union Church.

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OLIVER KOOGLE, one of the most representative farmers and dairymen of of Liberty township, who owns 120 acres of fine land in section 14, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, November 27, 1846, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Swoveland) Koogle.

Daniel Koogle was born in Frederick County, Maryland, and was a son of Jacob Koogle. The latter was a slaveowner in Maryland and truly an unusual one; for he never sold a slave, and when he decided to move into a free state he gave liberty to all his human chattles. This removal was made in 1819 and the family settled in Richland County, now the western part of Ashland County, Ohio, Daniel being at that time a lad of five years. He located with his father in the cabin formerly occupied by the Seymour family who had been massacred by the Indians —the first people brave enough to take up their resident in a place which had been the scene of so terrible a casualty. They lived there for one year and then purchased a farm of 160 acres located about one mile west of the Ashland County line, in Richland County. This farm is still held in the Koogle name and is owned and occupied by an uncle of our subject.

Daniel Koogle lived in Ashland and Richland counties from the time he was five years old until the year 1854. During the last eight years of his residence in Richland County he followed threshing, and owned the first grain separator ever used in the county named. He was married in Richland County and in 1854 came to Van Wert County and took up his home on a 160acre tract of timberland which is still owned by his heirs, having paid $800 for this property in 1852. Prior to settling here, he had made three trips to the county—twice on horseback and once on foot—and his first entering of land had been 80 acres, which he sold when he bought the property in Liberty township.

Daniel Koogle's wife was formerly Susan Swoveland; they had three children, namely : Tobias, who lives at Findlay, Ohio; George who died aged five years ; and Oliver, the subject of this sketch. Daniel Koogle died in Van Wert County, in June, 1894, but his venerable widow is still living, having passed her 89th birthday on February 3, 1906.

Oliver Koogle was eight years of age when his parents moved to Van Wert County and thus, for all practical purposes, may well claim to be a native of this section of the State. After completing his schooling, he assisted on the home farm until he took charge of his own property in Liberty township. He carries on general farming, making specialties of wheat and potato crops, and is largely concerned in the dairying business, breeding his own thoroughbred Guernsey cows and having a large bottled milk trade. Mr. Koogle is also the local agent for the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association, of Van Wert. Like his father, he is a member of the Odd Fellows, the former, prior to his death, having been associated with the fraternity for over 40 years.

Oliver Koogle was married (first) on November 30, 1871, to Sarah Ann Wise,. of Van Wert County, who died September 26, 1873. He was married (second} to Sarah Elizabeth Le Blond, who was born November 6, 1856, at Celina, M_rcer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Christopher and Charlotte (Cooper) Le Blond. The mother of Mrs. Koogle died when she was quite small, and she was reared by her grandmother. Mrs. Sarah Cooper. Her father, a carpenter by trade, made his home with his soninb.. Oliver Koogle, and died in 1885. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Koogle were : Myrtie Ann,

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born January 14, 1878; who married C. L. Shaffer, superintendent of the schools of Ohio City, and who died in May, 1904; Clyde Perry, born March 7, 1879, who married Ilda Morehouse and resides in Defiance County, Ohio, the father of one son—Franklin Le Blond; Ottis O., born September 4, 1880, who married Maud Small, is the father of one child (Cecil Elizabeth) and resides in Chicago, where he is the advertising manager for a large maiIorder house; Charles Le Blond, born October 1, 1884, who married Eva Hirt; and Kathryn Miranda, born September 20, 1894. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Koogle accompany this sketch.

JAMES C. REED, a representative citizen of Van Wert County, located on his farm of 160 acres in section 36, Hoaglin township, early in 1863. His parents, Robert and Rebecca (Conner) Reed, were natives of Virginia, as was our subject who was born in Augusta County, August 4, 1824. In 1849 the family moved from Virginia to Delaware County, Ohio, where both parents died.

Mr. Reed was educated in the subscription schools of his native county, as a young man accompanying his parents to Delaware County, where he 'remained until his removal to Van Wert County in 1863. Here he secured a tract of 160 acres which by hard and persistent labor he cleared and placed under excellent cultivation. For many years the family occupied a hewedlog cabin, which gave place some years ago to the present frame dwelling. Mr. Reed is a capable and hard working farmer, and merits the success which has attended his efforts.

James C. Reed was married November 25, 1859, to Margaret C. Waldron, a daughter of

George Waldron and a native of Delaware County. Seven children blessed this union, viz.: Martha, wife of Alonzo Ireland, of Ridge township; Allie, widow of William Frye and a resident of Jackson township; George R., of Ridge township; James A., also of Jackson township; Lillie, wife of J. C. Bell, who lives in the State of Washington ; Melburn A., of Hoaglin township; and Eva Ann, who died at the age of two years. Mrs. Reed was called to the home beyond on March 30, 1904, and her death was deeply deplored, not only in the home and circle of friends, but in the church of which she was so active a supporter. Both she and Mr. Reed were members of Grace: Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jackson township, Mr. Reed being a trustee in that organization for many years. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of the northeastern section of the county.

ALLEN LEIST, who has been engaged in farming in Ridge township for more than 25 years, in 1893 moved to his present farm of 65 acres in section 10. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, December 7, 1842, and is a son of Elias and Maria (Baxter) Leist, who died there several years ago. The father was a native of Fairfield County, and the mother of Allen County, Ohio. Allen Leist received such educational advantages as were accorded the boys of his district and times, attending the old log schoolhouse, which afforded little luxury and where knowledge was gained only by hard study. He then commenced farm work and followed :hat occupation in Allen County until 1880, when he came to Van Vert County and for many years lived in the northeast corner of

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Ridge township, where he was a very successful agriculturist. About 13 years later he purchased his present farm, which he has raised to a high state of fertility.

Mr. Leitz was married April 3, 1863, to Almira Ditto, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Richard W. Ditto, of West Virginia. Ten children blessed this union, namely : William A.; John F.; Marion A.; James W.; Hattie T. (Mrs. J. E. Long) ; Izilla (Mrs. Ernest Powell) ; Nelson; Ruth (Mrs. Frank Herminghuysen) ; Ethel (Mrs. Charles Berget) ; and Gideon M., deceased. Except Nelson, who lives in Florida, Henry County, the children are all residents of Van Wert County. In October, 1899, the family suffered an irreparable loss in the death of the wife and mother, whose life of unselfish devotion is a blessed and undying memory—not only to the family, but to her innumerable friends. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her life guide was the gentle Nazarene. Mr. Leist is also a member of that church and is an active worker, being steward, trustee and class leader. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE LEWIS, a representative agriculturist whose farm is located in section 30, Pleasant township, Van Wert County, was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 29, 1842, and is a son of James E. and Nancy (Bone) Lewis. The father, who was a native of the State of New York, when about 8 years of age moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, which was his home for several years. He then settled in Butler County, married Nancy Bone, a native of the county named, and later moved to Clinton County, Ohio. There he lived until 1870, when he came to Van Wert County and located in York township, where he died in 1890, in the 78th year of his age. Four children survive him, viz.: George; Walter, of York township; Ford, of Celina, Ohio; and Anna, wife of William A. Ayers, of Mount Vernon, Indiana.

George Lewis was reared in Butler County where, on August 2o, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 35th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was in the 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, under General Thomas. Mr. Lewis was made a corporal and took part in many of the fierce encounters and minor skirmishes of the war, among them being the battles at Millspring, Shiloh, Perryville, Mission Ridge, and Chickamauga, at the last named place receiving a wound in the left hand which for a time incapacitated him for service. Recovering, he was placed in the Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, and received an honorable discharge in 1864.

In the meantime Mr. Lewis parents had taken tip their residence in Clinton County, where he himself now located, engaging in farming there until 1870, when he came to Van Wert County and became similarly employed. That he is successful is no doubt due to the fact that he has not only been industrious and persevering, but also progressive in his methods, and does not deem it necessary to follow in the old ruts when his common sense tells him a new way might prove the better.

Mr. Lewis has been twice married, first, in Clinton County, in 1868, to Beulah Smith, by whom he has one daughter—Mrs. Joseph M. Warren, of Pleasant township. His second marriage was to Maria Devoe, who has borne him two children—Susan and Edwin M., both of whom live at home. Mr. Lewis is a member of W. C. Scott Post, No. loo, G. A. R., at Van Wert. In his public capacity he has served as justice of the peace for six years, member of the School Board for several

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years, and was at one time the Republican candidate for State Senator. His prominent identification with the agricultural element is evidenced by the fact that he is a member of Van Wert Grange, No. 81, Patrons of Husbandry; was formerly master of Pleasant Grange, No. 399; is a director of the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association of Van Wert County; was president of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society for eight years; was overseer of the Ohio State Grange two years; and was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for four years.

NATHANIEL PERHAMUS settled on his farm in section 34, Hoaglin township, in the spring of 1876 and is one of the best known agriculturists of Van Wert County. He was born in the neighboring county of Allen on February 28, 1845, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Bope) Perhamus, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania.

When a lad of 12 years, Daniel Perhamus struck out for himself, coming to Defiance County, Ohio, where he worked for a number of years. Later he went to Indiana, but after a time returned to Ohio and settled in Allen County, where he was married and where his wife died. In the early '60's he moved to Van Wert County and located in Ridge township, where he died in 1872. He was twice married.

Nathaniel Perhamus enlisted in Allen County in April, 1863, in Company E, 151st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for the 100day service. He took part in a two days' skirmish in Maryland and also fought in a number of battles in that State as well as in Pennsylvania and Virginia. His father in the meantime moved to Van Wert County, and Mr. Perhamus came here from the army. He remained in Ridgetownship for a number of years before locating in Hoaglin township, where he purchased 80 acres of wooded land, which he has developed into his present highly cultivated farm. ,

Mr. Perhamus was married October 23, 1875, to Harriet Gardner, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 25, 1846, and is a daughter of Reuben C. and Susan L. (Mirick) Gardner, both of New Jersey. John M. and Sears R. Gardner, of Van Wert County are brothers of Mrs. Perhamus. Four of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Perhamus are living, viz.: Margaret H., wife of William Lewis; John W., who married Alta Baser and resides on the farm ; George W.; and Lottie—all of Hoaglin township.

Our subject and his wife are members of the Fairview United Brethren Church, of which he is trustee and in which they are active workers. He is a prominent member of W. C. Scott Post, No. 100, G. A. R., of Van Wert and in politics is a Republican.

JACOB SCHAFFER, who owns a farm of 220 acres in section 3, Hoaglin township, and is one of the prosperous and influential agriculturists of the county, was born February 12, 1856, in Bavaria, Germany, which was also the birthplace of his parents, Weighant and Barbara (Weidenbach) Schaffner. In 1872 with their family they took passage for America, at Havre, France, reaching port in New York 14 days later, and at once came to Shelby County, Ohio, where they lived for a number of years. Later the parents removed to Alabama, where they resided a short time before locating in Hoaglin township, Van Vert County. Here they resided until their death, the mother passing away in June, 1895, and the father in February, 1897.

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Jacob Schaffner lived in "Shelby County about 14 years and even at that time was known as a successful farmer. In 1886 he came to Van Wert County and settled on the. farm now occupied by him, but which then was a woodland tract. He now owns 220 acres, 120 of which comprise the homestead. In acquiring and improving his property he worked hard and practiced habits of strict economy, denying himself many necessities, and living in a log house until 1904, when he moved into his commodious, new residence where in a convenient, modern home, he will en joy the fruits of his many years of. industry.

Mr. Schaffner was married December 26, 1880, to Margaret Schaffer, who was born June 7, 1856, in Alsace—Lorraine, and is a daughter of John and Margaret (Ham) Schaffer. Her parents were also natives of Alsace, which was at that time a province of France, but which now belongs to the German Empire. The mother died there in 1876, after which, with her father and one brother, Margaret Schaffer emigrated to America. The family settled in Shelby County, Ohio, where Margaret met and married Mr. Schaffner. Seven children have blessed this union—Maggie, Emil M., Spohia M., John W., Weighant, Martha and Walter. They are members of St. Peter's Reformed Evangelical Church, at Van Wert, and are consistent Christians: In politics Mr. Schaffner is a Democrat.

REV. ENOCH F. GAMBLE, proprietor of one of the leading undertaking establishments of Van Wert, and a retired minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Ridge township Van Wert County, Ohio, December 9, 1861, and is a son of William Wilson and Mary A. (Thomas) Gamble, both old settlers of the county, and a grandson of Robert Gamble.

Robert Gamble, who was a native of Ireland, came to America when 12 years old with his parents, who located in Carroll County, Ohio. He died in Van Wert County when about 100 years old.

William Wilson Gamble was born in Carroll County, Ohio, but removed to Van Wert County with his parents when quite young. To Mr. and Mrs. Gamble were born eight children, namely : Rosa (Zook) ; Etta (Dustman), lives in Ridge township; Ken; Bessie (Leathers), of York township; Bert, of York township; May (Hoover), of Hoaglin township; Isabelle, who died at the age of eight years, and Enoch F., of this sketch.

Enoch F. Gamble was reared and received his early education in Ridge township, later in 1883, attending the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he took a three years' course. He then entered the school at Delaware, Ohio, but in two weeks was stricken with typhoid fever and was compelled to abandon his studies. After returning to Van Wert County, he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his first charge being in the Dixon circuit, where he remained three years. He was then called to Convoy for two years, and then to Middlepoint for five years; his last pastorate, in Elida, lasted for three years, when he was compelled to give up the ministry on account of throat trouble. Mr. Gamble returned to Middlepoint and established an undertaking business, which he carried on successfully for about three years, until March, 1906, when he moved to Van Wert. He is now located at No. 115 South Washington street. While compelled to abandon the ministry, he still retains a license to preach and often officiates at funerals and weddings.