DUKE 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 
 LIBRARY 
 

 
 
 
A TWENTIETH CENTURY 
 
 » i 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 OHIO 
 
 A NARRATIVE ACCOUNT OF ITS HISTORICAL PROGRESS 
 ITS PEOPLE AND ITS PRINCIPAL INTERESTS 
 
 By MINNIE ICHLER KOHLER 
 
 OF KENTON 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 VOL. II 
 
 THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 CHICAGO 
 1910 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/twentiethcentury21kohl 
 
9 7 7, / V- f 
 
W. A. Norton.— One of Kenton ’s most prominent business represen- 
 tatives is found in W. A. Norton, the president of the Kenton Savings 
 Bank, the treasurer of the Home Savings and Loan Company of Kenton, 
 the president of the Kenton Gas and Electric Company and the vice 
 president of the Kenton Telephone Company. The Home Savings and 
 Loan Company is one of the substantial concerns of Hardin county, and 
 Mr. Norton has been associated with it in his present capacity since its 
 organization. 
 
 He was born at Marseilles in Wyandot county, Ohio, December 17, 
 1852, a son of Anson and Rachel (Hooker) Norton, and through Anson 
 and Joel Norton, his grandfather and great-grandfather, he traces de- 
 scent to Thomas Norton of Saybrook, Connecticut, son of Thomas of 
 Guilford, England, who with his wife and children emigrated to America 
 in 1639. The grandmother. Lucretia (Woodruff) Norton, daughter of 
 David Woodruff, was descended from Mathew Woodruff, one of the early 
 Connecticut colonists. Anson Norton, Jr., born at Sharon in Litchfield 
 county, Connecticut, moved to Livingston, New York, in 1837, and ten 
 years afterward, in 1847, he came to Marseilles, Ohio. He was a mer- 
 chant during the greater part of his active life. In 1864 he located 
 with his family in Kenton, where he continued his mercantile interests 
 for a number of years, but finally turned his attention to the buying of 
 wool and insurance, and was thus engaged until his death on the 14th 
 of February, 1903. He was born in May. 1828. and on the 5th of Feb- 
 ruary, 1852, in Marseilles, he had married Rachel Hooker, a daughter 
 of Henson and Susanah (Young) Hooker, and a granddaughter on the 
 maternal side of George Young, a Revolutionary soldier who lived to the 
 remarkable age of one hundred and six years and was then laid to rest 
 in Marseilles. His native state was Maryland. W. A. was the first 
 born and only son of the children of Anson and Rachel Norton, and the 
 four daughters are: Emma C., wife of Henry J. Miller, a shoe merchant 
 in Kenton ; Mary A., wife of B. F. Schultz of Kenton ; Louie Bell, who 
 became the wife of Elmer E. Gear and lived at Springfield. Ohio, until 
 her death in February 1891, and she left one son, Anson William Gear, 
 who resides with his uncle, W. A. Norton ; and Maud, who died when 
 only two years old. 
 
 W. A. Norton was a lad of eleven when the family home was estab- 
 lished in Kenton, and thus from an early age he has been identified with 
 its interests and upbuilding. He was the first boy to graduate from the 
 Kenton public schools, graduating in the year of 1871, and then until 
 the 15th of July, 1878, he was associated with his father in the dry 
 goods business. At that time he accepted the assistant cashiership of 
 the Kenton Savings Bank, while in 1886 he became the bank’s cashier, 
 and since 1905, has been its president. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and 
 
 445 
 
 Vol. II— 1 
 
446 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 a Republican in his political affiliations. He has often been called upon 
 for committee work, but the greater part of his time is devoted to his 
 business interests.. On the 5th of December. 1905, at Columbus. Ohio, 
 he was married to Mrs. Lula Carpenter, widow of Eugene G. Carpenter, 
 formerly of that city, and a daughter of Joseph McCormick of Mt- 
 Yernon, Ohio. 
 
 Dr. II. S. Lehr, a retired educator, of Ada, Ohio, and the founder 
 and ex-president of the Ohio Northern University of Ada, was born in 
 Oldtown, Mahoning county, Ohio, March 8, 1838. He is a son of George 
 and Saloma (Lesig) Lehr, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born 
 in Allentown, in 1795. At the age of seventeen years George Lehr 
 enlisted in the war of 1812, serving as a lifer, and when he returned 
 organized a company of militia, becoming captain and later brigadier 
 general. The company attended the memorial exercises of John Adams 
 and Thomas Jefferson. In 1837 they came to Oldtown, then in Trum- 
 bull but now in Mahoning county, Ohio, thence to Stark county and later 
 to Wayne county. In the last-named county George Lehr engaged in 
 weaving and manufacturing. He died in 1873, at the age of seventy- 
 nine years. His father, Ulrich Lehr, was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
 was a farmer. He enlisted three times for service in the American 
 revolution ; his grandson, Dr. Lehr, had a flag carried by him in his 
 service, which he presented to the Ohio Northern University, where it is 
 now. Ulrich Lehr carried this flag at the battles of Brandywine, Ger- 
 mantown and Monmouth, where he was slightly wounded; he died in 
 Pennsylvania. His father was a soldier in the German army, and Dr. 
 Lehr has a furlough which was granted during his service, dated 1727. 
 
 George Lehr’s wife was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, of 
 German and English descent. They had twelve children, of whom Dr. 
 Lehr is the eleventh. His boyhood days were spent in Ohio, and he 
 began working at the age of eight years, making quills, and worked on 
 a farm until the fall of 1854, when he began teaching, continuing until 
 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 but was rejected. He enlisted a second time in the Forty-second Ohio, 
 but was again rejected. He enlisted in 1862 in Company G, Eighty- 
 sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in 1864 reenlisted in the One ITfun- 
 dred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until May 
 20, 1865. He served in the ranks as a private. 
 
 At the close of the war Dr. Lehr read medicine about four months 
 and began teaching in the winter of 1865, in Stark county, Ohio. In the 
 spring of 1866 he traveled through the state in search of a suitable 
 location in which to establish a school for the common people, and eventu- 
 ally founded what is now the Ohio Northern University, although it has 
 been known by several other names, the first institution being a select 
 school; it then became known at the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, 
 then the Ohio Normal University. Dr. Lehr was president of this insti- 
 tution until July, 1902, when he resigned, and has since assisted in 
 organizing a number of schools, although he has retired from active life. 
 
 Dr. Lehr is one of the prominent and successful educators of Ohio, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 447 
 
 and although he has retired, his work is well remembered, and will leave 
 a lasting impression. He installed many modern methods, and was 
 untiring in his services in the cause of education. In 1891 he was 
 superintendent of public schools and president of the normal, teaching 
 seven hours a day. The largest annual enrollment during the time he 
 was at the head of the school was three thousand three hundred and forty- 
 nine. He has also served a long time as superintendent of a Sunday 
 school, and takes an active interest in every movement for the public 
 welfare and advancement. Dr. Lehr is a stanch Republican, and works 
 hard in the interests of his party. He claims that the most just tax is 
 a graduated income tax. 
 
 On October 30, 1866, Dr. Lehr married Albina Hoover, of Stark 
 county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. They have two 
 daughters, Harriet M. and Sarah L. Dr. Lehr is affiliated with the 
 Grand Army of the Republic and the Masonic order. He is one of the 
 best known men in Ohio in educational circles, and has had over thirty- 
 two thousand students under his supervision while he was officiating as 
 president of the University. He has done much to advance the cause of 
 education in the state, and has been able to win and retain the confidence 
 and esteem of all who have worked with him or studied under his 
 direction. He is a man of rare intellectual ability and high attainments, 
 whose high character and sincere manner have been generally recognized. 
 He is a member of the Christian church. 
 
 Albert G. Ahlefeld was born at Ada. Ohio, .June 25, 1859, where 
 he lived until about twenty-one years of age, coming to Kenton in 1888, 
 where he has since resided. He is the son of the late Nathan Ahlefeld 
 and Celia (Wiley) Ahlefeld, the former born in Richland county Decem- 
 ber 16. 1834, and the latter in Worthington, Ohio. June 10. 1838. 
 
 Reinhart Ahlefeld was the founder of the family in America, coming 
 to Richland county from the northern part of Germany about 1818. 
 His ancestors were natives of Denmark who went to Germany about 
 the sixteenth century. Reinhart Ahlefeld possessed a good German 
 education and was a miller by trade. In Richland county he operated 
 a mill and also carried on farming. He married Phoebe Young of 
 Richland county who was of German descent, and all their children 
 were born there. About 1849 he moved by wagon to Allen county, 
 Ohio, afterwards coming to Hardin county and settling on a farm near 
 Ada where he died at the age of seventy-six. To Reinhart and Phoebe 
 (Young) Ahlefeld the following children w T ere born : Christina 
 
 Ahlefeld Moore, who lived after her marriage in Allen county and died 
 there at the age of seventy-six; Martha Ahlefeld Melhorn wdio always 
 resided in Hardin county after her marriage and died several years ago 
 at Ada at the age of seventy-six ; Nancy Ahlefeld Gilbert who lives in 
 Burlington, Kansas; Sarah Ahlefeld Rockhill who lives in LeRoy, 
 Kansas; Nathan Ahlefeld who lived in Ada and Kenton and died at 
 Kenton July 9, 1902; and Peter and Jacob Ahlefeld. the former living 
 in Cleveland, Ohio, and the latter in LeRoy, Kansas. 
 
 Nathan Ahlefeld was the father of our subject and he came to 
 
448 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Hardin county about 1849 with his parents where he ever afterwards 
 resided till his death. He was educated in the common schools, and 
 began his business career by working in a store in Ada. Afterwards 
 he became a merchant, and also dealt in real estate and carried on farm- 
 ing. Nathan Ahlefeld was an active, enterprising, shrewd business 
 man who was identified with many enterprises. His active mind seemed 
 to grasp quickly the possibilities of any plan, and all his life he was 
 singularly successful in his many undertakings. Solely by his own 
 efforts he built up a comfortable fortune, and until the day of his death 
 was interested in everything that helped the welfare of his native county. 
 Though an ardent Democrat Mr. Ahlefeld did not aspire to hold office, 
 serving his county but once in public capacity, that of county auditor 
 in 1871. Governor James E. Campbell appointed him a member of the 
 board of managers of the Ohio Penitentiary during his term of office, and 
 Mr. Ahlefeld attended to the duties of this office, as he did everything else 
 in his business career, well and faithfully. He moved to Kenton in 
 1881 and thereafter was a prime mover in many of the county seat’s most 
 prominent industries. He was married in Worthington, Ohio, June 18, 
 1856, to Miss Celia E. Wiley, and to them the following children were 
 born: Ida Ahlefeld, who married J. F. Andrews and lives in Kenton, 
 
 Ohio; Albert G., the subject of this sketch; Effie L. Ahlefeld, who 
 married J. B. Andrews and lives in Goshen, Indiana; Anna who died 
 at Ada, Ohio, aged two years; and C-orrinne Ahlefeld who is the wife of 
 Curran Flanagan the editor of the Kenton Democrat. Mrs. Celia 
 (Wiley) Ahlefeld is of Welsh descent, the founder of her family in 
 America being Samuel Wiley who moved from Wales to Snowhill, 
 Maryland about, the year 1765 and became a Revolutionary soldier. 
 His wife was of Spanish descent and they had several children. One of 
 these. Dr. Isaac Wiley, the father of Mrs. Ahlefeld, located in Worthing- 
 ton, Ohio, and there practiced his profession many years. Dr. Isaac 
 Wiley married Eliza Lewis in Worthington, Ohio. He died at the ad- 
 vanced age of eighty-two at the residence of his son-in-law, Nathan Ahle- 
 feld, in Ada, Ohio. Upon coming to Kenton Nathan Ahlefeld built a 
 handsome and substantial residence on North Detroit street, and engaged 
 in farming and the real estate and banking business. He died July 9, 
 1902. His widow survives, and lives in the homestead with her daughter 
 Mrs. J. F. Andrews. 
 
 Albert G. Ahlefeld was educated in the public schools of Ada, and 
 spent two years at the Brothers’ School, a Catholic Institution of Dayton, 
 Ohio. For some years he engaged in farming near Ada, but afterwards 
 moved to Kenton where he now has many business interests. He was 
 associated with his father in the real estate business during the life of 
 the latter, and now conducts a loan and real estate office in partnership 
 with Mr. J. F. Andrews. Under the second administration of Cleve- 
 land he was postmaster of Kenton, and this is the only office to which he 
 has ever aspired, though an active Democrat and interested in local 
 and national political issues. He was appointed postmaster April 1, 
 1894 and served four years in this capacity. In 1904 he helped organize 
 the Crystal Ice and Cold Storage Company, one of the most flourishing 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 449 
 
 of Kenton’s enterprises, and is at present vice president of the company 
 and one of the directors. He was one of the organizers of the Scioto 
 Sign Company and was for some years a director in this concern. In 
 July, 1904 he helped organize the Commercial Bank of Kenton and he 
 is now vice president of this institution and one of the directors. In the 
 same year that the bank was organized he built the handsome, pressed 
 brick building at the southeast corner of Detroit and Franklin streets 
 which bears his name and in which his offices are located. In 1905 and 
 1906 he was president of the Kenton Commercial Club, and has always 
 been interested in everything that pertains to the advancement of 
 Kenton. And all the time he has been engaged in farming, owning 
 large holdings in real estate in Hardin county. 
 
 Albert G. Ahlefeld was married in Kenton, Ohio, September 18, 
 1884, to Florence Ries, daughter of John and Katherine (Ichler) Ries. 
 Mrs. Ahlefeld is a graduate of the Kenton public schools. Mr. and 
 
 Mrs. Ahlefeld have two children : Katherine and Allan N. Another 
 
 son, Nathan, was born August 25, 1887, and died April 28, 1892, at 
 Kenton, Ohio. Miss Katherine Ahlefeld was educated in the Kenton 
 public schools and spent three years at Notre Dame, Indiana, a cele- 
 brated school for young ladies. She also studied music in Philadelphia 
 and Washington D. C., spending a year in each of these cities. Master 
 Allan Neal is a student in the public schools of Kenton at present. Miss 
 Katherine is a member of the English Lutheran church. Mrs. Ahlefeld 
 is connected with the First Methodist Episcopal church of Kenton, and 
 the family is prominent in social circles. Mr. Ahlefeld is a thirty- 
 second degree Mason and an Elk. He and his family live in a beautiful 
 modern residence on North Detroit street and are among the most 
 prominent of the city’s influential and respected residents. 
 
 General James Sidney Robinson, who died at his home in the city 
 of Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1892, was a 
 member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of this section of 
 the Buckeye state and he was of distinctive prominence in his connection 
 with public and civic affairs in his native commonwealth. He was a 
 valiant soldier of the Union during the Civil war, in which he rose to 
 distinguished official preferment, and few men of the state were better 
 known or more highly honored. He represented Ohio in congress and 
 held other positions of trust and responsibility. His entire life was 
 guided and governed by the highest principles and his career was one 
 that reflected honor upon the state and the nation. 
 
 General Robinson was born in Franklin township, Richland county, 
 Ohio, near the present city of Mansfield, on the 14th of October, 1827, 
 and was the youngest of the four sons of Francis and Jane (Dickens) 
 Robinson, both of whom were natives of England. His parents came 
 to Ohio and took up their residence in Franklin township, Richland 
 county, in 1817, and his father became one of the initial pioneers and 
 substantial farmers of that county. The General was reared to the 
 sturdy and invigorating discipline of the pioneer farm and early began 
 to contribute his quota to its reclamation and development. His specific 
 
450 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 educational advantages were limited to the common schools of the locality 
 and period, but with an alert and receptive mind he profited largely 
 through self-discipline, including a wide range of effective reading, and 
 became a man of bright mental ken. At the age of sixteen years 
 General Robinson entered the office of the Richland Bugle , where he 
 gained his initial knowledge of the “art preservative of all arts.” It 
 has well been said that the training of a newspaper office is equivalent 
 to a liberal education, and the career of General Robinson would seem 
 to authorize fully this statement. In December, 1844, he entered upon 
 an active apprenticeship in the office of the Mansfield Jeffersonian, 
 whose title was later changed to the Mansfield Herald. There he 
 delved into the mysteries of the printing business and familiarized 
 himself with the intricacies of the same. In June, 1846, he left the 
 office of the Jeffersonian and moved to Tiffin, Seneca county, where he 
 became identified with the Seneca Whig. His connection therewith, 
 however, was destined to be of short duration. 
 
 In 1844 a number of sturdy pioneer Whigs of Hardin county pur- 
 chased a printing press in Cincinnati and, establishing the plant in 
 Kenton, they became the publishers of a paper through which they 
 exploited the cause of the Whig party. Like many another venture 
 enlisting the co-operation of many men of as many different opinions, 
 this enterprise did not prove a success. The paper was styled the 
 Weekly News and its existence was turbulent and precarious for some 
 time, owing to the owners becoming dissatisfied with the management 
 of the business. They finally gained the information that connected 
 with a paper in Seneca county was an independent and aggressive young 
 exponent of the principles of the Whig party who had made a record 
 which could not but beget objective confidence. In canvassing the 
 situation and endeavoring to provide for the successful continuance of 
 their newspaper venture, the owners of the same property wrote to 
 General Robinson and tendered him the management of the business. 
 Thus it was that shortly after Christmas of the year 1846 General Robin- 
 son came to Kenton and established his permanent home in Hardin 
 county. With careful circumspection he viewed the field of his future 
 labor, placed the equipment of the office in proper condition and changed 
 the name of the paper to the Kenton Republican of which he thus virtu- 
 ally was the founder. The initial edition of the paper was issued on 
 Wednesday, the 20th of January, 1847, and in its editorial colums was 
 defined carefully the policy under which it was to be continued. It 
 advocated the principles of the Whig party and its motto had a signifi- 
 cant ring, being as follows: “Be just, and fear not.” General Robin- 
 son soon made the Republican an effective exponent of the Whig cause 
 as well as of local interests. He was indefatigable in his labors both as 
 a writer and in the management of the technical details of the office, and 
 even in these early years showed his wonderful command of terse and 
 vigorous English and also a broad and well-forfeited view of public 
 affairs. He soon became sole owner and editor of the paper and 
 enlarged it to twenty-four columns. It continued to exert potent in- 
 fluence in this section of the state under his effective control until the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 451 
 
 inception of the Civil war. When the Rebel guns thundered against the 
 ramparts of old Fort Sumter, the altruistic patriotism of the young 
 editor was aroused to responsive protest and he was among the first to 
 respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers. However, he con- 
 tinued proprietor of the Hardin county Republican until the 16th of 
 September, 1864, when the plant and business were sold to L. T. Hunt. 
 
 There is much of interest attached to the brilliant and loyal career 
 of General Robinson as a volunteer soldier of the republic. On the 19th 
 of April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry and was chosen as lieutenant of Company G, of which he later 
 became captain. It was his to live up to the full tension of the great 
 internecine conflict between the north and south, and he participated 
 in many of the most memorable engagements marking the progress of the 
 war. General McClellan commended him for meritorious service at 
 Ridge Mountain, and he was appointed major of the Eighty-second Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, later being promoted in turn to the office of lieu- 
 tenant-colonel and colonel. In December, 1864, he was raised to the 
 brevet rank of brigadier general, and in January of the following year 
 he received regular commission in this rank. In the following March 
 he was breveted major general. These statements bear their own 
 significance indicating, as they do, the effective service rendered by 
 him as an officer and his advancement was the diametric result of gallant 
 and meritorious conduct on the field. General Robinson took an active 
 part in the operations in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia under 
 General Fremont, urns in General Pope’s disastrous campaign, including 
 the second battle of Bull Run and with his command in the memorable 
 battles of Chaneellorsville and Gettysburg and in the campaigns in Geor- 
 gia and the Carolinas. On the 1st of July, 1863, in the first day's fight at 
 Gettysburg, he received a severe wound in the left shoulder and as a 
 result of this injury he was confined to the hospital for a month, after 
 which he was granted a furlough and sent to his home in Kenton, where 
 he lay in a critical condition for several months. Upon recuperating 
 his physical energies, General Robinson returned to the front and parti- 
 cipated with his regiment in the battles of Cross Keys, Resaca, Ridge 
 Mountain, Dallas, Peac-h Tree Creek, New Hope Church, Culp’s Farm, 
 Averysboro and Bentonville. He was with Sherman on the historic 
 and triumphant march from Atlanta to the sea and finally proceeded 
 with the victorious forces to the city of Washington, where he took part 
 in the Grand Review at the close of the war. In later years it was a 
 matter of pleasure and satisfaction to General Robinson that he was 
 called upon to serve as president of the Ohio Commission that erected 
 monuments to the soldier dead of this city on the battlefield of Gettys- 
 burg. General Robinson ever retained a deep interest in his old 
 comrades in arms and was a prominent and honored member of the 
 Grand Army of the Republic as well as of the military order of the 
 Loyal Legion of the United States. 
 
 After the close of the war General Robinson retired to Kenton, and 
 here his principal business interests thereafter were those of real estate. 
 The following appreciative statements concerning the distinguished 
 
452 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 subject of this memoir were written by one familiar with his career and 
 are well worthy of reproduction in this connection: “Not alone as a 
 
 soldier and as a public official did General Robinson serve his people. 
 In civil life he was ever among the first to assist worthy public enter- 
 prises. His guiding and helping hand was found in the promotion of 
 all measures that enhance the general welfare. Our railroads, pikes, 
 ditches, public buildings, schools and churches all received his encourage- 
 ment and aid. He was indefatigable in his efforts to secure an east 
 and west railroad for Kenton. Finally when the Chicago & Atlantic 
 Railroad, now a portion of the Chicago and Erie, came to be built, he 
 was one of the contractors for the construction of this line between 
 Kenton and Marion. He ever displayed an active interest in all 
 affairs of the city and county and was always especially zealous in the 
 promotion of farming interests. 
 
 At this juncture we shall turn briefly to the career of General 
 Robinson as a public official, though the limitations of this article 
 render impossible a detailed mention of the manifold services he rendered 
 in this field. It may be said that his political and civil career was no 
 less successful and brilliant than were his military exploits in defense of 
 the integrity of the Union, and higher praise than this it is hardly 
 possible to extend. Originally aligned as a stanch supporter of the 
 cause of the old Whig party, he naturally transferred his allegiance to 
 the Republican party, of which lie became a member at the time of its 
 organization and it is a matter of historical record that he served as 
 secretary of the first state convention held by that party in Ohio. He 
 was one of the most effective exponents of the party cause in his home 
 state and his services were much in demand as a campaign speaker in 
 Ohio and other states of the union. As a public speaker he had marked 
 facility in the use of forcible and effective diction, was thoroughly 
 fortified in his opinions and marshalled his arguments with masterful 
 skill, so that he always was able to hold the attention of his audience 
 and to impress upon it the cogency of his opinions and theories. He 
 gained a reputation as one of the most effective campaign speakers of 
 his day. 
 
 General Robinson served as clerk of the Ohio House of Representa- 
 tives in 1855-6, and after his return from the war he received the 
 appointment of assessor of internal revenue, of which office he continued 
 the incumbent for several years. He was for some time chairman of 
 the Republican State Central Committee and later was chairman of the 
 Republican State Executive Committee. He filled the position of 
 railroad commissioner for Ohio from January, 1880, to February of the 
 following year. In 1880 there came to General Robinson well merited 
 recognition of his party loyalty and zeal and of his distinctive ability, in 
 that he was elected to represent the old Ninth District of Ohio in 
 congress. This district comprised the counties of Hardin, Union, 
 Morrow, Marion, Knox and Delaware. His first term in congress 
 remarkably demonstrated the wisdom of his choice for this important 
 office. In 1882 he was chosen as his own successor. He had the dis- 
 tinction of being the only man from Hardin county ever elected to sit 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 453 
 
 in congress. The official records of Ohio show that General Robinson 
 also gave effective service as secretary of state, to which position he 
 was twice elected. Concerning his public service, the following perti- 
 nent statement has been made : ‘ ‘ He discharged all these trusts with rare 
 fidelity and ability and demonstrated his fitness for even a higher station. 
 His congressional career was of great value to his constituents and his 
 Virginia military land bill won for him a national reputation. He was 
 at all times a zealous champion of the farm and was ever loyal in pro- 
 tecting the interests of the old soldiers of the rebellion.’’ He affiliated 
 with the Episcopal church. 
 
 On the 28th of June, 1848, was solemnized the marriage of General 
 Robinson to Miss Helen M. Spaulding of Marion, Ohio, who died in 1853, 
 leaving one son, William S., who is now deceased. In the year 1855, 
 November 8, General Robinson married Miss Hester A. Carlin, daughter 
 of Honorable Parlee Carlin, of Findlay, Ohio, and she died September 
 8, 1907, in Kenton, where the two children, Parlee C. and Jane S. reside. 
 
 Measured by its beneficence, its reeitude, its productiveness and its 
 unconscious altruism, the life of General Robinson counted for much, 
 and he stood as an honored member of the striking group of men whose 
 influence in the social and economical life of the nation was of the most 
 effective order. It is easy to attribute the elements of greatness to any 
 man who has been in the least conspicuous in public affairs, but in the 
 perspective of years each presentment assumes its true value and an 
 unequivocal verdict may be rendered. The fair fame of General 
 Robinson, the most distinguished figure in the history of Hardin county, 
 rests on the firm basis of work accomplished and honors worthily won. 
 In studying his clear-cut, sane, distinct character, interpretation follows 
 fact in a straight line of derivation and his character was a positive 
 expression of a strong and loyal nature. When lie was consigned to 
 the life eternal on the 14th of January, 1892, the people of his home city 
 and county manifested a deep sense of personal bereavement and un- 
 bidden came the general and generous tributes of love, respect and 
 honor. On the occasion of his funeral there were called to Kenton more 
 distinguished men than were ever before drawn within its portals. After 
 the religious services were concluded, the Honorable William McKinley, 
 who was then governor of the state and who later became president of 
 the United States, paid a short but earnest tribute to the dead soldier 
 and citizen whose loss was thus deplored. Besides the governor, many 
 other prominent men of the state were present at the funeral. The 
 words of Governor McKinley are most consistently perpetuated in this 
 record: “My Friends: I am here to join the friends and neighbors of 
 General Robinson in paying my tribute of respect and affection to the 
 memory of the deceased. I wish I had fitting words to command, but 
 called at this trying moment, I can only say what the heart suggests. 
 I knew him well. For four years he was my colleague in the National 
 House of Representatives, and in those years I came to love, respect anu 
 honor him. He was a manly man, generous and open-hearted, a true 
 friend and an honorable opponent. It is not Kenton and Hardin 
 county only that are mourning around his bier. I feel His death a 
 
454 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 personal bereavement, the loss of a true friend. The state, too, has 
 suffered, he was an able and worthy public servant, a kind and indulgent 
 husband and parent, pleasant and accommodating neighbor; he was an 
 honored citizen of the state, one who served it faithfully and conspicuous- 
 ly in war and peace.” 
 
 The following memorial, prepared by a special committee, consist- 
 ing of the secretary of state, the lieutenant governor and attorney gener- 
 al of Ohio, was prepared shortly after his death and should be reproduced 
 in this memoir of his life. 
 
 “James S. Robinson, a major general of the Union army, an ex- 
 congressman of the United States and former railroad commissioner 
 and secretary of state of Ohio, departed this life, ripe with age and 
 honor, on Thursday, January 14th, 1892. In behalf of the great state 
 which he served so faithfully in peace and war, we join with his family 
 and countrymen in expressions of affection and condolence. Heroic 
 almost to the sacrifice of his life in battle, wise in the councils of the 
 nation, rugged and honest in the executive service of his state, he has 
 closed a typical career of American manhood and patriotism. He will 
 long be revered and remembered as a striking figure among the great 
 spirits who have made Ohio first in peace and war and who have given 
 to the country its greatest eminence and proudest characters. His 
 name may well be recorded among Ohio’s heroic dead. Of the age, and 
 contemporaneous in defense of his country with Grant, Garfield, Sherman 
 and Sheridan, he Avon honorable distinction in the field; while his public 
 service was characterized by that fidelity to duty which has immortal- 
 ized Giddings, Wade, Chase and Stanton. Strong in military and public 
 life, he was stronger in those essentials of character that distinguished 
 real manhood in family and personal relations. Honest, blunt, cordial 
 and Avarm-hearted, those who knew him best loved him most, and with 
 them we join in tributes to his memory.” 
 
 Joseph Ichler Avas born February 12, 1844, in Cincinnati, Ohio 
 where he lived until he was fifteen years old. He is the son of David 
 and Margaretta (Barton) Ichler, the former born August 14, 1814, at 
 Carlsrue, Baden, and the latter near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, July 
 22, 1813. When about sixteen years old David Ichler, then an orphan, 
 ran away from home, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned 
 the trade of shoemaker, later setting up in the shoe business for himself. 
 He Avas married March 29, 1839, to Margaret Barton who had been left 
 an orphan in Pennsylvania when quite young, and who had been brought 
 to Cleves, Ohio, by a family named Leeper. To this union were born 
 two children, Catherine, December 14, 1839, and Joseph, February 12, 
 1844. 
 
 David Ichler conducted a shoe store until his death August 12, 1856, 
 which was caused by brain fever. He is buried in Spring Grove ceme- 
 tery at Cincinnati, Ohio. On March 7, 1859, Mrs. Ichler and son 
 Joseph came to Kenton, leaving the daughter Catherine teaching in the 
 public schools of Cincinnati, she having begun teaching at the early age 
 of sixteen. Later Catherine Ichler joined the family, and was married 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 455 
 
 February 23, 1860, to John Ries of Kenton by whom she had six chil- 
 dren: Florence M., Alice W., David I., John J., George Henry and 
 
 Milton C. Catherine Ichler Ries died June 27, 1875. 
 
 On coming to Kenton, Joseph Ichler went to high school for some 
 months, and then learned the harness maker’s trade with Goodin and 
 Barnett. He started in the harness business for himself January 1, 
 1864, leaving it in charge of Mr. John Dean when he enlisted in the 
 army. He served in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, enlisting March, 1864. At the close of the war he 
 entered into a partnership with Arthur Dean in the harness business 
 which lasted nine years. He was married September 30, 1866, to 
 Annette Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Earnest Christian and Barbara 
 (Pound) Baker in Kenton. Earnest C. Baker was the son of John 
 Nicholas and Margaret (Elwert) Baker and was born in Gross Biebrow, 
 Germany, October 15, 1810. Barbara Pound was born April 27, 1815, 
 and was married to Earnest Baker at Hagerstown, Maryland, November 
 15, 1833. To them were born eight children as follows: Infant born 
 
 and died 1834; Daniel, October 15, 1835; Martha, November 1, 1838; 
 John, March 8, 1840; Susan, May 28, 1844; George, April 23, 1846; 
 Annette Elizabeth, August 1, 1848; and Sarah, June 1, 1851. About 
 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Baker moved from Maryland to Kenton settling on a 
 farm about two miles east of town. Mrs. Baker died November 14, 1854, 
 and some years later Mr. Baker married Mrs. Dorothy Poelsing, a native 
 of Germany. On January 15, 1862, Earnest Baker was killed in the 
 old flouring mill that stood where Robinson and Gage’s Planing Mill 
 now stands, and on August 8, 1867, at the very same place and in the very 
 same way his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Daniel Baker, was killed. Daniel 
 Baker died March 4, 1866, leaving three small children. Martha 
 Baker died April 16, 1899. 
 
 To Joseph and Annette E. Ichler were born the following children : 
 May M., Minnie B., Ruali D., George David and Warren. May M. 
 taught school for some years but is now the general delivery clerk in the 
 Kenton postoffice. Minnie also taught school in the country schools 
 and in Kenton, and then worked in the postoffice some years. She was 
 married June 5, 1901, to Willis C. Kohler, the present postmaster of 
 Kenton. Ruah was married January 28, 1892, to John W. Stevenson and 
 to them have been born six children, five of whom are living: Frances 
 
 Annette, Agnes Esther, Frank Joseph, Willis Warren and Ruby. Frank 
 Joseph died January 31, 1902. For some years Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson 
 lived on a farm near Kenton, and then moved to West Mansfield, Ohio, 
 where he conducted a hardware store. Later he bought a store in Rich- 
 wood, Ohio, and continued in the hardware business until 1907 when he 
 bought a large farm in Delaware county where the family now live. 
 Warren Ichler is a draughtsman and mechanic and is at present em- 
 ployed in Bloomington, Illinois. George David Ichler died April 6, 
 1880. Mr. and Mi’s. Ichler also brought up a nephew, John H. Baker, 
 son of Daniel and Sarah J. Baker. 
 
 For some years Joseph Ichler and family lived in Kenton but in 
 April, 1874, they moved to the farm in Buck township where they now 
 
456 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 reside. On account of failing health Margaret Ichler went to live with 
 her son in 1882 and died January 22, 1883, at his home. She is buried 
 in Wolf Creek cemetery. Mr. Ichler was a railway mail clerk for some 
 time during the administration of President Cleveland, but at the close 
 of his term of service took up the occupation of farming, particularly 
 the raising of fine fruits. He served for many years as a member of 
 the board of education of Buck township and also was township trustee. 
 At present he is one of the trustees of Grove cemetery. In politics he is 
 an old school Democrat. For many years the family have been con- 
 nected with the Wolf Creek Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Willis C. Kohler was born May 28, 1867, in Kenton, Ohio. He is 
 the son of Jacob and Mary (Rufty) Kohler, the former born in Berne, 
 Switzerland, March 16, 1824, and the latter in Ar Berg, Switzerland, 
 March 31, 1825. At an early age Jacob Kohler was left an orphan, and 
 when twenty years old he set out for America locating first in Pittsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, where he worked in a flouring mill. He came to Kenton 
 in a few years later where he ever afterwards lived. He was married 
 April 15, 1855, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Mary Rufty, and they 
 immediately afterward returned to Kenton taking up their residence in 
 a small house where the East school building now stands. To them were 
 born six sons: Frederick, John, Adolph, Henry, Willis C. and Edward. 
 
 Willis C. Kohler was educated in the public schools of Kenton both 
 in English and German, leaving school at the age of seventeen to work in 
 George Merri man’s grocery. With but a short interval out of the 
 grocery he continued his work there until appointed a clerk in the post- 
 office under A. M. Rice, February 28, 1890. When city free delivery 
 was established, January 1, 1891, he became one of the first letter carriers 
 and continued in this position fifteen years. He resigned March, 1906, 
 to become postmaster of the city, having been appointed by President 
 Roosevelt, April 13, 1906, and took the office June 1, 1906, and is serving 
 his second term in this capacity, having been reappointed by President 
 Taft, March 25, 1910. Mr. Kohler has been quite successful in having 
 many reforms in the service inaugurated in the local office, chief of which 
 are the eight hour schedule for clerks and the improvements in the rural 
 service. Since taking charge of the office he has succeeded in getting 
 two new clerks, and two additional letter carriers and a new rural carrier. 
 
 Mr. Kohler was married April 26, 1893, to Miss Alice R. Watt of 
 Findlay, Ohio, daughter of James and Mercy L. (Stackhouse) Watt, 
 and to them were born two children: James Watt, March 11, 1894, and 
 a daughter February 12, 1896. James Watt Kohler died August 4, 
 1894, and the daughter February 12, 1896. Mrs. Kohler died January 
 6, 1899, in Findlay, Ohio, while on a visit to her old home and is buried 
 in Grove cemetery. 
 
 On June 5, 1901, Mr. Kohler was married to Minnie B. Ichler, 
 daughter of Joseph Ichler, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume 
 and Annette Ichler. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Kohler taught 
 school in Buck township, beginning at the age of fifteen, and in the 
 Grammar department of the Kenton schools for some years. On Janu- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 457 
 
 ary 28, 1895, she was appointed a clerk in the Kenton postoffiee by A. 
 G. Ahlefeid, then city postmaster, and continued in that capacity till 
 her marriage. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kohler are members of the First Methodist Episcopal 
 church of Kenton, and Mr. Kohler is a member of the official board of 
 that organization. He is a member of Latham Lodge F. & A. M. and is 
 a thirty-second degree Mason. Although not actively engaged in farm- 
 ing he owns a fine farm just south of the city on Taylor creek, and is 
 interested in all agricultural matters. In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 John Wesley Thew. — Farmers of the present day carry on their 
 work in a scientific manner, endeavoring to realize the maximum of 
 profit from their land. Among the prominent and successful farmers of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is John Wesley Thew, owner and operator of a 
 farm in Dudley township. Mr. Thew was born May 23, 1848, in Mar- 
 ion county, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Hayward) Thew, the 
 former born in Lincolnshire, England, June 10, 1815. Henry Thew 
 was a son of Richard, who settled in Richland county, Ohio, in 1825; 
 his wife’s maiden name was Bothernlv. He left home for New Orleans, 
 and was never again heard from. An uncle of Henry, William Thew, 
 took charge of the family, and he died in 1883, at the age of ninety-two. 
 
 At the age of fifteen Henry Thew removed to the southern part, 
 of Ohio, where he learned the trade of shoemaker. He returned to 
 Marion later, and in 1848 engaged in the shoe business in that place. 
 Later he moved to the western part of Marion county, trading merchan- 
 dise for three hundred and nine acres of land, then covered entirely by 
 timber. Here he carried on farming and worked at his trade until a 
 short time before his death, when he moved to Larue and retired. His 
 demise occurred June 2, 1885. He was active in church work and was 
 one of the first members of the old Montgomery log church (Methodist 
 Episcopal) ? which he helped build. Though a Republican in his views 
 he was not active in political affairs. His wife, who was born in 1820 
 and died at the age of fifty-two years, was a daughter of Isaac Hayward, 
 and was born in England. She came with her parents to the United 
 States as a girl, and they settled in Marion county, near Larue. Henry 
 Thew and his wife had seven children, of whom five survive, namely : 
 Mary A., wife of A. Cutting, of Kenton ; Emma L.. wife of C. W. 
 Robinson, of Forest, Ohio ; John W. ; Eliza, wife of David Ward, of 
 Hepburn ; and Rob E., of Loraine. 
 
 Until twenty-two years of age John W. Thew lived with his parents, 
 and when old enough began to help with the work of the farm. He 
 received a good education in the public schools, and after reaching man- 
 hood bought some land, where he carried on farming until his marriage. 
 He remained on the home farm five years and located in Dudley town- 
 ship, Hardin county, in 1883, bought his present farm of one hundred 
 and twenty acres, on which he has made many improvements, and has 
 erected a handsome modern residence. He carries on general farming 
 and makes a specialty of stock-raising and dairying. He has now prac- 
 tically retired from active life, and is enjoying a well earned rest. 
 
458 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Thew is a faithful member of the Methodist church of Hepburn. 
 He is an active Republican, held the office of township trustee one term 
 and is now serving as committeeman. At present he is executor of the 
 William Thew estate, now in course of settlement. 
 
 In 1873 Mr. Thew married Mattie Stewart, who was born in West 
 Virginia, January 18, 1852. daughter of Joseph and Sarah (De Lau- 
 rence) Stewart, the former, born in 1818, a farmer, died at the age of 
 seventy-two years; the latter died in 1858. Mr. Stewart’s father, 
 David Stewart, was a native of Scotland who came to America as a 
 young man and married Barbara Golden. The great-grandmother of 
 Mrs. Thew was a sister to former President McKinley’s mother. Joseph 
 Stewart and his wife had several other children besides Mrs. Thew, and 
 those living are one sister and one brother: William, a farmer at Forest, 
 Ohio, and Sarah, wife of J. Wilson, a farmer of Michigan. 
 
 To John W. Thew and his wife children have been born as follows: 
 Willis E., born July 26, 1875, married Milly Spracklin, and they have 
 one child, Leroy; Milly Spracklin died and Willis married for his second 
 wife a Miss Del] Van Arsdale; Lula Dell, born November 20, 1877, mar- 
 ried Roy Verdon, of Marion county, and they have one child, Martha 
 Evanda; Henry C., born May 31, 1879, married Laura Borth, and lives 
 in Lima. Ohio, where he is a jeweler. They have two children, Harold 
 0., and Mary Martha. Bertha E., born January 7, 1883, married F. 
 Berbaugh, a farmer of Marion county, and they have one child Eurotis 
 Wesley. Richard T., born December 14, 1887. Mr. Thew and his wife 
 are both earnest members of the Methodist church. He belongs to the 
 Knights of Pythias and she to the Pythian Sisters of Hepburn. They 
 have a host of friends, and their home is the frequent scene of pleasant 
 gatherings. 
 
 John Dille, a successful farmer of Hale township, Hardin county, 
 was born April 28, 1864, on the old Dille homestead, and is a son of 
 William and Mary (Curl) Dille. William Dille, who was also born on 
 the homestead, was a son of Cyrus Dille, who came from Pennsylvania 
 and settled in Hale township in 1843. He took up a farm of six hundred 
 acres in what is now within the corporation of Mount Victory. The 
 place was then a forest but he cleared a small space where he erected a 
 log cabin without roof or door, planted pumpkins, corn and beans, and 
 returned to Pennsylvania for his family. Upon his return to the Ohio 
 home he found the Indians had gathered his crop and stored it in his 
 cabin. He never had any trouble with the Indians, being always friend- 
 ly with them, giving and receiving favors. Cyrus Dille was a Whig 
 but became a Republican upon the inception of that party. He married 
 Susan Blair and there were nine children in their family. Mrs. Dille 
 died in 1889, at the age of eighty-two, but her husband died in 1849, at 
 the age of fifty-five. 
 
 After the death of his father William Dille remained on the home- 
 stead with his mother until his marriage. In 1860 he moved to the farm 
 now occupied by his son, and lived in a log cabin until the present home 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 459 
 
 was built. He farmed one hundred acres which he inherited from his 
 father, and here he lived until his death in 1872, at the age of fifty-two. 
 He married Mary Curl and they had eleven children. She was a daugh- 
 ter of Elihu and Margaret (Reams) Curl of Mount Victory. They were 
 pioneers of this county, and in 1850 Elihu Curl owned a hotel at Mount 
 Victory. He was a carpenter by trade. Mrs. William Dille died in 
 1894, aged sixty-five years. Three of her children are living: John of 
 this sketch ; Ross, a farmer of Huntsville, Ohio ; and Elizabeth, wife of 
 J. McGinnis. 
 
 John Dille received his education in the public schools, and then 
 worked for his father on the farm until the time of his marriage. He 
 then began farming the old homestead, where he has since continued with 
 splendid success. He is an enterprising, wide-awake farmer, who makes 
 the most of his opportunities. Politically he is a Republican and 
 actively interested in public affairs, now holding the office of township 
 trustee. In 1886 he married Della, daughter of F. W. and Rose 
 (Reynold) Summers, retired farmers of Hale township. Mrs. Dille was 
 born April 28, 1867. The following children have been born to John 
 Dille and wife: William, born in 1887 ; Amy Lanora, in 1888, living at 
 home; Myrtle R., born in 1891 ; Mary Rose, in 1894; and John Erwin, in 
 1902. William, who lives with his father and assists in carrying on the 
 home farm, married Flora, daughter of George and Mary (Harple) 
 Battles, and they have one child, Oren. 
 
 Irvin IT. Harvey, a successful farmer and a member of a family 
 that is well known in Hardin county, was born on the homestead in 
 Dudley township, September 23, 1862. and is a son of Alonzo and Rachel 
 (Ballinger) Harvey. Alonzo Harvey was a native of Vermont, born in 
 August, 1819, in Woodbury, and when a. young man he engaged in 
 teaching school. He moved to Ohio and there taught during the 
 winters and worked on a farm during the summers until his marriage, 
 July 7, 1844, when he settled in North Greenfield, Logan county. Six 
 years later he removed to a farm near West Mansfield and for ten years 
 was engaged in brick making as well as farming. In 1859 Mr. Harvey 
 located in Mount Victory, where he lived a year while he was clearing 
 his farm, and in 1860 he settled on his land. Tie became a successful 
 farmer, and in 1879 retired from his farm and moved to Kenton, where 
 he and his son opened a general store. Two years later the father sold 
 his interest and retired from active life. Mr. Harvey was an earnest 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an active worker for its 
 interests. For many years he was engaged in selling family Bibles, and 
 in this connection became well known in Hardin county. He was a 
 Republican and served some time as a. justice of the peace, two terms 
 in Logan county and two terms in Dudley township, Hardin county. 
 
 The wife of Alonzo Harvey was born September 15, 1823, in Logan 
 county, Ohio, daughter of Caleb and Mary (Branson) Ballinger, who 
 came to Ohio from Virginia. Mrs. Ballinger died September 21. 1905. 
 Caleb Ballinger was a local preacher of the Methodist church in Logan 
 county, Ohio. Mr. Harvey and his wife had six children, namely: 
 
460 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Irvin II.; W. N., a carpenter of Rushsylvania, Ohio; and Mary, widow 
 of G. L. Thompson, of Mount Victory, Ohio, who has six children, five 
 sons and one daughter. Isaac N., J. O. and T. M. were the three oldest 
 of the children. 
 
 Irvin II. Harvey received his education in the public schools and 
 spent his childhood on a farm. After completing his education he 
 worked some time on a farm for a neighbor, and when his father pur- 
 chased a half-interest in a store at Kenton he worked there as clerk five 
 years. He sold his interest in the store and secured for the same one 
 
 hundred and sixty acres of land in Indiana, which he later sold and then 
 spent four years on a farm in Dudley township, after which he located 
 on his present farm in Hale township. Mr. Harvey carries on general 
 farming and raises some stock. He is enterprising and ambitious, and 
 in his dealings with his fellows has proven himself to be a man of high 
 character and sterling honesty. Politically he is a Republican, takes an 
 active interest in public affairs and served three years as assessor of Hale 
 township. He is a devout member of the Christian church, as is also his 
 wife. 
 
 On December 25, 1887, Mr. Harvey married Emma Curl, who was 
 born November 10, 1866, daughter of Aaron and Rachel (Harpel) Curl. 
 Mr. Curl is a prominent farmer of Hale township. Mr. Harvey and his 
 wife have children as follows: Charles, born October 29, 1888; Ottie 
 
 E.. born March 22, 1891; Blanch M., born September 22, 1900; and 
 Katie Agnes, born March 1, 1902. All are at home. Mr. Harvey is a 
 life-long resident of the county, where he is well known and highly 
 respected. 
 
 James R. Dunlap. — One of the venerable and honored pioneer citi- 
 zens of Hardin county, where he has maintained his home from his 
 boyhood days to the present time, Mr. Dunlap has been long and 
 prominently identified with the great basic industry of agriculture, in 
 connection with which he has so ordered his coui’se as to achieve definite 
 success and independence, being one of the substantial citizens of the 
 county and the owner of a finely improved farm, located in Marion 
 and Roundhead townships. He is a man of strong mentality and much 
 administrative ability and has served in various positions of distinctive 
 trust and responsibility — a preferment indicating the high esteem m 
 which he is held in the community where he has long lived and labored 
 to goodly ends. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap finds a due measure of satisfaction in reverting to the 
 fine old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity, and the name which 
 he bears has been identified with the annals of this favored common- 
 wealth for more than three-fourths of a century. He was born in 
 Weathersfiehl township, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 2d of March, 
 1835, and is a son of John A. and Susanna (Mulholland) Dunlap, both 
 natives of Ireland, where they were reared to maturity and where their 
 marriage wa s solemnized, the father having been born in the year 1800. 
 In 1832 they immigrated to America, and their first child, the only one 
 born in the Emerald Isle, died on the voyage, being buried at sea. Soon 
 

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 461 
 
 after their arrival in the United States they came to Ohio and took up 
 their residence in Trumbull county, where the father followed farming 
 until 1844, when he removed with his family to Hardin county and 
 purchased a tract of land in Marion township, where he reclaimed a 
 productive farm and passed the residue of his life, an honest, earnest 
 and industrious citizen and one who ever commanded the high regard 
 of all who knew him. He died in 1882 and his devoted wife and help- 
 meet passed away in 1868, both having been members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church. They became the parents of five children, of whom 
 four attained to years of maturity and of whom three are living. 
 Joseph A. sacrificed his life in the service of his country, having enlisted 
 in June 1861, in response to President Lincoln’s first call, as a member 
 of Company II. Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having been 
 killed in the sanguinary battle of Stone’s River. Of the three living 
 children the subject of this review is the eldest; Ellen is the widow of 
 Allen F. McArthur and resides in Kenton, Ohio ; and Rachel is the 
 widow of Alexander Dempster, and resides in Roundhead township. 
 
 James R. Dunlap secured his rudimentary education in the common 
 schools of Trumbull county and later continued his studies in the 
 schools of Hardin county, to which his parents removed when he was 
 about nine years of age. He Avas reared to the discipline of the pioneer 
 farm and did his share in reclaiming the land and in the other arduous 
 vrork demanded in the early days and but dimly realized by the young 
 men of the present generation in the same locality, now marked by 
 opulent prosperity and manifold advantages. Mr. Dunlap finally 
 initiated his independent career as a farmer, securing a small tract of 
 land from his father and later adding to the same by purchase of ad- 
 joining land. He has made his one of the model farms of the county 
 and the same comprises tAvelve hundred and sixty acres, located in 
 Marion and Roundhead townships. The buildings are of the best type, 
 including the modern residence, which he erected in 1893 and which 
 is the finest house in Marion toAvnship. Mr. Dunlap nOAv relegates the 
 active work of the farm to other and younger hands, though he finds 
 pleasure in giving a general supervision to his farm and to directing the 
 various details of its operation, in which connection he brings to bear 
 long and practical experience and much discrimination in a business 
 way. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap has ever been progressive, loyal and public-spirited as 
 a citizen and has given his aid and influence in support of all measures 
 and enterprises projected for the general Avelfare of the community. 
 He was one of the organizers and is still a stockholder of the United 
 Farmers’ Telephone Company, which affords the best grade of service 
 to a large number of patrons, and is a member of the directorate of the 
 Old National Bank at Lima. Ohio. In politics he is foimd arrayed as a 
 stalwart advocate of the principles and policies for which the Republi- 
 can party stands sponsor, and he has taken an active interest in the 
 promotion of its cause. In 1863 he Avas captain of a militia organiza- 
 tion constituting a part of the Home Guard, organized for service 
 during the progress of the Civil Avar. His eligibility for public office 
 Vol. II— 2 
 
462 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 has not failed of clue recognition, and he served six years, with marked 
 ability and aeeeptableness, as a member of the board of county com- 
 missioners, which incumbency he retained from 1873 to 1879. In 1893 
 lie was chosen one of the four members of the state board of road com- 
 missioners. This appointment was conferred by the lamented President 
 McKinley, who was at that time governor of Ohio. He and his family 
 hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant Hill, 
 and the home is a center of gracious hospitality. 
 
 On the 13th of April, 1870, was recorded the marriage of Mr. 
 Dunlap to Miss Viola L. Roberts, who was born in Westminster township, 
 Allen county, Ohio, a daughter of the late J. B. Roberts, who was a 
 representative farmer of Allen county at the time of his death. In 
 conclusion is entered a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Dunlap : Rhoda, who was graduated in Oberlin College, is the 
 
 wife of William H. Miller and they reside in the city of Cleveland ; 
 Joseph Wilber is engaged in farming in Marion township; Thomas Reed 
 Dunlap is a resident of Alger, where he is engaged in the grain business; 
 Miss Mabel, who is now at the parental home, was graduated in Oswego 
 Normal School of Oswego, New York, and later in Columbia University, 
 in New York City, from which historic institution she received the 
 degree of Bachelor of Arts; Donald D. and Josiah died in childhood; 
 Nellie, who was a student of Oberlin College, is the wife of C. R. Holmes 
 and they reside in San Bernardino, California ; James R., Jr., is a mem- 
 ber of the class of 1910 in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio; and Ruth 
 is attending high school in the city of Cleveland, being a member of the 
 class of 1910. 
 
 John Williams, a merchant of Ridgeway, Ohio, was born April 1, 
 1848, in Hale township. Hardin county, and is a son of Jonathan and 
 Betsy Elizabeth (Snoddy) Williams. Jonathan Williams was born in 
 North Carolina, in 1798, and came with his parents to Hillsboro, Ohio, 
 with a team and wagon ; later they removed to Logan county, Ohio. His 
 father, John Williams, came to America from Wales, and followed farm- 
 ing all his life. Jonathan Williams took up farming after finishing 
 his education, settling first in Logan county and later removing to 
 Hardin county ; in 1829 he purchased a farm of one hundred acres in 
 Hale township, in 1840 returned to Logan county, and came back to 
 Hardin county in 1851. His wife, a daughter of Abner and Margaret 
 (Hall) Snoddy, died in 1870, at the age of sixty-one years. Besides 
 John, their children were: Brice, living retired in Mount Victory; Wait, 
 in the timber business in California; Hannah, widow of John Wildon; 
 and Tillie, wife of A. J. Johnson of California. Jonathan Williams 
 was a member of the Methodist Protestant church ; in politics he was a 
 Republican, and he was the first trustee elected in Hale township. 
 
 John Williams attended the public schools, and at the age of eigh- 
 teen years took up farming with his father; he also operated a threshing 
 machine and worked at teaming and similar occupations. Mr. Williams 
 has been a resident of Ridgeway since 1865, and is one of the leading and 
 most respected citizens. He is a Republican in politics, and in 1900 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 463 
 
 took the census of Hale township. In 1905 Mr. Williams opened a 
 grocery, restaurant and bakery establishment, which he is still carrying 
 on. 
 
 On August 20, 1864, Mr. Williams enlisted in Company I, One 
 Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteers. He was sent to Tennessee 
 under Schofield’s army, in the Twenty-third Corps; he went to North 
 Carolina and took part in the four days’ battle at Kingston, and later 
 was with Sherman’s army until the surrender of Johnston. After Lee’s 
 surrender they were discharged, May 12, 1865, at Charlotte, North Caro- 
 lina. Returning home, he took up his residence at Ridgeway, and is 
 one of the oldest residents. He is a charter member of the local branch 
 of the Grand Army of the Republic. He also belongs to the Knights of 
 Pythias, and has passed through the chairs. He is a public-spirited 
 citizen, and well known throughout the county where he has spent his 
 entire life. 
 
 In 1873 Mr. Williams married Margaret, daughter of John and 
 Sarah (Pierce) Davis; John Davis, a merchant of Ridgeway, is a native 
 of Maryland. Mrs. Davis died January 9, 1895. Mr. Williams and 
 his wife became the parents of children as follows: Emma, Raymond 
 
 and Sallie. Emma, wife of J. S. Smith, lives with her father; they 
 have three children, Martha, Kennon and Catherine, and their fourth 
 child, Leo, was accidentally killed by a playmate with a pitchfork. 
 Raymond is a railroad conductor and lives at Richmond, Indiana; he 
 married Kate Gerlach and they have one child. Sallie, wife of George 
 Grimes, a gardener of Harbor Springs, Michigan, has one child. 
 
 Jacob Sieg, now retired from active life and residing at Ridgeway, 
 Ohio, was born in Hale township, Hardin county, September 2, 1843. 
 He is a son of Jonathan IT. Sieg, born in 1815, in Augusta county, 
 Virginia, who was a son of Jacob Sieg, a native of Pennsylvania. Jacob 
 Sieg, the grandfather, was born May 19, 1774, and died November 5. 
 1855; he'married Lydia Haines, who was born January 8, 1793, and died 
 in 1879. They moved to Logan county, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1836 
 settled in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, and there built a log 
 cabin ; they cleared a woodland farm of one hundred and thirty acres. 
 He was a member of the Presbyterian church and politically was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 Jonathan H. Sieg remained with his parents until his marriage, 
 January 12, 1837, to Lydia Hopkins, born in Logan county, Ohio, Janu- 
 ary 28, 1817, and still surviving, probably the oldest lady resident of 
 Hardin county, and she still retains her mind and faculties. She is a 
 daughter of Archibald Hopkins, a native of Delaware ; he settled in 
 Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1806. Archibald Hopkins was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812 ; his parents were John and Martha Elsie Hopkins. 
 Jonathan IT. Sieg settled on a farm in Logan county, Ohio, after his 
 marriage, and in 1840 settled in Hale township, Hardin county. In 
 1853 he removed to Ridgeway, where he died February 9, 1868; he was 
 also engaged in the lumber business, and for five years carried on a dry 
 goods business in Ridgeway. He sold out his store, but was engaged 
 
464 
 
 HISTORY OP TIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 in the lumber trade until his death. His children were : Jacob ; A. H. 
 Sieg. of Bntte, Montana ; one son deceased ; and Eliza I., widow of 
 George P. Parrett, of Adams county, Ohio. Mr. Sieg was a member 
 of the Christian church and politically was a Democrat until the break- 
 ing out of the rebellion, after which he was a Republican. He was 
 elected to the legislature in 1861 and served two terms. He served many 
 years as a justice of the peace. In 1862 he removed to Cincinnati and 
 joined the “Squirrel Hunters,” hut on account of his age never saw 
 active service. 
 
 Jacob Sieg received his education in the public school and afterward 
 taught school ; at the age of twenty he began farming with his father. 
 In August. 1862, he enlisted in Company P, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, joining the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in 
 many battles and was wounded at Murfreesboro and sent home. He 
 received his discharge in March, 1863. Returning to Ridgeway he 
 engaged in teaching and farming, which he continued until 1873, when 
 he began to carry on the home farm. Prom 1886 until 1891 he was one 
 of the owners of the mill at Ridgeway, since which he has been retired 
 from active business. He is one of the most highly respected and 
 popular citizens of Ridgeway, and is actively interested in public affairs. 
 Politically Mr. Sieg is a Republican, and from 1873 until 1904 served as 
 a justice of the peace. He was mayor of Ridgeway three terms, and has 
 frequently been clerk and a member of the school board. He is a 
 member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Ridgeway, of which he is 
 now adjutant. This post was named after his brother, Robert Iv. 
 Robert K. Sieg was born in 1838, and in 1861 enlisted in the same com- 
 pany as his brother ; he was first promoted to the rank of second lieuten- 
 ant, was wounded while climbing Missionary Ridge, after which he was 
 promoted to first, lieutenant, and later captain. He is now deceased. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. Sieg married Victoria Crow, born November 23, 1857, 
 in Wyandot county, Ohio, daughter of E. B. Crow, a physician still 
 practicing his profession at Ridgeway. Mr. Crow married Isabel 
 Hudson. Mr. Sieg and his wnfe became the parents of five children : 
 two deceased; R. Carl, managing his father’s farm, and is unmarried; 
 Kate, born in 1886, is teaching school ; and Laura is living at home, and 
 is prominent in literary circles. 
 
 William Grant Blttler is prominently numbered among the busi- 
 ness men of Mount Victory, a manufacturer and a poultry shipper. He 
 was born in this city on the 6th of June, 1868, a son of Daniel and Leah 
 (Ansley) Butler, both of whom Avere burned to death on the 14th of 
 November, 1907, and they died within four hours of the terrible accident. 
 The father was then seventy-three years of age. He was born in 1836, 
 in Logan county, a son of Benjamin Butler, who came as a boy to Logan 
 county, where he farmed all his life. Benjamin Butler was a Quaker 
 and he died in 1872, at the age of sixty-eight. His wife was Eliza 
 Dickinson, who was a daughter of Thomas Dickinson a native o ( f 
 Virginia. Mr. Dickinson lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-three 
 years. His daughter, Mrs. Butler, died in 1888, when seventy-seven. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 465 
 
 After his school days were over, Daniel Butler engaged as a farmer 
 and a stock raiser. He came to Hardin county in 1860, and settled on a 
 farm near Ada. Later he moved near to Mount Victory and in 1880 he 
 retired from farming and came, to the city, where he was engaged in the 
 real estate business up to the time of his death. He married Leah 
 Ansley in 1858. She was a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Johnson) 
 Ansley and was born near Russellville, Logan county, in 1842. Joseph 
 Ansley was born in Maryland and when a youth emigrated to Kentucky, 
 where he married Lydia Johnson. Later he and his wife and child 
 came to Logan county, Ohio, on horseback. His wife was a daughter of 
 a Kentucky planter and slave owner. Joseph Ansley died December 26, 
 1876, aged seventj'-five, and his wife died the previous year, on the 30th 
 of March, at the age of sixty-nine. In the family of Daniel Butler and 
 wife were the following sons and daughters : Henry C,, of Englewood, 
 
 Kansas, a farmer and stock man ; Orra 0., engaged in the harness busi- 
 ness in Mount Victory; Lydia A., the wife of II. Perry, a stockman at 
 Hutchinson, Kansas; William Grant, mentioned more at length below; 
 Viola, the wife of M. Richards, a farmer in Buck township, Hardin 
 county; Etta, wife of John Buck, a banker and stockman at Englewood, 
 Kansas ; and Mollie, the wife of William Wagner, of Pittsburg. Daniel 
 Butler and his wife were members of the Disciples church and he be- 
 longed to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Mount Victory. 
 
 After leaving school at the age of seventeen years William G. Butler 
 pursued a course in bookkeeping at Mansfield, Ohio, during one term, 
 and then entering the employ of Dickinson and Wallace, Mount Victory, 
 he continued as their salesman for three years, while during the following 
 fourteen years he was engaged in the grocery business. Selling out 
 his interests in that business in 1906 Mr. Butler built and equipped a 
 creamery at Mount Victory, placing in it the latest and most improved 
 steam and gas machinery, and he manufactures both butter and ice 
 cream, making on an average twelve hundred pounds of butter weekly. 
 He is in business with a partner, the firm name being Butler & Richards, 
 and they are also extensive dealers in and shippers of poultry. They 
 are men of well known ability, and their firm is one of the most promi- 
 nent of the business corporations of Mount Victory. 
 
 Mr. Butler married on the 4tli of September, 1896, Estella Williams 
 born December 14, 1872, a daughter of Warneck and Huldah M. (Reams) 
 Williams, the father born on the 6th of April, 1845, and the mother on 
 the 5th of April, 1851, and they are living in Dudley township, Hardin 
 county. Mrs. Butler is a granddaughter on the paternal side of Jesse 
 Williams, born April 4, 1804, and of Hannah Sutherland, his wife, born 
 September 2, 1807. Mr. Butler is a member of the Knights of Pythias 
 fraternity, Mount Victory Lodge No. 735. In his political affiliations 
 he is a Republican, and he has been honored with public office, serving 
 as treasurer of the township and six years as corporation treasurer, and 
 he has also served as a member of the (Mount Victory school board. He 
 is one of the representative citizens and business men of his city. 
 
466 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Orva Otis Butler represents a family that has been identified with 
 the interests of Mount Victory and of Hardin county for many years, 
 prominent in both its business and agricultural life, and Orva O. Butler 
 is well known as a dealer in buggies and harness and as a sheep raiser and 
 shipper. lie was born in Mount Victory on the 18th of March, 1882, a 
 son of Daniel and Leah (Ansley) Butler, both of whom were burned to 
 death on the 14th of November, 1907, and they died within four hours 
 of the terrible accident. The father was then seventy-three years of age. 
 (Further ancestral history will be found in the sketch of William G. 
 Butler.) In their family were the following sons and daughters: 
 Henry C., of Englewood, Kansas, a farmer and stockman there; Orva O., 
 mentioned below ; Lydia A., the wife of II. Perry, a stockman at Hutchin- 
 son, Kansas; William Grant, a prominent manufacturer and poultry 
 shipper living in Mount Victory ; Viola, the wife of M. Richards, a farmer 
 in Buck township, Hardin county; Etta, wife of John Buck, a banker and 
 stockman at Englewood, Kansas; and Mollie, the wife of William 
 Wagner, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Orva 0. Butler from the age of ten to eighteen years was engaged 
 in the dairy business with his mother, and graduating from school at the 
 age of eighteen he with the money he had saved as a dairyman bought 
 a half interest in his brother’s grocery store in Mount Victory, and after 
 four years there became associated with his father-in-law, T. J. Boyd, 
 as a buggy and harness merchant. He has thus continued to the 
 present time, and has become well known and prominent as a business 
 man and citizen. He is also qhite extensively engaged in raising sheep, 
 feeding on an average of five hundred head. He is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias fraternity, Mount Victory Lodge No. 735, and has 
 served the order as master of exchequer. He is a Republican in his 
 political affiliations, and at the present time is presiding officer of the 
 election board. 
 
 Mr. Butler married Lela J. Boyd, who was born August 30, 1882, a 
 daughter of T. J. and Deborah (Marmon) Boyd. T. J. Boyd is a 
 Mount Victory merchant, where he is living at the age of sixty years, and 
 his wife is fifty-four years of age. They have two children, a son and a 
 daughter, and the former, Clarence Boyd, is also living at Mount Victory. 
 Mrs. Butler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and she is 
 also associated with the Foreign Missionary Society and with the Ladies 
 Aid of that denomination. A son, Gordon Boyd Butler, was born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Butler in 1905. 
 
 Clarence D. Hindall. — The thriving little village of Alger is 
 fortunate in having as superintendent of its public schools so able and 
 enthusiastic an educator as Professor Hindall, who has held this incum- 
 bency since 1907 and who has brought the schools up to a high standard 
 of efficiency, the same being on the accredited list of the leading institu- 
 tions of higher academic education in the state. The schools under his 
 direction consist of six departments, including the high school, and 
 employment is given to five teachers in addition to the superintendent. 
 The facilities and methods are of the best modern type and the work of 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 467 
 
 all departments is conducted with utmost harmony, insuring the best 
 results in the instruction of students and economy and precision in the 
 carrying out of the prescribed curriculum. 
 
 Professor Hindall finds a due mede of satisfaction in reverting to 
 the old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity. He was born on the 
 homestead farm of his father, in Perry township, Logan county, Ohio, 
 on the 5tli of September, 1882, and is a son of Robert W. and Melissa 
 (Powell) Hindall, who still reside in that county, where they hold a 
 secure place in popular confidence and esteem. They are devoted mem- 
 bers of the Christian church and in politics the father gives his allegiance 
 to the man and not to the party. Of the three children, all of whom are 
 living, the subject of this review is the second in order of birth. 
 
 Professor Hindall was reared on the home farm and as a boy he 
 began to contribute his quota to its work, in the meanwhile continuing to 
 attend the district school through the winter terms until he had attained 
 to the age of fifteen years, when he entered the high school at West Mans- 
 field, where he completed the prescribed four years’ course and was 
 graduated as a member of the class of 1901. Shortly afterward he as- 
 sumed the position of shipping clerk in the wholesale grocery establish- 
 ment of Williams & Hedman, of Columbus, Ohio, for which concern he 
 later became a traveling salesman. With this firm he continued em- 
 ployed for two years, though in the meanwhile he taught two winter 
 terms in the district schools of his native county. In 1903 he was 
 matriculated in the theological department of Hiram College, at Hiram, 
 Portage county, his intention being at the time to prepare himself for the 
 ministry of the Christian church. He continued in the divinity school 
 for two years, at the expiration of which he transferred to the classical 
 course in the academic department, in which he was graduated as a 
 member of the class of 1907, receiving from this historic and well ordered 
 institution the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the autumn of the same 
 year he was chosen superintendent of the public schools of Alger, wdiere 
 he has since’ given most efficient service in this executive and educational 
 office and where he lias gained a high place in popular confidence and 
 esteem, both as an educator and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen. 
 
 In politics Professor Hindall votes independent of party ties, and 
 has had no desire to enter the arena of “practical politics.’’ He is 
 affiliated with Ada Lodge, No. 344, Free and Accepted Masons, at Ada, 
 Ohio, and both he and his wife are zealous and valued members of the 
 Christian church. 
 
 On the 27th of July, 1909, was solemnized the marriage of Professor 
 Hindall to Miss DeBretto L. Martin, who was born at Ada, Hardin coun- 
 ty, Ohio, and who was a resident of that village at the time of her 
 marriage. Pier father, C. L. Martin, died at Canton, Ohio, when the 
 daughter was about two years old. Mrs. Hindall is a graduate of the 
 Ada high school, also of the school of music and art of the Ohio North- 
 ern University in her native town and is a graduate of the National 
 Park Seminary, Washington, D. C. 
 
468 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Frank W. Lydick is prominently known in Hardin county as a wire 
 fence merchant, and his home is at Mount Victory. lie was born at 
 Dunkirk of this county October 7, 1877, and his father, Samuel B. 
 Lydick, was a carpenter there for many years, but finally embarking in 
 the undertaker’s business he continued the latter vocation until his death, 
 on the 13th of April, 1903. He was one of the prominent and well 
 known residents of Dunkirk. He married in his early life Miss Martha 
 E. Beartehe, and their children are: James, engaged in the livery busi- 
 ness in Dunkirk; Isaac, also a liveryman there; Joseph, a contractor at 
 Union City; Harry, a clerk in the postoffice at Fort Wayne; and Mollie, 
 the wife of Eder Ebert, of Fort Wayne. 
 
 Frank W. Lydick, also one of the above family, graduated from the 
 Dunkirk high school at the age of seventeen years, and then learning the 
 confectionery and candy making business he was thus engaged for six 
 years in Fort Wayne. Coming then to Dunkirk lie was in the livery 
 business for fifteen months, and in 1906 he embarked in the wire fence 
 business in Mount Victory, being also interested in the livery business 
 here. 
 
 He married in 1905 Miss Geneva Titsworth, a daughter of a former 
 druggist of Mount Victory, Richard Titsworth, but he is now living 
 retired. Her mother is Ernestine (Johnson) Titsworth. Mr. Lydick 
 has membership with both the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows 
 fraternities, and he has served in all the offices of the latter order at 
 Dunkirk. 
 
 Dr. Brayton Albert Martin has the distinction of being one of the 
 oldest practicing physicians of Hardin county, and he is well known 
 within its borders and is prominently identified with the life and interests 
 of Mt. Victory. He was born in Windham county, Connecticut, 
 February 5, 1836, a son of Ilosea and a grandson of John Martin, both 
 of whom were born in the old historic homestead of the Martins in 
 Windham county. The latter’s father came to this country from Ireland, 
 and he established his home in Connecticut. John Martin served his 
 country as a soldier in the war of 1812. Hosea Martin, born in 1796, 
 lived to the age of sixty-eight years. He was both a farmer and school 
 teacher, performing his first professional work for six dollars a month, 
 and he continued teaching for four years. At the age of forty he was 
 made the general manager of a company engaged in the grist milling 
 business, and afterward returning to farming he continued that voca- 
 tion until his death. He was a Democrat in his political views, and he 
 held many of the minor offices of his county. Hosea Martin married 
 Beulah Slater, who was born in 1800 and died at the age v of ninety-three. 
 She was a daughter of Silas and Mary Ann (Burgess) Slater, a grand- 
 daughter of Silas Slater, who lived to the remarkable age of one hundred 
 and four years, and a great-granddaughter of Silas Slater, who was the 
 founder of cotton spinning in America. He manufactured his own 
 machinery, and Slaterville, Rhode Island, took its name from this 
 factory. The children born to Ilosea and Beulah Martin are: William, 
 a machinist, who died in Windham county, Connecticut; John, Silas and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 469 
 
 Henry, all of whom were farmers in Windham county, Connecticut, and 
 all are now deceased; Hazel B., a musician in New London, Connecticut; 
 Brayton A. ; Emily, the widow of W. Solsbury and who is living at 
 Waupank, Connecticut; Mary Rood, deceased, who lived in Windham 
 county, Connecticut; Susan, the wife of Jerry Boswell, of Sterling, that 
 state; and Sylvia, the wife of Jerry Anderson, of Dennisville, 
 Connecticut, 
 
 After leaving the public schools Brayton A. Martin attended for 
 one year the academy at Danielsonville, Windham county, Connecticut, 
 and then coming west he located in Union county, Ohio, where lie studied 
 medicine for three years, and after two years at the Starling Medical 
 College, Columbus, he graduated in medicine in 1869, and at once en- 
 gaged in the practice of his profession at Byhalia in Union county. After 
 twenty years there he went to Brooklyn, Illinois, four years later to 
 Timewell, Illinois, thence after twelve years to Missouri, four years 
 afterward returned to Timewell, and then two years later came to Mt. 
 Victory. He has practiced here to the present time, one of the loved 
 family physicians of Hardin county. Dr. Martin served Washington 
 township, Union county, as a treasurer for one term, and while practicing 
 at Byhalia he was appointed the postmaster under Cleveland’s adminis- 
 tration. He is a member of the Hardin County State and American 
 Medical Societies. 
 
 The Doctor married first Elizabeth Martin, and she died at the age 
 of twenty-five years, leaving a daughter, Mary Luella, who died at the 
 age of six years. He was then married to Margaret Haines, who bore 
 him a daughter, Lula, wife of Clyde McCall, a Hardin county farmer, 
 and this second wife died at the age of thirty years. His third mar- 
 riage was to Anna Keller, who was born in 1867, a daughter of Henry 
 Harrison Sells, a farmer in McDonough county, Illinois. Dr. Martin 
 is a member of the Masonic order, affiliating with both the Blue Lodge 
 and the Royal Arch. In politics he is a supporter of the principles of 
 the Democratic party. 
 
 Robert C. Greene, deceased, who lived many years in Taylor town- 
 ship, Union county, Ohio, was a native of Vermont. His mother, Mrs. 
 Sallie Greene, lived to the remarkable age of ninety-eight years, and dur- 
 ing the last forty-three years of her life was totally blind. 
 
 In the fall of 1837 Robert C. Greene and his wife moved to Ohio, 
 and in the spring of 1838 they located in Taylor township, Union county, 
 on Mill Creek, near James Hamilton. In 1840 they located in the 
 western part of the same township, where they spent the remainder of 
 their lives. Before he came to Ohio Mr. Greene married Ruth Draper, 
 who died January 16, 1859, and he afterward married Mrs. Mary Fink, 
 who died February 28, 1865, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. 
 Greene died July 28, 1864, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was well 
 known in the community, where he had a large circle of friends, and was 
 deeply mourned by his family. He had children as follows: Elizabeth, 
 Ira, Ruth (deceased), John C., Gideon, Robert B., Henry E. (deceased), 
 Sarah and Nancy A. Elizabeth married Isaac Sanaft. Ira married 
 
470 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Elizabeth Shirk, and after her death he married Phebe Heath, who also 
 died, and he married a third time in Indiana, to whom it is not known. 
 John C. married Amanda King. Gideon died young. Robert B. 
 married Eliza Johnson, who died, and lie married for his second wife 
 Mary Roberts; he now resides in Kansas. Sarah married Thomas 
 Yearsley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Nancy A. 
 married T. Lewis Temple, and resides in Kansas. 
 
 Archie Warren Titsworth. — During a number of years past Dr. 
 Archie Warren Titsworth has been engaged in the practice of medicine 
 at Mt. Victory, and in this time has become one of the skilled physicians 
 of Hardin county. lie was born in this city on the 8th of July, 1871, 
 a son of Richard Leuriek Titsworth, one of six children ; the others are 
 Nellie, deceased; Geneva, the wife of Frank Lydick, who is also repre- 
 sented iu this work; Helen, at home with her parents; Horace, a druggist 
 in Mt. Victory ; and Richard, a telegraph operator in LaRue, this state. 
 
 After he had attained his eighteenth year Dr. Titsworth entered a 
 school of pharmacy, also clerking in the meantime, and graduating and 
 returning home in 1889 he became associated with D. M. Odaffer, a 
 druggist at Marion, Ohio. After five years as a druggist there he 
 entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1894, and graduating 
 therefrom in 1896 he began the practice of his chosen profession in his 
 home town of Mt. Victory. He is progressive and thorough in all 
 matters pertaining to his calling, and he is identified prominently with 
 the Hardin County, the Ohio State and the American Medical Associa- 
 tions, and during two years he filled the office of vice president of the last 
 named society. He is the present health officer of his township and the 
 coroner of Hardin county. 
 
 Dr. Titsworth married Miss Carrie Bell Boyd, a daughter of James 
 Milton and Mary (Griffith) Boyd. Mr. Boyd is a real estate operator, 
 capitalist and manufacturer of Mt. Victory. Mr. Boyd was born 
 December 19, 1853, in Union county, Pennsylvania, and he was but two 
 years old when his parents, James William Boyd and Elizabeth Witcroft, 
 settled in Hardin county, Ohio. He married Mary Griffith, a daughter 
 of J. and Mary (Clyburn) Griffith, natives of Highland county. Mrs. 
 Boyd died in 1901, at the age of fifty-one years. A son, Boyd Blair 
 Titsworth, was born to Dr. and Mrs. Titsworth on the 10th of January, 
 1906. The Doctor is an active worker in the local ranks of the Repub- 
 lican party, and he is aPo prominently associated with the Maccabees 
 fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and during 
 the past ten years with the Knights of Pythias, Mt. Victory Lodge 
 No. 734. 
 
 Charles B. Fink is numbered among the essentially representative 
 business men of his native city of Kenton and is successfully conducting 
 the flourishing enterprise with which his father was identified for many 
 years before his death. He is a son of the late Benedict Fink to whom 
 a memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work, so that a reiteration 
 of the data is not demanded in the present connection. The establish- 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 471 
 
 ment of which Mr. Fink is the proprietor is one of the leading retail 
 houses of the thriving city of Kenton, and in the same is carried a large 
 and select stock of dry goods, notions, carpets, rugs, draperies and also 
 musical instruments. 
 
 Charles Benedict Fink was born in Kenton on the 17tli of March, 
 1865, and is the only son and younger child of Benedict and Martha 
 (Moy) Fink. He was reared to manhood in Kenton, to whose public 
 schools he is indebted for his early educational discipline and this city 
 has ever been his home and represented the scene of his successful 
 endeavors as a business man. Upon attaining to his legal majority, in 
 1886, he was admitted to partnership by his honored father, with whom 
 he continued to be associated until the death of the latter in 1905, since 
 which time lie has individually conducted a large and prosperous busi- 
 ness which is based on a long maintained reputation for fair and honor- 
 able dealings and to which is accorded a thoroughly representative 
 patronage. Mr. Fink himself has thus been identified with the local 
 business interests for nearly a quarter of a century and, like his father, 
 he has never lacked the unqualified confidence and esteem of the people 
 of his native city and county. He is a member of the directorate of the 
 Kenton Savings Bank and also of that of the Home Savings and Loan 
 Company of Kenton. As will be noted by reference to the memoir of 
 his father, Mr. Fink is a scion of one of the old and honored pioneer 
 families of this section of the state, with whose initial development his 
 grandfather, Benedict Fink, was prominently identified, having been one 
 of the early farmers of Pleasant township, where he reclaimed a consider- 
 able tract of land from the virgin forest. 
 
 Charles B. Fink and his wife are identified with the social activities 
 of their home city,, where their circle of friends is limited only by that of 
 their acquaintances, and their attractive home is the center of gracious 
 and generous hospitality. In the time-honored Masonic fraternity Mr. 
 Fink has attained to the Thirty-second degree of the Ancient and Accep- 
 ted Scottish Rite. His York Rite affiliations are with the organizations 
 in Kenton. He is also identified with Allaclin Temple, Ancient Arabic 
 Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in the city of Columbus, Ohio ; 
 with Kenton Lodge No. 157, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; 
 and also with the Knights of Pythias. 
 
 On the 24th of October, 1888, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Fink 
 to Miss Sallie Strong, who was born and reared in Hardin county and 
 who is a daughter of Colonel L. and Mary (Milliman) Strong. The 
 former, now deceased, was an influential and honored citizen of this 
 section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Fink have one son, Frederick Strong 
 Fink. 
 
 Dr. Frank Humphreys is numbered among the successful medical 
 practitioners of Hardin county, practicing at Mt. Victory, and he also 
 represents one of the county’s pioneer families. He was born in Logan 
 county, Ohio, near East Liberty, September 30, 1856, a son of Shepherd 
 Green Humphreys and a grandson of Jacob Humphreys. His paternal 
 great-grandfather came to this country from Wales and located in 
 
472 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Virginia. Jacob Humphreys died in 1862 at Somerset, Kentucky, of 
 typhoid fever, being then sixty-one years of age. He was born in 
 Virginia, and during the early years of his life he farmed and drove a 
 mercantile wagon between East Liberty and Cincinnati. At the age of 
 sixty years he enlisted for the Civil war, and served until his death as a 
 first lieutenant, while previously he had served as captain of a party in 
 Logan county, Ohio, called the “Wide Awakes.” He attained a high 
 place in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity, being a charter member of 
 the order at East Liberty. His wife, nee Margaret Green, died in 1825. 
 
 Shepherd Green Humphreys, born October 13, 1829, is a son of 
 Jacob and Margaret (Green) Humphreys. After leaving the school 
 room he followed farming on his father’s farm and also conducted a saw 
 mill until his marriage. During several years he operated by water 
 power a carding machine. In 1858 he came to Mt. Victory, peddling 
 stoves throughout the county for some time afterward and during the 
 Civil war lie bought horses for the government. He also enlisted for 
 service for one hundred days, joining the One Hundred and Thirty- 
 fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was sent to Harper’s Ferry and finally 
 mustered out of the ranks. Following his return home he resumed his 
 business operations and later embarked in general mercantile pursuits 
 at Mt. Victory, while in 1893 he retired from an active business life and 
 he died on the 13th of April, 1909, aged seventy -nine years and six 
 months. He was a man of the highest integrity of character, and was 
 one. of the honored, early residents of Hardin county. He served his 
 church at Mt. Victory, the Methodists, for many years as a trustee. His 
 political affiliations were with the Republican party, and he filled the 
 offices of overseer, trustee, township treasurer and corporation treasurer, 
 acting in the interests of his city. On the 7th of April, 1852, Shepherd 
 G. Humphreys was joined in marriage with Martha Elizabeth Titsworth, 
 who was born in Union county, Ohio, in 1831, and died on the 3d of 
 December, 1893, a daughter of Lemuel and Mary Titsworth, who moved 
 from Union to Logan county, Ohio. There were a daughter and two 
 sons in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys, and Mary, the daughter, 
 is the wife of A. L. Sullivan, living in Lincoln, Nebraska. Shepherd M. 
 Humphreys is a telegraph operator at Maysville, Kentucky. 
 
 Dr. Frank Humphreys, the second born child, after leaving the pub- 
 lic* schools at the age of seventeen entered Xenia College, where he 
 studied for two years, and from 1877 for three years he was principal of 
 the Augusta schools. While filling that position he began the study of 
 medicine with Dr. R. L. Sweeney in Marion, with whom he remained for 
 six years, and following his graduation from the Ohio Medical College 
 on the 1st of March, 1882, he located at Mt. Victory and began the active 
 practice of his chosen profession. After a time, however, he received 
 the state appointment as physician to the Dayton Hospital, which he 
 filled for two years, and returning to Mt. Victory he practiced here for 
 two years, going then to Hamilton county and conducting a sanitarium 
 at Madisonville until 1895, was then in practice two years in Cincinnati 
 and again returning to Mt. Victory he has since remained in continuous 
 practice here. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 473 
 
 Dr. Humphreys married in 1897 Viola Stoms, born November 19, 
 1867, a daughter of Edmond and Susan L. (Trotter) Stoms. The 
 father died in Hamilton county, Ohio, but the mother survives and is a 
 resident of Mt. Washington. Edmond Stoms was a son of William and 
 Eliza (Mears) Stoms, the former the founder of the large seed house of 
 Hale and Stoms at Cincinnati. The Rev. Francis McCormick, great- 
 grandfather of Mrs. Humphreys, was an old Virginian who freed his 
 slaves and came to Ohio, becoming one of the early circuit riders of 
 Hamilton county. Dr. Humphreys is a member, a trustee and the 
 treasurer of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been a member 
 of the Masonic order since the age of twenty-one, affiliating with Kenton 
 Latham Lodge No. 154. He is also associated with the Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows at Mt. Victory, with the Mt. Victory Knights of 
 the Maccabees, and with the County, State and American Medical 
 Societies. He has one of the largest medical practices in Mt. Victory, 
 and he owns one of the largest farms in Hale township. 
 
 John Morrison was for many years identified with the agricultural 
 life of Hardin county, but in later years he has put aside an active 
 business life and is now living retired at his pleasant home in Mt. 
 Victory. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on the 2d of Novem- 
 ber, 1846. a son of Gryan Morrison and a grandson on the paternal side 
 of Robert Morrison, who was born in Virginia and was a life-long agricul- 
 turist. He died in the year 1812. Mr. Morrison, the father, was horn 
 in Virginia in 1811, but when he was hut two years old the family came 
 to Harrison county, Ohio, and later to Union county, where he farmed 
 until his death in 1864. Before his marriage he had also been engaged 
 in mercantile pursuits in Delaware county. He affiliated with the 
 Democratic party, and held the public offices of his township. Mr. 
 Morrison married Margrette Berkley, who was born in 1821 and died, at 
 the age of sixty-six years. She was a daughter of Samuel Berkley, a 
 farmer and distiller at Bellpoint, Delaware county, and of Susan (Hultz) 
 Berkley. The children of this union are: Joseph, a farmer in Union 
 county: Susan Ellen, the wife of J. Smart, of West Mansfield; Joseph- 
 ine wife of H. Fredericks, a farmer in Union county; and John. 
 
 After leaving the school room at the age of eighteen John Morrison 
 lived with his mother on the home farm until he had attained the age 
 of twenty-three, and he then married and located on a farm near New 
 Dover. After two years there he went to a farm near Belief ontaine, 
 where he remained for. another two years, returning to the old home- 
 stead and two years later he went to the old Benton farm near Marys- 
 ville and lived there for three years, when he returned once more to 
 the Morrison homestead, and after two years there and on other farms 
 near East Liberty he came to Hardin county, near Ridgeway. Here 
 he successfully followed agricultural pursuits until after the death of 
 his wife, and has since lived retired. He has been a member of the 
 Disciples church at Ridgeway for many years, and has served his re- 
 ligious home as a deacon. He is also affiliated with the Democratic 
 party and with the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Ridgeway. 
 
474 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 In 1870. Morrison was married to Drusilla Ely, who was born in 
 Logan county, Ohio, November 2, 1845, a daughter of Joseph Ely, a 
 Logan county farmer for many years but a native son of Maryland, 
 and of Anna Piercy Lemen, his wife. The mother died in 1849, and 
 for his second wife Mr. Ely married Phoebe Henry, to whom nine child- 
 ren were born but only the following three are living: William Ely, 
 living in West Mansfield; Cary Ely, of the same place; and Elma Jane, 
 the wife of A. Arbeghast, living in Zanesfield, this state. Mrs. Morri- 
 son was the youngest of the nine children born of her father’s first 
 marriage, but only two daughters are now living, Rebecca, wife of H. 
 Marlmard, of Seattle, Washington, and Hulda, the wife of Samuel 
 Simpson, of West Mansfield. Three children blessed the marriage 
 union of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, namely: J. Hartley Morrison engaged 
 in the hay business at Mt. Victory, and he married Bessie Walos and 
 has two children, Clara and Helen ; Nona Margaret, the wife of George 
 Walos, a farmer in Logan county, and their three children are Mabel, 
 Ruth and Harold Morrison; and Vesta, the wife of Frank Dille, a far- 
 mer in Hale township, and their four children are Clair, Dwight, 
 Leonora and Wilburt. Mrs. Morrison was a member of the Baptist 
 church and later of the Disciple church, and she died on the 6th of 
 November, 1907, after an illness of eighteen months. Her life was 
 beautiful in its purity, goodness and Christian virtues, and her memory 
 will long remain with those who knew her best. 
 
 Oliver Ellsworth Perry. — A citizen of prominence and influence 
 is actively identified with the financial interests of Ridgeway as cashier 
 of the Ridgeway Banking Company, with which he has been officially 
 associated during the past seven years. A son of Henry Perry, he was 
 born, February 27, 1861, in Delaware county, coming from thrifty 
 Welsh ancestry. 
 
 His grandfather, Robert Perry, was born and brought up in Wales, 
 as a youth following the sea. In early manhood he emigrated to 
 America, being accompanied on his ocean voyage by a sister. Settling 
 as a pioneer in the Avilds of Ohio, he was much pleased with the future 
 possibilities of his new home, and made ready to return to Wales to 
 bring back with him the remainder of the family, but on reaching 
 Baltimore, the port from which he aaus to sail, he was accidently brought 
 face to face with his mother, avIio had followed him on a later vessel, 
 arriving in this country in 1803. He located in Delaware county, this 
 state, and having by dint of true pioneer labor cleared a homestead 
 from the forest, was subsequently engaged in tilling the soil until his 
 death. The maiden name of his Avife was Margaret Hoskins. 
 
 Henry Perry Avas born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 4, 1819, 
 and greAv to manhood on the parental homestead, in the improvement 
 of which he assisted. Becoming a farmer from choice, he met Avit.h good 
 success in his vocation, spending his last years on his finely improved 
 farm in Logan county, his death occurring in July, 1889. He learned 
 the trade of a brick maker and burner when young, and followed it to 
 some extent in connection with farming. He was one of the sub- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 475 
 
 stantial men of his community, and a member of the Ancient Free and 
 Accepted Masons. He married Martha Lavender, who was born in 
 Pennsylvania, November 28, 1821. Her parents, Thomas and Eliza- 
 beth (Streeter) Lavender came from England to Pennsylvania in 1818, 
 her mother died in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1823, in early wom- 
 anhood, while her father came to Delaware county, Ohio, improved a 
 farm on the Scioto river where he died after attaining the venerable age 
 of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Perry reared four children, 
 as follows: Ella, wife of Ct. W. Stevens, of Delaware county, Ohio; 
 
 Margaret, living with her widowed mother; Oliver Ellsworth; and A. T. 
 who died in Marion, Ohio, in 1906. 
 
 Leaving school at the age of sixteen years, Oliver E. Perry assisted 
 his father on the farm for five years, after which he taught school two 
 terms, the latter one in Kansas. Returning from that state to Ohio he 
 bought land in Logan county, and was there profitably employed in 
 agricultural pursuits from 1887 until 1903. Coming in that year to 
 Ridgeway, Mr. Perry accepted his position as cashier of the Ridgeway 
 Banking Company, and has since performed the duties devolving upon 
 him in this capacity in a most efficient manner, his financial ability being 
 recognized and appreciated. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Perry is active 
 in party affairs, and at the present time is serving as town treasurer. 
 
 On December 28, 1893, Mr. Perry married Louisa E. Gantt, who 
 was born August 25, 1875, a daughter of D. H. and Margaret (Kennedy) 
 Gantt, residents of Hardin county. Eight children have blessed the 
 union of Mr. and Mrs. Perry, namely: Alice, Dorothy, Robert, John, 
 Edward, Francis and Martha and Merret, twins. 
 
 Judge John Rambo Selders. — Prominent among the most highly 
 respected and valued citizens of Ridgeway is Judge John Rambo Selders, 
 ex-judge of the probate court, and now, in 1910, serving as mayor of 
 this city. He was born October 16, 1838, in Logan county, Ohio, coming 
 on the paternal side from French ancestry, being a son of Hugh Selders. 
 His grandfather, John Selders, a native of France, came as a boy to this 
 country, and- was brought up in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. He 
 married Mary A. Latimer, and was subsequently one of the early 
 settlers of Muskingum county, Ohio, locating at New Concord, where he 
 cleared and improved a farm, on which both he and his wife spent their 
 remaining days. He was a member of the Covenanters church. 
 
 Hugh Selders was born in New Concord, Ohio, in 1800, and 
 obtained his education in the pioneer schools of his day. He remained 
 beneath the parental roof tree until twenty-two years of age, and then 
 began his life as an independent farmer in Logan county. Continuing as 
 an agriculturist until 1866, he and his wife, both of whom were well ad- 
 vanced in years, went to live with a son, remaining with him the rest of 
 their lives. He was a strong abolitionist, active in the work of freeing the 
 slaves, being in hearty sympathy with such grand men as Garrison and 
 Phillips, and was a member of the United Presbyterian church. The 
 maiden name of his wife was Nancy Rambo. She was born in Muskingum 
 
476 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 county. Ohio, a daughter of Thomas Rambo, a soldier in the war of 1812, 
 and who married Elizabeth Campbell. 
 
 The only survivor of a family of nine children, John Rambo 
 Selders received his elementary education in the public schools, after 
 which he took a special course at Geneva college. He learned the car- 
 penter’s trade, and afterwards taught school for thirteen years in 
 Ridgeway and vicinity, which has been his home since 1858. On June 
 5, 1861. he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer In- 
 fantry, which was assigned to McClellan’s Division of the army, and 
 took part in the engagements throughout the Shenandoah valley. He 
 was twice taken prisoner, but each time had the good fortune to escape. 
 The regiment to which lie belonged had two distinguished commanders, 
 men who afterwards became presidents of the United States, Rutherford 
 R. llayes and William McKinley. In 1865, at close of the war, Mr. Sel- 
 ders received his honorable discharge and was mustered out at Cleveland. 
 
 Returning to Ridgeway he taught school three terms, and then 
 moved to Kenton, where, in 1875, he was elected probate judge, 
 a position that he filled ably and wisely until 1882. Returning then 
 to Ridgeway, Judge Selders was for five years employed in agricultural 
 pursuits, the following seven years being interested in the oil regions 
 near Lima, where he located during the oil boom of 1887. Coming back 
 then to Hardin county, the judge purchased land at Taylor’s Creek, 
 and managed it successfully for a few years, when he sold out, and has 
 since lived retired from active pursuits in Ridgeway. He is an active 
 member in the Democratic party, and in 1909 was elected mayor of 
 Ridgeway, and is serving with credit to himself and to the honor of his 
 constituents. He is one of the leading members of the E. I. G. Post, 
 No. 753, G. A. R., of which he has been commander two terms, and 
 belongs to the Disciples church, in which he is an elder. 
 
 Judge Selders married, on the 24th of December, 1865, Mary A. 
 McCullough, who was born March 19, 1844, a daughter of Alexander and 
 Mary (Sweitzer) McCullough. To the Judge and Mrs. Selders four 
 children have been born, namely: Ida, wife of D. S. Bird, of Findlay, 
 Ohio; Carrie E., who married Alexander Van Sky, of Hardin county, and 
 they had six children ; Nettie, who became the wife of Louis Conner, 
 and died in January, 1905. leaving three children ; and Effie married 
 William Ward, and died in 1894. 
 
 Benedict Fink. — Success is the prerogative of valiant souls, and 
 those endowed with definite energy, ambition and determination will 
 overcome obstacles seemingly insuperable. It was given the late 
 Benedict Fink, who was a member of one of the sterling pioneer families 
 of Hardin county, to achieve through personal effort a large and generous 
 measure of success in connection with business affairs and to make for 
 himself a secure vantage place in the confidence and esteem of the people 
 of the county which represented his home during the major portion of 
 his life. Marked by inviolable integrity in all its relations, his life was 
 one that counted for good and his ability enabled him to advance to 
 prominence as one of the most substantial business men of the city of 
 
BENEDICT FINK 
 

 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 477 
 
 Kenton, where his interests were varied and of important order. In this 
 city his death occurred on the 8th of October, 1905, and his name is held 
 in gracious memory by all who knew him and had cognizance of his 
 sterling attributes of character. 
 
 Benedict Fink was born in Buetigen, Switzerland, on the 17th of 
 January, 1830, and was the son of Benedict and Mary Fink, of whose six 
 children he was the eldest. He received the rudiments of his education 
 in his native land and was about seven years of age when, in 1837, his 
 parents immigrated and the family passed the first winter in the city of 
 Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1838 they set forth with team 
 and wagon for Hardin county, Ohio, making the entire journey by means 
 of this primitive equipment, as this was long before the time of railroad 
 accommodations. Three weeks were consumed in making the trip and 
 to reach the place selected for a homestead they were compelled to fell 
 trees and clear out underbrush to effect a passage through the forest. 
 The father secured a tract of available timber land in Pleasant township, 
 about two miles north of Kenton, which was then a mere hamlet in the 
 midst of the forest. He reclaimed a farm from the Avilderness and was 
 one of the well-known and highly honored pioneers of Hardin county, 
 where both he and his wife continued to reside until their death. 
 
 Benedict Fink, the immediate subject of this memoir, was essen- 
 tially a self-made man, and owing to exigencies of time and place, his 
 educational advantages in his youth were somewhat meagre, being 
 limited to desultory attendance in the primitive pioneer schools. He had 
 his full quota of experience in connection with the reclamation and devel- 
 opment of the home farm, and his boyhood and youth were marked by 
 “ceaseless toil and endeavor.” He continued to be associated in the 
 work and management of the homestead until 1850, when, at the age of 
 twenty years, he located, in Kenton, where he secured employment as 
 errand boy and general clerk in the store of Bromberger & Jones. In 
 this connection was gained his initial business experience, and here his 
 course was -early marked by that fidelity, determination and aggressive- 
 ness which eventually conserved his distinctive individual success as 
 a business man. Throughout his whole life it may well be said that his 
 word was as good as any bond, and no citizen of the county has ever 
 commanded more unequivocal popular confidence, though his directness 
 and inflexibility in following the course which he believed to be right, 
 at times promoted temporary antagonisms. After having been employed 
 for a few years by the firm mentioned, Mr. Fink entered into partner- 
 ship alliance with John A. Shectala and purchased the store of Robert 
 Russell, who had succeeded to the business of Bromberger & Jones. This 
 association continued for a few years, at the expiration of which Mr. 
 Fink purchased his partner’s interest in the enterprise, which he there- 
 after conducted in an individual way. In 1877 he erected and moved his 
 stock into the building in which the business has since been continued. 
 This building stands on the site of the store in which he gained his first 
 experience as a business man, and the enterprise with which he was so 
 long identified is now conducted by his son, Charles B. Fink, of whom 
 specific mention is made on other pages of this work. 
 
 Vol. II— 3 
 
478 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 In addition with his connection with the general merchandise busi- 
 ness, as already noted. Air. Fink’s enterprising and progressive spirit 
 led him to identify himself with other business interests that materially 
 conserved the commercial and industrial prestige of his home city. He 
 was vice-president of the Home Savings and Loan Company from the 
 time of its inception until his death, and for many years he was also a 
 valued member of the directorate of the Kenton Savings Bank. He 
 was essentially public-spirited and loyal as a citizen, and his aid and 
 influence were ever given in support of measures and enterprises tend- 
 ing to advance the general welfare of the community. For eighteen 
 years he served as member of the Kenton Board of Education, and within 
 his incumbency of this position he maintained an advanced attitude in 
 bringing educational facilities of the city up to the highest possible 
 standard, having ably advocated the erection of new and properly 
 equipped buildings and having in divers other ways proved his vital 
 interest in educational affairs. 
 
 In the year I860 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fink to Miss 
 Martha Moy, who was born in Diesbach, Switzerland, and the two chil- 
 dren of this union were Laura Moy, of Kenton, and Charles Benedict 
 Fink, a brief record of whose career appears on other pages of this work. 
 The devoted wife and mother, who was held in affectionate regard by all 
 who came within the sphere of her gracious influence, was consigned to 
 rest on October 25, 1891. 
 
 Joseph Yearsley, an extensive dealer and shipper of hay and 
 straw living in Mt. Victory, Ohio, was born November 1, 1864, in Union 
 county, Ohio. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Green) Yearsley; 
 the father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and his wife, a 
 daughter of Robert and Ruth Green, was born August 3, 1833, and died 
 April 5, 1907, at the age of seventy-three. Mr. Green and his wife settled 
 in Ohio when Sarah was a child. Thomas Yearsley taught school in his 
 youth, and later took up farming, which he followed during the remain- 
 der of his life. Besides Joseph, his children were: Alben, of Union 
 
 county, Ohio, a farmer; Burton, also a farmer of Union county; Ada, 
 wife of David Wyeth, of Union county ; Emma, wife of Clifton Folsom, 
 of Bellefontaine, Ohio; one daughter who died in infancy; and Mary, 
 wife of Lloyd Rogers, died in Union county, Ohio, at the age of twenty- 
 eight years, in 1900. 
 
 Joseph Yearsley attended school until seventeen years of age 
 and then began working in a store at Broadway, Ohio, where he re- 
 mained two and one-half years. He spent two years lumbering and 
 hauling logs, and in 1891 rented a farm where he remained two years. 
 He then worked on his father’s farm until 1896, when he came to Hardin 
 county, Ohio, and spent six years on a farm. Mr. Yearsley rented a 
 farm in Buck township four years, spent one year farming on the edge 
 of Logan county and then settled at Mount Victory, Hale township, in 
 1902. Since the time of his first coming to Hardin county, he has been 
 interested in dealing in hay and straw, besides attending to his farming 
 interests. He has been very successful in all his enterprises, and is one 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 479 
 
 of the substantial, representative business men of Hardin county. 
 Politically Mr. Yea-rsley is a Republican, and be is now serving on the 
 school board. 
 
 Mr. Yearsley married September 30, 1886, Anna Winter, born 
 in Franklin county, Ohio, January 31, 1865, daughter of Levy and 
 Nancy (Myers) Winter, both natives of Washington county, Pennsyl- 
 vania. Mr. Winter was born in 1822 and died in 1890, and his widow 
 survives at an advanced age. They were farmers of Union county, 
 Ohio. Mrs. Yearsley died October 5, 1907, at her home in Mount 
 Victory, sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends. She was kind 
 and charitable, with a beautiful character and high ideals. She was 
 a devout Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
 also of the Ladies’ Aid Society, and was president of the Missionary 
 Society. She was active in church work and always interested in every 
 good cause. 
 
 Mr. Yearsley and his wife had children as follows: Blanch, born 
 April 3, 1888, wife of Robert McKimm, a barber of Mount Victory; 
 Mabel, born March 21, 1893, attending high school ; Fern, born October 
 15, 1896, attending school ; and Wilbur, horn September 8, 1901, died 
 August 10, 1904. Mr. Yearsley lives at home with his children. 
 
 Elmer Ellsworth Lynch, M. D., a highly successful physician 
 and pharmacist of Ridgeway, is one of the most useful and esteemed 
 citizens of this place, his enterprise, good character and public spirit, 
 having won for him an assured position in the estimation of the people. 
 A son of the late Hezekiali Lynch, he was born April 25, 1864, in Hale 
 township, Hardin county. His grandfather, Clinton Lynch, came from 
 Virginia to Hardin county, establishing himself as a general merchant 
 at Forest, where he remained in business until after the death of his 
 wife, in 1875, at the comparatively early age of forty-nine years. He 
 subsequently moved with his family to Mount Victory, and was there a 
 resident until his death, in 1881, at the age of three score years. 
 
 Hezekiali Lynch was born in Virginia, in 1838, and when young 
 came with his parents to Hardin county, where he grew to manhood, 
 and subsequently spent his life, dying at his home in Hale township 
 in 1902. He married Mrs. Levina (Andrews) Osborn, who was born 
 in Hale township, May 31, 1838, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Conk- 
 lin) Andrews, early settlers of Hardin county, coming from Pennsyl- 
 vania to Ohio in 1827. The only child born of their union was Elmer 
 Ellsworth, the subject of this brief sketch. By her union with her first 
 husband, Obedia Osborn, Mrs. Lynch had three children, namely: 
 Lafayette, of Mt. Victory, a stockman ; Ida, wife of C. A. Wilgus, of 
 West Mansfield; and Etta, deceased, married Arthur Van Tuyl. 
 
 During his earlier life Elmer E. Lynch taught school five years 
 three years of the time being thus employed at Mount Victory. He 
 afterwards attended Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, one term, 
 later studying a year in the literary department of the Wesleyan Uni- 
 versity at Delaware. He subsequently began the study of medicine at 
 the Miami Medical College in Cincinnati, and in 1895 was graduated, 
 
480 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 with the degree of M. I)., from the Toledo Medical College. Dr. Lynch 
 began the practice of his profession at Silver Creek, from there going to 
 Big Springs, and in 1901 came to Ridgeway, where he has since remained, 
 having built up an excellent practice, in connection with which he es- 
 tablished a pharmacy, which he is conducting most successfully. The 
 Doctor is active in public affairs, being one of the leading Democrats of 
 this section of Hardin county, and from 1902 until 1908 served as mayor 
 of the city. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of 
 the Woodmen of the World. 
 
 Dr. Lynch married in 1891, Elizabeth lames, who was born March 
 7, 1872, a daughter of Thomas D. and Lydia lames, natives of Penn- 
 sylvania, where her birth occurred. She came with them from Penn- 
 sylvania to Ohio, and lived in Logan county until her marriage. On 
 October 8, 1909, the angel of death crossed the Doctor’s threshold, 
 bearing to the life beyond the loving wife and mother. She was a 
 woman of noble character, devoted to the interests of her household, 
 and was a conscientious member and an active worker of the Methodist 
 Protestant church. One child was born to Dr. and Mrs. Lynch, namely: 
 Leota, born July 2, 1892, and who has had charge of the home since the 
 death of her mother, filling the place of the loved one to the best of her 
 ability. 
 
 Francis Marion List is the present postmaster of Mt. Victory, 
 and he is an active public worker. He was born in Marion county, 
 Indiana, June 20, 1845, a son of Henry S. List, born in Switzerland 
 county, Kentucky, and a grandson of John D. List, one of the early 
 pioneers of that county. This John List, a farmer and later a cooper, 
 came from Switzerland county to Johnson county, Indiana, when his 
 son Henry was a boy of ten years, and the family camped out until a 
 log cabin could be erected. He made the journey with an ox team, 
 coming with a colony which settled in Johnson county at that time, and 
 his worldly possessions then consisted of an axe and a few utensils. 
 There was scarcely any money in circulation there at that time, skins 
 of animals being used in exchange for food and materials. John D. 
 List married Sarah Breckenridge, also from Kentucky, and she shared 
 with her husband the pioneer life on the frontier of Indiana. Their 
 son Henry after leaving the school room followed the carpenter’s trade 
 and farmed. After his marriage he moved to Marion county, Indiana, 
 and he continued his farming and carpentering there until his death, 
 dying in 1851, a member of the Presbyterian church and a Whig in his 
 political affiliations. He had married in his early life Louisa E. Mars, 
 and she died in 1852, when but twenty-three years of age. She was a 
 daughter of Daniel C4. Mars, who came from his native Ireland to America 
 in 1835 and located in Marion county Indiana. Two of the four children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. List are living, and the daughter Anna, the 
 younger of the two, is the widow of Gilbert McCaslin and a resident 
 of Franklin county, Indiana. 
 
 Francis M. List was left an orphan when but six years of age, and 
 he was reared by his grandparents. Moving to Champaign county, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIJN COUNTY 
 
 481 
 
 Illinois, in 1856 he spent three years there, and moving then to near 
 Monticello, that state, he farmed the land which had been purchased by 
 his grandfather and an uncle many years before. At the age of seven- 
 teen he enlisted for service in the Civil war, and joining Company D, 
 Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, at Monticello, in 1862 he was sent with 
 his command to Louisville, Kentucky, and thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, 
 crossing the river on pontoons. They built the first fort near Covington, 
 Kentucky, and with his command Mr. List participated in the battles 
 of Perryville, Nashville, Murfreesboro (where they were under fire for 
 four days.) Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Knoxville and the Atlanta 
 campaign. He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and he was 
 mustered out of the service on the 12tli of June, 1865. After returning 
 home from the war, Mr. List attended the academy at Monticello, Illinois, 
 for one year, and then studied dentistry and practiced the profession for 
 a year. He was after this for two years the superintendent of railroad 
 grading, and then returning to Urbana, Illinois, he resided there until 
 1874. Following his marriage on the 29th of October of that year he 
 came to Mt. Victory, where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick 
 and tile until 1905, and in that year he was appointed the postmaster 
 of Mt. Victory. 
 
 Mrs. List bore the maiden name of Lucy J. Patrick, and she was born 
 on the 12th of July, 1851, a daughter of John and Martha (Cutting) 
 Patrick, the father a cabinetmaker at Zanesfield, Ohio. Of the four 
 children born to Mr. and Mrs. List three died in infancy, and the only 
 one living is Lula, born March 25, 1876, and now assisting her father in 
 the postoffice. Mr. List is a member of the Republican party and of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Mrs. Rebecca Robinson. — One of the most highly respected resi- 
 dents of Hale township, Hardin county, Ohio, is the venerable Mrs. 
 Rebecca Robinson, widow of Silas Robinson, who died in 1864. The 
 Robinson homestead is located in a historic spot, and even today is 
 known by its very old title of Grassy Point. Mrs. Robinson was for 
 many years actively engaged in managing and carrying on the farm, 
 but has now retired from active life, and her task has been taken up by 
 her son, who resides with her. She was born May 22, 1829, in Logan 
 county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Margaret (Richardson) Paxton, 
 the former of whom died in 1879, at the age of eighty-eight years, and 
 the latter died in 1876, at the age of seventy- five years. William Paxton 
 came from Virginia to Logan county. He was a son of John and 
 Nancy Paxton, the former of whom died in 1800. William Paxton 
 farmed with his parents until 1835, and then moved with his family to 
 Hale township, where he lived a short time, but by mistake in the title 
 lost his land and then located on the farm now occupied by the Balding 
 heirs. There he remained until 1875, and then removed to Cass county, 
 Michigan, where the remainder of his life was spent. He and his wife 
 had ten children, of whom five survive, namely: Henry, retired and 
 
 living at Bell Center, Ohio; Harriet Ann, wife of J. Boyd, a retired 
 farmer of Cass county, Michigan ; Susan, wife of M. Dunson, of Bellaire, 
 
482 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 in northern Michigan; Harriet, wife of Sol Ream, of Zanesfield, Ohio; 
 and Mrs. Robinson. 
 
 Rebecca (Mrs. Robinson) is the oldest living of the family. Grand- 
 father Paxton was a school teacher, and one day, just before his death, 
 sent his pupils home with the remark that he would never teach again 
 and his death occurred that night. Rebecca Paxton remained at home 
 until her marriage, in 1851, to Silas Robinson, who was born in Cham- 
 paign county, Ohio. He was a successful farmer and became a promi- 
 nent citizen. He made a specialty of raising and shipping stock. He 
 came to Hardin county from Champaign county, Ohio, with a sister and 
 his father and settled on the farm where his widow now resides, he and 
 his sister living together until his marriage. After 1855 he confined 
 his attention to farming, and became prominent in local political matters. 
 He was a Whig and later a Republican, becoming a member of the 
 school board. 
 
 The father of Silas, John Robinson, came from Virginia to Cham- 
 paign county, Ohio, as a boy, and afterward located in Hardin county. 
 He died at the home of his son Silas, in 1860, at the age of ninety-one 
 years. 
 
 Silas Robinson and his wife had children as follows: William 
 
 Henry, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work ; Lavina, widow 
 of William Callahan, of Ridgeway; Harriet, wife of Dan Ferris, a dray- 
 man of Ridgeway, and they have four children ; and Albert, who married 
 Catherine McElhaney, and they have three children. 
 
 Mrs. Robinson is one of the most enterprising and able business 
 women of Hardin county, enjoys the affection of a large circle of friends, 
 and is highly respected by all. She is well known in the community, 
 and for the past forty years has been a church member. The home of 
 Mrs. Robinson was in early days a hotel, which was operated by Horace 
 Buckminster, and this was known as the Wayside Inn. Mrs. Robinson’s 
 father built a rough cabin, during his absence trading furs, and his 
 wife, who was left alone with the children, had to keep a bright fire all 
 night to keep away the wolves. 
 
 Peter Brown. — The substantial and well-to-do agriculturists of 
 Buck township, Hardin county, have an excellent representative in the 
 person of Peter Brown, who comes on both sides of the house of pioneer 
 stock, and is successfully devoting his time and energies to his well im- 
 proved and finely managed farming property. He was born May 31, 1853, 
 in Scioto county, Ohio, a son of Joseph Brown. His paternal grand- 
 father, William Brown, was born in Ireland, of thrifty Scotch ancestry. 
 Emigrating when young to the United States, he bought a tract of wild 
 and wooded land in Scioto county, Ohio, and on the farm which he 
 cleared and improved he resided until his death, at the age of four score 
 years. 
 
 Born, reared and married in Scioto county, Ohio, Joseph Brown 
 lived there until 1855, when, accompanied by his wife and two children 
 he migrated to Logan county, and bought a tract of land near Ridgeway. 
 A log house, a log stable, and a patch of cleared land constituted the 
 
/& t 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 483 
 
 improvements on the place. He cleared more of the land and then sold 
 at an advance, and bought eighty-seven acres on the north line of the 
 county. There were two log cabins on the land when he bought it. He 
 subsequently built a spacious hewed log house, and resided there a 
 number of years. Selling out then, he bought ninety-six acres, 
 a part of which was in Hardin county. He built a hewed log house, 
 improved the land, and set out fruit and shade trees, rendering the estate 
 one of the most attractive in the neighborhood, and was there a resident 
 until his death, at the age of forty-nine years, while yet in the prime of 
 life. 
 
 Joseph Brown married Ecley Riley, who was born near Zanesfield, 
 Logan county, Ohio, eighty-seven years ago, a daughter of William and 
 Nancy Riley, who were among the original settlers of Logan county. 
 When they located there wild game of all kinds was abundant, and In- 
 dians still inhabited the forests. Mr. Riley cleared and improved a 
 good homestead, and there he and his faithful wife and co-worker spent 
 their remaining years. Mr. Brown’s mother is still living, and has a 
 vivid recollection of the hardships and privations endured by the 
 brave pioneers of this section of the country, who first uprooted the 
 trees, ploughed the sod, and made a broad track for the advance of 
 civilization. She reared four children, namely : John, Peter, Sarah 
 Jane, and Margaret Ellen. 
 
 But two years old when his parents moved to Logan county, Peter 
 Brown attended school as opportunity offered, gaily trudging the 
 two long miles between his home and the log school house. After the 
 death of his father he assisted in clearing the land and tilling the soil, 
 remaining with his mother until ready to establish a home of his own. 
 He settled then on a portion of the old homestead, but at the end of two 
 years sold and bought land three miles north of Rushsylvania, where he 
 lived three years. Selling that property Mr. Brown lived eleven years 
 on rented farms in Buck township, and then moved to his present near-by 
 farm, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged in gen- 
 eral agriculture. 
 
 Mr. Brown married in August, 1879, Ella Roberts, a native of 
 Logan county, Ohio. Her father, John Roberts, was born March 7, 
 1827, in Tennessee, and when six years old came with his parents, 
 Andrew and Margaret (McCamish) Roberts, to Logan county. He 
 served during the Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Ninety- 
 fifth Regiment of Illinois, at the close of the conflict being honorably 
 discharged from the service. He was a farmer by occupation, owning 
 land in Rush Creek township, Logan county, where he was engaged in 
 his chosen vocation until his death, November 28, 1899, being seventy- 
 two years, eight months and twenty days at the time. His wife, 
 whose maiden name was Anna Kantzman, was born February 9. 1824, 
 in West Virginia, a daughter of John and Mary Kantzman, who became 
 early settlers of Logan county, Ohio. Anna Kantzman married John 
 J. Roberts July 5, 1846, and she died October 30, 1904, at the age of 
 eighty years, eight months and twenty-one days. She was the mother 
 of eleven children of whom eight are living and Mrs. Brown is the third 
 
484 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 youngest, the date of her birth being March 23, 1863. Mrs. Brown’s 
 mother spun and wove the large canvas cover that was used in camping 
 when they came here. Mrs. Brown’s mother passed to the higher life 
 October 30, 1909. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children, namely: Harry and Stella. 
 Harry married Ella Dysart, and they have two children, Cleora and 
 Dwight. Stella married first Kerr Brooks, and they had one daughter, 
 Clara. She married for her second husband William Clark. Politi- 
 cally Mr. Brown is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic 
 party, and socially he is a member of Silver Creek Grange. Mrs. Brown 
 is a member of the Disciple,? church of Belle Center. 
 
 Mrs. Nancy Elliott, who carries on a farm in Hale township, 
 Hardin county, is the widow of Wilkinson Elliott, who was born August 
 6, 1809, and died August 10, 1894. He followed farming all his life 
 and in 1855 came to the present Elliott farm, which he cleared; he built a 
 log cabin, which has now disappeared, but the old barn he first erected 
 is still standing. Mr. Elliott was a son of Benjamin and Susanna 
 (Sutley) Elliott, farmers of Stark county, Ohio; he was born in 1778 
 and died in 1859, and his wife, who was born December 21, 1784, died 
 March 21, 1883. Wilkinson Elliott traveled extensively before his 
 marriage. He was a Quaker and a strong Prohibitionist, and traveled 
 for the purpose of giving lectures in the cause, continuing this good 
 work until his death. He met with an accident some years before this, 
 so that he had retired from active life. 
 
 Mrs. Elliott is a daughter of John Rollins, a native of Virginia, a 
 farmer all his life, and who died in 1841, at the age of seventy years. 
 ITe married Rebecca Pyles, who died in 1860, at the age of sixty years. 
 Mrs. Rollins reared a family of eight children after the death of her 
 husband. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott had children as follows: E. L. Elliott, 
 single, a farmer of Colorado; E. A. Elliott and his wife Anna, living on 
 a farm in Hale township, have three children ; Abbrilla, wife of Ross 
 Armon, a farmer of Hale township, has two children. Mrs. Elliott was 
 born in Scioto county, Ohio, October 1, 1826, and is one of the oldest 
 residents of Hardin county. She lives alone on the old homestead, her 
 children being all provided for, prosperous, well-to-do and all except one 
 living near her. She endured the hardships incident to pioneer life in 
 her young married life, and now enjoys a peaceful, though useful ex- 
 istence. She is an earnest member of the Quaker church, and is still an 
 active worker. Since her girlhood Mrs. Elliott has spent considerable 
 time weaving carpets and rugs, and still to some extent follows this old 
 fashioned occupation as a pleasant pastime. Mrs. Elliott is well known 
 throughout the community, where she is universally revered and es- 
 teemed. She is a pleasing conversationalist, and her manner and 
 bearing are cheerful and pleasant, the reflection of a beautiful character. 
 
 Charles R. Wilson, a prosperous farmer of Hale township, Hardin 
 county, was born December 27, 1864, in McLean county, Illinois, and is 
 a son of Hugh Wilson. The father of Hugh, John Wilson, a native of 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 485 
 
 Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, moved to Beaver county, in the 
 same state, where he entered four hundred acres of land. He sold two 
 hundred acres and located in Holmes county, Ohio, where he opened a 
 tavern and spent his remaining years. His wife was Mary Post. John 
 Wilson served in the war of 1812, was a Whig, and a member of the 
 Lutheran church. 
 
 Hugh Wilson was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 4, 1818, and 
 died June 5, 1895. He carried on farming until 1831 and then began 
 driving an ox team for Cyrus Dille ; in 1843 he married Sarah Dille, 
 daughter of his employer, who died in 1866, aged forty-three years. 
 After his marriage he entered a two hundred acre farm in Hardin 
 county near his son, Charles R., and was the first settler in the section. 
 In 1856 he drove a team to McLean county, Illinois, where he remained 
 until 1870 and then moved to Pyatt county, Illinois, where he lived the 
 remainder of his life. lie was an earnest member of the Methodist 
 church, and politically was a strong supporter of the Republican party. 
 He served as clerk of Hale township when it contained but thirty-five 
 residents. He was serving on a jury at Bloomington, Illinois, when 
 Abraham Lincoln pleaded a case. Mr. Wilson was an influential citizen 
 and served in the Illinois legislature. His children were : Mary, 
 
 deceased; John, a farmer near Mount Vernon, Illinois; William, a 
 farmer at Parkville, Missouri; Jane, wife of William Glass, of Platt 
 county, Missouri; Cyrus D., a farmer of Platt county, Missouri; and 
 Charles R., the youngest. 
 
 Mr. Wilson attended school until seventeen years of age and then 
 for two years engaged in farming. For two years he was engaged in 
 buying and shipping stock in Missouri, and then for some time in the 
 real estate business in Kansas City. In 1887 he began farming in 
 Illinois, and in 1896 located in Hale township, and purchased the farm 
 he now occupies, one of the largest and finest in the township. He 
 carries on general farming and raises considerable stock, being a pro- 
 gressive farmer, of modern methods and ideas. 
 
 Mr. Wilson married, January 16, 1889, Emma Jane McCall, born 
 March 24, 1863, daughter of William E. and Charlotte (Garwood) 
 McCall, of an old pioneer family, and they have children as follows: 
 Carl H., born in 1890, now at the state university; Lucille, born in 1892, 
 in the high school at Mt. Victory, Ohio ; Chester M., born in 1893, at 
 school; Lottie Irene, born in 1895, attending school; and John H., born 
 in 1897, also at school. Mr. AVilson is a member and trustee in the 
 Methodist church. He is a member of the school board, a strong 
 Republican, and one of the most active and prominent workers in the 
 interests of his party to be found in the community. Among the valued 
 possessions of Mr. AVilson is an application for a land patent made by 
 his grandfather in 1792, also a note issued to him payable in pot metal 
 at the rate of eight cents per ton, the amount of the note being forty 
 dollars. The grandfather, John Wilson, had once an exciting encounter 
 with the only Indian who remained in the vicinity after the others had 
 removed westward ; the Indian afterward vanished, Air. Wilson having- 
 won out in the contest. Air. AVilson remembers as a boy being with his 
 
486 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 parents a guest of Governor Cullom, of Illinois, at the time of a state 
 fair, among the fellow guests being President R. B. Hayes and General 
 Sherman. 
 
 William B. Wallace, a prominent farmer of Hale township, 
 Hardin county, was born September 30, 1849, in Logan county, Ohio, 
 and is a son of Alexander and Mahala Wallace, early settlers of Hardin 
 county. Mr. Wallace attended school until seventeen years of age and 
 remained with his parents until his marriage, when he settled on the farm 
 he now occupies. He first bought forty-two acres, and the log house 
 thereon, which was fashioned in a crude manner, was one of the first in 
 the vicinity. He has acquired his present comfortable home and sur- 
 roundings by his industry, economy and thrift. Tie has erected a fine 
 residence and has one of the most attractive places in the township, with 
 all modern conveniences. 
 
 In September, 1871, Mr. Wallace married Mary I). Rudasill, born 
 January 26, 1850, in Logan county, Ohio, daughter of Winfield and 
 Lvdia (Sutton) Rudasill. Winfield Rudasill died in early life, and 
 his wife still lives near Rushsylvania, aged eighty-two years. His 
 father, Lamson Rudasill, and his wife, Mary Doby, were natives of 
 Virginia, who settled in Logan county, Ohio. Winfield Rudasill and 
 his wife had children as follows: John P., a farmer of Rushsylvania; 
 Jonathan S., deceased, was a farmer living in Kansas; Leah, with her 
 mother ; Bessie, wife of J. Day ; Florence, wife of E. D. Barber ; and 
 Mary D., Mrs. Wallace. Mr. Rudasill was a member of the Christian 
 church, served many years as a justice of the peace of Logan county, 
 Ohio, and was a prominent member of the Masonic order. Mr. AVallaee 
 and his wife have children as follows: Ethel, born in 1874, at home; 
 
 George, born in 1876, a farmer in Logan county, Ohio; Bessie and 
 Blanch, twins, born in 1878; and Earl, born in 1882. George married 
 Nona Morrison and they have three children, Mabel, Ruth and Harold. 
 Bessie married H. Morrison, a hay dealer of Mt. Victory, Ohio, and they 
 have two children, Clara and Helen. Blanch married D. Vasser, a 
 farmer of Hale township, and they have one child, Lela. Earl, a 
 farmer in Hardin county, married Margaret Miller, and they have two 
 children, Opal and Louise. 
 
 Mr. Wallace and his wife have been for many years members of the 
 Christian church of Mt. Victory, of which he has served twenty years as 
 trustee, deacon and elder; she also belongs to the Ladies’ Aid and 
 Missionary Societies. Mr. Wallace is actively interested in public 
 affairs and is a member of the district school board. Politically he is a 
 Republican. 
 
 Joseph Alexander Korns. — Prominent among the business men 
 and citizens of Mt. Victory is numbered Joseph Alexander Korns, the 
 cashier of the Mt. Victory Bank. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, 
 April 9, 1879, a son of Silas Wright Korns, who is living retired at Mt. 
 Victory, now sixty-six years of age. He was born in Holmes county, 
 Ohio, and after leaving the school room he took up the work of the farm 
 
V 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 487 
 
 and followed it until enlisting for the Civil war. Joining Company 0, 
 One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Millersburg, Ohio, 
 he served throughout the entire conflict, and after returning home from 
 the war he again took up the work of the farm and continued as an 
 agriculturist until his retirement in 1890. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, and is one of the church trustees. Mrs. 
 Korns, Anna A., is a daughter of one of the most honored residents of 
 Mt. Victory, William I. Witc-raft, a pioneer, business man and banker. 
 His life’s span has covered eighty-seven years, years of honorable effort, 
 and he is now living retired. His wife was before marriage Margaret 
 Wallace. Four sons and a daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Korns, 
 but only the sons are now living. Charles William Korns is an agricul- 
 turist in Logan county, Ohio, and John Hamilton Korns is a practicing 
 physician at Chicago, Illinois. 
 
 Joseph A. Korns after leaving the graded schools at the age of 
 fifteen years attended high school for three years and graduated in 1898. 
 He enlisted in April, 1898, for the Spanish- American war, at Kenton, 
 Ohio, and was made a member of Company 0, Second Ohio Infantry, 
 accompanying it to Chickamauga Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Knox- 
 ville, Tennessee, and thence to Macon, Georgia, where he was stationed 
 when the war ended. Returning home in February, 1899, Mr. Korns 
 entered the Lima (Ohio) Business College and graduated therefrom in 
 the fall of 1899. lie entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, 
 Ohio, in the fall of 1899, and graduated from there in June, 1902. He 
 then spent almost two years at Long Beach. California, connected with 
 the First National Bank there, and coming to Mt, Victory in June, 1904, 
 he was made the assistant cashier of the Mt. Victory Bank, and in 
 January of 1906 became its cashier. 
 
 He married on October 4, 1903, Ethel Viola Williams, born March 
 6, 1880, a daughter of the Rev. Charles S. Williams, the pastor of the 
 Winona church. His wife is deceased. Two children, Laverne 
 Emelene and William Theodore Bashford, have been born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Korns, and they are aged respectively five and one years. Mr. 
 Korns is a member and one of the stewards of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church, and he is also prominently identified with the Masonic order, 
 affiliated with Latham Lodge No. 154, Scioto Chapter No. 119, with 
 Kenton Council No. 65, with Kenton Commandery No. 58, with the 
 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite at Toledo and with Aladdin Temple 
 at Columbus. 
 
 John IIobensack, has through many years been prominently 
 identified with the public life of Mt. Victory and active in the local 
 councils of the Republican party. During thirteen years he served Mt. 
 Victory as its mayor, and he is now serving his third term as a justice of 
 the peace. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 16. 
 1833, a son of Isaac and Emily (Fetter) Hobensack, and a grandson on 
 the paternal side of John Hobensack, who came to this country from 
 Germany in 1771 and located in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. 
 He was a land owner and farmer there, and he served five years as a Revo- 
 
488 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 lutionary soldier. The Fetter family came to this country at the same 
 time as the Hobensacks. John and Emily Fetter became farming people 
 of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He affiliated with both the Whig 
 and Republican parties, and he represented his county in the state legis- 
 lature of Pennsylvania for two terms. Both he and his wife were 
 members of the Baptist church. Their daughter, Emily, born in 1801, 
 died in the year 1882. Isaac Hobensack, born in Montgomery county, 
 Pennsylvania, April 21, 1798, took up the work of the farm after com- 
 pleting his education, finally purchasing the old Hobensack homestead, 
 which is yet in the possession of this family, and he died there in 1892. 
 The children born to Isaac and Emily Hobensack are William; Rachel; 
 Casper ; Margaret, the widow of William L. Craven and living in Phila- 
 adelphia ; Isaac C. ; Elizabeth ; John, the subject of this sketch ; and Mary 
 Ellen, the widow of Thomas Mabray and living in Philadelphia. 
 
 John Hobensack after leaving the public schools at the age of seven- 
 teen attended the Chester county boarding school for three terms, and 
 during a similar period thereafter taught school. He then turned his 
 attention to farming, conducting the Hobensack homestead until his 
 enlistment on the 8th of August, 1861 at Trenton, New Jersey, for the 
 Civil war. Joining Company A, First New Jersey Cavalry, he was 
 commissioned a second lieutenant in December, 1861, while in the follow- 
 ing February he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and in April was 
 commissioned a captain. He served in all the principal battles of the 
 Eastern army, and on the 9th of August, 1862, was wounded at Cedar 
 Mountain. He was also wounded at the battle of Mine Run and again 
 at Sweetbrier Springs, and rejoining his regiment from the hospital at 
 Georgetown he served until the close of the war. He was captured at 
 Brandy Station in Virginia and taken to Gordonsville in the same state, 
 but escaping he rejoined his regiment, and was finally mustered out at 
 Trenton, New Jersey, on the 28th of July, 1865. During his army 
 career Mr. Hobensack served as staff aid-de-camp to General Winfield 
 Hancock from December 1, 1864, until his discharge from the Second 
 Corps, and he then held the same office under General Humphrey. 
 
 Returning to his home with an honorable military record Mr. 
 Hobensack continued farm work there until March of 1866, when he 
 came to Ohio and settled on a farm near Mt. Victory. He remained 
 there until 1880, and being then elected the sheriff of Union county, 
 Ohio, and re-elected for a second term he moved to Marysville, but 
 returned to the farm in 1886, and in 1889 came to Hardin county and 
 retired from an active business life. 
 
 On the 19th of February 1865, he was married to Emma E. Mabrey, 
 who was born on the 12th of March, 1839, a daughter of William 
 Mabrey, a Bucks county, Pennsylvania, farmer, and of Hannah C. 
 (Travis) Mabrey, his wife. The children of this union are: Isaac K., 
 who married Letitia James, by whom he has seven children, and he is 
 farming near Lima; Henry H. an engineer in AVashington county, Ohio, 
 is a widower with five children ; John W. who married Alice Taylor and 
 who died leaving a widow and two children; Annetta is deceased; Carrie 
 is the wife of C. Longhenry, of Columbus, the foreman of the Ohio Tube 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 489 
 
 Company; Maggie M. is the wife of John Foster, in the mercantile busi- 
 ness at Dayton, and they have two children; William L. married Anna 
 Vance and he is an engineer living in Columbus; Lincoln C. married Eva 
 Rice and is in the railroad employ at Lewisburg, Ohio ; Onto T. married 
 F. Koontz and lives in Arkansas ; Jessie is the wife of Ed. Hunt, a dentist 
 at Mt. Victory; Elsie married George Miltholser; and Everett, also with 
 the Ohio Tube Company at Columbus, married Eva Vance, and they 
 have one child, Independence, living at home and born on July 4. Mr. 
 Hobensack is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Richwood, of the 
 Knights of Pythias order at Marysville and of the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows in Union county. He is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church. He is a representative citizen of Mt. Victory, and 
 well known in its business, official and social life. 
 
 William Henry Robinson, who resides on the Robinson homestead 
 carries on the farm, and was born on this homestead November 4, 1854, 
 and is a son of Silas and Rebecca (Paxton) Robinson, both of whom are 
 mentioned at considerable length in the sketch of Mrs. Rebecca Robinson, 
 found elsewhere in this work. He lived at home until fifteen years of 
 age receiving his education in the public schools, and remained at 
 home until his marriage in 1879. In 1881 he moved to Ridgeway, 
 where for two years he operated a meat market, then moved to Logan 
 county, where he farmed two years, and at the end of that time moved 
 to Kansas where by a series of misfortunes he lost all he had and re- 
 turned to Ridgeway, again embarking in business. In 1889 Mr. Robin- 
 son removed to Athens, Tennessee on account of his wife’s health, and 
 worked there three years as a clerk, when her health returning, they 
 located in Mt. Victory and for seventeen years conducted a hotel. 
 In 1908 he settled on the old homestead, and is now engaged in its man- 
 aging. Tie is an enterprising, ambitious farmer, who gives all his time 
 to his work and has been successful. He is a public-spirited citizen, 
 and actively interested in the progress and welfare of the community. 
 He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife is 
 active in church work, teaching a class in Sunday school, is a member 
 of the Ladies’ Aid Society, and also belongs to the home and foreign 
 missionary societies, being president of the latter. Mr. Robinson is a 
 member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Mt. Victory, 
 and his wife belongs to the Rebekahs and the Maccabees. Politically he 
 is a Republican and is noAV serving as district union school treasurer 
 and is corporation treasurer. 
 
 William H. Robinson married Rosanna Callahan, who was born 
 in Logan county, August 14, 1855, daughter of William Callahan, 
 who died in 1885, having been born in Virginia in 1813. He came 
 
 with his parents to Ohio at, the age of fifteen years, and they settled 
 near West Liberty. Later he moved to Logan county and there engaged 
 in the lumber business. In 1861 he located in Ridgeway and engaged 
 in milling, operating the first mill built in that town. Previous to 
 this he had built the first saw mill and stave factory at Ridgeway. He 
 also engaged in mercantile business. He died in Ridgeway. He married 
 
490 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Jeanette McDonald, who was born in 1818, and died November 19, 1906, 
 a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth McDonald, who came from Vir- 
 ginia and settled in West Liberty. Mr. Callahan’s father, Patrick 
 Callahan was a native of Scotland, settled in Champaign county, Ohio, 
 and married Betsey Winsted. Mrs. Robinson’s grandmother, Jeanett 
 (Kelley) McDonald, died in 1881, at the age of eighty-five. She was a 
 daughter of Joseph Kelly, a farmer who came from Virginia to West 
 Liberty. 
 
 William Callahan and his wife had several children, those living 
 being James, a farmer on the old homestead; Patrick, a druggist of 
 Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Robinson, who is the third child; and Moses, in 
 the railway service, living at Kenton. William Callahan was one of 
 the earliest business men of Ridgeway, and through his energy and good 
 management the village was founded. In order to be able to pay for his 
 farm of one hundred acres, he opened a trading store west of Kenton, 
 trading beads, etc., to the Indians in exchange for furs. The union of 
 W. IT. Robinson and his wife has been without issue. 
 
 George William Ansley, a successful farmer of Hale township, 
 Hardin couhty, Ohio, was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 26, 
 1843, a son of Charles and Mary (Spencer) Ansley. Charles Ansley, 
 a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, born August 4, 1814, died in 
 1 898, at the age of eighty-four years ; he was a son of Charles Ansley, 
 who was a native of Scotland. William Ansley, the grandfather of 
 George W., was one of a family of sailors; he came to the shores of 
 Maryland and, tired of sea life, traveled inland and located in Ken- 
 tucky. He was a shoemaker by trade, and he and his wife came to 
 Kentucky on horse back, settling in Elizaville, Fleming county. In 
 1835 they came to Logan county, Ohio, where they died. Their son 
 Charles followed farming until 1851, when he became engaged as a 
 contractor in railroad work, first in Kentucky and later in Ashland coun- 
 ty, Ohio. He settled first in Logan county, where he purchased a farm 
 which he later sold. He came to Hardin county in the fall of 1856, and 
 first bought two hundred acres of land, building a log house and begin- 
 ning to clear his farm, by thrift and industry he added to this till he 
 owned three hundred and forty-five acres. He remained on this land the 
 remainder of his life, farming and raising stock. Mr. Ansley was a 
 Whig and later a Republican, and was a strong supporter of Fremont for 
 president. His wife, Mary Spencer, born in Kentucky in 1815, died 
 in 1903 ; she was a daughter of Charles and Eliza Spencer, he being a 
 saddler by trade and the town of Elizaville, Kentucky, was named 
 after Mrs. Spencer or one of her children. Mrs. Ansley was one of 
 fourteen children, the only one still surviving being “Sis” Scott, living 
 on the old family homestead in Kentucky. 
 
 Charles Ansley and his wife had six children, of whom George W. 
 is the oldest. The others are: James R., a farmer of Hale township; 
 Mary Jane, widow of J. Cook, of Harbor Springs, Michigan; Lydia, wife 
 of William Allen, a farmer of Logan county, Ohio ; Charles T., ; and 
 Johanna, who died at the age of fourteen years. 
 
 The boyhood days of George W. Ansley were spent on a farm and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 491 
 
 he received a meager education. He began plowing when a small boy, 
 when his head barely reached above the plow handles, and continued to 
 help his father until he was twenty-six years of age, when he was 
 married. Mr. Ansley came to his present farm in 1868, and has four 
 hundred and forty-five acres of the best land in the section of the state, 
 where he lives. He is one of the most extensive farmers of Hale town- 
 ship, and raises considerable stock, about fifty head of cattle and five 
 hundred head of sheep annually. He is an enterprising, progressive 
 citizen, and pays strict attention to his business interests. He is suc- 
 cessful as a farmer, and is considered one of the representative men of 
 the county. 
 
 On October 3, 1868, Mr. Ansley married Mary J. Andrews, born in 
 1850, daughter of James and Mary (Hathaway) Andrews, who came to 
 Ohio from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1829; they settled on 
 their present home, where he cut the first brush, and his wife and child 
 remained with the Dille family while he erected a cabin. Mrs. Ansley 
 has one sister, Anna, wife of 0. S. Conklin, of Jonesburg, Missouri. Mr. 
 Ansley and his wife became the parents of children as follows: Henry, 
 living just west of his father ; Frank, living at home ; Hattie, wife of 
 Joe Bentley, of Dayton, Ohio; Anna, wife of Charles Reams, and they 
 have three children ; Joe, a farmer of Dudley township, married Ruby 
 Stevenson, and they have one child; and Waldo Glen, living at home. 
 
 In May, 1864, Mr. Ansley enlisted in Company H, One Hundred 
 and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, for service under Generals Sigel and 
 Sheridan, being one of the ten thousand tendered to President Lincoln 
 by the Governor of Ohio. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, 
 September 1, 1864. He and Ferd Copp lay under a blanket when Jim 
 Boyd of kit. Victory, was shot by a stray bullet. Politically Mr. 
 Ansley is a Republican, and is an active worker in the interests of the 
 party; he served six years as trustee of Hale township. He is a promi- 
 nent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ridgeway 
 Lodge No. 693, and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 Ridgeway Post. 
 
 Charles Francis Abbott, one of the prominent farmers of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, is a native of Wood county, Ohio, born 
 October 8, 1859, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Shanks) Abbott. 
 Charles Abbott was born in Huron county, and became a farmer. At 
 the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty- 
 first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in a hospital the next year 
 (1863). having been shot through the mouth. His widow died in 1864, 
 at the age of thirty years. Her father was a native of Ireland. Charles 
 Abbott’s father, Bennett Abbott, was born in New York state and was a 
 farmer. He and his wife moved to Wood county, Ohio, where he died 
 in 1870. at the age of sixty-six years. Charles F. Abbott has one 
 brother, William Elwood, a railway employe living in Huron county. 
 His sister Ida died in 1890. 
 
 After the death of his mother Charles F. Abbott and his brother and 
 sister were placed in the hands of their grandfather Abbott, and after 
 
492 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 his death his second wife, Martha (Ilallett) Abbott, took care of them 
 until they were able to look out for themselves. She is still living, and 
 has reached the age of ninety-two years. After reaching the age of 
 sixteen years Charles F. Abbott worked out on a farm by the month 
 until attaining his majority. He married and bought a small farm in 
 Wood county, where he lived seventeen years, and then removed to 
 Dudley township, Hardin county, where he now owns one hundred and 
 twenty acres of fine farming land. He carried on general farming 
 with splendid success and made a specialty of stock raising. He has 
 now retired from the harder labor of the farm and is enjoying a well- 
 earned rest. Politically Mr. Abbott is a Republican, and he has served 
 two terms as township trustee. He is a member of the United Brethren 
 church and has been a trustee of the church for many years. His wife 
 is also a member of this church and both are actively interested in its 
 prosperity and good work. Mr. Abbott has always worked with great 
 energy and by his good management and thrift has acquired a fair 
 amount of property. Being left an orphan at an early age he has felt 
 the necessity of looking out for himself since childhood, and has always 
 demonstrated his business ability. 
 
 Mr. Abbott married Matilda Ann, daughter of Levi and Levina 
 (Long) Helm, the father a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and a 
 farmer. Levi Helm was born August 27, 1827, and died in 1864. He 
 was a son of John and Susanna (Kirtz) Helm, and he married Levina 
 Long, daughter of James and Matilda (Markey) Long, of Crawford 
 county, Ohio. Mrs. Abbott has one sister living, Sarah Jane, wife of 
 George Mell, a half sister, Julia Ann, and a half brother, Albert. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Abbott children have been born as follows: Arthur J., 
 
 a farmer of Goshen township, married Fay Wilcox, of Hepburn, and they 
 have five children, Audra Cecil, Paul Wilcox, Clidath, Justin and Alvin 
 H. ; William Frederick, who is now attending the University of Michigan, 
 in preparation for ministry in the United Brethren church, married 
 Grace Manlier in Marion county ; Ernest Leroy, a farmer of Dudley 
 township, married Bessie Kneisley, and they have one child, Anna Bell ; 
 Ida, at home; Luella May, wife of George W. Breitenstein (whose 
 father’s sketch appears elsewhere in this work), lias two children, Freda 
 M. and Dortha May; Charles Francis, at home; Earl Wesley, at home; 
 and Clarence Edmund, also living at home. 
 
 Mrs. Susanna Calvin, who for several years managed the farm left 
 by her husband, has now retired from its active supervision and is en- 
 joying a well-earned rest. She is the widow of Lorenzo T. Calvin, who 
 was born May 13, 1834, and died at his home in Dudley township Febru- 
 ary 12, 1896. Mrs. Calvin was born November 5, 1840, in Logan county, 
 Ohio, and is a daughter of Hosea and Nancy (Rosebrook) Johnson, the 
 former of whom died January 20, 1910, at the age of ninety-two years, 
 and the latter was born February 11, 1817. The Johnson family came 
 to Ohio from Kentucky in 1817, and settled in Logan county; they had 
 a family of ten sons and two daughters. The Rosebrooks were natives 
 of Virginia, where the father of Mrs. Johnson, Robert Rosebrook, had 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 493 
 
 a plantation ancl kept slaves ; the old home and plantation are still in 
 existence, and there her grandfather Hilkiah was born. He died in 
 1837. Her grandfather on the paternal side. Jacob Johnson, married 
 Rachel Green. Hosea Johnson was the first child born after the family 
 settled in Ohio. 
 
 As a girl Mrs. Calvin went to school in a log schoolhouse at Wolf 
 Creek ; her family moved to Hardin comity when she was ten years of 
 age. In her mother’s family (the Rosebrooks) were fifteen children, 
 who became scattered over many parts of the country, and at the last 
 birth in the family triplets were born, two girls and one boy. The two 
 girls died at birth and the boy died in the army. George was his name. 
 
 On October 21, 1860, Susanna Johnson married James Morrison, 
 who was born June 4, 1838, in Muskingum county, Ohio. His father, 
 Alexander Morrison, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, 
 June 4, 1797, and died at the age of ninety-one years; he married Grace 
 Dickson, who died in 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years. In 1851 
 they came to Hardin county, where the remainder of their lives were 
 spent. James Morrison and his wife followed farming after their mar- 
 riage until his death. June 15, 1872, at the age of thirty-four years and 
 on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Calvin. He enlisted for service in 
 the Civil war, in Company IT, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio, for 
 ninety days. After he was mustered out he settled on the farm where 
 Mrs. Calvin now lives, consisting of one hundred acres, which he cleared. 
 The farm now consists of one hundred and fifty-five acres and contains 
 one of the most modern and handsome brick mansions in Dudley town- 
 ship. By her first marriage the subject of this sketch had children as 
 follows: Robert H., born October 28, 1862, who was of great assistance 
 to his mother as soon as he was old enough, and now has charge of the 
 farm for her, making a specialty of stock raising; Nancy, who married 
 C. C. Davis, of Dudley township, and they have two children; John, 
 deceased, who left two children; Grace E.. born in 1868; Flora A., born 
 in 1869, married John McCullough, a farmer of Dudley township, and 
 they have seven children; and Hosea E., who married Bertha Smiley, is 
 a farmer of Dudley township, and they have five children. 
 
 On February 8, 1880, Mrs. Morrison married Lorenzo T. Calvin, 
 and they became the parents of two daughters, namely: Cora E., who 
 
 married H. A. Wilson, living near Kenton, and they have three 
 children ; and Minnie married Ed Daniels, a farmer living near Kenton, 
 and they have two children. 
 
 Mrs. Calvin is a woman of strong will and brave character. During 
 the years she lived a widow she was untiring in her efforts to keep up the 
 standard of the farm and rear her children in the way they should go. 
 She had a hard duty to perform, and never faltered in her ambition to 
 do it in the very best manner that lay in her power. She is well known 
 in the community, where she is highly respected for her many good 
 qualities of mind and heart. She has a multitude of friends, and is a 
 woman of unusual intelligence and business judgment. 
 
 Vol. II— 4 
 
494 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 William I. Witcraft, nOAV retired from active business and living 
 at Mt. Victory, Ohio, is known throughout the community as “Uncle 
 Billy.” He was born in Warren county, Ohio, February 22, 1822, and 
 is a son of George and Amelia (Golden) Witcraft. George Witcraft 
 was the son of Isaiah and Elizabeth Witcraft, the former of whom died 
 in New Jersey in 1830, at the age of seventy-two years. George Wit- 
 craft was born in 1801, in New Jersey, and died in 1855 ; he was a farmer, 
 brick layer and mason, and came to Ohio at the age of eighteen years. 
 He took up land in Logan county and carried on farming there until 
 1852, when lie came to Mt. Victory, where he died. His widow died in 
 1885, at the age of eighty-two. Of their eleven children only two sur- 
 vive, namely: William I. and Elizabeth Hill, wife of James Boyd. 
 
 William Isaiah Witcraft attended the public schools and afterward 
 learned the trade of brick and stone mason. When he reached his 
 majority he began working on his own account, and on January 13, 
 1896, came to live with his sister in Hardin county. He spent some 
 time with his sister and went back and forth between her home and his 
 daughter’s home. Mr. Witcraft identified himself with the financial 
 affairs of Mt. Victory and invested in many enterprises. In 1890 he 
 founded the Mt. Victory Bank, serving as president of the same until 
 1905. 
 
 Mr. Witcraft has been very generously disposed toward many 
 worthy objects tending towards the growth and progress in Mount Vic- 
 tory, and its citizens have reason to feel very kindly and gratefully 
 toward such a benefactor. He donated four thousand dollars toward 
 the erection of the Methodist church, one of the finest edifices in Hardin 
 county, a sum of seventeen hundred dollars to the Ohio Northern Univers- 
 ity and one thousand dollars to the Old People’s Home in Cincinnati. 
 He was, during his active business life, one of the most progressive and 
 enterprising business men in the county, but alway found time to con- 
 sider the needs of any institution for the benefit of the public. He gave 
 freely to churches of any denomination needing pecuniary assistance 
 within many miles of Mount Victory, and though now advanced in 
 years he still takes an active interest in the cause of charity and the 
 Gospel. As his business enterprises have been successful and he has 
 gained in wealth he has felt it a privilege to help others less fortunate. 
 He is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has 
 served sixty years as a trustee and steward as well as being a class leader. 
 Politically Mr. Witcraft is a Republican, though he has never cared for 
 public office. 
 
 Mr. Witcraft was industrious and ambitious from early youth, and 
 as the oldest son was of great assistance to his father in clearing land. 
 The original farm consisted of four hundred acres. Later Mr. Witcraft 
 cleared land for himself, at first clearing ten acres and building a cabin 
 with no floor or doors. His father was of English descent and his 
 mother’s family came to Warren county, Ohio, from Kentucky. His 
 family has been well known in Hardin county more than half a century, 
 and they have been universally esteemed and respected. Several years 
 

 r 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 495 
 
 ago Mr. Witcraft divided his large real estate holdings among his two 
 children, thus giving each a very good financial start. 
 
 Mr. Witcraft married Margaret Wallace, who died in 1894, at the 
 age of seventy-seven years, and they had three children, one of whom 
 survives, Sarah Elizabeth, wife of R. W. Williams, a farmer of Logan 
 county, Ohio. Mr. Witcraft has ten grandchildren and twenty great- 
 grandchildren ; he lives with a son-in-law. 
 
 Miniter J. Robinson. — Farming offers a very profitable field ot 
 endeavor in Hardin county, Ohio, and among the successful men engaged 
 in this industry is Miniter J. Robinson, of Dudley township, who was 
 born on the old Robinson homestead, September 8, 1852, son of Silas 
 and Rebecca (Paxton) Robinson, the former deceased and the latter now 
 living on the home farm. The parents are given mention at length in 
 connection with the sketch of Mrs. Rebecca Robinson, found in another 
 page of this work. 
 
 Miniter J. Robinson received a good education in the public schools, 
 but as his father died when he was twelve years old his days at school 
 were necessarily cut short, he being the oldest child. He tried to take 
 his father’s place in the work of carrying on the farm, and though so 
 young did nobly, remaining on the farm until 1873, when he was married 
 and took active management of affairs, which he continued until 1905, 
 and in that year became manager of the well-known Wessling farm, 
 sometimes known as the old Wheeler farm, in Dudley township. Here 
 he has a large enterprise under his care, having five assistants under his 
 direction, and he carries on general farming and stock raising on an 
 extensive scale. He also owns one hundred and thirteen acres himself, 
 a part of the old homestead. 
 
 On December 25, 1873, Mr. Robinson married Serena E. Archer, 
 born May 4, 1855, at Rushsylvania, Ohio, daughter of Nicholas and 
 Margaret (Bavles) Archer, the former living in Buck township, at the 
 age of eighty-three years, and the latter deceased. Mrs. Robinson has 
 two brothers and two sisters living. To her and her husband children 
 were born as. follows: Orla E. married Lola Goff, and they live on the 
 home farm ; Oscar LI., also on the home farm, married Clara Collins and 
 they have one child, Ona ; Blanch, wife of John Sieg, a farmer of Taylor 
 Creek township, and they have one child, Edward; Florence, wife of 
 Charles Higgins, an engineer, of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have one 
 child, Rachel J. ; Ruah, wife of Charles Smith, a farmer of Hale town- 
 ship ; and Paul, at home. 
 
 Airs. Robinson died February 10, 1909, at the age of fifty-three 
 years, nine months and six days. She was a most estimable woman, and 
 her loss is deeply felt by a large circle of sorrowing friends. She was 
 a. very earnest and devout member of the Methodist Protestant 
 church, in whose interests she was an active worker. She was intensely 
 interested in every good work and cause, and many received the benefits 
 of her kind, charitable disposition. She was a woman of lovely charac- 
 ter, who made friends easily, and who had the faculty of holding the 
 affection and esteem of all who knew her. 
 
496 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Robinson is an ardent Republican and an active worker for the 
 party. However, he has lately had little time for political affairs, on 
 account of managing and superintending the work of the large farm of 
 which he is in charge. This farm is mentioned further in connection 
 with the sketch of A. G. Wessling, of Kenton, Ohio, given elsewhere in 
 this work. 
 
 Jacob N. Banning, widely known and highly esteemed as a man and 
 a citizen, is numbered among the active and practical workers who are 
 doing so much towards developing and maintaining the agricultural 
 interests of Hepburn, his sound sense and efficient business methods 
 giving him an important place in the community. A native of Hardin 
 county, he was born October 7, 1867, in Dudley township, where his 
 father, the late George Banning, spent his earlier life. 
 
 His paternal grandfather, Jacob Banning, migrated from Pennsyl- 
 vania, his native state, to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Knox county. 
 He located at Mount Vernon during the first quarter of the nineteenth 
 century and there began to establish a home for himself and family. 
 He died while yet in the prime of a vigorous manhood, in 1832. His 
 wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Zimmerman, was born in Holland, 
 of ancestors noted for their industry and thrift. Left a widow when 
 young, with twelve children to care for, she came during the following 
 year to Dudley township, Hardin county, locating on what is now known 
 as the old Banning homestead, and here brought up her children and 
 educated them, rearing them to lives of usefulness and content. 
 
 Born at Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, in 1827, George Banning 
 was but six years of age when he came with his widowed mother and the 
 family to Dudley township. As soon as physically able he began work- 
 ing on the home farm, remaining with his mother until taking unto him- 
 self a helpmeet. In the meantime he had bought land lying north of 
 Hepburn, and having settled upon it with his bride he began its 
 improvement. In addition to general farming, he subsequently intro- 
 duced stock raising, for many years making a specialty of breeding sheep 
 and horses, and continued thus engaged until his death, in 1889. He 
 married Nancy J. Smith, who was born in 1845, and is a sister of E. E. 
 Smith, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another page of this 
 volume. Ten children blessed their union, as follows: Jacob N., the 
 
 subject of this sketch; Nathan, a ranchman in California; George A., of 
 Hepburn, engaged in farming; Mary, wife of M. Everhast, a farmer in 
 Dudley township; William, of Hepburn; Frank, engaged in ranching 
 in California ; Howard, a farmer in Winchester, Indiana ; Avis, wife of 
 E. Dickerson, of Stark county, Ohio; Inez, twin sister of Avis, living at 
 home; and John, living at home. 
 
 Leaving home at the age of twenty years, Jacob N. Banning worked 
 as a farm hand in Iowa for a year, also following the trade of a barber 
 to some extent. He subsequently spent one year in Colorado and New 
 Mexico. While in Colorado he opened a claim, managed a road house 
 and also engaged in teaming, carrying passengers mostly to near-by 
 places. Returning then to Dudley township, Mr. Banning had charge of 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 497 
 
 the parental acres for seven years, afterwards renting adjoining land for 
 five years. Buying then his present farfn in Hepburn, he has since 
 been prosperously engaged in its management, and in addition to his 
 agricultural labors has followed his trade of a barber, being one of the 
 most popular tonsorial artists of the place. 
 
 Mr. Banning married, in 1891, Emma E. Shaffner, who was born 
 November 5, 1870, in Hardin county. Her father, Frederick Shaffner, 
 a native of Switzerland, was a moulder by trade, and after coming to 
 this country followed it first in Buffalo, New York, and afterwards in 
 Columbus, Ohio. Locating in Hardin county in 1860, he bought land 
 and was employed in tilling the soil until his death, at the age of seventy- 
 five years, in 1906. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was 
 Elizabeth Amneg. five children were born, namely : Elizabeth, wife of 
 
 William Gaston, a farmer in Kenton; Gallic, who married John Vogel, 
 a farmer near Dunkirk; Fred, engaged in farming in Dudley township; 
 Eva, deceased ; and Mrs. Banning. Mrs. Shaffner is still living, being 
 now seventy-five years of age. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Banning- 
 four children have been born, namely: Amy, born in 1891; Eva, born 
 in 1893; Ralph, deceased; and Ruth, born in 1902. Mr. Banning is a 
 stanch Democrat in politics, but has never sought public office, his pri- 
 vate affairs engrossing his time and attention. 
 
 Mrs. Clara Shark Lingo was born January 19, 1858, in Union 
 county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Simon and Marion (Weiggle) Shark, 
 the former a brother of Jesse Shark, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere 
 in this work. Mr. Shark died in 1902, at the age of eighty-one years, 
 and his wife died in 1895, at the age of sixty-nine. 
 
 On November 29, 1885, Clara Shark married Alvin Lingo, a farmer 
 born on the Lingo homestead March 10, 1856, and a prosperous farmer 
 of Dudley township. He was a son of James H. Lingo, who died in 
 1889, at the age of seventy -four years. He was a native of Sussex 
 county, Delaware, and was the first of the Lingo family to settle in 
 Hardin county, locating northeast of the present home in 1839. How- 
 ever, through a defect in his title he lost his first farm and purchased 
 the present home, w T here he farmed all his life. He is a member of the 
 United Brethren church and was one of its founders. Though a Re- 
 publican he is not actively interested in political matters, although he 
 served as trustee. He married Emeline Kemper, born in 1816, daughter 
 of Samuel and Catherine (Sheets) Kemper. She was a native of 
 Virginia and died in 1888. The grandfather, John Lingo, married 
 Patience Dodds ; he was a planter and slave owner in Virginia. 
 
 James Lingo and his wife endured the hardships of pioneer life, and 
 at one time had but one pair of shoes between them. He paid his first 
 tax with silver half-dollars which had been given him by his mother. 
 
 A1 Lingo attended public school until eighteen years of age, and 
 then farmed for his father until the time of his marriage. He then 
 purchased the old Fisher home, which is still the family home. He 
 married first, at the age of twenty-two years, October 10, 1875, Clara 
 Fisher, who died in 1883, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was a 
 
498 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 daughter of Edwin and Rachel (Banning) Fisher. The Fisher family 
 is given mention at length in connection with the sketch of Azel Ballin- 
 ger, found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Lingo and his wife had children 
 as follows: Clara Edna, wife of M. Harvey (mentioned elsewhere in 
 
 this work), of Mt. Victory, and James, a hardware merchant of Hepburn, 
 whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Lingo married for 
 his second wife Clara Shark, and to this marriage two children were 
 born : George, a merchant of Hepburn, a sketch of whom appears else- 
 
 where in this work; and Holmes B., born February 28, 1892, living at 
 home. Mrs. Lingo is one of nine children who survive. Mr. Lingo 
 has brothers and sisters as follows: James H., a farmer of Dudley town- 
 ship; Edward, a merchant of Larue; Lafayette, a farmer; and Patience, 
 wife of Joseph Smith, a farmer. 
 
 For the past twenty-five years Mr. Lingo has been a member of the 
 school board, and he is a member of the United Brethren church, as is 
 his wife. They are well known in Hardin county, and have a host of 
 friends. They have a pleasant home, and are highly esteemed by all who 
 know them. Mr. Lingo carries on general farming and raises some stock. 
 
 James Lingo, a successful hardware merchant of Hepburn, Ohio, 
 was born in Dudley township, Hardin county, April 27, 1881, and is a 
 son of Alvin and Clara (Fisher) Lingo, both also natives of Dudley 
 township. Alvin Lingo was born March 10, 1856, a son of James H. and 
 Emeline (Kemper) Lingo, who settled in Dudley township, Hardin 
 county, among the early settlers, and lived on a farm the remainder of 
 their lives. When James II. Lingo and his wife first came to Ohio they 
 endured many hardships, and at first possessed but one pair of shoes 
 between them, so that whichever one had outdoor work to do, wore the 
 shoes at the time. He was born in Delaware, November 16, 1814, and 
 his wife, a native of Virginia, was born December 21, 1816. 
 
 Alvin Lingo is a farmer, and became a prominent citizen of Dudley 
 township. He is a member of the United Brethren church, a strong 
 Republican, and is well known in the vicinity of his home. He served 
 many years as a member of the school board of Dudley township. His 
 wife was a daughter of Edwin and Rachel (Banning) Fisher, the latter 
 born March 27, 1822, and died in 1858. Clara (Fisher) Lingo was 
 born May 31, 1857, and died August 25, 1883. 
 
 Besides James Lingo his parents had but one child, Clara Edna, 
 born July 6, 1879, wife of M. O. Harvey, a merchant of Mt. Victory. 
 Alvin Lingo married for his second wife Clara Shark, born January 19, 
 1858, a daughter of Simon and Maria (Wiggle) Shark, of Madison 
 county, Ohio. Of this marriage were born two children, namely: 
 George A., born May 7, 1887, married Edith Clement and is a clerk in 
 Hepburn for his brother ; and Holmes, born February 28, 1892, unmar- 
 ried and living with his parents on the farm. 
 
 The early days of James Lingo were spent in his native township, 
 and he attended the public, schools until sixteen years of age; he re- 
 mained with his parents until he was of age and taught school to earn 
 his way through a two years’ course at Ada University. Mr. Lingo 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 499 
 
 embarked in his present business at Hepburn in 1905, and has been suc- 
 cessful from the start. He now owns one of the largest hardware and 
 agricultural implement establishments in this section of the country, 
 and does an annual business of some twenty thousand dollars. When 
 he first started in this business he purchased a half interest in the store 
 of J. C. Noyes, and in February, 1906, bought the entire business. He 
 is an enterprising and wide-awake business man and has won his present 
 standing and financial success through his owtl efforts. Politically he is 
 a Republican, actively interested in local affairs, and now holds the 
 office of township clerk. 
 
 Mr. Lingo married September 24, 1903, Anna Robinson, born April 
 27, 1885, in Marion county, Ohio, daughter of Willis and Abbie (Thew) 
 Robinson, who now live in Montgomery township. Willis is a son of 
 Alexander and Sarah (Carter) Robinson, the former a farmer and still 
 living at the age of seventy-six years, and his wife died in 1898, at the 
 age of sixty-two years. Willis Robinson was born August 27, 1858, 
 and is a farmer ; his wife was born March 18, 1860. Mr. Lingo and his 
 wife have three children, namely : Pauline, born November 27, 1904 ; 
 
 Thela, January 11, 1907 ; and James, Jr., September 29, 1908. 
 
 Jasper Newton Richardson is one of the prominent men of Mt. 
 Victory and the president of the Mt. Victory State Bank. He was born 
 in Kenton, Ohio, September 6, 1846, a son of Aaron Richardson and 
 a grandson on the paternal side of Barnett Richardson, a Virginia 
 farmer, and of Elizabeth Jenkins, his wife. Barnett Richardson came 
 to Champaign county, Ohio, and later to Hale township, Hardin county, 
 locating near Mt. Victory, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 He was a member of the Free Will Baptist church, and in politics was 
 identified with both the Whig and Republican parties. Aaron Richard- 
 son, his son, after leaving the school room followed the carpenter’s 
 trade until the age of forty years at Kenton Ohio, and he then bought a 
 farm in Union' county, but selling that property in 1902 he retired from 
 an active business life and is now living in Toledo, Ohio, having reached 
 the age of ninety-one years. He too is a member of the Free Will 
 Baptist church. His first wife bore the maiden name of Maria Topliff, 
 and she died in 1848, when but twenty-one years of age. She was a 
 daughter of Horatio Topliff, from the State of Connecticut, and Jasper 
 Newton was her only child. Mr. Richardson subsequently married 
 Clarinda Young, also deceased, and she became the mother of five 
 children: Benton R., living in Hale township; James C., whose home is 
 in California ; Moody, living in Toledo ; Wheeler, of Union county, 
 Ohio ; and Maria, wife of Abner Baldwin, also in California. 
 
 After leaving school at the age of twenty years Jasper N. 
 Richardson farmed with his grandfather until his marriage. At the 
 age of seventeen, on the 22nd of February, 1864, at Kenton, he en- 
 listed for service in the Civil war, joining Company A, Eighty-second 
 Ohio Infantry, and going with his command to Bridgeport, Alabama, 
 he was engaged in guard duty, and following his participation in 
 the Atlanta campaign and his march with Sherman to the sea he was 
 
500 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 sent to Washington, D. C., and then to Louisville, Kentucky, where he 
 was mustered out of the service on the 20th of July, 1865. Returning 
 to his home he again took up the work of the farm in connection with 
 the lumber business, and continued actively in those occupations until 
 1900 he became a stockholder and the vice-president of the Mt. Victory 
 State Bank and in 1907 he was made the president of the bank, one of 
 the strongest financial institutions of Hardin county. 
 
 On the 24th of November, 1884, Mr. Richardson was married to 
 Christina E. Reams, who was born November 24, 1846, near Zanesfield 
 in Logan county, Ohio, and she died on the 29th of January, 1909, in 
 Alt. Victory. She was a daughter of J. II. and Mary (McDonald) 
 Reams, and the former born in the old block house at Zanesfield, Feb- 
 ruary 5, 1813, was a farmer and a local minister in the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church. He fought the Indians with General Hull in the Black 
 Feet war, and died on the 26th of February, 1878, in Mt. Victory. 
 Mrs. Reams was born December 12, 1816, in Alleghany county, Penn- 
 sylvania, and she died in Mt. Victory on the 8th of January, 1900. 
 John Id. Reams and Mary McDonald were married on the 26th of July, 
 1833. Mrs. Richardson was an active and valued member of the Metho- 
 dist church. She was also associated with the Rebekali lodge of Odd 
 Fellows as its president and was a member of the Woman’s Relief 
 Corps. She died without issue and her life was devoted to her home, 
 to her husband and to her many friends. She was a lady of the most 
 sterling traits of character, loved and esteemed by all who knew her. 
 Mr. Richardson is a member of the Masonic order at Kenton, affiliating 
 with the Blue Lodge No. 154, with the Commandery No. 58, with the 
 Chapter and with the Council No. 65. He is also a member of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Benevolent and Protec- 
 tive Order of Elks at Kenton. He supports the principles of the Repub- 
 lican party, and he has served Mt. Victory as member of its council. 
 
 John Oliver Dunson, a farmer living at Hepburn, Ohio, is a native 
 of Hardin county, born on the old family homestead July 25, 1852, son 
 of Lewis and Margaret (Plewes) Dunson, a sketch of whom will be found 
 in connection with that of W. M. Dunson. The youth of John O. 
 Dunson was spent on his father’s farm and he attended school in the 
 neighborhood, receiving a good common school education. When he was 
 about twenty-two years of age he began working at the trade of carpen- 
 ter and followed the same until he reached the age of thirty. He worked 
 at farming after he gave up work at his trade, and in 1892 bought a farm 
 south of Hepburn, which he sold in 1895 and moved to Hepburn. He 
 followed his trade with good success many years, and in 1900 bought 
 his present farm of fifty-three acres, which he still works. He has won 
 success through his own efforts, and has always been very ambitious and 
 energetic. He has ever exhibited strict honesty and integrity in his 
 business dealings, and in all transactions has proven his sound judgment 
 and sagacity. 
 
 In 1882 Mr. Dunson married Josephine Hatcher, who was born in 
 Hale township, May 9, 1862, daughter of Nathanal O. and Elizabeth 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 501 
 
 (Harple) Hatcher. Mr. Hatcher was born in Logan county, Ohio, and 
 died March 2, 1881, at the age of thirty -nine years; his widow survived 
 him many years and died March 7, 1902, at the age of seventy years. 
 Nathanal Hatcher was born November 28, 1842, and was a son of Daniel 
 Hatcher, a native of Virginia, whose widow came to Hardin county to 
 live with her son Nathanal and died in 1861. Elizabeth Harple was a 
 daughter of Conrad and Magdalene Harple, who moved from Pennsyl- 
 vania to Carroll county, Ohio, and eight years later moved to Hardin 
 county, where he died June 12, 1870, and his widow died July 8, 1877. 
 Besides Mrs. Dunson her parents had children as follows: John, a 
 
 farmer living near Mt. Victory; George, a farmer living in Texas; Emma, 
 who married Charles Burger, and is now deceased ; Harry, a farmer 
 living near Mt. Victory. Mr. Hatcher and his wife lived for some time 
 on a farm in Logan county, Ohio, and in 1860 moved to Hardin county 
 and carried on farming. The family spent thirty-three years on the 
 farm, remaining there some time after Mr. Hatcher’s death, and then 
 moved to Mt. Victory, where Mrs. Hatcher died. Mr. Hatcher enlisted 
 in 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 and served until the end of the war. He was captured and sent to 
 Libby prison, but was later exchanged. At the close of the war he 
 returned home and resumed farming. Mrs. Dunson is a member of the 
 Christian church. 
 
 To Mr. Dunson and his wife children have been born as follows: 
 Goldie L., born in 1887, living in Kenton; Maud Oma, born in 1890, 
 teaching school ; and Zelma Emma, born in 1892, attending school. Mr. 
 Dunson is a member of the Maccabees. Politically he is a Republican, 
 though he has never held public office. 
 
 Frank Wheeler, a prosperous and substantial farmer of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, is the last one in Hardin county of the 
 well-known Wheeler family who kept the historic Wheeler Tavern for 
 several years. Mr. Wheeler was born in the Wheeler Tavern, April 7, 
 1851, and is a son of Amos and Maria (Banning) Wheeler. Amos 
 Wheeler came to Hardin county with his parents when twelve years of 
 age. They built the Wheeler Tavern and also conducted a farm. His 
 father remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, then 
 carried on farming, renting land from his parents ten years, during 
 which time he lived with his wife at the tavern. He took possession of 
 the tavern and conducted a grocery store in connection with it, these 
 enterprises being turned over to him by his parents after his marriage. 
 
 Amos Wheeler, in partnership with a brother, opened a general store 
 and warehouse at Larue, which they continued four years, when Amos 
 began farming in Dudley township. In December, 1860, Amos Wheeler 
 enlisted in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served to the 
 end of the war. He participated in many engagements, was promoted 
 to rank of lieutenant and later to that of captain. When he was mus- 
 tered out he returned home and lived five years on the old homestead, 
 where his death occurred. He was a member of the Baptist church, 
 politically was a Republican and held many township offices. He died 
 
502 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 in 1870, at the age of fifty-one years. He married Marie Banning, who 
 died in 1907, at the age of eighty-two years. She was a daughter of 
 Jacob and Sophia (Zimmerman) Banning. Besides Frank Wheeler, 
 his parents had children as follows: Fortius, of California; Alice, of 
 
 California ; Eva, deceased ; Amy, a teacher in California ; and Maud, 
 deceased. Sophia Banning came to Hardin county from Knox county, 
 Ohio, a widow with twelve children, and located on a claim of six hundred 
 acres which her husband had purchased before his death. She came to 
 this land in 1838, and by her energy and thrift, with the help of her 
 children, was able to rear them in comfort and carry on her farm in a 
 creditable manner. She was the foremost pioneer woman of her time, 
 and her brave spirit was greatly admired by all. She formed the first 
 Methodist class in Dudley township, and was active in religious matters. 
 
 The father of Amos, Portius Wheeler, was born in Vermont, and 
 died in Hardin county, Ohio, in 1874, at the age of seventy-eight years. 
 He moved to Ohio when a young man, settling in Marion county and in 
 1833 lie removed to Hardin county, locating where the old Wheeler 
 Tavern now stands. He first erected a log house opposite the tavern and 
 in 1836 erected that celebrated building which has been a landmark for 
 so many years. He also carried on farming and conducted a general 
 store as well. After the advent of the railroad he devoted his whole 
 time to his farming interests. He married Jane Burnsides, who died 
 in 1870, at the age of seventy years. To them eight children were born, 
 of whom one still survives, Nelson. 
 
 Frank Wheeler spent his youth on a farm and acquired his educa- 
 tion in the public schools. After the death of his father he remained 
 with his mother until thirty-two years of age, when he married and 
 located on Wild Cat creek, remaining there until 1901. He then located 
 on his present fine farm near Hepburn, where he has been very successful, 
 especially in stock raising. He is one of the well-known and popular 
 citizens of the county, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. His 
 father and grandfather were actively engaged in business in Hardin 
 county for many years, and did their share toward the progress and 
 development of the community. Mr. Wheeler is a Republican in 
 politics, and served six years as township treasurer. 
 
 On November 12, 1883, Mr. Wheeler married Susan Frazer, who was 
 born November 12, 1859, daughter of Rusellus Frazer, of Portage county, 
 who settled in Goshen township, Hardin county, in 1855. Mr. Frazer 
 died in 1885, at the age of fifty-eight years. He married Nancy Barrett, 
 of Muskingum county, formerly a teacher. His father, Joseph Frazer, 
 was a native of Vermont, and married Susan Poe, daughter of Adam Po6, 
 the well-known old Indian fighter, who killed Big Foot, an Indian chief, 
 in a fight or duel which took place in the water. Besides Mrs. Wheeler, 
 R. Frazer and his wife had children as follows: Alice, now Mrs. George 
 Johnson, of Goshen ; Chalmers, a farmer of Hale township ; and Courtney 
 also a farmer. Mrs. Wheeler is a member of the Methodist church 
 and is also connected with the Ladies’ Aid, and the Home Missionary 
 Society, of which she is corresponding secretary. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 503 
 
 Samuel Hile. — The Hile family has been well known in Hardin 
 county for over a half century, and one representative of the family who 
 has attained a very fair degree of success is Samuel Hile, a prominent 
 farmer of Dudley township, who is now serving as a justice of the peace. 
 Mr. Hile was born in the township where he now resides, January 30, 
 1866, and is a son of Nicholas and Anna (Freudiger) Hile, the former a 
 native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. Nicholas Hile was 
 born in 1832, in Hesse Castle, Germany, and in 1851 came to the United 
 States with a brother, locating in Kenton, Ohio, where for a year he was 
 employed in helping to build the Big Four railroad. At that time they 
 laid the old “T” rails on ties lengthwise on the track. He then farmed 
 a year and for a year worked on the railroad as brakeman. He next 
 engaged to work for Wheeler & DeLong, of Larue, and when the firm 
 failed he received in lieu of the money due him a deed for seventy-five 
 acres of land now in the central point of Dudley township. He moved 
 to this land and erected a log house where the present house now stands. 
 Nicholas Hile enlisted for ninety days and served in Company H, One 
 Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio, then returned home and resumed farm- 
 ing on his homestead, which he continued until his death, in 1891. He 
 was formerly a member of the Methodist church, but later joined the 
 United Brethren church. Politically he was a Democrat, and was a 
 patriotic, useful citizen, who did his duty by his adopted country, in time 
 of peace or war. He was honored by receiving an ‘ ‘ honorable mention ’ ’ 
 certificate voted him by congress, signed by E. Stanton and Abraham 
 Lincoln. His wife was born March 21, 1810, and now lives with her 
 son on the old homestead. She was brought to America by her parents 
 when six years of age, and they settled near the Hile family. Her 
 father, Samuel Freudiger, was born in 1806 and died in 1857 ; he settled 
 in Dudley township in 1816, and there spent the remainder of his life. 
 His wife, Verina Meyer, was born in 1808, and died in 1856. Besides 
 Samuel, the surviving children are: George, living on the homestead 
 
 with his mother; Verina, wife of B. Baughman, a farmer of Dudley 
 township, has five children; Anna, wife of Albert Bodine, of Dudley 
 township, has three children; Mary, wife of Luther Witham, a farmer 
 of Hardin county; and Mattie, wife of William Wolf, a farmer of 
 Goshen township. 
 
 Samuel Hile received a good education in the public schools and 
 then engaged in farming on his father’s farm. He taught school three 
 terms. He then settled down to farming, which he has since successfully 
 carried on. In the spring of 1905 he located on the parental homestead 
 of sixty-two acres, located in a fine farming district and well adapted to 
 the raising of stock, of which he makes a specialty. He is an enterpris- 
 ing, wide-awake farmer who makes a study of modern methods and 
 adopts those he considers the best. He is a man of strict integrity and 
 unquestioned honesty, and is well known in the county. He is a member 
 of the United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee. He is an ardent 
 Democrat, active in the interests of his party, has held the office of town- 
 ship treasurer, and since 1900 has been a justice of the peace. 
 
 In 1903 Mr-. Hile married Mary Dorn, who was born March 15, 1867, 
 
504 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 daughter of Conrad Dorn, who died in 1880, at the age of fifty-two years, 
 ten months and three days. He was a native of Germany and came to 
 America at the age of twenty-three years, settling in Kenton, Ohio, where 
 he worked for the railroad seven years, some of the time working for 
 thirty-five cents a day. He bought a farm, which he cleared, built a 
 log cabin and a double log barn of black walnut. One building of 
 walnut which he built is still standing. He and his wife came from 
 Germany on the same boat; she was Catherine Ault, who was born 
 December 12, 1829. Mr. Dorn and his wife worked with a team of oxen 
 on their land, she driving and he holding the plow. She died February 
 2, 1892. Besides Mrs. Hile they had children as follows: Kate, wife 
 of William Evans; Elizabeth, wife of J. Uhlisinger, of Cleveland, Ohio; 
 Cordelia, wife of E. Moses, of Kenton; Nick, a farmer; William, a stock 
 farmer living near Kenton ; and George, also a farmer. Mrs. Hile 
 had been married before, in 1887, to Joseph M. Dodds, son of Thomas 
 Dodds, a Hardin county pioneer, and he died in 1892, at the age of 
 forty-five years ; to this marriage was born one son, Earnest Conrad 
 Dodds, twenty-one years of age and living at the old home. He 
 married Tena Lutz. One child has been born of Mrs. Hile’s second 
 marriage, D. Walter Hile. 
 
 Andrew Leverett Shaw. — Among the men who have helped very 
 materially in the welfare and prosperity of Hardin county, Ohio, are 
 members of the Shaw family, who have lived in the county more than 
 forty years. A worthy representative of this family is Andrew Lever- 
 ett Shaw, who has now retired from active life and lives on his fine farm 
 in Dudley township. He was born June 28, 1853, in Columbus, Ohio, 
 and is a son of Volney Shaw, a native of the state of New York, who was 
 born May 16, 1827. Volney Shaw moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 1850, 
 and established one of the largest hotels of the city, where he became 
 fairly successful, but during the war he met with serious reverses and in 
 1868 he located in Larue, Marion county, where he conducted a small 
 restaurant and a meat market, and also engaged in several other lines, 
 being an enterprising, energetic man, who took advantage of his oppor- 
 tunities. He also dealt in timber and bought and sold stock. He 
 lived in Larue some two years and then removed to Dudley township, 
 where with his son, Andrew L., he took a lien of timber land, which they 
 cleared. At the expiration of his lease he went to Findlay, but on ac- 
 count of ill health returned to the home of his son, where the remainder 
 of his life was spent. He died November 19, 1907. Mr. Shaw was an 
 ardent Democrat, active in political affairs, and served in several local 
 offices. In 1851 he married Edith E. Park, born December 12, 1832, 
 daughter of Warren Park, who died when she was a child. Mrs. Shaw 
 survives her husband, having now reached the age of seventy-eight years, 
 and lives with her son. 
 
 Andrew L. Shaw attended school until sixteen years of age. H$ 
 worked in timber five years after leaving school and then took up a small 
 farm and cut timber in the fall and winter on his present homestead, 
 which at first comprised but eighty-nine acres. However, by persistent 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 505 
 
 effort and hard work he improved his land and added to it until he owned 
 one of the best farms and most modern and handsome homes in the coun- 
 ty. He and Ira Williams are the two oldest and probably the most popu- 
 lar farmers in Dudley township, and all respect their achievements in the 
 way of attaining success by their own efforts. Five years after locating 
 on his small farm, Mr. Shaw bought one hundred and twelve acres, where 
 he carried on general farming and later added more, now owning two 
 hundred and four acres of excellent farm land. He carried on his 
 farm as a business proposition, and made the most of his land, making 
 a specialty of raising and shipping sheep, cattle and other stock. He 
 has been able to make money by his hard work and also knew how to 
 invest it to the best advantage, and has always been interested in many 
 enterprises outside his farm. The first house on his land was a small 
 farm cabin, and in 1900 Mr. Shaw erected a handsome home, one of the 
 finest in the eastern part of the county. 
 
 Politically Mr. Shaw is an ardent Democrat, and does yeoman ser- 
 vice for his party. He often served as a delegate to conventions, and 
 has held many local offices; he is now a member of the board of assessors. 
 Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 at Mt. Victory, and has passed through the chairs, now serving as 
 trustee and is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Mt. Victory and of 
 the Elks at Kenton. 
 
 On the 22d of March, 1881. Mr. Shaw married Sarah Rebecca Craig, 
 who was born in 1857, on the farm adjoining that of Mr. Shaw, a daugh- 
 ter of Thomas Craig, who was a native of Scotland. They settled first 
 in Ashland county, but later removed to Dudley township, Hardin 
 county, locating in the latter place in 1862. He died in 1882, and his 
 widow died in 1888. Mrs. Shaw had one sister, Elizabeth, widow of 
 Cyrus Wiggel. She also had one brother, Matthew Craig, who lived 
 on a farm adjoining that of Mr. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw died in 1889, after 
 having suffered great pain for twelve days as the result of an accident 
 which befell her while she was making soap in the yard. While taking 
 care of the soap, which was boiling over a fire she fell in a faint, her 
 clothes taking fire so that she was very badly burned. However, she 
 was able to walk to the house afterward, but never recovered from her 
 fright and injuries. She was a patient sufferer, and in her many trials 
 displayed a bravery and Christian fortitude that were wonderful. She 
 was a most devout member of the Methodist church, and always active 
 in church work, her loss being mourned by the members of the church 
 especially and by the community as a whole. As she had lived, firm in 
 her faith, so she died, being fully prepared to meet this peacefully and 
 bravely, sustained by her unfaltering trust in the future which awaited 
 her on the farther shore. She passed away, surrounded by her sorrow- 
 ing family, herself the calmest of them all, though inexpressibly saddened 
 at the inevitable parting. She had been a kind and loving wife, a good 
 neighbor and true friend, and had done her duty by all. and her life 
 had been an inspiration to many. 
 
506 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Samuel Kumley, a man of excellent business ability and tact, 
 has built up a profitable trade as a merchant in Pfeiffer, Hardin county, 
 where he is numbered among the leading citizens of the place. A son 
 of Samuel Kumley, Sr., he was born April 22, 1855, near Kenton, Ohio, 
 of Swiss ancestry. 
 
 Samuel Kumley, Sr., was born and educated in Switzerland, 
 where he was for many years engaged in mercantile persuits, his birth 
 occurring in 1819. Emigrating to America in 1845, he bought a tract 
 of land in Hardin county, and in common with the other pioneers of 
 that neighborhood began the improvement of a farm. He met with 
 good results as an agriculturist, and from that time until his death, in 
 1861, was actively engaged in tilling the soil. He was twice married, 
 his first wife, Elizabeth Kumley, dying in early womanhood, in Switzer- 
 land. where she spent her entire life, leaving two children, namely: 
 Jacob, engaged in farming in Wabash county, Indiana, and Elizabeth, 
 widow of F. Beck, late of Hardin county. He married his second wife 
 in this country, Susanna Strahn, a daughter of J. Strahn, who emigrated 
 from Switzerland to the United States, coming at the same time that Mr. 
 Kumley, Sr., did, and, like him, locating as a farmer in Hardin county, 
 Ohio. She died in February, 1909, aged seventy-seven years. Three 
 children were born to them, namely: John, a farmer in Wabash county, 
 Indiana; Mary, wife of William Strahn, of Kenton, Ohio; and Samuel, 
 the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Leaving school at the age of fifteen years, Samuel Kumley 
 remained with his parents until coming of age, when he began farming 
 on his own account, renting land for three or four years. Subsequently 
 buying land in Dunkirk, he carried on general farming for three years, 
 after which he lived in the village of Dunkirk for a year. Subsequently 
 locating in Dudley township, Mr. Kumley rented the old Rubin farm, 
 which he managed successfully until selling at an advantage in 1887. 
 Making then a decided change of residence and occupation, he embarked 
 in mercantile pursuits, buying his present store, which is located in 
 Pfeiffer, opposite the old Wheeler tavern, on the Sandusky road. A 
 man of honest integrity, upright in his dealings, Mr. Kumley has gained 
 the confidence of the people with whom he is associated, and has built up 
 up an extensive and lucrative trade. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Kumley married Elizabeth Kanzig, who was born in 
 1853 in Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Banker) Kanzig, 
 neither of whom are now living. She passed to the life beyond July 9, 
 
 1906, leaving one child, Edna E., who is now, in 1909, attending the 
 Kenton High School. Mr. Kumley married for his second wife, in 
 
 1907, Elizabeth Smith, who was born October 31, 1874, a daughter of T. 
 J. Smith. Her father was born seventy-one years ago, and is now living 
 retired from active pursuits, having as a practical and prosperous farmer 
 accumulated a competency. He married Sarah Finnerty, who died in 
 1888, at the age of fifty-five years, and of their union four children were 
 born, namely: Janice, living with her father; Arvilla, wife of C. A. 
 Stevenson, who» is engaged in farming near Kenton ; May, wife of J. 
 Stair, a farmer, living in Washington township; and Elizabeth, now 
 Mrs. Kumley. 
 

 
 
 
 
 • • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 507 
 
 Jacob George Casper. — Among the most prominent and best-known 
 farmers of Dudley township, Hardin county, Ohio, is Jacob George 
 Casper, a native of the township, born on the old homestead September 
 16, 1864. He is a son of John F. and Elizabeth (Sherman) Casper. 
 J. F. Casper was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1820, and came to America 
 at the age of nineteen years. His father, John Casper, came to America 
 some years later and lived with his son until his death, at the age of 
 eigthy-one years. 
 
 John F. Casper was a brick molder by trade and settled first at 
 Columbus, Ohio; he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he lived some 
 time and then returned to Columbus, and bought one hundred acres of 
 land near that city. Later he located in Dudley township Hardin 
 county, where the remainder of his life was spent. He died August 
 28, 1907, and his loss was widely felt. He was a member of the Re- 
 formed church and was active in every good cause. His first wife was 
 Mary Cook, and to this union three children were born, namely: John 
 
 A., of Cessna township; Louisa, wife of Jacob Sherman, of Goshen town- 
 ship ; and Mary, wife of John Sherman of Kenton, Ohio. Mrs. Casper 
 died. Mr. Casper married for his second Avife Elizabeth Sherman, aaJio 
 was born in Switzerland and came to America with her parents \A r hen 
 five years of age. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Sherman, 
 and is still living, at the age of sixty -six years. To Mr. Casper’s second 
 marriage the folloAving children AA^ere born : Mollie, wife of William 
 
 Pheiffer, of Goshen township ; Callie, AA'ife of Otto Ries, of Goshen tOAtm- 
 ship ; Ella, wife of Herman Ries, of Dudley tOAvnship ; Maggie, Avife of 
 W. Knapp, of Pleasant township ; Tillie, Avife of George Wolf, of Pleas- 
 ant township; Laura, at home; William, of California; Paul, of Dudley 
 township ; and Jacob George the subject of this sketch. 
 
 After reaching the age of fifteen years Jacob G. Casper began 
 working for his father. He attended the country schools and remained 
 at home until twenty-four years of age. He then began carrying 
 on his OAA r n farm near the old homestead, AAdiere he built a house. Four 
 years later he removed to the Holland farm, AAdiere he spent six years 
 and then removed to his present home. He has one hundred and seven- 
 ty-six acres of land, having purchased one hundred and eleven acres of 
 the old Casper homestead in 1908. He carries on general farming, 
 paying special attention to stock-raising. He is a member of the 
 Reformed church and is also a member of the Hepburn lodge of Knights 
 of Pythias. Politically he is a Democrat, and although he has never 
 cared for public office he served as trustee of Goshen township. 
 
 On February 7, 1889, Mr. Casper married Sophia Margaret Pheif- 
 fer, aaJio Avas born September 21. 1867, in Goshen township, daughter of 
 John and Margaret (ITile) Pheiffer. John Pheiffer AA r as born in Pleas- 
 ant township, Hardin county, July 13, 1838, anti died February 28, 
 1905, at the age of sixty years. He Avas the son of Adam and Sophia 
 (Elsessor) Pheiffer, Avho came from Hessen, Germany, in 1837. His 
 widow, \A r ho has now reached the age of sixty-nine years, lives Avitli Mrs. 
 Casper. She was born December 26, 1840, and is a daughter of Nicho- 
 las and Elizabeth (Rasenmeyer) Hile, aa4io came from Hessen, Germany. 
 
508 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 In 1878 John Pheiffer moved to the old Wheeler farm, which was an 
 old landmark, and Pheiffer Station was named for him. He lived at 
 this historic place which was a tavern at one time, until his death. He 
 was a farmer and also for several years conducted a general store, being 
 also postmaster. The office of postmaster was held by some member of 
 the family for fourteen years. His father Adam Pheiffer, and his 
 wife were among the earliest pioneers of Hardin county. John Pheiffer 
 was a merchant and farmer and conducted a general store for five years, 
 after which he operated a threshing machine for fifteen years. He owns 
 three hundred and seventy acres of land. He died in 1879, at the age of 
 sixty-six years. On June 26, 1859, he married Margaret Ilile. Be- 
 sides Mrs. Casper he and his wife had children as follows: Elizabeth, 
 
 wife of John Ault, of Larue; William, of Goshen township; Eva, wife 
 of George Banning, of Hepburn ; Anna, wife of F. Laubus of Dudley 
 township; Minnie, wife of D. Ward, of Pleasant township; Bessie, Avife 
 of B. Plume, of LaRue; John M., of Forest; Joseph, pastor of the Metho- 
 dist church of Clinton, Missouri; and Earl C., living with Mr. Casper. 
 
 Mr. Casper and his Avife have three children, as follows: Ray F., 
 born in 1890; Irwin, born in 1898; and Frieda Mabel, born in 1901; all 
 are living at home. Mr. Casper is an enterprising and public spirited 
 citizen and is well known in the community. He is well liked and held 
 in high esteem by his fellows. 
 
 George Elsasser. — One of the oldest residents of Dudley township 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is George Elsassar, who is a retired farmer living 
 on his homestead in that township. He was born in Kurhessen, Ger- 
 many, August 20, 1836. His father, John Elsasser, Avho Avas born in 
 1816, came to America Avit.h his parents, Ludwig and Elizabeth (Bohm) 
 Elsasser, in 1850. They settled in Hardin county, Avhere they pur- 
 chased seventy acres of land, which they cleared. Ludwig Elsasser died 
 tAvo years after reaching Hardin county, at the age of seventy-three 
 years, and his Avidow survived him tAvo years, passing away at the age of 
 seventy-five years. John Elsasser continued on this farm until his death 
 at the age of seventy-seven years. He Avas married in Germany, and 
 his wife, who was a daughter of a Mr. Bishop, died at the age of 
 seventy-three years. Mr. Elsasser Avas a member of the Lutheran 
 church, and very active in political affairs, being a Republican. He 
 was an influential citizen and highly respected in the community. 
 George has two brothers living, Henry and William, the latter an 
 employe at the State Infirmary. 
 
 After attending school three months in Hardin county, George 
 Elsasser worked on the farm with his parents. He enlisted in April, 
 1861, in Company G, Fourth Ohio, for three months, and then at the 
 expiration of his time reenlisted for three years. He Avas discharged 
 at Camp Keys, Virginia, on account of disability. He served first in 
 the Army of the Potomac and later in the Army of the Cumberland, 
 participating in some of the most important battles of the war. Re- 
 turning home, he followed farming near Kenton, and also worked forty 
 years with a threshing machine in connection Avith his farming opera- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 509 
 
 tions. Later he moved to the old Smith farm in Pleasant township, 
 also engaged in operating a sawmill three years in Paulding county, and 
 managed a mill in Kentucky for a time. Later he removed to Hardin 
 county and located on the Scioto river, where Pfeiffer is now located. 
 He built a sawmill at Pfeiffer Station, which he carried on twelve years, 
 and in 1897 purchased his present farm, where he carries on general 
 farming and makes a specialty of stock raising, shipping considerable 
 each year. He is accounted one of the representative farmers of the 
 county, where the family is well known. He is a member of the German 
 Lutheran church. He is a Republican in polities and has held several 
 minor township offices. He is industrious and thrifty, and has well 
 earned the rest he is now enjoying. Hie is a public-spirited and useful 
 citizen, and has many friends. 
 
 In 1865 Mr. Elsasser married Catherine Glock, a native of Germany, 
 who died January 19, 1871, at the age of thirty-two years. She was a 
 daughter of Nicholas Glock, and came to America as a girl of fourteen 
 years, being employed in the family of General Robinson until her mar- 
 riage. The children born to this union were: W. M., deceased; 
 
 Margaret Bell, wife of George Darling, of Mechanicsburg ; and John, 
 who was born July 18, 1871, and now has full charge of his father’s 
 farm, managing his entire business, and has operated the threshing 
 machine nineteen years. 
 
 Mr. Elsasser married for his second wife Naomi Brown, who was 
 born March 6, 1836, a daughter of Amos and Susan (Bonner) Arharcl, 
 the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Germany. She came 
 with her husband, Joe Brown, from Union county to Hardin county, in 
 
 1867, and there her husband died. She is the mother of seven children, 
 
 two daughters and five sons, namely: Wallace, Augustus, Adolphus, 
 
 David, C. B., Caroline and Susan. Mrs. Elsasser is a devout member 
 of the Christian church. 
 
 Zell H. Ballinger. — There are many enterprising young farmers 
 in Hardin county, Ohio, who conduct their agricultural operations along 
 scientific lines, and reap the maximum of profit from their land. Among 
 the wide-awake farmers of Dudley township is Zell II. Ballinger, who 
 was born January 5, 1875, son of Thomas and Anna (Bishop) Ballinger, 
 the former a native of Perry township, Logan county, born January 18, 
 1846, and died in 1888, and the latter, who was born in Zane township, 
 Logan county, March 14, 1845, died in March, 1906. 
 
 Henry Ballinger, father of Thomas, married Caroline Moore. 
 Thomas Ballinger was married in 1868 and located in Hardin county the 
 following year, on the farm now occupied by his son. He was a promi- 
 nent farmer owning one hundred and fifteen acres of good land, and 
 became a local preacher for the Methodist Episcopal church, in Avhose 
 interest he was an active worker. He was a Whig and later became an 
 ardent Republican, and served as treasurer of the township and for 
 years as a member of the school board. He was married in August, 
 
 1868, in East Liberty, to Anna Bishop, who was born in Logan county 
 March 14, 1845, to James and Eliza (Inkeep) Bishop, both natives of 
 
 Vol. II— 5 
 
510 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Chillicothe. Zell has one brother living, Earl, a farmer of Dudley 
 township, who married Maud Fannen. He has a brother and a sister 
 deceased. The brother, Charles E., lived to the age of thirty-four, 
 dying in 1900. He was the oldest of the children, and was born and 
 raised on the old homestead, like the other boys he became a farmer. 
 He married Lizzie Kelsey, of Dudley township, a daughter of Newton 
 and Rachel Kelsey. They had one son, Lawrence, who is with his 
 mother, a resident of Dudley township. 
 
 Zell II. Ballinger attended school until fourteen years of age, re- 
 ceiving a fair education. At that time his father died, and in company 
 with his brother he carried on the farm for his mother until he was 
 twenty-five years of age. He then moved to a farm of His own, where he 
 remained five years, then rented the old Heckerthorn farm three years, 
 after which he came to the homestead where he now resides, he and his 
 brother having purchased the estate. They carry on general farming 
 with success, and are accounted among the leading farmers of the 
 county. The Ballinger family is well known in Hardin county, where 
 they have been prominent for many years. They have always been 
 public-spirited citizens, and interested in the welfare of the community 
 and the cause of progress. 
 
 Mr. Ballinger is a stanch Republican and active in the interests of 
 his party, having taken an active part in political matters since attaining 
 his majority. He has served many years as committee-man. He is a 
 prominent Mason, being affiliated with the chapter, council and com- 
 mandery, as well as the Blue Lodge of Kenton. He also belongs to the 
 Maccabees of Hepburn, and has filled all the chairs in the lodge. He 
 and his wife are devout and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church of Kenton. 
 
 On April 21, 1896, Mr. Ballinger married Minnie Koch, who was 
 born November 19, 1872, in Dudley township, a daughter of Ludwig 
 and Elizabeth (Blankner) Koch, the former a native of Germany. Mr. 
 Koch died in 1887, at the age of seventy-four years and six months. 
 Upon coming to America he located at Columbus, Ohio, where he worked 
 at his trade of tailor, and later came to Dudley township. Still later 
 he bought a farm near Kenton, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 His widow is living at Kenton, and is now seventy-one years of age. 
 Mrs. Ballinger has six sisters and two brothers living, namely: John, a 
 farmer living in Michigan ; William, a farmer living near Kenton ; 
 Lena, who married George Trapp, a carpenter living at Columbus, Ohio ; 
 Mary, wife of John Van Fleet, of Kenton; Anna, wife of Henry Bloom, 
 of Kenton ; Margaret, wife of C. Robey, of Kenton ; Ida, wife of William 
 Haggard, of Kenton; and Lilly, wife of C. Moore, of Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Ballinger and his wife have children as follows : Gladys 
 
 Wilhelmine, born May 27, 1897 ; Elwood Thomas, born August 22, 1899 ; 
 and Arthur Ludwig, born April 19, 1909. 
 
 Joseph V. Kelly, an intelligent and progressive farmer of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in that township March 12, 
 1844. His father, Benjamin Kelly, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 511 
 
 1800, came with his family to Ohio in 1835, settling first in Marion 
 county ; later he came to Hardin county, where he cleared eighty acres 
 of land and erected a log cabin. In 1847 he erected a small frame 
 house of black walnut, which is still standing on the old homestead. 
 He lived here the remainder of his life, and passed away in 1865. He 
 was a cooper by trade. He was a member of the United Brethren 
 church, and was not actively interested in political matters. Benjamin 
 Kelly married Martha Snoddy, who died in 1871, at the age of seventy 
 years. Mr. Kelly and his wife had fifteen children, of whom Joseph 
 was the youngest son. Besides Joseph three others are living, namely : 
 Isabel, wife of William Davis, a farmer of Dudley township; Lucinda, 
 wife of Samuel Smith; and Ellen, widow of B. Walters, of Columbus, 
 Ohio. 
 
 The boyhood of Joseph V. Kelly was spent on a farm and he received 
 his education in the public schools. He helped his father with the 
 duties of the farm until twenty-one years old, then began farming on 
 his own account, renting land. After the death of his father he pur- 
 chased the shares of the other heirs to the old homestead, and his mother 
 remained with him. In 1891 he erected a modern home, one of the 
 finest residences in the section. He has one hundred and forty acres 
 of good fertile land, where he has for many years carried on farming and 
 stock raising. Mr. Kelly has retired from active work and his son has 
 the principal management of his farm. 
 
 Politically Mr. Kelly is a Republican, and active in the interests of 
 his party, although he has never desired to hold public office himself. 
 He is a member of the United Brethren church and has served many 
 years as trustee of the same. Mr. Kelly has for many years been 
 extensively interested in cattle, breeding and shipping Hereford stock. 
 
 In 1870 Mr. Kelly married Mary C. Lingo, born October 29, 1846, 
 daughter of James H. and Emma (Kepper) Lingo, and they became the 
 parents of three children, two who died in infancy, and James Claude, 
 born in 1874. James C. Kelly has spent his life on a farm and is well 
 fitted to manage one to the best advantage. He married Daisy Cramer, 
 born November 12, 1878, daughter of John and Emma (Willison) 
 Cramer; Mr. Cramer was a farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, and died 
 December 27, 1902, at the age of sixty-two years; his wife is living, at 
 the age of fifty-nine years, in Dudley township. She is a daughter of 
 George Willison and Elizabeth Hazelett. The father of John Cramer, 
 Charles Cramer, was born in 1853, in Germany, on a steamer which was 
 navigating on the Rhine. After migrating to America he settled in 
 Columbus, Ohio, where he followed his trade of shoemaker. He was 
 married at Arlington, in 1836, to Catherine Price, and died in 1866. 
 His son John was born March 27, 1840, in Hancock county. John 
 Cramer was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in Company A, 
 One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Infantry. He was reported dead 
 but was later found by his father and brought home. James C. Kelly 
 and his wife became the parents of children as follows : Lenard Ray, 
 
 born August 27, 1899; John Merrill, born February 12, 1901: Laura 
 Dill, born January 16, 1903; Emma Catherine, born April 28, 1905; 
 and Joseph, who died in infancy. 
 
512 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 The wife of Joseph V. Kelly died August 24, 1909, and her death 
 was mourned by the entire community. She was for many years an 
 earnest, devout member of the United Brethren church, and active in 
 the Ladies’ Aid Society, as well as all other work connected with the 
 church. Her lovely disposition and high character made her greatly 
 beloved, and her presence will be greatly missed in many circles. After 
 leaving school she remained at home until her marriage. Mrs. Kelly 
 was a kind neighbor, always ready to give aid and counsel to the sick 
 and distressed, as well as to lend a helping hand to anyone who called 
 npon her. She was a kind, indulgent mother, a faithful, loving wife, 
 and her sorrowing family have the sympathy of all who know them. She 
 was the fourth child of her parents, and is survived by four brothers 
 and one sister. 
 
 Ira Williams. — Many farmers of Hardin county have worked 
 hard for many years to keep their land in good condition and acquire 
 a competence, and have then retired to enjoy the fruits of their labors. 
 Among the successful men of Dudley township, now retired from active 
 life, is Ira Williams, who was born in Genesee county, New York, Nov- 
 ember 17, 1831, a son of Frederick Williams. The latter was born in 
 Warren, Connecticut, February 10, 1806, and was a son of Thorp and 
 Clarissa (Peters) Williams, the former of whom died in 1867, at the age 
 of eighty-seven. Frederick Williams settled in Beaver county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, in 1836, and in 1838 removed to Springboro, Pennsylvania, 
 engaging in mercantile business, which he sold in 1840, and followed 
 farming the remainder of his life. He was an enterprising, successful 
 man, and fraternally was a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows. He married Abbie Jenks, who was born in NewYork and died 
 in April, 1882, aged seventy- one years. Of the children of Frederick 
 Williams and his wife, Ira is the only one surviving. 
 
 The education of Ira Williams was obtained in Ohio, and at the 
 age of twenty-one years he graduated from the common schools of Jef- 
 ferson, Ohio. After his marriage he began work for the Lake Shore 
 Railroad Company, at Conneaut, Ohio, in constructing bridges, and a 
 year later removed to Clark county, where he worked at surveying the 
 road from Springfield to Delaware, and later from Springfield to Co- 
 lumbus. In 1855 he removed to Logan county, where he bought a farm, 
 and a year later located in Hardin county, on his present farm, purchas- 
 ing seven hundred and fifty acres. He has greatly improved his farm, 
 and now has one of the most modern and convenient farm houses in 
 his section of the county. Some six years ago he divided his land 
 among his children. He has now retired from active life and his 
 present farm is managed by renters. He was the largest land owner 
 and most extensive farmer and stockman of Dudley township, where 
 he is widely known and highly esteemed. 
 
 Mr. Williams married for his first wife, Hanna Louisa Greene, 
 born May 14, 1834, in Springboro, Pennsylvania, daughter of Josiah 
 Greene. The father was born April 16, 1802, in Wethersfield, New York, 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 513 
 
 dying August 17, 1838, and the mother born April 21, 1804, died Dec- 
 ember 7, 1866. They had ten children, Mrs. Williams being the eighth 
 child. She died October 17, 1871, leaving children as follows: Ethan, 
 a manufacturer of Kenton, Ohio, married L. Barnett, and they have 
 one child ; Homer, deceased, who left two children : Emery, who married 
 Eva Yost, and Edna, wife of D. Baker, who has one child; Abbie, wife 
 of William Hampton, and has two children: Stella, wife of William 
 Wentz, has one child, and Urilla, who married A1 Roberts, of Greenup, 
 Illinois, and they have three children ; Hattie who married J. Pickett, a 
 carpenter of California, and they have one child, Frederick ; Ira, of 
 Marion, Ohio, married Ella Bridget, and they have two children ; Ella 
 married William Hampton, of Dudley township, and they have four 
 children; James married Bell Leadman, and they have one child; 
 Frederick, who, at the age of thirteen, was accidentally killed by a gun 
 shot from a neighbor’s boy. 
 
 Mr. Williams married for his second wife Susan Smith, who was 
 born August 27, 1848, a native of Hardin county, and a daughter of 
 John and Elizabeth (McNeil) Smith, the former a pioneer settler of 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county, who came from Pennsylvania and 
 was a cooper and shoemaker by trade. Elizabeth McNeil was born in 
 Pennsylvania, March 23, 1810. John Smith and his wife have two sons 
 living: Samuel M. and Benjamin F., both farmers in Hardin county; 
 they also have four daughters besides Mrs. Williams. They were 
 parents of fifteen children. John Smith died in 1863 at the age of 
 fifty-five years, and his widow survived him until 1892, passing away at 
 the age of eighty-three. He came to Hardin county with horses and a 
 wagon, with no money, and took up land, by hard work and great 
 economy being able to attain more than ordinary success. He left 
 seven hundred and fifty acres of land. He was a man of untiring energy, 
 and had a good helpmeet in his wife, who was also a good manager and 
 able to meet bravely the rigors and hardships of pioneer existence. Mrs. 
 Williams was’ the next youngest in the family of seven daughters and 
 eight sons. Mrs. Smith’s mother, Anna Eustis McNeil, when seven 
 years of age was captured by the Indians, and held until fourteen years 
 of age, when she was regained by her parents. By his second marriage 
 Mr. Williams had one child, Guy, born December 17, 1892, a graduate 
 of Larue and Ada Universities. Mr. Williams also adopted one child 
 when four years of age, Maude L. Fannon, now the wife of Earl Bal- 
 linger, and they have one child, Waldo. 
 
 Mr. Williams has always done his full duty as a citizen and 
 patriot, and not only has made a good record in private life, but heard 
 the call of his country in her hour of need. He enlisted on May 2, 
 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio, for one 
 hundred days’ service, which he spent in the Shenandoah Valley and 
 at Harper’s Ferry. He entered as first lieutenant and was commis- 
 sioned as captain ; he was discharged at Camp Chase. He is a member 
 of Owen Gray Post 274, G. A. R., of La Rue. 
 
 Politically Mr. Williams is a Republican, and he has been honore.' 
 by his fellow-citizens by election to several township offices, in which he 
 
514 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 has served creditably. TIis integrity, honesty and high character are 
 well appreciated by his friends and neighbors, and in all his dealings 
 with his fellows he has shown himself to be prompted by highest princi- 
 ples of honor. He is one of the most popular men in the county, and 
 his opinions are considered with great respect. He does not believe in 
 God, the Bible or a Hereafter and states his reasons with great convic- 
 tion and earnestness. He is a deep student and a well-known writer, 
 whose pen has furnished articles for the press for a number of years. 
 Although in the matter of religion most of his neighbors do not agree 
 with him, yet all respect his earnestness and full belief in his doctrines, 
 in which he generally follows the noted Bob -Ingersoll, of whom he is a 
 firm admirer. 
 
 Mrs. Mary Ann Miller. — Many fine farms of Ohio are owned by 
 women, whose husbands or fathers have spent their lives in accumulating 
 land and other possessions, which at their death are left with the dear 
 ones who have helped so much in the acquisition of them. Among the 
 highly esteemed women of Dudley township is Mrs. Mary Ann Miller, 
 widow of the late Andy Miller, of that township. Andy Miller was born 
 in Baden, Germany, August 15, 1827, son of Michael Miller, who died 
 when Andy was six weeks old. Mr. Miller received his education in 
 his native country, where he lived until lie reached the age of twenty- 
 four years, and early learned to look out for his own interests. Upon 
 emigrating to the United States he located in Columbus, Ohio, where he 
 spent one year and then removed to Mt. Victory, where he was employed 
 in a sawmill until his marriage, in 1858. He then bought the present 
 homestead of the family, of seventy acres, which he himself cleared, 
 and they were the first settlers in the section. He spent the remainder 
 of his life improving and cultivating his farm, which amply repaid his 
 labor, and being thrifty and industrious he achieved no small degree 
 of success. He died on August 2, 1904, deeply lamented by a large 
 circle of friends. He was a public-spirited and useful citizen, and 
 politically was a Republican, although he never cared for public office. 
 He was a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Miller was a man of 
 strict integrity and honesty, and in his dealings with his fellow-men 
 displayed high character and purpose, and had a reputation for stead- 
 fastly keeping his word. 
 
 Mr. Miller married Mary Ann Thurman, born August 25, 1834, 
 daughter of George W. Thurman, who died in 1867, at the age of seventy- 
 one years. Mr. Thurman came with his parents, George and Mary 
 Thurman, from Virginia to Chillicothe, Ohio, and about 1834 they 
 settled in Dudley township, Hardin county, where they took up land, 
 which they cleared and improved. They took their grain on horseback 
 to the mill at East Liberty. Mr. Thurman married Margaret Carr, 
 who died in 1879, at the age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Miller has 
 one brother and two sisters living, namely: Zachariah, a farmer of 
 Hardin county ; Rebecca, living with her brother ; and Matilda, a widow 
 living in Kenton. Ohio. When Mr. Miller and his wife first lived in 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 515 
 
 Hardin county they were night after night troubled by wolves. Mrs. 
 Miller is a member of the Christian church. 
 
 The children born to Mr. Miller and his wife were as follows: Joel 
 C-, deceased, who left one daughter, Ivy, who married Will Wess, of 
 Kenton; George Worthington, of Mt. Victory, who married Dose 
 Marshall, and they have one child, Glen ; Margaret Ann, who died in 
 infancy; Mathilda, wife of Jacob Weatherhalt, of Kenton, their union 
 being without issue ; Peter, at home, and who has one child, Opal ; and 
 Andy, who died in infancy. 
 
 Mrs. Miller and her son Peter attend to the farm, carrying on 
 general farming. Peter Miller has also been considerably interested in 
 contracting and stock raising. He was reared on a farm and fully 
 understands the details of the work, being able to make the most of the 
 land. H)e is enterprising and industrious, and the results of his labor 
 are gratifying. 
 
 Andy Miller served five years in the German army before coming to 
 the United States, and during the Civil war here he enlisted in Company 
 I, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio, for one year, serving his full 
 time and being mustered out in 1865. After his return to his farm he 
 was sick two years as a consequence of the devotion he had shown for 
 his adopted country. 
 
 William H. Powell is one of the representative young agricul- 
 turists of Liberty township and a member of one of the oldest families 
 of Hardin county, a son of Joseph and Olive E. (Henry) Powell, both 
 born in this county, the former in 1850 and the latter in 1854. Both 
 were born in Marion township, and they yet reside there on a farm of 
 eighty-seven acres. He is a grandson on the paternal side of William 
 Powell, who came from his native England to this country at an early 
 age, and he married here Nancy Lyons, of German extraction, they 
 becoming the parents of Joseph, Sarah, George, Elizabeth, John and 
 James. William Powell died in the year of 1859. On the maternal 
 side Mr. Powell is a grandson of David and Jane (Donaldson) Henry, 
 the former also from England. Five children were born to Joseph 
 and Olive (Henry) Powell: Harlan J., now deceased; William H. ; 0. 
 
 C. ; Stella M. ; and Verna F. Stella is the wife of C. L. Mathews. 
 Joseph Powell has been prominently identified with the history of 
 Hardin county from its earliest epoch. 
 
 William H. Powell, his son, was born in Marion township of Hardin 
 county September 15, 1875, and the training which he received in its 
 district schools was supplemented by a course at the Ohio Northern 
 University at Ada, and afterward he taught school during five terms. 
 He is now one of the rising young agriculturists of Liberty township, 
 owning a farm of one hundred acres here of splendidly improved land. 
 He is progressive in his methods, using only the latest improved 
 machinery, and in 1909 he built a valuable and commodious barn, sixty- 
 two by seventy-two feet, two stories high. He has owned this estate 
 since 1901, and since that time has improved it in a splendid manner. 
 He is also prominently identified with stock raising interests, making 
 
516 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 a specialty of the breeding of Rambouillet sheep, Poland China hogs and 
 Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. 
 
 On the 10th of February, 1897, lie was married to Miss Eva J., a 
 daughter of Charles A. and Manila A. Guilder, of Dola, Hardin county, 
 where Mrs. Powell was born June 11, 1874. Mr. Powell is a member 
 and also the secretary of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, and he is 
 a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 William Perry Dempster, who is more familiarly known by his 
 second name, is one of the enterprising and successful representatives 
 of the agricultural industry in Hardin county, being the owner of a 
 well improved farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in Marion 
 township, and being a citizen to whom is accorded unqualified confidence 
 and esteem in the community that has been his home during practically 
 his entire life. 
 
 Mr. Dempster was born on the old homestead adjoining his present 
 farm in Marion township on the 24th of February, 1852, and is a son of 
 the late John W. Dempster, who was born in Jefferson county, this state, 
 a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of Ohio, honored by all 
 with whom he came in contact and known as a prosperous farmer and 
 worthy citizen. He moved to Hardin county in 1847, where he spent 
 the remainder of his life. W. Perry Dempster, the immediate subject 
 of this sketch, was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm, to 
 whose work he early began to contribute his quota, the while he was 
 afforded the advantages of the district schools, which he continued to 
 attend during the winter terms until he was about twenty years of age, 
 after which he continued his studies of higher academic order in the 
 Ohio Northern University, at Ada. That he made good use of his 
 educational advantages is assured with much of emphasis when it is 
 stated that for more than twenty years he devoted his attention a por- 
 tion of each year to the pedagogic profession, having been an able and 
 popular teacher in the public schools of Hardin, Allen and Hancock 
 counties. 
 
 Mr. Dempster has owned and resided upon his present farm since 
 1881, and his management of the same has been most effective, as is 
 shown in the evident thrift and prosperity manifest on every hand. 
 The buildings and other permanent improvements are of excellent order, 
 and the place is devoted to diversified agriculture and to the raising of 
 high-grade live stock, through the medium of which Mr. Dempster has 
 gained definite success, being known as one of the substantial citizens 
 of his native county and being a stockholder and director of the Alger 
 Savings Bank. 
 
 Mr. Dempster is a man of broad mental ken and strong individual- 
 ity, and this fact, coupled with his acknowledged integrity in all the 
 relations of life, has made him a factor of influence in local affairs of a 
 public nature. In polities he accords an unswerving allegiance to the 
 Republican party, and he has served several terms as clerk of Marion 
 township, besides which he has been an earnest and valued member of 
 the school board of his district, serving as its clerk for several terms and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 517 
 
 doing all in his power to bring the local schools up to the highest possible 
 standard. He and his wife are zealous members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church at Maysville, in which he is a trustee, besides being 
 active in the work of its Sunday school. 
 
 On the 13th of April. 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Dempster to Miss Sarah Cummings, with whom he became acquainted 
 while both were attending school at Ada. It is worthy of record that 
 many years previously their fathers had been neighbors and stanch 
 friends in Harrison county. Mrs. Dempster was born in Harrison 
 county on the 23d of March, 1850, and is a daughter of the late Philip 
 Cummings, a representative farmer of that county. She was afforded 
 excellent educational advantages, including a course in Granville Semi- 
 nary and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and had been a 
 successful teacher prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Dempster 
 became the parents of three daughters, of whom two are living. Mary 
 Florenda, who was born June 19, 1882, has been a popular teacher in 
 the public schools for seven years, having completed her education by a 
 course in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. Edna Pauline, who 
 was born on the 4th of September, 1886, died on the 3d of the following 
 month. Lucy Leone, who was born on the 19th of November, 1890, was 
 graduated in the high school at Harrocl and is now a student in the 
 conservatory of music at Ada, this county. Russell Herbert, who was 
 born July 3, 1892, is now a student in the Harrod high school. 
 
 George F. Krummrey, who owns and operates a seed farm in 
 Marion township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born at Berea, this state, 
 February 6, 1863, of German parentage. His parents, Gottleb and 
 Mary (Voltgast) Krummrey, came from Germany in early life and 
 settled in Ohio, where they were married and passed the rest of their 
 years. He died in 1887 ; she, October 7, 1909. They had twelve 
 children, among whom were one pair of twins, and of this number those 
 living are as follows : Mary, Anna, Ida, Minnie, Fred, John, and 
 
 George F. 
 
 George. F. Krummrey was reared on a farm and received his edu- 
 cation in a German school. In the spring of 1896 he came to Hardin 
 county, Ohio, where he has since been engaged in farming, having one 
 hundred acres of land and making a specialty of raising onions and 
 onion seed. 
 
 Mr. Krummrey married Miss Rosa Brillinger, a native of Ohio, 
 and they are the parents of three sons : Alfred, born October 23, 1895 ; 
 Carl, January 15, 1897 ; and Ernest. November 5, 1901. Politically 
 Mr. Krummrey is a Republican, and at different times has been honored 
 with local office. For eight years he has tilled the office of trustee of 
 Marion township. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, and both 
 he and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian church. 
 
 James Goslee, one of the most extensive farmers of Hardin county, 
 owns a large farm in Marion township, and is also a stockholder and 
 director of the Alger Savings Bank. Mr. Goslee has practically re- 
 
518 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 tired from active life, but has full charge of the work done on his farm 
 and is an excellent manager. He carries on general farming, and raises 
 considerable stock. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, January 
 22, 1843, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Kenton) Goslee. John 
 Goslee was a son of Job Goslee, who came to Ohio from Maryland, set- 
 tling in Champaign county, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 John Goslee was reared in Champaign county and lived there until 
 after his marriage. His wife, Mary Kenton was reared on Mad river, 
 Near Urbana, Ohio, and came with her husband to Hardin county in 
 the spring of 1843. They settled on the borders of Scioto Marsh, in 
 Roundhead township, and here Mr. Goslee became a large farmer and 
 stock-raiser. He became very prosperous and spent the remainder of 
 his days on this farm. He was an active worker in the Methodist 
 Episcopal church and a class leader. John Goslee had twelve children 
 by his two marriages. Among those by the first marriage were : James, 
 Job, Elizabeth, Mary A., Melissa and one who died in infancy. 
 
 When the Goslee family located in Hardin county James was only 
 a few months old. He was reared in the county, and like most other 
 boys of the locality attended school winters and assisted with the work 
 of the farm during the summer months. He remained at home until 
 he reached his majority. Mr. Goslee enlisted in Company E.'One Hun- 
 dred Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1864, being then 
 twenty-one years of age, and served under General Schofield. Hjs 
 regiment operated in Tennessee and North Carolina, and Mr. Goslee 
 served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out. He par- 
 ticipated in many battles and skirmishes, and among these was the battle 
 of Wises Fork. At the close of the war he returned to Hardin county 
 and later went west, though he again returned to the county and engaged 
 in farming. 
 
 In 1870 Mr. Goslee married Asenath J. Slaybaugh, born in Bu- 
 cyrus, Crawford county, Ohio, December 21, 1845, daughter of Samuel 
 and Catherine Slaybaugh. She came with her parents to Hardin 
 county in 1860, and they settled in Roundhead township. Mr. Goslee 
 and his wife became the parents of one daughter, now deceased. How- 
 ever, they have reared two children, namely: May Scott and Ruth Moore. 
 They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant Hill, 
 where Mr. Goslee is one of the stewards and trustees. Politically 
 he is a Democrat, although he does not care to hold public office. How- 
 ever, he is actively interested in the public welfare and forwards every 
 good cause that comes within his knowledge. He owns four hundred 
 and twenty-five acres of fine farming land in Marion and Roundhead 
 townships, and has been very successful in his undertakings. He has 
 a large circle of friends and is considered one of the representative, 
 useful citizens of the county. 
 
 Howard E. Thompson. — It is gratifying to note those instances 
 where native sons of Hardin county have been able here to find ampm 
 opportunity and scope for effective activity in connections with practi- 
 cal industrial and business enterprises, and one of this number who is 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 519 
 
 well entitled to consideration in this publication is Howard E. Thomp- 
 son, who is one of the successful and progressive farmers and stock- 
 growers of the county and who owns and resides upon the fine old home- 
 stead farm in Marion township, which was the place of his nativity. 
 He was born on this farm on the 23d of March, 1861, and is a son of 
 Henry F. and Catherine J. (McGinnis) Thompson, the former of whom 
 was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the latter in Ross 
 county, Ohio, where her parents settled in the pioneer days. The mar- 
 riage of Henry F. Thompson and Catherine J. McGinnis was solemnized 
 in Kenton, Hardin county, on the 31st of July, 1851, and they estab- 
 lished their home on the farm now owned by their son Howard E., whose 
 name initiates this review. The father reclaimed the farm from the 
 virgin forest and developed the same into one of the valuable properties 
 of this favored section of the state. He became one of the honored and 
 influential citizens of Marion township, taking an active part in the 
 civic and material development and upbuilding of his section of the 
 county and ever holding the implicit confidence and esteem of his 
 fellow men. He was one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Hardin 
 county, whither he came with his parents in the year 1833, and the 
 McGinnis family located in this county in 1814, so that the subject of 
 this review is a scion of pioneer stock in both paternal and maternal 
 lines. Henry F. Thompson was a Republican in his political proclivi- 
 ties and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
 of which his widow has long been a devoted member also. He was 
 summoned to the life eternal on the 18tli of August, 1903, and his widow 
 still resides on the old homestead, which is endeared to her by the hal- 
 lowed memories and associations of the past. Of their eleven children 
 only three are living, Howard E. being the youngest of the number ; Dr. 
 Frank B. Thompson is a ' representative physician and surgeon of La- 
 fayette, Indiana; and Emma is the wife of James Conner, of Alger, 
 Hardin county, Ohio. The honored father was seventy-nine years of 
 age at the time of his detath, The mother was born in Ross county, 
 this state, on the 26th of February, 1829, and is thus more than eighty 
 years of age at the time of this writing, in 1910, being well preserved 
 in both physical and mental faculties. Her father was a cabinet maker 
 by trade but was engaged in farming in Ross county at the time of her 
 birth. When she was a girl the family moved to a small pioneer vil- 
 lage in Ross county, and there she attended school until the removal of 
 the family to Hardin county, her father having in the meanwhile been 
 engaged in the manufacturing of furniture on a modest scale. 
 
 Howard E. Thompson grew to maturity under the beneficent disci- 
 pline of the home farm and in the meanwhile he continued to attend 
 the district schools until he was about eighteen years of age, thus laying 
 adequate foundation for the excellent practical knowledge and broad 
 general information which he has since gained in the school of exper- 
 ience. His entire active career has been one of consecutive and 
 successful identification with the great basic industries of agriculture 
 and stock-growing, and his efforts in this line have been almost entirely 
 confined to the splendid old homestead farm on which he was born and 
 
520 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of which lie is now the fortunate owner, having purchased the place 
 before the death of his honored father. The farm is improved with 
 excellent buildings and its facilities and accessories are of the best 
 modern type, indicating the progressive ideas and productive thrift of 
 the owner. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty-eight acres of 
 most fertile land and is devoted to diversified agriculture and to the 
 raising of excellent grades of live stock. 
 
 In politics Mr. Thompson accords an unwavering allegiance to the 
 Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its local ranks. 
 He has served as a member of the board of trustees of Marion township 
 and is known as a liberal and public spirited citizen, — one who is ever 
 ready to lend his influence and co-operation in the promotion of measures 
 and enterprises for the general good of the community. He is affiliated 
 with Ada Lodge, No. 344, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Ada 
 Chapter No. 138, Royal Arch Masons, at Ada, this county, and both he 
 and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church at 
 Marysville. 
 
 On the 23d of June, 1880, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Thomp- 
 son to Miss Ida M. Conner, who was born in Allen county, Ohio, on the 
 15th of February, 1862, and who is a daughter of the late Abraham 
 Conner, a representative farmer of this section of the state. She 
 x-eceived excellent educational advantages and is a woman of gracious 
 personality, making the attractive family home a center of generous 
 hospitality. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have two children : Martin, who 
 was born December 2, 1884, and who is associated in the work and 
 management of the home farm, married Miss Effie Campbell and they 
 have two children, — Marvin and; Elwood ; Mabel, who was born on the 
 25th of August, 1884, remains at the parental home and is a teacher 
 of music, having received excellent advantages in her musical work and 
 is an accomplished performer on the piano. 
 
 Allen Edwards. — The popular mayor of the thriving little city of 
 MeGuffey is one of the well known and influential business men of 
 Hardin county, where he is general manager of the extensive interests 
 of the Scioto Land Company, which controls about four thousand acres 
 of land in this county and which has developed the property, reclaiming 
 the fine marsh land fo cultivation and devoting the same largely to the 
 cultivation of onions, in which particular field of enterprise it is not 
 surpassed by any concern in the Union. The average annual production 
 of onions alone, to say nothing of the many other vegetables and inciden- 
 tal products secured from the farms of the company, is now fully four 
 hundred thousand bushels, and such is the constituency of the land and 
 such the careful attention given to every detail of propagation that the 
 output is of the most superior quality, finding a ready demand in the 
 leading markets of the country. Mr. Edwards is a stockholder in the 
 company and gives to its affairs the major portion of his time and atten- 
 tion, being known as a discriminating executive and progressive business 
 man. His personal popularity in the community is indicated by his 
 tenure of his present municipal office, and he is ever found arrayed as a 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 521 
 
 supporter of all measures and enterprises tending to advance the civic 
 and material welfare of his home village and county. 
 
 Allen Edwards was born in the city of Youngstown, Mahoning 
 county, Ohio, on the 19th of December, 1861, and is a son of Jonathan 
 0. and Johanna (Allen) Edwards, who now live in Pittsburg. To the 
 public schools of his native city Allen Edwards is indebted for his early 
 educational discipline, which also included a course in the Rayen School 
 at Youngstown, in which he was graduated in 1878, at the age of sixteen 
 years. After leaving school he became identified with the work and 
 management of a farm owned by his father in Mahoning county. His 
 father was an extensive and successful breeder of shorthorn cattle and 
 he himself became prominent in connection with this field of enterprise. 
 He gave special attention to the breeding of this type of cattle and ex- 
 hibited his fine stock at many state fairs and live-stock shows, in the 
 meantime securing a large number of premiums and medals. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Edwards came to Hardin county and took up his 
 residence in McGuffey. He was made manager of the important inter- 
 ests of the Scioto Land Company with whose interests he has since con- 
 tinued to be identified in this capacity, being one of the stockholders in 
 the company, which has reclaimed and placed under most effective culti- 
 vation about four hundred acres of its large area of land. The improve- 
 ments are of the best order and all of this work has been accomplished 
 under the personal supervision and direction of Mr. Edwards, who like- 
 wise has charge of all details of operation. On the fine farms of the 
 company employment is given constantly to a force of about sixty men, 
 and at certain seasons of the year fully one hundred and twenty-five 
 persons are employed in the cultivation and handling of the enormous 
 products. 
 
 As a citizen Mr. Edwards is essentially loyal and progressive, and he 
 is held in unqualified esteem in the county with whose industrial affairs 
 he is so prominently concerned. In politics he gives allegiance to the 
 Republican party, and he has served as mayor of McGuffey since 1909, 
 besides which he is at the present time incumbent of the office of justice 
 of the peace.- He is affiliated with Kenton Lodge, Benevolent and 
 Protective Order of Elks, and also holds membership in the Modern 
 Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are zealous members of the 
 Presbyterian church in McGuffey, in which he is an elder as well as a 
 member of its board of trustees. As mayor of McGuffey he has given 
 a most effective and satisfactory administration, and his well defined 
 municipal policies have inured greatly to the advantage of the village 
 and its people. 
 
 On the 30th of July, 1890. Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to 
 Miss Emma Conner, daughter of John P. Conner, an honored and 
 influential citizen of Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have one daughter, 
 Catherine, who is now (1910) a student in the musical conservatory of 
 the Ohio Northern University at Ada, this county. 
 
 Thomas Reed Dunlap well merits recognition in this history by 
 reason of his status as one of the essentially representative business men 
 
522 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of his native county, where he is held in unequivocal confidence and 
 esteem and where he is known as a loyal, progressive and substantial 
 citizen. He is the owner of the large and well equipped grain elevator 
 at Alger and in the village of McGuffey, this county, he operates an 
 elevator of still greater capacity. He has built up a substantial and 
 extensive business as a buyer and shipper of grain and also makes a 
 specialty of the buying and shipping of onions, for which product this 
 section of the state has gained marked reputation. He is a business 
 man of much initiative power, enterprise and sagacity, and his success 
 stands in most effective evidence of his ability and well directed en- 
 deavors along normal lines of enterprise. He is identified with other 
 business interests of important order and may consistently be designated 
 one of the veritable “captains of industry” in his native county. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap was born on the homestead farm of his father in 
 Marion township, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 6th of August, 1875, and 
 is a son of James R. and Belle (Roberts) Dunlap, well known and hon- 
 ored citizens of the county. Mr. Dunlap was reared to the sturdy and 
 invigorating discipline of the farm and thus early learned the value 
 and dignity of honest toil and endeavor, the while he availed himself 
 of the advantages of the district schools, which he attended during the 
 winter terms, assisting in the work of the home farm during the summer 
 seasons. Later he continued his studies in a select school at Harrod, 
 Allen county, after which he was one year a student in the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada. After leaving this institution he then 
 came to Alger where he purchased the grain elevator, which he has 
 enlarged and otherwise improved and which he has since operated with 
 ever increasing success, handling here a large volume of grain each 
 season and also owning and operating the fine elevator at McGuffey, 
 which is the shipping point for an even larger amount of the grain 
 which he purchases each year, his two elevators drawing their supplies 
 from a wide area of the fine farming district in Hardin and adjacent 
 counties. Mr. Dunlap ships all kinds of grain to the leading markets 
 and has also built up an extensive business in the handling of onions, 
 which are raised in large quantities in this county. Fairness and 
 integrity have characterized all of his dealings, so that he has an 
 impregnable hold upon the confidence and esteem of those with whom 
 he has had business association. He is the owner of a well improved 
 farm of eight acres in Marion township ; is a stockholder in the Alger 
 Savings Bank ; and is one of the principal stockholders of the J. W. 
 Kirts Company, of which he is secretary. This company was incorpo- 
 rated in December, 1909, with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, 
 and in the fall of 1910 will institute the operation of a large and finely 
 stocked general merchandise store in Alger. It will thus be seen that 
 as an aggressive, though essentially conservative, business man Mr. 
 Dunlap is contributing largely to the industrial and material advance- 
 ment and prosperity of his home town and county, and he manifests a 
 lively interest in all measures and enterprises that tend to advance the 
 general welfare. 
 
 Though never ambitious for the honors or emoluments of public 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 523 
 
 office, Mr. Dunlap is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Republican 
 party. He is affiliated with Ada Lodge No. 344, Free and Accepted 
 Masons, and with Chapter No. 138, Royal Arch Masons, at Ada, this 
 county, and is deeply appreciative of the time-honored fraternity with 
 which he is thus identified. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. 
 
 On the 1st of December. 1903, Mr. Dunlap was united in marriage 
 to Miss Yand Randall, daughter of Professor Don W. Randall, super 
 intendent of the public schools of Wapakoneta, Ohio, in whose high 
 school she was graduated. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have one daughter, 
 Mary R., who was born on the 21st- of October, 1909. 
 
 Robert A. Elliott, M. D. — One of the representative physicians 
 and surgeons of the younger generation in Hardin county and who is 
 admirably fortified for the respopsible work of his chosen profession is 
 Dr. Elliott, who is engaged in practice in the village of Alger, where he 
 has a representative clientage and where he is held in high regard as a 
 physician and as a loyal and progressive citizen. 
 
 Dr. Elliott reverts with no slight measure of satisfaction to the fact 
 that he is a native son of the fine old Buckeye state, which has repre- 
 sented his home from the time of his birth and with whose annals the 
 family name has been identified for three or more generations. The 
 Doctor was born on the homestead farm of his parents in Union town- 
 ship, Auglaize county, Ohio, on the 7th of December, 1881, and is a son 
 of Levi N. and Mary J. (Stamats) Elliott, both of whom still reside in 
 that county. Dr. Elliott early learned the lessons of practical industry 
 in connection with the work of the home farm, and his preliminary 
 educational training was secured in the district schools, which he con- 
 tinued to attend during the winter terms until he was sixteen years of 
 age, in the meanwhile he assisted in the work of the home farm during 
 the summer months. At the age noted he entered the high school at 
 Wapakoneta, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 
 1901. In the following year he was graduated in the department of 
 pharmacy at the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and thereafter 
 he was employed for an interval as a pharmacist. Having decided to 
 enter the medical profession and being well fortified in many of the 
 scientific methods and processes pertaining thereto, by reason of his 
 knowledge of chemistry and pharmacy, he finally was matriculated in 
 the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he was 
 graduated in 1905 and from which he received his well earned degree of 
 Doctor of Medicine. He immediately took up his residence in Alger, 
 where he has built up an excellent practice and established a stanch 
 reputation as a physician and surgeon of distinctive skill and discrimina- 
 tion. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Eclectic Medical Asso- 
 ciation and continues a close and appreciative student of his profession, 
 keeping in touch with the advances made in the sciences of both medicine 
 and surgery. He is medical examiner for the Pacific Mutual Life 
 Insurance Company, the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, 
 the Prudential Life Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, the 
 
524 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Maccabees National Life Insurance Company, of Vermont, and the 
 Security Life Insurance Company. In a fraternal way he is affiliated 
 with Hamer Lodge No. 167, Free and Accepted Masons at Wapakoneta 
 and with the order of Elks. 
 
 In politics Dr. Elliott is found aligned as a stanch supporter of the 
 cause of the Democratic party, and the esteem in which he is held in 
 Alger is well indicated by the fact that he is at the present time giving 
 an admirable administration as its mayor having been elected to this 
 office in November of 1909. This preferment is a definite assurance of 
 personal popularity, and the Doctor is fully appreciative of the honor 
 thus conferred upon him. He is liberal and progressive as a citizen 
 and municipal executive and gives his influence in support of every 
 measure tending to promote the general welfare of the community. 
 
 In 1909 was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Elliott to Miss Lauretta 
 Wolgamot, daughter of Leon P. Wolgamot, a well known citizen of Logan 
 county. 
 
 Harley N. Willson, an active and energetic farmer of Blanchard 
 township, owns and operates eighty acres of valuable land, which he 
 devotes to general farming. His success has been reached by industry 
 and good management, and he is considered a representative, useful 
 citizen. Mr. Willson was born in Wyandotte county, Ohio, in 1870, and 
 is a son of J. R. Willson, also living in Blanchard township, where he 
 owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres. J. R. Willson 
 purchased this land in 1872 and moved to it two years later; by hard 
 work and untiring energy he evolved a productive and well tilled farm 
 from the wilderness. He was born in Sycamore township, Wyandotte 
 county, Ohio, July 19, 1838, was reared and educated in his native county 
 and has always devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he 
 enlisted as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the end of the 
 war. He was united in marriage, in 1865, with Lovina Longabaugh, 
 and they became the parents of five children, namely: Charles C., John 
 E., Harley N., J. R., Jr., and Ilulda. Mr. Willson has for sixteen years 
 been sorely afflicted, having lost his sight. J. R. Willson is a son of 
 Elisha and TTulda (Shotwell) Willson, both natives of New Jersey, who 
 came to Ohio in 1833. To them were born five children, namely: 
 Elvira. J. R., Z. S.. Rosella and Gilbert F. 
 
 Harley N. Willson was reared and educated in Hardin county, to 
 which his father had come in 1874, and has established a good reputation 
 in the community where he has so long resided. He chose the vocation 
 of farming, and has followed it all his life. Lie has served as township 
 supervisor, and is a member of the school board. 
 
 In 1895 Mr. Willson married Mary E., daughter of Calvin and 
 Emma Reed, and to them were born four children, namely: Philip S., 
 (deceased), Edwin M., Kermit II. and Dorothea M. Mrs. Willson was 
 born in Blanchard township, Hardin county, in 1876. Both she and her 
 husband are devout members of the Christian church. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 525 
 
 William S. Robinson. — On other pages of this work is entered a 
 memorial tribute to General James S. Robinson, a distinguished figure 
 in the military and public annals of the nation, and of this honored citi- 
 zen of Hardin county, where he maintained his home until the time of his 
 death, the subject of the sketch at hand is a son. As ready reference 
 may be made to the memoir mentioned, it is not requisite that the data 
 be repeated in the present article. 
 
 William S. Robinson was a native of Kenton, Hardin county, where 
 he was born on the 14th of January, 1851, and where the major portion 
 of his life was passed. He became one of the representative business 
 men of his native city and as a citizen he well upheld the prestige of the 
 honored name which he bore. He died in Kenton on the 27th of 
 December, 1905, leaving the heritage of a good name and of worthy 
 accomplishments as one of the world’s noble army of workers. Mr. 
 Robinson gained his early education in the public schools of Kenton 
 and supplemented this by higher academic study. As a young man he 
 served for several years as teller in the Kenton Savings Bank and later 
 he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he assumed a clerical position in the 
 office of the well known firm of Warder, Busline]] and Mitchell, manu- 
 facturers of agricultural machinery, and he continued in the employ of 
 this concern for about two years, at the expiration of which he returned 
 to Kenton, where he became associated with his cousin, Henry Spelman, 
 and engaged in the retail hardware business under the firm name of 
 Robinson & Spelman. This mutually pleasing business alliance contin- 
 ued about twenty years and was severed only by the death of the 
 honored subject of this sketch. 
 
 Like his distinguished father, Mr. Robinson was a stanch and 
 uncompromising advocate of the principles and policies of the Repub- 
 lican party, and while he had naught of ambition for public office and 
 never consented to permit the use of his name in connection therewith, 
 he gave a liberal support to the party cause and as a citizen he was 
 essentially loyal, progressive and public spirited. By reason of his 
 father’s service as an officer in the Civil war he became eligible for 
 membership in the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United 
 States. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and was deeply 
 appreciative of its teachings and high ideals. In his native city he ever 
 held a secure place in the popular confidence and esteem, and his death 
 was deeply lamented in the community which had so long been his home. 
 He was a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church, as is also his 
 widow, who still retains her home in Kenton. 
 
 On the 27th of October, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Robinson to Miss Alice Powell, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, 
 Ohio, and who is the daughter of James and Anna (Foley) Powell. 
 Her father was born in the city of Ghent, Belgium, and was about three 
 years of age at the time of the family’s removal to America. His 
 parents located in the city of Cincinnati, where he was reared to manhood 
 and received excellent educational advantages. For a short time after 
 his arrival in this country Mr. Powell resided in Illinois, and he then 
 removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he established a small brass foundry 
 Vol. II— 6 
 
526 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 at the rear of his home. From this modest inception was built up a 
 flourishing enterprise and he became one of the representative manufac- 
 turers of the Queen City. Finally his son James became associated 
 with him in the business and the enterprise is still continued, being one 
 of the largest of its kind in Cincinnati. The parents of Mrs. Robinson 
 continued to make their home in Cincinnati until their death. 
 
 To William S. and Alice (Powell) Robinson were born two children, 
 Helen, who has been the principal of the West school in Hardin county 
 for several years and who is one of the successful and popular teachers 
 in connection with the public schools of the city, and James Sidney, the 
 son, is a Senior in the high school class of 1910. Both he and his sister 
 remain with their widowed mother. The family have a secure place in 
 connection with the best social activities of the community. 
 
 Elliott G. ITarriman, who now maintains his home in the attractive 
 little village of Alger, has been a resident of Hardin county since his 
 childhood days and has long been known as one of the substantial and 
 representative citizens of the county, where he has been identified with 
 agricultural pursuits and other lines of productive business enterprise 
 and where he commands the popular confidence and esteem ever marking 
 objective appreciation of sterling worth of character. He is a represen- 
 tative of one of the honored pioneer families of Ohio and one that was 
 founded in America in the colonial epoch. 
 
 Elliott G. Harriman was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on the 
 5th of February, 1851, and is a son of William and Evaline (Johnson) 
 Harriman, whose marriage was solemnized in Logan county, this state. 
 William Harriman was born in Logan county on the 6th of April, 1829, 
 and was a son of Simpkins Harriman, whose father, David Harriman, 
 was born in 1755, being a son of David Harriman, who was born in 1710 
 and died in 1778. The latter was a son of John Harriman, who was 
 born in 1680 and whose death occurred in 1740 ; his father was Rev. 
 John Harriman, who was born in 1647 and died in 1704. This honored 
 ancestor was graduated in Harvard College as a member of the class of 
 1667, was a man of distinguished attainments and for twenty years 
 served as pastor of a church in New Haven, Connecticut. He devoted 
 thirty-four years to the work of the ministry and in the archives of New 
 England history his name finds honorable mention. He was a son of 
 John Harriman, who was born in Rowley, Yorkshire, England, in 1608, 
 and who was the founder of the family in America, whither he came in 
 1638, settling in New Haven, Connecticut, and becoming a man of promi- 
 nence and influence in the colony. His death occurred in 1681. 
 
 Simpkins Harriman, grandfather of the subject of this review, was a 
 native of the state of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio about the year 
 1825, and he became one of the sterling pioneers of Logan county, where 
 he secured a tract of wild land and reclaimed a farm, continuing his 
 residence in that county until his death. There his son William was 
 reared to manhood under the conditions and influences of the pioneer 
 days and there was identified with agricultural pursuits until he moved 
 to Delaware county, which continued to be his home for a few years. 
 

 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 527 
 
 About the year 1853 William Harriman came to Hardin county and 
 purchased a farm in Dudley township, where he became a successful 
 agriculturist and stock-grower and a citizen who wielded no little influ- 
 ence in local affairs. He was a man of sturdy integrity, of strong 
 individuality and of indefatigable industry, so that he attained to a due 
 measure of success in connection with his business affairs. He lived and 
 labored to goodly ends and his name merits a place on the roll of those 
 who have contributed to the social and material upbuilding of the 
 county. He continued to reside on his old homestead farm until 1878, 
 when he moved to Kenton, where he died, on March 7. 1895, at which 
 time he was sixty-five years and eleven months old ; his devoted wife, 
 who had been a cherished companion and helpmeet, passed to the life 
 eternal in 1900. at the age of seventy years, both having been members 
 of the United Brethren and later of the Disciples church. Of their 
 children Elliott G. was the first born ; Sarah J. is the wife of Ray B. 
 Thompson, of Kenton, this county; John E. died at the age of seventeen 
 years ; Mary E. is the wife of William Saunders and they reside near 
 Marysville, Union county, Ohio; and Lydia A. is the wife of John 
 McMahon, a prosperous farmer near Kenton, Hardin county. 
 
 Elliott Green Harriman, the immediate subject of this sketch, was 
 about three years of age at the time of the family removal from Delaware 
 county to Hardin county, and on the home farm in Dudley township he 
 was reared to years of maturity, early beginning to assist in the work of 
 the farm and in the meanwhile attending the district schools, in which 
 he continued his studies during the winter terms until he was about 
 eighteen years of age. That he made good use of the advantages thus 
 afforded him is evident when we revert to the fact that he became a 
 successful and popular teacher in the district schools of his home county, 
 having initiated his labors' in the pedagogic profession when eighteen 
 years of age. In the year 1871 he was a student in the Ohio Northern 
 University at Ada, and after leaving this institution he continued teach- 
 ing, to which vocation he devoted his attention for a total of about six 
 years, being identified with farming during the summer seasons and act- 
 ing as schoolmaster during the winter terms. 
 
 The active career of Mr. Harriman has been one of close and siic- 
 eessful identification with agricultural pursuits until within recent 
 years, and he is still the owner of a farm in Marion township. He took 
 up his residence on his farm in that township on the 10th of January, 
 1892, and there he continued to live until 1903, when he moved to the 
 village of Alger, where he is now successfully engaged in the real-estate 
 and insurance business. Besides his farm in Marion township, near 
 Alger, he is also the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres in 
 Allen county, this state. He has been enterprising and progressive as 
 a farmer and business man and has not been denied a generous measure 
 of success in connection with his well directed endeavors. His hold upon 
 popular confidence and esteem is most secure, being based upon sterling 
 elements of character and genial and kindly attitude in his relations 
 with his fellow men. He and his wife are zealous and valued mefnbers 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church in their home village, and in a fra- 
 
528 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 teraal way he is affiliated with Ada Lodge No. 344, Free and Accepted 
 Masons, at Ada, this county. 
 
 In polities Mr. Harriman has ever found the Republican party 
 worthy of his unqualified allegiance and he takes a lively interest in the 
 questions and issues of the hour, besides which he is essentially progres- 
 sive and public-spirited in connection with civic affairs of a more local- 
 ized order. While residing on his farm he served two terms as clerk of 
 Dudley township, and for eight years he was a member of the board of 
 trustees of Marion township. In Alger he has served as a member of 
 the village council and as president of the board of education. 
 
 On the 6th of March, 1873, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Harriman to Miss Nancy E. Richey, who was born in New Dover, Union 
 county, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1854, and who is a daughter of 
 Joseph N. and Edna (Farnum) Richey, both of whom were born in 
 Union county, Ohio, the former on the 12th of March, 1822, and the 
 latter in 1837. Joseph Richey was for many years successfully engaged 
 in business as a buyer and shipper of live stock and he passed the closing 
 years of his life in Union county, where he died on the 11th of May, 
 1882. His wife survived him until the 1st of February, 1907, when she 
 too was summoned to the “land of the leal.” William Richey, grand- 
 father of Mrs. Harriman, was a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Harriman became the parents of four children, concerning whom the 
 following brief record i.s entered : Calvin A., who was born February 
 
 9, 1874, is now a successful and popular teacher in the public schools of 
 Allen county, this state; William G., who was born on the 27th of 
 November, 1875, died on the 1st of the following May; Charles E., who 
 was born November 27, 1879, is a telegraph operator, employed by'the 
 Erie Railroad Company at Boone Grove, Indiana; and John E., who was 
 born October 27. 1896, is a student in the graded schools of Alger. 
 
 Dr. J. S. Hedrick is one of the leading physicians of Dunkirk, Ohio, 
 where he has been in practice since 1888. He was born in York county, 
 Pennsylvania, in 1859, and received his primary education in the place 
 of his nativity. He is a son of Isaac and Sallie (Mundis) Hedrick, both 
 also born in York county and both now deceased. There were four 
 children in their family, and all are yet living, but Dr. Hedrick is the 
 only one of the number who has entered professional life and the only 
 one residing in Hardin county. 
 
 lie attended Stewartstown Academy and the Millersville State 
 Normal School, and then began preparing for the profession which he 
 had chosen as his life’s work. The first year was spent in the College 
 of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, was then two years a student 
 in the Starling Medical College at Columbus and graduated with its 
 class of 1882, and then after six years of active practice he entered the 
 Bellevue Hospital Medical College and graduated therefrom in 1888. 
 This was followed by a post graduate course at the New York Post 
 Graduate School, and in 1908 took a special course at the Johns Hopkins 
 University. With this splendid training he came to Hardin county, 
 and after a few years spent at Dola he located in Dunkirk and has since 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 529 
 
 been one of its most successful physicians. He has accordingly built up 
 a large and lucrative practice, and has won the confidence and esteem of 
 the community. Dr. Hedrick is a member of the Hardin County 
 Medical Society, of which he is a past president, and a member of the 
 Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the 
 American Medical Association. Socially he is a member of the Knights 
 of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent 
 and Protective Order of Elks. He stands high in his profession, and 
 takes a commendable interest in public affairs. 
 
 In 1881 Dr. Hedrick married Catherine Edwards, by whom he had 
 two children, David I. and Laura M. The son graduated in 1909 from 
 the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, standing at the head of 
 his class, and he was immediately appointed to a position on board the 
 U. S. battleship New Hampshire. Dr. Hedrick married for his second 
 wife in 1899 Netta Williamson, of Hardin county, and they have a son, 
 John S. Hedrick. 
 
 John A. Ropp, a prosperous farmer of Jackson township, was born 
 in this township on July 29, 1860. He is a son of Simon and Lydia 
 J. (Stevens) Ropp, natives of Logan and Knox counties, Ohio, respec- 
 tively. Simon Ropp’s father entered eighty acres of wild government 
 land previous to 1835, and this afterward became the property of Simon 
 and now belongs to his son John A. Simon Ropp and his wife had the 
 following children: Fhma, May D., John A., Hattie (deceased). Dale 
 
 (deceased), and two who died in infancy. Flora and May D. are resi- 
 dents of Hancock county, Ohio. Simon Ropp was born August 15, 1829, 
 and died February 28, 1907 ; his widow still resides on the home farm. 
 Mrs. Lydia Ropp is a daughter of Jonathan Stevens, whose children 
 were: Lydia J., Sarah, Lucinda, Mary, Nettie,' Langford and Bryant. 
 
 John A. Ropp received his education in the common schools of his 
 native township, and subsequently attended night school in Columbus, 
 Ohio. He spent his early life on a farm, and when fifteen years of age 
 entered the Athletic School of Columbus, from which he graduated in 
 1878. He then contracted with Sells Brothers as an acrobat, and his 
 wonderful bareback riding and other feats delighted thousands of 
 spectators in attendance at the “World’s Greatest Show.” In this ‘ 
 capacity he traveled over the United States, Australia and New Zealand. 
 One of the great attractions of the show was “Ropp,” the fearless, dar- 
 ing, intrepid bareback rider and leaper — at that time the world ’s famous 
 leaper. Besides giving him an income, this afforded him the opportun- 
 ity of obtaining an education which can only be secured by travel, and he 
 profited well by it. After seven years’ successfully spent with this 
 company Mr. Ropp returned to his native state and spent some years in 
 Columbus, Ohio. In 1897 he returned to Jackson township, Hardin 
 county, and has since been engaged in farming. His well improved 
 farm of ninety acres he devotes to general farming, and has met with 
 success in this enterprise. 
 
 In 1900 Mr. Ropp married Laura hi., daughter of A. M. and May A. 
 Bowers. Mr. Bowers was born at Green Springs, Seneca county, Ohio, 
 
530 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and married Mary A. Pisel, a native of Hardin county, Ohio; their 
 children were: Reuben, Libbie, William N., Laura M., James M. and 
 
 Annie L. Mr. Ropp and his wife became parents of three children, 
 Elmer IT, Frank S. and Ellena. Mrs. Ropp is a native of Jackson 
 township, and was born February 29, 1880. 
 
 Nathaniel Williamson, late of Pleasant township, Hardin county, 
 was a man of sterling character, straightforward and honest in his deal- 
 ings, and ever ready to respond to any reasonable demand upon his time, 
 energies or sympathies. Although the later years of his life were passed 
 in agricultural pursuits, he taught school many years in his younger 
 days, and was ever a friend of education. He was born, in 1828, in 
 Richland county, Ohio, and died on the Williamson homestead in 
 Pleasant township in 1885, aged fifty-seven years. 
 
 His father, William Williamson, a son of Bartholomew Williamson, 
 emigrated from Virginia, his native state, to Ohio, becoming a pioneer 
 settler of Richland county. A few years later he took up his residence 
 in Ashland county, from there coming, in 1834, to Hardin county, 
 making the journey through the well nigh pathless woods with teams, 
 bringing his family and household goods with him. On March 13, after 
 eight days’ travel, he arrived in Pleasant township. Buying one 
 hundred and sixty acres of timbered land, he cut trees to make room for 
 a small cabin of hewed logs, which was the family’s first home in this 
 region. He began the improvement of a homestead, but ere he had 
 accomplished very much of the necessary task his earthly career was cut 
 short, his death oceuring in 1836. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Catherine Bryte, survived him, attaining the age of seventy-one years. 
 She married a second time, John Gumm, a. farmer in Washington town- 
 ship, becoming her husband. By her first marriage she had four chil- 
 dren, namely : Nathaniel, Bartholomew, Rachel A., and Hannah J. 
 
 John Gumm, Jr., the only child of her second union, was a soldier in the 
 Civil war, and lost his life while in service. 
 
 A lad of eight years when his father died, Nathaniel Williamson 
 continued to live with his mother and step-father, acquiring a practical 
 education in the public schools, which was supplemented by home study 
 and reading. While yet in his teens he began teaching during the 
 winter seasons. On attaining his majority he, with his brother and sis- 
 ters, returned to the paternal homestead in Pleasant township, and 
 resumed the work of clearing the land which had been commenced by his 
 father so many years before. He continued his professional labors, too, 
 teaching the winter terms of school for twenty years, being employed one 
 winter at Dunkirk, the remaining terms teaching nearer home. Even- 
 tually Mr. Williamson purchased the interests of his brother and sisters 
 in the old homestead, and was there successfully engaged in general 
 farming until his death. 
 
 Mr. Williamson married, April 12, 1855, Serena Davis, who 
 was born in March, 1835, in Marion county, Ohio, a daughter of 
 Walter Davis. It was a member of that branch of the Davis family to 
 which she belonged that gave Ohio its nickname. He was pitted against 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 531 
 
 another man in a wood chopping contest, each man to select a tree. He 
 chose a buckeye, won the match, and the state has since been called, in 
 his honor, the “Buckeye” state. Walter Davis removed from Marietta, 
 Ohio, to Marion county, and purchased land lying on the Hardin county 
 line, and there engaged in tilling the soil, at the same time operating a 
 sawmill, which was run by water power, continuing his labors until his 
 death. He married Caroline Otis, who was born in Connecticut, a 
 daughter of Stephen and Mary (Claudy) Otis. Her grandfather, 
 Barnabas Otis, served in the Revolutionary war, enlisting in Litchfield, 
 Connecticut. He and his wife, Mehitable Turner, subsequently settled 
 in Marion county, Ohio, and at his death was buried in Paw Paw ceme- 
 tery. Mrs. Williamson received an excellent education, and prior to 
 her marriage was engaged in teaching. 
 
 Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, namely: 
 Ida, Florence R., Walter D., Mamie E., Carrie, Belle 0., Lillie M., 
 Nettie V., William, Sheridan and Edna A. Five of these children 
 became teachers in the public schools, and one became a music teacher. 
 When young, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson united with the Church of Christ 
 and brought up their children in the same religious faith. 
 
 James S. Wetherill. — A man of push, enterprise and ability, 
 James S. Wetherill, of Kenton, is actively identified with one of the 
 important industries of this part of the county, being manager of the 
 Crystal Ice and Cold Storage Company, which is carrying on a sub- 
 stantial business in this vicinity, facilitating the business growth and 
 prosperity of the city in ways unthought of when it was first established. 
 He is a native of Hardin county, his birth having occurred, September 
 14, 1869, in the town of Alger. His father, James G. Wetherill, was 
 likewise born in this county, having drawn the first breath of life, in 
 1843, in Marion township. John R. Wetherill, grandfather of James 
 S., was born in Lincolnshire, England, and came with his parents to 
 America. After living for awhile in Richland county he located in 
 Hardin county, becoming a pioneer of Marion township. Buying a 
 tract of timbered land, he labored with unceasing toil and in course of 
 time reclaimed a farm from the forest, and was there an honored and 
 respected resident until his death, at the advanced age of four score and 
 ten years. 
 
 James G. Wetherill attended the pioneer schools of his day, and in 
 tender years began to assist his father in the work of the farm. At the 
 breaking out of the Civil war his patriotic spirit was aroused, and early 
 in 1861, being then eighteen years old, he enlisted in Company C, 
 Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and immediately going to the front, 
 was with his regiment in all of its marches, campaigns and engagements 
 until after the battle of Chickamauga, being left in the field. Just 
 before that memorable battle James A. Garfield, colonel of his regiment, 
 called upon him to hold his horse while he made observations with a field 
 glass. During the battle that followed Mr. Wetherill was severely 
 wounded in the right hand, was taken prisoner, and kept thirteen days 
 without proper surgical care. Being then exchanged he was sent to the 
 
532 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Camp Chase Hospital, where he was treated for several months, after 
 which he was honorably discharged and returned home. He subse- 
 quently became a buyer and shipper of live stock, and conducted an 
 extensive business, becoming widely and favorably known. He died 
 when but forty-four years old, being accidentally killed while moving a 
 building, gratuitously, for a widow in his neighborhood. He married 
 Emily Donaldson, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew 
 and Elizabeth Donaldson. She died in September, 1909, leaving two 
 sons, Emer E., a farmer of Clyde, Ohio, and James S., the subject of 
 this sketch. 
 
 Receiving his elementary education in the schools of Cessna town- 
 ship, James S. Wetherill afterward entered the Fostoria Academy, 
 where he spent one year, and he then spent two years at the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada. He engaged in teaching, first in a dis- 
 trict school northeast of Kenton, afterward teaching drawing in the 
 Kenton schools for four years. Embarking then in the mercantile 
 pursuits, he was actively engaged in the grocery business three years, 
 He then served two years as deputy county surveyor, giving it up in 
 1907 to accept his present position as manager of The Crystal Ice and 
 Cold Storage Company, a prominent and growing industry. 
 
 Mr. Wetherill is married, his wife being Miss Roberta Gage, of 
 Forest, Ohio. To this union were born four children, namely : Grace, 
 True, Fern and Gage. In his political affiliations Mr. Wetherill is a 
 steadfast Republican, and is now a member and clerk of the Kenton 
 school board. Fraternally he is a member of the Amicitia Lodge No. 
 79, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Lloyd Id. Clark. — This well known citizen and representative busi- 
 ness man of Hardin county is a scion of one of the old and honored 
 families of this section of the state and the major part of his life has 
 been passed in Hardin county, where he has gained distinctive success 
 through his own well directed endeavors, being now the president of the 
 Alger Clay Manufacturing Company, the leading industrial and business 
 concern of the thriving little city of Alger, of which he may well be 
 considered one of the founders, as he was the second to erect a residence 
 in the village, which is eligibly located on the line of the Erie Railroad. 
 His status in the community well entitles him to consideration in this 
 history of Hardin county. 
 
 Lloyd Id. Clark is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been 
 born on a farm in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 30th of August, 1845, 
 and being a son of Thomas and Mary (Juda) Clark. The father was 
 engaged in farming in Seneca county until about 1853, when he moved 
 with his family to Hardin county, where he purchased a farm in Marion 
 township. He developed the property, and there continued to be en- 
 gaged in agricultural pursuits during the residue of his active career. 
 He passed the closing years of his life in the village of Ada, this county. 
 
 The rudimentary education of Mr. Clark was secured in the common 
 schools of his native county and he was a lad of eight years at the time 
 ©f the family removal to Hardin county, where he continued to attend 
 

 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 533 
 
 school at irregular intervals, in the meanwhile finding demand for his 
 services in connection with the work of the home farm. He was but 
 sixteen years of age at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, but 
 his youthful patriotism soon found definite exemplification. On the 
 4th of July, 1863, before he had attained to the age of eighteen years, he 
 enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until the ex- 
 piration of his term of ninety days, when he reenlisted as a veteran, be- 
 coming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued in active service until the 
 close of the war. He took part in a number of the important battles 
 marking the progress of the great fratricidal conflict, besides participat- 
 ing in innumerable skirmishes. He was mustered out in 1865, and duly 
 received his honorable discharge after his return to his native state. 
 
 After the close of the great conflict through which the integrity of 
 the nation was perpetuated Mr. Clark returned to Hardin county and 
 rented his father’s farm, to whose operation he gave his attention until 
 moving to Michigan, where he secured a homestead claim of one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land. He reclaimed much of the land to cultivation 
 and made other improvements on the property, which he retained in his 
 possession for a period of eight years, at the expiration of which he sold 
 the same and returned to Hardin county, Ohio, where he again rented 
 his father’s farm. On this old homestead he continued to be actively 
 engaged in farming and stock-growing for the ensuing eight years. He 
 then became one of the first to establish a home in the present village of 
 Alger, where, as already stated, he erected the second house to be built 
 in the new town. He took up his residence here in the year 1883, and 
 for a short time he was employed by the Erie Railroad Company, after 
 which he conducted a hotel for a time. In 1884 Mr. Clark became asso- 
 ciated with two other citizens in the manufacturing of tile at Alger, 
 beginning operation with a capital of only fifteen hundred dollars. 
 Some time later he purchased the interests of his partners, and eventually 
 he admitted to partnership his sons C. C. and IT. G. Clark. Under these 
 auspices the enterprise increased rapidly in scope and importance, and 
 today it represents the principal industrial concern of Alger, the busi- 
 ness being conducted according to progressive policies and being based 
 on ample capitalistic support and able executive management. In 1899 
 Mr. Clark left this business in charge of the two sons mentioned and with 
 his other sons went to Virginia, where he established an enterprise of the 
 same order. He remained in the Old Dominion state until he returned 
 to Alger and resumed his active association with the business which he 
 had previously founded, as already noted. In 1902 a reorganization 
 was made and the business was incorporated under the laws of the state. 
 At this time the present title, the Alger Clay Manufacturing Company, 
 was adopted, and its officers are as here noted: Lloyd H. Clark, presi- 
 
 dent; C. C. Clark, treasurer; and H. G. Clark, secretary. In 1902 the 
 company also purchased the lumber yard and business of Howard Smith, 
 and this enterprise is now a department of its large and substantial 
 business. The company manufacture drain tile from three to twenty 
 
534 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 inches in diameter, and also hollow blocks and common brick. They 
 are dealers in coal, cement, fire brick, lake sand, Fishack plaster, build- 
 ers’ hardware, handle all kinds of lumber and interior finishings, mill 
 work of all descriptions, and roofing of slate, galvanized iron, asbestos 
 and rubber. The concern controls a large and widely extended trade 
 and the volume of its business shows a material increase each successive 
 year, making it one of the important contributions to the industrial 
 prestige of Hardin county. The president of the company is also a 
 stockholder in the Alger Savings Bank. 
 
 Mr. Clark is a staunch Republican in his political proclivities but 
 has had no desire for public office of any description. He is an enter- 
 prising, reliable and straightforward business man and a loyal citizen, 
 thus having worthy claim to the unqualified esteem in which he is held 
 in the community. 
 
 The two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Clark are C. C. Clark, the treasurer 
 of the Alger Clay Manufacturing Company and also the manager of the 
 business, and his younger brother, H. G., the secretary of the company. 
 Emma, the only surviving daughter of the subject of this review, is now 
 the wife of Frederick Montville. 
 
 C. C. Clark, treasurer and manager of the Alger Clay Manufactur- 
 ing Company, is recognized as one of the representative business men of 
 Hardin county and he is a factor of distinctive influence in connection 
 with public affairs of a local order, being at the present time the able 
 and popular treasurer of Marion township, to which he was chosen as 
 his own successor in his second election, so that he is now serving his 
 second term. He was born on his father’s farm in Michigan on the 15th 
 of February, 1871, but was reared to manhood in Hardin county, where 
 he was afforded the advantages of the public schools. He has shown 
 marked initiative and administrative ability both as a business man and 
 public official, and no further evidence of his personal popularity in the 
 community is demanded than that implied in his having been chosen to 
 his present township office. He is a staunch advocate of the principles 
 and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor, and he has 
 given effective service in the promotion of its cause in a local way, being 
 at the present time representative of Marion township in the Hardin 
 county Republican central committee. He takes a loyal and insistent 
 interest in all that pertains to the well being of his home village, town- 
 ship and county, and in addition to the official incumbency already 
 mentioned he is also treasurer of the Alger union school district. He 
 and his wife are valued and zealous members of the Alger Methodist 
 Episcopal church and he is a member of its board of trustees. In a 
 fraternal way he is affiliated with Golden Shield Lodge, No. 757, Knights 
 of Pythias. 
 
 C. C. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Austin, a daugh- 
 ter of Martin Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have one daughter, Ruth, 
 who was born on the 12th of July, 1893, and who is a member of the class 
 of 1911 in the Alger high school, being one of the popular young ladies 
 in connection with the social activities of the community. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 535 
 
 Elmer J. Carey. — Endowed by nature with the talents and gifts 
 that win success in the business world and command the respect of his 
 fellow associates, Elmer J. Carey, of Ada, has always identified himself 
 with the leading interests of this part of Hardin county, and has proved 
 himself a valuable and worthy citizen. He is a man of financial 
 ability, and is now serving as cashier of Liberty Bank and as county 
 auditor. He was born, June 3, 1870, in Liberty township, a son of 
 Samuel Carey. A native of Perry county, Ohio, Samuel Carey was 
 there brought up and educated. Coming to Hardin county in 1857, 
 he began farming in Liberty township, subsequently removing to Wash- 
 ington township, Hardin county. He married Rachel Heim, a native 
 of Perry county, Ohio, and of the children born of their union three 
 sons and two daughters are now living, Elmer J., the special subject of 
 this sketch, being the fourth child. 
 
 Attending as a boy the district schools of Liberty and Washington 
 townships, Elmer J. Carey completed his early education at the Ohio 
 Northern University in Ada. When in 1902 the Liberty Bank was 
 organized, Mr. Carey was made assistant cashier, and in that capacity 
 proved himself so capable and trustworthy that four years later, in 
 1906, he was elected cashier of the institution, a position that he has 
 since retained. Active in public affairs, he stands high in the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has served in various official capacities, having been 
 city clerk of Ada, and in 1908 was elected to his present position as 
 county auditor. He is a stockholder in the Liberty Bank and one of 
 its directors, and is also the secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Northern 
 University. 
 
 Mr. Carey married, June 18, 1902, Dora Pfeiffer, daughter of George 
 and Mary Pfeiffer, of Kenton, Ohio, and they have one son, Donald V. 
 Carey. Fraternally Mr. Carey is a member of the Ancient Free and 
 Accepted Masons ; of the Knights of Pythias ; and of the Benevolent and 
 Protective Order of Elks. 
 
 J. P. Naus, a retired farmer living in Forest, was born in Richland 
 county, Ohio, October 6, 1841, and is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Picker- 
 ing) Naus, both natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Jacob Naus 
 and his wife came to Hardin county, Ohio, in 1847, among the first 
 settlers, and they became prominent citizens. Nancy Pickering’s uncle 
 served as secretary of war in 1791 and as lieutenant general in 1795. 
 Jacob Naus followed his trade of shoemaker most of his life; in 1834 he 
 moved to Richland county and lived there until 1841. In 1843 he 
 bought forty acres of land, but continued to work at his trade, and in 
 1847 located in Hardin county, where he spent the remainder of his 
 life. He had six children, namely: Joshua, D. A., Amanda (Mrs. 
 
 Gilpin), William (deceased) and Washington. William served in the 
 Civil war for one year as private in a company of the Ninety-second 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, it being part of the Army of the Potomac. 
 
 J. P. Nans was reared and educated in Hardin county, and has 
 spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. Soon after the breaking 
 out of the Civil war he volunteered, August 21, 1862, as a private in 
 
536 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 Colonel Samuel Mott commanding. This regiment was assigned to the 
 Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, Army of the 
 Ohio. Mr. Nans participated with his regiment in many important 
 engagements, among them: Paris (Kentucky), Kingston, Mossey Creek. 
 
 Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, 
 Waynesboro, Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Ander- 
 son, Town Creek, Wilmington, Kingston (North Carolina), Goldsboro 
 (North Carolina), besides many minor engagements. On May 14, 1864, 
 Mr. Naus was wounded in the left thigh at the battle of Resaca, Georgia, 
 and was prostrated by a shot at, the battle of Nashville, Tennessee. He 
 was detached on various duties at different times, and had many hazard- 
 ous and narrow escapes. He was recognized as a brave man, who 
 would not shirk in his duty, no matter where it might lead him. On 
 June 6, 1865, he was honorably discharged on account of disability. 
 
 At the close of the war Mr. Naus returned and took up farming 
 again, and became a successful farmer. He is a public-spirited citizen 
 and stands well with his neighbors and fellows. He belongs to Stanley 
 Post, No. 283, Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and his wife 
 are earnest members of the Baptist church at Forest. 
 
 Mr. Naus married, February 15, 1866, Mary A. Ketch, who was born 
 in Jackson township, Hardin county, in 1841 ; she is a daughter of 
 Thomas and Mary Ketch, residents of Columbia county, Ohio. They 
 both came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1835, in their youth, and they 
 were married in 1841; their children were: George, John, Joel, Sarah, 
 
 Ames and Mary, all of whom survive. Mr. Naus and his wife became 
 
 the parents of children as follows: Alva T., William, Sarah A. 
 
 (deceased), Mary E., Cora M., Flora E., Martha B., Arnetta Z. (de- 
 ceased), Lillian D. and John A. (deceased). 
 
 Lewis C. Ankerman. — This well known citizen and sterling busi- 
 ness man of the village of Alger, of whose first common council he was 
 a member, is to be designated as one of the world’s gallant army of pro- 
 ductive workers, and he has achieved a worthy success through his own 
 well directed efforts. He owns and conducts a well equipped black- 
 smith and general repair shop in Alger and has other local interests of 
 important order. 
 
 Mr. Ankerman is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been 
 born on the parental farmstead in Miami county, Ohio, on the 2d of 
 December, 1868, and being a son of Christ and Mary (Stein) Ankerman, 
 both of whom were born in Germany, whence they came to America 
 when young, their marriage having been solemnized in Miami county, 
 Ohio, where they still maintain their home and where the father has 
 long been known as a successful farmer and sterling citizen. Of their 
 eight children, four sons and three daughters are now living. 
 
 The initial experiences of Lewis C. Ankerman in connection with 
 the practical duties and responsibilities of life were those gained through 
 his early association with the work of the home farm, where he was 
 reared to the age of sixteen years, in the meanwhile having duly availed 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 537 
 
 himself of the advantages of the district school near the old homestead. 
 At the age noted he went to Wapakoneta, Ohio, where he served an 
 apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade, in a shop conducted by his elder 
 brother. William, with whom he thus remained for a period of four years, 
 within which he became a skilled workman in both iron and wood. At 
 the expiration of the period noted Mr. Ankerman went to the city of 
 Toledo, where he was employed at his trade for somewhat more than 
 one year. Returning to Wapakoneta, he was there employed about six 
 months, and on the 1st of -June, 1891. he established his residence in the 
 newly founded village of Alger, Hardin county, where he rented a 
 blacksmith shop and engaged independently in the work of his trade. 
 Three months later he purchased the building and its equipment, and 
 there he has continued business up to the present time. He enlarged 
 and otherwise improved his shop, and which is now equipped for the 
 handling of all kinds of blacksmith and general repair work in both 
 wood and iron, a specialty being made of the repairing of wagons, 
 carriages and other vehicles, as well as farming machinery and imple- 
 ments. Mr. Ankerman owns five lots in the village, — three of these 
 being the land on which his shop is located and the other two being his 
 residence property. He is a stockholder in the Alger Savings Bank 
 and also in the J. W. Kirts Company, organized with a capital stock of 
 thirty thousand dollars, for dealing in general merchandise. 
 
 In politics Mr. Ankerman is aligned as a stanch supporter of the 
 cause of the Democratic party, and after the incorporation of Alger he 
 was elected a member of its first village council, holding this office for 
 four years. He is a member of Ada Lodge, No. 344, Free and Accepted 
 Masons, at Ada, this county, and in his home village he is affiliated with 
 Golden Shield Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and with Tent No. 479, 
 Knights of the Maccabees. 
 
 On the 2d of September, 1891, Mr. Ankerman was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Jennie Huffman, who was born at Coldwater, Mercer county 
 Ohio, and they have four children. Their names and respective dates 
 of birth are here indicated: Frederick. July 2, 1892; Margaret, July 
 
 25, 1895; Raymond, November 1, 1896; and Mildred, April 7, 1899. 
 Frederick is now (1910) attending a business college at Lima, Ohio. 
 
 Alexander G. Tidd. — This representative farmer and honored pio- 
 neer citizen of Hardin county, which has been his home from the time of 
 his nativity to the present, is a scion of a family that was founded in the 
 county more than eighty years ago. He has gained success and inde- 
 pendence through hard work in earlier years and later through effective 
 management of the forces at his command. He is one of the substantial 
 landowners of the county and is a citizen to whom is accorded the most 
 unreserved confidence and esteem in the community. It was his to 
 represent his county as a valiant soldier of the Union in the Civil war, 
 and in the “piping times of peace” he has shown the same loyalty that 
 led him to go forth to defend the integrity of the nation when it was 
 menaced by armed rebellion. His landed estate, comprising four 
 hundred and twenty acres of productive land, is situated in Marion and 
 Roundhead townships, in the former of which his residence is located. 
 
538 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Alexander G. Tidd was born on a pioneer farm in section twenty- 
 one, Roundhead township, this county, on the 24th of April, 1838, and is 
 a son of Hugh H. and Mary (Givins) Tidd, both likewise natives of 
 Ohio. Hugh H. Tidd was born in Logan county, this state, and was a 
 son of Samuel Tidd, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and who took 
 up his residence in Roundhead township, Hardin county, in 1820, having 
 moved hither from Logan county. He settled on the northeast quarter 
 of section twenty-one, Roundhead township, and with the assistance of 
 his sons he reclaimed much of the land from the forest before he was 
 summoned from the scene of life’s mortal endeavors. His son Hugh 
 H., father of the subject of this review, became owner of the old home- 
 stead, which continued to be his place of abode until his death, when he 
 was about sixty-four years of age. He was twice married, and of his six- 
 teen children, nine of whom were born of the first and seven of the second 
 marriage, seven are now living. 
 
 Alexander G. Tidd was reared amid the scenes and conditions of the 
 pioneer days in Hardin county, — a period necessarily marked by many 
 hardships and privations as well as by the most arduous toil on the part 
 of the settlers who were bending their efforts to reclaiming the heavily 
 timbered land. He assisted in the work of the home farm until he 
 was twenty-two years of age, and his early educational advantages were 
 very meager, being confined to a desultory attendance in the primitive 
 district or subscriptions schools. In 1860 he was married, and he and 
 his bride began life on a rented farm, without financial resources of 
 any kind and dependent entirely upon their own exertions. They 
 were, however, well ecpiipped with courage, ambition and mutual love 
 and sympathy, and with the passing of the years they were not denied 
 a generous measure of prosperity and happiness. Mr. Tidd finally 
 bought a small tract of land in Roundhead township, and both he and 
 his wife labored without ceasing to bring the same to compensating 
 productiveness. As he prospered in his efforts he added to his landed 
 possessions from time to time, and, as already noted, he is now the owner 
 of one of the valuable farm properties of his native county. 
 
 In September, 1864, Mr. Tidd tendered his services in defense of 
 the Union. He enlisted in Company H, one Hundred and Eigthy- 
 third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Twenty-Third 
 Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and with which he participated in 
 the various engagements in which the command was involved, including 
 the battles of Franklin and Nashville. He continued with his regiment 
 until the close of the war, being mustered out on the 17th of July, 1865, 
 and duly receiving his honorable discharge. Mr. Tidd retains a deep 
 interest in his old comrades in arms and signifies the same by his mem- 
 bership in the Hatfield Post, No. 420, Grand Army of the Republic, at 
 Roundhead, of which veteran organization he was formerly chaplain. 
 
 In politics Mr. Tidd is arrayed as a stanch supporter of the cause 
 of the Republican party, and while a resident of McDonald township 
 he served as a member of its board of trustees for two terms. He was 
 a trustee of Roundhead township for one term and for six years was a 
 member of the board of directors of the county infirmary. In addi- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 539 
 
 tion to bis farm property he is also the owner of improved real estate 
 in the village of Anger, and he is also a stockholder in the Alger Savings 
 Bank. In that village he and his wife are zealous and valued members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 On the 20th of September, 1860, was solemnized the marriage of 
 Mr. Tidcl to Miss Margaret McElhany, who was born in Marion town- 
 ship, this county, on the 14th of April, 1838, and who was reared on 
 the farm of her father, Isaac McElhany, a worthy pioneer of this county. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Tide! have been born four children, concerning whom 
 the following brief record is given in conclusion of this sketch : Arilla E. 
 died at the age of thirteen years ; Frank, who died at the age of thirty 
 years, in 1905, married Miss Leota Poe, who survives him and resides 
 in Marion township, and has one son, Wilbur ; Albert, who was born 
 August 16, 1876, and who married Miss Mary Irwin, is a representative 
 farmer of Marion township and they have two children. Mary E. and 
 Blanche E. ; and Hallister S., who was born October 17, 1881, is simi- 
 larly engaged in Roundhead township. He married Myrtle Davis, and 
 their two children are Helen R. and Margaret I. Mrs. Tidd died 
 suddenly March 28, 1910. 
 
 James M. Hively. — Among the successful farmers of Cessna town- 
 ship. Hardin county, Ohio, none is more prominent than James M. 
 Hively, a native of the township, born November 22, 1863, a son of 
 David and Rebecca (Mathews) Hively. David Hively was born in 
 Columbiana county, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. He located in 
 Hardin county before his marriage, moved several times, and finally 
 bought the Mathews farm, which had been entered by the Mathews 
 family about 1835, and here Mr. Hively and his wife spent the remainder 
 of their lives. He and his wife were devout and earnest members of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church, and had the highest respect of all who 
 knew them. They had nine children, four sons and five daughters, all 
 now deceased 'but two, Mrs. H. J. Huggett, of Huntersville, Ohio, and 
 James. 
 
 James M, Hively was born on the farm where he now lives and 
 was educated in the district school, attending school winters and helping 
 with the work of the farm through the summers. When about twenty 
 years of age he entered Ada College and spent two terms there. He 
 then turned his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, in which 
 he has taken great pleasure and reaped a good profit. He has made 
 a careful study of scientific farming and has become very proficient in 
 this line. He deals extensively in stock, buying cattle to feed and ship. 
 For the past ten years Mr. Hively has grown alfalfa quite extensively, 
 and in this line he has also met with gratifying success. He carries 
 on his work in an able manner, making a careful study of rotation of 
 crops and all other subjects which affect the fertility and productiveness 
 of his land. He is a great admirer of fine stock and is a good judge 
 of the same. 
 
 Mr. Hively is one ol the progressive and enterprising farmers of 
 Cessna township, where he owns three hundred and seventy acres of 
 
540 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 land in a fine state of cultivation. He and his wife are members of 
 Pleasant Hill Grange, and belong to the Methodist Episcopal church 
 of Huntersville, of which he is a steward. Politically he is one of 
 the stalwart Republicans of Hardin county, and takes an active interest 
 in public affairs. He and his wife are well known in the community, 
 where they are well liked and exceedingly popular with all. 
 
 In 1892 Mr. Hively married Hattie A. Cessna, daughter of J. D. 
 and Eliza A. Cessna, and who was born in the township, where she was 
 reared and educated, attending the district school. She has spent her 
 entire life on the farm, and takes an intelligent interest in everything 
 that goes on in her home. She is one of the highest type of farmer’s 
 wives, always ready to give her assistance where possible. They are the 
 parents of three children : John D., Carrie A., and Wilber J. 
 
 Eurotis S. Neeley. — The career of this honored citizen of Hardin 
 county stands in patent exemplification of what may be accomplished by 
 one who is endowed with such determination, ambition and energy that 
 he can hurl back impotent the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” 
 and through his own efforts rise superior to circumstances and bend fate 
 to his will. Judge Neeley initiated his independent career when a mere 
 boy ; his educational advantages has been most meager ; he had no 
 fortuitous aid of any kind, — and yet in the face of this he gained a 
 liberal education, became a successful educator, and finally was called 
 upon to serve in the important office of judge of the probate court of 
 Hardin county. The tangible evidence of the material success which 
 he has gained is that given by his ownership of one of the fine farms of 
 Marion township, this county, where he is now living the generous and 
 independent life of the husbandman and finds that his “lines are cast 
 in pleasant places.” In offering record concerning such worthy and 
 honored citizens this publication exercises one of its most important 
 functions. 
 
 Eurotis S. Neeley was born on a farm in Berlin township, Knox 
 county, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1862, and is a scion of one of the sterl- 
 ing pioneer families of the old Buckeye state. His father, the late 
 William Neeley, was born in Holmes county, this state, from whence he 
 eventually moved to Knox county, where was solemnized his marriage to 
 Miss Rebecca J. Durbin, daughter of John Durbin, who was a native of 
 Pennsylvania, of German lineage, and who early settled in Knox county, 
 Ohio, where the mother of Judge Neeley was born and reared. In 1862 
 William Neeley moved with his family to Hardin county and located in 
 Marion township, where he became the owner of a farm, to whose culti- 
 vation he gave his attention during the residue of his active career. 
 Both he and his wife died in this county, the former having passed away 
 in 1879 and the latter in 1901. 
 
 Judge Neeley wms but four weeks old at the time of the family re- 
 moval to Hardin county, and he passed his boyhood days on the home 
 farm, beginning to give the major part of his time to its work while still 
 a mere boy and being enabled to attend the district school only until he 
 was eleven years of age, — and that during the winter terms only. There- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 541 
 
 after he gave all of his time to the work of the farm until he was sixteen 
 years of age, when his mother died and he set forth to face the battle of 
 life on his own responsibility. He went to Wells county, Indiana, and 
 here he earned his first dollar by strenuous work of cutting timber. He 
 thereafter continued to devote his summers to farm work and his winters 
 to attending school until he had made sufficient advancement in his 
 studies to become eligible for pedagogic honors. He remained in Wells 
 county, Indiana, about two years and thereafter worked and attended 
 school at various places in Ohio until 1883, when he secured his first 
 position as a teacher, in a district school in Allen county. In the 
 meanwhile he so carefully conserved his resources that he w T as finally 
 able to complete a course in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, 
 Hardin county, in which institution he was graduated as a member of 
 the class of 1898, and from which he received his well earned degree 
 of Bachelor of Science. He was engaged in educational work, with 
 unvarying success, for a total of fifty-seven terms, and his career as a 
 teacher thus covered a period of about twenty years, during the last 
 eight of which he was principal of the Central school of Kenton, the 
 county-seat of Hardin county. When thirty-two years of age he re- 
 ceived a life certificate as a teacher in Ohio. 
 
 In 1902, while still a teacher in the Kenton schools, Judge Neeley 
 was elected to the office of judge of the probate court of Hardin county, 
 being the candidate on the Republican ticket and receiving a majority 
 of ninety-eight votes. Three years later, at the expiration of his first 
 term, he was re-elected, and the manifestation of popular approval of 
 his administration was made most significant at this time, as he was 
 re-elected by the gratifying majority of eight hundred and two votes. 
 He served as judge of probate for six years, retiring from office on the 
 9th of February, 1909. and in April, 1909, he removed to his farm in 
 Marion township, where he has since continued to devote his attention 
 to the great basic industries of agriculture and stock-growing and where 
 he is carrying forward his operations with marked enterprise and dis- 
 crimination, availing himself of the practical experience of earlier years 
 as well as of his admirable intellectual powers, which here come into 
 effective play, even as they would in other lines of business enterprise. 
 The homestead farm, improved with substantial buildings and equipped 
 with modern machinery and implements, comprises one hundred and 
 seventy-one acres of land, and the Judge gives his personal supervision 
 to all details of operation. Incidentally it may also be stated that the 
 attractive home is a center of gracious and refined hospitality, and that 
 it is a favored rendezvous for the wide circle of friends that Judge 
 Neeley and his family claim as their own. 
 
 In politics Judge Neeley is admirably fortified in his convictions 
 and gives an unyielding adherence to the Republican party, in whose 
 cause he has given effective service. He was one of the staunch 
 supporters of the local option movement which reached so favorable 
 culmination in Hardin county, and was chairman of the local option 
 leagues of the county. He is an appreciative member of the time-honored 
 Masonic fraternity, in which his affiliations are with Latham Lodge, No. 
 
 Vol. II— 7 
 
542 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 154, Free and Accepted Masons ; with the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; 
 with the Council, Royal and Select Masters and with Commandery, 
 Knights Templars, — all of which organizations are established in Kenton, 
 this county. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his 
 wife are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 On the 21st of June, 1891, Judge Neeley was united in marriage 
 to Miss Byrd Turner, who was born and reared in Hardin county and 
 who is a. daughter of the late Lee Turner, a representative and honored 
 citizen of this section of the state. Judge and Mrs. Neeley became the 
 parents of seven children, of whom five are living, their names, with 
 respective dates of birth, being here noted. Lois, August 11, 1894 ; Helen, 
 January 17, 1900; Samuel W., June 4, 1901; Eurotis P., August 9, 1903; 
 and James L., June 18, 1905. Richard K. was born June 21, 1908, and 
 died on the 19t,h of August, 1909, and John Howard, who was born on 
 October 20, 1909, died on the 25th of October, following. 
 
 Richmond Johnson, formerly a prosperous farmer but now retired 
 from active life, resides in Forest. He was born in Richmond, New 
 York, in 1828, and is a son of Michael and Permelia (Standish) Johnson, 
 both natives of New York state. The parents were married in New 
 York and later moved to Hancock county, Ohio. Michael Johnson was 
 a tailor by trade, and had children as follows: Emily, Sarah (deceased), 
 Horace (deceased), and Richmond. The only two surviving are 
 Richmond and Emily. Horace served in the Civil war, in the Eighty- 
 second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he was wounded and made a prisoner 
 of war, and never recovered from its effects. 
 
 Richmond Johnson received his education in the public schools of 
 his native county; he was reared on a farm and has spent most of his 
 life in agricultural pursuits, in which he has been more than ordinarily 
 successful. He moved with his parents to Hancock county, Ohio, in 
 1839, and by his industry and close attention to his financial interests 
 he was able to purchase one farm after another until he was possessed of 
 three hundred acres of land, and besides had a good bank account. 
 Besides his holdings in Hancock county he now owns twenty acres in 
 Forest, where he resides. He is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, 
 and has been honored with some township offices. Mr. Johnson is a 
 devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a public- 
 spirited citizen, and actively interested in public affairs. 
 
 Mr. Johnson has been twice married, first, in 1863, to Am anda 
 Burrell, by whom he had five children, two of whom survive, namely: 
 William and John. In 1878 Mr. Johnson married Sarah Spencer, who 
 was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1846 ; to this union were born 
 children as follows: Adclie, wife of D. Conover; Ethel, Mrs. R. Thomp- 
 son ; Harlow and Clifford. Mr. Johnson has had eleven grandchildren. 
 He uses his influence for all good causes, and is a usefid member of 
 society. 
 
 John F. IIighslip. — Among the representative citizens of Cessna 
 township is numbered John F. Highslip, who was born within the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 543 
 
 borders of the township on the 11th of January, 1858, a son of Andrew 
 and Sarah A. (Lee) Highslip, the father born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and the mother in London, England. They were married in 
 Cessna township of Hardin county, and of the seven children which 
 blessed their marriage union only a son and daughter are now living, the 
 latter, Phoebe J., being the wife of John Sharf. 
 
 John F. Highslip, the only living son, was reared in his native 
 township of Cessna, receiving his educational training in its district 
 schools, and in his later life he has become one of its most influential 
 and best known business men. He owns one hundred and sixty acres 
 of land within the township, and is extensively engaged in the breeding 
 of Rambouillet sheep. His sheep have won many premiums at the state 
 fairs and at other exhibits, and he is a member of the Sheep Breeders 
 Association. During 1886 and 1887 Mr. Highslip served in the capacity 
 of a fireman on the Erie railroad, but aside from this his energies have 
 been mostly directed toward his farming and stock raising. He is one 
 of the active workers in the local ranks of the Democratic party and is a 
 member of the present board of trustees of Cessna township. 
 
 On the 29th of September. 1880, Mr. Highslip was married to 
 Martha A. Jackson, a native daughter of Cessna township, born on the 
 7th of April. 1857, and they have become the parents of five children: 
 Elva, born September 6, 1881, and now the wife of Clarence Steiner ; 
 Carv H., deceased; Goldie B., born March 3, 1888, the wife of Earl 
 Bowman; William R., born January 15, 1892; and Corolena E., born 
 April 9, 1897. Mrs. Highslip belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church 
 at Huntersville. Mr. Highslip finds his chief recreation from business 
 in hunting, and has several fine specimens of deer wdiich he has killed 
 in the forests of Michigan. 
 
 William W. Runser, attorney at law and general manager of the 
 Water, Heat & Light Company at Ada, Ohio, occupies a place among 
 the leading citizens of the town. He was born in Marion township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, March 4. 1870, son of Charles W. and Martha M. 
 (Lawrence) Runser, the former a native of Massillon, Stark county, 
 Ohio, mud the latter, of Pennsylvania. Charles W. Runser when a boy 
 came with his parents, Andrew and Isabel Runser, to Hardin county 
 and settled on a farm in Marion township, his father being the second 
 owner of this land after it passed out of the hands of the government. 
 Here Charles W. spent his boyhood days and grew to manhood, assisting 
 his father in clearing and cultivating their pioneer farm. The Lawrence 
 family came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the early history of the state 
 and settled in Hardin county, where they lived for several years and 
 from whence they subsequently moved to Champaign county. Illinois. 
 It was in Champaign county that Charles W. Runser and Martha M. 
 Lawrence were married. The same year they were married they 
 returned to Ohio and settled on a farm in Marion township, Hardin 
 county, where they are still living. They have five sons, all of Hardin 
 county, namely: Clarence D. and William, of Ada; Charles C., of 
 
 Marion township ; and Roseoe A. and Franklin J., of Liberty township. 
 
544 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 William W. Runser was reared at the old homestead and received 
 his early training at Rising Sun school in Marion township. Later he 
 entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada, where he graduated in 
 the classical course in 1897, and in the law department in 1898. In 
 October of the last named year he was admitted to the bar, and from 
 that time until July, 1904, he was a teacher in the department from 
 which he had just graduated. After teaching for six years he engaged 
 in the practice of law, in which he has since been occupied in connection 
 with other business. He was one of the organizers of the Ada Water, 
 Heat & Light Company, and is now its secretary and general manager. 
 Also he is interested in a building and loan business. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Runser is identified with the Modern Woodmen of 
 America and with the Free and Accepted Masons, having membership in 
 the lodge and chapter at Ada and in the commandery at Lima. 
 
 Judson A. Rarey. — Energetic and enterprising, Judson A. Rarey is 
 extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Hardin county, his 
 home farm in Pleasant township being one of the best managed and finest 
 improved of any in the neighborhood, the estate having an air of pros- 
 perity that invariably attracts the attention of the passer-by, and gives 
 evidence of the excellent judgment he displays in his operations. A 
 son of the late Nicholas Rarey, he was born August 16, 1865, in the 
 township where he now resides, and where his life has since been spent. 
 His paternal grandfather, Parker Rarey, a native of Virginia, was a 
 pioneer of Franklin county, Ohio, locating there early in the nineteenth 
 century. He married Mary Burgett, who was born in Maryland, and 
 of the eight children born to them two are now living, namely : Clorinda 
 and Martha A. 
 
 Nicholas Rarey was born, March 2, 1824, in Franklin county, Ohio, 
 which was likewise the birthplace of his cousin, John S. Rarey, who 
 achieved a world-wide reputation as a horse tamer and trainer. A 
 farmer by occupation, he settled in Pleasant township, Hardin county, 
 and on the land that he improved spent his last years, dying November 
 12. 1903. He was twice married, by his first wife, whose maiden name 
 was Sarah Johnson, having five children, as follows: Aroh M., Ann E., 
 Francis M., Jefferson P. and Parker A., all of whom are deceased save 
 Ann E., who is the Avife of J. C. Johnson. He married second, Novem- 
 ber 23, 1854, Maria L. Allen, who was born in Ohio, on the banks of the 
 Scioto river, January 4, 1834, and died December 6, 1906. She was a 
 daughter of A. IT. and Rebecca Allen. To her and her husband five 
 children were born, namely: Iva. R., deceased, was born October 24, 
 
 1855; Clarinda E., deceased, born March 18, 1858; Maria L., born March 
 20, 1860, is the wife of J. Bishop ; Judson A., subject of this brief sketch ; 
 and Edmund M., born May 19, 1871. Mr. Rarey served in the Civil 
 war from May, 1864, until September, 1864, being a member of Company 
 A, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards. 
 
 Developing into a sturdy manhood on the home farm, Judson A. 
 Rarey received his elementary education in the district schools, after 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 545 
 
 which he took a classical and business course at the Ohio Northern 
 University in Ada, Ohio. He has since devoted his energies mostly to 
 agricultural pursuits, and in his operations has met with marked success 
 and now owns two valuable farms, his home estate of one hundred and 
 eighty-seven acres, and a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in 
 Dudley township. 
 
 Mr. Rarey married, in 1889, Iva A. Marshall, who was born August 
 11, 1867, in Union county, Ohio, a daughter of J. C. Marshall, who served 
 as a soldier in the Civil war for three years, being a member of the 
 Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he was honorably 
 discharged at the close of the conflict. He was born, December 26, 
 1841, in Union county, Ohio, a. son of Joshua and Annetta (Coolidge) 
 Marshall. On April 1. 1866, Mr. Marshall married Sarah Ann Evans, 
 whose birth occurred, February 4, 1845, in Champaign county, Ohio, 
 and to them five children were born, as follows : Iva Annetta, wife of 
 
 Mr. Rarey; Fred E., born December 22, 1869; Joseph, born July 29, 
 1873; Victor J., born May 4. 1880; and Park, born August 2, 1885, who 
 died March 7, 1889. J. C. Marshall died October 12, 1908, and his wife 
 in 1892. 
 
 Francis M. Rarey, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Rarey, was born 
 August 23, 1890, in Pleasant township, Hardin county. The family 
 are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Alfred T. Sponsler, a prominent farmer and stockman of Cessna 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Taylor Creek township, 
 Hardin county, November 22, 1847, a son of Jacob and Margaret 
 (Slonaker) Sponsler, both natives of Pennsylvania. Jacob Sponsler 
 and his wife were reared in their native state and after their marriage 
 settled in Hardin county, Ohio, spending the remainder of their lives 
 in Taylor Creek township. He became prosperous and well-to-do, 
 clearing and improving his land. He was the father of nine children, 
 of whom seven' are still living (1910). 
 
 The boyhood and youth of Alfred T. Sponsler were spent on his 
 father ’s farm -in Taylor Creek township ; he went to the district school 
 winters and helped with the farm work as soon as old enough. He was 
 an ambitious student and acquired sufficient education to enable him to 
 teach, which he continued six winter terms. He received his profes- 
 sional training in the normal school in Lebanon, Ohio. 
 
 In 1873 Mr. Sponsler married Joanna Baldwin, and they had three 
 children, as follows : Minnie, wife of Alfred H. Fulton ; Ora, a graduate 
 of Kenton high school and also of Delaware College ; and Francis C., 
 of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Sponsler died October 14. 1896, and Mr. 
 Sponsler married for his second wife Mrs. Minnie (Roby) Cessna, widow 
 of Grant Cessna, by whom she had one child, Meva. Of the second 
 marriage one child was born, Inez S., attending school. Mr. Sponsler 
 and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fairview, 
 in which he is a trustee, and he has served many years in the capacity of 
 superintendent and assistant superintendent of Sunday schools. Politi- 
 cally he is a Republican and has served as a member of the school board. 
 
546 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 He owns three hundred and twelve acres of fine, fertile farm land in 
 Cessna and Lynn townships, which he has all under cultivation, and 
 looks carefully after the conduct of his farms. He makes a specialty of 
 stock raising and has a good grade of stock. His present handsome 
 residence was erected in 1903, and it is well situated on a pleasant site ; 
 the house has every modern convenience and is equipped with a hot 
 water plant. Mr. Sponsler makes a study of modern methods and is an 
 enterprising, up-to-date farmer. He is actively interested in public 
 affairs and is a public-spirited, useful citizen. 
 
 Charles W. Lease is one of the representative farmers of Washing- 
 ton township, where he owns a splendid estate of one hundred and 
 eighty acres. He has owned this land since 1893, and he has made 
 many needed and valuable improvements thereon since it has been his 
 home, and during these years he has also served his township as trustee. 
 Born in Logan county, Ohio, July 10, 1854, he is a son of George and 
 Johanna Lease, who moved from Logan county to Taylor Creek township 
 in Hardin county in 1863, and their names are therefore enrolled among 
 the pioneers of this county. Mr. Lease was a son of Samuel Lease, who 
 had moved from Ross county, this state, to Logan county in the early 
 year of 1826. On locating in Hardin county George Lease purchased 
 ninety acres of wild and unimproved land, and moving into a little log- 
 cabin he set to work to clear his land and prepare it for cultivation, and 
 all this he succeeded in accomplishing in due time. He bought land 
 from time to time till he had two hundred and twenty-seven acres. Of 
 the three children which were born of his marriage the two now living 
 are Margaret, wife of C. E. Beckett, of this county, and Charles W. 
 
 Although born in Logan county Charles W. Lease was reared and 
 educated in Hardin county, spending several terms at Ada University, 
 and a part of his early life was devoted to educational work. Moving 
 to Kansas in 1885, he lived there until 1893, and returning then to 
 Hardin he purchased and moved to his present homestead. In 1880 he 
 was married to Miss Rebecca Hakes, and a son Lloyd R. has been born to 
 them. Mr. Lease is a member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows 
 and one of the Patrons of Husbandry, and his religious home is with the 
 Presbyterian church, which he has served as the superintendent of its 
 Sunday school and as an active church worker, he being an elder in the 
 church. The son, Lloyd R., who lives on the home place with his 
 father, married Louise Wiliike of this township, a daughter of J. H. 
 Willike. They have three children: Georgia Lueile, Charles Wilbur 
 
 and Lloyd Willis. 
 
 Daniel H. Wagner. — Among the native born citizens of Hardin 
 county who have spent their lives within its boundaries, aiding in every 
 possible way its growth and development, whether relating to its agricul- 
 tural or financial interests, stands Daniel H. Wagner, of Kenton, whose 
 birth occurred, May 21, 1841, in Pleasant township, where his father, 
 Samuel Wagner, was a pioneer. John Wagner, his paternal grand- 
 father, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was at the battle of 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 547 
 
 Yorktown and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis. He was a life- 
 long resident of Pennsylvania, and there his wife, Susanna Lees, also 
 spent her years. 
 
 A native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, Samuel Wagner was born 
 November 8, 1800. Reared to habits of industry and thrift, he began 
 working in a flour mill at the age of eighteen years, and during the next 
 seven years became master of the trade of a miller. Going then to 
 Hagerstown, Maryland, he became manager of what was then the largest 
 flouring mill in the country. In 1833 he came to Hardin county, locat- 
 ing as a pioneer in Pleasant township. All of this section of the country 
 was then in its pristine wildness, the greater part of the land being 
 owned by the government and on sale at one dollar and twenty-five cents 
 an acre. He helped build the first log cabin in what is now the town of 
 Kenton, and then the surrounding woods was inhabited by deer, bears, 
 wolves, and wild animals of all descriptions. Selecting what he deemed 
 the most desirable piece of land in Pleasant township, he entered it from 
 the government, and soon began the arduous task of hewing a farm from 
 the wilderness. A man of indomitable resolution and perseverance, he 
 succeeded in his efforts, redeeming a fine homestead, and subsequently 
 assisted each of his children to homes. He passed to the higher life 
 November 17, 1891, at the venerable age of ninety-one years. On 
 December 25, 1834, he married Mary Hossman, who was born in Carroll 
 county, Ohio. Her father, Levi Hossman, a Virginian by birth, was an 
 early settler of Carroll county. From there he came, in 1833, to 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county, where he secured a tract of govern- 
 ment land, on which he resided a number of years, busily engaged in 
 farming. He subsequently removed to Iowa, and there spent the last 
 days of his life. He married Mary Wilson, who was born in New York 
 city, the descendant of a wealthy English family. Samuel Wagner and 
 his wife reared eleven children, as follows: Susan, Levi, Catherine A., 
 
 Daniel H., Mary A., Margaret E., Samuel T., Rachel E., Eunice C., 
 Isadore P., and Pheotas V. 
 
 Reared -to agricultural pursuits, Daniel II. Wagner found farming 
 congenial to his tastes, and after his marriage settled on land belonging 
 to his father, on section twenty-seven in Pleasant township. He later 
 succeeded to the ownership of the land, and managed it successfully 
 until 1900, when he rented that property and removed to the home he 
 now occupies on East Columbus street, Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Wagner has been twice married. He married first, November 
 5, 1868, Rachel Emmons, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, 
 June 28, 1848. Her parents, William J. and Sarah Emmons, settled in 
 Goshen township, Hardin county, in 1850, but subsequently removed to 
 Kenton, where they lived the remainder of their years. Mrs. Rachel 
 Wagner died September 5, 1885, leaving two children, namely: Carroll, 
 who married Laura Kahler, by whom he has four children, Dan K., 
 Edward C., Margaret and Carroll Richard; and William Dowling who 
 married Callie Amweg. Mr. Wagner married, September 21, 1887, 
 Florence Williamson, who was born in Pleasant township, Hardin coun- 
 ty, October 30, 1857, a daughter of Nathaniel and Serena (Davis) 
 
548 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Williamson, of whom a brief personal history may be found elsewhere 
 in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of three children, 
 namely : Mary, who graduated from the Kenton high school and is now 
 a student in Hiram College; and Esther and John A., twins. Religiously 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are faithful members of the Church of Christ. 
 
 J. A. Orth has for years been a prominent factor in the business 
 affairs of the town of Dunkirk, Ohio. He is a native of this state, born 
 in Wayne county February 26, 1836, but since he was six weeks old he 
 has lived in Hardin county, and most of the time since 1871 has made 
 his home in Dunkirk. Here he has acquired considerable property and 
 has varied interests. When a young man he ran a sawmill for seven 
 years, and for more than thirty years his planing mill, situated on North 
 Main street, just outside the corporation limits and covering about two 
 acres of land, has been the scene of no little activity. This plant is now 
 operated by a twenty horse power gasoline engine. 
 
 While in Washington township, Mr. Orth served as assessor, and 
 after he came to Dunkirk he filled that office, and he also served as a 
 member of the town council. As in the conduct of his private affairs 
 he has always been progressive, he has shown himself alert to promote 
 the best interests of the town. 
 
 In 1864, when the Civil war cloud hung heavy over the land, Mr. 
 Orth, as a member of the Seventh Company, Ohio Volunteers, was de- 
 tailed to duty at General Sherman’s headquarters, during that General’s 
 famous march to the sea. Mr. Orth served until July 28, 1865, when 
 he was honorably discharged and returned to the little family he had 
 left behind. 
 
 In 1860 he was happily married to Miss Barbara Markley, who bore 
 him seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely : Edward, a 
 druggist of Lima, Ohio; William, of Dunkirk; Charles of Columbus, 
 Ohio ; Olive, now Mrs. Hendershot, of Michigan ; J. B. and Frederick, 
 both of Dunkirk. 
 
 Of Mr. Orth’s parents, Adam and Mary E. (Troutman) Orth, we 
 record that both were born and reared in Germany. Adam Orth emi- 
 grated to America about 1832. He was a sturdy, honest man with an 
 ambition to become a good citizen of his adopted country. On his 
 arrival in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, he entered two 
 hundred acres of land from the Government, this land being then in its 
 primitive state, covered with a heavy growth of timber. About half 
 of this tract he cleared and brought under cultivation. Then he sold 
 out. Afterward he bought two other tracts of land in the same town- 
 ship, where lie lived up to the time of his death, in 1870. It is worthy 
 of record here, that Adam Orth was the first man in Washington town- 
 ship to own a yoke of oxen. One night, accompanied by his son John, 
 he was returning home with a load of provisions and lost his way in 
 the dense forest. Unable to get his bearings, he turned his oxen loose, 
 trusting to their instinct to find their way home, and he followed them, 
 leaving his son to protect the cart load of provisions from the wild 
 animals. As he supposed, the cattle found their way home, and the next 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 549 
 
 morning he returned with them for the cart and the boy. Adam Orth 
 was twice married, first to a Miss Weaver in Germany, by whom he had 
 five children: George, John, Leonard, Margaret and Elizabeth. On 
 
 the death of this wife he repaired to Germany, where he subsequently 
 married Miss Mary E. Troutman, the mother of the subject of this 
 sketch. Her children are John J., J. A. and Frederick, the latter 
 
 dying in 1855. Mr. Orth died on the 28th of November, 1906. 
 
 C. E. Ludwig is numbered among the younger representatives of 
 the agricultural interests of Washington township, where by his own 
 unaided efforts he has made for himself and family a delightful home 
 with pleasant surroundings. Here he owns a splendid estate of eighty 
 acres, highly improved and cultivated. Mr. Ludwig was born in Wyan- 
 dot county, Ohio, in 1872, but he was reared and educated in Hardin 
 county, whither he had come with his parents, G. C. and Lydia A. 
 
 (Owens) Ludwig, also born in Wyandot county, on the 22 d of March, 
 
 1882. The senior Mr. Ludwig purchased a farm of one hundred and 
 two acres of unimproved land near the town of Dola, which he improved 
 and finally sold, then buying in 1894, the farm which his son now owns, 
 the latter purchasing it in 1899. George C. Ludwig has held the office 
 of assessor, and has been quite prominent in the life of his community. 
 By his first wife he has six children: George C., Jr., C. E., F. J., R. F., 
 May and Bertha. The mother of these children died on the 17th of 
 January, 1905, and in 1907 Mr. Ludwig was married to Mattie H. 
 Matthews, widow of the late Elmer Matthews and a most estimable lady. 
 
 C. E. Ludwig has been identified with agricultural pursuits from 
 early life, and he has been very successful in this calling. In 1893 he was 
 married to Miss Adella, a daughter of Homer and Martha Vaughn, and 
 they have five children : Irvin D.. Fay E., Homer II.. Ernest D. and Anna 
 F. Mrs. Ludwig was born in Medina county, Ohio. Mr. Ludwig is 
 a worthy member and an elder of the Presbyterian church at Dola, and 
 he is also prominently identified with the order of Patrons and Industry. 
 
 Dr. Albert Edwin Smith, D. D., Ph. D. — As president of the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada, Dr. Albert Edwin Smith. D. D., Ph. D., is 
 carrying on an important work, through his wise administration gradual- 
 ly elevating this institution to a place of great prominence and influence 
 among the sectarian schools of the country. A son of the late IT. E. 
 Smith, he was born, December 16, 1860. in Clermont county, Ohio. His 
 paternal grandfather, Albert Edwin Smith, for whom he was named, 
 migrated from Germany to this country in 1848, settling first in New 
 York city, from there coming to Marietta, Ohio, where he was engaged in 
 business until his death, at the age of sixty-seven years. 
 
 H. E. Smith was born in Berlin, Germany, and there received his 
 elementary education. At the age of thirteen years he came across the 
 ocean with his parents, and here completed his school life. In Septem- 
 ber, 1861, he enlisted in the Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
 for more than four years served in the defense of his adopted country, 
 taking part in many engagements of importance during the Civil war. 
 
550 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 He subsequently continued his residence in Clermont county until his 
 death, when but sixty-four years of age. He married, in Clermont 
 county, Mary A. Lindsey, whose parents, Levi and Mary A. Lindsey, 
 were pioneer settlers of that part of Ohio. His widow is still living. 
 Ten children blessed their union, nine sons, all of whom are living, and 
 a daughter that died when but fifteen months old. 
 
 The eldest child of the family, Dr. Albert Edwin Smith, spent his 
 boyhood days at New Richmond, Ohio, gleaning his first knowledge of 
 books in the common schools. At the age of fourteen years he became 
 self supporting, working at anything he could find to do, being employed 
 on a farm, in a brick yard and in a saw mill. At the age of nineteen 
 years he entered the New Richmond high school, where he studied for a 
 year. He subsequently worked his way through the Clermont Academy, 
 of which J. K. Parker was then the principal, being graduated with the 
 class of 1883, in June. The following year the Doctor preached on the 
 Chilo circuit, having charge of four churches in Clermont county. Go- 
 ing then to Delaware, Ohio, in the fall of 1884, he entered the classical 
 department of the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he was gradu- 
 ated in 1887. Joining then the Central Ohio Conference, the Doctor 
 had charge of the four churches on the York circuit for four years. 
 The following three years he was located in Celina, Mercer county, Ohio, 
 from there going to Toledo, where he became the first pastor of the 
 Epworth church, of which he had charge for a year. Dr. Smith was 
 afterwards pastor of St. Paul ’s Methodist Episcopal church in Defiance 
 for four years, and was engaged in his ministerial labors at Marion, 
 Ohio, for six years, having charge of Epworth Methodist Episcopal 
 church, the largest church in the conference. On June 27, 1905, he was 
 elected president of the Ohio Northern University, and on July 20 of 
 that year assumed the duties of the position, which he has since held. 
 The Doctor is a man of strong personality, and those who have the 
 pleasure of his acquaintance find him a polished gentleman, broadened 
 by extensive travel, not only in our own country but throughout Europe 
 and the Holy Land, and by contact with public men and public affairs. 
 
 Dr. Smith married, October 26, 1887, Harriet Vergon, who was born 
 in Delaware, Ohio, and was there educated, being graduated from the 
 Ohio Wesleyan University on the very same day that her husband received 
 his diploma. Her parents, F. P. and Catherine Vergon, were pioneer 
 settlers of Delaware county, where her father has been for many years a 
 prominent apple grower. Seven children have been born to Dr. and 
 Mrs. Smith, namely: Rachel, Edwin, Paul, Seth, deceased, Harriet, 
 
 Easter, deceased, and Benjamin. The Doctor has taken the degrees of 
 B. A., M. A. and of Ph. D., and has twice had the degree of D. D. 
 conferred upon him. 
 
 E. B. Hiestand, M. 1)., & Son.— E. B. Hiestand, M. D., one of the 
 leading physicians of Hardin county, has the distinction of being the 
 longest established practitioner of Kenton, where he has built up an 
 exceedingly renumerative patronage, his wisdom and skill gaining for 
 him the confidence of the community. Having some years ago admitted 
 

 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 551 
 
 his son to partnership, the firm of E. B. Hiestand & Son has become 
 widely known throughout this section of the county, and is often called 
 upon for counsel and advice as well as for its regular practice. A 
 native of Ohio, Dr. E. B. Hiestand was born, April 11, 1830, in Fairfield 
 county, a son of the Rev. Samuel Hiestand. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Hiestand was born and bred in Maryland, coming 
 from both the paternal and maternal sides of the house of German 
 ancestry. Educated for the ministry, he was connected with the United 
 Brethren church during his active career, at the time of his death, when 
 but. fifty-six years of age, having been a bishop of the church. He 
 married Anna Rodabough, who was born in Ohio, of German parentage, 
 and they became the parents of six sons and four daughters, all of whom 
 grew to years of maturity, E. B., the subject of this sketch, being the 
 seventh child and the fifth son. 
 
 The only survivor of the parental household, E. B. Hiestand, has 
 had a long and useful career, in which he has met with success from the 
 start, in the meantime gaining great popularity not only as a physician 
 and surgeon, but as an esteemed and respected citizen. At the age of 
 fourteen years, having obtained his rudimentary education in the 
 common schools of Baltimore, Ohio, he entered the Starling Medical 
 College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he was graduated, with the degree of 
 M. D., in 1863. Beginning his medical career in Ansonia, Darke 
 county, Ohio, Dr. E. B. Hiestand subsequently continued his practice 
 at Canonburg, Hancock county, at North Washington and at Ada, 
 Hardin county. Coming, in 1871, from the latter place to Kenton, he 
 has since continued here. He is finely educated, by reading and study 
 having kept in close touch with the modern methods of treating diseases, 
 both as regards medicine and surgery. He lias won three diplomas, 
 receiving the first one at the Starling Medical College, the second at 
 Rush Medical College, where he likewise took a post graduate course, 
 and the third at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he also 
 took a post' graduate course. The Doctor is prominent in medical 
 circles, being a member of the American Medical Association ; of the 
 State Medical Society; of the Northwestern Medical Association of 
 Ohio ; and of the Hardin County Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Hiestand married, June 17, 1856, Hadassali Ann Harris, who 
 was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, and they have one son living, 
 namely: Howard E. Hiestand, M. D., junior member of the firm of Dr. 
 E. B. Hiestand & Son. Fraternally the Doctor is very prominent in 
 the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council, commandery 
 and to the shrine. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1863 received 
 the nomination for representative to the state legislature, but was 
 defeated at the polls, his district being a Republican stronghold. 
 
 Professor John G. Park. — The corps of instructors of the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada includes scholars of distinction and merit, 
 noteworthy among whom is Professor John G. Park, one of the original 
 promoters and owners of the school from which this institution has been 
 developed. A native of Ohio, he was born, September 20, 1819, in 
 
HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Hancock county, a son of William Park. He comes of Scotch ancestry, 
 and his grandfather Park, a resident of Huntingdon county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 William Park was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 
 1811, and was there brought up and educated. About 1836 he came to 
 Ohio, locating in Knox county, where he lived for four years, superin- 
 tending in the meantime the construction of Walhonding Canal. Mov- 
 ing to Hancock county in 1840, he purchased land, and on the farm 
 which he improved spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the 
 venerable age of eighty-two years. He married Mary Riley, whose 
 father was of Irish descent, and her mother of Scotch ancestry. Her 
 
 parents were early settlers of Knox county, locating there when the 
 country roundabout was in its original wildness, the wild woods being 
 still the “happy hunting grounds” of the dusky savage, who had not 
 then fled before the advancing steps of civilization. She survived her 
 husband, attaining the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Of the 
 nine children born of their union all but one are now living, John 0., 
 the special subject of this brief biographical sketch, being. the sixth child 
 in succession of birth, and the second son. 
 
 Brought up on the parental homestead in Orange township, Hancock 
 county, John G. Park received his preliminary education in the district 
 schools, afterwards being graduated from the high school in Ada, which 
 was but five and one-half miles from his home. In 1870 he became 
 interested in the school which has since developed into the Ohio Northern 
 University, in partnership with Dr. Lehr and B. F. Neisz becoming its 
 owner, and retaining the ownership until selling the college and its 
 buildings to the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Professor Park 
 was one of the first teachers of the institution, and with the exception of 
 six months spent at Eureka College, in Eureka, Illinois, continued as 
 one of its instructors until it was sold. In 1907 Professor Park resumed 
 his connection with the University, teaching two hours each day. He 
 publishes his own English Analysis. His English Grammar and 
 Language Work is published by the American Book Company. The 
 Professor is officially connected with the Liberty Bank, of which he is 
 one of the directorate, and has extensive interests in other lines and the 
 owner of valuable farming property in Hardin county. 
 
 Professor Park married Lydia J. Wilson, who was born in Hardin 
 county, Ohio, a daughter of H. H. and Mary Jane Wilson. Her father 
 was an early settler of Hardin county, and for many years active in 
 public affairs, serving as county commissioner. Mrs. Park is a woman 
 of talent and culture, and a graduate of the School of Art connected 
 with the Ohio Northern University. The Professor is a Republican in 
 his political affiliations, and a valued member of the Christian church, 
 in which he has been an elder for many years. He has been very influ- 
 ential in promoting the work of the Sunday school, in which he has 
 taught, for thirty-four years. 
 
 W. F. Kurtz, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Jackson 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Germany, in 1849, and is 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 553 
 
 a son oh' W. M. and Ann (Windish) Kurtz. W. M. Kurtz and his 
 wife were married in Germany and emigrated to the United States with 
 their family, in 1858, locating in Wyandot county, Ohio, where they 
 remained many years. Mr. Kurtz owned one hundred and sixty acres 
 of land there, which later became the property of his son. W. F. Kurtz.- 
 Of the children of W. M. Kurtz and his wife the following survive : W. 
 F., Charles. Minnie. Frank and Sherman. 
 
 The boyhood of W. F. Kurtz was spent in Wyandot county, Ohio, 
 and he received a fair education. He taught school two years before 
 engaging in farming on his own account. When a young man Mr. 
 Kurtz went to Kansas and spent one year in that state, and returning to 
 Ohio he located in Henry county, where he remained two years. After 
 spending a short time in Hancock county he moved to Hardin county 
 in 1884. and has made this a permanent residence since. Mr. Kurtz 
 has made his own way in the world since he was old enough to do so. and 
 has shown himself to possess great energy and ambition, acquiring a 
 position of independence and comfort. He now owns four hundred 
 and sixteen acres of land in Jackson township, where he resides, and 
 two hundred acres in Wyandot county. Ohio. His wife owns one hun- 
 dred and eight acres of land in Hancock county. 
 
 Mr. Kurtz is actively interested in public affairs and is a repre- 
 sentative. useful citizen. He is well known and popular in the com- 
 munity, and highly respected for his business ability. He is vice 
 president of the First National Bank of Forest and has served on the 
 school board. Mr. Kurtz is an active and consistent member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, and supports every good cause. 
 
 In 1881 Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage with Alice Moffitt. a 
 native of Hancock county, Ohio, born in 1852. and to this union have 
 been born eight children, as follows: Bertha (deceased). Clifford, Estey 
 F.. Ray, Gail, Roy and Moffitt and Olivet, (twins). One of the twins, 
 Moffitt, is deceased. 
 
 Michael Ivrock, a well known and prosperous farmer of Jackson 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Wyandot county. Ohio, 
 in 1856. He is a son of Frederick and Barbara Krock, both natives 
 of Germany, who emigrated to the United States as children, with their 
 respective parents and located in Wyandot county. He became a suc- 
 cessful farmer and purchased six hundred acres of land, which he 
 brought to a high state of cultivation. He died in Wyandot county 
 in 1902; his wife died in 1895. Their children were: Frederick, John. 
 May, Lucy, Peter. Michael, Joseph, Henry, Fred and Charles. Michael 
 is the only one who resides in Hardin county. 
 
 Michael Krock was reared in Wyandot county and educated in the 
 common schools. Upon completing his education he chose the career 
 of a farmer, in which line he has been very successful, as was his father 
 before him. He settled in Hardin county in 1838 and purchased 
 eighty acres of well cultivated land, and has made many further im- 
 provements in his place, having a comfortable home with pleasant 
 surroundings. He is an industrious and progressive farmer and a 
 
554 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 public spirited citizen. He has served as township trustee and as 
 member of the school board. He is an earnest member of the Lutheran 
 church of Kenton, Ohio. 
 
 About the time of his removal to Hardin county Mr. Krock married 
 Lizzie Trautman, and they have become the parents of ten children, as 
 follows: Annie, Tillie, Lucy, Effie, Florence, Lizzie, Henry, Edward, 
 Charles and John. Annie, the oldest, is now Mrs. Lawrence Old- 
 hauser. Mrs. Krock is also a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, born in 
 1866. 
 
 Jacob W. Crappy, one of the progressive farmers of Washington 
 township. Hardin county, Ohio, dates his birth in Switzerland, December 
 5, 1858. He has been a resident of America, however, since 1862, 
 when he was brought here by his parents, Nicholas and Mary A. 
 (Struchen) Crappy, natives of Switzerland, who, upon their arrival 
 in this country settled in Erie county, Pennsylvania. The Crappy 
 family comprised nine children, namely: Nicholas; John; Benjamin, 
 who died in 1873; Godfrey; Mary, who died in 1908; Godlieb; Jacob W., 
 William and Frederick — the last two born in Erie county. In 1873, 
 the whole family came to Ohio and took up tlieir residence in Hardin 
 county, where four of the sons are still living : Nicholas, William. God- 
 lieb and Jacob W. The father bought forty acres of land in Blanchard 
 township, south of Dunkirk, on which he made his home, and where he 
 died in September, 1882, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother 
 died in 1898. 
 
 Jacob W. Crappy spent his boyhood days from the time he was 
 four until he was fifteen in Erie county, where hfe received a common 
 school education and became familiar with the various kinds of farm 
 work. He continued farming after coming to Ohio, for some years 
 working for others and later engaging in agricultural pursuits on his 
 own account. He now occupies a farm of one hundred and fourteen 
 acres, situated between Dunkirk and Dola, a portion of which he has 
 owned since 1897, the remainder he bought in 1907. 
 
 In 1884 Mr. Crappy married Miss Rose Hess, who was born in 1865, 
 on the farm on which she resided until her death. She was a daughter 
 of Philip and Elizabeth Hess, who settled in Hardin county, on the 
 farm where Mr. Crappy now resides, in 1860. The children of this 
 union are as follows: Frank (deceased), Florence, Myrtle (deceased), 
 Emma, Carl, Mabel, Lucile, Emmerson, Devere, and an infant deceased. 
 Mrs. Crappy passed away on the 26th of October, 1909, respected and 
 loved by all who knew her. She was a kind mother and a loving wife. 
 
 That Mr. Grappy enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow 
 citizens is shown by the fact that he has been given the preference for 
 local offices, such as township trustee and school director, both of which 
 he filled with credit to himself and the community. 
 
 Asher Henry Derr, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born on the old Derr home- 
 stead in Taylor Creek township, in the old house which stands in the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 555 
 
 rear of the present dwelling, October 24, 1862. He is a son of Levi 
 and Mary E. (Duff) Derr, the former of whom now lives in Belle 
 Center. Mrs. Derr died in 1902. They had children as follows : 
 Asher H, ; Martha A., wife of S. R. McNeill, of Taylor Creek township ; 
 Howard, a farmer of Buck township ; Anna M., wife of Wilson Lowe, a 
 farmer of Taylor Creek township; Ora J., deceased; Nettie, deceased; 
 and one child that died in infancy. Levi Derr was horn in Logan 
 county, Ohio, April 23, 1838, son of Davis and Martha (Johnson) Derr, 
 natives of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Davis Derr, who was 
 born in 1803, moved to Logan county, Ohio, with his parents, in 1821. 
 In 1855 they removed to Hardin county, settling in Taylor Creek town- 
 ship, where Levi Derr was born. Levi Derr enlisted, August 20, 1864, 
 in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer In- 
 fantry, and served as guard for prisoners on Johnson’s Island until 
 July 17, 1865. Returning home, he followed farming until a few years 
 ago, when he retired and moved to Belle Center. He was married, 
 January 29, 1862, to Mary E., daughter of John and Sarah Duff, who 
 was born in Logan county October 28, 1841. 
 
 After receiving his education in the public schools, Asher II. Derr 
 worked on the farm for his father. When twenty-five years old he 
 married and located on the Lowe farm, where he remained two years. 
 After spending two years on the Ross farm in Buck township and two 
 years on the Ritchie farm, he removed to Silver Creek, where he and his 
 brother-in-law engaged in the grocery business. Two years later he sold 
 out his interest and spent four years with his parents. In 1904 he settled 
 on his present farm of eighty-two acres, where he carries on general 
 farming and makes a specialty of stock raising. He has been very 
 successful and is considered one of the enterprising, representative 
 citizens of the township. He is a member of the United Presbyterian 
 church of Silver Creek and is elder and treasurer of the church. He is 
 a Republican and very active in his party’s interests. He is serving 
 his third year as a member of the school board. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Derr married Anna Maie Wilson, who was born April 
 14, 1867, in Kenton, daughter of John R. Wilson, who now lives on East 
 Summit street, Kenton, retired from active life. Mrs. Derr was raised 
 by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Douglas, of Lynn township. Mr. Derr and his 
 wife became the parents of the following children : Levi Boyd, who died 
 at the age of two years; Harry R., employed as a clerk in Silver Creek; 
 Walter W., Oscar W. and Milo D., at home ; and an infant, deceased. 
 
 Harvey A. Jacobs, a resident of Washington township, although 
 not one of the older settlers is a progressive farmer and' has at heart any 
 enterprise that will advance the interests of his county and community. 
 He was born in Van Wert, Ohio, in 1850, a son of William and Jane 
 Jacobs, the father born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Warren 
 county, Ohio. William Jacobs came to Ohio in 1822, and although by 
 trade a tailor he later became identified with the agricultural interests 
 of this county and was successful as a business man. His family num- 
 bered eleven children, namely: Eliza J., Lovisa A., Samuel, Elizabeth, 
 
556 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Sarah C., Harvey A., Edith M., Susan, Thomas K., John W. and one 
 who died in infancy. William Jacobs died in the year of 1891, and 
 his wife Jane died in 1905. 
 
 Harvey A. Jacobs was reared and educated in Allen county, Ohio, 
 where during a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of 
 lumber, but in 1906 he sold his business there to come to Hardin county, 
 here purchasing his present homestead farm of eighty acres in Washing- 
 ton township. He has since greatly improved this farm, and he is 
 numbered prominently among Washington township’s progressive busi- 
 ness men. He has been twice married, wedding first Miss Rachel 
 Moore, who was born in the mother country of England in 1856, and she 
 died in the year of 1883. Their marriage took place in 1871, and three 
 children were born to them: William W., Agnes G. and Rex C. For 
 his second wife Mr. Jacobs married Miss Melita Williams, from Allen 
 county, Ohio, in 1892, and they also have had three children: French A, 
 Harry D. and Frank II. Jacobs. Mrs. Jacobs is the daughter of 
 William D. and Docia A. (Shadley) Williams, the father a native of 
 North Carolina and the mother of West Virginia. Both are deceased, 
 the mother dying in February, 1905, and the father in January, 1907. 
 
 Hon. William P. Henderson, judge of the court of common pleas 
 of the Tenth District of the state of Ohio, was born August 24, 1867, 
 at Delaware, Ohio, of Scotch-Irish ancestry both on Iris father and his 
 mother’s side; his father was the Rev. Isaiah R. Henderson, one of the 
 pioneer settlers of that part of the state, whose life work was in the 
 ministry as a clergyman of the Central Ohio Conference of the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal church; his mother’s maiden name was Frances A. Price, 
 who was born and lived prior to her marriage in Dutchess county, New 
 York. His mother died in 1904, but his father is still living at Colum- 
 bus, Ohio. 
 
 Judge Henderson received his early education in the public schools, 
 and he graduated from the high school at Findlay, Ohio, in 1884. He 
 entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in the follow- 
 ing fall, and was graduated from that institution in June, 1888. In 
 the meantime, in the course of his labors as a Methodist minister, his 
 father had been assigned to Kenton, Ohio, and had taken up his resi- 
 dence there with his family. Before his graduation from college Judge 
 Henderson had begun the study of law in the office of the late Colonel 
 L. M. Strong at Kenton, and he continued his studies under the same 
 tuition and was admitted to the bar in October, 1889. Immediately 
 upon his admission to the bar, a partnership was formed with Colonel 
 Strong, which continued until 1893, wffien Colonel Strong retired from 
 active practice, on account of declining health and his new work and 
 responsibility as a member of congress.. Thenceforward Judge Hen- 
 derson practiced his profession in Kenton alone. In November, 1908, 
 he was elected to the common pleas bench and assumed his new duties 
 January 1, 1909; he is still serving on the bench, earning and enjoying 
 in a high degree the respect of the bar and the confidence of the 
 community. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 00/ 
 
 On February 25, 1890, Judge Henderson was married to Olive R. 
 Sagebiel, a daughter of Herman and Ruth Sagebiel, of Kenton. Two 
 children who still survive were born of this marriage, Berkeley W. and 
 Dorcas Mary. Judge Henderson’s tastes have been scholarly and his 
 reading and information, both in his profession and in the fields of 
 general literature, are wide and varied. He won success and prominence 
 as a lawyer, being known not only for his ability in his profession, 
 but as a man of strict integrity and high ideals, ; while as a writer he is 
 vigorous, forcible and precise, with a wide command of the English 
 tongue and as a public speaker he has long been in frequent demand. 
 
 True to early training he is a member of the First Methodist 
 Episcopal church at Kenton ; in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 William Gltckes, a substantial and representative farmer of 
 Blanchard township, where he owns and operates a productive farm of 
 one hundred and thirty-two acres on the turn pike, was born in Erie 
 county, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1856. He is a son of Jacob and Mar- 
 guerite Guckes, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country 
 before they were married, locating in Erie county. There they Avere 
 married, and they became the parents of the following children: John, 
 Jacob, Christian, William, Margaret, Kate and Mary. William and 
 Margaret, the latter now deceased, were the only two who removed to 
 Hardin county. 
 
 William Guckes Avas reared and educated in his native state and 
 county and took up the occupation of farming. He resided in Erie 
 county, Pennsylvania, until 1876, and then removed to Hardin county, 
 where he noAV resides. He is a prosperous and intelligent farmer, 
 with a well-tilled farm, on which he uses modern machinery. Mr. Guckes 
 Stands well in the community, and takes a commendable interest in 
 local public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic order and takes 
 an active interest in the cause of the fraternity; he has taken the high 
 degree of Royal Arch Mason, and contemplates further advancement in 
 the order. 
 
 In 1886 Mr. Guckes married Minnie Kirchofer, of Hardin county, 
 and to them Avere born four children, only t.AVO of whom survive ; they 
 are: Charles R. and James M. Jacob and Emil died in infancy. The 
 family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dunkirk. 
 
 Chase L. Wilson, a leading and progressive farmer of Blanchard 
 township, was born in Jackson township, Hardin county, Ohio, May 12, 
 1869. He is a son of Alva and Lovy (White) Wilson, both natives of 
 Hancock county, Ohio. In 1865 they located in Hardin county, where 
 Mr. Wilson bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. By dint of 
 hard Avork he brought this land to its present fertility and high state 
 of cultivation. He offered his services to his country in the Civil war 
 and Avas enrolled a member of a company in the One Hundred and Eigh- 
 tieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served AA r ith credit for three years 
 and AA^as honorably discharged. Mr. Wilson died in February, 1902, 
 and his wife died in 1889. He was an active member of the Grand 
 
 Vol. II— 8 
 
558 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Army of the Republic. Mr. Wilson and his wife had children as fol- 
 lows: William H., Wallace W. and Chase L., besides one who died in 
 childhood. 
 
 Chase L. Wilson was reared and educated in his native county, and 
 chose the calling of a farmer, in which line he has met with gratifying 
 success. Before buying his present farm he owned one hundred and 
 eighty acres in the same township, forty of which he now owns, besides 
 one hundred and twenty acres where lie now lives, which he purchased 
 in 1904. His farm is about a mile and a half south of Dunkirk, on 
 the turnpike, and presents the appearance of a model farm, with well 
 constructed and substantial buildings. He has modern conveniences 
 and owns a beautiful home. He is universally respected and esteemed 
 and is considered a representative, useful citizen. 
 
 Mr. Wilson married first Eva McRee, to whom four children were 
 born, namely: Leona, Zola, Blanch and Isabella (deceased). Mr. Wil- 
 son married, on November 25, 1904, Blanche 0 ’Rourk, and to them has 
 been born one child, Josephine. 
 
 Jesse Snodgrass, M. D. — Prominent among the highly respected 
 and best known physicians of Kenton is Jesse Snodgrass, M. D., who 
 has been here successfully employed in the practice of his profession for 
 upwards of forty years, being, with but one exception, the longest 
 established physician of this section of Hardin county. An Ohioan by 
 birth and breeding, he was born, June 7, 1841, at New Concord, Mus- 
 kingum county, being the oldest of the family of five children born to 
 David and Cathrine (Phillips) Snodgrass. His father, a native of 
 Pennsylvania, migrated to Ohio in early life, settling first in Muskingum 
 county, later moving to Hardin county, where he worked at farming and 
 shoemaking. 
 
 But five years of age when his parents located in Kenton, Jesse 
 Snodgrass was here educated primarily, completing the course of study 
 in the common and high schools. In 1860 he began the study of medicine, 
 attending lectures at the Starling Medical College. In 1862, inspii’ed 
 by patriotic zeal, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Seventy-fourth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for thirteen months, when, on 
 account of physical disability, he was honorably discharged. Being, in 
 August, 1863, made assistant surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer 
 Infantry, he served in that capacity until the close of the conflict, being 
 discharged in July, 1865. In the autumn of that year he entered the 
 Bellevue Hospital Medical College, at New York City, and in 1867 was 
 there graduated with the degree of M. D. Dr. Snodgrass immediately 
 settled as a practitioner in Kenton, until 1871 being in partnership with. 
 Dr. W. H. Phillips. He subsequently practiced alone until 1908, when 
 he admitted to partnership his son, W. C. Snodgrass, M. D. For many 
 years the Doctor has enjoyed a large and lucrative general practice in 
 this place, his natural talents, skill and varied experience classing him 
 among the more successful physicians of the city. 
 
 Dr. Snodgrass has been twice married. He married first, June 10, 
 1869, Emily Coggshall, who died December 4, 1877, leaving one son, W. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 559 
 
 C. Snodgrass, M. D. The Doctor married, second, February 25, 1885, 
 Lillian Dunn, and they are the parents of two children, Helen and 
 Catherine. 
 
 Dr. Snodgrass is a member of numerous societies, including the 
 Hardin County, the Northwestern Ohio, the Ohio State and the American 
 Medical Societies. Fraternally he is prominent in the Masonic order, 
 belonging to the lodge, chapter, and eommandery; is a member of the 
 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; of the Loyal Legion ; and of 
 the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a stanch Republican, 
 but has never been an office seeker, his time and energies having been 
 devoted to the duties of his profession. 
 
 William M. Beckman. — To William M. Beckman belongs the credit 
 of giving to Kenton and Hardin county the first permanent daily news- 
 paper, for the paper he established can scarcely be said to belong to 
 Kenton alone. He also founded the Kenton Graphic-News, a weekly sheet 
 that immediately found favor with the people and enjoyed a large cir- 
 culation. No citizen of the county did more for the printing business 
 both before and after he consolidated the Daily News with the Kenton 
 Republican than he did. 
 
 Mr. Beckman was born in Tiffin, Ohio, May 21, 1860, and at a very 
 early age came to Kenton where the rest of his life was spent. He gradu- 
 ated from the public schools of this city, in 1878, and shortly afterwards 
 was called to a place in the office of the Hardin County Republican, then 
 owned by A. W. Miller. Mr. Beckman always said his taking up the 
 printing pusiness was due to an accident, but he faithfully performed 
 every duty that came to his hand then and always. Mr. Miller was 
 ill and away from the office much of the time and the illness resulted in 
 his death February 17, 1880, when Mr. Beckman was made manager of 
 the plant. Later, when George W. Rutledge bought out the Republican, 
 Mr. Beckman resigned his position for a time and taught school at Bate- 
 son school in Cessna township. He also worked for David Fisher in the 
 Democrat office, but his real newspaper work began with the founding of 
 the Daily New's. He owned and operated a job printing office in a room 
 on the west side of the square upstairs, which he purchased from Robert 
 McCurdy in 1883, and which he afterwards moved to the room over 
 Held’s tin store. But with the establishment of his printing office in 
 the Paulucci room on West Franklin street in 1889 the real work of his 
 life began. 
 
 A Kenton company had founded a little paper called “The Common 
 People,” which Mr. Beckman printed for them on his press, but it was 
 not a financial success and was allowed to die out. When this was dis- 
 continued Mr. Beckman and Harry Edsell founded the Kenton Daily 
 News, which was a non-partisan paper, and which started off at once 
 with a large subscription list. This was in 1890, and late in the same 
 year the Kenton Graphic-News was founded by the same publishers. 
 Some years later the plant was visited by a disastrous fire, but the enter- 
 prising publishers quickly recovered from this blow. In 1896 Mr. 
 Edsell retired from the business to go west, and the same year Mr. 
 
560 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Beckman purchased the Hardin County Republican plant, which was 
 then running two papers/' The Hardin County Republican,” a weekly 
 and the “ Kenton Daily Republican.” He moved the stock and equip- 
 ment to the “News-Republican” office, and there consolidated the two 
 dailies under the name of “The News-Republican,’' under which it is 
 still issued. He continued both weekly papers, one Republican in 
 politics and the other non-partisan. 
 
 The newspapers soon outgrew their quarters, and in 1903, the pres- 
 ent commodious structure at the corner of Main and Ohio streets was 
 put up for a permanent home for the business. Just as moving from 
 the old quarters had begun, a fire almost completely destroyed the new 
 building, entailing a great loss upon the company. The following 
 spring the building was completed, and from it the various publications 
 have since been issiied by the Kenton Republican Company, which was 
 incorporated in 1903. For some years Mr. George E. Crane had. owned 
 a share of the stock, but in 1903 he disposed of his interests to Mr. F. 
 B. Wilson, and later Mr. Wilson purchased another one-fourth share, 
 making him half owner of the plant. In 1907, on account of failing 
 health, Mr. Beckman retired from the business which he had built up 
 and had so ably conducted for many years. 
 
 Though of a modest retiring disposition, Mr. Beckman was a shrewd 
 business man and an able editor. He entered the newspaper field when 
 bitter personalities were the order of the day, but though made the 
 target for personal abuse many times, he never stooped to reply to any 
 of the unfair attacks. He held his papers above petty spite and mean 
 personalities, often against the advice of his best friends, but in time 
 people came to see that he had adopted the wisest course. He kept 
 himself clear from all warring factions, and gave to his patrons a clean, 
 well edited family newspaper that still enjoys the confidence of the 
 public. Almost from youth he was in delicate health, yet he possessed 
 an unlimited capacity for hard work, and was ever of a hopeful dispo- 
 sition. If his body could have kept pace with his ever alert, brilliant 
 mind, there is no doubt that his achievements would have been greater, 
 but as it was he built up one of Kenton ’s most flourishing enterprises 
 in spite of ill health. He was always optimistic, cheery and busy, 
 never allowing his personal feelings to appear in his actions and words. 
 His life was one long struggle with disease, yet with all he accom- 
 plished more than many men in vigorous health. 
 
 For several years Mr. Beckman spent the winters in El Paso, 
 Texas, with his family, finding the altitude and bracing climate just 
 suited to his needs, but as he improved in health year by year he thought 
 to carry out a long cherished plan of tourng Europe, with his mother 
 and sisters. His health was so much improved that he had made plans 
 to re-enter the business world, but before doing this a sojourn abroad 
 lasting nearly a year was planned, beginning with a winter in Naples 
 On December 8, 1909, the family sailed for Naples, arriving there on 
 the day before Christmas. The climate proved too harsh for Mr. 
 Beckman, and in January they started back to America. The entire 
 journey brought much suffering to him, but he reached El Paso Feb- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 561 
 
 ruary 8, and was taken at once to a hospital for treatment. The hard 
 winter and progress of the disease while traveling were too much for 
 his delicate frame, and his brave spirit took its flight two days after 
 reaching El Paso — February 10, 1910. His body was brought to his 
 old home and buried beside that of his wife in Grove Cemetery. Mrs. 
 Beckman, who was Miss Jennie Coe, was married to him in October, 
 1887, and died in Kenton, February 28, 1889. Nearly fifty years Wil- 
 liam Beckman lived and worked in Kenton, a short life after all, but he 
 left an enduring monument in the papers which he founded and the 
 memory of a life well spent. 
 
 Ira N. Kelly is numbered among the successful and progressive 
 agriculturists of Washington township, and he is also a member of a fam- 
 ily who were among the earliest pioneers of Ohio, his great-grandfather 
 on the paternal side, Joseph Kelly, having come to this state from Lancas- 
 ter, Pennsylvania, in 1795. Andrew S. Kelly, the father of Ira, born in 
 Pickaway county, Ohio, moved to Hancock county of this state in 1853 
 and to Hardin county in 1872. He served his country three years as a 
 Civil war soldier, as a private with Company F, Ohio Volunteer Infantry 
 and with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. He served 
 faithfully and well as a soldier, and after his honorable discharge at the 
 close of the war he returned to peaceful citizenship and to the work of 
 the farm. His death occurred in the year of 1907, and his wife passed 
 away in 1891. She was in her maidenhood Susannah Yates, and was 
 horn in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1836. Nine children were born of 
 their marriage union, namely : George E., superintendent of schools 
 
 at Krydersville, Ohio ; Estella, Mrs. Patterson ; Sadie, Mrs. Kenode ; 
 William IT. and Samuel M., both druggists in Wellston, this state; Joseph 
 A., of Ada; Mark B., a cigar dealer at that place; and June, deceased, 
 and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Ira N. Kelly, one of the sons in the above family and now one of the 
 representative farmers of Washington township, has since 19U1 owned a 
 splendidly improved estate of seventy -six acres but which in January, 
 1910, he sold and bought in Trumbull county. He was born in Hancock 
 county, Ohio, in 1857, but he was reared and educated in the city of Ada, 
 attending the university there, but previously he had taught school. He 
 continued his educational labors after leaving the university, teaching 
 for twenty years in Hardin county. In 1890 he was made the deputy 
 recorder for Hardin county, serving in that office until 1893, and in 1900 
 he was appointed to that office and served for one and a half years. He 
 has also filled various township positions, was formerly a justice of the 
 peace and has also been a township clerk. His name is thus prominently 
 recorded on the pages of the history of Hardin county, and he has 
 proved a true and valued citizen. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Margaret E., a daughter of 
 Samuel and Rachel Carey, and although their marriage union has been 
 without issue they have an adopted son and daughter, the former being 
 Carl F. Carey and the latter Fredea Willike. Mrs. Kelly was born in 
 Liberty township of Hardin county in 1861. Both she and her husband 
 
562 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 are members of the Methodist Protestant church, active in its work and 
 upbuilding, and Mr. Kelly has served his religious home as a class leader, 
 trustee and as a Sunday school superintendent. He is also prominently 
 identified with the fraternal order of Odd Fellows at Dunkirk, both he 
 and his wife being also connected with its auxiliary, the Rebekahs, and 
 Mr. Kelly is a past noble grand of the order. 
 
 Alonzo Lynch, a retired business man now living in Kenton, Ohio, 
 was until a few years ago extensively interested in buying and selling 
 stock. Mr. Lynch was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 4, 1828, a 
 son of George and Hannah (Brown) Lynch, the former a native of 
 Pennsylvania. George Lynch moved from Pennsylvania and located 
 at Zanesville, Ohio, bringing with him the first furnace ever brought to 
 that part of the state. In the spring of 1833 he and his wife settled in 
 Blanchard township, Hardin county, where they purchased eighty acres 
 of land in the timber. Mr. Lynch began clearing his land and erected 
 a small log hut for the family to live in. He was an industrious and 
 enterprising farmer and met with fair success, meeting and overcoming 
 the obstacles incident to pioneer life at that time. 
 
 The childhood of Alonzo Lynch was spent on his father’s farm, and 
 when he grew old enough he helped with the work of carrying on the 
 farm. He engaged in the stock business as a young man and during the 
 war he bought horses for the government. Later he engaged in contract 
 work for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, building culverts and 
 bridges. He was a good workman and became well informed in con- 
 struction work. He also took contracts for building pike roads in 
 Hardin and Hancock counties, building the first pike in the latter county. 
 He has probably built more of these roads than any one else in Hardin 
 county, and was well known for the superior quality of work he accom- 
 plished. As a boy he carried United States mail two times a week 
 from Bellefontaine to Findlay, making the trip on horseback. He 
 became a prominent and well known citizen, and stood well in the 
 community. 
 
 In March, 1853, Alonzo Lynch married Charlotte Rush, daughter of 
 Job and Ruth (Williams) Rush, who came to Hardin county from 
 Uniontown, Pennsylvania, about 1850. Mr. Lynch inherited the old 
 homestead, which comprised two hundred acres and he lived until 1881 
 near Dunkirk, owning several different farms during those years of his 
 active life. He then rented his farm and moved to Kenton, where he 
 embarked in the livery business on the south side of the square. Here 
 lie conducted his business a number of years, then rented it, and in 1894 
 sold his interest. However, he still continued in the stock business, and 
 being an excellent judge of horses, he bought a good many thoroughbreds 
 and shipped from Kentucky, building up a good business in this line. 
 He also purchased a large number of shorthorn cattle each year and dis- 
 posed of them in Hardin county and other parts of the state. He did 
 a great deal to introduce pure blood stock into the county, and in this 
 did a good service to farmers and stockmen. About four years ago 
 Mr. Lynch retired from business and sold his farm. He is a stanch 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 563 
 
 Republican and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He 
 and his wife became the parents of seven children, of whom sis survive. 
 Mrs. Lynch died in 1896, at the age of sixty-one years. Both she and 
 her husband made many friends and became highly respected and 
 esteemed. Mr. Lynch earned his success in life through his own efforts 
 and ambition, taking advantage of every opportunity offered him for 
 business success and advancement, and has well earned the rest he now 
 enjoys. 
 
 Thomas Espy. — The late Thomas Espy was one of the most promi- 
 nent and influential citizens of Hardin county, and was interested in 
 many enterprises. Mr. Espy was born in New Darlington, Beaver 
 county, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1837, and was a son of John and Jane 
 (Anderson) Espy, both also natives of Pennsylvania. The progenitor 
 of the Espy family in America emigrated from the north of Ireland in 
 colonial days. 
 
 John Espy moved to Hardin county, Ohio, in 1838, when his son 
 Thomas was but one year old. In 1810 he located in Kenton, and three 
 years later erected the first steam flouring mill in the town, on the 
 present site of the T. & 0. C. railroad depot. He became one of the lead- 
 ing citizens and was a successful business man. Mr. Espy died in 1878 ; 
 his widow survived him many years and passed away in 1907. 
 
 Thomas Espy received his early education in Kenton schools, and in 
 1856 took a commercial course at Northwood, Ohio, and in 1861 entered 
 the Cincinnati Law School and was afterwards admitted to the bar. 
 However, he did not enter upon the practice of his profession, preferring 
 a commercial career, for which he considered he was better fitted. In 
 1861 he began working with his father in the mill and in 1866, with 
 William Ochs, built the present White flour mill, becoming president of 
 the concern. In 1855 Mr. Espy was appointed deputy county treasurer, 
 under Dr. U. P. Leighton, and assisted in taking the first tax ever col- 
 lected at the present courthouse. In 1871 he became interested in the 
 Paullucci Bank, and two years later became cashier of the Hardin 
 County Savings Bank. In 1878, at the organizing of the First National 
 Bank, Mr. Espy became a director. 
 
 Mr. Espy was one of the promoters of the Erie Railroad, and in 
 1868 became one of the promoters of a railroad to run from Pittsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, to Huntington, Indiana, and to pass through Kenton, and 
 when the road was completed he became one of the directors. He was 
 connected with the road until it was purchased by the Erie system. He 
 and General James Robinson built the connecting link between Marion 
 and Kenton. Mr. Espy was also one of the promoters of the Kenton 
 Gas & Electric Company, being its first president and actively connected 
 with it until a few years since. He also became one of the pike commis- 
 sioners, under whom the first pike in the county was constructed. He 
 was also one of the promoters of the first water works system. For over 
 twenty years he served as treasurer of Buck township. In 1902 Mr. 
 Espy became identified with the Gas & Electric Company of Toledo, and 
 became general manager of the same ; they have plants at Tiffin, Delphos 
 
564 
 
 HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and New Bremen. In 1858 he became a member of the Masonic Order, 
 and he helped build the Epworth Methodist Episcopal church in South 
 Kenton, being a trustee of the organization. He always voted the 
 Democratic ticket and took an active interest in public affairs. 
 
 In 1870 Mr. Espy married Miss Sallie Johnson, who was then a 
 teacher in the public schools of Kenton, a daughter of David E. and Jane 
 (Pancake) Johnson, the former born at Chester, Butler county, near 
 Cincinnati, and the latter in the village of Cross Roads, in Madison 
 county, Ohio. Mr. Johnson was a descendant of Sir Peter Johnson, of 
 colonial times. Mr. Johnson was married in September, 1846, in Madi- 
 son county, and in 1861, the day Fort Sumter was fired upon, he and his 
 wife settled about two and a half miles from the town of Kenton, where 
 they lived a number of years and then located in the town, where they 
 spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Johnson died on November 11, 
 1900. His wife, who was born July 25, 1827, died on April 3, 1907, 
 and with her death the family of Joseph and Jane Pancake, her parents, 
 became extinct. Mr. Pancake was a participant in the war of 1812. 
 His wife was a daughter of William and Martha Wilson, who kept the 
 White Horse tavern near Philadelphia, at Catamisa, where General 
 Washington stopped several times. Mr. Pancake was born December 
 19, 1789, in Romney, Virginia, a son of John Pancake, a slave-owner, and 
 he died September 14, 1853; his wife died July 30, 1864. 
 
 Thomas Espy and His wife became the parents of three children, 
 namely: Miss Anna, a teacher at Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts; Frank, 
 of Tiffin; and Jesse, of Kenton. Mr. Espy was one of the enterprising 
 and public-spirited citizens of Hardin county, and contributed a large 
 share towards the progress and development of the town of Kenton, as 
 well as many other parts of the state. He became interested in a large 
 number of enterprises, and his keen business judgment and intelligence 
 were widely appreciated. He was well informed on many topics and 
 was one of the best known and most highly esteemed men who ever lived 
 in Kenton. He had a large circle of friends and his memory is 
 cherished in the hearts of many. He was always ready to lend his sup- 
 port to worthy causes, and was a charitable, kindly-disposed member of 
 society. His success in life was attained through his own efforts and 
 ambition, and he spent a busy, useful life, whose deeds will not soon be 
 forgotten. 
 
 Joseph Eberhart is prominently numbered among the agricultur- 
 ists of Washington township, Hardin county. He is a representative 
 of a prominent old German family who formerly wrote the name 
 “Eberhardt, ” and he is a descendant of the crown heads of the Father- 
 land. The ancestry of this illustrious family is traced back to the year 
 1445 and to the Dukes of Wurtemberg, and in the United States their 
 history goes back to 1727, when Peter and Michael crossed on the old 
 “Friendship,” John Davis master. Landing in Philadelphia on October 
 16. 1727. they located in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and they formed 
 the beginning of a large settlement of their countrymen there. George 
 and Elizabeth (Hull) Eberhart, the parents of Joseph and Sarah Ann, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 565 
 
 were born in Stark county, Ohio, and but two of their eleven children are 
 now living, and Joseph is the only one in Hardin county. 
 
 He was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 24, 1836, and was 
 reared and educated there and also learned the carpenter’s trade, a 
 vocation which he has followed more or less throughout his business 
 career. Moving to Hancock county in 1863 he bought a farm of one 
 hundred and five acres, and in 1866 came from there to Hardin county. 
 Here he owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Washing- 
 ton township, which he purchased the year of his arrival here, but at that 
 time there was only twenty acres of the place cleared. Since then he has 
 made vast improvements in land and buildings, his land being all under 
 a fine state of cultivation, his home a substantial and commodious struc- 
 ture, and at this writing he is erecting his third barn, the first having been 
 burned in 1893, while the second was struck by lightning in June of 
 1909 and also burned, the first structure having been insured for nine 
 hundred dollars and the second for twelve hundred. Mr. Eberhart is 
 a practical farmer and has a most desirable home. 
 
 He married Rebecca A. Kamp in 1858, and seven children have been 
 born to them, namely: Alice, deceased; Sidney, Clement, Alexander, 
 
 Clarence. May and Charles L. They also have eighteen grandchildren 
 and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Eberhart was born in Stark 
 county, Ohio, October 17, 1839, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Kamp, 
 the former from England and the latter from Pennsylvania. Their 
 children were twelve in number, but only three are now living, and Mrs. 
 Eberhart is the only one living in Hardin county. The Eberhart 
 family are representative citizens of Hardin county. 
 
 Parlee C. Robinson, of the firm of Robinson & Gage, dealers in 
 lumber, coal, etc., Kenton, Ohio, is one of the enterprising business men 
 of the town and is well known throughout the county. 
 
 Mr. Robinson was born in Kenton, September 15, 1859, youngest of 
 the three children of James S. Robinson, a prominent citizen of Ohio, 
 who filled the office of state secretary from 1886 to 1890, and who early 
 in life came. to Hardin county and took up his residence at Kenton. He 
 was a native of Richland county, this state. Parlee C. in his youth had 
 the advantage of a good education. He took a four years’ course in the 
 Ohio State University, where he made a specialty of engineering, after- 
 ward taking up civil engineering as a business and spending several 
 years in railroad work. For three years he was employed in this 
 capacity on what is now the Chicago & Erie, and subsequently was 
 assistant chief engineer for the construction of the Ohio Central Rail- 
 road and the Kanawha & Michigan, this latter being now a part of the 
 Hocking Valiev Railroad. About this time his father having been 
 elected to the office of state secretary, young Robinson went to Columbus 
 and served as deputy in that office, remaining there during the whole of 
 his father’s term. In 1897 the firm of Robinson & Gage was formed, 
 and has since operated a planing mill and dealt in lumber, coal, etc., and 
 to this business Mr. Robinson has given his personal attention. Also 
 he has other interests in the county, including bank stock and farm 
 
566 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 property. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Ada. 
 
 Fraternally he is identified with both the Masons and the Elks, 
 being especially active and influential in the latter organization. 
 
 T. J. Dickinson. — One of the successful and prominent farmers of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, who has spent all his life in this occupation is 
 T. J. Dickinson, who is well known throughout most of the county. Mr. 
 Dickinson was born in Andrew county, Missouri, in 1845, and is a son 
 of Nelson and Mary A. (Corwin) Dickinson, both natives of Logan 
 county, Ohio, who were married in 1838. In 1842 Nelson Dickinson 
 and his wife moved to Andrew county, Missouri, where they spent about 
 eight years and then returned to Logan county. In 1860 they removed 
 to Hardin county, settling north of Ridgeway, where Mr. Dickinson 
 purchased a farm of eight hundred and seventy-five acres, paying 
 twenty-seven dollars an acre for the land, with the machinery and stock 
 included. They lived here about eight years and then returned to 
 Logan county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. 
 Dickinson died at the age of seventy-nine years and his wife died in 
 1894, aged seventy-four years. They were the parents of twelve chil- 
 dren, of whom all survive save one son, George, who died in January, 
 1910, at the age of sixtv-nine years. 
 
 T. J. Dickinson has always followed farming and stock raising, 
 and has also bought and shipped stock extensively, being the oldest stock- 
 man in Hardin county. Some five years since he rented his farm and 
 purchased a handsome residence on West Carroll Street in Kenton, and 
 two years later he sold his one hundred and sixty-five acre farm. How- 
 ever, he has continued to buy and ship stock, and some two years since 
 purchased a three hundred and twenty acre rice farm in Matagorda 
 county, Texas. He rents this farm and has raised one crop on it, from 
 which he reaped a very handsome profit. He w r as also interested in one 
 of the local banks of Hardin county, but has since sold his interest. He 
 is one of the enterprising, representative men of Kenton, and is recog- 
 nized as a man of sound judgment and good business principles. He 
 takes an active interest in public affairs and is a Republican in political 
 views. He served one term as county commissioner, and at the expira- 
 tion of this term was appointed to fill a vacancy. 
 
 In 1867 Mr. Dickinson married Caroline Bird, of Union county, 
 Ohio, daughter of Gorum and Arsidola (Scott) Bird, the former a 
 native of New York state and the latter of Ohio. After their marriage 
 Mr. Bird and his wife moved to Union county, in 1834, where they lived 
 the remainder of their lives. Mr. Dickinson and his wife became the 
 parents of six children, namely: Arsodillo, deceased; Wilson E., now 
 
 living in the state of Washington ; Emma, now the wife of W. T. Eaton; 
 Delpho, the wife of Harry Tittsworth ; the fifth child died unnamed ; and 
 Bertha, now the wife of William McEllheny. The family attend the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Adam Brown. — Among the most extensive farmers of McDonald 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, is Adam Brown, who owns a fine farm of 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 567 
 
 two hundred and fourteen acres, where he carried on general farming 
 and has met with excellent success. Mr. Brown is one of the influential, 
 representative citizens of the county, is well known and universally 
 esteemed. He was born in Union county, Ohio, October 13, 1858, a 
 son of Josiah M. and Margaret Jane (Basil) Brown, the former born on 
 Big Darby in Unionville, Ohio, August 25, 1835, and the latter born in 
 Lincoln county, September 12, 1833. Josiah M. Brown was a soldier 
 in the Civil war, enlisting in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio, 
 in 1861, as private. He served as private throughout the war and was 
 mustered out in 1865. He and his wife moved to Hardin county 
 immediately after the close of his service, July 4, 1865, locating in Taylor 
 Creek township, where he purchased forty-eight acres. Three years 
 later he removed to Hickory Grove. He died on May 6, 1882, and his 
 widow died on March 3, 1893. They were married January 10, 1856, 
 and to them were born nine children, including George A., Hester Jane, 
 William, Charles, Aaron, Samuel and Mary Lizzie. George A. was 
 born September 28, 1861, and died March 30, 1874, being killed by a 
 falling tree at the age of thirteen years, six months and twelve days. 
 Hester J. was born January 8, 1866, and died June 15, 1909. Charles 
 was born December 28, 1870, and resides in Zanesfield. Aaron, born 
 November 27, 1872, lives in Taylor Creek. Samuel, born April 20, 
 1875, died in infancy. Mary L., born June 3, 1876, lives in Taylor 
 Creek township. 
 
 The boyhood of Adam Brown was spent in Taylor Creek, and he 
 attended the district school of his neighborhood. He afterward took up 
 the trade of carpenter, beginning to work at the same in 1881, and he 
 followed the trade twenty-seven years in connection with farming. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, and he never aspired to public office, though 
 he takes an active interest in public affairs. 
 
 On June 21, 1881, Mr. Brown married Tabitha C. Kissling, daughter 
 of Hiram Kissling, who resides in Hardin county, and his wife, Mary 
 Ann (Spencer) Kissling, deceased. Mrs. Brown is one of seven children 
 namely: John, Mary, William, Alta J., Nettie M., and Gertrude (oldest 
 of the family and half-sister to the others). To Mr. and Mrs. Brown 
 fourteen children have been born, as follows : Floyd II., born September 
 14, 1882, married Eva Arbogast, and they reside in Logan county; 
 Grover C. of McDonald township, born September 9, 1884, married 
 Carrie Fleece, and they have one child, Albert J. ; Frank K., born Decem- 
 ber 12, 1886, is unmarried and lives at home, where he assists in the duties 
 of the farm ; Alta J., born March 1, 1888, married Chester Deardorff, 
 who was killed at Bellefontaine July 9, 1909, by a street car, leaving one 
 child, Herbert; Carrie M., born May 19, 1889, unmarried and living at 
 home; Blanch, born March 26, 1891, living at home; Emma V., born 
 July 5, 1892 ; Mary L., born October 25, 1893 ; Opal C., born December 
 26, 1894; William J., born March 18, 1897; Mattie C., born September 
 20, 1898; Golda, born June 3, 1900, died November 26, 1900, aged five 
 months and twenty-three days ; Ruth, born October 23, 1901 ; and Edgar 
 E., born January 21, 1904. 
 
 Mr. Brown first purchased forty acres in Union county, which he 
 
568 
 
 HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 owned and conducted for ten years, then traded it for ninety-three acres 
 in Logan county, which he owned four years, then traded it for his 
 present farm in Hardin county. 
 
 Professor Charles B. Wright. — Talented and cultured, and the 
 possessor of much business and executive ability, Professor Charles B. 
 Wright, corresponding secretary of the Ohio Northern University, has 
 been connected with the educational institution for a score of years, 
 and is numbered among the more prominent and influential citizens of 
 Ada. A native of Ohio, he was born, June 1, 1866, in Licking county, 
 near Johnstown, coming from honored New England ancestry. He 
 remained on the home farm until seventeen years of age. He after- 
 wards attended school two years, and then, until 1888, taught in the 
 public schools of his native county. Going then to Bueyrus, Mr. 
 Wright attended Baldwin Academy a year, taking a special course in 
 bookkeeping and commercial studies. Taking up his residence in Ada 
 on August 13, 1889, Mr. Wright entered the Ohio Northern University, 
 where he continued his studies two years. In 1891 he entered the 
 commercial department of the university as an instructor, and in 1904 
 was made corresponding secretary of the institution, a position which he 
 has since filled most ably and acceptably, in the meantime having also 
 charge of all the advertising connected with the university. 
 
 Professor Wright has been twice married. He married first, 
 December 25, 1895, lone Dukes, a daughter of Eli Dukes, and a niece of 
 the donor of Dukes’ Building. She died in 1903, leaving two children, 
 Robert and Helen. The Professor married for his second wife, in 1905, 
 Gladys Cartwright, and they have one daughter, Ethelind. A Repub- 
 lican in politics, Professor Wright is a member of the board of education 
 of Ada, of which he has been president four years. Fraternally he is 
 one of the more prominent and active members of Richie Lodge, No. 
 241, K. of P., which he represented as a delegate in the Grand Lodge 
 for six years, for five years serving as chairman of the mileage and per 
 diem committee. Religiously he is a consistent and valued member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church. The Professor has accumulated a 
 good property, owning a fine home in Ada and a farm of two hundred 
 acres near McComb, Hancock county. 
 
 Darlington B. Nourse, of the firm of Nourse & Caine, dry goods 
 merchants of Kenton, Ohio, was born in Fairfield county, this state, 
 February 11, 1858. The Nourses were Maryland people. Charles 
 
 Nourse and John D. Nourse, grandfather and father respectively of 
 Darlington B. came from Sharpsburg, Maryland, to Ohio when the 
 latter was a youth of twelve years, and settled at Rushville in Fairfield 
 county. There he grew to manhood, and married Miss Catherine Berry, 
 a native of New Salem, that county. By profession he was a physician 
 and surgeon, and was in active practice for nearly fifty years, up to 
 the time of his death, which occurred at the age of seventy years. His 
 wife also lived to be seventy. They were the parents of four children, 
 two of whom reached maturity and are still living, the subject of this 
 sketch and John H., a traveling salesman, of Lancaster, Ohio. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 569 
 
 Darlington B. Nourse was reared in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, receiv- 
 ing his education in the academy of that place. At the age of twenty 
 he began life as a clerk in the dry goods store of ‘A. Stutson, of Lancaster, 
 and remained with him about five years ; afterward, for eleven years, 
 was with Green Joyce & Company, of Columbus, Ohio, one year as 
 • house salesman and ten years on the road. In 1893 he bought an in- 
 terest with IB E. Becker & Company, dry goods dealers of Lancaster, 
 and was there until 1901. That year he sold c*it and in August came 
 to Kenton. Here, in partnership with Mr. J. W. Caine, he bought out 
 H. C. Roller ’s dry goods store, and under the firm name of Nourse & 
 Caine has continued "to do a prosperous business. Since taking up 
 his residence in Kenton he has shown himself to be a public spirited 
 man and has identified himself with various interests, including the 
 Home Telephone Company, of which lie is stockholder and director. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Nourse married Miss Margaret Pickering, a native of 
 Lancaster, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Osenbaugh) 
 Pickering. They have three children, Catherine. John D. and Joseph 
 C. Mr. Nourse is an active member and trustee of the ‘First Methodist 
 Episcopal Church of Kenton. 
 
 George E. Crane.— As one of the representative members of the 
 bar of the historic state of Ohio Mr. Crane is well entitled to recognition 
 in this publication, and further consistency in according such consider- 
 ation is that implied in the fact that he is a scion of one of the old and 
 honored pioneer families of the state of Ohio, though he himself is a 
 native of New York City, where he was born on September 9, 1858. He 
 has be§n engaged m the practice of his profession at, Kenton, the at- 
 tractive judicial center and metropolis of Hardin county, for a quarter 
 of a century, and is known as an able and versatile member of the bar 
 of Ohio. 
 
 . George E. Crane is a son of Samuel Ingham Crane and Sophia 
 Charlotte (Buck)* Crane, the former of whom was born at Florence, 
 Erie county, Ohio, on the 20th of December, 1832. and the latter of whom 
 was born in New York City on the 26th of April, 1854. The founder 
 of the Crane family in Ohio was Joel Crane, great-grandfather of him 
 whose name initiates this article. This worthy ancestor and pioneer 
 came from Southbury, Connecticut, and settled in Erie county, Ohio, in 
 1817. He was a direct descendant of Jasper Crane, of New Haven, 
 Connecticut, some of whose descendants had settled at, Newark, New 
 Jersey, whence Joel Crane moved to Southbury, Connecticut, where, in 
 1804, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Olive Mitchell, granddaughter 
 of Eleazar Mitchell, who was a member of the committee of safety during 
 the war of the Revolution and who had commanded a militia company at 
 Fort, Ticonderoga in the French and Indian war. In the Revolutionary 
 war he held a captain’s commission and served under General Washing- 
 ton. Eleazar Mitchell was of the fifth generation in line of direct 
 descent from Matthew Mitchell, who was born at Halifax, Yorkshire, 
 England, in 1590, and who came to America and settled in Boston in 
 1635, and whose son, Rev. Jonathan Mitchell, was the third minister at 
 
570 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Cambridge, Masachusetts, 1649-1677, having been graduated in Harvard 
 College in 1647. 
 
 George E. Crane passed his boyhood and youth in New York, New 
 Jersey and Norwalk, Ohio, where he received his preliminary educational 
 discipline in the public schools. Thereafter he continued his studies 
 in Oberlin College, in which institution he was graduated as a member of 
 the class of 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After his 
 graduation Mr. Crane turned his attention to the pedagogic profession, 
 and it is a matter of record that he gave most effective service in the 
 educational field, having been principal of the high school at Kenton, 
 his present home, from 1878 to 1885, and having in the meanwhile taken 
 up the study of law under effective preceptorship. He was admitted to 
 the bar in 1885, and has been continuously engaged in the practice of 
 his profession at Kenton since that year. In 1879 and 1881 he made 
 extended foreign tours, and in 1899 he again traveled abroad, for rest, 
 recreation and pleasure. He is an able trial lawyer, having been 
 identified with many important litigations in the state and federal 
 courts, and is, through his broad and comprehensive knowledge of juris- 
 prudence, especially well fortified as a counselor. In 1898 he was 
 appointed referee in bankruptcy, of which office he has since continued 
 incumbent, and he is also a member of the board of education of Kenton, 
 having held this position since 1897. In politics he is a stalwart 
 advocate of the principles of the Republican party, in whose cause he has 
 given active service, and he was the candidate of his party for the office 
 of judge of the circuit court in 1898, as well as in 1908, being defeated 
 on each occasion through normal political exigencies. Mr. Crane is 
 affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the 
 chivalric degrees, indicated by his membership in the commandery and 
 Knights Templars, and he is also a member of the Benevolent and 
 Protective Order of Elks. Both he and his wife are zealous members 
 of the First Presbyterian church of Kenton. 
 
 On the 12th of June, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Crane to Miss Kate Rachel Rhodes, daughter of Oregon E. and Xiria C. 
 (Ensign) Rhodes, of Kenton. Mr. and Mrs. Crane have three children, 
 concerning whom the following brief record is given : Esther, who was 
 
 born in Kenton, Ohio, March 10, 1890, was graduated in the Kenton 
 high school in 1905, was a student in Oberlin College in 1906-7 and was 
 graduated in Smith College as a member of the class of 1910 ; Herbert 
 Ingham Crane, who was born in Kenton on the 4th of May, 1892, was 
 graduated in the local high school in 1908, after which he passed about 
 one year in historic old Phillips Exeter Academy ; Katharine Elizabeth, 
 who was born at Kenton, January 15, 1895, was graduated in the Kenton 
 high school as a member of the class of 1910. The family is one of 
 distinctive prominence and popularity in the social life of the commun- 
 ity, and the attractive home is a center of gracious hospitality. 
 
 Professor Frederick Maglott. — Among the most efficient, accom- 
 plished and valued instructors of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, 
 are Professor Frederick Maglott, A. B. and A. M., and his wife, Mrs. Eva 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 571 
 
 (Sisson) Maglott, A. M. and C. E., the former being professor of history 
 and geography, and the latter the instructor in higher mathematics and 
 trigonometry. 
 
 Professor Frederick Maglott, a son of -Jacob Maglott, was born, 
 December 12, 1851, in Richland county, Ohio, of German ancestry. A 
 native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Jacob Maglott lived there until 
 nineteen years old, when he came with his parents, Philip and Elizabeth 
 Maglott, to Richland county, Ohio, where he assisted his father in im- 
 proving a homestead. After his marriage Jacob Maglott located on 
 land in Washington township, Richland county, and there cleared and 
 improved a good farm. He married Catherine Detwiler, who was 
 born in Pennsylvania, and at the age of four years came with her par- 
 ents, John and Anna Detwiler, to Richland county, Ohio, where she 
 grew to womanhood. Nine children were born of their union, Freder- 
 ick, the subject of this sketch, being the eldest child. 
 
 Brought up on the home farm, Frederick Maglott acquired his 
 rudimentary education in the public schools, and after his graduation 
 from the Belleville High School taught school for three terms in the 
 rural districts of Richland county. He subsequently attended Otter- 
 bein University, in Westerville, Ohio, for a time, coming from there to 
 Ada in 1874. After his graduation from the Ohio Northern Univers- 
 ity Professor Maglott returned to Westerville and completed his studies 
 at the Otterbein University. In 1876 the Professor began teaching at 
 the Ohio Northern University, with which he has since been connected, 
 having taught in every department of the institution. In 1878 he re- 
 ceived the degree of A. B. and two years later of A. M. He was for many 
 years a stockholder of the institution, retaining his financial interest in 
 the institution until it was sold to the Methodist Episcopal denomination 
 Professor Maglott is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church 
 being president of its board of trustees, and for many years was super- 
 intendent of its Sunday school. 
 
 Professor Maglott married, July 28, 1880, Eva Sisson, who was born 
 and brought up in Arkansas, her birth occurring in 1860. She attended 
 Butler College one year, and in 1876 entered the Ohio Northern Univers- 
 ity at Ada, and immediately after her graduation in 1877 accepted a 
 position on its staff of instructors, and has been since, a period of thirty- 
 two years, one of its faculty. The Professor and Mrs. Maglott have 
 become the parents of three children, namely: George Frederick, who 
 
 was graduated from the Ohio Northern University, is now taking a 
 post graduate course in Boston, Massachusetts ; Mignon, deceased ; and 
 Donald Sisson, attending the Ohio Northern University. 
 
 Mrs. Maglott has won two degrees, that of A. M. and of C. E. 
 She is highly educated, and for two years taught Latin and two years 
 held the chair on science and literature. She has held the position of 
 Professor of Mathematics for over twenty years, and is now uniting 
 two text books for use in her teaching. She is very active in social 
 circles and prominent in club life, belonging to the Daughters of the 
 American Revolution at Kenton ; to the American Association for the 
 Advancement of Science; to the American Mathematical Society; and 
 is a Fellow of the National Geographical Society. 
 
572 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 George A. Oglesbee is one of the substantial and honored residents 
 of Lynn township. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, December 10, 
 1846, a son of Isaiah and Sarah (Quick) Oglesbee, born respectively in 
 Greene county, Ohio, and in New Jersey. They were married in Logan 
 county, Ohio, and came from there to Hardin county, where they lived 
 in Hale township for many years, but Isaiah Oglesbee died in Logan 
 county. 
 
 George A. Oglesbee was the first born of their children, and he 
 was reared on the parental farm and received his educational training 
 in the district schools. During the opening period of the trouble 
 between the north and the south he enlisted for service in Company D 
 of the Forty-fifth Regiment, and participated in the hard-fought battles 
 of Nashville, Resaca and Columbia and started on the Georgia campaign, 
 but only went as far as Rome when he became ill and was sent to the 
 hospital. He received his discharge on the 3d of October, 1865, and 
 he now draws a pension of twelve dollars a month from the government 
 in compensation for his army .services: Since his marriage in 1868 
 
 Mr. Oglesbee has lived in Hardin county. For many years he was a 
 head sawyer in a mill, and he own forty-four acres of land at the edge of 
 West Foraker, where he resides and where he is quite extensively en- 
 gaged in the raising of onions. He gives his political support to the 
 Republican party. 
 
 Mrs. Oglesbee was before her marriage Miss Serena Poling, and 
 was born in Allen township, Union county, Ohio, December 10, 1850, 
 a daughter of Solomon and Lucinda (Frank) Poling. Lucinda 
 Poling now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Oglesbee, having reached the 
 age of eighty-nine years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Oglesbee, which 
 occurred on the 10th of December. 1868. has been blessed by the birth of 
 six children: Sarah L., born April 13, 1870; Walter, born February 16, 
 1872; Minnie M., born April 10, 1874; Ray E., born July 14, 1876; 
 Jesse, born August 30, 1881 ; and Earl D., born December 30, 1887. 
 Mrs. Oglesbee is a member of the Baptist church at Foraker. 
 
 John A. Ewing, one of the prominent characters who have been 
 identified with the history of Hardin county is found in the personal 
 of John A. Ewing, at one time a member of the board of commissioners 
 of his county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Novem- 
 ber 22, 1857, a son of John S. and Letitia V. (McElhaney) Ewing, the 
 father also born in Lancaster county and the mother in the adjoining 
 county of Chester. She yet survives her husband, and is living in the 
 city of Philadelphia. The founder of the Ewing family in America 
 was the great-grandfather of John A. Ewing, James Ewing, who came 
 from his native Scotland and located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
 where members of this family afterward lived and died and which be- 
 came the birthplace of John A. Ewing. 
 
 But at the age of eighteen John A. Ewing came to Ohio and 
 located in Union county, remaining for two years, and in the meantime 
 working by the month in that and Madison counties. In 1878 he came 
 to Hardin county, this being before his marriage, and locating at 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 573 
 
 Ridgeway in Hale township he engaged in the grocery business and 
 remained there for three and a half years. In 1882 he located in Ken- 
 ton, where for seventeen years he was engaged in the cigar, liquor and 
 billiard business, and although so long identified with the vocation he 
 does not use tobacco in any form. He married on the 19th of April, 
 1882, Mary A. Culbertson, from Ridgeway, Ohio, but a native daughter 
 of Logan county. She was reared in Hardin county, and before her 
 marriage she taught music. Seven children blessed their marriage 
 union, namely: William C., a Lynn township farmer; Gertrude, the 
 wife of Clyde Long, of Kenton ; and Prank, Jesse G., Helen I., John W. 
 and Francis, at home with their father. Mrs. Ewing was called from 
 this life on the 12th of January, 1899. 
 
 In politics Mr. Ewing affiliates with the Republican party, and in 
 November of 1898 he was elected one of the three commissioners of 
 Hardin county, and by his re-election to that office in 1901 he continued 
 his services until September of 1905. He was his party’s nominee for 
 auditor in 1908, but met defeat with the remainder of the ticket. He 
 is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank at Kenton, and he is the owner 
 of eight hundred and fifty-six acres of land lying in Lynn, Hale and 
 Dudley townships. He also deals quite heavily in stock, being both 
 a raiser and shipper. Mr. Ewing started on life’s journey for himself 
 empty handed, and his splendid estate represents years of indefatigable 
 effort and purposes well directed. 
 
 Sanfred II. Dulin. — During many years Sanfred II. Dulin has 
 been an honored resident of Hardin county, one of its representative 
 farmers and business men. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, 
 April 14, 1847, a son of Edward and Sarah (Diltz) Dulin. His grand- 
 father on the paternal side was a native son of Ireland who came to the 
 United States when a young man and located in Virginia, where he 
 married. He later emigrated to Delaware county, Ohio, and he spent 
 the remainder of his life there. 
 
 Edward Dulin was born at the family home in Virginia, April 28, 
 1802. He was married before coming to Delaware county, Ohio, and 
 among the children born to him there was his son Sanfred, who grew up 
 as a farmer lad, receiving in the meantime a district school education. 
 In the year of 1868 he came to Hardin county, and his first purchase of 
 land here was a tract of eighty acres which he bought from his father. 
 He now owns a splendid estate of two hundred and eigthy-five acres, all 
 lying within the boundaries of Lynn township, but the active work of this 
 farm is carried on by his son. Mr. Dulin was married on the 1st of 
 December, 1872, to Mary J. Emfield, who was born in Franklin county, 
 Ohio, February 23, 1856, a daughter of Humphrey and Mary Emfield, 
 who came with their family to Hardin county in 1863 and located on a 
 farm in Lynn township, so that Mrs. Dulin has lived in this county 
 during the greater part of her life. The following children have 
 blessed their marriage union : David Milton, who was born January 2, 
 1874, and married Mamie Henderson of Logan county; Elclora V., born 
 October 1, 1875, and now the wife of Harry Tarlton, of Toledo; Henry 
 
 Vol. II— 9 
 
574 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 E., born September 15, 1878, married Katie Oswell of Bellefontaine and 
 is living in Lima, Ohio; Jesse W., born December 7, 1880, is at home 
 with his parents; Sanfred A., Jr. born September 5, 1883, mar- 
 ried Mary Gaugh ; Ludwell G., born May 24, 1887, is deceased; 
 Sylvester E.. born September 19, 1888, is also at home with his parents; 
 Maude A., born July 2, 1893, is the wife of Raymond Ruffner; Charles 
 Roscoe, born August 19, 1894, is also deceased; and Neva 0., born May 
 3, 1896, is at home with her parents. Mrs. Didin is a member of the 
 Lynn Valley Methodist Episcopal church, and is an active and efficient 
 church worker. Mr. Dulin exercises his right of franchise with the 
 Republican party, and is quite active in local political circles. 
 
 James Ray Stillings. — Thoroughly conversant with the intricacies 
 and delicate points of law, James Ray Stillings, of Kenton, is filling the 
 honorable position of prosecuting attorney with credit and dignity, 
 discharging the duties devolving upon him with marked ability. Com- 
 ing from pioneer stock, he was born, August 20, 1867, in Kenton, a son 
 of the late John Stillings. 
 
 John Stillings was born, reared and educated in Union county, Ohio. 
 A man of scholarly attainments, he entered the legal profession when a 
 young man, and began the practice of law in Kenton. He met with 
 much success, winning an extensive clientele during the forty-nine 
 years of his practice in this city, and at one time served as prosecuting 
 attorney. He died, in 1904, at the age of seventy-three years, his death 
 being a loss to the community in which he had so long resided. He 
 belonged to the Presbyterian church, and was a prominent member of 
 the Masonic order. As a public-spirited, intelligent citizen, he took 
 great interest in local affairs, and for about fifteen years served on the 
 Kenton school board. He married first Jennie Cantwell, who bore him 
 two children, a son that died in childhood and James Ray, the subject 
 of this sketch. He subsequently married Marie Louise Stambaugh, 
 who survives him. 
 
 Receiving his elementary education in Kenton, James Ray Stillings 
 was graduated from the high school with the class of 1883, after which 
 he attended the University of Wooster, at Wooster Ohio, for three years. 
 When twenty years of age he began the study of law with his father, 
 and in 1890 was admitted to the Ohio bar. Beginning his active career 
 as a journalist, Mr. Stillings was connected with the Kenton Republican 
 for about two years, after which he went west, spending a year in Kan- 
 sas, working on different papers. Locating then in Topeka, Kansas, 
 he continued his newspaper work for a time in that place, and sub- 
 sequently found employment on the Rocky Mountain and San Fran- 
 cisco papers. Returning to Kenton, Mr. Stillings began the practice 
 of law with his father, continuing the partnership until the death of 
 his father, since which time he has carried on the work alone. Acquir- 
 ing prominence in his profession, he was elected city solicitor of Kenton 
 in 1905, re-elected in 1907 without opposition, and in 1908 was the 
 people’s choice for prosecuting attorney, both of which positions he 
 filled for some months, resigning as city solicitor in April of 1909. 
 
JOHN STILLINGS 
 

 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 575 
 
 A stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Stillings takes an active inter- 
 est in party affairs, and gladly lends his aid and influence in promoting 
 the welfare of city and county. He is a member of the Ancient Free 
 and Accepted Masons; of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; 
 and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an only son and has 
 never married, but resides with his mother, having a pleasant and con- 
 genial home. 
 
 George W. Bryant, one of the representative farmers and highly 
 respected citizens of Goshen township, Hardin county, Ohio, owns and 
 occupies a fine farm of two hundred and twenty-four acres. Mr. Bryant 
 was born at Fostoria, Ohio, January 22, 1852, a son of George W. and 
 Isabelle (Kemp) Bryant, the former a native of New York state and the 
 latter of Hancock county, Ohio. During the Civil war George W. 
 Bryant, the father, first enlisted as a member of the Twenty-first Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, for two years, at the end of which time he was 
 honorably discharged. Then he reenlisted for three years or during the 
 war, and as a member of the Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry was 
 in active duty until peace was declared. While awaiting his discharge 
 at Louisville, Kentucky, he was stricken with smallpox and died. Ilis 
 widow still lives, and is now seventy-seven years of age. Of their four 
 children two are living: Sarah J. and George W. Those deceased are 
 William S. and one who died in infancy. 
 
 George W. Bryant, the subject of this sketch, was reared and edu- 
 cated at Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio, and remained there until 1876. 
 From that year until 1888 he made his home in Marion county, and 
 since 1888 he has been a resident of Hardin county, engaged in farming. 
 From time to time he has been the recipient of official honors and has 
 served efficiently in various local offices. For a number of years he 
 was township supervisor, for nine years he was a justice of the peace, 
 and ever since he came to the county he has been a member of the 
 school board. He is a member of the Maple Grange, and religiously, he 
 and his family are identified with the Presbyterian church. 
 
 On August 20, 1874, Mr. Bryant married Miss Ruth C. Terry, 
 daughter of Champness and Rebecca Terry, and nine children have been 
 born to them, namely: An infant, deceased; George E. ; William C., 
 
 deceased; Charles T. ; Nellie; Carl Id.; Mabel; John; and another infant 
 which died in infancy. 
 
 Mrs. Bryant was born in Marion county, Ohio, August 27, 1855. 
 Her father, Champness Terry, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio 
 in 1831 and settled in Marion county, where he bought five hundred 
 acres of land, a portion of which extended into Hardin county. On this 
 land he built a log cabin and in true pioneer style set about the work of 
 clearing his farm, which he accomplished in due time. The Terrys are 
 of English origin. Thomas Terry, the grandfather of Champness, was 
 born in England ; in early life he came to America and settled in Virginia 
 and later was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His son Thomas, 
 Champness Terry’s father, was a slaveholder in Virginia; religiously, he 
 was a Quaker, and, espousing the Abolition cause, he moved to Ohio and 
 
576 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 freed his slaves. Champness Terry was twice married. By his first 
 wife, whose maiden name was Anne Thompson, he had six children, 
 namely: Thomas J. (deceased), Joseph C., David D., John H., Sarah J. 
 (deceased), and William P. (deceased). Three of the sons were 
 veterans of the Civil war — James M., Luke A. and David D. The 
 last named was killed in action. For his second wife he married 
 Rebecca Peters, who bore him fourteen children, as follows: Mary A., 
 
 James M„ Luke A., George W., Ruth C., Elizabeth A., Zachariah, Cath- 
 erine L., Hannah J., Magnolia, Mack C., Susan R., and two that died in 
 infancy. The mother of these children died January 18, 1901, at the 
 age of seventy-six years, and Champness Terry died January 13, 1887, 
 at the age of eighty-six years. He was held in high respect by all who 
 knew him. For eighteen successive years he filled the office of township 
 supervisor, and for several terms he was school director. One of his 
 sons by his first marriage, John H., has large mining interests in Colo- 
 rado, where he resides, and where he has been honored by election first 
 to the office of probate judge and later to the office of judge of common 
 pleas. 
 
 George W. Moore, a prominent farmer and stockraiser of Marion 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born at Allen, this state, August 17, 
 1858, a son of Samuel and Margaret E. (Mans) Moore. Samuel Moore 
 was a native of Ohio and reared his family here. One of his sons, Peter 
 M., is a resident of Milwaukee, and another son, Alpheus, lives in 
 Pennsylvania. His only daughter, Mary, is the wife of Nelson Carry. 
 
 George W. Moore spent his early boyhood at Westminster and later 
 attended school in Lima. He remained a member of the home circle 
 until he was twenty-one when, without means, he started out to make 
 his own way in the world. Going to Fort Wayne, Indiana, he went to 
 work as a carpenter in the car shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
 pany, where he remained a year. After this he was for a time with the 
 Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Company. Then he came to Hardin 
 county, Ohio, and settled down to farm work, and has been a farmer ever 
 since. In 1882 he bought thirty-five acres of his present farm, to which 
 he has added by subsequent purchase, and is now the owner of three 
 hundred and sixteen and a half acres, well improved with good buildings, 
 etc. In 1892 he erected his house, and in 1899 his barn, the latter being 
 thirty-six by sixty-two feet in dimensions, and while he carries on general 
 farming he makes a specialty of raising and buying and selling hogs, 
 cattle and horses. He buys cattle in Chicago, ships to his farm and 
 fattens for market, annually selling about two car loads of cattle and 
 from fourteen to sixteen hundred dollars worth of hogs. Also he has 
 some fine Percheron horses which have attracted no little attention in 
 this locality. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. Moore married Miss Maggie Goslee, a native of Hardin 
 county, born June 15, 1865. She was a woman of refinement and pos- 
 sessed many excellent qualities of heart and mind. After fifteen years 
 of happy married life she died on June 16, 1898, leaving two sons and 
 five daughters, namely : Florence ; Addie, wife of Merlin Ewing ; Rettie, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 577 
 
 wife of John Fred Underwood; Harry, George Lester, Maggie Fay and 
 Ruth. 
 
 Mr. Moore and his family are members of the Pleasant Hill 
 Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. He has member- 
 ship in the Maccabee Lodge at Alger, Ohio, and politically is a 
 Republican. 
 
 Solomon II. Cook. — One of the most highly esteemed and influen- 
 tial citizens of Kenton, Ohio, is Solomon H. Cook, a native of Wyandot 
 county, born August 8, 1845. Mr. Cook is a son of James B. and 
 Hannah (Corwin) Cook, both natives of Washington county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, the latter a niece of Governor Corwin. James B. Cook was born 
 February 8, 1818, and his wife October 1, 1819, and they were married 
 in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, December 18, 1839. They located 
 in Wyandot county in 1844, and for several years carried on a farm. 
 Although he purchased a farm he was a carpenter by trade and followed 
 the same all his life, erecting many residences in his neighborhood. Mr. 
 Cook died July 19, 1861, having been bitten by a mad dog seven years 
 prior to his demise, which was the cause of his death. His widow died 
 in March, 1902. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters 
 of whom three sons and two daughters survive. 
 
 Solomon II. Cook spent his early days on his father’s farm and re- 
 ceived his education in the country schools. In 1861, at the age of 
 sixteen years, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-second Regiment, Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out December 20, 1863. He reen- 
 listecl on December 20, 1863, in the same company and regiment, in what 
 was known as the Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry. He was captured 
 and sent to Andersonville prison June 11, 1864, and on September 22d 
 of the same year, with other prisoners, he was taken to Florence, South 
 Carolina, where they remained until February 1, 1865. They were then 
 taken to Wilmington, North Carolina, thence to Goldsboro, where they 
 were paroled, put aboard a steamer on March 3d and arrived at Annapo- 
 lis on March 8th. They were sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, and then re- 
 turned to their homes, Mr. Cook arriving home July 2, 1865, in a very 
 weak condition. After recovering his health he took up farming, 
 remaining on his father’s estate two years. 
 
 On October 24, 1867, Mr. Cook married Mary N. Kneisley, daughter 
 of John and Susan A. (McLain) Kneisley, natives of Pennsylvania, the 
 former born in 1825, and the latter, a native of Ohio, born in 1831 ; they 
 were married in 1848. Mr. Kneisley came to Hardin county about 1846 
 and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, cleared off the 
 timber and improved his land. Later he added two hundred and eighty 
 acres and at the time of his death had one of the finest farms in Hardin 
 county. He died July 1, 1884, and his widow passed away October 3, 
 1897. They were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three 
 daughters, of whom seven children still survive. 
 
 Mr. Cook rented land two years after his marriage and in the spring 
 of 1870 built a house on forty acres of land in Dudley township, Hardin 
 county. He cleared and improved this farm, getting it into a fine state 
 
578 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of cultivation and living there until April 1, 1907, when he sold his farm 
 and bought a small place north of Kenton. About a year later Mr. 
 Cook and his family moved to the town of Kenton, where he purchased a 
 residence on Leighton street and retired from active life. 
 
 For the past fifty years Mr. Cook has been a member of the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal church, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias at 
 Hepburn and to the Grand Army of the Republic, being chaplain of 
 Cantwell Post. lie has always voted the Republican ticket and is 
 prominent in public affairs. Mr. Cook served as trustee and township 
 clerk when living in Dudley township, also as road supervisor. For 
 six years he served as one of the directors of the county infirmary, being 
 appointed one of a committee of seven to meet in Columbus to revise the 
 poor laws, these being now in force. He is interested in every good 
 cause and has always been very active in church work, serving as lay 
 delegate to the state conference several times, and for forty years he 
 led in the church choir of Pisgah and Hepburn Methodist Episcopal 
 churches. At present Mr. Cook is census enumerator of the second ward 
 of Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Cook and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom 
 seven survive. They are: William G., born April 3, 1869; Jessie K., 
 born February 12, 1871, died April 24, 1871 ; John J., born March 3, 
 1872; Lizzie D., born July 22, 1875; Cora E., born May 18, 1877, died 
 August 31, 1878; Harvey McLain, born January 31, 1879; Mary M., 
 born July 17, 1881 ; Felicia, born January 3, 1884, died January 7, 1885; 
 Roy B., born September 30, 1885 ; and Solomon C., born December 27, 
 1889. Mr. Cook is well known in Kenton, and is held in the highest 
 esteem by all who know him. 
 
 John Laughlin Clark. — During the greater part of his life John 
 L. Clark has been identified with Hardin county and its interests, for 
 many years one of its well known agriculturists, but he is now living 
 retired in Kenton. He was born in Logan county of this state, near the 
 town of Belle Center, on the 16th of October, 1835, a member of a family 
 which was established in this country by Thomas B. Clark, a Scotchman. 
 On coming from his native Scotland to the United States this Thomas B. 
 Clark settled in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Fie was a Presbyterian 
 minister, and he organized churches and Sunday schools throughout 
 northwestern Ohio, and he located in Guernsey county of this state in 
 1811. His wife, Nancy, was also from Scotland, and her first home 
 in this country was in Erie county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Alvin Clark, a son of Thomas B. and Nancy Clark, was born in 
 Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1809. He received a college 
 education, and chose farming for his life’s work. During the war be- 
 tween the north and the south he served in Company D, Sixty-sixth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, but he was discharged in October of 1862 on account 
 of disability, and from troubles contracted in his war service he died on 
 the 10th of August, 1878. He was a stanch supporter of Republican 
 principles, and a true and earnest Presbyterian he served for several 
 years before his death as an elder in the First Presbyterian church at 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 579 
 
 Belle Center and as a teacher in its Sunday school. In 1834 Mr. Clark 
 married Mary Laughlin, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, 
 March 3, 1809. In 1811 she moved with her parents from her native 
 county of Erie to Guernsey county, Ohio, and with her husband in the 
 fall of 1834 she moved to Logan county. She died on the 18th of 
 September, 1881. 
 
 John L. Clark attended the academy at Washington, Guernsey 
 county, and during the ten years after leaving school he was engaged in 
 buying and shipping stock. In October of 1861 he enlisted in Company 
 D, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, 
 and being assigned to the Eastern Division he fought in the battle of 
 Port Republic. He was discharged by order of the secretary of war 
 on the 4th of August, 1862, being at that time a member of the board of 
 engineers, and on the 10th of May, 1864, he was enrolled as first lieu- 
 tenant of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, and was engaged in garrison duty in Virginia. Following 
 his return from the war Mr. Clark lived in Logan county until moving 
 to a farm in Hardin county in 1876, and in 1896 he established his home 
 in the county seat of Kenton. He too is a stanch supporter of Republi- 
 can principles, and for one term he served his county as a member of 
 its board of commissioners, was two terms trustee of Rock township, 
 and for eight years was the postmaster of Kenton. 
 
 On the 15tli of January, 1867, at Belle Center, Ohio, Mr. Clark was 
 married to Elsie J. Ritchey, who was born in Logan county, February 
 11, 1844, a daughter of William and Martha Ritchey. She attended 
 Geneva College at Northwood in Logan county. Her parents were 
 among the early pioneers of that county, coming from Washington 
 county, Pennsylvania, and settling in the town of Belle Center, where 
 William Ritchey followed his trade of a carpenter. The following child- 
 ren blessed the marriage union of Mr. and Mrs. Clark : William B. 
 Clark, born April 18, 1869, at Belle Center, was educated at the Zaner- 
 ian Business College at Columbus, Ohio, and is now a merchant at 
 Huntingburg, Indiana. Alvin L. Clark, born September 7, 1870, at 
 Belle Center, attended the Kenton schools and the Ohio Normal Univers- 
 ity at Ada, Ohio, and is now assistant postmaster at Kenton. Walter 
 H. Clark was born at Belle Center November 21, 1874. He attended 
 the schools of Kenton, and is now a merchant at Marion, Ohio. James 
 P. Clark, born May 5, 1876, at Belle Center, is engaged in fruit raising 
 on McKinley, Isle of Pines, Cuba. Mary J. Clark, born September 12, 
 1880, died on the 24th of August, 1898. Mr. Clark is one of the elders 
 of the Presbyterian church at Kenton, and he is also a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 W. 0. Weir, superintendent of the school at Dunkirk, Hardin 
 county, Ohio, was born in 1868, at Forest in the county in which he 
 now lives. His parents, John and Miriam (Case) Weir, were both born 
 in Ohio, the former in the county of Coschoeton and the latter in Wyan- 
 dot county. About a year previous to the birth of the subject of this 
 sketch they moved to Hardin county and settled at Forest, where the 
 mother died some years ago and where the father still lives. In their 
 
580 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 family were four children : Arthur J., Edgar C., C. 0. and W. 0. — all 
 of Hardin county except Arthur J. who is a resident of Toledo, Ohio. 
 
 W. 0. Weir received his preparatory education in the Forest high 
 school. Then he entered Ada University, where he graduated in 1893, 
 and subsequently he took a course at Lima College. He is a graduate 
 of the last named institution with the class of 1908. In the meantime 
 he was engaged in teaching. When a boy in high school it was his 
 intention to become a teacher, and his subsequent studies were pursued 
 with this end in view — to fit himself for the responsible position not 
 only a teacher but of a first-class teacher. He received a common 
 school life certificate in 1899, and a high school life certificate in 1906. 
 He taught successfully in the rural schools for eleven years and for 
 twelve years has been connected with high school work, the past eight 
 years as superintendent of the Dunkirk High School. This school 
 had its origin in 1866, when the union school system was organized, 
 and in 1867 a four room brick building was erected, which was re- 
 placed in 1883 by the present school building, erected at a cost of 
 forty-eight thousand five hundred dollars. In 1902 the school was 
 reorganized as a second grade high school, and in 1904 it was raised to 
 a first grade. At this writing (1909), the high school, which comprises 
 four grades, has an enrollment of eighty-four, and the elementary school 
 with its eight grades, has an enrollment of one hundred and twenty-one. 
 At present nine teachers are employed in the schools numbering W. H. 
 Mustard, IT. B. Williams, J. W. Millette, S. D. Rank, J. R. Bowland, F. 
 J. Stincheomb, E. W. Green, and W. 0. Weir. The first man to preside 
 here as superintendent was W. IT. Mustard. He was followed by H. 
 B. Williams, the present superintendent of the Sandusky City schools, 
 and next came W. 0. Weir, who as above stated, has been superintendent 
 eight years. Professor Weir’s principal and assistant in the high school 
 are C. C. Barnes and John R. Bowland, respectively, both of whom are 
 graduates of the Ada University. 
 
 Professor Weir married, 1894, Miss Anna O’Brien, a native of 
 Forest, Ohio, born in 1869, and they have one son, Paul V., born in 
 1899, and who is now in the fifth grade of the public schools. In both 
 fraternal and church circles the Professor is prominent and active. He 
 is treasurer of Lodge No. 549, F. & A. M. and of R. A. M. No. 138, and 
 has membership in the I. 0. 0. F. and the K. of P. He worships with 
 the Church of Christ. He has held the position of county teachers 
 examiner for two terms, and has always stood for the advancement of 
 the county’s teachers. He has membership in all teachers’ societies 
 for advancement, is an ardent supporter of this town’s welfare, eager 
 for its advancement, and is a close student and an orator of ability, 
 being in demand for teachers institutes and class addresses. His ad- 
 dresses are classic and he never fails to prove he has a mission for the 
 young student and teacher. Professor Weir is also at present president 
 of the Perfect Gate Company, capitalized at ten thousand dollars and 
 located at Forest, Ohio. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 581 
 
 William D. Smith. — The city of Kenton, Ohio, is the scene of 
 operation of many thriving manufacturing enterprises, whose success 
 has contributed not a little to the welfare and growth of the city. A- 
 mong the efficient and enterprising men at the head of these institutions 
 is William D. Smith, who is president and superintendent of the Ohio 
 Machine Tool Company. Mr. Smith is a native of Kentucky, born at 
 Newport, April 17, 1859, a son of Daniel and Caroline Wagner Smith. 
 His father was born near Frankfort and his mother in Berlin, Germany, 
 and they had six children, three sons and three daughters. 
 
 William D. Smith received his education in the public schools of 
 Kentucky, but only got as far as the fourth reader. At the age of four- 
 teen years he became an apprentice to the trade of machinist in Cincin- 
 nati, where he served four years, a year and a half under special instruc- 
 tion. He then took charge of a department for the McFarland & Navgin- 
 tonliam Company, Cincinnati, manufacturers of machinery. Mr. Smith 
 remained in their employ ten years, and then took charge of the Lodge- 
 Davis Machine Tool Company, also of Cincinnati, with whom he 
 remained eight years. 
 
 In 1867 Mr. Smith started in the machinist tool business on his 
 own account in Cincinnati, and in 1891 moved this enterprise to Kenton, 
 Ohio, where the business has since been carried on under the name of 
 the Ohio Machine Tool Company. The concern has a capital stock of 
 fifty thousand dollars, with a paid up capital of thirty-five thousand 
 dollars. Mr. Smith is president and superintendent, II. A. Wise, sec- 
 retary and treasurer, and Henry Gramlich, vice president. In times of 
 great business activity the firm employs about seventy-five men, and 
 they do a general line of machine tool manufacturing. 
 
 In 1881, Mr. Smith married Bessie Williamson, daughter of Robert 
 Williamson, and to this union two children have been born, Harry and 
 Flora. Mr. Smith is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Politically 
 he is. a Republican and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. 
 He is a self made man, and has reached his present position through his 
 own energy and ambition. He has been engaged in his present occupa- 
 tion since boyhood, and thoroughly understands every detail of the 
 business under his charge. He is a man of high character and business 
 probity, and is popular in business and social circles. 
 
 Robert L. Souder, M. D. — Prominent among those physicians of 
 reputed experience, skill and ability who are enjoying a lucrative general 
 practice in Ada, Hardin county, is Robert L. Souder, M. D., a man of 
 much professional knowledge and wisdom. A son of William Souder, 
 he was born, February 13, 1851, in Crawford county, Ohio, near Sulphur 
 Springs. 
 
 A native of Loudoun county, Virginia, William Souder, when a boy, 
 migrated with his parents to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he grew 
 to manhood, and began his career as an independent farmer. He subse- 
 quently moved to Crawford county, and for awhile continued his 
 agricultural labors, owning a farm near Sulphur Springs. Giving up 
 farming, he resided awhile at, New Washington, from there coming, in 
 1861, to Ada, where he built a tannery, which he operated until his 
 
I 
 
 582 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 retirement from active pursuits. Here he resided until his death, at 
 the age of seventy-seven years. He was a man of sterling integrity, and 
 a worthy member of the Presbyterian church. He married first, in 
 Columbiana county, Nancy Stephens, who bore him eleven children. 
 He married second, in 1840, in Crawford county, Margaret Latimer, who 
 was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of George 
 Latimer, who was of Irish descent, and to them four children were born. 
 
 The youngest of his father’s family of fifteen children, Robert L. 
 Souder was ten years old when the family settled in Ada, where he 
 acquired his preliminary education. After leaving the public schools, 
 he studied under Dr. Lehr, before the organization of the college, and 
 assisted his instructor as a pupil teacher. He afterwards taught in the 
 public schools of Ada, serving one year as superintendent, in the mean- 
 time spending all of his leisure time in reading medicine with Dr. 
 Ralph Davenport, of Ada. During the winter of 1873 and 1874 he 
 attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, and the 
 following winter attended lectures at the Detroit Medical College, from 
 which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1875. 
 Beginning the practice of his profession at North Baltimore, Wood 
 county, Dr. Souder remained there three years, afterwards spending 
 five years at Metamora, Fulton county. Going from there to Nevada, 
 Wyandot county, he built up a large and remunerative patronage, re- 
 maining there eighteen years. In 1902 the doctor came to Ada, and 
 has since become one of the leading physicians of this part of Hardin 
 county. 
 
 On February 17, 1876, Dr. Souder was united in marriage with 
 Jennie Melhorn, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, a daughter of 
 Captain Michael and Martha (Ahlefeld) Melhorn, of Ada. Mrs. 
 Souder is a woman of culture and refinement, and prior to her marriage 
 taught several terms in the public schools of Ada. The Doctor and Mrs. 
 Souder have two children, namely : Donna, wife of LI. L. Goodbrend, 
 
 of Nevada, Ohio; and Ruth. The Doctor has accumulated a good 
 property, and is the owner of the old Melhorn farming estate, which 
 adjoins the village of Ada. He belongs to various medical organizations 
 including the Hardin County Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio 
 Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, and the American 
 Medical Association. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of 
 Pythias, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church. He has 
 always been identified with the Republican party, and while in Wyandot 
 county served from 1897 until coming to Ada as a member of the Board 
 of Pension Examiners. 
 
 Demoin Ewing. — One of the most enterprising young farmers of 
 Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, Demoin Ewing, was born 
 in Silver Creek, Ohio, June 19, 1876, a son of Robert I. and Orilla J. 
 (Harris) Ewing, the former of whom died in 1898. Mrs. Ewing is a 
 daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Jewell) Harris, of Lincoln county, 
 Ohio. The children born to Robert Ewing and his wife were: Demoin; 
 Roy, a farmer living near Kenton ; Alfaretta, wife of Thad W. Carr, 
 
HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 583 
 
 mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Glen, living in the state of 
 Washington. 
 
 Demoin Ewing attended the public schools and received a liberal 
 education. When about seventeen years of age he began working on a 
 farm and he worked until about 1901 for Thad W. Carr. In 1901 he 
 married Mary Carr Roberts, who was born January 29, 1879, daughter 
 of Judson and Mary F. Roberts. Her mother died when she was an 
 infant and she lived with her grandmother, Mrs. Lydia (Howell) Carr, 
 until her marriage. Her grandfather was Washington Carr, father 
 of Thad W. Carr mentioned above. Mrs. Lydia Carr was a daughter 
 of Halsey Howell. Judson Roberts still lives on a farm in this county. 
 
 Mr. Ewing and his wife have two children, Edna, born May 29, 
 1902, and Fred Judd, born June 25, 1907. Mr. Ewing is a member of 
 the local Grange. He is a Republican in politics and though actively 
 interested in public affairs, has never eared for office. 
 
 Nathan Ahlefeld. — The honored subject of this memoir was a 
 scion of one of the sterling families of the old Buckeye state, was himself 
 for many years prominently identified with business and civic interests 
 in Hardin county and was called upon to serve in various posts of dis- 
 tinctive public trust and responsibility and was a citizen who ever com- 
 manded unequivocal confidence and respect in this section of the state. 
 He passed the closing years of his life at his home in Kenton, this 
 county, on the 9th of July, 1902, at which time he was sixty-eight years 
 of age. 
 
 Nathan Ahlefeld was born in Richland county, Ohio, in the year 
 1833, and was a son of Rhinehard Ahlefeld, who was the founder of the 
 family in America and who was a representative of a stanch old family 
 of Germany where he was born and reared. About the year 1818 he 
 immigrated to America and soon after his arrival came to Ohio and 
 numbered himself among the pioneers of Richland county. In a remote 
 way the ancestry is traced back to Danish origin, representatives of the 
 name having moved from Denmark to Germany in the sixteenth century. 
 In his native land Rhinehard Ahlefeld gained a good common school 
 education and there he learned the miller’s trade. After locating in 
 Richland county, Ohio, he erected and operated a mill and there he also 
 reclaimed from the forest a productive farm. In that county was 
 solemnized his marriage to Phoebe Young, who was of German lineage 
 and there all of their children were born. About 1849 the family 
 removed to Allen county, Ohio, and later they removed thence to Hardin 
 county and settled on a farm near Ada where the father died at the 
 venerable age of seventy-six years. 
 
 Concerning the children of Rhinehard and Phoebe (Young) Ahlefeld 
 the following brief data are entered: Airs. Christina Moore resided in 
 
 Allen county after marriage and there her death occurred when she was 
 seventy-six years of age ; Mrs. Martha Melhorn, a second daughter, was 
 a resident of Hardin county after her marriage and she died at Ada, 
 this county, at the age of seventy-six years ; Mrs. Nancy Gilbert is now a 
 resident of Burlington, Kansas; Mrs. Sarah Rockhill is a resident of 
 
584 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 LeRoy, that state ; Nathan is the immediate subject of this memoir ; 
 Peter is a resident of the city of Cleveland, Ohio; and Jacob resides in 
 LeRoy, Kansas. Nathan Ahlefeld gained his early education in the 
 primitive pioneer schools of his native county and was about sixteen 
 years of age at the time of the family’s removal to Allen county. They 
 settled near Rockport where they remained a few years, after which 
 they came to Hardin county and established a home about one-half mile 
 north of the village of Ada, a place now known as the Lowry farm. 
 Nathan Ahlefeld early became dependent upon his own resources. At 
 the age of seventeen years he went to live in the home of Dr. Sager at 
 Lafayette, Allen county, and he remained with this pioneer physician 
 until he was about twenty-one years of age, having been employed in a 
 store conducted by Dr. Sager and at other incidental occupations. Short- 
 ly before attaining his legal majority, in company with Calvin Gilbert, 
 he set forth with an ox team and wagon for Minnesota where he secured 
 from the government a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres 
 upon which a portion of the city of Minneapolis now stands. He there 
 remained about two years and in the meanwhile perfected his title to the 
 land. At the expiration of the period noted he returned to Ohio, making 
 a short stay in the city of Chicago, which was then a place of compara- 
 tive obscurity, and upon reaching Allen county he rejoined Dr. Sager 
 who soon afterward entrusted him with a small stock of goods which he 
 installed in a modest building in the village of Ada where he built up a 
 successful enterprise. He was appointed the first postmaster of the 
 town and also served as local railroad agent at that point. He eventu- 
 ally bought a stock of goods from Mr. Sager, removed the same to another 
 location in the village and succeeded in making the enterprise one of no 
 inconsiderable scope and importance in the handling of general merchan- 
 dise. He also became a successful dealer in real estate and his enterprise 
 and initiative led him to identify himself with other lines of business 
 through which he gained success, as he was recognized as a man of sterl- 
 ing integrity and as one possessed of marked business acumen. He 
 served a second term as postmaster of Ada and shortly after the close of 
 the war he erected the building in which was the first public hall of the 
 town. This building, which is still standing, was also used by him for 
 his mercantile establishment. Mr. Ahlefeld also became associated with 
 his brother in the establishing of a bank at Ada and they conducted the 
 same for a number of years. Still later, he served one term as county 
 auditor, giving a most effective and acceptable administration. 
 
 In 1881 Mr. Ahlefeld disposed of his various interests in Ada and 
 removed to Kenton where he entered into partnership with Curtis 
 Wilkin, under the firm name of Ahlefeld & Wilkin, and they thereafter 
 conducted a prosperous real estate and loan business until about 1893, 
 when Mr. Wilkin retired from the firm, after which Mr. Ahlefeld con- 
 tinued the enterprise until about seven years prior to his demise. During 
 these years he lived virtually retired and when he was called to the life 
 eternal, the community lost one of its honored pioneer citizens and able 
 business men. While a resident of Ada, Mr. Ahlefeld was agent for 
 the famous Hog Creek Marsh Lands and the sale of the same was effected 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 585 
 
 through him. Through his own efforts Mr. Ahlefeld accumulated a 
 competency but he did not hedge himself in with selfish interests but was 
 ever ready to give his support and influence in connection with all 
 enterprises and measures attending to advance the general welfare of the 
 community. In addition to serving as county auditor, in 1871, he was 
 appointed by Governor James E. Campbell a member of the board of 
 managers of the Ohio State penetentiary at Columbus, and he continued 
 in this position during the administration of Governor Campbell. In 
 politics he was a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party. 
 Both he and his wife were identified with the Presbyterian church. 
 
 On the 22d of May, 1856, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Ahlefeld to Miss Celia E. Wiley, who was born in Worthington, Ohio, 
 and who is a daughter of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Lewis) Wiley, both of 
 whom were born and reared in Ohio. Dr. Wiley traced his lineage back 
 to Welsh origin and the founder of the family in America was Samuel 
 Wiley, who came from Wales in 1765 and established his home at 
 Snowhill, Maryland. He served as a patriot soldier in the war of the 
 Revolution. His wife was of Spanish descent and they reared a family 
 of several children. Dr. Isaac Wiley was one of the honored pioneer 
 physicians of Ohio and for many years was engaged in the active prac- 
 tice of his profession at Worthington, this state, where his marriage 
 was solemnized. He passed the closing years of his life in the home 
 of his son-in-law, Nathan Ahlefeld. of this memoir, in the village of 
 Ada, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The 
 mother of Mrs. Ahlefeld was a relative of the historic Lee and Hull fam- 
 ilies of Virginia and her paternal grandfather was a soldier in the 
 Continental line in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Ahlefeld still 
 resides in the attractive and commodious residence, on north Detroit 
 street, which was erected by her husband upon his removal to Kenton. 
 
 In conclusion of this sketch is entered a brief record concerning 
 the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ahlefeld. Ida is the wife of J. F. Andrews 
 of Kenton ; Albert G. is individually mentioned on other pages of this 
 work ; Effie L. is the wife of J. B. Andrews of Goshen, Indiana ; Anna 
 died at Ada, this county, at the age of two years, and Corinne is the wife 
 of Curran Flanagan, editor and publisher of the Kenton Democrat. 
 
 Hon. Moses B. Walker, LL. D. — The late General Moses B. Walker 
 was one of the strong men produced by the state of Ohio, the proud 
 mother of stalwart sons who have given such a splendid account of them- 
 selves in the councils of commonwealth and nation, in the activities of 
 the field, as well as of statesmanship. General Walker was a typical 
 representative of the highest citizenship and patriotism of the Buckeye 
 state. He was eminent as a brave soldier and a military leader ; 
 honored for his ability as a lawyer and a .judge and widely recognized by 
 the Republican party as a man to be implicitly trusted — one of their 
 most gifted and moral representatives. Wherever there was work 
 to be done, either on the battlefields of the militia or of politics — work 
 which required manly stamina and a high grade of courage — there coidcl 
 always be found General Walker in the thick of the fray. 
 
586 
 
 HISTORY OP TIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Moses B. Walker was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, horn on 
 the 16th of July, 1819, and was a son of John and Mary (Davis) Walker. 
 His mother was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, daughter of 
 Ignatius and Mary (DeLamar) Davis, and was of French ancestry. 
 John Walker, the father, was also a native of Maryland (St. Mary’s 
 county) . He was a planter in that section of the state — a Catholic and 
 a Whig ; and his politics may have had something to do with his coming 
 to Ohio in 1798. In that year he settled in the Scioto valley near 
 Chillicothe, where he prospered as a farmer and a good citizen. With 
 true southern spirit, he joined the other settlers in that part of the 
 territory in their determined efforts to repel Indian attacks and in- 
 vasion, and was one of the pioneers who erected the famous Martin 
 blockhouse in the Scioto valley. Likewise, he gladly left his plow to 
 participate in the war of 1812 and the final settlement of the score 
 against Great Britain, serving during several campaigns as lieutenant 
 of the home militia. In his earlier years Mr. Walker was a Catholic, 
 thereby adhering to the faith of his forefathers in Maryland; but later 
 he became a member and a leading worker in the Methodist church. In 
 1842 Mr. Walker moved with his wife to Yan Buren county, Iowa„ locat- 
 ing large tracts of land along the Des Moines river, some of which he 
 improved and handled others as investments. He died in this locality 
 about 1850. His wife was a woman of strong character and remarkable 
 accomplishments. Through careful study, she gained a thorough 
 knowledge of medicine and surgery, which she practiced to some extent — 
 very unusual gifts and an almost unheard-of career for a woman of 
 her day. Mrs. Mary Davis Walker died in Iowa in 1857, her son, Moses 
 B., being then at the height of his standing as a citizen of Dayton, Ohio. 
 
 Until he was seventeen years of age the latter attended the country 
 schools near his father’s farm in the Scioto valley, working at the same 
 time to assist in the maintenance of the household. When seventeen, 
 he entered the freshman class of Augusta College, Kentucky, and after 
 remaining in that institution for two years went to Cincinnati, where he 
 spent a like period at the Woodward Preparatory School. At the end 
 of his three years at Yale University he was obliged to return home on 
 account of ill health. As soon as he was able to resume work, he com- 
 menced the study of law in the office of Judge Joseph H. Crane, of 
 Dayton, and afterward attended lectures at the Cincinnati Law School, 
 from which he graduated in 1845. He then formed a partnership with 
 H. V. R. Lord, opening offices at Dayton and Germantown, Ohio, with 
 himself in charge of the former and Mr. Lord, of the latter. Quite 
 early during the period of his residence in Dayton Mr. Walker became 
 identified with both the civic and military affairs of the community, at 
 the breaking out of the Mexican war holding the commission of major of 
 cavalry in the state troops. This he resigned to raise a company of 
 infantry, but before an organization was effected an order came to accept 
 no more troops ; Avhich prevented him from seeing service on Mexican 
 soil. Continuing his law practice with Mr. Lord until the death of his 
 partner, he then associated himself with Judge G. B. Holt, an eminent 
 lawyer of Dayton, under the firm name of Walker, Holt & Walker, the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 587 
 
 junior member of which was a nephew of Moses B. The senior of the 
 firm served as a member of the Ohio senate in 1850-1, and Avas an unsuc- 
 cessful congressional nominee in 1864 and 1866, although he made a 
 remarkable run against an overwhelming normal majority for the 
 Democracy. 
 
 At the opening of the Civil war, General Walker was commissioned 
 captain of the Twelfth United States Infantry, but through his friend, 
 Salmon P. Chase, he was appointed colonel of the Thirty-first Ohio 
 Infantry and assigned to the army of the Cumberland under General 
 Thomas. He first distinguished himself at the battle of Perryville. 
 Fully recognizing his high standing at home General Rosecrans sent him 
 to Ohio to recruit and organize troops. Owing to the unsettled political 
 situation then prevailing and the bitter feeling existing between the two 
 parties, these duties were as trying, and fully as important, as any which 
 could have been assigned to him at the front. In the forming and 
 practical organization of public sentiment toward the primary end of 
 raising troops for the Union cause, General Walker accomplished a 
 wonderful work, his stirring addresses, oral and printed, arousing 
 wide-spread sympathy, enthusiasm and action. He returned to the 
 front in time to participate in the battle of Stone River, as commander 
 of the first brigade, third division, fourteenth army corps. He also 
 bore a heroic part in the battle of Chickamauga. in which he was severely 
 wounded. As a result he was not only publicly commended for his 
 brave and skillful handling of troops, but on March 27, 1865, was com- 
 missioned brigadier general of volunteers, by brevet, and major and 
 brevet lieutenant colonel in the regular army. Subsequently he parti- 
 cipated in various military operations at Resaca, Dalton, Lookout Moun- 
 tain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Atlanta, Jonesboro and 
 Nashville, and at the close of the war was honorably mustered out of the 
 service as a retired colonel of the Regular army. 
 
 Upon his return to Ohio. General Walker engaged in the practice 
 of the law at Findlay, but in 1868 was ordered to Texas on military duty. 
 His professional abilities soon earned him high preferment at the hands 
 of the administration, and by successive appointments he served both 
 as district judge and as a member of the state supreme bench. In the 
 latter capacity he served until the state was admitted to representation in 
 Congress, his colleagues of the supreme court being Judges A. J. Hamil- 
 ton. Morrell, Lindsay and Dennison. General Walker then returned 
 north, settled at Kenton, Ohio, and resumed the practice of his profes- 
 sion in partnership with his sons. AVillis and John. In 1879 he retired 
 to his farm in the outskirts of that place, where he remained until his 
 death, December 17, 1895. In his religious faith, the deceased was a 
 Methodist, and his fraternal connections were with the Masons, Odd 
 Fellows and his comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 General Walker wa s married, November 10. 1842, to Miss Maria C. 
 Van Scoyke, daughter of Tobias and Elizabeth (Posey) Van Scoyke. 
 The father was a merchant in Franklin and Germantown. Ohio, who gave 
 his daughter a good education, partly in a private school of Dayton. 
 Mrs. Maria Walker "died at Germantown, July 3, 1853, leaving three 
 
588 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 children. Of these Mary Elizabeth was born in Germantown and is 
 now the wife of John T. Carlin, a retired citizen of Perrysburg, Ohio; 
 John 0. Walker, a native also of Germantown, is a graduate of the 
 Michigan University Law School, practiced for a time but retired on 
 account of ill health and lives in Kenton ; and Antoinette, who was horn 
 at Dayton, is now the widow of E. F. Cullen and a resident of Austin, 
 Texas. 
 
 On May 1, 1855, General Walker married, as his second wife, Miss 
 Mary M. Hitt, the ceremony occurring at Vincennes, Indiana. She was 
 a daughter of Dr. Willis M. and Mary (Reynolds) Hitt, both of Mary- 
 land, the latter being a descendant of Thomas Smith, a soldier of the 
 Revolution. The second Mrs. Walker, who died October 16, 1907, at 
 Kenton, Ohio, was also a cousin of the late Congressman Robert Hitt, 
 of Illinois. The children of the second union were as follows: Willis 
 
 5., who was born at Germantown, Ohio, graduated from the Law School 
 of the Michigan University, and died at Spokane, Washington, January 
 10, 1890, being then engaged in practice there; Harriet R., born at 
 Germantown, educated as a vocalist, married L. B. Tyson (now a retired 
 druggist of Kenton) and died in that city, November 25, 1907 ; Mozelle 
 
 11., who was born at Dayton, was educated as an artist, and married 
 Eugene Rogers, a Kenton druggist; George W., born in Dayton, edu- 
 cated at Ohio Northern University, West Point and Ohio State Univer- 
 sity, and now professor of mathematics at the Pittsburg high school ; 
 Bessie F. was born in Findlay, educated at Delaware College, Ohio, and 
 now resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is married to a dry goods 
 merchant of that city; Frank W., also a student of the Ohio State Uni- 
 versity (a native of Findlay), and a traveling salesman residing at 
 Kenton; Mary L., who was born in Austin, Texas, was educated as a 
 musician and is now engaged in professional work at Kenton ; anu 
 De La Mar E. Walker, born at Findlay, also educated as a musician, and 
 the wife of Paul Iv. Strong, an architect of Kenton. 
 
 The American ancestor of the Ohio branch of the Walker family 
 to which General Walker belonged was John Walker, who settled in 
 Maryland with Lord Baltimore, and was killed in the Revolutionary 
 war at the battle of Eutaw Springs. 
 
 Anthony Ramsey, who owns and occupies a farm of ninety acres 
 in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born at Kenton, 
 this county, in 1840. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education 
 in the common schools, and early in life giving his attention to the ship- 
 ping of stock. This business he followed for twenty-five years. He 
 was reared on a farm, and in later years he naturally turned to the farm 
 again. First, he bought eighty acres in Pleasant township. Afterward 
 he owned other farms, aggregating in all nine hundred sixty-five acres. 
 
 Mr. Ramsey is a son of George and Lizzie (Peifer) Ramsey, na- 
 tives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1836, coming 
 direct to Hardin county. Here George Ramsey purchased one hundred 
 acres of imclaimed land. He was the first man in Hardin county to 
 do any milling. His mill was a portable one, operated by horse power, 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 589 
 
 and while he conducted business on a small scale it was sufficient for 
 those pioneer days. Also he was the first man in the county to distill 
 liquor. By trade he was a tailor, having served an apprenticeship in 
 the old country; but in the new country in which they had settled they 
 found new conditions to which they adapted themselves. His brothers 
 had learned milling and distilling in Germany, and it was with their 
 assistance that he engaged in these occupations here. George Ramsey 
 was the father of four children : Anthony, Lizzie, Maggie and George, 
 deceased, and when the children were small the father died, his death 
 occurring in 1849. The mother lived to rear her little family, and to 
 reach the ripe old age of eighty-six. She died April 27, 1905. The 
 paternal grandfather of our subject was Henry Ramsey. He was the 
 head of the family which emigrated to this country from Germany in 
 1836, as above stated, and his children were George, Lewis, Anthony, 
 Coen, Dorotha and Lizzie. The maternal grandfather was Michael 
 Peifer, also a German. The Peifer family came to America about the 
 time the Ramseys did, and settled at Kenton. The children of Michael 
 Peifer were : Adam, John. Michael, George, Barbara and Lizzie. 
 
 April 27, 1877, Anthony Ramsey married Miss Rose, daughter of 
 Jacob and Harriet Hufnagle, who bore him three children : Hattie, who 
 married Alexander Eberhart and has two children, Anna and Freder- 
 ick ; Georgiana died at the age of twenty-four ; and Mark. Mrs. 
 Ramsey was born in Crawford county, Ohio, March 2, 1851. Mr. 
 Ramsey’s mother came from Germany. 
 
 Dr. W. N. Mundy, a successful physician of Forest, was born in 
 Jersey City, New Jersey, and his common and high school education were 
 acquired in New York city. His further education was largely ac- 
 quired through his own efforts, and he is a self-made man. He is a son 
 of William N. and Margaret J. (Harris) Mundy, both natives of New 
 Jersey; they, had four children, namely: John. Mary, Lavina and 
 William N. William N. Mundy, Sr., served in the Civil war, in the 
 Eighth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, for three years and three 
 months. After serving the short term for which he first enlisted he 
 reenlisted. He ivas promoted from rank of private to commissary 
 sergeant of his company. William N. Mundy was son of Edward N. 
 Mundy, a soldier in the war of 1812. The Mundy and Harris families 
 are of English origin, and members of both families took part in the 
 Revolution. 
 
 The Doctor received his medical education at The Eclectic Medical 
 College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1883. In 1888 he 
 entered NeAv York Post Graduate Medical School and pursued a post 
 graduate course, and in 1891 he took a special course in diseases of the 
 eye and ear, in treating which organs he is a specialist. Dr. Mundy was 
 living in Forest in 1875, being then a poor youth, though he had ambi- 
 tion and energy to better his position in life. In 1883 he returned to 
 Forest, for the practice of his profession, and with a bright future before 
 him, whose promise has been realized. He is noAv accorded a high place 
 in his profession, and has the confidence and esteem of the community. 
 
 Vol. II— 10 
 
590 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Dr. Mundy is editor of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Journal , 
 and secretary of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association. He is 
 an instructor in the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, on diseases 
 of children, which post he has held since 1894. He takes a special 
 interest in this institution, being himself one of its graduates. Dr. 
 Mundy is the author of a work on Diseases of Children and takes an 
 intense interest in this very important subject. He is a member of the 
 Northwestern Ohio Eclectic Medical Association, also a member of the 
 National Eclectic Medical Association of which he is corresponding 
 secretary and editor of its journal. 
 
 At present Dr. Mundy is a member of the school board of Forest, in 
 which capacity he has served eighteen years. He is a member of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is Past Grand Patriarch of 
 Ohio. He is also Past Grand Representative of the state. In 1883 Dr. 
 Mundy married Maggie J., daughter of J. K. and Lucinda Waltermire 
 a native of Wyandot county. This union has been blessed with two 
 children, Carl S. and Giles J. 
 
 Martin Luther Snyder. — A public-spirited and influential citizen 
 of Ada, Martin Luther Snyder is widely and favorably known as junior 
 member of the enterprising firm of Parlette & Snyder, publishers of 
 the University Herald, and job printers. A son of the late Daniel 
 Snyder, he was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1865, 
 of German ancestry. His great-grandfather, DeWalt Snyder, was born 
 in Germany, where his surname was spelled Schneider. Emigrating to 
 the United States in early manhood, he became a pioneer settler of 
 Somerset county, and took an active part, in the advancement of its 
 agricultural interests. Jacob Snyder, the grandfather of Martin Luther, 
 was a life-long resident of Pennsylvania, and a successful farmer. 
 
 Daniel Snyder was born, reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and 
 during his active life was engaged in tilling the soil in Rockwood, 
 Somerset county, living there until his death, in 1891. He married 
 Eliza Miller, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where her 
 father, Jonathan Miller, was for many years owner and manager of a 
 grist mill. She is now living in Davenport, Nebraska, a venerable and 
 esteemed woman of eighty-two years. 
 
 The seventh child in order of birth of a family of eight children, 
 Martin Luther Snyder spent his boyhood days on the home farm, obtain- 
 ing his early education in the district schools. He subsequently took 
 special studies winters at the State Normal schools, and at the age of 
 seventeen years began his career as a teacher, and taught several terms. 
 Going to Nebraska in 1883, Mr. Snyder remained there five years, being 
 engaged in general farming in Richardson county. Being then recalled 
 to Pennsylvania on account of the serious illness of his father, he taught 
 school in his old home township until 1891. Locating then in Ada, 
 Ohio, Mr. Snyder entered the classical department of the Ohio Northern 
 University, from which he was graduated in 1894. In 1895 he bought 
 the half interest of E. E. McCoppin in the University Herald and job 
 printing office, then owned by Parlette & McCoppin, and has since 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 591 
 
 carried on a substantial printing business as junior member of the firm 
 of Parlette & Snyder. 
 
 Since 1890 Mr. Parlette has devoted the greater part of his time to 
 the lecture platform, and Mr. Snyder has had full control of the plant, 
 where he does general job printing, book work, and in addition publishes 
 the University Herald, a weekly publication, which was established in 
 1885. 
 
 Mr. Snyder married, November 26, 1895, Ola Estella Feiss, a 
 daughter of Gustavus and Sarilda Feiss, of Lima, Ohio, and to them five 
 children have been born, namely: Barton F.. Ruth L., Lowell F., Edith 
 M., and Ralph L. Mr. Snyder is an earnest supporter of the principles 
 of the Republican party, and active in public affairs. He is a consistent 
 member of the Presbyterian church, and is chairman of its board of 
 trustees. 
 
 Riley Park McElroy, M. D., a prominent physician of Ada, Ohio, 
 dates his birth in Hancock county, this state, May 13, 1871, and is the 
 only son and youngest child of George W. and Sarah (Parks) McElroy. 
 George W. McElroy was a native of Hardin county, Ohio, and by 
 occupation was a farmer. He died at the age of fifty-six years. His 
 widow, a native of Hancock county, is still living there, she and her 
 daughter, Mary Celesta, occupying the old home. 
 
 Riley P. was reared on his father ’s farm and studied his first lessons 
 in a district school. By applying himself closely to his books, he 
 qualified for the position of teacher before he emerged from his teens, 
 and by teaching he paved his way to higher education and to a pro- 
 fessional career. In the meantime he took a course at Findlay College 
 and is a graduate of the latter with the class of 1896. Beginning at the 
 age of eighteen he taught country school four winters in Hardin county, 
 and subsequently was for three years an instructor in Defiance College. 
 He spent four years attending the Baltimore Medical College, where he 
 graduated in 1903 and afterward took special hospital work at Baltimore, 
 and a course in the New York Post Graduate School. After his gradu- 
 ation in 1903, he entered upon the practice of his profession at Ada, 
 where he has since continued successfully. He is a member of both 
 the Hardin County Medical and the State Medical Societies. 
 
 Dr. McElroy is interested in farming, having a farm in Hancock 
 county and one in Hardin county. Politically he is a Republican. He 
 married, in 1902, Miss Cora Motter daughter of John Motter. 
 
 William Stoll is one of the young and influential agriculturists 
 of Washington township, where he resides on a valuable farm of two 
 hundred and forty acres. He was born in Pleasant township of Har- 
 din county, March 17, 1878, being there also reared and educated, and 
 starting in life for himself he chose the vocation of his ancestors. He 
 is a grandson on the paternal side of one of the early pioneers of Hardin 
 county, Conrad Stoll, who was born in Germany, and his children were 
 Eliza, Maggie, Betty, George, Casper. John and Mrs. Andrews. 
 
 George C. Stoll, of the above family, was born in Hardin county 
 
592 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and has long been numbered among its most influential business men 
 and farmers. In addition to the estate of two hundred and forty 
 acres on which his son resides and superintends he has also a farm of 
 eighty acres in Pleasant township, this latter being his homestead. He 
 married in his early life Emma Reese, a native daughter of Gfermany, 
 and five children have been born to them, namely : William, Philip, Julia, 
 Millie and Mary, but the last named is deceased. William Stoll, their 
 elder son, married on the 3d of May, 1904, Miss Electa Haynes, born in 
 Goshen township, Hardin county, in 1883, and a son, Kenneth, has been 
 born to them. Mrs. Stoll belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 Mr. Stoll is a member of the Masonic order. 
 
 Robert A. Dempster, a respected citizen of Marion township, Har- 
 din coTinty, Ohio, was born November 13, 1839, in Franklin township, 
 Harrison county, this state, and is a son of early pioneers of the Western 
 Reserve. His paternal grandparents, Robert and Eliza (Hunter) 
 Dempster, were of Scotch descent and both natives of Pennsylvania. 
 Their son, John W. Dempster, the father of Robert A., was born in 
 Jefferson, Ohio, August 7. 1817, and died October 3, 1904. He married 
 in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 29, 1838, Miss Florania Huston, 
 a native of Harrison county, this state, born May 20, 1820. Of the 
 eight children born to them, four are now living: Robert A., Jacob, 
 
 Catherine and W. Perry. 
 
 Robert A. Dempster grew up on his father’s farm attending dis- 
 trict school in winter and working in the fields in summer. About the 
 time he reached his majority the Civil war came on, and he was among 
 the first to tender his services to the Union cause. He enlisted in Com- 
 pany K, 33rd Ohio Volunteers, for three-months service, but was not 
 called out, and was discharged in the fall. In August, 1862, he again 
 enlisted, this time as a member of Company E, 13th Ohio Volunteers, 
 and with his command joined the Army of the Cumberland. A short 
 time before the battle of Stone river, he was taken down with pneumonia 
 and was disabled for field service, but was on duty in hospital as medi- 
 cal cadet. He was honorably discharged, and was mustered out June, 
 28, 1865. 
 
 That same year, 1865, he was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, the lady 
 of his choice being Miss Mary J. Possnett, a native of Pennsylvania, 
 born June 25, 1838. Her father, William Possnett, was a native of 
 Stockport, England. He was pressed into the English navy when a boy 
 and spent some time on a man-of-war vessel. In 1815 he was a partici- 
 pant in the battle of Waterloo. Tie was born in 1800, and died in 1884. 
 His wife, Margaret (Peacock) Possnett, was born in Pennsylvania, of 
 Dutch parentage, in 1807, and died in 1891. For many years they lived 
 in Cincinnati, where their daughter, Mrs. Dempster, was reared. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dempster seven children were given, three of whom are 
 living: William J. W., of Lima, Ohio; Alice, and Maude, the latter 
 being the wife of Clark P. Henders of Westminster, Ohio, and Miss 
 Alice lives with her parents. 
 
 Mr. Dempster is a member of the G. A. R. and, politically, is a 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 593 
 
 Republican. He and his family are identified with the United Brethren 
 church at Herrod, in which for a period of twenty-one years he has 
 served as quarterly conference secretary. Both he and his daughter 
 Alice are active in Sunday school work, he being superintendent and 
 she a teacher. 
 
 Charles Corwin, a prominent farmer and stockman of Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, is a native of the county, born in 
 Hale township, September 8, 1855. He is a son of George W. and Rosa 
 Jane (Eddy) Corwin, old settlers of the township. George was a son 
 of Daniel Corwin, who died in 1900, at the age of eigthy-eight years. 
 He married Nancy Williams and they came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, 
 in 1827, settling in Logan county in 1827 and in 1813 removing to 
 Hardin county. Mrs. Corwin died in 1851 and in the sixties Mr. Cor- 
 win married Mary Ann Bruce. He purchased part of the farm which 
 is still in the family, after first renting part of the Eddy farm, and 
 later farmed for Samuel McCullough. After his second marriage 
 Mr. Corwin removed to New Scotland county, Missouri, where Mrs. 
 Corwin died in 1882. 
 
 George W. Corwin was born in Logan county, Ohio, May 10, 1831, 
 and died April 22, 1907. He received his education in the district 
 schools and remained on the home farm with his parents until his mar- 
 riage, May 3, 1852. He then worked two years in the employ of his 
 uncle in Logan county, but returned to Hardin county and lived on 
 the old Eddy farm nine years. In 1861 Mr. Corwin bought the present 
 homestead of the family, which had but one acre cleared. He built a 
 log house near the Ansley home and here spent the remainder of his 
 life farming and raising stock. In 1876 Mr. Corwin engaged in the 
 manufacture of tile, which business he afterward sold. He also did 
 considerable timber working. He was a member of the Local Grange 
 and politically was a Democrat. His wife was born May 7, 1833, and 
 was a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Eddy, who came 
 to Hardin county from Virginia, in 1835. Mr. Eddy died January 12, 
 1857 and his' widow died March 26, 1868. Mr. Corwin was a member 
 of the Methodist church. Besides Charles, he and his wife had children 
 as follows: J. D. born in 1853, now living in Missouri, married Launa 
 Rummer, has three children, Pearl, Cora and Elbert; Gnettia, wife of H. 
 Ash of Marion, has five children, Ella, Evert, Earl, Floyd and Edwin; 
 George A. of Hale township, born in 1861, married Edith Marmon, and 
 has three children, Fae, Albert and Olen; Harley, born in 1875, a farmer 
 of Hale township, married Laura Deerwester, has two children, Erwin 
 and Elton ; Annabell is the wife of II. Carr and has two children, Mav- 
 dean and Eddie Herbert; Elizabeth S. married G. McCoy and is the 
 mother of five children, Ola, Jessie, Rosa, and Lillie and Hattie, deceased; 
 Leander Corwin is deceased and Charles is the second child of the family. 
 
 The early days of Charles Corwin were spent on his father’s farm 
 and he received a good education in the public schools. He lived with 
 his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age and then purchased 
 a farm of forty-two acres. He has been very successful in his far mi ng 
 
594 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 operations and has paid considerable attention to fine stocks. He owns 
 an interest in a thoroughbred horse in company with Ezra Vassar, a 
 sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Corwin has won 
 success through his own efforts and is well known for his industry and 
 good business judgment. Near his present home stands the old log 
 house in which he was born, an old land-mark, which he moved to 
 its present position. He is a substantial and representative citizen and 
 has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the Grange at Shiloh. 
 
 November 8, 1883, Mr. Corwin married Jennie McCoy, who was born 
 August 7, 1865, in Lynn township, Hardin county, daughter of John 
 McCoy, an old pioneer of the county, who died in 1884. His wife, Mary 
 Taylor, was a daughter of James Taylor. Mrs. McCoy died at the age 
 of forty-six years, when Mrs. Corwin was but seven years of age. Mrs. 
 Corwin had one brother who died in infancy. After the death of her 
 mother, Mrs. Corwin remained two years with her half-sister. Mr. 
 Corwin and his wife became parents of children as follows: Izora, born 
 
 in September, 1884, wife of Melvin McIntosh, a farmer of Logan county, 
 has three children, Howard (six years old), Mildred Pauline (three years 
 old), and Opal Lucille (one year old) ; Otis Dan, born May 24, 1886, 
 at home; Mamie, born January 20, 1889, wife of P. D. Winter, of Hale 
 township; Waldo Hayes, born April 29, 1891, at home; Ruth, born 
 July 26, 1893, died in infancy; Lena, born April 6, 1895; Clarence M., 
 born January 24, 1898; and George Ralph, born June 26, 1901. Mrs. 
 Corwin belongs to the Methodist church and to the Grange. She is 
 a member, also of the Woman’s Relief Corps. 
 
 Joel L. Russell. — Among the sterling citizens of Hardin county 
 whose memories form an indissoluble link between the pioneer past and 
 the present days of opulent prosperity and advanced civilization is 
 Joel L. Russell, who is a native son of the county and who has here 
 maintained his home during his entire life thus far. He was for many 
 years identified with agricultural interests in the county and contri- 
 buted his quota to the development anti upbuilding of the county which 
 represented little more than an untrammeled wilderness at the time of 
 his birth. He is now living retired in the city of Kenton, where he has 
 an attractive home and is surrounded by the gracious influences and 
 comforts which are a just reward for former years of earnest toil and 
 endeavor. His reminiscences of the pioneer days are most graphic 
 and interesting, and he finds much pleasure in recalling the days long 
 past, the while he has full appreciation of the conditions that now stand 
 in evidence of the sturdy labors of those who laid the foundations for 
 one of the finest counties in the old Buckeye state. 
 
 Joel L. Russell was born on the pioneer farm of his parents, in 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 13th of December, 
 1838, and is a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Brown) Russell, the former 
 of whom was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1803, and the 
 latter of whom was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, on the 12th 
 of November, 1804. The marriage of the parents was solemnized on 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 595 
 
 the 1st of October, 1824, and upon coming to Ohio they first settled in 
 Fairfield county, where they remained a few years. In the spring of 
 1833 they removed to Hardin county, where the father secured from 
 the government one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land 
 in Pleasant township, the family living and sleeping in the wagon, while 
 the father proceeded to chop away the timber and clear a place to build 
 his cabin. Only those who know by experience the herculean work 
 demanded in the uprearing of the simple log buildings of the pioneer 
 days can appreciate the necessity of each settler’s securing the co- 
 operation of his neighbors, and it is pleasing to revert to the good will 
 and sympathy that marked the early days, when all were friends and 
 when the society of the widely separated neighbors was highly valued. 
 In the years 1834-35 the county commenced to settle up very fast and 
 were all anxious to get a field cleared for corn, and father attended 
 twenty-eight log rollings in one spring. He lived up to the full tension of 
 the pioneer days and worked without ceasing in the reclamation of his 
 land, that he might provide for his family and eventually gain the goal 
 of definite independence and prosperity. He continued to reside on 
 his pioneer homestead until death, which occurred when he was only 
 thirty-seven years of age, but his wife survived him by a number of 
 years, she having been about eighty-five years of age at the time when 
 she was summoned to the life eternal. They were folk of sterling 
 integrity of character, earnest, sincere and unassuming, and they ever 
 commanded the unqualified esteem of the community in which they 
 established their home and girded themselves to endure the privations 
 and other hardships that are ever the lot of the pioneer. Of the seven 
 children only two are now living, Joel L., who is the immediate subject 
 of this review, and Richard S., who is a successful farmer near the city 
 of Indianapolis, Indiana. 
 
 In a reminiscent way Joel L. Russell related to the representative 
 of this publication a most interesting and somewhat humorous account 
 of an incident that occurred when he was an infant, the same being 
 largely a conversation between his honored parents, who described the 
 matter to him after he had attained to years of comprehension. The 
 narrative is reproduced substantially in his own words, and it will 
 be noted that his father referred to the mother under the home name 
 of Betty, an affectionate abbreviation of her name Elizabeth. The 
 following is Mr. Russell’s account. 
 
 “In the spring of 1839, I was the boy of the family the sixth on 
 the list. Mother was very discouraged at the gloomy prospects, thinking 
 at times that all of us were destined to die of starvation in the wilder- 
 ness about us. Father, however, never yielded to discouragement and 
 his faith never faltered. At that time no roads or bridges had been 
 constructed in this section, and the nearest mill available to the settlers 
 of Hardin county was nine miles distant, at Marseilles, Wyandot county, 
 whither they had to make their way over the straggling trails blazed 
 through the forest. A mill had been erected on the Scioto river, but 
 the same was out of commission at the time mentioned. Flour was to 
 be had in the little village of Kenton, but money among the settlers 
 
596 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 was practicality an unknown quantity, so that my father was in no 
 worse situation than the average settler. On a certain Saturday he 
 was busy working in his maple-sugar camp, and he said to his wife, 
 ‘Betty, we will have sugar and molasses and honey and venison, so 
 that we can feast like royal Turks. Yes, there are turkeys also, — the 
 woods are full of them. If I don’t sleep well tonight I’ll have one for 
 Sunday dinner.’ When my mother awoke in the morning my good 
 father, Solomon, was gone, as was also his rifle, which hung on hooks 
 over the door when not in use. Just then my mother heard a shot, and 
 she forthwith came to the conclusion that father had killed a turkey, 
 so she put the kettle over the fire of the great fireplace and prepared 
 to have hot water ready for the scalding of the savory fowl. But her 
 religious scruples were somewhat roused and she said to herself, ‘Solo- 
 mon will hear from me when he comes with that turkey. Why did 
 he go to the woods on Sunday ? He never did that before. ’ My father, 
 like many other of the sturdy men on the frontier, was a good shot 
 and found much satisfaction in his hunting trips. When he arrived 
 at the house my mother chided him for his desecration of the Sabbath, 
 but she gazed with no little amazement at the trophy he had brought in 
 place of the promised turkey. The woods were infested with innumer- 
 able wolves, whose ravages made it almost impossible for the settlers 
 to keep sheep, which had to be placed in a correl every night for pro- 
 tection. So great was the loss caused by the wolves that the authorities 
 provided for the payment of five dollars for each wolf scalp brought 
 to them. When father came to the house he said, ‘Look, Betty,’ where- 
 upon he dropped a great, gray timber-wolf pelt and scalp on the floor. 
 ‘Providence gave them to me, and we won’t starve.’ Father was an 
 adept in dressing skins and he transformed the wolf pelt into a nice 
 rug, while he took the scalp to Kenton and received the five dollars in 
 bounty, thus enabling him to provide the flour whose lack had caused 
 my mother so much distress and worry. My father admonished my 
 mother to always trust in Providence, and her reply was: ‘But, 
 
 Solomon, don’t go again to the woods on Sunday.’ And he never did.” 
 
 In politics Solomon Russell was aligned as a stanch supporter of 
 the cause of the old Whig party and he took a loyal interest in public 
 affairs in the pioneer community. Both he and his wife were earnest 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their lives were lived in 
 harmony with the faith they professed. Their names merit an enduring 
 place on the roll of the worthy pioneers who aided in the initial stages of 
 development and progress in this now favored section of the old Buckeye 
 state. 
 
 Joel L. Russell, whose name initiates this sketch, was reared to the 
 sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, and, as may be supposed, his 
 early educational advantages were most meager. When but ten years 
 of age he found it incumbent upon him to begin to provide for himself 
 and assist in the support of the family. At that early age he found 
 employment on neighboring farms, and for some time he received in 
 recompense for his services the princely sum of four dollars a month. 
 Later he secured a position as engine-rubber for the Mad River & Lake 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 597 
 
 Erie Railroad Company, which line is now a part of the great New York 
 Central System, and after a short period he was given employment as 
 a helper on an engine making regular runs over the line, his duties 
 being to pass wood to the fireman on one of the old-style engines. He 
 was thus engaged about six months, at the expiration of which his 
 guardian, appointed after the death of his father, caused him to resign, 
 considering the work too dangerous. He then resumed farm work 
 at the former recompense of four dollars a month and board, and he 
 continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits as an employe for 
 a period of thirteen years, securing increase in wages from time to 
 time as his services became more valuable. He gained experience in 
 all details of farm work and was thus well fortified for successful enter- 
 prise when he initiated his independent career as a farmer and stock- 
 grower. 
 
 Mr. Russell was about twenty-five years of age at the time of his 
 marriage, and he forthwith settled on a farm which he had inherited 
 from the estate of his father. This property comprised fifty-three and 
 a third acres and was located in Pleasant township. He improved the 
 property and developed the same into one of the valuable farms of 
 Hardin county. With the passing of years his success was cumulative 
 and he finally gained independence and substantial competency. He 
 added to the area of his original farm until he owned a valuable landed 
 estate of eighty acres, improved with good buildings and maintained 
 under a high state of cultivation. For fully forty years Mr. Russell 
 continued to reside on his farm and to give his attention to its super- 
 vision, and he then felt that he was entitled to retire from the heavy 
 labors that had thus marked his active career. Accordingly, in Novem- 
 ber, 1904, he sold his farm and removed to Kenton, where he purchased 
 his present attractive and modern residence property, on West Colum- 
 bus avenue, where he and his wife find much of pleasure in extending 
 gracious hospitality to their wide circle of old and valued friends. 
 
 In polities Mr. Russell has ever accorded an unswerving allegiance 
 to the Republican party, and he cast his first vote in support of Abra- 
 ham Lincoln for the presidency. In local affairs of a public order he 
 has ever shown a loyal and helpful interest, and while he has never been 
 a seeker of office, he served as school director in his home township 
 for the long period of twenty-four years, during which lie did all in 
 his power to advance the standard of the schools of the locality. In 
 a retrospective way it may be stated that his maternal grandfather, 
 Richard Brown, was likewise a sterling pioneer of Maryland, and that 
 he was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Russell is well known 
 in his native county, and here he has ever command unequivocal con- 
 fidence and esteem. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist 
 Episcopal church in Kenton. 
 
 On the 26th of November, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of 
 Mr. Russell to Miss Rebecca A. Allen, who was born in Hardin county, 
 on the 9th of March, 1838, and who is a daughter of Abel II. and Rebecca 
 (Mackey) Allen, the former of whom was born in Hardy county, West 
 Virginia, November 7, 1803, and the latter of whom was born in Frank- 
 
598 
 
 HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 lin county, Ohio, on the 12th of July, 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Allen took 
 up their residence in Hardin county in the spring of 1833, and he 
 assisted in raising the first house in Kenton, the same having been lo- 
 cated on what is now West Franklin street. In the early days he carried 
 mail on horseback between Bellefontaine and Sandusky, his horse having 
 to swim all the rivers between those places. He became one of the 
 substantial farmers of Hardin county, where both he and his wife con- 
 tinued to reside until death. In conclusion is entered a brief record 
 concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Russell; Jessie, who was born on 
 the 30th of December, 1865, is the wife of William H. Young, of Tiffin, 
 Ohio; Eva Estella, who was born April 5, 1871, is the wife of William S. 
 Cessna, of Kenton, Ohio, and they have one child, Mary Rebecca, the 
 only grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Russell ; and M. Allen Russell, who 
 was born on the 8th of December, 1873, is a locomotive engineer and 
 maintains his home in Kenton with his parents ; he is not married. 
 
 Carl Price. — The name of Carl Price occupies a high place in the 
 business life of Kenton, and he has attained his prestige by personal 
 effort. He was born in this city, a son of Henry Price, and the training 
 which he received in the Kenton public schools was supplemented 
 by a business course in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. In 1893 
 he purchased a half interest of Dorr White in the old White Marble 
 Works in this city, an industry that had been established by Mr. 
 White’s father in about the year of 1853, and in 1903 Mr. Price bought 
 his partner’s interest in the business and in 1904 incorporated it for 
 twenty-five thousand dollars, becoming at that time and ever since 
 remaining its president. He moved the plant from South Main street, 
 where it had been located up to this time, to Leighton street, where a 
 splendid two-story brick building has been erected and equipped with 
 a complete set of the latest improved machinery for manufacturing 
 marble and granite in all its forms. This is one of only about ten 
 plants of its kind in the entire state of Ohio, and as the others are lo- 
 cated in the state’s largest cities, Kenton has the distinction of having 
 the largest and best equipped manufacturing plant of its kind in any 
 town of its size in Ohio, and this has been brought about almost solely 
 through the splendid efforts of Carl Price, one of Kenton’s native 
 sons. 
 
 Mr. Price is a Knight Templar Mason and a Knight of Pythias, 
 and he is one of the leading members of Kenton’s Disciple church. He 
 is also the superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with his 
 church, which has a membership of over four hundred, and he takes a 
 deep interest in the work and is one of the Sunday-school’s valued 
 promoters. He has never been active in the political life of his commun- 
 ity, but is a public-spirited citizen and actively interested in the up- 
 building and improvement of his home city. 
 
 John Neff of Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, is recog- 
 nized as one of the prosperous farmers and highly respected citizens 
 of his community. Mr. Neff is a native of Ohio. He was born in 
 

 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 599 
 
 Van Buren township, Hancock county, in 1854, son of Peter and Bar- 
 bara (Peifer) Neff, natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country 
 in 1884 and settled in Hancock county. Peter Neff’s first purchase of 
 land was forty acres. Afterward he bought an eighty-acre farm, to 
 which he subsequently added thirty acres, making a tract of one hundred 
 and ten acres. Here he and his wife reared their family, and lived for 
 many years. She died in 1875 ; he, in 1893. Ten children were born to 
 them, all of whom grew to maturity; Adam, Peter (deceased), Elizabeth 
 (deceased), Phillip (deceased), Kate, John, Mary (deceased), Lucinda, 
 Barbara and Minnie. 
 
 John Neff’s boyhood days were not unlike those of other farmer 
 boys in Ohio. He grew up in his native county, receiving his education 
 there, and on reaching man’s estate engaged in the lumber business 
 with his father and brother at Dunkirk. There for about twelve years 
 they operated a planing mill, under the name of Neff & Company. In 
 1881, John Neff sold his interest in the business to J. A. Orth, the 
 present owner and operator of the mill; and on severing his connection 
 with the mill, he took up farming, which he has since successfully 
 followed. He now owns two farms in Washington township, one of 
 which, an eighty acre tract, he purchased in 1889 ; the other, seventy 
 acres, in 1900. 
 
 Mr. Neff first came to Hardin county in 1877. Here, in 1879, he 
 married Miss Lydia Naef. She was born in Washington township in 
 1858, daughter of George and Elizabeth Naef, who came here from San- 
 dusky, Ohio, in 1855. On his arrival in Washington township, Mr. Naef 
 purchased the farm upon which the Neff family now (1909) reside, 
 Here Mr. and Mrs. Naef reared their family and passed the rest of 
 their lives. Her death occurred in 1875, and his in 1899. Of their six 
 children, the first three, George, Mary and Emma, are deceased. Those 
 living are Lydia, Amanda and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Neff have had 
 ten children, of whom seven are living : Cora M., Emma, Henry 0., 
 Frederick, Olive E., Ina I., Edith P. Carl E. and Alfred L., the two 
 youngest and the third child died in infancy. Two of the daughters, 
 Cora M. and Emma, are married, the former being Mrs. S. C. Daniels, the 
 latter, Mrs. H. McClane. Mr. Neff and his family attend worship at the 
 Presbyterian church at Dola. 
 
 J. L. Dickelman. — The plant owned by the Dickelman Manufac- 
 turing Company was organized in 1879, by O. E. Rhodes and Lafayette 
 A. Strauble, February 14, 1888, it was taken over by a new firm, known 
 as Rhodes, Dickelman & Company, with J. L. Dickelman as manager. 
 This partnership continued up to 1892, at which time F. M. Bowers was 
 taken into partnership ; in January, 1896, Mrs. L. A. Strauble sold her 
 interest to Miss Lizzie LI. Dickelman. In January, 1898, J. L. Dickel- 
 man, F. M. Bowers and Lizzie H. Dickelman purchased the interest of 
 0. E. Rhodes, and the firm was known as Dickelman-Bowers Manufac- 
 turing Company, which continued until December, 1892, at which time 
 F. M. Bowers sold his interests to his two partners. The firm then took 
 the present name, under which it has since carried on business. In 
 
600 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 1908 J. L. Dickelman sold his interests to Lizzie H. Dickelman, and 
 formed a stock company and became manager of the concern. 
 
 The plant manufactures metal roofing, shingles, gutters, eave spouts 
 and eave troughs, of various kinds. Under the management of J. L. 
 Dickelman, who largely built up the business, the annual volume of 
 business increased from $15,000 to $546,000 in 1907, and it promises to 
 continue to increase under the efficient management of his daughter, now 
 at the head of the concern. The business was at first carried on in a 
 shed some twenty-two by fifty feet, and its present factory is a fine two- 
 story building one hundred thirteen feet by two hundred forty-three 
 feet, besides two ware-rooms, one eiglity-eight by eighty and the other 
 forty by eighty feet, with two stories. The offices are contained in a 
 three-story brick building, twenty-eight feet by forty-nine feet, with 
 steam heat and other modern conveniences. Dickelman Manufacturing- 
 Company employ in their plant some fifty workmen, and keep fourteen 
 salesmen busy on the road; they employ three stenographers, one book- 
 keeper, three assistants and other clerks. 
 
 J. L. Dickelman, to whom a large share of the success of this enter- 
 prise is attributable, was born in Germany, in 1839, and emigrated to this 
 country with his parents in 1842. The family came first to Cleveland, 
 Ohio, but later removed to New York City, thence to Albany, and finally 
 to Syracuse, New York, where the father died in 1849. The mother 
 died in 1850, at Cleveland, where she had returned after her husband’s 
 death, leaving J. L. Dickelman a lad of eleven years, dependant upon his 
 own resources. He soon began working at farming, which he continued 
 some three and a half years, and next worked a short time at the black- 
 smith’s trade. He worked ten years in a grist mill and then for three 
 years had charge of a stone quarry. During all this time he had spent 
 most of the winters at wood cutting, clearing land, and other various 
 jobs, which might serve him to get ahead in the world, which he was 
 bound, with his enterprise and ambition, to do. 
 
 April 15, 1861, Mr. Dickelman enlisted in Company D, Fourth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, was discharged the same year and reenlisted for 
 three years in the same command. He was promoted from time to time 
 in recognition of his meritorious service, and finally became second 
 lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in 1864, and returned to 
 Cleveland. However, he still heard the call of his adopted country, 
 and in 1864 he joined with Captain C. B. Gibson in recruiting a com- 
 pany; at his final discharge he held the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. 
 Dickelman participated in many battles, among them : Rich Mountain, 
 
 Grenocks Ford, Petersburg, Romney, Blues Gap, Bloomer Gap, Winches- 
 ter, Strasburg, Front Royal, Seven Days’ Fight, Bull Run Second, 
 Fredricksburg, Chaneellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, 
 Morton’s Ford, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor 
 and many minor engagements. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Dickelman had located in Patterson, Hardin county, 
 and at the close of the war he returned to Patterson and engaged in the 
 sale of books, chiefly the “History of the Civil War,” in which he took 
 an immense interest himself. Subsequently he engaged in the manu- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 601 
 
 facture of brick, and in the fall of 1866 went to Sandusky. Ohio, where 
 he began working for .James Woolworth in the manufacture of tool 
 handles. He spent twenty-one years in this business, the first ten years 
 as timberman, and the other eleven years had charge of the nine factories 
 of the firm, located in Kentucky and Tennessee. 
 
 In 1868 Mr. Dickelman married Miss Mary H. Worley, of Patterson, 
 Ohio, and to this union were born nine children, eight of whom grew to 
 maturity, namely : Lizzie H., Mrs. Maud Swimley, Mrs. Nettie Purdy, 
 Mrs. Zeola Test, J. W. (deceased), Cora O., Mrs. Clara Breese and 
 Lawrence. 
 
 Besides owning town property Mr. Dickelman has four valuable 
 farms, two in Jackson township, consisting of one hundred seventy and 
 one hundred ninety- two acres respectively, one in Wood county, of one 
 hundred sixty acres, and a forty-acre farm in Missouri, underlaid with 
 zinc. His farms in Ohio are well equipped with buildings, all erected 
 by Mr. Dickelman. He is a public-spirited citizen, actively interested 
 in public affairs. He is a Royal Arch Mason. 
 
 Aubrey Hampton Wood. — Especially worthy of note among the 
 practical and prosperous agriculturists of Hardin county is Aubrey 
 H. Wood, one of the leading farmers of Dudley township. A son of 
 Dr. James Madison Wood, one of the foremost physicians of Dudley 
 township, he was born, September 11, 1882, in Larue, Marion county, 
 Ohio. A sketch of Dr. Wood appears elsewhere in this work. 
 
 Completing the course of study in the public schools at the age 
 of sixteen years, Aubrey H. Wood entered the Ohio Northern Univer- 
 sity, which he attended two years. Becoming a farmer from choice, 
 he afterwards remained at home five years, but since that time has had 
 entire charge of his father’s farm of two hundred and eighty acres, 
 lying near Hepburn. In addition to raising the crops common to this 
 section of the country, Mr. Wood keeps about thirty head of cattle, 
 being one of the most extensive and successful dairymen of the county, 
 and carries on a substantial business in raising and shipping hogs and 
 stock. In the management of his agricultural interests he shows marked 
 ability using excellent judgment in his operations. His farm being well 
 cultivated and productive. 
 
 On August 1, 1906, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Bertha 
 Drews, who was born in Horst Pomerania, Germany, a daughter of 
 Frederich and Christina (Lindenberg) Drews, of Larue, Ohio. Her 
 father, a retired farmer, served in the Austrian war in 1860 and Franco- 
 Prussian war in 1870-71, and is now seventy-seven years of age, while 
 her mother is sixty-eight years old. They were both born and bred in 
 Germany, coming from there to the United States in 1887 when Mrs. 
 Wood was a child of three years, and locating in Larue, Marion county, 
 Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Drews have three children, namely : Bertha, now 
 Mrs. Wood; William, of Lima, Ohio; and Gus, an electrician in Monaca, 
 Pennsylvania. The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Wood has been 
 brightened by the birth of two children, namely: Madison Florian, 
 
 born in 1907 ; and Esther Annabelle, born in 1909. A stanch Republi- 
 
602 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 can in polities, Mr. Wood takes great interest in public matters, and in 
 1907 was elected justice of the peace. Fraternally he belongs to the 
 blue lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Larue, and to Hepburn Tent No. 23, K. 
 O. T. M. Religiously he is a valued and trustworthy member of the 
 United Brethren church. 
 
 Enos Wheeler. — A well known and highly respected resident of 
 Hardin county, Enos Wheeler, a veteran of the Civil war, has for many 
 years been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, having a well 
 improved farm in Lynn township. A son of Elihu Wheeler, he was 
 born, August 28, 1842, in Noble township, Noble county, Ohio, coming 
 from substantial New England stock. 
 
 Elihu Wheeler, whose father’s name was, also, Enos Wheeler, was 
 born in Maine, his birth occurring in 1811. Migrating when a young 
 man to Ohio, he purchased land in Noble county, and by dint of per- 
 severing toil cleared and improved a valuable homestead, on which he 
 and his wife spent their remaining years. He married, in Noble 
 county, Ohio, Harriet Fogle, who was of Scotch descent, and to them 
 six children were born, as follows : Enos, the subject of this brief 
 
 biographical sketch; Solomon; Maranda; Lydia; Josiah; and Sylvester. 
 
 Gleaning his early education in the district schools of Noble township 
 Enos Wheeler was initiated as early as practicable in the mysteries of 
 farming. He proved a faithful worker, and remained on the parental 
 homestead until after the breaking out of the Civil war. A certificate 
 of record compiled by M. Wallingford, historian of the Soldiers and 
 Sailors Historical and Benevolent Society certifies that Mr. Wheeler 
 enlisted, August 9, 1862, from Noble county, Ohio, to serve for three 
 years or during the war, and that he was mustered into service, September 
 10, 1862, at Camp Marietta, Ohio, as private in Company E, Ninety- 
 second Ohio Volunter Infantry, under Captain Erwin G. Dudley and 
 Colonel Douglas Putnam, Jr. 
 
 On October 7, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Point Pleasant, 
 becoming a part of Gilbert’s Brigade, Lightburn’s Division, but was 
 afterwards assigned to General George Crook’s Brigade, Baird’s Divi- 
 sion, Fourteenth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. With his comrades 
 Mr. Wheeler took part in various engagements, including those at 
 Pocataligo Creek, Virginia; Hoover’s Gap, Tennessee; Lane Chapel, 
 Georgia; Tullahoma, Tennessee; Chickamauga; Chattanooga; Brown’s 
 Ferry ; Lookout Mountain ; Mission Ridge ; and in a number of minor 
 engagements and skirmishes. At the battle of Mission Ridge, November 
 25, 1863, the said Enos Wheeler, so reads the certificate, was wounded 
 in the left shoulder by gunshot, and taken to the hospital at Nashville, 
 where he remained two months. Then, receiving a furlough, he re- 
 mained at home four months, when he joined his regiment at Resaca, 
 Georgia. On account of disability from wounds, he was transferred to 
 the Veteran Reserve Corps. He received his honorable discharge at 
 Nashville, Tennessee, August 5, 1865, by reason of the close of the war 
 In compensation for his brave military services during the conflict, Mr. 
 Wheeler now receives a pension of seventeen dollars a month, a sum 
 which he well deserves. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 603 
 
 Soon after Ms marriage Mr. Wheeler began farming in Noble county 
 remaining there until 1883, when he disposed of his interests in that part 
 of the state, and came to Hardin county. Buying fifty acres of heavily 
 wooded land in Lynn township, he began the arduous task of redeeming 
 a farm from the wilderness, and has since transformed his property into 
 one of the best farming estates in the township. 
 
 On March 8, 1866, Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage with 
 Violetta Lamley, who was born in Noble county, Ohio, April 3, 1844, a 
 daughter of Henry and Dorcas (Linton) Lamley. Two children have 
 blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, namely: Amos D., born 
 January 18, 1867, married Etta Dillon ; and Hattie I., born June 21, 
 1871, is the wife of Marcena S. Spencer, of Hepburn, Ohio. Politically 
 a Democrat, Mr. Wheeler served for six years as trustee of Lynn town- 
 ship, and socially he is a member of Post No. 97, Grand Army of the 
 Republic, of Kenton. Mrs. Wheeler is a consistent Christian, and a 
 valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Foraker. 
 
 Leonard S. Cox. — The bar of Hardin county numbers among its 
 able representatives Leonard S. Cox, a practicing attorney at Mt. Victory. 
 He was born on a farm in York township, Union county, Ohio, December 
 16, 1876, and he is a son of George W. Cox and a grandson of Joshua 
 Cox, who was born in 1801 in Maryland, and who died in Harrison 
 county in 1854. He married Adatha Bell, born in 1810, and she came 
 in 1865 with her family to Union county and spent the remainder of her 
 life there. After leaving the school room George W. Cox, their son, 
 worked for several years for neighboring farmers, and then buying the 
 Cox homestead in York township, Union county, he has since lived there 
 and farmed. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, but has 
 never desired the honors of emoluments of public office. He married in 
 September of 1875 Rebecca Sigler, born August 17, 1854, a daughter of 
 William and Mary (Cook) Sigler, both of whom were among the first 
 settlers of York township. The children born of this union are: 
 Leonard S. Cox, the Mt. Victory lawyer ; 'Iva Dell, the wife of William 
 Layman, of Toledo ; Edna F., wife of Milton Southard, a farmer in 
 Union county ; Belle, a teacher in the Union county schools ; Hazel, wife 
 of Elmer Miller, also a member of the teacher’s profession; and Gail, at 
 school. 
 
 Leonard S. Cox attended public schools until the age of twenty-one, 
 and afterward taught school for three years in Union county, and 
 following this pursued a course in the Ohio Business Institute. In 
 1902 he engaged in the insurance business, from 1904 until 1906 was an 
 attendant in the Toledo State Hospital, and coming to Mt. Victory in 
 the last named . year he was admitted to the bar on the 19th of June, 
 1906, and has since practiced in this city. He is an active Republican 
 worker, and was elected a justice of the peace in 1907, and is quite promi- 
 nently identified with the fire insurance and real estate business. He 
 has fraternal associations with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, Lodge 
 No. 734. 
 
604 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Philip J. Corwin. — One of the most prominent business men of 
 Lynn township is found in Philip J. Corwin, who became identified with 
 Hardin county and its interests in 3895. In that year he leased the 
 farm of William Lawrence, which is an extensive tract of five hundred 
 and fifty acres lying in Lynn township. He has become extensively and 
 widely known as a stock buyer and feeder, selling in carload lots, and 
 during the past twenty-six years he has also been engaged extensively 
 in buying and selling wool, shipping from both Kenton and Yelverton. 
 
 Mr. Corwin was born in Logan county, Ohio, May 1, 1843, a son of 
 George and Margaret (Dickinson) Corwin. George Corwin was born 
 in Champaign county, Ohio, August 12, 1815, and he was a son of 
 Phineas Corwin, who was from Pennsylvania. Margaret Dickinson 
 was born on September 17, 1817, and was a daughter of Thomas and 
 Maria Dickinson, who came from their native state of Virginia to Ohio 
 in the year of 1812. Phineas Corwin became the father of seven sons 
 and a daughter: John, Oliver, Dan, Jacob, Thomas, George, Phineas 
 
 and Mary A. George Corwin was reared in Champaign county, and 
 after his marriage he came to Logan county and spent the remainder of 
 his life there, a life-long farmer and stock raiser. Tie became the 
 father of four sons and five daughters, namely: Philip J., Ann M., 
 
 Milton, Leidigh Jane, Emily, Martha, Zachius, Austin A. and Etta. 
 Philip J. Corwin, the first horn of these nine children, was reared as a 
 farmer boy in Logan county, attending its district schools until the age 
 of eighteen, and since laying aside his text books he has been identified 
 with the farm. He remained at home with his parents until his mar- 
 riage at the age of twenty-two years to Sarah A. Wren, and the only 
 child of that union, Andrew F., died in Michigan. In 1874 he was 
 married to Jane A. Kautzman, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, 
 May 28, 1849, and the seven children of this union are : George B., 
 born November 30, 1875 ; Thomas P., born April 13, 1878 ; Martin E., 
 born January 12, 1880; Clifton W., born February 25, 1883; Irene E., 
 born March 12, 1885 ; Everett L., born November 23, 1888 ; Goldie D., 
 born May 23, 1893. The son Clifton is a graduate of the Ada and Lima 
 Business School. Mr. and Mrs. Corwin are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church at Silver Creek, and Mr. Corwin also has membership 
 relations with the Grange and with the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. 
 
 Mrs. Mattie H. Ludwig is numbered among the representative citi- 
 zens of Hardin county, honored for her true worth of character, and 
 prominent as a member of some of the oldest and best known families of 
 the county. She resides on one of the most valuable farms in Washing- 
 ton township, a highly improved tract of eighty acres and containing one 
 of the finest homes in the township, and she also owns a farm of one 
 hundred and fifty acres in Cessna township and valuable residence prop- 
 erty in Ada. She was born in Seneca county, Ohio, March 22, 1851, to 
 the marriage union of J. H. and Mary Hamilton, who lived and died 
 in that county. They were the parents of three children, but only two 
 daughters are now living, the younger being Mary A. Schaaf. John H. 
 died at the age of fourteen months. The father died on the 3d of 
 
ELMER MATTHEWS 
 

 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 605 
 
 December, 1893, and his wife Mary a number of years previously, on the 
 30th of May, 1882. 
 
 Their daughter Mattie was reared and educated at Westerville, and 
 on the 7th of November, 1878, she was united in marriage to Elmer 
 Matthews, with whom she lived peacefully and happily until his death 
 _on the 18th of June, 1903. He was born in Cessna township of Hardin 
 county October 17, 1843, being also reared there and being educated at 
 Delaware, Ohio, and agriculture was his lifelong vocation. He was an 
 industrious farmer, a loyal citizen and a neighbor always to be depended 
 upon in time of need, while as a husband he was true and faithful, and 
 above all he was a true Christian gentleman, a faithful member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. Ife w but twelve years of age when he 
 united with that church, and he continued one of its active workers dur- 
 ing the remainder of his life. Mr. Matthews was a son of Levi and 
 Elizabeth (Wetzel) Matthews, and he was the younger of the two of 
 their three children who reached mature years, the elder son being 
 Mortimer Matthews, a resident of Kansas and he has been county sur- 
 veyor of Nemaha county for thirty years. Levi Matthews, the father, was 
 one of the first to enter government land in Hardin county, selecting 
 his farm in Cessna township, and that land is now the property of Mr*. 
 Ludwig. He died on the 8th of March, 1885, surviving his wife, who 
 had died on the 3d of March, 1876. 
 
 Mrs. Matthews married in 1907 G. C. Ludwig. The home in which 
 they reside is a model farm residence, complete in all its appointments 
 and beautifully surrounded. This home was built by Mr. Matthews in 
 1884. 
 
 Ferdinand Copp, a successful farmer of Hale township, Hardin 
 county, Ohio, was born in Logan county, Ohio, March 19, 1840, and is 
 a son of Christian and Julia (Deisher) Copp. Christian Copp was 
 born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in March, 1809, and died in Febru- 
 ary, 1891 ; his wife was born in 1812, also in Virginia, and died in 
 February, 1894. They removed to Logan county, Ohio, where they 
 spent three years, and then bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres 
 in Hale township, Hardin county, in 1841, where they spent the remain- 
 der of their lives. Mr. Copp was a Democrat and served some time as 
 justice of the peace ; he also held other local offices. Besides Ferdinand 
 his children were: Jenny, widow of Iv. Gaines, of Springfield; Mary, 
 widow of N. Swallow, of Kenton ; Harriet, wife of John P. Swallow, of 
 Kenton; and Samantha, widow of M. Seedle, of Kenton. Mr. Copp 
 and his wife were members of the Christian church. 
 
 Ferdinand Copp attended the public school, and later took up farm- 
 ing with his father. From the time his father became too old for active 
 work he took charge of the farm, and has lived here ever since. He 
 makes a specialty of raising cattle and sheep, in which line he is very 
 successful. 
 
 Mr. Copp enlisted, May 2, 1864, in Company IT, One Hundred 
 Thirty-fifth Volunteers, and skirmished under the command of the Army 
 of the Potomac one hundred days. He was mustered out in 1865. In 
 
 Vol. II— 11 
 
606 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 1862 he was a member of the celebrated “Squirrel Hunters,’’ of Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio. Mr. Copp is a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
 lic, of Ridgeway, Ohio. Politically he is a Democrat, and has held the 
 office of trustee and member of the school board for many years. He is 
 an enterprising, ambitious farmer, and highly respected in the com- 
 munity. 
 
 May 25, 1876, Mr. Copp married Eunice, daughter of Abraham and 
 Ada (Drew) Haynes; she was born December 28, 1851, in Hardin 
 county, and the family came here from Vermont, Mr. Copp and his 
 wife have three children, Avis, Ethel and Christian H. Avis married 
 Morton Ansley, a farmer of Hale township, and they have five children, 
 Malcolm, Merrill, Rachel. Geneva, and Lauren. Ethel, born in 1881, 
 married II. C. McVay, a farmer of Hale township, and they have one 
 daughter. Pansy. Christian Haynes married Miss Nora Ansley, Decem- 
 ber "18, 1909. 
 
 R. Dolpii Brown. — Among the most important residents of any 
 community are the farmers ; upon the success of agricultural operations 
 depends the prosperity of the country. Among the successful farmers 
 of Dudley township, Hardin county, Ohio, is R. Dolph Brown, who was 
 born November 17, 1859, in Union county, Ohio, a son of Jacob Brown. 
 Jacob Brown died in 1874, at the age of sixty -seven years. He came 
 from Virginia to Union county, Ohio, with his father, as a small boy, 
 and later they settled in Hardin county, in Dudley township, along the 
 Scioto river. He married Naomi Arhood. 
 
 After reaching the age of sixteen years, R. Dolph Brown began 
 working on the farm for his parents ; at the death of his father, he and 
 his brother took charge of the farm until Dolph was twenty-seven years 
 of age, when he rented a farm twelve years and then bought his present 
 place, where he carried on general farming and stock raising. He is a 
 prominent citizen of the township, and actively interested in public 
 affairs. He is well known and highly respected, and all who have had 
 dealings with Mr. Brown are assured of his good business principles and 
 high character. Politically he is a Democrat, although he has never 
 cared for the emoluments of public office. He is a member of the United 
 Brethren church, and served five years as trustee. He belongs to the 
 Maccabees, of Hepburn, Ohio. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Brown married, at Hepburn parsonage, Maggie Kelly, 
 born March 27, 1863, daughter of Edward and Mary Ann (Lewis) 
 Kelly. They were the first, couple married at this parsonage. Edward 
 Kelly was born December 30, 1821, and died in 1894. He came as a boy 
 with his father, Benjamin Kelly, from Eastern Pennsylvania to Ohio; 
 the father was a cooper by trade and settled in Marion county, later in 
 Hardin county. Edward Kelly remained with his parents until his 
 marriage ; he then rented a farm in Marion county, but on account of his 
 wife’s poor health moved, in a covered wagon, to Greene county, Indiana, 
 where he was employed for about a year teaming and freighting to 
 different towns, and then settled in Hardin county ad bought what is 
 now called the Old Kelly Home, which he cleared, and where the re- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 607 
 
 mainder of his life was spent. His widow died in 1899. He was a 
 member of the United Brethren church, and was a Republican, holding 
 many township offices. Mr. Kelly was one of the pioneers of the county, 
 and was widely known and highly esteemed. Besides Mrs. Brown he 
 and his wife had children as follows : Willis, a farmer of Dudley town- 
 ship ; Ellen, wife of Caleb Harmon, of Mt. Victory, Ohio ; Emma, wife 
 of Cyrus Dille, a farmer of Dudley township ; Lewis, also a farmer of 
 Dudley township ; Edward II., a farmer of Oklahoma ; and Horace, who 
 died in the Civil war, of illness, at Chattanooga, being the oldest of the 
 family. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born children as follows : Elsie, born 
 May 16, 1888; Clella, deceased; Mary, deceased; Amy, born August 29, 
 1895; Dewey, April, 1899; Harley, February 26, 1901; Mabel, July 30, 
 1903; Orvv, June 10, 1905; David Kelly, February 11, 1907. Mrs. 
 Brown is an earnest member of the United Brethren church and of the 
 Ladies Aid Society. 
 
 C. W. Wood, a successful stock farmer living near Dunkirk, and 
 having registered horses, was born in Union county, Ohio, October 14, 
 1857, and is a son of Joseph E. and Ruth A. Wood, both natives of that 
 county. The parents moved to Hardin county, Ohio, in 1872 ; Joseph 
 Wood died in 1903 and his widow survives him (1909). They were 
 parents of thirteen children, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely: 
 C. W., Laura (deceased). J. R. (deceased). William. John I. (deceased), 
 Howard and Hattie. Those who survive live in Hardin county. 
 
 C. W. AA 7 ood was reared and educated in Union and Hardin counties ; 
 he resided twelve years in Logan county. Until 1903 Mr. Wood carried 
 on farming exclusively, .but since that time has devoted considerable 
 time to buying and selling stock. On his ten acre farm, which is located 
 just south of town, on the turnpike road, he keeps a stud of four blooded 
 horses, consisting of two Percherons, one German Coach Imported and 
 one Wilkes road horse. He is an industrious and enterprising citizen, 
 and stands well in the estimation of his fellows. 
 
 In 1882 Mr. AYood married Mary E. Smith ; they have no children. 
 He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 
 Isaac Phillips. — One of the most prominent and substantial citizens 
 of Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, is Isaac Phillips, who 
 is a native of Canfield, Ohio, born September 14, 1825. He is a son of 
 Samuel and Mary (Clive) Phillips and grandson of Joseph Phillips. 
 Samuel Phillips was born in AVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and 
 later moved to AVood county, Ohio, where he died, in 1880, at the age of 
 eighty-seven years. 
 
 Having received a good education Isaac Phillips remained at home 
 with his parents until he reached his majority. He then removed to 
 Coshocton county and later to Pike county, where he remained until 
 locating in Hardin county, in April, 1864. He cleared land adjoining 
 his present farm and the following year brought his family to his farm. 
 
608 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Some years later he bought his present home of forty-six acres, on which 
 he erected a log cabin. He cleared this land and made all possible 
 improvements, becoming very successful. In 1901 he retired from 
 active life. He was the youngest of a family of seven children. 
 
 In 1847 Mr. Phillips married Esther Martha McKee, who was born 
 May 14, 1831, the second of five children, daughter of Joseph and Eliza 
 (Leach) McKee, of Coshocton county, and granddaughter of William 
 and Martha (Mordiek) McKee, of Pennsylvania. Both Mr. Phillips 
 and his wife are the sole survivors of their respective families. They 
 are the oldest couple living in Taylor Creek township, Mr. Phillips being 
 eighty-four and his wife seventy-nine, and both have given up work. 
 They are well known in the community and stand high in the respect 
 and esteem of all who know them. They remain on the farm and their 
 youngest daughter keeps house and cares for them. Both belong to the 
 United Presbyterian church. He is a Democrat in political affiliations 
 and cast his first vote for President Buchanan. During the last year 
 Mr. Phillips has had the great misfortune to lose his sight. 
 
 The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are : Eliza Ellen, born 
 August 20, 1848, wife of Dan Beltz, died leaving six children; Mary 
 Elizabeth, born November 17, 1849, married William Stevenson, of 
 Taylor Creek township, and they have four children; Joseph McKee, 
 born February 25, 1852, married Laura Shoekey, lives near Walnut 
 Grove, and has six children ; Hulda, born February 5, 1854, married 
 Lem Liles, and they have three children ; Uriah Burton, deceased, mar- 
 ried Cynthia Burrell and they had two children ; Louise, married John 
 Pyers, of Taylor Creek township, and they have no children ; Melissa 
 Jane, born April 14, 1860, married E. McLain, and died leaving one 
 child; Isaac V., born April 15, 1862, married Eliza Moon, and both died, 
 leaving three children ; Martha Belle, born April 29, 1864, married Elmer 
 Griffis, of DeGraf, Ohio, and they have three children ; Jacqueline, born 
 May 16, 1867, married J. Chamberlain, of Zanesfield, Ohio, and they 
 have two children; William Hunter, born February 6, 1871, lives in 
 Taylor Creek township, married Etta Roberts, and they have four 
 children; and May, born April 14, 1876, remains at home, as before 
 mentioned. Mrs. Phillips and daughter May adopted a grandchild 
 Yinal, born August 12, 1897, now deceased. 
 
 W. K. Zehner is one of the honored pioneers of Hardin county, 
 where he has resided since 1846. He traces his ancestry to the father- 
 land of Germany, the birthplace of his great-grandfather, but coming 
 to the United States he became a loyal citizen of his adopted country and 
 took an active part in the war of 1812. Among his children was a son 
 Peter, who was born after his father’s emigration to America, and his 
 children included Reuben Zehner, born in Pennsylvania. Reuben 
 Zehner purchased in an early day one hundred and sixty acres of land 
 in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, receiving a tax title to 
 the same, as did all pioneers, and the crudest of log cabins, with blankets 
 for doors and windows, sheltered him and his family until more conven- 
 ient quarters could be prepared. The simple residence which he soon 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 609 
 
 completed served as their home for twenty-five years, and with the help 
 of his sons he had succeeded in clearing about two-thirds of his farm 
 when death claimed him on the 26tli of January, 1881. He was born 
 on the 15th of September, 1806, and his wife, nee Sophia Klingerman, 
 born ill Pennsylvania August 27, 1812, died June 23, 1880. Seven chil- 
 dren were born to them, namely: Mary A., Caroline, Cordilla and 
 
 Sophia, all deceased, AVilliam K., Michael, also deceased, and Jesse. 
 Reuben Zehner was by trade a shoemaker and was also a singing teacher, 
 and a man of delicate constitution, but of the most sterling characteris- 
 tics and these qualities have been instilled into his children. 
 
 William K. Zehner was born in Pennsylvania in 1840, and coming 
 with his parents to Hardin county when six years of age he was educated 
 in its public schools and in his early life began farming its land. On 
 reaching his twenty-fifth year he bought one hundred acres of its virgin 
 soil, and as did his father, built him a log cabin and began to prepare his 
 farm for cultivation. His home is now a modern one, showing thrift 
 and artistic taste, and his land is valuably improved. He has served 
 his township in several of its offices, including those of supervisor, trustee 
 and school director, and has in many ways been prominently identified 
 with the life of his community. 
 
 Mr. Zehner has been twice married, wedding first, on December 27, 
 1865, Miss Lucretia Dickson, and of the nine children which were born 
 to them the following reached mature years: Nora E., the deceased wife 
 of A. J. Garmon ; Amanda J. ; Florence, the present wife of Mr. Garmon ; 
 James R., who died September 29, 1909; Lydia S. ; Carrie E., a music 
 teacher, wife of Charles Nosker ; and Sarah E., wife of M. Nowlan. Mrs. 
 Zehner died on March 6, 1886, at the age of thirty-nine years, and on 
 the 29th of December, 1889, Mr. Zehner married for his second wife 
 Christine Ann Garlinger, and a son, William J., has been born to them. 
 Mrs. Zehner was born in Hancock county, Ohio, April 4, 1854, a daugh- 
 ter of George and Elizabeth Garlinger, who were among the pioneers of 
 Hancock county. Mr. Garlinger died with cholera. Mr. Zehner is a 
 worthy member of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he has 
 served in nearly all of the offices, and he is also a member of the order of 
 Patrons of Husbandry. 
 
 Joshua D. Virden, a prosperous farmer of Dudley township, Har- 
 din county, Ohio, was born in Marion county, May 21, 1852, and is a 
 son of Theodore W. and Sarah (Davis) Virden. Theodore Virden was 
 born in Delaware about 1816 and died December 5, 1899. He came with 
 his father, Alson Virden, to Marion county, Ohio, when eighteen years 
 of age. Alson Virden, a carpenter by trade, married Mary Wilson, 
 and after his wife ’s death he removed with his family to Marion county, 
 Theodore being the oldest in the family. Alson Virden having poor 
 health gave up working at his trade and removed to Hardin county, 
 and there entering one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he died 
 at the age of eighty years. He had cleared his land and erected a 
 house. 
 
 Theodore Virden was the oldest of six children, and followed farm- 
 
610 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ing on the old homestead until he was twenty-three years of age. He 
 bought a farm of eighty acres in Marion county, later adding land 
 until he owned four hundred acres. He carried on general farming 
 making a specialty of stock-raising, and remained on his land until his 
 death. He was married in October, 1830, to Sarah, daughter of Wil- 
 liam II. Davis, and she died September 17, 1877, at the age of fifty- 
 seven years. William II. Davis was born in Maryland in 1781, and 
 came to Ohio in 1803, settling first in Chillicothe. He was a cabinet- 
 maker by trade, and served in the war of 1812. His wife Marian 
 Johnson, was born in 1797 and died in 1865, having survived her hus- 
 band who died in 1847. Mr. Davis’ father, Joshua Davis, was killed 
 in the Revolutionary war. When Mr. Virden was married he had but 
 fifty cents in money and began housekeeping in an old log cabin. He 
 made his money in his industry and thrift, and became very successful, 
 so that at the time of his death he owned a fine property. He and his 
 wife had children as follows: William A., a farmer of Marion county; 
 Mary E., wife of Ezra Umpher, of Marion ; Charles C., a farmer of 
 Marion county; Samuel T., of California, where he has an orange grove; 
 Thomas D., a retired farmer of Larue, Ohio; Joshua D., Robert H., of 
 Missouri ; and Dr. Milton II., of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Virden held 
 several local offices, and was a prominent man in public affairs. 
 
 Joshua D. Virden attended school three months a year and helped 
 carry on his father’s farm. After he reached his majority he began 
 farming on his own account and when twenty-five years of age bought 
 forty acres, on which he lived until 1887. He then removed to Hardin 
 county and purchased his present one hundred-acre farm. This farm 
 was only partly cleared, so that he had to make all improvements,, and 
 now has one of the most modern residence in the northern part of Dud- 
 ley township, where he carries on general farming, and makes a specialty 
 of stock-raising. He is much interested in good horses, of which he 
 has raised a great many. He has added forty acres to his farm and 
 has erected substantial and comfortable buildings. He has now prac- 
 tically retired from the active work of his farm but takes charge of it 
 still. 
 
 Mr. Virden is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has always 
 taken an active part in public affairs. He served six years as trustee 
 of Dudley township and is an ardent Democrat. He is well known 
 in the community, where his good qualities and high character are 
 appreciated. He is well liked and has a host of friends. 
 
 November 18, 1873, Mr. Virden married Prances Margaret Ansel- 
 man, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, May 10, 1853, daughter of 
 Charles Anselman, a native of Germany, who came to America with his 
 parents when three years old. The parents, John Philip and Prances 
 Anselman lived in Marion county many years, and then removed to 
 Hardin county and spent the remainder of their lives with their child- 
 ren, the father passing away at the age of one hundred years. John 
 Philip Anselman was an officer in the German army and served seven 
 years in the war. Charles Anselman served one hundred days in the 
 Civil war. He was an active business man and sold machinery, mowers, 
 

 
 
 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 611 
 
 reapers etc., except in harvest time when he returned home to care for 
 his crops. He married Anna Felton, also a native of Germany, who 
 located in Marion county, Ohio, as a child, with her parents. The fam- 
 ily located in Hardin county in 1869. She was born March 8, 1826 and 
 died September, 1884, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Ansel- 
 man died June 28, 1904. Mrs. Virden was one of eight children, 
 the others being: Katie Bishop, Charles, John Joseph, Sarah Wood, 
 
 Elizabeth S., Clara Banning. Her mother was for fifty years a 
 member of the Christian church. Mrs. Virden is a member of the 
 Methodist church and also belongs to the Pythian Sisters, being inner 
 guard of the lodge of Hepburn. Mr. Virden and his wife have 
 one son, Lloyd Milton, who was born May 13, 1883, and he is living 
 at home. He is a graduate of Kenton high school and Ada Uni- 
 versity and helps with the work of the farm. Being a lover of stock- 
 raising and especially of good horses the farm had the tendency to 
 make a farmer of him. Lloyd has the pleasure of owning two of the 
 best bred road mares in the country, each standard bred and registered 
 and have lots of speed. These mares Goldie Nu and Lady Mansfield 
 are used as brood mares, and have proved themselves producers. He 
 also breeds English Shire horses in which he has been quite successful 
 and has a team at present for which he has refused six hundred dollars. 
 
 In 1907 and 1908 wishing to see the talked of California, Lloyd 
 made a three months tour of the South and West, being in seventeen 
 states and once out of the Unietd States in that time. 
 
 J. B. Fletcher, merchant tailor, Kenton, Ohio, has been identified 
 with the business activity of this place since he was a youth in his teens ; 
 has figured prominently in the affairs of the town, and has been the 
 recipient of honors from his fellow citizens. 
 
 Mr. Fletcher is a native of England. He was born in Lincolnshire, 
 November 23, 1847, son of William and Marie (Eldridge) Fletcher, 
 English people, and with them came to America in 1854. Arrived in 
 this country, the Fletcher family settled in Washington township, Har- 
 din county, Ohio, where for a time the father was employed as a con- 
 tractor on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later he ran a hotel and store 
 at what was then North Washington, now Dola, and still later he 
 settled on a farm, where his last years were spent. He died at the age 
 of sixty-seven years and his wife, at thirty-three. While a resident of 
 Washington township, William Fletcher at different times filled local 
 offices. In his family were nine children, three daughters and six sons, 
 J. B. being the eldest. 
 
 J. B. Fletcher started out to make his own way in the world when 
 he was fifteen, and it was then that he came to Kenton. Here his first 
 work was as a clerk in the grocery of Crowley & Dickson, with whom 
 he remained two years. Afterward he was for several years employed 
 as a clerk in other stores (A. B. Ingersoll, B. F. & C. Schwartz, J. M. 
 Brimon), where he gained a varied business experience and a knowledge 
 of human nature, which fitted him to embark in an enterprise of his own. 
 In partnership with Adolph Fullerton, under the firm name of Fuller- 
 
612 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ton & Fletcher, he made his first business venture as a merchant tailor 
 and dealer in ready-made clothes. Two years later the firm became 
 Fletcher & Carry. This partnership continued until 1876, when they 
 sold the business. That same year Mr. Fletcher engaged in business 
 under his own name, which he has since continued. 
 
 During his long residence here, Mr. Fletcher has been active in 
 Democratic politics and twice, in 1900 and 1902, was the choice for mayor 
 in which office he served acceptably two' terms. In 1907, he was elected 
 a member of the Board of Public Service, of which he was elected presi- 
 dent. On December 16, 1909, he was appointed Director of Public 
 Service for a term of two years, beginning January 1, 1910. 
 
 Mr. Fletcher became a charter member of Robert Bruce Lodge No. 
 101, Knights of Pythias, September 4, 1876, and a charter member of 
 Kenton Division, Uniform Rank Knights of Pythias in December, 1883. 
 April 29, 1896 he was appointed assistant adjutant general of the Ohio 
 Brigade Uniformed Rank K. of P. by General James C. Howe and served 
 until the death of General Howe which occurred November 1, 1897. For 
 eighteen years he has been a member of the B. P. O. E., No. 157, and in 
 both this order and in the K. of P. he has filled all the chairs. 
 
 June 13, 1872, Mr. Fletcher married Miss Mary A. IJoon, a 
 native of Ohio and a daughter of A. S. and Jeannette Hoon, and they 
 have two daughters: Ellen, wife of R. C. Caples, traffic manager for 
 the New York Central R. R., New York City; and Kate, wife of Dr. H. 
 D. Belt, a practicing physician of Kenton. 
 
 Curtis Avra Robinson. — The representative of a family that has 
 been for many years intimately identified with the annals of Hardin coun- 
 ty, Curtis Avra Robinson, of Cessna township, is also widely known as 
 one of the upbuilders of the town of Alger, he and his father, the late 
 James II. Robinson, having erected the first building in Alger, that is 
 now occupied by the Phillips Hotel. They also established the first mer- 
 cantile house in that place, conducting a general store there for eight 
 years, while for seventeen years Curtis Avra Robinson owned and con- 
 ducted a livery business, it being the first enterprise of the kind in Alger. 
 He was born April 29, 1868, at Marseilles, Wyandot county, Ohio, of 
 pioneer ancestry, his grandparents, Peter A. and Anna E. Robinson, 
 having been among the early settlers of Hardin county, Ohio. 
 
 Born near the city of Auburn, New York, May 7, 1839, James H. 
 Robinson was but three years of age, when, in 1842, he was brought by 
 his parents to Goshen township, Hardin county, where he grew to man’s 
 estate. During the Civil war, he responded cheerfully to his country’s 
 call, enlisting as a private in Company A, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, in which he served until February 9, 1862, when he was hon- 
 orably discharged on account of physical disability. On October 13, 
 1864, having regained his former vigor, he again enlisted in his old com- 
 pany, with which he remained until the close of the war, receiving his 
 discharge on July 24, 1865. He lived for a few years after his marriage 
 in Wyandot county, but returned to Hardin county, and in the spring 
 of 1883 located in Alger as one of its original settlers, and built the 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 613 
 
 property now occupied by George Phillips. For a number of years he 
 was successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits, conducting a grocery. 
 Retiring from active business on account of ill health, he built a sub- 
 stantial residence on East Lee street, and there lived until his death, 
 January 23, 1902. He was held in high esteem as a man of honor and 
 worth, and served his fellow-townsmen in many offices of trust and 
 responsibility, in the administration of public affairs being careful and 
 conscientious. At the time of his death he was serving his second term 
 as mayor of the city. On June 4, 1864, he married Lydia A. Baker, 
 who was born August 4, 1844, near the city of Mansfield, Richland 
 county, Ohio, and is now living in Kenton, Ohio. Two children were born 
 of their union, namely : Curtis Avra, and Harvey W. of Pittsburg, Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 After leaving the district schools Curtis Avra Robinson attended 
 the public schools of Kenton for a time, acquiring a practical business 
 education. For a number of years he was engaged in the livery business 
 at Alger, but he has always been more or less interested in agriculture, 
 and is now numbered among the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of 
 Hardin county. He owns a valuable farm of one hundred and eighty- 
 eight acres on section fourteen, Cessna township, and in addition to 
 having property in Alger, including a business house, and two dwelling 
 houses, he is a stock-holder in the new J. W. Kirts Company department 
 store at Alger. 
 
 Mr. Robinson married, April 29, 1890, Ruah A. Shadley, who was 
 born in Marion township, Hardin county, Ohio, October 24, 1869, on the 
 farm on which her father, W. A. Shadley, was born and reared, it hav- 
 ing been entered from the government by her grandfather, Sampson 
 Shadley. Her father is now a resident of Tennessee. Mrs. Robinson’s 
 mother was Mary E. McElhaney and she died June 3, 1876, at the age of 
 thirty-three years, eleven months and seven days. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Robinson have one child, Parker Avra Robinson, who was born, October 
 26, 1902, near Delta, Ohio. Mrs. Robinson is a woman of culture and 
 refinement, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politi- 
 cally Mr. Robinson exercises his right of franchise in favor of the Repub- 
 lican party, and fraternally he is a charter member of Alger Lodge No. 
 751, K. of P., and of Kenton Lodge No. 157, B. P. 0. E. 
 
 John Scott Slcun, a prominent farmer and stockman of Taylor 
 Creek township, was born on the farm where his father lives, April 30, 
 1883. He is a son of Robert and Ada V. (Rice) Sloan, the former also 
 a farmer. Robert Sloan was born January 5, 1858, and is a son of John 
 Sloan, who died July 6, 1883, at the age of sixty-one years. John Sloan 
 and his wife, Margaret, came to the United States from Ireland, and 
 settled in Hardin county, Ohio, purchasing the present Sloan farm. He 
 purchased this large farm in 1866 and settled in what was then the 
 forest and he built a log house and began clearing the land. He enlisted 
 in the Union Army and served nine months. Mr. Sloan was a member 
 of the United Presbyterian church. He and his wife had four children 
 and besides Robert one other is still living, Emma, unmarried, living 
 at Belle Center, Ohio. 
 
614 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 The childhood and youth of Robert Sloan was spent on a farm and 
 he received a conunon school education. He worked for his father and 
 lived with his parents until his majority. He has lived about thirty 
 years on his present farm and until his marriage his sister was his 
 housekeeper. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising stock and 
 has made all possible improvements, so that now he has one of the most 
 modern homes in the township. He is a member of the United Presby- 
 terian church of Silver Creek and politically is a Republican. Mr. 
 Sloan has served as township supervisor. 
 
 In 1882 Robert Sloan married Ada V. Rice, who was born February 
 9, 1862, daughter of Robert Rice, who died in 1903, at the age of seventy 
 years. He removed to Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, from 
 Muskingum county, Ohio, and was a farmer all his life. Mr. Rice 
 married Mary Ann Koons, who died in December, 1906, at the age of 
 sixty-six, and was a daughter of William and Martha (Shepard) Koons, 
 pioneers of Hardin county. Besides Mrs. Sloan her parents had two 
 other children, namely: Clara May, wife of Judge Roberts, a farmer of 
 Taylor Creek township, and Roy C., a farmer of Huntsville. Robert 
 Rice was a son of John and Eliza (Seaton) Rice and grandson of Clement 
 Rice. Eliza Seaton was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 
 8, 1812, daughter of Robert and Nancy Seaton, who came to Ohio from 
 Pennsylvania before the war of 1812, in which Mr. Seaton served. Robert 
 Rice’s father, John Rice, was justice of the peace for years, also served 
 as assessor of the township, and was the Whig nominee at one time, for 
 probate judge, but was defeated. He died December 20, 1861. 
 
 The brothers and sisters of John S. Sloan are : Mary Jane, born 
 
 in 1884, does dressmaking at home; Lloyd Judson, born in 1886, married 
 Cleo Shinclwolf ; Paul Raymond, born in 1887, at home ; Alta, born in 
 1892, at home; Grace Irene, born in 1895; Elmer Leroy, born in 1898 
 and Frank Marshall, born in 1900. 
 
 John S. Sloan spent his boyhood on a farm, attended the district 
 school and afterward attended school one year in Kenton. He then 
 went to Ada University two terms and for four years in Silver Creek 
 drove a liuxter wagon. Since that time he has devoted his attention 
 to farming and stock-raising, and makes a specialty of high grade stock, 
 having three thoroughbred hogs, O. I., C. and Dew Rock. 
 
 February 20, 1906, Mr. Sloan married Marie Hannah Breidenbaugh, 
 born June 10, 1888, daughter of John and Barbara (Reffer) Breiden- 
 baugh. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Sloan, Nicholas Reffer 
 and Catherine Reffer, nee Lintz, were born in Albach, Hessen, Ger- 
 many, the date of his birth being February 25, 1829, and that of 
 his wife September 22, 1827. Before coming to America, Mr. Reffer 
 was a miller, but after coming here (in 1853), he became a farmer 
 and lived south of Kenton on what was known as the old Shirk place, 
 until he built a fine frame house on Taylor Creek pike, three miles 
 from Kenton, where he and his wife lived the remainder of their 
 lives. Mr. Reffer died June 17, 1894, and his wife July 6, 1898. To them 
 thirteen children were born, all of whom are living except Mary, who 
 

 
of <% 
 
 L&' 
 
 C JL- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 615 
 
 died June 25, 1909, and Barbara, who died December 7, 1899. Barbara 
 Reffer, Mrs. Sloan’s mother, was born May 23, 1859, and married John 
 Breidenbaugh March 16, 1882. He was born in Grant, Ohio, December 
 15, 1860. They conducted a grocery in Grant until 1887, when they 
 moved to a farm east of Grant, where Mr. Breidenbaugh died December 
 7, 1898. To them three children were born : Marie, Alta and Teana. 
 
 Mr. Sloan and his wife have one daughter, Catherine Virginia, born 
 June 27, 1907, who is the only grandchild of the Sloan family. Mr. 
 Sloan is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Silver Creek, 
 and also belongs to the local Grange. Politically he is a Republican and 
 takes an active interest in public affairs. He was elected in 1909 for 
 a first term of two years in the office of township treasurer. He is an 
 enterprising and industrious farmer and has been very successful in 
 all his undertakings. He is well known in the county and highly re- 
 spected. 
 
 Samuel A. Crozier has during many years been numbered among 
 the influential and representative agricultural residents of Washington 
 township, but he has been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes 
 and is numbered among the ever honored class of “self-made men.” He 
 was one of the six children born to Daker Crozier and a Miss Boyd, both 
 of Irish birth, namely: Robert, deceased, James, Sarah, Mary, Robert, 
 and Samuel A. Daker Crozier owned at one time seventy-five acres of 
 land in Logan county, Ohio, but he finally returned to his native land. 
 
 Samuel A. Crozier, born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1860, was left 
 motherless when but five years of age, and in his early youth he was 
 thrown upon his own resources. He was reared and educated in the 
 county of his nativity, and agriculture has proved his life’s occupation. 
 Forty acres of his present homestead he has owned since 1882, the re- 
 maining forty having been purchased in 1902. When he became the 
 owner of the first tract it was in an unsightly and unimproved state, 
 containing a little log cabin which served as his home for a number of 
 years, but with his family he now enjoys the luxury of a comfortable 
 brick residence and splendid farm buildings. He married in 1884 Miss 
 Alice, a daughter of Levi and Almina Hatcher, and two sons blessed 
 their marriage union, Janies C. and Ira C., but the older one met death 
 in 1904 by a runaway team. He was a young man of the greatest 
 promise, and was loved and honored wherever known. Mrs. Crozier 
 was born in Logan county in 1865, one of the three children of Levi and 
 Almina Hatcher, James, deceased, Alice and Charles, but the daughter 
 is the only representative of the family in Hardin county. Mr. Crozier 
 is a member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Crozier belongs 
 to the Methodist Protestant church. 
 
 William C. Kahler, a prominent farmer of Pleasant township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, was born in the township where he now resides, 
 in 1883, son of William and Mary (Bloom) Kahler, and grandson of 
 Conrad Kahler. Conrad was one of the pioneers of Hardin county, 
 and there made his fortune. He was a native of Germany, and upon 
 
616 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 his arrival in the county, Kenton was only a small village ; there were few 
 settlers in the neighborhood, and land was plenty. The only capital 
 he had was his ambition, energy and pluck, as his cash in hand consisted 
 of only ten cents, and aside from the clothes he wore his wardrobe was 
 contained in a handkerchief which was slung over his back. After living 
 a short time in his adopted country he began to prosper, and soon desired 
 to avail himself of the splendid opportunities all around him; he lost 
 no time, but invested his savings to good advantage, as soon as he had 
 worked long enough to obtain a little money, and in time became the 
 owner of 700 acres of land. lie also engaged in the manufacture of 
 brick, building up an extensive business in this line, and carried on 
 this enterprise a number of years. The two large dwelling houses now 
 on the family homestead were built in 1879, from bricks of his own manu- 
 facture, and he also made the brick used in many large buildings of the 
 community. Not only did Conrad Kahler acquire wealth, but he became 
 an influential citizen, and served at one time as commissioner of Hardin 
 county. His large estate was on the edge of the village of Kenton, and 
 extended three miles north of it. He and his wife, who was Hannah 
 Meyers, a native of Germany, were members of the German Reformed 
 church. They had children as follows: Edward, William, Henry, Emma 
 and Minnie, all deceased; they were all born in Pleasant township. 
 
 William Kahler was born in 1858, on his father’s farm near Kenton, 
 and inherited his share of the estate ; he improved this land, and held 
 it until his death, July 27, 1887. His widow, whose maiden name was 
 Mary Bloom, is also a native of Pleasant township, and survives him ; 
 she was born October 26, 1862. They were parents of two children, Eva 
 deceased, and William C. 
 
 William C. Kahler was reared in his native township, and received 
 his education in the public schools. When old enough he began working 
 on his father’s farm. Upon attaining his majority he moved to his 
 present farm of one hundred and sixty acres of first-class farming land. 
 He is a successful farmer, and carries on general farming in a scientific 
 and efficient manner. He is well known in the community, where his 
 entire life has been spent, and has many friends. 
 
 In 1907 Mr. Kahler married Nettie, daughter of John and Margaret 
 Deucker, natives of Germany and Hardin county, Ohio, respectively. 
 Mrs. Kahler was born in Buck township, Hardin county, in 1888. John 
 Deucker was born in 1853, and emigrated to the United States in 1870; 
 he was married in Hardin county, and owned two hundred acres of 
 land in Buck township, where he lived until 1897 and then removed to 
 Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife had six children, all born in the 
 county, namely : William, Karl, Mary, Emma, Minnie, and Nettie. Mr. 
 Kahler and his wife have one daughter, Madeline M. 
 
 L. D. Sells, D. D. S., has been engaged in the practice of dentistry 
 in Ada, Ohio, since 1881, and is well known and held in high esteem 
 here. Dr. Sells was born in Vinton, Benton county, Iowa, in 1860, son 
 of George W. and Anna (McCoy) Sells, natives of Columbus, Ohio. In 
 early life George W. Sells was a merchant at Dublin, near Columbus, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY* 
 
 617 
 
 but later was a commercial traveler. He moved to Iowa in 1855 and took 
 up his residence at Vinton in Benton county, where he made his home 
 until the fall of 1867, when he returned to Ohio and settled at Ada in 
 Hardin county. After they came to Ada, his wife engaged in the 
 milliner business, which she conducted five years. He traveled until 
 well advanced in years, and died here at the age of seventy-nine. She 
 is still living, spending her summers in Ada, and winters in Chicago with 
 her son, L. B. In their family were three *sons and one daughter; the 
 daughter is deceased. 
 
 L. D. Sells, the youngest of the family, was seven years old when 
 they came to Ada, and here he was educated in the Ohio Northern Uni- 
 versity. He prepared himself for the practice of his profession, at 
 Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he graduated in 1880, and the year follow- 
 ing his graduation he opened an office in Ada, where he has since con- 
 ducted a successful practice in dentistry. 
 
 July 24, 1881. he married Miss Lizzie Cline, a native of Knox county, 
 Ohio, and a daughter of Phillip Cline, one of the early settlers of that 
 county. They have three sons and one daughter, namely: Fred, of Utica, 
 Ohio, and Morris, Paul and Ruth, at home. 
 
 Politically, the doctor is a Republican, and has always taken a com- 
 mendable interest in local affairs. He was twice elected and served two 
 terms as a member of the City Council. Fraternally, he is identified 
 with the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows. 
 His religious creed is that of the Presbyterian church, of which for 
 years he has been a worthy member. 
 
 R. S. Shanks, descends from perhaps one of the oldest and best 
 known families of Liberty township. His grandfather on the paternal 
 side, Thomas Shanks, came from Crawford county, Ohio, to Hardin 
 county in 1832, entering here two hundred acres of the government land 
 and building thereon a cabin, the typical dwelling of pioneer days. He 
 lived principally on the products of the forest, for game was then in 
 abundance, and in due time his wild land showed signs of productive- 
 ness, and to his original purchase he in time added eighty acres more. 
 Flis wife was before marriage Susannah Pence, and thirteen children 
 were born to them, Samuel, Henry, Thomas, John, William, Jackson, 
 Sarah, Nancy, Barbara, Rachael. Elizabeth. Anna and Jane. Both 
 Thomas and Susannah Shanks were born in Pennsylvania and were of 
 German origin, and Thomas died in the year 1871. He was one hundred 
 and one years old at the time of his death. His wife Susannah died in 
 1860. 
 
 John Shanks, one of the thirteen children, was born in Richland 
 county, Ohio, in 1821, and was eleven years of age when his parents came 
 to Hardin county. He remained with his father some little time after 
 his marriage, assisting him in clearing his land, and in 1849 he purchased 
 eighty acres of wild land in Liberty township, and as he cleared and 
 improved in turn each subsequent purchase he kept increasing his land 
 holdings until he now owns an estate of four hundred acres, while each 
 of his two sons owns eighty acres in their own name, thus making in this 
 
618 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 family five hundred and sixty acres of the choice farming land of Hardin 
 county. John Shanks enjoys good health and is unusally vigorous for a 
 man of his years, for he has reached the eighty-eight milestone on life’s 
 journey, and he is revered as one of the pioneers of Hardin county. 
 During three years he served as a county commissioner, and in 1864, an- 
 swering the call of the north, he enlisted as a private in Company I, 
 One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for service in 
 the Civil war, and was honorably discharged in the same year. He is 
 now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He married in 1846 
 Miss Jane Mustard, and of the seven children which blessed their mar- 
 riage union only two sons survive, the younger being J. H. Shanks. 
 
 R. S. Shanks, the elder of these two surviving sons, is now one of 
 the well known agriculturists of Liberty township, where he has owned 
 a splendidly cultivated farm of eighty acres since 1876, and this land 
 was purchased by his father in 1863. He was born in Liberty township 
 January 1, 1851, and he was reared and educated here, attending its 
 district schools and also the Ada schools. His first vocation in life was 
 teaching, and he followed that profession for twenty-five years with grati- 
 fying success. In 1872 he was happily married to Miss Mary C., a 
 daughter of Abram and Anna E. Ream, and their three children are 
 William C., Frances L. and Anna E. The son married in 1897 Miss 
 Clara Cronbaugh, while the elder daughter married Mr. M. Runser in 
 1906 and the younger married M. D. Cronbaugh on the 27th of June, 
 1905. Mrs. Shanks was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 5, 1851. The 
 family are worthy members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Shanks 
 is also associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with 
 the Patrons of Husbandry. 
 
 Joseph Powell, a successful farmer and stockman of Marion town- 
 ship, Hardin county, Ohio, is a native of the township, born March 2, 
 1850, a son of William and Nancy (Lyons) Powell. William Powell was 
 born in England, and came with his father, Joseph Powell, to the United 
 States, in 1814, when four years of age. Joseph Powell and his family 
 settled in Marion township, and here he purchased land and spent the 
 remainder of his life. He cleared his land and became a prominent and 
 successful farmer. He was interested in the cause of progress and ad- 
 vancement, and v/as one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church, of Huntersville. Joseph Powell had four children, of whom one 
 survives, Benjamin, of Kansas. 
 
 The childhood of William Powell was spent on his father’s farm 
 and he attended the public schools. He married and reared his family 
 in Marion township. His seven children were : Elizabeth, deceased, 
 
 wife of John Kiester; Sarah, wife of William Moore, of Liberty town- 
 ship; Joseph; George, deceased; Mary, deceased; James H., of Kenton; 
 Ohio, and dohn W., of Marion township. 
 
 Joseph Powell was reared on his father’s farm in Marion township 
 and attended the district school until he was about nineteen years of 
 age, also helping with the work of carrying on the farm. He then 
 directed his attention to farming until he was twenty-three years of age. 
 

 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
’X- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 619 
 
 In 1873 Mr. Powell married Olive E. Henry, who was born in Richland 
 county, Ohio, and died February 27. 1900. They were parents of chil- 
 dren as follows: one child, who died in infancy; William IF. born Sep- 
 tember 15, 1875, married Eva Guider and they live in Liberty township; 
 
 O. C., born June 29, 1877, married Frances Huggett and they live in 
 Washington township ; Estella M., born February 10. 1879. wife of 
 Charles Matthews; Verna, born December 3. 1880, unmarried and living 
 at home ; and William H. The last two have been school teachers. All 
 have received good educations and are intelligent, useful men and women. 
 
 At the time of the death of the wife and mother the following lines 
 were written in the paper in her memory: “Olive Esmarilla Henry 
 
 was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 14, 1854. and departed this 
 life February 27, 1900, aged forty-five years six months and thirteen 
 days. She came with her parents to Hardin county, Ohio, September 9, 
 1863, where she has since resided. She united with the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church at Huntersville when eleven years of age, and has remained 
 a faithful and consistent Christian the remainder of her life, endeavoring 
 to do the will of her Master. She leaves a husband, four children, three 
 sisters, a brother and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. 
 Her body was laid to rest in the Huntersville cemetery. She was spoken 
 of by all as a noble woman.” 
 
 Politically Mr. Powell is a Republican and he has served as 
 township trustee. He owns eightv-seven acres of section one and has 
 a well improved farm, equipped with modern machinery. He is an in- 
 dustrious, progressive citizen, well known in the community, where he 
 is highly respected. 
 
 P. W. Young has been a resident of Washington township. Hardin 
 county, Ohio, since 1870, and since 1873 has owned and occupied his 
 present farm of one hundred sixty acres. This place was formerly 
 known as the “Kreidler farm.” Since Mr. Young came into possession 
 of it he has cleared and placed under cultivation a hundred and twelve 
 acres. He remodeled the buildings that were already here and built 
 others, and in a general way beautified his surroundings. Today he has 
 one of the best farms in his locality. 
 
 Mr. Young is a native of Ohio. He was born in Knox county, in 
 1845, son of Eli and Amelia (Rush) Young, the former a native of 
 Pennsylvania, and the latter of New Jersey. In their family were 
 seven children : Freeman, Louis, Emeline, Clara, Sarah. Hannah, and 
 
 P. W., the last named being the only one of the number to take up his 
 abode in Hardin county. The first twenty years of his life were passed 
 in his native county and there he received a common school education. 
 Then he went to Iowa. Two years later, we find him in Illinois, where 
 he bought a farm and where he made his home for a period of five years. 
 In 1870 he returned to Ohio, and since that date, as already stated, he 
 has been a resident of Hardin county. 
 
 The same year he purchased his farm, 1873, he was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Emily J. Vaughn, who was born in 1853 in Marion county, 
 Ohio, daughter of Thomas Vaughn. The fruits of their union are two 
 
620 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 sons and five daughters, namely: Thomas, a local preacher; Freeman, 
 
 a lawyer of Colorado, and professor in a high school in Ft. Morgan-; 
 Catherine, now the wife of E. Shadley; Corrinna, wife of F. Westervelt; 
 Icy, wife of E. Hayes; Zella; and Maude, who is the wife of Leroy 
 Turner, a farmer in Marion. 
 
 During his residence in Washington township, Mr. Young has 
 always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his community. For 
 twelve years he has been a member of the school board, and he has also 
 filled the office of supervisor. The family belong to the Methodist- 
 Episcopal church. 
 
 John Morgan Jones. — The late John Morgan Jones, who was a suc- 
 cessful farmer of Hardin county and for a few years prior to his death 
 lived retired in the city of Kenton, was born in Knox county, Ohio, 
 November 6, 1832. Mr. Jones was a son of John and Sarah (Bradbury) 
 Jones, the former from New Jersey and the latter from Pennsylvania. 
 They were early settlers of Knox county, where Mr. Jones followed 
 farming, and about 1850 they located in Hardin county, where they 
 bought a farm and spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Jones was 
 born in 1800 and died in 1866, at the age of sixty years, and his wife 
 who was born in 1818, died in 1875. She survived him a number of years. 
 
 John Morgan Jones spent his youth on his father’s farm, attending 
 the common school winters and helping with the work of the farm as 
 soon as old enough. While still under age he taught two years in Knox 
 county, and after the removal of the family to Hardin county taught a 
 few terms in the latter county. He was an ambitious and hard-working 
 young man, and made the most of his opportunities for education and 
 culture. His habits were commendable, and he was ever a home man. 
 
 In 1855 Mr. Jones married Elizabeth M. Gillen, daughter of Edward 
 and Margaret (King) Gillen, both natives of New Jersey, who came west 
 and settled in Hardin county in the fall of 1853. They bought a farm 
 near Washington, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and here 
 improved the land and developed a fine farm. The Kings were one 
 of the old families of New Jersey. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Jones purchased a farm of one hundred 
 and sixty acres, south of Dunkirk. He subsequently bought and sold 
 a number of farms and finally purchased the one of ninety-two and a 
 half acres a half mile from Kenton which is now conducted by his son. 
 In 1902 Mr. Jones and his wife removed to Kenton and made a per- 
 manent residence there. They became parents of ten children, of whom 
 six now survive. Mr. Jones died in 1906, mourned by his family and 
 a large number of friends. He was a man of good principles and high 
 character, whose dealings with his fellows were distinguished by honesty 
 and uprightness. Mr. Jones was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church and upheld the principles of the Republican party. While liv- 
 ing on this farm he served three years as justice of the peace. He 
 was a successful farmer and made several good investments. His widow 
 still resides in Kenton. She is enjoying good health and her fine home. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 621 
 
 William M. Gilmore— The late William M. Gilmore, of Kenton, 
 Ohio, was one of the most enterprising business men of the city, where he 
 spent his entire life. He was a native of Kenton, born in 1849, and a 
 son of William and Martha (Alexander) Gilmore, the former born in 
 Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1825. William Gilmore 
 located in Kenton in 1846, and spent the remainder of his life there. 
 He walked from his home through the mountains to Pittsburg, taking 
 a boat from there to Cincinnati, and as there was then no railroad, he 
 walked from Springfield to Kenton. He was one of the pioneer busi- 
 ness men of Kenton and was for thirty years a successful boot and shoe 
 merchant. lie was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an 
 influential citizen. 
 
 William M. Gilmore acquired his education in the public schools 
 and learned the trade of jeweler, following the same all his life. He 
 owned a fine jewelery store, running an establishment on the south side 
 of the square for a time and afterward locating on the west side, where 
 he owned a store at the time of his death. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Gilmore married Mary Louise Freschkon, daughter of 
 Coonrod and Elizabeth (Strahm) Freschkon, both of whom were born 
 in Germany and came to America in youth. They were married in this 
 country, settling near Patterson, Hardin county, where the remainder 
 of their days was spent. The union of Mr. Gilmore and his wife was 
 without issue. Mr. Gilmore was an industrious, hardworking man, who 
 had good business judgement and was very successful in his line of 
 business. He became a well-known and influential citizen, who had a 
 large circle of friends. Ilis high character and honesty were highly 
 appreciated. Politically he was a Democrat. Mr. Gilmore died on 
 December 30, 1899. 
 
 Rev. Benjamin Waddle, D. D. — One of the men who took a promi- 
 nent part, in affairs in Hardin county during his life was Benjamin 
 Waddle, now deceased. Mr. Waddle was born near Wheeling, West Vir- 
 ginia, in June, 1802, and was a son of William and Elizabeth (Neilson) 
 Waddle, the latter a descendant of Thomas Neilson, a member of the 
 Continental congress, living in Pennsylvania. The family later moved 
 to Virginia, locating in that state about 1795. Both William Waddle 
 and his wife were born during the American Revolution, and his father 
 served in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was a talented musician. Three 
 of Mrs. Waddle’s brothers moved to New Orleans at an early day, be- 
 coming prominent attorneys. 
 
 The early education of Benjamin Waddle was received in private 
 schools, and when he was twenty-one years of age he decided to study 
 for the ministry. His father wished to give him his share of the family 
 estate to enable him to attend college, but he refused the offer and de- 
 termined to work his own way through school. He began teaching school, 
 attended college in Wheeling and completed his training at Pittsburg, 
 Pennsylvania, being ordained a United Presbyterian minister in Perry 
 county, Ohio, in 1829. Proceeding to New Concord, he set to work to 
 establish a Presbyterian college, completing his project in 1837 and be- 
 
 Vol. ii— is 
 
622 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 coming the first president of the institution. He was a president pro- 
 fessor in this college for a period of twenty years, and is remembered 
 affectionately by all who came under his charge and had the benefit of 
 his advice and training. This school to-day ranks high among the ed- 
 ucational institutions of its kind in the country and is under the care 
 of the United Presbyterian church. 
 
 In 1859 Rev. Waddle removed to Hardin county, where he took 
 charge in December of a congregation, enlarging the membership of 
 the church and serving with great distinction and ability. He was a 
 man of great earnestness and was generously gifted in qualifications 
 for his great work in life. His high character was appreciated by all 
 who dealt with him and his eloquence greatly admired. He held several 
 offices of importance and served creditably in all of them. He was for 
 twelve years county school examiner and was the founder of the county 
 institute. Rev. Waddle was sent to represent his district in the state 
 legislature about 1872-3, and was offered the renomination but refused 
 to accept same. ITe gave the public freely of his time and talents, and 
 his public work will long be remembered. 
 
 In 1829 Rev. Waddle married Martha A., daughter of William and 
 Margaret (Herdman) Glenn, the former born in Lancaster, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and the latter a native of Ireland, who came to the United States 
 at the age of seven years. Her grandparents bought land near Pitts- 
 burg for the very low price of six dollars an acre in 1800 and the city 
 of Carnegie is built on the Glenn estate. Benjamin Waddle and his wife 
 were the parents of five children (two sons and three daughters), of 
 whom three still survive. One son, Benjamin N., enlisted at Cadiz, Ohio, 
 in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio, and served three years in 
 the Civil war. He was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness 
 and sent to Andersonville prison. Being a very fine singer, he soon 
 won warm friends and conducted a notable meeting in which he made 
 many converts. Shortly after this the famous spring was discovered and 
 called “Providence Spring.” Mr. Waddle died soon after his release. 
 The other children of Rev. Waddle and his wife were: Mrs. Anna M. 
 Campbell, Miss Lizzie, the only surviving member of the family living at 
 Kenton and W. G. Waddle, a minister of the United Presbyterian church 
 at New Athens, Ohio. Benjamin Waddle died in May, 1879, and his 
 widow passed away in 1881. 
 
 William Elsasser, superintendent of the Hardin County Infirmary, 
 which is located in Pleasant township, is a man of prominence among 
 the county officials, possessing in an eminent degree the discretion, trust- 
 worthiness and force of character requisite for the responsible position 
 whicli he has so ably filled since he was called to its duties in 1902. A 
 native of this township, he was born May 31, 1856, a son of John Elsasser, 
 His paternal grandparents were natives and life-long residents of 
 Germany, where the grandfather, who was a weaver by trade, made cloth 
 for the Royal family. They reared three children, Eva, Lena and John, 
 all of whom came to America. 
 
 Born and brought up in Germany, John Elsasser received a college 
 
RESIDENCE OF J. G. TRESSEL 
 
a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 623 
 
 education, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
 Subsequently desirous of trying life in the United States, a country 
 full of possibilities for the industrious, he came with his family to Amer- 
 ica, having a long and tedious ocean voyage in a sailing vessel. From 
 New York he came directly to Ohio, locating in Hardin county. He 
 bought seventy-one acres of heavily timbered land lying three miles east 
 of Kenton, paying nine hundred dollars for the tract. Building a log 
 cabin for himself and family he labored with dilgence and perseverance, 
 and having cleared and put under cultivation a large part of it added 
 another forty acres to his original purchase. Successful in his under- 
 takings, he erected substantial frame buildings, and there lived in peace 
 and plenty until his demise, at the age of seventy-three years. He mar- 
 ried in the Fatherland Margaret Bishop, who died when seventy-three 
 years old. They reared five sons, George r Louis, John, Henry and 
 William, of whom the older ones were born in Germany, and Henry and 
 William were born in America. 
 
 Receiving his early education in the public schools, William Elsasser 
 assisted his father in the work during the long vacations, and until more 
 than twenty-one years of age remaining at home. He subsequently 
 purchased the parental homestead, for which he paid six thousand six 
 hundred dollars, and engaged in general farming and stock raising. In 
 1902 Mr. Elsasser was appointed to his present official position, and has 
 since superintended the management of the Infirmary in an efficient and 
 acceptable manner. 
 
 Mr. Elsasser married Margaret Lutz, who was born in Pleasant 
 township, Hardin county, where her father, Nicholas Lutz, settled on 
 coming to this country from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Elsasser are the 
 parents of six children,- namely: Mary E., Katherine, Karl Julius, 
 
 Laura, Minnie, and Florence, all at home but Katherine, who is in Lima, 
 Ohio. A Republican in politics, active and prominent in his party, 
 Mr. Elsassef has served as township trustee nine years and ten months, 
 being the first Republican in the office, and he was a Republican candi- 
 date for sheriff. He has been a delegate to various county and district 
 conventions, and was appointed by the Governor as a delegate to the 
 National Charities Convention that met in Richmond, Virginia, in 1908, 
 and to the one that met, in 1909, in Buffalo, New York. Fraternally 
 Mr. Elsasser is a member of lodge No. 79, I. 0. 0. F., of Scioto Encamp- 
 ment ; and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Religiously 
 Mr. and Mrs. Elsasser belong to the Evangelical church. 
 
 J. G. Tressel, a prominent farmer, and one of the most substantial 
 and prosperous business men of Liberty township, Hardin county, has 
 long been an important factor in developing and promoting the indus- 
 trial interests of this part of the Western Reserve. Enterprising and 
 practical, he has taken a wise advantage of the thick stratum of stone 
 which covers a large part, of his land to the depth of five hundred feet by 
 opening an immense quarry, and in its operation he gives employment 
 to many men, the stone being in great demand, not only for use in 
 piking the public highways, it being excellent material for the con- 
 
624 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 struction of state roads, but in the manufacture of concrete. A son of 
 the late John Tressel, lie was born, June 20, 1865, on the farm where he 
 now resides, coming from honored pioneer stock. A soldier in the war 
 of 1812, George Tressel, Mr. Tressel ’s grandfather, migrated from 
 Pennsylvania, his native state, to Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth 
 century, settling in Tuscarawas county. He married Catherine Shuster, 
 and they became the parents of twelve children, John being one of the 
 older members of the parental household. 
 
 Born in Warren township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 24, 
 1810, John Tressel was brought up on the home farm, as a boy and 
 youth assisting in the pioneer tasks incidental to pioneer life. His 
 early advantages for obtaining an education were meager, but through 
 extensive reading and keen observation he outstripped in learning many 
 of his youthful associates, becoming well-read and well-educated. In 
 1830 he entered eighty acres of land in Hardin county from the govern- 
 ment, paying a dollar and a quarter an acre. He labored with un- 
 ceasing toil in his efforts to improve his land, and in due course of time 
 had improved an excellent farm, and had erected a frame house in place 
 of the log cabin in which he and his bride began housekeeping. In 
 1844 he built a grist mill for his own use, and for the convenience of the 
 few scattering settlers in this and adjacent townships, and in 1846 built 
 a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. These mills he 
 operated successfully for upwards of a score of years, carrying on a 
 substantial business. A man of ability and influence, he served his 
 community as justice of the peace, and in many of the township offices. 
 He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, passing away in 1897. 
 
 John Tressel married first, in 1833. Eliza Fappin, who died in 1856, 
 leaving four children, as follows: Samuel, Martha J., George C., and 
 
 Angeline. He married second, in 1859, Mrs. Mary (McKnight) Wells, 
 widow of Amos Wells, and to them five children were born, namely: 
 Alice, deceased, married E. M. Turner; Daniel A; Elizabeth, a twin 
 sister of Daniel A., died at the age of twelve years ; Mrs. Dora Turner ; 
 and James G., the special subject of this sketch. The mother of these 
 children died in February, 1902, aged seventy-three years six months 
 and twenty days. 
 
 Acquiring his early education in the district schools of Liberty 
 township, J. G. Tressel subsequently became actively engaged in the 
 development and advancement of its agricultural and industrial re- 
 sources, and now occupies a noteworthy position among its esteemed 
 and honored citizens. Coming into possession in 1888 of forty acres 
 of the parental homestead, he has continued the improvements previously 
 inaugurated, erecting a commodious set of farm buildings, and other- 
 wise adding to its value until now it is one of the most attractive and 
 desirable homesteads to be found in this vicinity. During the time that 
 he has been engaged in developing his large quarry, Mr. Tressel has 
 filled many extensive contracts in this and neighboring townships, in 
 his work operating a crusher that is capable of an output of one hundred 
 and fifty cubic yards per day. He has likewise other interests, and is 
 now building a tile factory with a capacity of four thousand tile daily. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 625 
 
 Mr. Tressel married in 1888, Della Hamilton, who was born in Han- 
 cock county, Ohio, and they have one child, George Ray Tressel, who is 
 now a teacher in the Hostler School District No. 4, Liberty township. 
 Mr. Tressel and his family are valued members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church at Ada. 
 
 Samuel Gilmore, deceased, formerly a carpenter and builder of 
 Kenton, Ohio, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 27, 
 1822, son of Mitchell and Lizzie (Johnston) Gilmore, the former a native 
 of Ireland and the latter of England. They emigrated to the United 
 States and settled in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where they lived 
 several years, then located in Kenton, where they spent the remainder 
 of their lives. Mrs. Gilmore died at the age of ninety-one years and 
 her husband died a few years earlier. 
 
 The early years of Samuel Gilmore were spent in his native state, 
 and he located in Hardin county, Ohio, about 1847. In 1852 he married 
 Eveline Thompson, daughter of Judge Alex Thompson, who had prev- 
 iously entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, 
 this land being located at the northeastern edge of what is now Kenton. 
 Later he sold off this land in small tracts, all except sixteen acres where 
 Samuel Gilmore erected a two-story frame building some fifty years 
 ago. Judge Thompson was an influential citizen and an active member 
 of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 Samuel Gilmore followed his trade in Kenton for many years ; he 
 worked on the courthouse, which is still standing, and on the old Central 
 schoolhouse. Later he began contracting and erected a large number of 
 buildings in and around the city of Kenton. He and his wife had but 
 one child, Bell. Mr.- Gilmore died in 1884 and his widow survived him 
 many years, passing away November 5, 1907, at the age of eighty-four 
 years. 
 
 Bell Gilmore married Dr. D. C. Smith, son of Henry and Lydia 
 (McCartney) Smith, the former born in Fairfield county and the latter 
 in Columbiana county, Ohio. They were married in Ashland county 
 in 1837 and came to Hardin county in 1838, remaining there until their 
 deaths, she passing away August 17, 1876, and he September 5, 1887. 
 Dr. Smith and his wife reside on the sixteen acres of land formerlv 
 owned by her grandfather, where her father erected a house over fifty 
 years ago. 
 
 Mr. Gilmore is well remembered by the older residents of Kenton, 
 and was well known throughout the county. He was a man of superior 
 business ability and was very successful in his line of endeavor. 
 
 George W. O’Neal. — Progressive and enterprising, George W. 
 O’Neal is actively associated with the industrial prosperity of Kenton, 
 where he is carrying on an extensive and substantial business as an e^ 
 and poultry dealer and shipper. He was born, October 9, 1868, near 
 Marseilles, Wyandot county, Ohio, a son of Jeremiah O’Neal. His 
 paternal grandfather, James O’Neal, was a pioneer settler of Marion 
 county, Ohio, where he took up land that was still in its primitive wild- 
 
62G 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ness, from which he improved a farm, and there resided until his death, 
 in 1844. His wife, whose maiden name was Parthenia Rice, survived 
 him, and married for her second husband C. C. Alford. 
 
 Born in Marion county, Ohio, March 15, 1842, Jeremiah O’Neal was 
 but two years old when his father died. He subsequently lived with his 
 mother and step-father, as a boy assisting on the farm, and having but 
 little opportunity to attend school. In May, 1864, he enlisted in 
 Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Volunteer Infantry, and 
 was with his regiment in its various marches and campaigns in Maryland 
 and Virginia until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when, in 
 September, 1864, he was honorably discharged from the service. Re- 
 turning home, he bought a threshing machine, which he operated a part 
 of each year, the remainder of the time being engaged in the manufacture 
 of staves. Coming from Wyandot county to Hardin county in 1882, he 
 lived for two years in Patterson, and then located in Kenton, where he 
 was for several years successfully employed in mercantile pursuits, but 
 is now living retired. His first wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
 Bushong, was born in Hancock county, Ohio. She died in 1874, leaving 
 three children, John, George W. and William Edward. He married 
 in 1877 Maria Reed, who was born in Ohio, and they have one child, 
 Beatrice. Religiously he is a member of the Disciples church, and 
 socially he belongs to Cantwell Post No. 97, Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 Attending the public schools as a boy and youth, George W. O’Neal 
 began at an early age to assist his father in the store. Just before 
 attaining his majority he entered the employ of the Big Four Railway 
 Company, in Marion, and later was transferred to the general office of 
 the company in Cleveland. Subsequently accepting a position with the 
 Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company, he clerked for awhile in its 
 Cincinnati office, and was then transferred to its office in Richmond, 
 Virginia. Returning from there to Kenton, Mr. O’Neal became a clerk 
 in the office of the Big Four Railway Company, his former employers, 
 and continued in it for a time. Desirous then of embarking in business 
 on his own account, he abandoned clerking and opened a fruit and con- 
 fectionery store in Kenton. A year later, forming a partnership with 
 his brother, he was engaged in mercantile business as a general merchant 
 until 1893. In that year Mr. O’Neal established his present industry, 
 beginning on a small scale, and each year increasing his operations, until 
 now he is carrying on an extensive business in buying and shipping 
 eggs and poultry to the New York markets. 
 
 Mr. O’Neal married, in 1892, Lillian F. Morris, who was born, 
 January 12, 1870, at Patterson, Hardin county, Ohio, a daughter of Dr. 
 William H. and Harriet Morris. Her father was for many years an 
 active and successful practitioner in Patterson. Mr. and Mrs. O’Neal 
 have one child, Helen F. Fraternally Mr. O’Neal is a member of 
 Latham Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M. ; of Kenton Council No. 65, R. & S. 
 M. ; of Scioto Chapter No. 119, R. A. M. ; and of Kenton Commandery, 
 No. 58, K. T. ; and also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 
 Masons, Valley of Toledo. Religiously he is a member of the Presbv- 
 
AGNEW WELSH 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 627 
 
 terian church, to which Mrs. O’Neal also belongs. Politically he is 
 a Republican. 
 
 John Quinn is an old and venerable citizen of Taylor Creek town- 
 ship, and has now retired from active life. He was for many years a 
 successful farmer and stockman of Hardin county and has spent most 
 of his life in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Quinn is a native of Logan 
 county, Ohio, born along Wood river, October 24, 1827, a son of 
 Michael Quinn, who was born in Queens comity, Ireland, and came to 
 America during the war of 1812. After spending six years in the 
 British service Michael Quinn made his escape with others, and crossing 
 the river at Detroit, settled in Logan county, Ohio, where he spent the 
 remainder of his life on a farm and died in 1854. He married Polly 
 Bailey, of Logan county, who died in 1848. John Quinn has a brother, 
 Mart, of Indiana, and a sister, Mrs. Kate Chamberlain, a widow. 
 
 After attending the public school and acquiring a very fair educa- 
 tion, John Quinn assisted his father in the work of the farm, and at his 
 marriage built a small house on land adjoining his father’s farm. In 
 1854 he removed to Hardin county, and cleared one hundred and twenty- 
 five acres of land in Taylor Creek Township. At first he built a log 
 house and later built the comfortable house which is the present family 
 home. He was among the first pioneers of the township. He has 
 earned success by hard work and close economy in the early days, and 
 now owns several farms, aggregating four hundred and fifty acres of 
 land. Hie did considerable contract work in his younger days and 
 worked very hard to make his start in life. At one time he owned 
 seven hundred acres, part of which he has deeded to his heirs. He 
 paid special attention t.o stock raising, which he found very profitable, 
 and by good management and keen business judgment he progressed 
 very well after his start was made. Since 1900 Mr. Quinn has not done 
 any active work, though he has good health and is active for one of his 
 age. He has well earned the rest he is now enjoying. He is well 
 known throughout the community, and is highly respected by all who 
 know him. Politically Mr. Quinn is a Democrat, but is not bound by 
 party ties and has never aspired to public office. 
 
 Mr. Quinn married Mary Ann Bailey, daughter of Silas and Harriet 
 Bailey, and she was born in Kentucky. After her parents’ deaths she 
 was reared by a family in Bellefontaine. Mrs. Quinn died in 1902. 
 To Mr. Quinn and his wife children were born as follows: Mart, who 
 
 died at the age of twenty-one ; Susanna, wife of George Roberts ; Nancy 
 Jane, deceased: Harriet Emelia, living at home with her father; and Ella, 
 deceased. 
 
 Agnew Welsh. — A man of brain and enterprise, Agnew Welsh, of 
 Ada, is widely known throughout this section of Hardin county as the 
 owner, editor and publisher of the Ada Record, a live, wide-awake 
 newspaper, dealing ably with the leading events of the day. A son of 
 George H. Welsh, he was born, April 11, 1856, in Crawford county, Ohio, 
 coming on the paternal side of the house of excellent Welsh ancestry, his 
 
628 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 great-grandfather, John Welsh, having been a native of Wales. His 
 grandfather, Zaehariah Welsh, was born in Virginia, coming from there 
 to Ross county, Ohio, in 1807, locating first near Chill icothe. He was a 
 farmer by occupation, and in 1822 moved to Wyandot county, where he 
 remained thirteen years. Migrating then, in 1835, to Crawford county, 
 he there spent the remainder of his life. 
 
 George Welsh was born in Ross county, Ohio, but was brought up 
 and educated in Crawford county, where he was for many years prosper- 
 ously employed as a farmer, and as a stock raiser and dealer, living there 
 until his death, September 12, 1903. He married Margaret J. Agnew, 
 who was born in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, which was also the 
 birthplace of her father, David Agnew, Jr., whose birth occurred in 1802. 
 Her grandfather, David Agnew, Sr., a Scotchman, served as a soldier in 
 the Revolutionary war, and after leaving the army lived for awhile near 
 Washington, Pennsylvania, from there coming to Ohio, and locating at 
 Mount Vernon. The union of George Welsh with Margaret J. Agnew 
 was solemnized May 29, 1855, and on April 18, 1856, after a brief but 
 happy wedded life, she died, leaving one son, Agnew Welsh, of whom we 
 write. 
 
 Spending his boyhood days in Crawford county, Agnew Welsh there 
 acquired his rudimentary education, and in the spring of 1875 entered 
 the Mount Union College. In August, 1875, he came to Ada, and the 
 following two and a half years attended the Ohio Northern University. 
 He subsequently clerked in a clothing establishment for a year, when, 
 having become familiar with the details of mercantile pursuits, he bought 
 out the book store of J. II. Kemerer, and managed it successfully until 
 the summer of 1881, when his store and stock was destroyed by the dis- 
 astrous fire that visited Ada. Mr. Welsh then bought, from E. L. 
 Millar, the Ada Record, which he has since edited and published. It is 
 a bright, newsy paper, with a circulation amounting to twelve hundred, 
 and each issue receives a warm welcome from his numerous patrons. 
 Mr. Welsh also has a well-equipped job office, and carries on an excellent 
 printing business, keeping busily employed. 
 
 Mr. Welsh married, July 8, 1880, Cora E. Houfstater, who was born 
 in Huron county, Ohio, a daughter of J. P. and Lorena Houfstater. 
 Two sons and three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Welsh, 
 namely: Earl B., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Dana E., in business in 
 Ada; Rhea M., a teacher in the public schools of Ada; Opal M., a student 
 in the University; and Margaret A., a freshman in the Ada high school. 
 Prominent in public matters, Mr. Welch has served as a member of the 
 local school board since 1892, and has been both village and township 
 clerk. He has been often urged to accept other official positions, but 
 has invariably refused. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient 
 Free and Accepted Masons ; of the Knights of Maccabees ; and of the 
 Order of the Eastern Star. Religiously Mr. Welsh is a trustworthy 
 and valued member of the Christian church. 
 
 Tiiaddeus Carr, one of Taylor Creek township’s representative 
 farmers and stockmen, has lived on the homestead which he now occupies 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 629 
 
 throughout his entire life, and he was born there on the 11th of Septem- 
 ber, 1873. Thornton Washington Carr, his father, born in Westmore- 
 land county, Virginia, January 31, 1815, moved with his parents to 
 Pennsylvania when a lad of nine years, later coming with them to 
 Franklin county, Ohio, and finally, in 1872, to Hardin county. His 
 father, John Carr, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his mother was 
 nee Rachel Reynolds, who died about the year of 1855. On coming to 
 Hardin county the family took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
 only three acres of which were partially cleared, and the place contained 
 a small cabin. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives. 
 
 Thornton W. Carr, their son, after he had established his parents on 
 this Hardin county farm, left for Wisconsin and the western states, 
 where he worked for two years in the lumber camps and thus secured 
 the money which paid for the land he had homesteaded. He then 
 returned to the parental home, but in 1854 he again left it to engage in 
 the grocery business at Rushsylvania, remaining there one year or until 
 his marriage, and then coming to the homestead now the property of his 
 son Thaddeus. He remained here until his death, which occurred on the 
 5th of March, 1900. He had attained in the meantime a high reputa- 
 tion as a stock raiser, and he was one of the prominent business men of 
 his township and county, a member of the Disciple church and an efficient 
 and active local worker in the ranks of the Republican party. His first 
 presidential vote was cast for General Jackson. Lydia A. Howell, who 
 became Mr. Carr ’s wife, yet survives her husband and is living in Hardin 
 county with her son Thaddeus. She was born in February of 1834, a 
 daughter of Henry Holsey and Mary (Tidd) Ilowell, the father born in 
 1802, becoming one of the early pioneers of Logan county, and the 
 mother was born in October of 1S07. Mrs. Carr has two living sons, 
 Thaddeus and Calvin, and the latter is a stockman and shipper at Ken- 
 ton. One son Robert H., was killed June 5, 1902, by being thrown 
 from a horse. He was born in 1857. A daughter, Mary F., born 
 March 5, 1859, married Judson Roberts, December 11, 1877, and died 
 January 29, 1879. 
 
 After putting aside his text books at the age of sixteen Thaddeus 
 Carr worked on the parental farm, and after his father met with the 
 accident which made him a cripple during the latter part of his life, he 
 being the only son at home took charge of the farm, and he has ever 
 since made a home for his mother. He is extensively engaged in both 
 farming and stock raising, being a large breeder of sheep, hogs, cattle 
 and horses. He is at the present time serving liis second term as a 
 member of the board of trustees for Taylor Creek township, and he is 
 one of his community’s active public workers. 
 
 In 1894 Mr. Carr was married to Alferetta Ewing, who was born 
 October 18, 1870, in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, a daughter 
 of Robert Irvin Ewing, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
 January 26, 1835, and he died in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, 
 March 10, 1898, when sixty-three years of age. He was a son of James 
 F. and Elizabeth (Fleming) Ewing, from Pennsylvania. Robert I. 
 Ewing came to Logan county, Ohio, in 1853, remaining there until 1858, 
 
630 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 when he went to Missouri, and while in that state enlisted in Carroll 
 county in 1861 in Company G, Eighteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, 
 for service in the Civil war, and his term expiring in 1864 he reenlisted 
 and was made the sergeant of his company. He was mustered out at 
 Louisville, Kentucky, in 1865, and in the following year of 1866 he came 
 to Silver Creek in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, and was 
 thereafter engaged in a mercantile business there until the time of his 
 death. He was also during a number of yeai’s the postmaster of his 
 town. Mrs. Orilla J. Stevenson became the wife of Mr. Ewing, and she 
 was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Jewell) Harris, Logan county 
 farmers. Isaac Harris was one of the pioneer members of the Odd 
 Fellows lodge at Belle Center, Ohio. Their children, not including Mrs. 
 Carr, are as follows: Stevenson, living in the state of Washington; 
 
 Marvin Glenn, of Castle Rock, Washington; LeRoy, a farmer near 
 Kenton ; Desmoine, living in Taylor Creek township ; and Nettie, the 
 wife of Robert Sieg, of Union county, Ohio. The children born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Carr are: Thornton W., born June 2, 1898; Robert J. and 
 
 Carl M., twins, born June 20, 1902; Thaddeus, born November 18, 1904; 
 and Katheryn, born October 2, 1906. Mrs. Carr is a member of the 
 United Presbyterian church. 
 
 Mrs. Eliza Sloan, widow of Thomas Sloan, of Taylor Creek town- 
 ship, Hardin county, was born in May, 1836, in county Monaghan, 
 Ireland, and is a daughter of John and Eliza (Wiley) Sloan. John 
 Sloan, who died in 1866, was a son of James and Letta (Gilson) Sloan, 
 and his wife was a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Scroggy) Wiley. 
 
 Eliza Sloan married Thomas Sloan in Ireland, March 22, 1852. He 
 was born in Ireland, June 20, 1820, and died in Taylor Creek township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, February 29, 1880. He was a son of John Sloan, 
 of the same county in Ireland as John (father of Eliza) Sloan. The 
 former married Sarah McClellan, also of Ireland. Thomas Sloan 
 accompanied his parents to Hardin county, Ohio, in 1833, when he was 
 thirteen years of age. They located near the old Sloan cemetery, which 
 was located on land donated by the family for a cemetery, and John 
 Sloan’s wife was the first person buried there. They took up one 
 hundred and twenty-three acres of land and built a small log house. Mr. 
 Sloan died there April 1, 1864, at the age of ninety-seven years, and his 
 widow died at the age of forty-seven years. 
 
 Thomas Sloan remained with his parents until his majority, and 
 then for three years worked on a boat on Lake Erie. Returning to 
 Hardin county, he found employment as foreman in the construction of 
 the Mad River Railroad, now the Big Four, between Kenton and Hunts- 
 ville. In 1851 he made a visit to Ireland and there met his future wife, 
 being married the next year. The young couple took passage for 
 America in the City of Manchester, spending four weeks on the trip. 
 They located on the land where Mrs. Sloan now resides, owning first 
 one hundred and eighty acres. Later they added one hundred and 
 twenty acres and built a frame house which is still on the premises. The 
 present home was erected in 1872, and is a comfortable, commodious 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 631 
 
 dwelling, one of the most substantial in the section. Mr. Sloan cleared 
 most of his farm himself and became very successful. He made all 
 possible improvements and made a specialty of stock raising. He was 
 an enterprising, ambitious man and well deserved success. He became 
 a useful, public-spirited citizen, and had a multitude of friends. He 
 was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church and served many 
 years as elder. Politically he was a Republican and active in the 
 interests of his party. Mr. Sloan was always ready to give his support 
 to any worthy cause and was liberal in his financial support to various 
 churches in the vicinity of his home. He was a good neighbor and had 
 many warm personal friends. He was familiarly known as “old Tom 
 Sloan,” and his neighbors and associates knew if called upon he would 
 give them substantial aid and help them over difficulties. His widow 
 carries out his policy of lending help to such objects as appeal to her 
 sympathy and good judgment, and has accomplished a great deal of good 
 on her own account. She was one of eight children, two of whom still 
 live in Ireland. She is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church 
 of Bell Center and actively interested in its welfare. She is the only 
 one left of the pioneer Sloan family, and has witnessed many changes 
 and improvements in the vicinity of her home. In 1875 she and her 
 brother John made a visit to their native country of three months. 
 
 To Thomas Sloan and his wife children were born as follows : John 
 James, of Marion, married May Walters, and they have two children, 
 Thomas Walter and Henrietta, the former of whom married Lulu B. 
 Bland; Eliza Ann, married John Sloan, of Toronto, Canada, and they 
 have no children ; Robert Samuel, of Oklahoma, married Dell A. Rogers, 
 and they have no children ; Letitia married Charles Wharton of Kenton, 
 and they have three children, Eliza, Russel and Frances ; Sarah Frances, 
 deceased; William McClellan, a farmer of Taylor Creek township; 
 Thomas Henry, a farmer of Taylor Creek township, married Agnes 
 Richards and they have one child, Ann Isabel ; and Emily Jane, deceased, 
 was the wife of George Fink; David, deceased; Margaret Isabel, widow 
 of Burton Wilson, living with her mother; and George J., who married 
 Grace Davis West, and is a farmer in Hardin county. 
 
 William McClellan Sloan was born March 15, 1862, on the family 
 homestead, and after his marriage bought one hundred and forty-two 
 acres of the home farm, which contained from six hundred to seven 
 hundred acres. At the death of Thomas Sloan the farm was divided 
 among his children who survived. William M. Sloan has followed 
 farming all his life and has made a scientific study of modern methods. 
 He makes a specialty of high-grade cattle and horses. He married 
 Jenny Skillman, daughter of Martin and Mary (Floyd) Skillman, who 
 were formerly residents of Hamilton county, Ohio. Mr. Sloan and his 
 wife have one child, David. He is a member of the United Presbyterian 
 church of Belle Center. Politically he is a Republican and actively 
 interested in local affairs. Tie served one term as township trustee. 
 He is a progressive and enterprising citizen, and highly esteemed. 
 
632 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 John D. Fitzpatrick represents one of the old and well known 
 families of Hardin county, one that has resided within its borders for 
 many years, and he himself is one of Taylor Creek township’s substan- 
 tial agriculturists and business men and its present constable. He was 
 born at the old homestead in Taylor Creek township, May 6, 1883, and 
 his ancestry is found in the sketch of his father, George W. Fitzpatrick, 
 on other pages of this work. 
 
 After leaving school at the age of seventeen John D. Fitzpatrick 
 farmed with his father until his marriage, and he then came to his 
 present homestead in Taylor Creek township, where he is well and 
 prominently known as a general farmer and stock raiser. In 1907 he 
 was elected by the Democratic party as the constable of his township, 
 and he is now serving his second term in that office. On the 21st of 
 December, 1904, he was married to Hattie Greentree, who was born in 
 McDonald township of Hardin county on the 19th of August, 1885, a 
 daughter of G. W. and Melvina (Broughman) Greentree, both of whom 
 are living, the father being forty-six and the mother forty-five years of 
 age. The paternal grandfather was Alexander Greentree. The child- 
 ren of G. W. and Melvina Greentree, not including Mrs. Fitzpatrick, 
 are : Estella, the wife of Thomas Campbell, of Roundhead town- 
 
 ship ; Mary, wife of J. A. Reed, of the same township ; Anna, wife of 
 Denny Stout, of Belle Center; and John and Martha, at home with 
 their parents. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, 
 William Earl, on the 24th of July, 1906, and John L., on the 2d of 
 August, 1908. Mr. Fitzpatrick has fraternal relations with the Masonic 
 order, affiliating with lodge No. 347 at Belle Center, and he is one of 
 the Democratic leaders of his community. 
 
 Hamilton E. IToge. — A man of strong personality, energetic and 
 capable, Hamilton E. IToge holds a noteworthy position among the lead- 
 ing citizens of Kenton, where he is actively engaged in the practice of 
 law, and is serving as president of the First National Bank. A son of 
 the Hon. S. L. Hoge, he was born, February 10, 1868, in Charleston, 
 South Carolina, but was brought up in the north. 
 
 Coming with his parents to Kenton, Ohio, at the age of nine years, 
 Hamilton E. Hoge was here partly educated, attending first the public 
 schools and later Kenyon College. Ambitious to enter the legal fra- 
 ternity, he subsequently began the study of law at the Cincinnati Law 
 School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. Immedi- 
 ately beginning the practice of his profession in Kenton, he has met with 
 well deserved success, and is now carrying on a remunerative business 
 as junior member of the well-known law firm of Smick & Hoge. He 
 possesses much financial as well as legal knowledge and ability, and in 
 February, 1909, on the death of his father, was elected president of the 
 First National Bank of Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Hoge married, on August 18, 1897, Minnie E. Schindewolf, 
 daughter of Theodore Schindewolf, of Kenton, and of their union two 
 children have been born, namely: Virginia and Marian. Fraternally 
 
 Mr. Hoge is a member of Kenton Lodge, No. 157, Benevolent and Pro- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 633 
 
 tective Order of Elks; of the Modern Woodmen of America; and of the 
 college fraternity Delta Kappa Epsilon. Taking an active part in 
 public affairs and political matters, Mr. Hoge is a member of the 
 executive committee of the Republican party of Hardin county, and its 
 ex-chairman, and for six years, from 1903 until 1909, was prosecuting 
 attorney of Hardin county. 
 
 George W. Fitzpatrick is one of the venerable and honored 
 residents of Hardin county, where he has made his home for many years 
 and in all this time he has been one of its prominent agriculturists. 
 He was born in Virginia on the 10th of August, 1836, whither his father 
 Ferrell Fitzpatrick, had settled on coming from the north of Ireland, 
 the place of his nativity, when a young man of twenty-one, locating 
 in Rockridge county. He married Sarah Black, a daughter of George 
 Black, an English family, and she died in 1852, at the age of fifty years, 
 surviving her husband, who was forty-eight at the time of his death. 
 He was a stone mason by trade. Their children, in addition to their 
 son George, were : James B., a Methodist Episcopal minister, who died 
 in Mississippi ; Martha and Elizabeth, whose first husbands both died in 
 the Confederate service during the Civil war, and Elizabeth subsequent- 
 ly wedded a Mr. J. Clark, of Virginia, and Martha married for her 
 second husband W. Hardington; John Fitzpatrick, the third child, 
 served as captain of a company of infantry from Rockbridge county, 
 Virginia, during the Civil war; and William Fitzpatrick, of Xenia, 
 Greene county, Ohio. 
 
 After leaving school at the age of sixteen George W. Fitzpatrick 
 spent two years in farming in Fayette county, West Virginia, and then 
 with his employer he went to Greenbrier county in that state and spent 
 the following two years, was then again in Fayette county one year, 
 engaged in farming, and this brought him to the outbreak of the Civil 
 war. But- he did not espouse the cause of the south, as did his people, 
 instead he came to Hardin county and enlisted from Columbus in 1863 
 in Company I, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command 
 of Captain Rarey, and he was with his captain when the latter was 
 wounded and fell at his side. Mr. Fitzpatrick remained with his 
 regiment until it was mustered out of service, and he was then trans- 
 ferred to Company I, Fifty-first Ohio, which was later sent via New 
 Orleans to Iudianola, Texas, thence to Green Lake, that state, and they 
 were mustered out at Victoria, Texas. He was captured after the fall 
 of Atlanta in 1864 and was confined two weeks in prison at Macon, 
 Georgia, and at Camp Lawton forty days, and was then exchanged. He 
 proved a true and gallant defender of the Union, although to do this 
 he fought against the land of his birth and against his own brothers, 
 who had espoused the cause of the southland. Returning to the north 
 via the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi river he located in Hardin 
 county and bought fifty-one acres of land near Silver Creek, where his 
 first home was a little log cabin which he built and which is still stand- 
 ing, and there too he raised his family of children. With the passing 
 years he has added to his original purchase until his estate now contains ' 
 
634 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 one hundred and seventy-five acres, and this is now one of the best 
 improved and most modern farms in the township. He has during the 
 past many years been extensively engaged in raising and shipping stock 
 in addition to his general farming, but he is now living retired and the 
 work of the place is carried on by his two sons. 
 
 Mr. Fitzpatrick was married in 1869, on the 11th of November, to 
 Emily P. Fleece, who was born in Morgan county, Virginia, January 29, 
 1853, a daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Dyke) Fleece. Joseph D. 
 Fleece, who became a farmer and blacksmith, was born on the same 
 homestead in Morgan county as was his daughter, and there too occurred 
 the birth of John Fleece, the grandfather of Mrs. Fitzpatrick. The 
 latter’s wife was Mary Flynn. Joseph D. Fleece, came to Hardin 
 county, Ohio, in 1864, settling on a farm near Silver Creek, but his 
 death occurred in McDonald township, whither he subsequently moved, 
 November 1, 1899, when seventy-one years of age. His wife, nee 
 Rachel Dycke, died on the 8th of November of the same year, when 
 sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Fitzpatrick has two brothers living, 
 Albert and Charles, both farming in McDonald township. The fol- 
 lowing children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick : Ferrill, 
 
 born in 1871, married Mary Ewing, by whom lie has eight children, and 
 he is a farmer in Taylor Creek township ; Florence, born in 1873, is the 
 wife of Howard Vermillion, of Roundhead, and they have six children; 
 Mary, deceased; Joseph, born in 1878, and now a Taylor Creek township 
 farmer, married Emily Sherman and they have one child; William C., 
 born in 1880, is living in Tacoma, Washington ; John, born in 1883, and 
 now a, business man in Taylor Creek township, married Hattie Greentree, 
 and they have two children ; and Elizabeth, born in 1885, Randolph, in 
 1888, and Catherine, in 1890, all at the parental home. The family are 
 members of the United Presbyterian church at Silver Creek. 
 
 Samuel Epley is a representative of one of the pioneer families of 
 Hardin county, Ohio. His parents, George J. and Barbara (Wooster) 
 Epley, natives of Germany, came to America some time previous to 1829, 
 and stopped first at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, for a short 
 time, the father worked at his trade, that of shoemaker. Soon the in- 
 ducements offered by the Western Reserve attracted him to Ohio; he 
 bought and sold a farm in Stark county, from Stark county he moved 
 to Fairfield county, and in 1859 he came to Hardin county. Here he 
 bought a hundred and sixty acres of land,, upon which Ada is now built, 
 this part of the country being then a wilderness. And here he and his 
 good wife endured the many hardships incident to life on the frontier, 
 and also they enjoyed the advantages and opportunities which were 
 offered for the development of a home and provision for their family. 
 They had eleven children, whose names in order of birth are as follows: 
 Mary, Elizabeth, Louis, John, George, Barbara, Catherine, Martin, 
 Samuel, Jacob and Solomon. The mother died in 1849, the father in 
 1893, at a ripe old age. 
 
 Samuel Epley was born, in 1839, in Fairfield county, where he was 
 reared and educated. He was just emerging from his teens and was 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 635 
 
 still a member of the home circle when the family settled in Hardin 
 county, as above stated. When he was twenty-three he purchased a 
 farm of eighty-acres in Liberty township, virgin soil, which he improved 
 and sold at a profit. Subsequently he bought and sold other farms, 
 always realizing a good return for the money and labor expended. His 
 present place comprises one hundred and forty acres of choice land, well 
 improved and classed as one of the finest farms in Liberty township. 
 His house and farm buildings are commodious and convenient. He 
 uses the most modern methods and machinery, and he gives his personal 
 time and attention to the care of his crops — in short, he is what may be 
 termed a practical and successful farmer. 
 
 On March 3, 1863, Mr. Epley married Miss Caroline, daughter of 
 Nicholas and Barbara Heigh, and two children were born to them, both 
 now married : Mrs. Ida Bowers and Mrs. Daisy Carey. Mrs. Epley 
 
 was born in Hardin county in 1841, and died in 1904. While in no sense 
 a politician or a public man, Mr. Epley has always taken a deep interest 
 in various enterprises that have tended to promote the welfare of his 
 township and county, lending both his influence and substantial aid 
 whenever he could help along a worthy cause. When the university 
 was started at Ada he was one of its first stockholders. 
 
 Mrs. Nancy Ann Windle, widow of John H. Windle, of Taylor 
 Creek township, was born in Maryland August 14, 1835. She is a 
 daughter of John Halina, a native of Germany, who died in 1862, at the 
 age of seventy years. His wife, Margaret (Vermond) Halina, died in 
 1860, at the age of fifty-six. They came to Ohio with their four chil- 
 dren, and after his wife’s death Mr. Halina moved west and settled 
 near St. Louis, Missouri, where he died. 
 
 The childhood of Nancy A. Halina was spent in Maryland and in 
 1855 she married John H. Windle. of Virginia, born in 1832, in that 
 state, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Keller) Windle. After their 
 marriage they lived four years in Virginia, engaged in farming, then 
 lived two years near Columbus, Ohio, and a short time in Marion county. 
 Later they located near Kenton, in Hardin county, where in June, 1875, 
 they bought the present farm of seventy-five acres. Here Mr. Windle 
 died and his widow has since resided on the farm, which is now managed 
 by her son. 
 
 Mr. Windle enlisted for one hundred days’ service in the Union 
 army. He began farming in Franklin county and from there moved 
 to Hardin county where he died in 1873. Mrs. Windle has brothers 
 and sisters as follows : Sarah, wife of J. Stark, a farmer of McLean 
 
 county, Illinois; Mary, widow of a Mr. Jones, an officer in the Civil war, 
 killed during his service; and John, of Stanford, Illinois. Mrs. Windle 
 is a member of the Methodist church and active in church work. She 
 is one of the most highly esteemed residents of the community and has a 
 wide circle of friends. 
 
 The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Windle are as follows: Samuel, 
 deceased; Catherine, wife of S. Swartz, of Kenton, has five children; 
 Mary, wife of James Wells, of Kenton; John and George, twins, de- 
 
636 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ceased; William Id., who carried on the farm which he bought in 1899, 
 married Ida B. Fenton ; Anna, wife of Charles Bishop, of Crawford 
 county, Ohio, has three children, Mary, Joseph and William, the last 
 named married to Ethel Teets. Mr. Swartz and his wife have two 
 children who are married, Burton, who married Flora Hanna and has 
 one child, and Milla, wife of J. Frey, has two children. 
 
 William Windle, who owns the farm and with whom his mother 
 lives, is a prosperous farmer, dairyman and stock raiser. He has some 
 thirty head of cattle and considerable other stock. Mr. Windle is an 
 enterprising, up-to-date farmer, and is very successful. His wife’s 
 father died when she was two years of age, and she was reared by J. R. 
 Miller, of Kenton, with whom she lived until her marriage. She has 
 one sister, Angeline, wife of M. Miller. Her mother was Harriet 
 (Collins) Fenton. Mr. Windle and his wife became the parents of 
 eight children, namely: Paul E., Marian J., Anna B., Roy W., Clyde V., 
 Cecil T., John R. and Grace. Politically Mr. Windle is a Democrat, 
 and the family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Sugar Creek, 
 Ohio. 
 
 William M. Dunson, a prosperous farmer of Dudley township, 
 Hardin county, was born in the county, in Hale township, April 16, 
 1863. lie is a son of Louis and Margaret (Plew) Dunson. Louis 
 Dunson, born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1822, was a son of Thomas 
 Dunson, who was born in 1802, and was the first of the family to locate 
 in Hardin county. He settled in Hale township, at what was then 
 called Grassy Point, in 1810, and spent the remainder of his life clearing 
 and improving his farm. He became the owner of one hundred acres. 
 He married Beulah Patrick, a native of Virginia ; he died at the age of 
 seventy-two years. He Avas a. member of the Christian church. Thomas 
 Dunson served in the war of 1812 and hauled provisions as a mere boy. 
 He moved from Virginia to Logan county, Ohio. He married Miss 
 Cushing and both died in Hale township, Hardin county, on his farm. 
 
 After attending the district schools until he was a young man, 
 Louis Dunson worked on his father’s farm until his marriage and then 
 located in North Washington. Later he purchased the old Doby farm 
 in Hale township, which he sold in 1863 and bought another farm in the 
 same township. In 1865 he located in Buck township, where he carried 
 on farming until a feAV years before his death, then retiring to Mt. 
 Victory, where he died in May, 1897. He was a prominent man and a 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1862 he enlisted in 
 Company F. Thirteenth Ohio, and was wounded at the battle of Stone 
 River by a gunshot in his knee. He was discharged, and returned 
 home February 20, 1863. He belonged to the Grand Army of the 
 
 Republic of Mt. Victory. lie was a successful farmer and made a 
 
 specialty of breeding Poland China hogs. He married, in 1849, 
 Margaret, daughter of William and Mary (Kelly) Plew, and they had 
 children as follows : Beulah, wife of J. W. Thompson, of Kenton, Ohio ; 
 John, of Hepburn; Benniah, a carpenter of Kenton; Thomas, of Idaho; 
 Alice, wife of J. Plattner; William M. ; Cora, wife of W. Hastings; and 
 Rush, of Defiance, Ohio. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 637 
 
 After reaching his majority, William M. Dunson helped his father 
 on the farm one year and then followed the trade of carpenter ten 
 years in Hale township. He then removed to Hepburn and spent 
 eleven years at his trade and working on the railroad, and during that 
 time also carried on a farm near Mt. Victory. In 1897 he sold this 
 farm and bought his present farm of fifty-nine acres, where he makes a 
 specialty of cattle, sheep and hog raising. He also owns some property 
 in Hepburn. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of land in 
 Lawrence county. Kentucky, where he spent one year about 1904 and 
 which he now rents. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also 
 of the Grange. Though taking an interest in public affairs he does not 
 take any active part in political matters, spending his whole time in 
 carrying on his farm and caring for his business interests. 
 
 On April 15, 1888, Mr. Dunson married Sarah A. Pickett, born in 
 1858, a daughter of Peter J. and Hannah (McFadden) Pickett, natives 
 of Muskingum county. Kir. Pickett came from Belmont county, Ohio, 
 to Hardin county. He died in 1860, at the age of thirty-two years, 
 having been born April 13, 1828. Mrs. Pickett was the daughter of 
 Robert and Nancy (Barrett) McFadden. natives of Belmont county. 
 She died in 1863, at the age of thirty-four, leaving four children, Mrs. 
 Dunson being then five years of age. Her brothers are Marian, a 
 farmer; William, of Dunkirk, Ohio; and James, of Fullerton, California. 
 Mrs. Dunson, at the death of her mother, was adopted by Joshua and 
 Elizabeth (Hopkins) Cope. He was born December 12, 1813, and died 
 in 1902. His wife, a native of Pickaway, Ohio, daughter of Robert and 
 Nancy (Veney) Hopkins, was born February 26, 1817, and died in 1885. 
 Mr. Cope came to Hardin county in 1832 ; he was a son of Joshua and 
 Isabella (McCrea) Cope. Mrs. Dunson attended the public schools 
 until eighteen years of age and later attended Ada University. She 
 taught school seven years and then kept house for her foster-father 
 after his wife’s death. Her younger brother also lived with Mr. Cope 
 and his wife. Mr. Cope raised, or partly raised, nineteen children, 
 including all of Mrs. Dunson ’s brothers and herself. 
 
 Mr. Dunson and his wife had children as follows : Lewis H., born 
 in 1888, an architect living in California ; George A., born March 11, 
 1890, attending high school in Kenton ; Mildred May, born in 1892, 
 attending school in Kenton ; Orpha, born February 21, 1896, also attend- 
 ing school in Kenton ; Beulah Alice, born March 23, 1899 ; and John 
 William, born April 19, 1901. Mr. Dunson is a very successful farmer 
 and is well known throughout the community. He is honest and 
 upright, and his probity and good principles are unquestioned. 
 
 Charles A. Guider. — In the death of Charles A. Guider, at his 
 home in the village of McGuffey, on the 29th of November, 1902, there 
 passed away one of the honored and sterling citizens of Hardin county, 
 which had represented his home and been the scene of his endeavors 
 during the major portion of his long and useful life. He was a man of 
 great mechanical genius and ability, and during nearly his entire busi- 
 Vol. 11—13 
 
638 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ness career he was identified with mechanical enterprises, through the 
 medium of which he attained independence and prosperity. He served 
 with intrepid valor as a soldier of the Union in the Civil war, during 
 nearly the entire period of which he was stationed with his regiment in 
 the great northwest, where he assisted in holding the hostile Indians in 
 subjection and also in other important military movements. It is said 
 that he was the only man with an artificial leg who succeeded in enlisting 
 in the army at the time of the Civil war, and this physical defect was not 
 discovered by the military authorities for some time after he had 
 entered the service. The infirmity never interfered with his duties as 
 a soldier, and his record was one of signal gallantry. He was a man of 
 unassuming characteristics but his intrinsic integrity, sincerity and 
 honor were never questioned, so that it was a natural result that he 
 should hold a secure place in the confidence and regard of the people 
 of Hardin county, where he long lived and labored to worthy ends. It 
 is a matter of gratification to be able to present in this work a brief 
 review of his career. 
 
 Charles A. Guider was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on the 
 5th of November, 1837, and was a son of Augustus C. and Christena 
 (Daniel) Guider, both of whom were natives of Schwartzburg-Rodolstadt, 
 Germany, where the former was born in 1810 and the latter in 1812. 
 Both passed the closing years of their lives in Hardin county, Ohio, 
 where the mother died in 1852 and the father in 1870. The paternal 
 grandfather of the subject of this memoir was of Spanish birth. Augus- 
 tus C. Guider came with his wife to Ohio in 1834, and in 1841 they 
 removed to Hardin county and settled in Washington township, where 
 the father devoted the remainder of his life principally to agricultural 
 pursuits. Of the six children Charles A. was the eldest son. 
 
 The educational advantages of Charles A. Guider in his boyhood and 
 youth were limited, as he was reared to maturity in the pioneer wilds of 
 Hardin county, but nevertheless succeeded in obtaining a good practical 
 education and became proficient in three languages, namely: English, 
 German and Siouxan (Indian). He early began to lend his aid in the 
 work of the home farm and manifesting from his boyhood most pro- 
 nounced mechanical ability. As a youth he made all the tools and 
 implements used on the farm, even manufacturing wagons and buggies. 
 In 1858, shortly before attaining his legal majority, he secured employ- 
 ment in the wagon factory of J. G. Orth, at Arcadia, Hancock county, 
 and in November of the same year he went to Findlay, this state, where 
 he engaged in the same line of work and proved himself a skilled artisan. 
 In May, 1860, he returned to Washington township, Hardin county, 
 where he secured a position in a saw mill, in which he was soon made head 
 sawyer. Soon afterward he went to Indiana, but he remained only a 
 short time. He returned to Hardin county and here, on the 21st of 
 November, 1861, the accidental overturning of a wagon so severely 
 crushed his right foot and ankle as to necessitate the amputation of the 
 leg at a point midway between the ankle and knee. 
 
 To the average man such an infirmity as that noted would have 
 precluded all thought of going forth for service as a soldier, but the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 639 
 
 loyalty and patriotism of Mr. Guider were such that he refused to recog- 
 nize his injury as a handicap, when the integrity of the nation was in 
 peril through armed rebellion. Thus, on the 23d of July, 1863, he 
 enlisted as a private in a company recruited in Hardin county for a 
 term of six months. This company was sent to Cafnp Dennison at 
 Columbus, and was finally disbanded, whereupon Mr. Guider and other 
 members of the organization joined the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer 
 Cavalry, which was forthwith assigned to service in the northwest. 
 There he had charge of mail squads between Horse Station and Fort 
 Marshall, a distance of fifty-five miles, and he also encountered his full 
 share of dangers and arduous service in other lines. He continued with 
 his command for three years, during which he was absent from duty only 
 six days. He was promoted to the office of corporal and was assigned 
 to the charge of large squads of men sent forth on detail duty of danger- 
 ous order, the Indians being a constant menace to the troops in their 
 operations. In 1865 Corporal Guider and twelve of his men were 
 assigned to duty at Fort Marshall, where, during the last three months 
 of his service, he had charge of the artillery, — a preferment gained by 
 his bravery and his skill as a marksman. In July, 1864, Mr. Guider 
 carried a message, requesting reinforcements, from Colonel Collins, at 
 Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to Major Mackey, at Fort Halleck, — a distance 
 of one hundred and thirty miles through a country infested by hostile 
 Indians. He accomplished this hazardous mission in one and one-lialf 
 days. In the spring of 1866 his company returned to Fort Laramie, 
 and on the 15th of the following June the command started for the east 
 arriving at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, about the middle of the following 
 month. There Mr. Guider received his honorable discharge on the 14th 
 of July, 1866. Frank Weller, a member of the same regiment, con- 
 tributed to a Kenton paper some time ago a most interesting and appre- 
 ciative article relative to Mr. Guider, who was still living at the time, 
 and it is but consistent that the statements be perpetuated in this memoir 
 In the context only slight elimination and paraphrase are made, to 
 render the article consonant with the province of the sketch here 
 presented. 
 
 “In reminiscent war talks with veterans of the Union army in 
 different parts of the country, I have frequently mentioned a comrade 
 of my own, who, I claimed, was the only soldier with an artificial leg 
 ever mustered into the United States army. This statement is usually 
 received with polite incredulity by many old soldiers, while some who 
 are more pointed than polite flatly contradict it. It does seem incredu- 
 lous that a man with one foot literally in the grave could pass the rigid 
 medical examination that was supposed to prevail in the army, but that 
 such a thing did actually happen, in one instance at least, can be verified 
 by the officers and enlisted men of the regiment, as well as by the soldier 
 himself, who has been a resident of Hardin county for many years. The 
 soldier who is thus distinguished above his comrades is Charles A. 
 Guider. Early in 1861 his foot was so crushed by the overturning of a 
 wagon that amputation was necessary, midway between the ankle and 
 knee. Guider was confined to his bed by the injury when the attack 
 
640 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 upon Fort Sumter was made, and the president issued his first call for 
 troops. He is a patriot composed of the stuff of which good soldiers 
 are made, and it grieved him deeply because he was debarred by the loss 
 of his leg from offering his services to the country in its time of danger 
 and need. When the stump was sufficiently healed the place of the 
 missing leg was supplied by one of cork, which, after a few weeks use, 
 could not he detected save by a slight limp in walking. 
 
 “Guider would have enlisted as soon as he was able to go about, but 
 he felt that it would be impossible for him to pass the strict medical 
 examination to which volunteers are supposed to be subjected. How- 
 ever, in 1863, he did enlist in a company of six months’ cavalry that was 
 being recruited in Kenton, hoping by hook or crook to slip past the 
 examining surgeon. The six months’ regiment was disbanded at Camp 
 Dennison and Guider, with several other Hardin county boys, joined 
 the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, which was being organized at that place. 
 The writer entered the company from another county at the same time, 
 and was mustered into the service with Guider. It is singular, indeed, 
 that an army surgeon would perform his duty in so careless a manner 
 as to pronounce a man with an artificial leg as physically sound and fit 
 for active service in time of war ; and the only way it can be accounted 
 for is that the surgeon was under the influence of liquor. The exami- 
 nation in the ease of the writer was superficial in the extreme and 
 consisted of a few thumps on the chest and a silly question or two in 
 regard to his physical condition. Guider’s turn came next, and the 
 inference is that his examination was conducted in the same free and 
 easy manner, as he was accepted and the next day became a full-fledged 
 soldier in Uncle Sam’s army. When the organization of the regiment 
 was completed it was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and after a 
 short campaign in pursuit of the freebooter, Quantrell, was ordered to 
 Fort Laramie, in the territory that is now embraced in the state of 
 Wyoming. 
 
 “It was not until the regiment reached the latter place that it be- 
 came generally known that one of its members sported a wooden leg. Then 
 it was that the regimental surgeon sent for Guider and tendered him his 
 discharge on the ground of physical disability. But the intrepid 
 cavalry man would not have it that way. He said that he had enlisted 
 for three years or during the war, and he intended to stick to the boys 
 until he was either killed or discharged. He was true to his word and 
 proved to be one of the bravest and most valuable soldiers in the regi- 
 ment. There was not a soldier in the regiment more respected by both 
 officers and men, and he had been but a short time in the company until 
 lie was made a non-commissioned officer. During the three years the 
 regiment was in the service he was on the sick report but three times, 
 aud never shirked a duty or asked a favor on account of his physical 
 infirmity. He was always ready for duty and took an active part in 
 all the marches, scouts, fights and skirmishes in which his company was 
 engaged. Once he volunteered with a single companion to carry a 
 dispatch from Fort Laramie to Fort Halleck, a distance of nearly one 
 hundred and forty miles, over plain and mountains, through a wildly 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 641 
 
 desolate country literally swarming with hostile savages who never took 
 a prisoner alive. This was a feat that few men in the regiment, how- 
 ever daring would have cared to undertake. 
 
 “After three years of arduous, dangerous and honorable service 
 Comrade Guider was mustered out with the regiment, at Fort Leaven- 
 worth. July 14, 1864. He then returned to Hardin county, where he 
 has since lived, proving himself to be as good and as useful a citizen as 
 he was a brave and patriotic soldier. Mr. Guider is a modest and 
 unassuming gentleman, as indeed are all good soldiers, and has never 
 tried to gain fame or sympathy as the only one-legged man who ever 
 enlisted in the army. He believes that he only did his duty, and lias 
 never sought fame on account of it. And it can also be added that up 
 to this time his name does not appear on the pension rolls.’’ 
 
 Upon his return to his home in Hardin county Mr. Guider began 
 work in the construction of a school house in Cessna township, and for 
 four years thereafter he followed the trades of carpenter and black- 
 smith. In 1871 he married, and he then turned his attention to the 
 manufacturing of wagons and carriages, establishing his shop in the 
 village of North Washington, now Dola. From 1875 to 1881 he utilized 
 horse power in the operation of the machinery of his shop. He manu- 
 factured his own band saw. boring machine, drill and lathe. In the 
 autumn of 1880 he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, in Lynn 
 township, and in this enterprise he was associated with M. L. Bridenstine 
 and W. J. Obenour. In September, 1882, he sold his interest in the 
 business and returned to his home in North Washington (now Dola) 
 but in December, 1882, repurchased the business and moved to McGuffev 
 where he continued to manufacture lumber until November 29, 1902, 
 when he met his death by the explosion of the boiler in his mill. He 
 was unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party and took a 
 deep and intelligent interest in the questions and issues of the day, 
 though he ' had naught of ambition for official preferment of any de- 
 scription. He was a consistent and liberal member of the United 
 Brethren church, an uncompromising advocate of the cause of temper- 
 ance, and was a man who was signally true and loyal in all the relations 
 of life. His heart was attuned to kindliness and charity, and he was a 
 true friend to those in affliction and distress. In the precincts of his 
 home, the center of his interests and affections, his noble character best 
 revealed itself, and to those nearest and dearest there comes a measure of 
 consolation and compensation in the memories of the past and in having 
 lived in touch with one so generous and one who so well exemplified the 
 truth of the statement that ‘ ‘ The bravest are the tenderest ; the loving 
 are the daring.’’ 
 
 In Kenton, this county, on the 23d of October, 1871. was solemnized 
 the marriage of Mr. Guider to Miss Marilla A. Kridler, who was born at 
 Lordstown, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 19th of October, 1850, and 
 who is a daughter of Daniel and Jennette (Campbell) Kridler, who 
 settled in Trumbull county in an early day, the father having come to 
 Ohio from Pennsylvania and having been of stanch German ancestry. 
 Mrs. Guider survived her honored husband and now resides near 
 
642 
 
 HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 McGuffey. Mr. and Mrs. Guider became the parents of four children: 
 Myrta Julia, Eva Jennette, Ethel Pearl and Emma Grace. Myrta Julia 
 was married to William C. McGuffey, November 28, 1894, and now resides 
 on their farm at McGuffey; Eva Jennette was married to William H. 
 Powell February 10, 1897, and they reside on their farm near Ada; 
 Ethel P. died on the 6th of September, 1880, at the age of four years ; 
 and Miss Emma G. is a successful and popular teacher in the public 
 schools of Hardin county. 
 
 George Eewood Geiger, a prominent farmer and a successful 
 breeder of hogs and poultry living in Taylor Creek township, Hardin 
 county, Ohio, is a native of Seneca county, born June 7, 1861. He is a 
 son of Jacob and Hannah (Detwiler) Geiger. Jacob C. Geiger was 
 born in Stark county, Ohio, and died in January, 1878, at the age of 
 fifty years ; his widow survived him many years and died July 3, 1904, 
 at the age of seventy-three. They located in Hardin county in 1866, 
 and Mr. Geiger engaged in the grocery business in Kenton, continuing 
 the same until his death. By trade he was a harness-maker. He was 
 a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Geiger, who came to the United States 
 from Germany, settling in Stark county. Jacob Geiger, Jr., was a mem- 
 ber of the first Methodist Episcopal church of Kenton. He was a 
 Republican and held several minor offices. George E. Geiger has three 
 brothers and two sisters living, namely: William Henry, of Los Angeles, 
 California ; Ulysses Grant, a farmer of Cessna township, Hardin county ; 
 Frank August, of North Dakota ; Jennie Elizabeth, wife of A. Offen- 
 becker, of Urbana, Ohio; and Alice Ada, wife of Charles W. Kissling, 
 of Urbana. 
 
 The boyhood of George E. Geiger was spent with his parents, and 
 lie attended the public school until sixteen years of age, after which he 
 turned his attention to farming. At his father’s death he began 
 farming on his own account in Hardin county, spending nine years on 
 the Jacob Sponceler farm. He then farmed three years in Logan 
 county, and in 1901 located on his present farm, where he has been very 
 successful as breeder and raiser of hogs and poultry. He has a fine 
 flock of pure bred Barred Plymouth Rocks, also an equally fine flock of 
 Rhode Island Reds, which have attracted attention throughout his part 
 of the state. He also makes a success of raising Dew Rock J ersey hogs. 
 Mr. Geiger carries on general farming, raising grain to feed his stock. 
 
 In 1886 Mr. Geiger married Ida Bell Nickell, who was born Novem- 
 ber 2, 1868, daughter of James and Lida Jane (Crow) Nickell. Mr. 
 Nickell was a farmer and died at the age of forty years. His widow 
 survives him and lives at Huntsville, Ohio, now seventy-one years of age. 
 Mrs. Geiger was reared in the family of John Pifer, of Kenton, after 
 her father’s death. To Mr. and Mrs. Geiger children have been born 
 as follows: Verna E., now twenty-three years of age, teaching school 
 
 in Lynn township ; Vesta, wife of Reuben Koons, a farmer; and Florence 
 G., aged fourteen, attending school. Mr. Geiger and his wife are both 
 members of the Methodist church of Silver Creek, and active in church 
 work. He is a Republican, and has for three years held the office of 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 643 
 
 township assessor. He was also a member of the school board. He 
 belongs to the local Grange. Mr. Geiger has won his success in life 
 through his own efforts and deserves great credit for the manner in 
 which he has attained his present property and position. He is natural- 
 ly a man of keen perceptions and sound judgment, which coupled with 
 his enterprise and ambition, have enabled him to forge ahead at a good 
 pace. He is well known and popular in the neighborhood. 
 
 Dr. -James M. Wood, a physician and surgeon living in Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Marion county, Ohio, 
 March 1, 1853, and is a son of Hampton and Susanna (Marsh) Wood. 
 Hampton Wood was born at Egg Harbor, New Jersey, in 1813, and was 
 a son of Isaac and Sarah Wood, of Scotch and Irish descent. Isaac 
 Wood and his wife moved from Darke county to Marion county, Ohio, 
 in 1882, when the country was sparsely settled, and took up one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land. They made the trip with a team of oxen and 
 brought their farm implements with them. They spent the remainder 
 of their lives in Marion county, where they became prosperous and began 
 making improvements on their farm. They were the parents of twelve 
 children. They had to bear the privations and hardships incident to 
 pioneer life, and soon after settling in Marion county Mr. Wood would 
 split one hundred rails and trade them for one bushel of corn, which 
 he carried thirty miles to have ground at the mill. In his day the chil- 
 dren had no shoes, and he was a hardy, hardworking man, who strove 
 constantly to make the most of his land and keep his family supplied 
 with necessities. He was a Whig in his younger days and later became 
 a Republican. 
 
 Both Hampton Wood and his father were known and admired for 
 their hardiness and their endurance of all kinds of hard work. The 
 former was the oldest of the children and attended school winters until 
 he was eighteen years of age, when he began teaching and was the first 
 teacher in Dudley township, beginning in the old Boynton school. He 
 continued in his profession and carrying on a farm until his death. 
 Politically he was a Republican and held the township offices of treasurer, 
 clerk and justice of the peace. He was an active worker and member of 
 the Free Will Baptist church and often served as a deacon. He became 
 prosperous as a farmer, and was a progressive, enterprising citizen. His 
 death occurred on May 8, 1889. He was married in 1846 to Susanna, 
 Marsh, who died in 1878, at the age of fifty- five years; she was a 
 daughter of Nalen and Mary A. (Yazell) Marsh, of Marion county. 
 Mr. Wood and his wife became the parents of the following children : 
 Isaac, a farmer of Oregon; John, of Kenton, Ohio; Dr. J. M. ; George, a 
 farmer of Marion county; Scott, a farmer of Marion county; Pearl, on 
 the old homestead ; Lawrence, a farmer ; Eliza Catherine, wife of A. P. 
 Rhodes, a farmer; Ollie, wife of Jacob Yauger, and Merty, Nathan and 
 Henry, who died when young. 
 
 Dr. J. M. Wood attended the district school until sixteen years of 
 age and then spent two years at the Marion high school, after which 
 he taught five years, between his teaching attending the Free Will 
 
644 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Baptist College in Ridgeville two years. In company with his brother 
 John Mr. Wood bought two hundred acres of land in Dudley township, 
 where they spent one year, and then James M. studied medicine a year, 
 after which he purchased an interest in a mercantile business in Larue, 
 where he remained one year and then sold out. He spent two years at 
 the Columbus (Ohio) Medical College, from which he graduated in 1879. 
 He practiced one year in Yelverton, Hardin county, then worked one 
 year in Kenton as clerk for Dr. Rodgers, after which he spent five years 
 as a druggist and practicing physician at Larue, and while living there 
 was appointed postmaster. He then removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, 
 and shortly after returned to Ohio and purchased his present farm in 
 Dudley township. He carries on general farming and pays special 
 attention to dairying, which in the present day is attracting so much 
 attention and returning such large profits. Dr. Wood also keeps up the 
 practice of his profession, in which he has been very successful. 
 
 Politically Dr. Wood is a stanch supporter of the interests of the 
 Republican party, and has been an active worker for the same. He is 
 a public-spirited and useful citizen, the friend of progress and every 
 cause tending toward the advancement and betterment of humanity. 
 He stands high in his profession and is a member of Hardin County 
 Medical Society. His farm is one mile long, v and it faces the Kenton 
 pike road just east of Hepburn. He has twenty-five registered Jersey 
 cows in his herd for dairy purposes. His barn, which is the largest in 
 Dudley township, is ninety feet long, with a silo that will hold a one 
 hundred and fifty-ton crop and his barn holds one hundred and fifty 
 tons of hay. He is using modern methods and has made a special 
 study of scientific farming, so that his judgment is considered very 
 good on all agricultural matters. He carries on his farm as a business 
 proposition and reaps from it the maximum of profit. He is highly 
 respected in the community and well known. Dr. Wood is a member 
 of Lodge No. 463, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Larue, also of 
 the Maccabees of Hepburn. 
 
 Dr. Wood married Lucy Potter, who was born July 13, 1859, on her 
 father’s farm, daughter of Josiah Potter, who died at the age of eighty- 
 three years, December 9, 1891. Mr. Potter was a native of Johnstown, 
 New York, born in 1807. He was a pioneer of Dudley township, 
 settling there in 1849 ; in 1844 he located in Wyandot county, Ohio, 
 where lie lived about five years. He made the trip west with a horse 
 and wagon, bringing his wife and two children. He was a tanner by 
 trade and his wife made mittens and gloves during their trip, in which 
 way they made some money along the way. The mittens and gloves 
 were made of tanned hide, which he tanned by hand. Mr. Potter sent 
 his products to market by way of the lakes for many years, and the trip 
 required weeks, so that he was some time realizing on his sales at times. 
 In 1832 he married Mary Ann Mills, who died in 1868, at the age of 
 fifty-two years. Besides Mrs. Wood their children who still survive 
 are: William, a farmer of Minnesota; Sophronia, wife of W. Kastor, of 
 Washington township ; Mary Jane, wife of Isaac Hoyt, of Kenton; 
 Charles F., a farmer of Minnesota. Mrs. Wood is the youngest. She 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 645 
 
 is a member of the United Brethren church and is president of the 
 Ladies’ Aid Society. She is a member of the Maccabees of Hepburn 
 and the order of Eastern Star at Larue. Dr. Wood and his wife became 
 the parents of children as follows: Mamie E., a gifted artist, wife of 
 
 Gr. Vanatta, of Kenton, who has three children, Keith, Rex and Alice; 
 Aubrey Hampton, a farmer and justice of the peace of Dudley township, 
 married Bertha Drew and they have two children, Madison F. and 
 Esther A. ; and Anna B., who is well educated in music and has been a 
 music teacher, is now attending school in Ada. Dr. Wood is the only 
 physician living in Dudley township, and he has a large practice. 
 
 Ephraim E. Smith, a retired farmer living at Hepburn, Ohio, was 
 born in Dudley township, Hardin county, Ohio, January 19, 1846. He 
 is a son of Nathan and Mary Kiser (McLane) Smith, and grandson of 
 Edward and Jennie (Sliaefer) Smith. Edward Smith was a native of 
 Virginia, a son of Thomas and Jennie (Remey) Smith. The father 
 of Thomas Smith married Jennie, daughter of the well known Lord 
 Fairfax, of Fairfax Court House, Virginia, descendant of the English 
 family. Some of the Smiths took part in the Revolution. 
 
 Nathan Smith was born at Zanesville, Ohio, April 20, 1818, and 
 was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools. He 
 followed farming and stock raising all his active life, and is now living 
 retired at the age of ninety-two years. He bought a tract of land and 
 cleared it, and has now one of the largest farms in Dudley township ; 
 he also operated a sawmill, one of the first in the township. He be- 
 longs to the Methodist church, and is now a Republican, having once 
 been a member of the “Know nothing” party. He has voted for 
 every president since casting his vote in 1840 for Harrison, and is the 
 oldest voter in the township. His wife, who was born in 1826, is still 
 living, and they are well known throughout the community, it being 
 a rare thing to find a couple who have lived together so many years 
 and have both attained a venerable old age. She is a daughter of 
 Ephraim C. McLane, a native of Pennsylvania who removed to Ohio 
 when a young man, and became a colonel of militia from Muskingum 
 county. He died July 21, 1861, at the age of sixty-two years, a devout 
 Christian and ready for death. He married Nancy Craig, who died 
 at the age of ninety-four years, and they made their home in Dudley 
 township, Hardin county. Nathan’s father, Edward Smith, built the 
 second log house in what is now Zanesville, Ohio. The six children of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Smith are : Nancy J., widow of George Bannig ; Ephraim E. ; 
 Elizabeth A. Hastings, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri ; J. S. Smith, Jewell, 
 Iowa, vice president of bank there ; Catherine S., the wife of Theo. Mc- 
 Henny, of Larue, Ohio; II. C. Smith, of Jewell, Iowa, president of 
 First National Bank there. 
 
 Ephraim E. Smith remained at home and attended school and 
 when eighteen years of age enlisted in ompany I, One Hundred and 
 Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and served three years, being mustered 
 out in 1865. He took part in the Virginia campaign and participated 
 in the battles at Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Halltown and many others. 
 
646 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 He had a narrow escape at one time from a bullet which passed through 
 his clothes. Returning home Mr. Smith spent a year on the home 
 farm and then moved to Iowa, where he began working on the railroad 
 between Boone and Omaha, and remained in this work two years; later 
 he worked a year for the Union Pacific Railway Company and became 
 sick so he returned home. He followed farming for two years and then 
 removed to Larue, where he was engaged in mercantile business four 
 years. He sold his interest in this business and carried on farming 
 until 1892, when he came to Hepburn and erected the elevator now 
 owned by F. Laubis, end engaged in the Hour business. He helped 
 organize the Flour Mill Exchange of Mount Victory, and in 1895, 
 through the speculation of his partner lost his total investment of 
 nine thousand dollars. He then traded stock for a general merchandise 
 store, which he carried on a year, and engaged in farming. He was a 
 successful and industrious business man, and has now retired from 
 active life. He owns two large farms in Dudley township. Mr. 
 Smith is a prominent and influential citizen, actively interested in pub- 
 lic affairs, and is a stanch Republican, although he has never cared for 
 public office, being too much occupied with his business affairs. 
 
 Mr. Smith has been a member of the Masonic Order since 1868, 
 and is affiliated with Kenton Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter. 
 He is one of the charter members of Hepburn Lodge of Knights of 
 Pythias, and belongs to Kenton Post, Grand Army of the Republic. 
 Mr. Smith married Mary Outland, born October 26, 1848, daughter of 
 Thomas and Eliza (Freer) Outland, who settled in Dudley township in 
 1864. Thomas Outland ’s father, Josiah Outland, was a native of 
 North Carolina, and married Miss Kiseoh Gatar. Thomas Outland was 
 a farmer in Logan county, Ohio, but moved to Hardin county, in 1864, 
 where he died in 1875 at the age of sixty-two years; his widow died in 
 1877, at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Metho- 
 dist church and the Ladies’ Aid Society. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two 
 children, Warren H., born in 1873, and Jennie C., born in 1876. War- 
 ren is a farmer, married Blanch Morrison, and they have two children, 
 Berkley M. and Mary Bernardine. Jennie married John H. Clark, an 
 attorney of Marion, Ohio, and they have one child, Gladys Irene. 
 
 George A. Lingo. — A well-to-do young business man of Hepburn, 
 George Alvin Lingo was born on the old family homestead in Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, on the 7th of May, 1887. He is a son of 
 Alvin and Clara V. (Shark) Lingo, both natives of that township, 
 whose useful lives are sketched in connection with the biography of 
 James Lingo found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Lingo’s maternal 
 grandfather, Simon Shark, who was a native son of West Virginia, set- 
 tled in Madison county as a boy and in 1863 located in Dudley township, 
 this county. He married Miss Maria Wiggle, daughter of Hiram 
 Wiggle, an old and substantial farmer of the neighborhood, his wife 
 dying in 1896 at the age of sixty-seven years. 
 
 The boyhood of George A. Lingo was spent on his father’s farm, 
 and he attended school until he was seventeen years of age, continuing 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIONEER HOME OF RUDOLPH, MATILDA, JOHN AND JACOB DEPPELLER 
 
JOHN DEPPELLER MATILDA DEPPELLER JACOB DEPPELLER 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 647 
 
 his agricultural pursuits on the olcl homestead place until 1907, and for 
 four years he traveled in the west. In the year named he removed to 
 Hepburn, assisting his brother James in the hardware business. He 
 is energetic and industrious, is a thorough business man and stands 
 high in the moral estimation of the community. In Masonry he is 
 identified with the lodge at Larue, Marion county, and his politics have 
 always been Republican. 
 
 On July 9, 1909, Mr. Lingo married Miss Edith Ellen Clement, 
 who was born April 15, 1885, and is a daughter of Charles C. and 
 Margaret (Hunter) Clement of Hepburn. Mrs. Lingo’s father is a 
 painter and mason by trade and, at the age of forty-two, is an energetic 
 and respected citizen of that town. Her grandfather, George Clement, 
 was a boy when lie came to the community with his parents and settled 
 on what became known as the old Clement place north of Hepburn. 
 He married Mary Ann Armstrong, of a family whose members were 
 pioneers of Dudley township. The maternal grandfather, John Hun- 
 ter, is living at Kenton at the age of seventy years, and his wife is 
 still spared to him, aged sixty-three. Mr. Lingo and his kife are 
 popular socially and highly esteemed for their reliable traits of character. 
 
 John Deppeller is one of the agriculturists of Washington town- 
 ship and a son of one) of Hardin county’s early pioneers, Rudolph 
 Deppeller. The father was a native of Switzerland, born August 8, 
 1800, in Canton of Aargau, and in journeying to the United States in 
 1816 he spent sixteen weeks sailing on the ocean from Amsterdam to 
 Philadelphia. He was bound out for four years on a farm near Phila- 
 delphia to a farmer to pay his passage to America. His first home in 
 this country was at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he learned the 
 shoe maker’s trade, and he worked at that avocation more or less during 
 the remainder of his life. Prom Philadelphia Mr. Deppeller moved to 
 Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1835, where he made shoes for the Wyandot 
 Indians, and on the 19th of November, 1847, he arrived in that part of 
 Hardin county now known as Washington township, here purchasing 
 one hundred and sixty acres of wild land. Building him a log cabin, the 
 typical home of the pioneers, he began clearing the land, alternating 
 this work with shoe making and mending, and after a few years he sold 
 eighty acres of his tract, the remaining eighty being now the home of his 
 son John, and it is under a splendid state of cultivation. 
 
 Rudolph Deppeller married Matilda Blunden, a native daughter of 
 Fairfield county, Ohio, born August 28, 1825, and two sons, John and 
 Jacob, were born to them, the younger Jacob being now a resident of 
 the state of Kansas. On the 20tli of September, 1877, Rudolph Dep- 
 peller was called from this life and his widow survived him many years, 
 dying on March 28, 1892. They were loved and honored in the com- 
 munity where they had so long lived and labored being revered for their 
 true worth of character. 
 
 John Deppeller, who owns the old Deppeller homestead in Wash- 
 ington township, was born in Wyandot county, May 4, 1847, and was 
 therefore but six months old when the family became residents of Har- 
 
CAS 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 din county. In the district schools of his home community he obtained 
 a good education and at an early age began teaching, but as his health 
 gave way he was obliged to abandon that profession for the farm, and 
 he has been successful as an agriculturist. For five years he served 
 Washington township well and faithfully as clerk, and he has also served 
 on the school board. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
 and is an efficient worker for the order. Mr. Deppeller was married 
 May 5, 1892, to Matilda, a daughter of Jonathan and Sydney J. Packer. 
 
 Jacob Deppeller, the younger son of Rudolph and Matilda (Blun- 
 den) Deppeller was born on the farm now owned by his brother John, 
 March 3, 1853. He attended the common schools in his home district, 
 traveling over bad roads a distance of two miles daily. He also assisted 
 with the farm work using a team of oxen. When a young man he 
 spent some time as a clerk in a store, and then in order to prepare him- 
 self for teaching attended the Ada Normal (as it was then called) and 
 taught several terms of common school. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Dep- 
 peller went to San Jose, California, to attend the State Normal there and 
 to prepare himself to teach in the common schools of that state. He 
 received a state certificate and became a county examiner and taught 
 several terms of school. In the fall of 1879 he returned to Ohio, taught 
 a winter term in the home school and then went to Columbus to take 
 a business course. Going then to Denver, Colorado, he there completed 
 a course in assaying in minerals and metals and joined the mining com- 
 pany of Captain Jack Crawford the “Poet Scout” and went with them to 
 New Mexico where they prospected until the Apache Indians drove them 
 out. Mr. Deppeller next went with a government surveying party that 
 worked in Colorado until winter storms closed operations when he began 
 clerking in a bank and store for Archulettas, in Conejos, Colorado. 
 
 Returning to Ohio he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie, 
 eldest daughter of Jacob and Adeline Obenour on January 16, 1883. 
 Mr. Deppeller then helped to farm the home place during the winter 
 months teaching school in Washington county, Kansas. He has lived 
 in Kansas a number of years, at one time being employed in an abstract 
 and title office and then in the county recorder’s office, later being made 
 deputy recorder. Following- a change in officials he then became assist- 
 ant cashier in a bank. In October, 1905, after his return from a visit 
 to his old Ohio home, he became connected with the county treasurer’s 
 office and here spent four years as deputy. In the fall of 1908 he was 
 elected to the office of county treasurer assuming his duties in October 
 of 1909. 
 
 Frank J. Laubis. — The leading citizen of the village of Hepburn, 
 Ohio, and proprietor of its only business industry, was born in Goshen 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, January 9, 1870. His father, Rein- 
 hart Laubis, was born in Germany, and came with his parents, Frank 
 and Regina (Zuckswort) Laubis, to America, at the age of seven years. 
 Frank Laubis was a shoemaker by trade, and one of the earliest settlers 
 in Goshen township, where he died ; his widow died in 1882. They 
 built a log cabin and set to work to clear and cultivate their farm. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 649 
 
 Reinhart Laubis, who has now reached the age of sixty-seven years, has 
 been a farmer all his life and carried on the old homestead after the 
 death of his father ; he became one of the most thrifty and prosperous 
 farmers of the vicinity. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and 
 though and ardent Democrat never desired public office. Reinhart 
 Laubis married Mary Breidentein, who died in 1877 ; her parents were 
 natives of Germany and she was born in Goshen township. To this 
 union were born children as follows: Catherine, wife of William Feister, 
 a farmer of Goshen township ; Elizabeth, wife of D. H. Bunce, of 
 Kenton, Ohio; Frank J. ; Jacob, foreman for the T. & 0. C. Railway 
 Company; Ella, wife of IT. Heile, of Kenton, Ohio, and Lena, wife of 
 Albert Rogers, a farmer of Pleasant township. Reinhart Laubis mar- 
 ried for his second wife Catherine, daughter of Abraham and Catherine 
 (Kemmer) Kreinbell both now deceased. To this union were born 
 children as follows : John, a farmer at Forest, Ohio ; David, a carpenter 
 at Grants, Ohio; Edward, of Goshen township; Harry at home; and 
 Susan, Nettie and Carrie at home. 
 
 Frank J. Laubis attended school until fourteen years of age, worked 
 out three years and then worked at home on his father’s farm. At the 
 age of nineteen he began shipping hay on his own account, locating at 
 Larue ; through the fault of his partner he failed in business and returned 
 home. After working out by the day for two years he was able to 
 save sufficient money to again establish himself in business in a small 
 way, and has since been actively engaged in hay, grain and stock ship- 
 ping at Hepburn, where he OAvns a large elevator. He is one of the 
 largest shippers in the vicinity, and has met with financial .success. 
 This enterprise is the main support of the village of Hepburn, and 
 Mr. Laubis is considered an enterprising, valuable citizen. He has 
 paid close attention to his business interests, building up his business by 
 untiring industry and thrift. 
 
 Mr. Laubis is a Democrat in political views and takes an active 
 interest in public affairs, although on account of his extensive business 
 he does not care to fill public office. He is a member of the United 
 Brethren church at Hepburn, where he is a trustee and treasurer. He 
 is also affiliated with Hopkin Lodge No. 619, Knights of Pythias, of 
 Hepburn, and with Lodge No. 157, Benevolent and Protective Order of 
 Elks, of Kenton. 
 
 In 1894 Mr. Laubis married Emma Blanker, born December 18, 
 3877, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Althomer) Blanker, among 
 the oldest settlers of the county ; Mr. Blanker died in 1884, and his widow 
 survives him, at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Laubis is a member of 
 the Reformed church, and also belongs to the Pythian Sisters, being 
 most excellent chief of Hepburn Lodge. Mr. Laubis and his wife have 
 been blessed with children as follows: Earl, born January 10. 1896; 
 
 Margaret, who died at the age of eight years; Russell, born September 
 5, 1902 ; and Carvin, born December 28, 1904. 
 
 William W. Durbin. — Among the citizens of Kenton, Ohio, to 
 become prominent throughout the state is William W. Durbin, who 
 
650 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 received the appointment, through Governor Harmon, April 1, 1909, to 
 the penitentiary hoard of Columbus. Mr. Durbin is well known as a 
 prominent Democrat, and has for many years been active in party in- 
 terests. He is a successful and prominent business man, and has 
 become known throughout many parts of the country as an entertainer 
 in the line of magic and mystery, having gained a wide reputation as 
 a magician of wonderful powers, whose unparallelled feats have been 
 the marvel of all who have seen them. 
 
 Mr. Durbin was born in Kenton, September 29, 1866, the only son 
 of William W. and Margaret (Lipoid) Durbin. Mr. Durbin, Jr., was 
 educated in the public schools of his native city, which he attended 
 until about 1882, when he entered the employ of the Champion Iron Com- 
 pany and learned the trade of a coremaker, which he followed some two 
 years. He then read law with Judge A. B. Johnson, and in June, 1886, 
 was appointed to a position in the treasury department at Washington. 
 Tie attended the National Law University in the evenings, and in 1888 
 graduated therefrom. lie was admitted to the bar in Ohio in June, 
 1888. and took a post-graduate course in law. On March 25, 1890, 
 Mr. Durbin resigned his position in Washington. He had been pro- 
 moted to the post of examiner of claims in the office of the second 
 auditor of the United States Treasury. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. Durbin married Mary L. Danaher, daughter of Thomas 
 and Ann Danaher, of Washington, D. C. Retiring from public office, 
 Mr. Durbin entered into the practice of his profession in Kenton, and 
 engaged in collecting claims of officers of the late war. In 1902 Mr. 
 Di irbin became manager and treasurer of the Scioto Sign Company, 
 and since he became connected with same the business has largely in- 
 creased. He is a man of great business ability and acumen, and has 
 been interested at various times in several different enterprises. 
 
 Since attaining his majority Mr. Durbin has taken an active inter- 
 est in political matters, and served as a member of the board of educa- 
 tion from 1891 to 1894, the youngest man ever elected to this office. 
 He has been chairman of the Eighth County Democratic Committee, 
 was at one time chairman of the State Democratic Committee and has 
 been one of the leading Democrats in the state. He is a natural organ- 
 izer, and has given efficient service to his party and also to the public 
 while serving in their interests. He was a candidate on the ticket with 
 Governor Harmon for state auditor, and ran fifty thousand ahead of 
 his ticket, although he was defeated. He was closely identified with the 
 election of Harmon, and is held in high esteem by his fellows. Mr. 
 Durbin has a large circle of friends, and they appreciate his many good 
 qualities. He is a man of generous nature and high character, and has 
 the faculty of keeping the friends he has won, being very popular with 
 all classes of men. Mr. Durbin is a member of the Knights of Pythias, 
 having joined the order while in Washington, and has served as chan- 
 cellor commander of his lodge. In 1902 he joined the Elks, and has been 
 three times elected to the office of exalted ruler. 
 
 Mr. Durbin has two sons, Francis W., born in 1891, and Thomas 
 Andrew, born in 1894. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 651 
 
 Peter Major Duff, a prominent farmer and auctioneer of Hepburn, 
 Ohio, was born May 14, 1866, at Washington Court House, Ohio, a son 
 of Peter Duff. Peter Duff, Sr. carried on his trade of wagon-maker in 
 Fayette county, Ohio, where he died when Peter M. was a child. He 
 married Mary Ann Purwell, who survives him, and has now reached the 
 age of sixtv-two years. They became the parents of children as follows : 
 George W., minister and auctioneer at Springfield, Ohio; Silas, a car- 
 penter of Kenton ; William, an oil refiner, living at Lima, Qhio ; Peter 
 M. ; Nancy, wife of Charles Burk, a tank builder at Carey, Illinois ; 
 and Charles, who died in infancy. After the death of Mr. Duff his 
 widow married K. B. Cole, a retired blacksmith, and they now reside 
 at Ohio City, Ohio. Kir. Dnff was a prominent and highly respected 
 citizen, and served as a .justice of the peace. 
 
 The boyhood days of Peter M. Duff were spent at home, and he 
 attended the public schools of his native county until fifteen years old, 
 after which he worked at farming until twenty. For two years he fol- 
 lowed teaming, worked on a railroad two years, and in 1872 opened a 
 meat market at Ridgeway. Later he engaged in the same business at 
 Hepburn, but sold his market and engaged in the butchering business 
 which he followed until 1904; during this time he took up the calling 
 of auctioneer, which he has followed with success since. Mr. Duff has 
 gained a high reputation as a auctioneer, in Hardin county and also 
 in other parts of the state, being kept fairly busy at the business. Dur- 
 ing 1908 he officiated at one hundred and twenty sales, and during 1909 
 at one hundred and seventeen. 
 
 Mr. Duff is the manager of a summer resort and amusement park 
 at Hepburn, and aside from his auctioneering business has charge of 
 a farm adjoining Hepburn. Tie takes an active interest in public affairs, 
 is a Democrat in political views, and has served two terms as township 
 assessor and two terms as a member of the school board. He is a mem- 
 ber of Hepburn Lodge No. 619, Knights of Pythias, having held nearly 
 all the offices in the same, belongs to Lodge No. 234, Knighted Order 
 of Tented Maccabees, and to Hepburn Lodge. No. 301, Pythian Sisters. 
 
 On July 21, 1886, Mr. Duff married Mina B. Hunt, born at Ridge- 
 way, Ohio, December 29, 1865, daughter of Thomas C. and Elizabeth 
 (Rayburn) Hunt. Mr. Hunt came to Ridgeway, Ohio, from the state 
 of New York, and was a cooper by trade; he died there in 1870. He 
 served through the Civil war in Company E. Sixth Regiment, from Ohio, 
 was disabled and re-enlisted, joining Company K of the Forty-second 
 Infantry. lie lost his health through exposure, and was discharged 
 April 4, 1866. Upon returning to Ridgeway he was married to Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of William and Amanda (Hunt) Rayburn; Mr. Ray- 
 burn was born in 1814 and his wife July 4, 1818. Mrs. Hunt died May 
 21, 1908, aged seventy-three years. Besides Mrs. Duff, Mr. Hunt and 
 his wife had two daughters and one son, namely: Cynthia, wife of 
 William Davis, a farmer of Logan county; Mary, wife of J. Wilkes, of 
 West Mansfield ; and William R., a farmer. Mrs. Duff is a prominent 
 member of the Pythian Sisters, of Hepburn, and is now serving in the 
 office of outer guard, having passed all the chairs. She is also a member 
 
652 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of the Maccabees and the Ladies’ Aid Society, holding the office of lieu- 
 tenant-commander in the former. She is a member of the United 
 Brethren church at Hepburn. To Mr. Duff and his wife have been born 
 children as follows : George Horton, born in 1889, a clerk in Hepburn, 
 Edgar Duff, born in 1892; Pearl Carlos, in 1894; Charles Lester, in 
 1898; Ethel May, in 1891 ; and Avil Gladys in 1896. 
 
 Madison M. Thompson. — Prominently identified with the leading 
 interests of the progressive city of Kenton as its mayor, M. M. Thompson 
 is held in high esteem as a man and a citizen, and his influence and as- 
 sistence are always sought in behalf of undertakings for the public 
 good. A son of Robert Thompson, he was born, March 28, 1856, in Union 
 county, Ohio, where his grandfather Thompson was a pioneer farmer, 
 migrating to that part of the state from Virginia. 
 
 Robert Thompson was born on the homestead which his father re- 
 deemed from the wilderness in Union county, Ohio, and was there 
 brought up and educated. He was there engaged in agricultural pur- 
 suits until about 1860, when he came with his family to Hardin county, 
 locating on a farm at Mount Victory, where he improved a good estate, 
 and was employed in tilling the soil the remainder of his active life. 
 He married Miranda Longbrake, who was born in Ohio, where her par- 
 ents were early settlers, coming from New York state. Of their family of 
 four sons and two daughters all but one grew to years of maturity, 
 Madison M., the special subject of this brief biographical notice, being 
 the firstborn. 
 
 About four years old when his parents moved to Mount Victory, 
 M. M. Thompson there received a common school education, and as a 
 youth assisted his father in the care of the farm. When ready to be- 
 gin life on his own account, he bought land in Dudley township, Hardin 
 county, and was there employed as a tiller of the soil about four years. 
 Embarking then in business as a general merchant at Mount Victory, 
 Mr. Thompson was appointed postmaster in 1885, by President Cleve- 
 land. Disposing of his business at the end of four years he returned 
 to his farm, and in 1890 was elected county auditor. This important 
 position Mr. Thompson filled satisfactorily for six years, after which 
 he, in 1897, resumed the management of his farming estate. In 1906, 
 desirous of giving his children good educational advantages, he became 
 a resident of Kenton, retaining, however, the ownership of his valuable 
 farm of two hundred and ten acres lying but eight miles from Kenton. 
 In 1907 Mr. Thompson was elected to his present position as mayor of 
 the city, and in the management of municipal affairs has been very 
 successful. 
 
 Mr. Thompson married, on the 9th of April, 1881, Fannie L. Clem- 
 ons, a daughter of Rev. James C. and Filoma (Little) Clemons, who set- 
 tled in Green county, Ohio, in pioneer days. Mr. Clemons later became a 
 minister and preached many years in Northern Ohio at different charges, 
 including Prospect in Marion county, where Mrs. Thompson lived at the 
 time of her marriage. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Thompson, two of whom, daughters, died in infancy, while seven are liv- 
 

 
 
 
 
 
2 / 1 /) - 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 653 
 
 ing, namely : Roy, Grover, Clyde, Naomi, Byron M., Dewey and Margaret. 
 A stanch Democrat in his political views, Mr. Thompson is an active 
 worker in the interests of his party. He is a member of the Ancient 
 Order of Free and Accepted Masons, and Lodge No. 157, B. P. 0. E., of 
 Kenton. 
 
 John Power Durbin, who died at his home in the village of 
 Foraker, Hardin county, on the 11th of April, 1905, was one of the suc- 
 cessful business men and honored citizens of this county, and he had 
 much to do with the development and upbuilding of the village of 
 Foraker, where he opened the first mercantile establishment and where 
 he continued to be actively engaged in business for nearly a quarter of 
 a century. He served as a gallant soldier of the Union in the Civil 
 war and as a citizen and business man he showed the same loyalty that 
 prompted him to thus go forth in defense of the integrity of the nation. 
 His entire life was ordered upon a high plane of integrity and honor, 
 and at all times were vouchsafed to him the fullest measure of popular 
 confidence and esteem. He was a native of Ohio and a scion of one of 
 the honored pioneer families of the old Buckeye state, on which score 
 further interest attaches to his career as one of the represntative citizens 
 of Hardin County. 
 
 John Power Durbin was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 4th of 
 January, 1844, and was a son of Rev. John and Sarah (Bradic) Durbin, 
 of whose seven daughters and five sons he was the youngest son. One 
 brother and three sisters are still living : Samuel is a representative 
 
 farmer and influential citizen of Allen county, this state ; and the three 
 sisters are married and reside in Ohio. Rev. John Durbin was a clergy- 
 man of the Methodist Episcopal church and did effective service in the 
 same for many years. He also became the owner of a good farm in 
 Knox county, which was the place of his birth, and there he continued to 
 reside until' his death. His wife died before the subject of this memoir 
 had attained to years of maturity. John P. Durbin was reared on the 
 home farm. and secured a good common school education. He continued 
 to be associated with the work of the farm until the climacteric period 
 of the Civil war, when he tendered his aid in defense of the Union. He 
 enlisted in a regiment of volunteer infantry raised in his home county 
 and with the same proceeded to the front. He was severely wounded in 
 the battle of Vicksburg, and by reason of the disability thus entailed 
 he was given an honorable discharge. He returned to his home and after 
 recuperation re-enlisted, becoming a member of the Twentieth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, with which command he continued in active service 
 until the close of the war, and with which he participated in many of 
 the important battles marking the progress of the great fratracidal 
 conflict. He ever manifested a deep interest in his old comrades and 
 signified the same by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 After the close of the war Mr. Durbin came to Ilardin county, where 
 he engaged in agricultural pursuits. When the attractions of the great 
 Kansas prairies were exploited in the early days, he removed to that 
 state, where he secured a tract of land and began farming. Like many 
 
 Vol. 11—14 
 
654 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 others of the early settlers he met with much loss through the depreda- 
 tions of the grasshoppers and encountered other discouraging conditions, 
 so that he finally left the Sunflower state and made his way back to Ohio. 
 His resources were so reduced that he found it expedient to make the 
 major portion of the journey on a freight train. He returned to Hardin 
 county and located in Kenton, where he soon afterward became associated 
 with Benjamin Connor in the opening of a general store, which they 
 conducted under partnership alliance for some time. Mr. Durbin then 
 disposed of his interest in the business and removed to the embryonic 
 village of Foraker, as he had the prescience to realize that here would 
 eventually be developed a good trading center. He erected the first 
 store building in the village and here he continued to conduct a general 
 mercantile enterprise for the long period of twenty-two years. He was 
 very successful and built up a large and representative trade, extending 
 throughout the fine section of country normally tributary to the village. 
 He made also judicious investments in farm land in this county, and his 
 widow still owns one farm and other properties in the village in McDon- 
 ald township. 
 
 Mr. Durbin was loyal and progressive as a citizen and ever gave his 
 influence and cooperation in the promotion of enterprises and measures 
 tending to advance the civic and maternal welfare of the community. 
 While never ambitious for public office, he was an uncompromising 
 advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party and, as a 
 man of strong mentality and broad ken, he was well fortified in his 
 opinions and convictions. He was a charter member of the lodge of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the city of Kenton, and continued 
 his active affiliations with this fraternal order until his death. He was 
 a zealous and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
 contributed most liberally to the erection of the attractive church edifice 
 of this denomination in Foraker. He was also one of the principal 
 contractors in the building of this church. Mr. Durbin was a man of 
 unassuming personality, but his sincerity, loyalty and impregnable 
 integrity were patent to all, and he never lacked the inviolable confidence 
 and esteem of those with whom he came in contact in the various relations 
 of life. He was true to himself and thus could not “be false to any 
 man.’’ He made his life and labors count for good, and it is most 
 consonant that in this history of the county that so long represented 
 his home should be incorporated this brief tribute to his memory. 
 
 On the 16th of November, 1 866, Mr. Durbin was united in marriage 
 to Miss Harriet Wetherell, a daughter of one of the sterling pioneers of 
 Hardin county, and of this union were born two sons and one daughter. 
 The sons died in infancy and the daughter, Maude, is now the wife of 
 W. A. Shoemaker, of Foraker. Mrs. Durbin, a woman of gracious and 
 gentle personality, was summoned to the life eternal on the 25th of 
 March, 1895, at the age of forty-six years. 
 
 On the 24th of December, 1899, Mr. Durbin contracted a second 
 marriage, being then united to Mrs. Loretta Emmons, who was born and 
 reared in Hardin county and who is a daughter of John and Mary 
 (Crooks) Condon, both of whom were born in Richland county, this 
 
HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 655 . 
 
 state, being members of sterling pioneer families of that section of the 
 state. Mr. Condon and his wife now reside in Wyandot county, where 
 he is a prosperous farmer and influential citizen. Mrs. Durbin is the 
 eldest of the five children, all of whom are living: Irving, John and 
 Purl are all successful representatives of the agricultural industry in 
 Wyandot county, this state, and Sarah remains at the parental home. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Durbin became the parents of one son, Jay Paul, who was 
 born on the 8th of November, 1900, and who proves a devoted little com- 
 panion to his widowed mother. Mrs. Durbin has shown much adminis- 
 trative and executive ability as a business woman and since the death 
 of her honored husband she has most effectively managed the estate, 
 besides which she serves as postmaster at Foraker, in which office she 
 succeeded her husband, who had been incumbent of the office for many 
 years, gives a general supervision to her farming interests and other 
 properties. In the midst of these exactions she also takes a deep and 
 active interest in church work and is especially prominent in the affairs 
 of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, in which she has given 
 much service as a devoted worker. She is well known to the leading 
 members of this noble organization and is one of the thirty delegates from 
 Ohio to the world’s convention of the same, in Glasgow, Scotland, 
 beginning on the 4th of June, 1910. She is a woman of fine intellectual 
 and social gifts, of most gracious and winning personality, and her 
 circle of friends is limited only by that of her acquaintance. In ad- 
 dition to her interests in Hardin county she is the owner of a valuable 
 ranch in Colfax county, New Mexico, and there she passes more or less 
 time each year, finding recreation and also giving her personal super- 
 vision to the direction of the work. She is one of the most zealous 
 and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Foraker and 
 is a leader in various departments of its collateral benevolences and 
 charities. . 
 
 On November 16. 1882. Mrs. Durbin was united in marriage to 
 Louis Emmons only son of Jackson and Sarah Emmons, one of the most 
 prominent families of Hardin county. To this union two daughters 
 were born both are married, Lelia the older, married Ray Oglesbee, a 
 prominent citizen of Foraker where they reside, Mozelle the younger 
 married W. W. Born of Kenton, who has been manager of the Western 
 Union Telegraph office for fourteen years. Louis Emmons died April 
 2, 1896, aged forty years. 
 
 Alfred G. Wessling, one of the leading business men of Kenton, 
 Ohio, and the state manager of the American Farm Produce Company, 
 was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 16, 1869, and is a son of Henry 
 and Wilhelmina (Muehltke) Wessling. His father was a native of Lake 
 county, Illinois, born about twenty miles distant from the city of Chi- 
 cago, and after his marriage became a resident of the city, engaging 
 in the occupation of teamster. He died in 1883, and his widow still 
 resides in Chicago. Mrs. Wessling was born at Deerfield. Illinois. Henrv 
 Wessling and his wife had seven children, of whom Alfred G. is the 
 fourth in order of birth and the second son. 
 
656 
 
 HISTORY OF IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 The boyhood of Alfred O. Wessling was spent in Chicago, where 
 he attended the public schools. He located in Kenton, Ohio, in 1890, 
 and engaged in the manufacture of butter and cheese, whiche he con- 
 tinued until 1905, when lie sold out to the American Farm Produce 
 Company, becoming the firm’s state manager. He is the owner of the 
 Scioto Valley Stock Farm, of two hundred and forty acres, located 
 six miles east of Kenton, where he raises thoroughbred Holstein cattle, 
 having one hundred and twelve head at the present time. He owns two 
 other farms in the same locality, and raises the grain to feed his stock. 
 He is an able business man, and conducts his farms in the same able and 
 profitable manner he does his other affairs. 
 
 On April 9, 1890, Mr. Wessling married Elizabeth, daughter of G. 
 A. Wendt, of Chicago, and they have one daughter, Maybell. Mr. Wess- 
 ling is a prominent Mason, having taken thirty-two degrees in the order, 
 and is affiliated with the Shrine, Knight Templars, etc. He is also a mem- 
 ber of Lodge No. 157, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a 
 trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church of Kenton, and politically is 
 a Republican. He served five years as a member of the board of educa- 
 tion, and takes an active interest in public affairs. He is well known in 
 the vicinity of Kenton, his business connections making it necessary for 
 him to meet many people, and all who have done business with him have 
 had occasion to feel satisfied with his uprightness and integrity. 
 
 Dr. George J. Carter. — Conspicuous among the leading business 
 men of Kenton is Dr. G. J. Carter, president of the Champion Iron Com- 
 pany, who is a self-made man in every sense implied by the term and 
 especially worthy of representation in a work of this character. He was 
 born October 9, 1853, in Lenawee county, Michigan. Ilis father, Richard 
 Carter, emigrated from Ireland to the United States when young, settling 
 in Michigan, where he married Mary Boutton, who was born, of Scotch- 
 English parentage, in Michigan. 
 
 Beginning the battle of life for himself at the early age of ten 
 years, G. J. Carter did chores for his board, in the meantime attending 
 school. At the age of twelve years he went to Noble county, Indiana, 
 where he secured work on a farm by the day or month, with the priv- 
 ilege of attending the winter terms of school. In the winter of 1869 
 he entered the employ of Dr. A. Gants, of Ligonier, Indiana, working 
 for his board and clothes and attending school about five months of the 
 year, remaining with the Doctor until 1871. Going then to New York 
 state, Mr. Carter obtained work on a farm in Camden, Oneida county, 
 where he attended school a part of the time, the remainder of the year 
 being employed in the woods or in a saw mill. A diligent, faithful 
 student, he obtained a good education, and in the winter of 1872 and 1873 
 he taught school in Indiana, and in the latter year began the study of 
 dentistry at Ligonier, Indiana, remaining there until 1875. Entering 
 then the dental department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 
 Mr. Carter completed the course being graduated in June, 1876. Locat- 
 ing immediately in Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, Dr. Carter was here 
 successfully engaged in the practice of his profession until August, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 657 
 
 1890, when he was made secretary of the Champion Iron Company. Serv- 
 ing ably in that capacity, he was elected president of the company in 
 1894, and has since been influentially promoting its interests, it being 
 now one of the leading industrial organizations of the county. By his 
 untiring industry, sagacity, and wise investments, Dr. Carter has accum- 
 ulated a handsome property by his own efforts, owning considerable 
 real estate of value and two fine farms. 
 
 Dr. Carter married, in 1876, Pyrena Pancake, a native of Ligonier, 
 Indiana. She passed to the higher life in 1902, leaving three children, 
 namely : Lloyd D., Ida and Clara. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, in which he has taken the Knights Templar degree. An 
 active member of the Republican party, he has held various municipal 
 offices, having been a member of the Kenton School Board twelve years 
 and a member of the Equalization Board in 1900. 
 
 Clarence M. Cessna. — A cultivated and highly talented man, well 
 versed in the intricacies of law, Clarence M. Cessna, of Kenton, is well 
 known as one of the active and able lawyers of Hardin county. A native 
 of this county, he was born, June 29, 1872, in Cessna township, a son 
 of Zaceheus Cessna, and grandson of William Cessna, who came from 
 Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1835, and at once located, as a pioneer settler, 
 in Holmes county and later in the same year moved to Hardin county, 
 taking up land in Cessna township. 
 
 Born in Pennsylvania, Zaceheus Cessna was but nine months old 
 when brought by his parents to Cessna township. He was there brought 
 up and educated, and in course of time became one of the prominent 
 farmers of that locality, living there until his death, which occurred 
 when he was fifty-eight years of age. He married Mary M. Hagerman, 
 who was born in Richland county, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel Hager- 
 man, one of the early pioneers of this state. She survived her husband, 
 and now resides in Kenton. Of the family of ten children, five sons 
 and five daughters, born of their union, all but one grew to years of 
 maturity, C. M., the special subject of this sketch, being the seventh child, 
 and third son in succession of birth. 
 
 After leaving the common schools, C. M. Cessna attended the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada, and subsequently taught school awhile, in 
 the meantime reading law. A diligent and intelligent scholar, at the 
 end of three years, in 1899, he was admitted to the Ohio bar, and at 
 once began the practice of his profession in Toledo, where he remained 
 until 1902. Coming then to Kenton, Mr. Cessna has since been actively 
 identified with the best interests of this city, and as junior member of the 
 well-known firm of Stickle & Cessna has carried on an extensive and 
 lucrative legal practice. Fraternally Mr. Cessna is a member of the 
 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and politically he is a firm supporter 
 of the principles of the Republican party. He is ever interested in every- 
 thing pertaining to the welfare of the general public, and as mayor of 
 Kenton for one term, beginning in January, 1906, rendered excellent 
 service to his fellow citizens. 
 
 Mr. Cessna married, February 26, 1900, Lula Whitmore, daughter 
 
658 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of John and Jane Whitmore, Hardin county, and into their pleasant 
 home two children have been born, namely : Dwight C. and Clara G. 
 
 Hon. W. T. Cessna, formerly a prominent attorney and business 
 man and now living in Kenton, Ohio, retired from active life, is supposed 
 to be the first white child now living born in the county, his birth occur- 
 ring August 7, 1836. He is a son of Jonathan Cessna, a native of 
 Bedford county, Pennsylvania, who came to Hardin county first in 1829, 
 returned to Pennsylvania and brought his family in 1833, locating two 
 and a half miles west of what is now the county seat. He was a judge 
 seven years and was very active in public affairs. Jonathan’s father, 
 also named Jonathan Cessna, was of Huguenot descent. 
 
 Jonathan Cessna, father of W. T., married Catherine Boore, a 
 native of Cumberland valley, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents 
 of ten children, five sons and five daughters, W. T. being the eighth 
 child. His boyhood days were spent in his native place, and he re- 
 ceived his earliest education in a log sehoolhouse west of Kenton. Later 
 lie attended the Kenton schools and attended the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
 versity at Delaware, Ohio, graduating in 1861, in the regular course. 
 He entered Company A, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a 
 private, was promoted to sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, 
 and adjutant of the regiment in the Eastern army. Receiving his 
 honorable discharge in 1863, he returned home and in the winter of 
 1864 he entered law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the following 
 year was admitted to the bar at Kenton. In 1865 Mr. Cessna was elected 
 to the office of mayor of the city of Kenton, and reelected in 1866. Mr. 
 Cessna practised law with good success for twenty years. In 1869 he 
 was elected to the legislature, serving two years, and in 1871 was a 
 candidate for nomination for the office of secretary of the state, endorsed 
 by the Ohio legislature, and was a candidate for the state senate. In 
 1880 he was again elected mayor of Kenton, serving with efficiency and 
 distinction. During his administration the water works were installed 
 in the city. 
 
 Mr. Cessna is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of 
 Hardin county, and the citizens have delighted to proffer him the highest 
 honors within their gift, and in every office of public trust he has 
 acquitted himself well, to the satisfaction of all. He is one of the most 
 highly esteemed men in Kenton, and has taken a prominent part in the 
 public affairs of the city. In 1882 Mr. Cessna was elected president of 
 the Pioneers’ Association of Hardin county, and erected the pioneer 
 cabin on the fair grounds. About this time he was appointed colonel 
 of the Ohio National Guards (the Seventh Ohio) ; he was also colonel of 
 the Ohio State Militia. Mr. Cessna has been closely identified with 
 building up the town of Kenton, and has favored and assisted every 
 movement for the public welfare. 
 
 In 1873 W. T. Cessna married Alice Teeters, a native of Hardin 
 county, daughter of Alonzo Teeters and a graduate of Glendale College, 
 and member of a prominent family. She died August 9, 1887. 
 
 In 1890 W. T. Cessna went to Chicago and for some time dealt in 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 659 
 
 real estate, in the building up of what is now known as West Hammond, 
 remaining there five years. He was then elected president of the 
 Colorado & Cripple Creek Mining Companies, also president of two other 
 mining companies situated in Montana, also became vice president of the 
 Big Tin Company, whose mine was located near Helena. He spent ten 
 years in the mountains of Montana, and was also in the mining business 
 in New Mexico about four years, then became candidate for the legis- 
 lature from Grant and Luna counties, New Mexico, and delivered the 
 declaration address at Port Bayard in 1894, also several lectures at the 
 normal school in New Mexico. 
 
 Among the work which Mr. Cessna has done for the benefit of his 
 native county is the legislation he put through while serving in the 
 legislature for the drainage of Hog Creek Marsh in Hardin county. He 
 fathered the bill to issue bonds for the erection of the Ohio Northern 
 University at Ada. He organized a syndicate for the drainage of the 
 Scioto Marsh and first thought of carrying through this project in the 
 manner adopted. For many years he has served as president of Hardin 
 County Democratic Club. 
 
 James R. Hill. — Among the successful farmers of Roundhead 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, who have now retired from active life 
 is James R. Hill, a native of the township, born December 18, 1835, a 
 son of James and Elizabeth (Richards) Hill. James Hill was born in 
 Trumbull county, Ohio, June 2, 1805, and his father, also named James, 
 was a native of Maryland, who lived to the venerable age of ninety-nine 
 years. In 1810 James Hill, Sr., moved to Logan county, and between 
 1830 and 1833 located in Roundhead township, Hardin county. Here 
 he spent the remainder -of his life, and he and his wife are buried in 
 Pleasant Hill cemetery. 
 
 James Hill, Jr., was married three times and was father of ten 
 children. He was reared on a farm and became a successful farmei 
 himself, helping his father clear the home farm and attending school 
 winters when he was a lad. He received his earlier education in the 
 country schools, and then devoted the remainder of his life to farming. 
 He is also buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery. 
 
 The childhood of James R. Hill was spent on a farm, and lie helped 
 his father develop the farm, attending school winters, and as his father 
 had done before him. He received his earlier education in the country 
 schools and then attended school in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He engaged 
 in teaching in the common schools and later engaged in farming, to 
 which he has since devoted his entire time. 
 
 On October 4, 1860, Mr. Hill married Marietta "White, who bore 
 him two children : one who died in infancy, and Luella, wife of Robert 
 Ford, of Iowa. Mrs. Hill died November 12, 1868, and on September 
 18, 1870, Mr. Hill married Elizabeth Goslee, who was born in Hardin 
 county, December 2, 1845, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Kenton) 
 Goslee. To this union six children have been born, namely: two who 
 died in infancy; James V., a student from Columbus, Ohio, and one of 
 the commissioners of Hardin county ; Effie A. ; Bessie, a teacher in 
 
660 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Allen county, Ohio; and John G., formerly a teacher and now living at 
 home. All are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant 
 Hill, where Mr. Hill is one of the trustees. He has for many years 
 been an active worker in the church and Sunday school, and has been 
 class leader and superintendent. Politically he is a supporter of the 
 principles of the Democratic party. He is a great worker in the cause 
 of temperance, and helps along any movement for the public welfare. 
 He is a man of stability and public influence, highly respected and 
 universally liked. 
 
 Mr. Hill owns one hundred and ninety acres of land in Roundhead 
 township, but has retired from active farming and leaves the work in 
 charge of his son, John G., who is a young man of energy and industry. 
 
 Frank L. Damon. — A well known, public spirited and influential 
 citizen of Kenton, Frank L. Damon, the leading furniture and carpet 
 dealer of this part of Hardin county, is carrying on a business that was 
 first established in 1835 by his grandfather, Luther Damon, and later 
 conducted by his father, Warren F. Damon, whom he succeeded. A 
 native of this city, he was born February 10, 1865, coming on both sides 
 of the house from honored New England ancestry. 
 
 Born in Massachusetts, Warren F. Damon was but two years of age 
 when, in 1835, he was brought by his parents to Hardin county. He 
 was brought up in Kenton, acquiring his education in the public schools. 
 Succeeding to the business established by his father, he continued here 
 as an undertaker and a furniture dealer until his death, at the age of 
 fifty-four years. He married Dorothy S. Dicus, who was born in New 
 Hampshire seventy-eight years ago, and is now a resident of Kenton. 
 Her father, Timothy Dicus, migrated from his New England home to 
 Ohio when she was about nine years old, locating in Hardin county, 
 where he bought land, and from the dense forest cleared and improved 
 a farm. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Warren F. Damon 
 but two survive, namely: Mrs. C. W. Oakes, of Indianapolis, Indiana; 
 and Frank L., the special subject of this sketch. 
 
 Obtaining a practical education in the public schools, Frank L. 
 Damon early became familiar with the details of business pursuits, and 
 in 1882, at the age of seventeen years, assumed the entire charge of the 
 undertaking and furniture business established by his grandfather, he 
 being in the third generation to conduct this, the longest-established 
 business in Kenton. Fraternally Mr. Damon stands very high in the 
 Masonic order, being a Scottish Rite Mason and a Knight Templar. He 
 likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is 
 active in the Republican ranks, and takes an intelligent interest in 
 municipal affairs, having served for twelve years in official capacities, 
 first as a member of the water works board and later on the board of 
 public service. During his term of office many improvements of value 
 were established, including the paving of the streets, which was of in- 
 estimable value to the citizens. 
 
 Mr. Damon married in 1887 Mary E. Weaver, a daughter of N. S. 
 and Mary A. Weaver. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 661 
 
 J. W. Caine. — Among the business enterprises of Kenton that have 
 helped so materially in the progress and development of the city, the 
 establishment of Nourse & Caine, appropriately located on Detroit street, 
 stands well in the front rank. The house carries a general line of dry 
 goods and notions, and the firm enjoys a good patronage, not only 
 from the residents of Kenton but from the people of the surrounding 
 country. The members of the firm are J. W. Caine and D. B. Nourse. 
 
 Mr. Caine was born in Somerset, Perry county, December 13, 1860, 
 and is a son of Isaiah and Caroline C. (Campbell) Caine, both natives of 
 Ohio, who were among the earliest settlers in Perry county. The 
 family of Mrs. Caine came from Baltimore, Maryland, and Mr. Caine’s 
 people were from the east and of Irish descent. J. W. Caine is the 
 seventh son and child of his parents, and was reared and educated in his 
 native place, receiving a good education in the common schools. At the 
 age of sixteen years he began working as clerk in a general store at 
 Somerset. He worked in a retail store until January, 1881, and then 
 engaged with a jobbing house at Columbus. Ohio, spending about twenty 
 years traveling as salesman. He spent two years in the dry goods 
 business at Effingham. Illinois, then returned to the road, and continued 
 as a traveling salesman until 1901, when he located in Kenton and 
 formed a partnership with Mr. Nourse, They employ about thirty 
 people, and have one of the most modern and complete establishments of 
 its kind in their part of the state. They carry a good stock and study 
 well the wants of their patrons. Mr. Caine is one of the leading and 
 most influential citizens of Kenton, and in his business dealings has 
 always exhibited the strictest honesty and integrity. He favors the 
 highest principles and is well liked as well as respected by all who know 
 him. 
 
 In 1891 Mr. Caine married Hattie Levitt, daughter of Abram and 
 Magdalene (Kuhns) Levitt. 
 
 Albert M. Tidd, attorney at law, Kenton, Ohio, belongs to a family 
 that has been identified with this locality since before Hardin county 
 existed ; a family that has never sought prominence, but without ostenta- 
 tion of any kind has quietly contributed to the substantial growth and 
 development of the county. The Tidds have paid many thousands of 
 dollars in taxes and have contributed to the work of building roads, 
 drainage systems, and other public improvements, and they refer with 
 pride to the fact that the first white girl baby born in the county was a 
 Tidd — a daughter of Samuel Tidd. Samuel Tidd’s settlement here 
 was in 1821, and his first land purchase was one hundred and sixty acres, 
 which has remained in the family for four generations, the old farm 
 having been added to until it now contains three hundred acres. 
 
 Hugh Hill Tidd, one of the sons of Samuel and father of Albert M., 
 was born in 1813, on a farm near Bellefontaine in Logan countv, Ohio, 
 and was brought by his parents to what is now Hardin county in 1821. 
 Here he grew to manhood and reared a large family. He was twice 
 married. His first wife, Mary (Given) Tidd, was a native of 
 Ross county, Ohio, and a sister of Alexander Given, who was well known 
 
662 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 in Hardin county. By this marriage there were eight children, all of 
 whom, with one exception, reached adult age, Albert M. being the seventh 
 child and sixth son. 
 
 Albert M. Tidd was born at Roundhead, Hardin county, April 14, 
 1851. He received his early education in the country schools, later 
 took the scientific course at Ada, Ohio, and spent two years in the 
 National Normal School at Lebanon, this state. And as the foundation 
 for his subsequent work he had the experience of five years as teacher in 
 the schools of Hardin county. While teaching he spent his vacations 
 in the study of law, and in 1876 at Bellefontaine was admitted to the bar. 
 
 • At this time he took up his residence at Marion, Ohio, and engaged in the 
 practice of his profession, in connection with which he found time for 
 newspaper work, in which he has always been more or less interested. 
 While at Marion he was correspondent for a number of Ohio publica- 
 tions including the Cincinnati Gazette and Commercial, Cleveland 
 Herald and Columbus Journal. After a residence of twelve years at 
 Marion he went west and spent six months in Kansas City and six 
 months in Atchison, Kansas. While at the former place he established 
 and edited a daily paper, The Evening Leader, which he sold when he 
 went to Atchison. He also practiced law in Kansas. After a year 
 spent there he returned to Kenton, Ohio, which has since been his home, 
 and where he lias practiced his profession and in various other ways 
 been actively identified with the town. Among his newspaper work 
 may be mentioned a long article entitled “Kenton, a Thriving City,” 
 published some years ago in the Kenton Democrat, and he wrote most 
 of the History of Marion County Ohio, published about twenty-five years 
 ago. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and for five 
 years was secretary of the Republican Committee of Hardin county. 
 
 Mr. Tidd married, in 1884, Miss Virginia V. Nagle, a daughter of 
 Henry and Asenith Nagle. She, too, is a native of Hardin county and 
 her family were prominent in its early history. Her father built the 
 first brick house in Roundhead township. They have two sons, Clifton 
 H. and Kenneth N., the former assistant manager of a branch of the 
 Huber Manufacturing Company, of Marion, Ohio; the latter, engaged in 
 the shoe business. 
 
 For many years Mr. Tidd has been an active and influential member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving in various official capacities 
 in the church at Kenton, and for the past twelve years has filled the 
 office of treasurer. 
 
 William J. Geliiaus. — Among the enterprising and highly re- 
 spected citizens of Kenton, Ohio, is William J. Gelhaus, chief of the fire 
 department of the city. Mr. Gelhaus was born in Lee county, Illinois, 
 May 4, 1858, and is a son of August and Catherine (Beltz) Gelhaus, 
 natives of Germany. August Gelhaus was a native of Hessen, Germany, 
 and came to America as a young man. He was a cabinet-maker by 
 trade, and engaged in constructing pianos and billiard tables. About 
 1855 he moved to Illinois and engaged in farming. About 1863 he 
 removed to Hardin county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming near 
 

 
 
JANE E. DUNLAP AND MARVIN DUNLAP 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 663 
 
 Kenton, where he remained until 1867, when he engaged in the grocery 
 business as a member of the firm of Davis & G-elhaus ; he followed this 
 business until about 1879, and then retired. He died in 1880, at the 
 age of fifty years. His wife, also a native of Germany, died in 1870, at 
 the age of forty-four years. They were the parents of nine children, 
 of whom five are now living, William J. being the fifth in order of birth. 
 
 Mr. Gelhaus was about five years of age at the time his parents 
 located at Kenton, Ohio, where he received his education. When eigh- 
 teen years of age he became connected with the Kenton Fire Department, 
 then made up of volunteers in the service. He bcame assistant captain 
 and in 1883, at the time of the reorganization of the department, he 
 became captain, holding that position until 1893, when he assumed his 
 present position at the head of the department ; he has held this position 
 a number of years now, and has rendered the city very efficient service. 
 
 On February 13, 1882, Mr. Gelhaus married Amelia Terres, a native 
 of Seneca county, Ohio, and reared in Hardin county from the time she 
 was eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Gelhaus have four children, 
 namely : Eugene F., Laura, Cleo and Clealus. 
 
 Mr. Gelhaus has always taken an active part in public affairs, and is 
 an ardent Democrat. He is well known in Hardin county, and is held 
 in the highest esteem by all. being one of the representative citizens of 
 Kenton. He and his family belong to the Catholic church. 
 
 Mrs. Jane E. Dunlap. — Among the enterprising and highly suc- 
 cessful business women of Roundhead township, Hardin county, Ohio, 
 is Mrs. Jane E. Dunlap, widow of the late Marvin Dunlap, who passed 
 away February 8, 1892.. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Dunlap 
 has successfully eared for her own interests, and owns two hundred acres 
 of rich farming land. Mrs. Dunlap was born in Roundhead township 
 June 19, 1837, a daughter of Rev. David and Sarah (Sheets) Groves. 
 Rev. Groves was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, who 
 was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and moved from there to Ohio. 
 The young girl was reared on a farm, and when old enough attended the 
 district school of her neighborhood, making such good use of her 
 opportunities and abilities that she was able to teach school, which she 
 continued a few years before her marriage. 
 
 In 1857 Jane Groves married Marvin Dunlap, who was a native of 
 Ireland and is a brother of John A. Dunlap. He came to the United 
 States when a boy seven years old. He became a successful farmer and 
 was well liked wherever known. He was honest and industrious, and 
 made his own way in the world. Mr. Dunlap was a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church of Pleasant Hill, where he was a class 
 leader, and his widow is now an active worker in the same church. He 
 was a member of the Masonic order, and politically supported the 
 principles of the Republican party. 
 
 Mr. Dunlap and his wife became the parents of four children, as 
 follows : Laura, deceased, wife of William Lehman ; Burke, deceased ; 
 
 Eunice, wife of Ed. Stuck, of Marion township; and John, who married 
 Mrs. Anna Wier and resides near the home farm at Harrod Ohio. 
 
664 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Ed. Stuck is in charge of the home place. He is a public-spirited, 
 useful citizen and is now serving as one of the trustees of Roundhead 
 township. The farm is in good condition and its appearance attests to 
 its able management. There are two hundred acres of land in the 
 home place. 
 
 William Wendt. — Kenton, Ohio, is the location of many flourishing 
 manufacturing concerns, and among the enterprising men at the head of 
 the same is William Wendt, who is manager of the Harris Brick Mills 
 and Elevator. Mr. Wendt was born in Coldspring, Kentucky, October 
 26, 1861, a son of Fred and Fanny (Worth) Wendt, the former a 
 native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. Fred Wendt came 
 to America as a young man, locating first in New Jersey and then in 
 Kentucky; he was a millwright by occupation, having learned the trade 
 in his native country. He died at the age of ninety-four years. His 
 widow survives him, now a resident* of Newport, Kentucky, and has 
 reached the age of ninety-four years. She came to America as a girl 
 and was married at Newark, New Jersey, in 1836. They were the 
 parents of eleven children, all of whom reached maturity, and William 
 is the youngest of the family. 
 
 William Wendt spent his boyhood days in Kentucky and he attended 
 school at Newport, graduating from the high school in 1878; later 
 he attended Queen City Commercial College, from which he gradu- 
 ated in 1879. He came to Kenton, Ohio, in 1884, assuming the position 
 of teller in the Kenton National Bank, which position he held twelve 
 years. He then engaged in the milling and grain business, and took his 
 present position. Mr. Wendt is an intelligent, wide-awake business 
 man, and understands thoroughly every branch of the enterprises under 
 his control. His natural ability and wide experience place him among 
 the leading business men of Kenton. 
 
 In 1896 Mr. Wendt married Mabel Harris, daughter of G. II. and 
 Margaret (Letson) Harris, a native of Hardin county. Mr. Wendt and 
 his wife have one son, Harris. Mr. Wendt is a Republican and actively 
 interested in public affairs; he served one term as councilman-at-large. 
 He is a member of the Masonic order and of Lodge No. 157, Benevolent 
 and Protective Order of Elks. He has been a resident of Kenton some 
 twenty-five years, and takes great interest in its progress and welfare. 
 At the celebration of his parents’ golden wedding in 1886 the entire 
 family was present, as at that time no deaths had been recorded. 
 
 James IT. Allen, cashier of the Kenton National Bank, is a man of 
 sterling integrity and character, and holds a place of prominence among 
 the leading citizens of Hardin county. A son of Hezekiah and Polly 
 Allen, he was born January 22, 1859, at Geneseo, Livingston county, 
 New York. His grandfather, John Allen, a native of Loraine, Jefferson 
 county, New York, was of English descent, Hezekiah Allen was born, 
 bred and educated in Jefferson county, New York. Subsequently lo- 
 cating in Geneseo, New York, where he lived for over fifty years, he 
 became attorney of the Wadsworth estate and was a resident of Geneseo 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 665 
 
 until his death in July, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. To him 
 and his wife, whose maiden name was Polly Deniston, of Groveland, New 
 York, three children were born, one of whom died in infancy; one daugh- 
 ter, Elizabeth, now Mrs. R. B. Vallaner, lives at Geneseo. New York; 
 and James H. Allen, the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Completing his early education at the Geneseo State Normal School, 
 James H. Allen early developed much business and executive ability. 
 In June, 1886, he came to Kenton, Ohio, and with Asher Letson and 
 Nathan Ahlefeld assisted in organizing the Kenton National Bank, Mr. 
 Asher Letson being elected its first president, Nathan Ahlefeld its vice 
 president and Curtis Wilkin, cashier, and Mr. James H. Allen, bookkeeper 
 and assistant cashier. He held this office until May 9, 1902, when he was 
 elected cashier, a position which he has since filled with great ability and 
 fidelity. 
 
 Mr. James H. Allen married, June 15, 1887, Hattie C. Gray, a daugh- 
 ter of Richard and Mary Gray of Geneseo, New York, and they are the 
 parents of two children, James H. Allen, Jr., and Howard Gray Allen, 
 who is now associated with his father as paying teller at the KentoL 
 National Bank. Mr. James H. Allen stands high in the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, being a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner. He has 
 filled the office of high priest in the Chapter, thrice illustrious master in 
 the Council and eminent commander of Kenton Commandery No. 58, 
 Knights Templar. In the year 1906 he was very active in the building 
 of the new Masonic Temple, and was one of the first trustees of the 
 Masonic Temple Association and was a member of that board for several 
 years. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
 of Elks, in which he is a past exalted ruler. Religiously Mr. Allen is 
 a member of the First Presbyterian church. 
 
 John IT. Smick. — One of the prominent lawyers of Kenton. John 
 H. Smick, has been actively employed in the practice of his profession 
 for thirty-four consecutive years in Hardin county, for two terms serv- 
 ing as its prosecuting attorney. A son of the late Solomon S. Smick, 
 he was born, January 29, 1848, in Canton, Stark county, Ohio. 
 
 Solomon S. Smick was born, reared and educated in Stark county, 
 for many years being a resident of Canton. He moved to Fort Wayne, 
 Indiana, in 1864, and was there prosperously employed in the agricul- 
 tural implement business until his death in 1894, at the age of sixty- 
 eight years. He married Margaret Petcher, who was born at Emmits- 
 burg, Maryland, and came with her parents to Stark county, Ohio, about 
 1832. She is now a venerable and highly respected woman of eighty 
 nine years, living at her home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Three children 
 were born to her and her husband, as follows: John H., the special 
 
 subject of this brief biographical sketch; Manford M., of Fort Wayne, 
 Indiana ; and William P., of the same city. 
 
 Receiving his early education in the union schools of Canton. John 
 H. Smick when a boy of sixteen years enlisted, in 1864, in the Second 
 Ohio Cavalry, which was assigned to Custer’s Division of Sheridan’s 
 Army, and served until the close of the war. In 1867 he located in Ada, 
 
666 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Hardin county, becoming the manager of his father’s saw mill. Taking 
 up the study of law he acquired a good knowledge of legal matters, and 
 in 1875 was admitted to the Ohio bar. Opening a law office in Ada, he 
 met with well merited success, and in 1879 was elected prosecuting 
 attorney for Hardin county, and served with such ability that in 1881 he 
 was reelected to the same position, and filled the office a second term of 
 three years, during the entire time residing in Kenton, where he removed 
 on his election as prosecuting attorney in 1879. Continuing his resi- 
 dence in this city, Mr. Smick has since continued in his professional 
 labors, and, by means of his acknowledged skill, close attention to the 
 interests of his clients, and his unblemished character, has built up a 
 large and remunerative practice. On January 1, 1895, Mr. Smick 
 formed a partnerhip with Mr. Hamilton E. Hoge in the practice of law. 
 which partnership still continues. The office of this firm is and has 
 been for many years located over the First National Bank of Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Smick married, January 8, 1869, Hannah Eckenrode, and they 
 are the parents of four children, namely : Stanton, of Chicago, Illinois ; 
 Mary E., living at home; Anna Lawrence, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; 
 and Bessie, living with her sister Anna in Fitchburg. Fraternally Mr. 
 Smick is a member of Latham Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., of Kenton and 
 of Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R. Politically he is a valued member 
 of the Republican party, and while in Ada served as mayor of the city. 
 As a member of the Ada school board he was prominent in the erection 
 of the second school building for the college at that place. 
 
 John B. Seymour. — A man of pronounced financial and executive 
 ability and tact, John B. Seymour has long been an important factor in 
 advancing the mercantile interests of Hardin county, being the leading 
 grain buyer and shipper of both Foraker and Kenton, his residence being 
 in Kenton. A son of the late William Henry Seymour, he was born, 
 January 2, 1849, in Huron county, Ohio, where his paternal grandparents 
 Avere pioneer settlers. 
 
 A native of Pennsylvania, William Henry Seymour was a child 
 when his parents settled in Huron county, Ohio, where he Avas bred and 
 educated. Coming from there to Hardin county in 1850, he was here 
 employed in mercantile pursuits until 1876, when, in partnership with 
 his son, John B., he embarked in the grain business in Kenton. He 
 built up a substantial trade as a buyer and seller, continuing it until his 
 retirement from active business affairs in 1893. He still resides in 
 Kenton, a venerable man of eighty-eight years, enjoying a well deserved 
 leisure. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted 
 Masons, and religiously he is a prominent and valued member of the 
 Presbyterian church, in which he has for many years been an elder. 
 For upwards of forty years he was in active business in Hardin county, 
 throughout which he had an extensive acquaintance. He married 
 Eliza Bemis, avIio was born in Ohio, in Erie county, where her father 
 Elijah Bemis, settled on coming to this state from NeAv York state. She 
 died in 1891, at the age of sixty-six years, leaving four children, namely: 
 Eliza M., widow of the late 0. E. LeAvis, of Boston, Massachusetts; John 
 

 
 
 
 
 
RACHEL S. DEMPSTER ALEXANDER DEMPSTER 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 667 
 
 B., the special subject of this sketch; Hattie, wife of Joseph Timmons, of 
 Kenton ; and William G., a resident of Boston. 
 
 But a year old when his parents settled in Hardin county, John B. 
 Seymour was educated in the public schools of Patterson, living there 
 until eighteen years of age. Going then to Illinois, he spent seven years 
 in Chicago, employed as a clerk in a hardware establishment, from there 
 going to Areola, where for two years he was engaged in mercantile 
 pursuits. Returning to Hardin county in 1876, Mr. Seymour, in 
 company with his father, established himself in the grain and produce 
 business at Kenton, and in the time that has since elapsed has built up a 
 substantial trade, which he has managed alone since the retirement of 
 his father from active pursuits. He has two large elevators, one at 
 Kenton having a capacity of forty thousand bushels, and one at Foraker 
 holding about fifteen thousand bushels. He has large warehouses and 
 other necessary equipments, his Foraker plant alone being valued at 
 twenty thousand dollars. He also has a large onion business at Foraker, 
 being among the heaviest buyers and shippers of that crop in the state, 
 handling annually from one hundred and fifty thousand to two hundred 
 thousand bushels. 
 
 Mr. Seymour married, August 18, 1872, Pauline Hevm, who was 
 born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a daughter of J. Adam Heym, a soldier 
 in the Civil war, and of his wife, Jane Heym, neither of whom are now 
 living. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour have no children of their own, but have 
 an adopted son, Leslie George, with Mr. Seymour. Fraternally Mr. 
 Seymour is very prominent in the Masonic order, which he joined in 
 1875, belonging to lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and has 
 taken the thirty-second degree in Masonry, the highest excepting the 
 thirty-third degree, which is honorary. Politically he is a stanch sup- 
 porter of the principles of the Republican party. 
 
 Mrs. Rachel S. Dempster. — One of the most highly respected resi- 
 dents of Roundhead township, Hardin county, Ohio, is Mrs. Rachel S. 
 Dempster, widow of Alexander Dempster, who passed away at the home 
 where she now resides, December 27, 1888, in the prime of life. Mrs. 
 Dempster was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in March, 1844, and is a 
 daughter of John and Susanna (Mulholland) Dunlap. Her parents 
 are given further mention in connection with the sketch of her brother, 
 James R. Dunlap, found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Dunlap and his 
 family came to Hardin county in the fall of 1846, and the daughter was 
 reared on a farm, attending the public school and learning to assist in 
 household duties. She grew to womanhood in the county, and was 
 married, September 8, 1868, to Alexander Dempster, a son of John W. 
 and a brother of Robert A. and W. P. Dempster. Mr. Dempster and his 
 wife moved on a farm after their marriage, and there the family have 
 lived since. He became a successful farmer and gained an influential 
 place in the neighborhood, being a man of high character and good busi- 
 ness principles, but was cut off in the flower of his manhood, leaving a 
 widow and several children. Mr. Dempster was a prominent member of 
 the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal church, where his widow is now a 
 member. He was born in 1841. 
 
668 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 After the death of her husband Mrs. Dempster took the management 
 of the farm into her hands and reared her children, keeping up the 
 home and giving her little ones the best education within her power. 
 She owns eighty acres of land in Roundhead township. She is an 
 energetic, intelligent, able business woman, and has done her duty in all 
 things. 
 
 Mr. Dempster and his wife became the parents of children as 
 follows: John, who lives in Lima; Joe, who is with his mother on the 
 home place ; and Thorne, who also lives in Lima, Ohio. 
 
 Dr. Irvin A. Wynn. — Among the prominent professional men of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is Irvin A. Wynn, D. V. S., living in Kenton. 
 Dr. Wynn was born in Campbelford, Northumberland county, Canada, 
 December 30, 1863, and is a son of George S. and Matilda (Cryderman) 
 Wynn, both natives of Canada, who were pioneers of Northumberland 
 county. Mr. Wynn was a blacksmith by trade and an enterprising, 
 ambitious business man. In 1863 he moved to Union county, Ohio, 
 where he filled a contract for getting out ties for a broad gauge railroad 
 then being constructed, which later became a part of the Baltimore & 
 Ohio system. A few years later he removed with his family to Logan 
 county, where he now resides, at the age of seventy -three years. His 
 wife died in 1890, aged fifty-two. Dr. Wynn has one sister living, Rosa, 
 wife of Clarence Crueller, of Logan county. Dr. Wynn is the only one 
 of the family now residing in Hardin county. 
 
 The boyhood days of Dr. Wynn were spent in Logan county, Ohio, 
 and there he received his early education. He learned the blacksmith 
 trade with his father and followed the same thirteen years, during which 
 time he spent one year in the grocery business. In 1890 he began the 
 study of veterinary surgery at Toronto, Canada, graduated from the 
 course, and also graduated from the Ohio Veterinary College at Cincin- 
 nati, and located in Kenton in 1895. In 1897 Dr. Wynn established a 
 veterinary hospital, and for five years he conducted a livery business. 
 Dr. Wynn’s is the leading institution of the kind in the county, and he 
 has many calls for his skill. He is a thorough master of his profession, 
 and is one of the enterprising citizens of Kenton. Dr. Wynn is es- 
 tablishing the Win-ner Chemical Company at Kenton, its object being to 
 manufacture a number of different preparations for the use of veterinary 
 surgeons, which he confidently believes will meet with success. He is 
 one of the most progressive men among his profession and keeps thor- 
 oughly abreast of the times. lie is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. the K. of 
 P. and Lodge No. 157. B. P. 0. E. 
 
 In 1886 Dr. Wynn married Jennie L. McCurdy, daughter of James 
 and Sarah McCurdy, of Huntsville, Logan county. This union has 
 been blessed by one son, Homer C. 
 
 John A. Baird.— Among the prominent business men of Kenton, 
 Ohio, is John A. Baird, president and general manager of the Kenton 
 Creamery. Mr. Baird was born in Kane county, Illinois, August 23, 
 1861, a son of Hugh and Mary (Petes) Baird, both natives of Ireland. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 669 
 
 The father came to America when a young man, and by occupation was 
 a farmer. Tie carried on farming first in Kane county, Illinois, and 
 later in Ionia county, Michigan, where he cleared a farm, and died there 
 when about seventy-five years of age. Mrs. Baird came to the United 
 States as a young girl ; she is still living in Michigan. They were the 
 parents of three sons and one daughter, of whom John A. is the oldest. 
 
 John A. Baird was a baby when his parents took him to Michigan, 
 where he spent his boyhood. lie received his education in the public 
 schools and remained at home until he reached his majority. He then 
 removed to Kane county, Illinois, where he learned the blittermaking 
 industry, working near Elgin for a time ; later he became manager of a 
 creamery at Kokomo, Indiana, where he remained some time, proceeding 
 from there to Ovid, Michigan. He located in Kenton, Ohio, in 1886, 
 working two months, and then purchasing a half interest in the business. 
 In the spring of 1888 he purchased the entire business, and when the 
 concern became incorporated, in 1903 Mr. Baird assumed his present 
 position at .the head of the business. B. F. Deneston is secretary and 
 William Lawrence, vice president, and the firm is established on a good 
 foundation and doing a splendid business. They manufacture butter 
 of a superior quality, which is disposed of in wholesale lots. Their out- 
 put is some five hundred thousand pounds a year; they have a fine cold 
 storage plant, and their machinery is the most modern and complete, the 
 factory being one of the best in the state of Ohio. Mr. Baird is thor- 
 oughly acquainted with every detail of the business, and besides being 
 an efficient buttermaker, has great executive ability and business acumen 
 being able to carry on the affairs of the concern with a degree of success 
 that is very gratifying to himself and the other stockholders. 
 
 In 1885 Mr. Baird married Mary E. Iloldridge of Ovicl, Michigan. 
 Mr. Baird is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with the 
 Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commanclery and Aladdin Temple, of 
 Columbus, and the U. C. T., also Lodge No. 157, Benevolent and Pro- 
 tective Order of Elks. He is a public-spirited, useful citizen, and has 
 been for about fifteen years a member of the county election board. 
 Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party. He is well known 
 in the vicinity of Kenton, and universally esteemed. 
 
 Colonel Luther Furney. — With a life prolonged to the patriarchal 
 age of nearly ninety years, Colonel Luther Furney, one of the most 
 honored pioneers and revered citizens of Hardin county, could peer down 
 the dim vista of years and find his memory an indissoluble line in the 
 chain that links the remote pioneer past with the twentieth century of 
 opulent prosperity and progress. At the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred in the city of Kenton on the 17th of February, 1910, he was the 
 most venerable citizen of Hardin county, and the family name has been 
 identified with the annals of the state of Ohio for fully a century. 
 Colonel Furney was a man of broad mental ken, of exalted integrity of 
 character and of distinctive business ability. He long played an im- 
 portant part in connection with the civic and business affairs of Hardin 
 county and especially of his home city of Kenton ; lie served with dis- 
 Vol. 11—15 
 
670 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 tinction as one of the gallant defenders of our national integrity in the 
 Civil war ; and when, in the fulness of years and well earned honors, he 
 was summoned to the life eternal, he left the heritage of worthy thoughts 
 and worthy deeds. His memory will long remain in reverent esteem on 
 the part of those who knew him within any period of his prolonged and 
 useful life, and in this history of Hardin county it is most fitting that 
 there be incorporated a tribute to one whose life counted for good in all 
 its relations. 
 
 Colonel Luther Furney was born at Petersburg, Mahoning county, 
 Ohio, on the 6th of October, 1822, at which time Mahoning county was 
 still an integral part of Columbiana county. He was a son of William 
 and Christina (Lepley) Furney, the former of whom was a native of 
 Winchester, Virginia, and the latter of the state of Pennsylvania. 
 William Furney came to Ohio soon after the admission of the state to 
 the federal Union, having taken up his residence in Columbiana county 
 about the year 1810, in the locality now known as Mahoning county, 
 and there he remained until 1833, when he removed with his family to 
 Hardin county, arriving at his destination on the 20th of June, at which 
 time the subject of this memoir was a lad of about ten years. At that 
 early date there were only three families permanently settled in this 
 entire vicinity, and William Furney erected the very first house on the 
 site of the present thriving little city of Kenton. A gunsmith by trade, 
 the father established a little shop, and he merits recognition as having 
 been the first, business man of Kenton, even as was he one of its most 
 honored and influential citizens until the time of his death. He was 
 one of the first hotel men of Hardin county, having erected the Mansion 
 House, for many years one of the landmarks of the county, and having 
 conducted the same for a number of years. This was the first hotel 
 building in Kenton. William Furney was sixty years of age at the 
 time of his death. The original orthography of the name was Forney, 
 and he changed the same to the present form after taking up his resi- 
 dence in Hardin county. His father, Lewis Forney, was a native of 
 Virginia, where the family was founded in the colonial days, and 
 became one of the sterling pioneers of Ohio. The wife of William 
 Furney was eighty-four years of age when she was summoned to the 
 life eternal, and of their five children only two attained to years of 
 maturity. Colonel Furney having been the youngest of the number and 
 having long survived all other members of the immediate family. 
 
 Colonel Furney was reared under the conditions and influences of 
 the pioneer era, and lived up to the full tension of its strenuous labors 
 and its vicssitudes. His early educational training was limited, owing 
 to the exigencies of time and place, and the major part of his scholastic 
 training was secured in the primitive schools of the little hamlet of 
 Kenton. Concerning his early experiences the following pertinent 
 statements have been made. He chopped trees and cleared a considera- 
 ble portion of the land on which the city of Kenton now stands, including 
 the site of the present postoffice, as well as those of the Weaver House 
 and several other of the principal buildings in the business center. He 
 finally returned to Mahoning county, where he attended school for an 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 671 
 
 interval, and later he made his way down the Mississippi river to Island 
 No. Forty, where he chopped eordwood for steamboats, receiving as his 
 compensation thirty-seven cents a cord. From that place he went 
 further down the river and purchased a fishing outfit, paying for the 
 same with the fish he secured. In later years he reverted with much 
 satisfaction to his experience in this connection and recalled to his 
 listeners that he incidentally captured one catfish that weighed one 
 hundred and sixty-five pounds. 
 
 In April 1844, Colonel Furney proceeded to New Orleans, where 
 he invested a considearble portion of his earnings in a finer suit of 
 clothes than he had ever before been able to indulge. With his treas- 
 ured habiliments he then set forth for his home in Ohio. After arriving 
 in Columbiana county he was detained four weeks by illness, and he 
 later passed one week in Trumbull county, whence he proceeded by 
 canal to Cleveland and on to Sandusky. The Mad River & Erie Rail- 
 road had been completed to Tiffin and by means of this line he was 
 transported to the latter point, from which he made his way to Kenton, 
 walking a considerable portion of the distance. Upon his return to his 
 home town he became associated with his father in the hotel business, 
 and he also conducted a general store in one of the rooms of the hotel 
 building. After the retirement of his father Colonel Furney individ- 
 ually continued the hotel business for a number of years. 
 
 At the inception of the Civil war Colonel Furney was one of the 
 first to respond to President Lincoln’s first call for volunteers, and he 
 was the first to write his name on the volunteer list of the first company 
 organized in Kenton. He was virtually the organizer of this company, 
 with which he proceeded to Columbus, and after drilling one week at 
 Camp Denison the company proceeded to the front. Colonel Furney 
 returned to Kenton and here succeeded in raising another company, 
 which was mustered in as Company D, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, and of which he was chosen captain. Colonel Sanders Piatt 
 had command of this regiment. The regiment went into service in 
 West Virginia, being stationed the major part of the time at Charleston. 
 In .4863 Captain Furney received commission as major of his regiment, 
 and one year later he was raised to the rank of lieutenant colonel, in 
 which office he continued his gallant service until the close of the war. He 
 participated in many of the most important battles marking the progress 
 of the great internecine conflict, and was in the thick of the fight, especial- 
 ly in the famous battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fisher Hill and 
 Cloud Mountain. From an appreciative article published in a Kenton 
 paper at the time of the death of Colonel Furney are taken the following 
 statements relevant to his military career : ‘ ‘ An interesting account is 
 given relative to the day preceding the battle of Cedar Creek. Colonel 
 Furney was officer of the day and late in the afternoon preceding the 
 battle he was covering the camp in his inspection of the various posts. 
 He rode out beyond the line and came upon a Confederate soldier boy. 
 As he talked with the boy he looked in the direction of a distant moun- 
 tain, and across a path he saw a file of rebel soldiers passing. He 
 realized in an instant what it meant. He hastened to the tent of General 
 
672 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Wright and found him in a slumbrous condition in his bunk. He told 
 him of the approach ; the general muttered that he would look after it, 
 but he neglected to send a scouting party of cavalry, as Colonel Furney 
 had suggested. As a result of this failure the Union men were sur- 
 prised next morning by the Confederate forces. The battle of Cedar 
 Creek followed, and fifteen hundred Union men were taken prisoner, 
 among them Colonel Furney.” It may further lie stated that the 
 Colonel ever maintained a lively interest in his old comrades in arms, 
 signifying the same by his membership in the U. V. U. S. 
 
 After the close of his long and valiant service as a soldier of the 
 Union, Colonel Furney returned to Kenton, where he purchased a plan- 
 ing mill, which he therafter operated in connection with a general 
 lumber business, in company with Bogarclis Brothers, until about 1870, 
 when he sold. Later he erected another planing mill, on the site of the 
 present Callam mill, and after operating the same for seven years he 
 sold it to John Callam in 1875. Colonel Furney engaged in the retail 
 grocery business, with which he continued to be identified until 1895, 
 when he retired from all active business pursuits. The Furney grocery 
 was located on the present site of the handsome brick Furney block. 
 In a reminiscent way it may be stated that Colonel Furney was in the 
 early days a carrier on the star mail route from Upper Sandusky to St. 
 Mary’s via Kenton, long before the Lewistown reservoir was built, and 
 was a chain boy of the surveying corps when the Lima pike was con- 
 structed. 
 
 Colonel Furney passed the closing years of his long and beneficent 
 life in the beautiful home he had erected on west Franklin street, the 
 house having been planned by himself and his devoted wife and afforded 
 to him a place of comfort and gracious surroundings during the grate- 
 ful evening of his life. At the time of his death he was the most 
 venerable citizen in Hardin county and had lived in Kenton for a longer 
 period than any other citizen. He was one of the oldest members of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows in this section of Ohio, having joined 
 the Kenton lodge on the 12th of April, 1847, and having continued his 
 affiliation until his death. He became past grand of his lodge on the 
 6th of January, 1850, and for four years he represented his district in 
 the grand lodge of the state. He was a charter member of Scioto 
 Encampment No. 179, and also of Canton Kenton, No. 83, Patriarchs 
 Militant. In point of continuous membership in one lodge he was 
 the oldest Odd Fellow in Ohio, having been a member of the local organi- 
 zation in Kenton for sixty-three years. He was also identified with 
 the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a member for thirty-six years 
 prior to his demise. 
 
 In politics Colonel Furney was originally a Whig, and he identified 
 himself with the Republican party at the time of its inception, having 
 been one of its organizers in Hardin county and having ever thereafter 
 continued a stalwart and intelligent advocate of its principles and poli- 
 cies. He voted for every Republican presidential candidate, including 
 President Taft. He was a zealous and consistent member of the 
 First Presbyterian church of Kenton, as is also his venerable widow, and 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 673 
 
 his entire life was filled with deep human sympathy and tolerance, 
 was marked by kindly thoughts and kindly deeds, and was guided and 
 governed by the highest principles of integrity and honor. 
 
 In October, 1848, was solemnized the marriage of Colonel Furney 
 to Miss Louisa B. Soule, who was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 
 whence she came with her parents to Ohio when a child. Of the three 
 children of this union one son and one daughter died on the same day, of 
 scarlet fever, the son having been four and the daughter two years of 
 age. The only surviving child, Melvus G., is one of the representative 
 business men and honored and influential citizens of Kenton, which 
 city has ever been his home and in which he is now successfully engaged 
 in the drug business. Colonel and Mrs. Furney walked side by side down 
 the pathway of life for a period of more than sixty-one years, and cele- 
 brated their sixty-first marriage anniversary, October 15, 1909. They 
 were sustained and comforted by mutual love and sympathy, and their 
 married life was of idyllic order. In her bereavement the loved and ven- 
 erable widow finds her chief solace and compensation in the gracious and 
 hallowed memories and associations of the past, and to her is accorded the 
 affectionate regard of the entire community. She was born on the 
 11th of June, 1823, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Porter) 
 Soule, who passed the closing years of their lives in Kenton, Ohio. 
 
 Melvus G. Furney, the only surviving child of the honored subject 
 of this memoir, was born in Kenton, on the 27 of June, 1853, and was 
 here reared to manhood. He is a loyal and progressive citizen and is 
 well upholding the prestige of the honored name which he bears. He 
 married Miss Mina DeVoe, and they have seven children. 
 
 In conclusion is entered the following brief tribute, which appeared 
 in a Kenton paper at the time of the death of Colonel Furney : ‘ ‘ Colonel 
 Furney was one of the oldest business men of Kenton. While he lived 
 he was the pioneer business man of the city. All of the people who 
 were of Kenton when he first resided here are now gone from among the 
 living. He was the lone survivor and he, the last link between the 
 remote past and the present, has now also joined the fathers. Colonel 
 Furney was a man of more than ordinary worth to his community. He 
 was a citizen of thrift, economy, straight living and honorable purpose. 
 His life was honest, his example worthy of emulation. His long years 
 of industry and Christian service won for him late years of peace and 
 happiness. ’ ’ 
 
 James B. Wickwire. — Now in his seventy-eighth year, James B. 
 Wickwire, the substantial farmer who is the proprietor of a fine country 
 place of one hundred and sixty acres in Blanchard township, is still 
 active in mind and body, and an honor to his well-ordered life and his 
 sturdy ancestry. His farm is not only valuable because of the improve- 
 ments which he has been adding to it for years, but because of the recent 
 tapping of a large deposit of natural gas upon his land. Mr. Wickwire 
 sunk the well in November, 1909, to a depth of 1,443 feet, and struck gas 
 in sufficient quantities to fully supply his place with heat and light, 
 with a surplus to meet outside demands from his neighbors. As several 
 
G74 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 adjacent estates have found oil, the company is still drilling and has 
 every reason to believe that they will strike the more solid deposit. 
 
 Mr. Wick wire has resided on his present homestead since the de- 
 struction of his tannery by fire in 1872 ; but many years of his earlier 
 life were passed in a pretty constant change of occupations and localities. 
 He is therefore a man of wide practical information and an interesting, 
 as well as an instructive talker. Since settling in Hardin county he 
 has made a few trips south, east and west, including visits to Washing- 
 ton, D. C., to the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, and the 
 World’s Fair, Buffalo, and also to Atlanta, Georgia. 
 
 James B. Wick wire is a native of Ontario county, New York, where 
 he was born May 22, 1833, a son of Seba and Nancy (Duesler) Wickwire. 
 The family had its origin in Connecticut, whither it moved to Ontario 
 county in the early part of the nineteenth century and, in 1835, to York 
 township, Sandusky county, Ohio. Seba Wickwire, who thus trans- 
 ferred the fortunes of the family to the Buckeye state, also entered a 
 half section of land in Delaware township, Hancock county, for himself, 
 and a like amount for his brother-in-law. His first purchase in 
 Sandusky county consisted of a “forty,’’ with a log cabin upon it, and 
 to this he added, as the years passed, until he was the owner of seven 
 “forties” lying around the original tract. Mr. and Mrs. Seba Wickwire 
 became the parents of five children, besides James B., namely: George 
 and William (both deceased) ; Seba, Lydia (deceased) and Alfred. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, the last-born of the family, lost his 
 mother when he was a young boy, and he also had the misfortune to 
 have his sister taken from him soon after his mother passed away. His 
 brothers were all school teachers in their early manhood and as they 
 married, and established homes of their own, the “baby of the family” 
 was cared for with true fraternal solicitude. About 1849, when he was 
 sixteen years of age, he first attended school away from home, at Scipio 
 (now Republic) , Seneca county, Ohio. He then enjoyed a short 
 schooling at Oberlin, but abandoned his studies to start a general store 
 at Green Spring, where his brother William had established himself in 
 business. Prior to that time James B. had served as a driver on the 
 old Miami & Wabash canal. At Green Spring he tired of “steady 
 business” and fitted up a Yankee notion rig, with which he started west, 
 selling his goods on the way. There bis brothers George and William 
 located and organized the Angola Bank, operating the institution until 
 their death and passing the management over to their heirs. Mr. 
 Wickwire, of this sketch, taught school and studied medicine for a time, 
 after selling his peddler’s outfit, and then commenced his rovings 
 through Iowa to St. Louis, Kansas City, Fort Leavenworth, St. J oe and 
 Omaha. The city last named was then but a rough lumber camp, 
 surrounded by Indian settlements. The young man staked out a claim 
 of one hundred and sixty acres in this wild western country, assisted in 
 laying out into sections what are now twelve Nebraska counties (then 
 Washington and Burt), and helped plat Cuming City in which he 
 invested to the extent of a few lots. Until the fall of 1859 he drifted 
 back and forth between Omaha and St. Joe, teaching school and engaged 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 675 
 
 in various lines of business, when he returned to the middle west, mar- 
 ried and went into partnership with his brother George in the operation 
 of a meat market at Angola, Indiana. 
 
 The latter venture was continued until April, 1864, when Mr. 
 Wickwire, with three friends! started for Virginia City, Montana, mak- 
 ing the trip afoot to Waterloo. The party took train to Chicago, where 
 they purchased their provisions, and then started for Grinnell, Iowa 
 (whither they had shipped their wagon), which at that time was the end 
 of the Union Pacific Railroad. At Davenport, Mr. Wickwire and 
 another member of the party bought the oxen for the trip, and drove 
 them to Grinnell. There they found their wagon ; but their provisions 
 and other goods never arrived. The route from that point was up the 
 Missouri valley to Omaha, where a stop of two weeks was made, the 
 outfit of the party being completed by the addition of two cows to the 
 livestock, the animals being purchased from the proceeds of Mr. Wick- 
 wire’s house at Cuming City. Buying another stock of provisions at 
 Omaha, they finally started for Virginia City. Their destination was 
 not reached without a fatal encounter with the Indians, which occurred 
 July 3, 1864, near the scene of the Custer massacre. They had joined 
 other emigrants bound for Virginia City, and in the two hours’ battle 
 with the fierce Sioux seven were killed and four wounded. The bustling 
 Montana mining camp was reached August 23, 1864, but Mr. Wickwire 
 engaged in the pack-train business for about two months. Then, after 
 a severe spell of sickness he crossed the Rockies into Idaho, and worked 
 in the gold diggings at Idaho City and other points until the summer of 
 1865. In the fall he went to Oregon City, and thence took passage on 
 a sailing vessel for San Francisco, the weather being such that this trip 
 v T hich usually consumed about nine days occupied twenty-four. A 
 month or so was passed in California, when Mr. Wickwire started for 
 New York City, via Nicaragua. The trip through the Gulf of Mexico 
 and Atlantic Ocean was commenced at Greytown, and the only really 
 rough weather was experienced off Cape Hatteras. New York harbor 
 was sighted March 4, 1866, and the long voyage was at an end. 
 
 Upon reaching Angola, Mr. Wickwire found that his wife and their 
 son, Jay, were at Wauseon, Ohio. With his family he was soon 
 located at Dunkirk, that state, where he had purchased a tannery. His 
 plant was burned in 1872, and as it was uninsured the financial blow 
 was a hard one ; but, instead of repining, he at once built a log cabin 
 on his tract of land in Blanchard township, this county, and commenced 
 to establish the homestead which became the abiding place of his in- 
 creasing family and which he has developed into an attractive and 
 valuable country place. 
 
 On February 1, 1860, Mr. Wickwire was united in marriage with 
 Miss M. Ivezia Williams of York township, Sandusky county, and to 
 them have been born the following: Jay W., Lillian (deceased), Clara, 
 Roy (deceased), Edith, Cora and Maude. Jay W. Wickwire married 
 Miss Fannie Miller, December 14, 1907. He owns eighty acres of land 
 near his father’s farm. The daughter Clara first married J. J. Orth, 
 who died in 1892 and by whom she had a son, II. Clay Orth. She is 
 
676 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 now the wife of A. L. Braden, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Cora, the 
 sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Wickwire, married Howard Cotner, 
 December 12, 1907, and their son, Bradford was born July 14, 1909. 
 Maude, the youngest of the family is now Mrs. John Baersche, of Dun- 
 kirk, her marriage occurring in March, 1908. It may be added that 
 all the members of the family are more or less prominent in the fraterni- 
 ties. The father, James B., joined the Masonic order in 1855, and his 
 son, Jay W., is a Mason of high rank. The mother and daughters are 
 all identified with the Eastern Star, Cora and Maude being officers in 
 the order. 
 
 To complete the genealogy of the Wickwire family the main facts 
 should be added regarding the brothers of James B. George married 
 (first) Loretta Lemon, by whom he had three children, and (second) 
 Rebecca Hanna, who bore him seven — all but one of whom are living. 
 William married Olivia Crockett, and his childless widow is living at 
 Angola, Indiana, eighty-seven years of age. Seba, who is a resident 
 of Clyde, Sandusky county, and eighty-five years of age, has been mar- 
 ried four times — first, to Sophia Crockett ; secondly, to Hannah Crockett, 
 a sister; thirdly, to Mary Gale, by whom he had six children, all but 
 one alive; and fourthly, to Vina Blanchard. Alfred S. was twice 
 married. By his first wife, Kate Ann Huffman, he became the father 
 of one son Fremont ad by his second wife, Elisa Gray, father of seven, 
 all of whom survive. James B. Wickwire has been twice married, his 
 first wife being formerly a Miss Julia Merriman. There were no 
 children by this union. 
 
 Alfred S. Wickwire, a brother of James B. Wickwire, had the 
 following children: Fremont, born May 18, 1866; Myrtilla, June 18, 
 1870; Cai'rie, March 21, 1872; William, June 16, 1874; Ora, December 
 1, 1877 ; Roscoe, September 20, 1880 ; Olivia, January 8, 1883 ; and 
 Alfred Glen, December 20, 1886. Myrtilla married a Mr. Shade and 
 has the following children : Anna May, born August 5, 1903, and William 
 Roy born September 17, 1904. Carrie is the wife of Mr. Davis and her 
 children are : Gertrude M. born November 21, 1899, Ruth born October 
 8, 1903, and Russel, born May 20, 1907. Ora Wickwire has the following 
 children : Clara born December 13, 1899, Florence, October 4, 1901, 
 and Opal, April 26, 1909. The children of Roscoe Wickwire art. 
 Bonetta, born December 30, 1906, and Undine, December 2, 1908. 
 
 The grand and great-grandchildren of George Wickwire are as 
 follows: Children of Charles and Catharine Wickwire are, Ethel W., 
 
 born November 1, 1883, Esther I., March 18, 1885, Ruth R., June 20, 
 1893, died February 12, 1894, and George C. Wickwire, born February 
 7, 1895; children of Wilma Wickwire Elston are: Lynn, born April 9, 
 1893, and Ralph, August 5, 1898 ; child of Nellie Wickwire Lease is Nellie 
 Fern Lease, born January 25, 1890; children of Loretta A. C. Wickwire 
 Sanders are Guy W., born in 1874 and Paul W., born in 1887 ; children 
 of Guy W. Sanders and great-grandchildren of George W. Wickwire are : 
 Mark C. Sanders, born in 1904, and Hugh G. Sanders, born in 1909; 
 children of Catharine Wickwire Miller are: Clyde W., born September 
 21, 1877, Waldo W., October 19, 1884, and Wayne T., March 30, 1888. 
 

 
 
 
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BREECE 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 677 
 
 The great-grandchildren of Laura Wiekwire Merriman are : Frank- 
 lin J. Merriman, born October 8, 1859 ; Ella Rowley, born September 20, 
 1866, married July 3, 1895, and has J. Rowley Merriman, born May 14, 
 1896, G. Clem Merriman, born April 8, 1899, and June Lois Merriman, 
 born June 11, 1906. 
 
 William Breece. — One of the largest land-owners and most exten- 
 sive dealers in stock in Hardin county is William Breece, of Roundhead 
 township. Mr. Breece was born May 12, 1834, in Logan county, Ohio, 
 and is a son of Robert and Lydia (Henry) Breece. Robert Breece 
 spelled his name “Brees, ” and was a native of Wales. He came to the 
 United States with his parents when a child, and was one of the pioneers 
 of Ohio, living in several different parts of the state at different times. 
 He married Lydia Henry in Logan county, Ohio ; her parents were 
 natives of Virginia and settled in Logan county, where the daughter was 
 born. They spent the remainder of their lives in Logan county, but 
 Robert Breece and his wife located in Allen county and later removed to 
 Hardin county among the early settlers. Mr. Breece died in Hardin 
 county at the age of fifty-five years. 
 
 Robert Breece walked from Roundhead May 28, 1835, to Bucyrus, 
 and entered eighty acres of land in the woods in Roundhead township, 
 and which is now owned by his son William and held as the old home- 
 stead. But little of the land in Hardin county was cleared at that time, 
 and he set out to improve his farm and erect a house, and here he spent 
 the remainder of his life. Of his nine children but two now survive 
 (1910), William and Amanda, Mrs. Gillman, also of Roundhead township. 
 
 William Breece was a small boy when the family settled premanently 
 in Hardin county, and as he grew up he helped to improve the farm, 
 attending school winters. He became an expert farmer, and was a 
 good judge of land values ; for the past twenty years he has often acted 
 as a land appraiser, and at one time owned about six hundred acres of 
 land himself, all of which he acquired through his own efforts. He has 
 always been very successful as a farmer and is a self-made man. For 
 many years he has been very active in buying and selling cattle and other 
 stock, and is a business man of sound judgment and intelligence. He 
 now owns his father’s old homestead, and his possessions of land alto- 
 gether aggregates about five hundred and fifty acres. 
 
 Mr. Breece married Sarah Axtel, and she became the mother of 
 four children, only one of whom survives, Lydia, wife of M. L. Baugh- 
 man, who lives in Kenton. Mr. Baughman and his wife have four sous 
 and one daughter. Mr. Breece is a devout member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church of Roundhead. Politically he has always supported 
 the principles of the Democratic party, although he has taken no very 
 active part in public affairs. He was elected land appraiser in 1909. 
 He is well known throughout the county, where he is highly respected 
 His wife died in November, 1909, after a married life of fifty-one years. 
 She was a woman of high character, universally esteemed, and her death 
 was widely mourned. 
 
678 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 E. M. Turner is one of the land owners and representative farmers 
 of Liberty township, the place of his birth, January 8, 1854. He is a 
 son of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Wood) Turner, the father born in 
 Muskingum county, Ohio, June 17, 1817, and the mother was born near 
 Zanesville of this state in 1828. She was a daughter of Samuel Wood 
 and a sister of the Hon. James J. Wood, probate judge of Hardin county 
 for some years, and of David Wood of Ada. Isaac B. Turner and 
 Elizabeth Wood were married in Muskingum county, Ohio, and their 
 seven children were tenderly reared and well educated, all of them 
 receiving the advantages of the University at Ada and with the exception 
 of Howard all taught school. In order of birth they are Jane (de- 
 ceased) , John W., Franklin, E. M., S. W., S. II. and Howard. Franklin 
 Turner married Miss Catherine Reed, and they have children, Clara, 
 Otis, Harry and Cora. S. W. Turner married first Miss H. 0. Kridler, 
 by whom he had two sons, Lloyd and Walter, and he married for Ins 
 second wife Olive Meyers, and they also had two children, Paul and 
 Helen. Howard married Dora Tressel, and their five children are 
 Donna, Alva, Paul, Emmit and Gladys. Jane became the wife of S. 
 Turner, and had a son, Roy. 
 
 Early in the ’50s Isaac B. Turner came to Hardin county and 
 bought eigthy acres of land in Liberty township, but in 1866 he sold 
 that property and bought a, one hundred and thirty acre tract in the same 
 township, now the property of his son. He built a log house there and 
 partly cleared the land, but seeing the necessity of buying more land 
 and taking advantage of a good market he disposed of that property 
 and purchased the present homestead of E. M. Turner. He was a 
 charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Ames chapel, and 
 lie served that society for many years as a trustee. His influence and 
 advice were often sought and freely given, and he was active in every 
 worthy enterprise for the benefit of his community. He died on the 
 14th of December, 1902, mourned by a host of friends. He survived 
 his wife a number of years, she having died in 1880. 
 
 E. M. Turner, a son of Isaac B. and Elizabeth, is now one of the 
 representative farmers of Liberty township, owning and occupying 
 the old Turner homestead there, a valuable and productive farm of one 
 hundred and thirty acres. He was educated in the public schools of 
 Liberty township, and completed his studies at the Northern Ohio Uni- 
 versity at Ada, afterward teaching school for seven terms. He then 
 turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1876 he was married 
 to Miss Alice, a daughter of John Tressel, and of the seven children 
 which blessed their union six grew to mature years, namely: Nora, 
 
 the wife of J. P. Motter; Ward E., who married Miss Ivan Hawk, and 
 their two children are Ray and Alice ; Charles C., who married Miss 
 Bertha Rothrock ; Roy, deceased ; Floyd ; Earl and Ruth. Both Charles 
 C. and Floyd are graduates of the Ohio Northern University at Ada. 
 Mrs. Turner, the mother of these children died on the 19th of August, 
 1904, and for his second wife Mr. Turner married Mrs. Hattie Henry 
 September 3, 1906. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
 and he has served his church as a trustee and as a Sunday school 
 superintendent. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 679 
 
 Thomas Lincoln Breedlove. — Among the industrious, successful 
 men of Hardin county is T. L. Breedlove, who has been a resident of 
 of the locality since 1893. Mr. Breedlove was born in Washington 
 county, Illinois, November 17, 1860, and is a son of William and Char- 
 lotte (Stroble) Breedlove, natives of Champaign county Ohio. When 
 he was ten years of age he came with his parents to Ohio, where they 
 located on a farm. He spent his boyhood days working on his father’s 
 farm through the summers and attending the public school winters, 
 receiving a fair education. He remained at home until he reached 
 his maturity, and learned the details of farming. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Breedlove married Emma Arnold, of Champaign 
 county, Ohio, and to this union seven children have been born, as fol- 
 lows: Clara, Valire, Lillie, Valore, James, John and Oscar. Shortly 
 after his marriage Mr. Breedlove moved to Auglaise county, Ohio, where 
 he lived on a farm until 1893, when he located in Hardin county, which 
 has been his home since. He settled in Alger, and is now foreman in 
 the onion fields about two and a half miles southeast of Alger, for George 
 P. Stambaugh. 
 
 Mr. Breedlove is a man of good principles and high character, and 
 is respected wherever he is known. He is honest and upright in his 
 dealings and has many friends. Politically he upholds the principles 
 of the Republican party, and he takes a commendable interest in local 
 affairs. 
 
 John C. Sheller, a prosperous farmer of Marion township, Har- 
 din county, Ohio, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, August 14, 1857, 
 son of John and Catharine (Kemmerly) Sheller, the former a native 
 of Pennsylvania and the latter of Fairfield, Ohio. When he was a small 
 boy both his parents died, and he was early thrown upon his own re- 
 sources. He was reared on a farm, and up to the time he was fifteen 
 years of age he attended district school during the winter terms. Prom 
 the time he was fifteen until he was twenty-three he was a wage worker 
 on farms and began early to buy out the heirs of his father’s farm. 
 Then he married and settled down to farming on his own responsibility. 
 Today he is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-four 
 acres in section 14, Marion township and is engaged in general farming 
 and stock raising. 
 
 Mr. Sheller first married Miss Mary James, who bore him one 
 child that died in infancy, her death following soon afterward. For 
 his second wife he married Miss Maggie Sorg, who was born in Seneca 
 county, Ohio, November 19, 1864, daughter of Peter and Mary (Kuhn) 
 Sorg. Her parents were born and married in Germany and had two 
 children when they came to this country and settled in Ohio. During 
 the Civil war Peter Sorg enlisted in the Union army, and was killed in 
 battle at Stone river. His widow subsquently moved to Postoria, Ohio, 
 where she died October, 1905. The children by this second marriage 
 are as follows: Nora, born January 15, 1887, wife of Earl Scott; John 
 Alvin, October 9, 1888 ; Mary, September 14, 1890 ; Elsie, May 12, 1895, 
 and Fannie, September 23, 1897. Miss Mary is a teacher of piano 
 music, and has a large class. 
 
680 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Shelter and his family are members of Pleasant Yalley United 
 Brethren church, and, politically, his support has always been given to 
 the Republican party, though he has never been active in politics. 
 
 Charles Shuster is a prominent and worthy farmer in Liberty 
 township and he descends from one of the early pioneer families of 
 Hardin county. John Shuster, his paternal grandfather, born in Penn- 
 sylvania and subsequently moving to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, married 
 Elizabeth Wingate, and in 1835 entered one hnndred and sixty acres 
 of land in section 8, Liberty township, Hardin county. And in 1839, 
 with his wife and nine children, he drove here to occupy his land, all 
 his affects with the exception of some stock which they drove being 
 packed in one wagon in which they rode. Arriving here they were 
 housed by some of their distant neighbors until a log cabin could be 
 erected, which was soon accomplished, and then began life in true pioneer 
 style. As this move was made in November there was no chance of 
 putting in a crop for some time, but wild game was abundant and 
 provided them with their principal means of sustenance until a crop 
 could be put in and harvested. The virgin soil soon gave way to the 
 axe and the plow, and in a few years John Shuster had evolved a rich 
 and productive farm. Twelve children were born to John and Eliza- 
 beth Shuster, namely : Samuel, Sara, Mary, Daniel, Martha, John, 
 Henry, Elizabeth, Joshua, George, Wesley and Elihu. The three last 
 named were born in Hardin county, and four of this family are now 
 living, — Martha, John, Henry and Elihu. John Shuster, the father, 
 died in Hardin county on the 22d of October, 1881, at the age of eighty- 
 three years. 
 
 Daniel Shuster, the fourth born child in the above family, was born 
 in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, February 22, 1827, and he was twelve years 
 of age when the family came to Hardin county. Ilis early life unti 
 young manhood was spent with his father clearing their new farm, 
 and later he worked out by the month. In addition to this work he also 
 learned the carpenter’s trade and worked at it for a number of years, 
 being a useful and much sought after man on account of his skill as a 
 mechanic and his willingness to give value received. At his death he 
 owned one hundred acres of valuable farming land, the greater part of 
 which he had cleared. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and 
 he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him on account of 
 his sterling qualities and upright character. On the 25th of December, 
 1852, he was happily married to Christine Kuhn, and the following 
 children were born to them: Clara, the wife of G. V. Guyton; Lucy, 
 deceased, was the wife A. Aldering; Angelia married C. E. Overmeyer; 
 Ida is the wife of F. P. Rusher ; K. A. married Nora Flynn ; and Charles. 
 Daniel Shuster, the father, died on the 14th of October, 1881, and he is 
 still survived by his widow. 
 
 Charles Shuster was born on his father’s farm, the homestead 
 which he now owns, and he attended the common schools. He has added 
 forty acres to the homestead, making him a farm of one hundred and 
 forty acres. On the 26th of December, 1890, he was married to Miss 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 681 
 
 Anna, a daughter of A. C. and Julia Baker, and she was born in Beach- 
 ton, Union county, Ohio, in 1865. Her parents were from Baden, Ger- 
 many, the father born in 1821 and the mother in 1837, and the former was 
 a son of Francis Baker, who with his family came to seek a new home in a 
 new country in 1832. In 1837 he entered one hundred and twenty acres 
 of land in Liberty township, but he resided near Columbus, where he 
 owned a seventy-five acre tract, and he died in 1859, and his wife in 1888. 
 A. C. and Julia Baker also came to the United States in 1837, and after 
 the death of his father A. C. Baker purchased the latter’s claim in 
 Hardin county of the remaining heirs and moved thereto in 1865. By 
 subsequent purchase he became the owner of one hundred and sixty 
 acres. He married Julia Hammer in 1855, and the following eight chil- 
 dren were born to them : Lizzie, Sophia, Kate, Francis, Anna, William, 
 Louis and Mary. The four children, a son and three daughters, born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Shuster are Donald, Catherine, Julia and Lucile C. 
 
 William T. Bowdle. — A native son of Hardin county and a member 
 of one of its well known and highly honored pioneer families, Mr. Bowdle 
 is a citizen of prominence and influence in Roundhead township, where 
 he was reared to manhood and where he has maintained his home from 
 the time of his nativity. He conducts a general store and operates a 
 saw mill at Holden, in this township, and is also the owner of a well 
 improved farm property of two hundred and five acres. He is famil- 
 iarly known as Esquire Bowdle, from the fact that he has long been the 
 incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, and no citizen of the com- 
 munity is held in higher confidence and esteem. 
 
 Mr. Bowdle traces his lineage back to stanch German origin, and 
 the family was founded in America in the colonial epoch of our national 
 history, while the name lias been identified with the annals of the state 
 of Ohio since the pioneer days. William T. Bowdle, the immediate 
 subject of this review, was born on the old homestead farm in Roundhead 
 township, Hardin county, on the 11th of December, 1847, and is a son 
 of James B. arid Elizabeth (Reed) Bowdle, both likewise natives of Ohio. 
 James B. Bowdle was born and reared in Ross county, and was a son of 
 Joseph and Lucretia (Brown) Bowdle, who continued to reside in that 
 county until their death, though the father had early secured a tract of 
 land in Hardin county. James B. Bowdle was one of a family of eight 
 children, the names of the others being as here noted : Jesse L., Nelson, 
 Thomas, Milton, William B., Rebecca and Anna. Of this family two 
 are still living, William B. and Milton. 
 
 James B. Bowdle received very limited educational advantages, 
 owing to the exigencies of time and place, but he attended the primitive 
 pioneer schools as opportunity afforded, and his entire active career was 
 marked by excellent judgment, indefatigable industry and sterling 
 integrity in all the relations of life. In 1831 he moved from Ross 
 county to Hardin county, and in November of that year he settled on the 
 land previously secured by his father in Roundhead township. Upon 
 him devolved the herculean task of reclaiming a farm from the virgin 
 forest, and he put forth his energies so effectively that in due course of 
 
682 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 time he reclaimed his land into productivity and made one of the good 
 homes of this section. His original domicile was a log house of the type 
 common to the pioneer days, but with increasing prosperity he was 
 enabled to avail himself of better facilities and to provide a substantial 
 residence for his family. He continued to reside on the old homestead 
 until his death, in 1890, at the age of eighty-two years, secure in the 
 esteem and goodwill of all who knew him. He contributed to the mater- 
 ial and civic upbuilding and development of Hardin county, and on the 
 roster of its worthy pioneers his name shall have an enduring place. 
 Both he and his wife, whose death occurred in about 1856, at which time 
 she was fifty years of age, were zealous members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, and in politics he was originally a Whig and later a 
 Republican. Of their children two died in infancy, and the names of 
 the others are here entered : Sarah J., Margaret, Mary F., Joseph A., 
 John W., David N., William T., Nancy S. S. and Caroline. The children 
 now living are Joseph A. and William T., the family having numerous 
 representatives in Hardin county at the present time. 
 
 William T. Bowdle is one of the sterling citizens of Hardin county 
 whose memory forms an indissoluble link between the primitive pioneer 
 epoch and the latter days of opulent prosperity in this favored section of 
 the state, and his reminiscences of the early days are interesting and 
 graphic. He was reared to maturity on the old home farm, early be- 
 
 ginning to assist in the clearing of land and other parts of the farm 
 work, thus learning well the lessons of practical and consecutive industry, 
 the while lie availed himself of the advantages offered in the little log 
 school house, with its puncheon floor, wide fireplace and slab desks and 
 benches. In the broader school of experience he has developed his 
 naturally alert and vigorous mentality and is known as a man of wide 
 general information and mature judgment, as well as one endowed with 
 excellent business acumen. 
 
 Mr. Bowdle remained at the parental home until his marriage, at 
 the age of twenty-two years, when he initiated his independent career as 
 a farmer. He has never entirely abandoned his association with agri- 
 cultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a well improved farm of two 
 hundred and five acres, in his native township, where he lives and con- 
 ducts his general merchandise store. Mr. Bowdle conducts a well 
 equipped general store at Holden, drawing his patronage from the 
 excellent rural section of this vicinity and being known as a straight- 
 forward, reliable and upright business man and as a citizen of utmost 
 loyalty and public spirit. In addition to his store he is the owner of a 
 saw mill, which he has successfully operated for a number of years past. 
 
 In politics Mr. Bowdle gives an uncompromising allegiance to the 
 Republican party, and he takes a lively and intelligent interest in the 
 vital issues of the day. In a more local way he has ever given his influ- 
 ence and aid in .support of those measures and objects which conserve 
 the social, moral, educational and material well being of the community. 
 He served as postmaster at Holden for several years, having been ap- 
 pointed to this office under the administration of President McKinley. 
 He has been justice of the peace in Roundhead township since 1892, and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 683 
 
 has so ably administered the affairs of the office as to make it justify its 
 title. He is a member of Wayne Lodge No. 569, Free and Accepted 
 Masons. He is recognized as one of the pillars of the Fletcher Chapel 
 Methodist Episcopal church and has long been one of its most zealous 
 and devoted members, being at the present time assistant superintendent 
 of its Sunday school, as well as a valued member of its board of trustees. 
 
 On the 11th of March, 1870, Mr. Bowdle was united in marriage to 
 Miss Laura Rutledge, who was born and reared in Hardin county, this 
 state, and who was a daughter of the late B. W. Rutledge. Of the five 
 children of this union one son died in infancy, and Caroline A., Cora M. 
 and Clara A. also are deceased. The one surviving is Otto E., who is 
 now a resident of Akron, this state. On the 27th of November, 1892, 
 Mr. Bowdle contracted a second marriage, being then united to Miss 
 Amy J. Street, who presides with dignity over their attractive home. 
 She was born on a farm near Ada, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 29th 
 of December, 1862, and is a daughter of Uriah and Lucinda Street, both 
 now deceased. Concerning the five children of the second marriage the 
 following brief record is given in conclusion of this sketch : Emmet C. 
 was born October 21, 1893; James W. died in infancy in 1895; Joseph 
 H. was born May 28, 1897; Charles P. was born July 16, 1899; and 
 Oliver G., who was born September 30, 1901, died in 1902. 
 
 James W. Bowen, who has a general store at McGuffey, Ohio, is 
 one of the representative men of his locality. Mr. Bowen was born in 
 Washington county, Ohio, October 23, 1876, son of George and Amanda 
 (Wilson) Bowen, and was educated in the common schools of his native 
 county. His father a farmer, he was reared to farm life in Washington 
 county, Ohio, and in Lincoln county, Kansas. He remained with his 
 father until he was eighteen, after which for several years, he worked 
 out by the month on farms. In November, 1904, he opened up a stock 
 of general merchandise at McGuffey, Hardin county, and devoted his 
 attention to the business. In this he has prospered from the start. He 
 carries a stock of well assorted goods, valued at about two thousand 
 dollars, and occupies his own store, a frame building, thirty by sixty 
 feet in dimensions, which he erected in 1909. Besides his store, he owns 
 his home and other property at McGuffey. 
 
 In December, 1897, he married Miss Ella Obenour, a native of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, born in 1878; and they have one daughter. Delorys, 
 born in September, 1898. Politically, Mr. Bowen is a Democrat ; fra- 
 ternally, a Knight of Pythias, having membership in Golden Shield 
 Lodge, No. 724. Also he is a Modern Woodman. 
 
 George F. Stambaugh, is one of the able representatives of that 
 class of progressive business men who are giving marked impetus to 
 the industrial and civic advancement of Hardin county, where he is 
 one of the interested principals in the Scioto Land Company, which 
 owns and has under cultivation an extensive tract of land in this section, 
 the same being largely devoted to the propagation of onions, with enor- 
 mous annual production. 
 
684 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Stambaugh was born in the city of Youngstown, Mahoning 
 county, Ohio, on the 12th of June, 1870, and is a son of John and Caro- 
 line (Hamilton) Stambangh, who are now both deceased, the father 
 having died in New York City, and the mother in Mississippi. George 
 F. Stambaugh received his early educational discipline in the public 
 schools of his native city, after which he attended the preparatory school 
 at Saratoga Springs, New York, being graduated in this institution in 
 1888. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Stambaugh became associated 
 with his brothers, Henry and John Stambaugh, in the raising of the best 
 type of standard-bred horses, in Mahoning county, this state, and he 
 continued to be identified with this line of enterprise for five years, 
 within which the three brothers bred and had on the trotting turf many 
 fine horses. The subject of this review has not lost his interest in racing 
 affairs and is still the owner of several valuable and speedy trotters. 
 
 In 1893 Mr. Stambaugh came to Hardin county, where he has since 
 maintained his home and where he is one of the principal stockholders 
 in the Scioto Land Company, which owns about four thousand acres 
 of the valuable land in this section, much of the same being the specially 
 fertile marsh land, which has been reclaimed and which is utilized large- 
 ly in the raising of onions, though other products are raised in large 
 quantities. About four hundred acres are now under affective cultiva- 
 tion and the company has made the best of improvements on the proper- 
 ty, in the operation of which a large force of men is employed throughout 
 the entire year. The output of onions alone aggregated fully sixty 
 thousands bushels in 1909, and this brief statement indicates the scope 
 and importance of the company’s operations, which have marked bear- 
 ing on the industrial prosperity of Hardin county. Mr. Stambaugh re- 
 sides in the attractive little village of McGuffey and is known as a young 
 man of marked business acumen and executive ability, being one of the 
 substantial capitalists of his native state. In politics he is arrayed as 
 a staunch supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republi- 
 can party stands sponsor, and he is affiliated with the lodge of the Benev- 
 olent and Protective Order of Elks at Kenton, as well as with the Modern 
 Woodmen of America. He is genial in his bearing, liberal and tolerant 
 in his association with his fellow men, and is held in high esteem in the 
 community in which he has elected to maintain his home and in whose 
 welfare he shows a lively and helpful interest. 
 
 On November 5, 1902, Mr. Stambaugh was united in marriage to 
 Miss Nellie Conner, daughter of John P. Conner, a representative citizen 
 of Hardin county. Mr. and Mrs. Stambaugh have no children. 
 
 William A. Fullilove, general merchant at McGuffey, Hardin 
 county, Ohio, has been in business here since 1898. Mr. Fullilove is a 
 native of Kentucky. He was born in Boone county, July 17, 1854, son 
 of John II. and Berilla (Arnold) Fullilove; and was educated in his 
 native state, for a time being a student at White Haven Boarding School. 
 In 1880 he entered the employ of the T. & 0. C. R. R., and wjth head- 
 quarters in Marion county, Ohio, was on the road for many years. He 
 was appointed postmaster of Martel, Ohio, and served as such under 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 685 
 
 Grover Cleveland’s second administration. Coming to McGuffey in 1898, 
 he turned his attention to general merchandising, and from the first 
 has met with merited success. He carries a well assorted stock of first 
 class goods, worth on an average six thousand and five hundred dollars, 
 and occupies his own building which he erected in 1903. In addition 
 to this property, he owns real estate at other places. 
 
 Mr. Fullilove married in Knox county, Missouri, Miss Susie Burton, 
 and they have one daughter, Ethel, wife of Henry Wallace. Fraternally, 
 Mr. Fullilove is identified with Calantha Lodge, No. 116, Knights of 
 Pythias. Mrs. Fullilove is a member of the Disciple church. 
 
 George W. Klingler. — The Ivlingler name is an old and honored 
 one in Hardin county, and it also belongs to some of the pioneers of the 
 county. This family trace their ancestry in this country to John Kling- 
 ler, who came many years ago from his native land of Switzerland to 
 the United States and with his family located in Westmoreland county, 
 Pennsylvania, and there his children were born. That family included 
 Adam Klingler, who finally moved to Perry county, Ohio, after his 
 marriage to Elizabeth Fielder. There they entered one hundred and 
 sixty acres of land during President Andrew Jackson’s administration, 
 reared their family and died in peace and plenty. They became the 
 parents of twelve children, but only David, George, Jacob A., Joel, 
 Margaret and Leah moved to Hardin county, but not all at one time, 
 although inside of five years. 
 
 David Klingler came to this county in 1848, and the land which 
 his father entered he gave to him, it being then in its virgin state, and 
 it took hard and incessant toil to bring it to the productive place which 
 it soon was. He built a hewed log house there with a board floor, it 
 being rather a comfortable and commodious dwelling, and he married 
 Miss Sarah Brosius, of German parentage. Her people, who were 
 wealthy, emigrated to this country in an early day. To David and Sarah 
 Klingler were born eighteen children, namely : Amos, Reuben and 
 
 Joshua (twins), Charles, David, Melanchton, Adam, Jacob, Sarah, 
 Calvin, Franklin, William, Mary and Amelia (twins), Douglas, Silome, 
 Cyrus and Catherine. Amos, Douglas and Amelia are residents of 
 Hardin county. David Klingler, the father, died in 1875, his wife Sarah 
 having passed away twenty-four years ago. 
 
 Amos Klingler, the first born of the eighteen children, was born 
 in Perry county, Ohio, in 1842, and he has always followed agricultural 
 pursuits. In 1865 he bought his present farm of eighty acres of wild 
 and unimproved land, but this unproductive place soon gave way to a 
 valuable and well cultivated homestead. In 1862 Amos Klingler 
 married Miss Lucinda Greenawalt, from Allen county, Ohio, and their 
 eight children are: David II., Reuben M., John C., George W., Clara, 
 Isaiah, Nathan L. and Adam. Clara, the only daughter, is the wife 
 of C. M. Clun. 
 
 George W. Klingler was born in Liberty township, Hardin county, 
 June 6, 1867, and he was reared and educated in his native township, 
 and adopting the vocation of his ancestors he has become a prominent 
 Vol. II— 16 
 
686 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and successful agriculturist. He began life for himself without capital 
 save willing hands and ready mind, and his first investment in land was 
 tint, a small tract. To that he soon added forty acres more, then an ad- 
 ditional twenty and kept on increasing his landed possessions until he 
 now owns an estate of one hundred and seventy-five acres of the finest 
 farming land of the community and improved with as fine a set of build- 
 ings as are found in Hardin county. His barn is a convenient and com- 
 modious structure erected in 1904, and the home, modern and complete in 
 its appointments, was built in the following year of 1905. Mr. Klingler 
 makes a specialty of raising hogs. 
 
 On Aiigust 26, 1893, Mr. Klingler was married to Miss Bessie, a 
 daughter of the Rev. Eli Beagle, a minister in the Dunkard church. She 
 was born in Blanchard township of Hardin county in 1872. The four 
 children of this union are: Chauncey V., born in 1894; Gladys, in 1898; 
 Amos E., in 1902; and Raymond, in 1904. The family are members of 
 St. Paul ’s Reformed church and Mr. Klingler is a member of the Grange. 
 
 Henry Elroy Dickinson, a banker and merchant of Mt. Victory 
 was born July 16. 1857, in Logan county, Ohio, and is a son of Louis 
 and Mary Ann (Beck) Dickinson. His grandparents were Quakers and 
 the grandfather, Thomas Dickinson, was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
 and came from Virginia to Ohio, where he settled near Zanesfield. 
 They endured the hardships of pioneer life, and on account of Indian 
 troubles had to move farther into the woods, as at that time Zanesfield 
 was only a trading place. He located near Rushcreek lake where he 
 lived until his death. 
 
 Louis Dickinson was born in Logan county, Ohio, and in his youth 
 taught school. He became a farmer, which business he followed the re- 
 mainder of his life, in connection with stock-raising. He was an earnest 
 and active member of the Methodist church ; politically he was a Repub- 
 lican and filled various local offices. His wife was born in Hardin 
 county, and was a daughter of St,. Leger Beck, a farmer. Louis Dickin- 
 son and his wife had, besides Henry E., children as follows: Joshua 
 
 Newton, a farmer of Elk City, Oklahoma ; St. Leger, a farmer of Cleve- 
 land, Oklahoma; Adelia, wife of J. M. Keller, a farmer of Houston, 
 Texas; Margaret, wife of William Dixon, of Ray, Colorado. Mrs. 
 Dickinson died in March, 1864, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. 
 Dickinson married (second) Elizabeth Rosebrook, who is still living. 
 Their children were : Minnie, wife of Rev. D. G. Hall, pastor of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, at Forest ; Ella, wife of William Irick, a 
 farmer near Rushsylvania; and Robert L., in dairy business at Findlay. 
 
 After reaching the age of sixteen .years Henry E. Dickinson at- 
 tended the Rushsylvania high school, Ada University and Delaware 
 University and a commercial college. When twenty-two years of age 
 he engaged in teaching school. In 1884 Mr. Dickinson removed to 
 Kansas, where he spent five successful years in farming ; for one year he 
 was employed as clerk in a mercantile establishment, and returning to 
 Ohio, he engaged in the implement business at Belief ontaine, Ohio. A 
 year later he located in Mt. Victory, where he entered into partnership 
 

 
1 
 
 WATSON SPENCER 
 
THOMAS J. SPENCEF AND FAMILY 
 
'•fe' 
 
 
 -It 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 687 
 
 with T. M. Wallace, in the hardware and implement line, and they 
 had the most extensive establishment of the kind in Hardin, county. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson has invested in various business enterprises, and is 
 looked upon as a keen, clear-headed man of business. In 1893 he became 
 cashier of Mt. Victory Bank, and in 1904 became its vice president. 
 Besides his financial interests in other lines, Mr. Dickinson takes an 
 active interest in farming, having several farms in Hardin county. He 
 is much interested in stock raising. He was promoter of the erection of 
 the large business block, of brick, covering a square block, in Mt. Victory, 
 and with his partner, W. Witcraft, promoted what is known as the 
 Dickinson-Witcraft, Addition to Mt. Victory. They improved and 
 built up the road out of the city known as the West Mansfield pike. Mr. 
 Dickinson is considered one of the leading business men of the county, 
 and is highly esteemed by all. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. He is a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with the 
 Blue Lodge, the Commandery and Council at Kenton, and Consistory 
 of Dayton and Cincinnati. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protec- 
 tive Order of Elks of Kenton, and the Knights of Pythias and Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mt. Victory. He is strongly Repub- 
 lican in political views, though he has never cared for public office. He 
 is now a member of the county executive committee. He also served 
 as state delegate for years, is interested in education, having served for 
 fifteen years as a member of the school board. 
 
 March 5, 1884, Mr. Dickinson married Elizabeth Amanda Wallace, 
 born July 1, 1863, daughter of Alexander and Mahala (Roberts) 
 Wallace, pioneers of Logan county, Ohio, both deceased. Mr. Dickinson 
 and his wife became parents of three children, Lewis Clyde, who died at 
 the age of two and one half years, Mary Twila and John Alexander. 
 Mary T. is a graduate of Mt. Victory high school and of Ada University 
 and also attended Delaware University two years, and is now attending 
 National Park Seminary, in Maryland, where she will be graduated this 
 year. John Alexander took a course in the Michigan Military Academy 
 and entered Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio, in 1909. 
 
 Thomas J. Spencer, who owns a large farm in Roundhead township 
 and looks after his extensive interests, having practically retired from 
 active business life, is a native of the township, born October 23, 1841, a 
 son of Watson and Elnore (Rutledge) Spencer. Watson Spencer was 
 born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1812, and his wife’s parents were from 
 Maryland. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom 
 lived to maturity: Mary A., Elizabeth J., Louisa, Melissa and Thomas 
 J. Mr. Spencer and his wife moved to Logan county during their early 
 married life, and about 1838 located in Hardin county, in Roundhead 
 township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Spencer 
 died in 1879 and his wife in 1851. 
 
 The boyhood of Thomas J. Spencer was spent on a farm, and he 
 received a good education in the common schools. At the age of twenty 
 years he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-second Ohio Regiment, the date 
 
688 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of his enlistment being November 13, 1861. He went first into camp at 
 Kenton, and the first battle in which he participated was the second 
 battle of Bnll Run. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and took 
 part in the battles at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
 In the fall of 1863 the Eleventh Army Corps was sent farther west and 
 Mr. Spencer took part in the battles of Wauhatchie Valley, Lookout 
 Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga. He re-enlisted during the 
 Atlanta campaign, and was present at the fall of Atlanta, was also with 
 Sherman in his “march to the sea,” and was disabled at Savannah. 
 Mr. Spencer returned to Ohio and was mustered out June 23, 1865. He 
 receives a pension of twelve dollars a month. At the close of his 
 service he engaged in farming in Roundhead township, and was married 
 September 29, 1867, to Mary A. Gossard, who was born and reared in 
 Auglaize county, Ohio, the date of her birth being May 31, 1849. She 
 spent her childhood on a farm and attended a common school. To Mr. 
 and Mrs. Spencer eight children were born, namely : Francis, Nora E., 
 Hiram F., Ely J.. Thomas J., Wilber E., Lewis V. and Alta. 
 
 Mr. Spencer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
 Fletcher Chapel, and is one of the church trustees. He belongs to West 
 Newton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and politically he is a stanch 
 Republican. His farm of two hundred and seventeen acres is one of the 
 best in the county, and he has been very successful in its conduct. He 
 is an enterprising, industrious man, and is highly respected by all who 
 know him. 
 
 James E. Gasson. — Among the many enterprising and successful 
 business men of Hardin county, James E. Gasson, a druggist in Kenton, 
 holds high rank. A son of Frank Gasson, he was born, November 15, 
 1875, at Versailles, Darke county, coming on the paternal side of pure 
 French ancestry. 
 
 His grandfather, John Francis Gasson, a native of France, left his 
 native country about 1830, coming directly to Ohio. He located in 
 Darke county, at Jacksonville, now called Versailles. He was a man 
 of culture, well educated, but had never adopted a profession. Buying 
 a tract of wild land, he turned his attention to farming, and there spent 
 his remaining years, passing away at a ripe old age. His wife, formerly 
 Miss Anna Paget, was bom and bred in France. She died on the home 
 farm, in Versailles, before he did. 
 
 Frank Gasson was born in the Department of Lorraine, France, 
 and when scarcely a year old was brought by his parents to Ohio. In 
 early manhood he went by way of Nicaragua to California, where he 
 was employed in mining for a number of years. Returning to his old 
 home in Versailles, Ohio, in 1872 he conducted a general mercantile and 
 provision business during the remainder of his active career, and is now 
 living there retired from business cares. He married Rachel LI. Barley, 
 who was born in Marion, Grant county, Indiana, a daughter of Conrad 
 and Rachel (Rickel) Barley, both natives of Bedford county, Pennsyl- 
 vania. They reared four sons and one daughter, namely: Daniel V., 
 
 John F., George, James E., the subject of this brief sketch, and Clara L. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 689 
 
 After liis graduation from the Versailles high school, James E. 
 Gasson entered the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, and was gradu- 
 ated from the Pharmaceutical Department with the class of July, 1895. 
 He was subsequently employed as clerk in a drug store at Versailles 
 until 1896, when he accepted a similar position in Kenton. In 1901 Mr. 
 Gasson embarked in business, in Kenton, on his own account, and has 
 here built up an extensive patronage as a druggist. 
 
 Mr. Gasson married, September 27, 1899, Jennie D. Pague, who was 
 born in this city, a daughter of Alfred W. and Sadie (Lee) Pague, 
 natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Gasson have one child, Vernon 
 Joye. Mr. Gasson is a member of the National Association of Retail 
 Druggists, and of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association. Politi- 
 cally he is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of 
 Pythias, to the Modern Woodmen of America, and to the Benevolent 
 and Protective Order of Elks. Religiously he is a Methodist. 
 
 Philip and Peter Boehm. — Among the worthy and successful 
 farmers of Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, are the Boehm 
 brothers, who own and occupy the old Boehm homestead, a fine farm of 
 one hundred acres, where their father, John Boehm, settled nearly thirty 
 years ago. 
 
 John Boehm and his family emigrated from Germany to this coun- 
 try in 1881, and came direct to Hardin county, Ohio, where he spent 
 the rest of his life and died, his death occurring in 1891. At the time of 
 his settlement here forty acres of his land were covered with a heavy 
 growth of timber. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Neff) Boehm, were the 
 parents of six children, all born in Germany, namely: Catherine, in 
 
 1855, is deceased; John, Jr., 1857, is deceased; David, 1859; Maggie, 
 1861 ; Philip, 1864 ; Peter, 1866. The mother died in 1903. 
 
 Since 1892, the Boehm farm has been owned and occupied by the 
 two sons, Peter and Philip, who have cleared away much of the forest 
 and made many needed repairs in the farm buildings, and as a result 
 of their energetic efforts the fields are under a high state of cultivation, 
 and the general appearance of the premises indicates the prosperity 
 which is theirs. 
 
 Both brothers are married. In 1894, Philip Boehm married Miss 
 Anna K. Getzinger, a native of Minnesota, and they have one daughter, 
 Mary. In 1890, Peter Beohrn married Miss Mary W. Barkley, a native 
 of Pickaway county, Ohio. To them have been given six children : 
 Viola, who died at the age of eleven ; Amelia, Cora, Henry W., Kate A., 
 and Edward N. 
 
 Another brother, John Boehm, Jr., deceased, spent his life on a 
 farm in Hardin county. He left five children, namely: J. P., 
 
 Elizabeth, Philip J., John and Henry. Of this number Philip J. lives 
 on the home farm, a tract of fifty acres. He was born here in 1884. 
 In 1908, he married Miss Matilda Reddick, a native of Hancock county, 
 Ohio, and they have one child, Lester H. 
 
690 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 L. L. Drumm, a successful carpenter and farmer of Hardin county, 
 Ohio, whose home is located in Mt. Victory, was born in Delaware county, 
 Ohio, January 28, 1855, and is a son of William and Mary A. (Sidels) 
 Drumm. William Drumm was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, 
 December 2, 1824, and died in 1908 ; he settled in Dudley township, 
 Hardin county, in 1883, and carried on a farm until 1906, then moved to 
 Mt. Victory and retired from active life. He was a carpenter and 
 worked some at his trade, besides being a very successful farmer. He 
 was a member of the Christian church and affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F. 
 Politically he was a Democrat and was actively interested in his party’s 
 interests. His wife, who was born February 12, 1825, was a daughter 
 of Jacob Sidels, who died when she was an infant. William Drumm 
 was a son of Peter and Permelia (Dowel) Drumm, natives of Pennsyl- 
 vania, who came to Ohio in 1819 and later located in Muskingum, Dela- 
 ware county. William Drumm and his wife were parents of seven 
 children, all of whom are living, as follows : John Milton, of Union 
 
 county; Peter S., a farmer of Dudley township, Hardin county; William 
 A., a farmer of Buck township; L. L., the fourth child; George W., a 
 laborer, living in Mt. Victory; Virgil, a carpenter of Union county; and 
 Emma J., wife of James Allen, of Bellefontaine. 
 
 The school days of L. L. Drumm were passed in Delaware county 
 and he attended the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he 
 began working in a saw mill, which he continued some time, and also 
 worked at farming. At the age of thirty years he took the management 
 of the M. M. Thompson, mayor of Kenton, farm of four hundred acres, 
 and served twelve years. He then purchased his farm in Dudley 
 township, which he successfully conducted until 1904, when he sold it 
 and removed to Mt. Victory, following the carpenter trade since that 
 time. He is an expert at his trade and has been very successful in all 
 his undertakings. Mr. Drumm has now sold his farm and invested in 
 property in Mt. Victory. He is a man of stability and influence, and 
 actively interested in public affairs ; he is a Democrat in politics and 
 served five years as a member of the school board, also three terms as 
 supervisor. He has a host of friends, and has been affiliated with the 
 I. O. O. F. eighteen years. In his dealings with his fellowmen he has 
 shown strict honesty and integrity, and is recognized as one of the 
 representative citizens of the county. 
 
 In 1874 Mr. Drumm married Delilah Conklin, born May 3, 1857, 
 daughter of William Conklin, a farmer of Marion county, and a soldier 
 in the Civil war, who died in Andersonville prison. He married a 
 Miss Preston, and they removed from New York to Ohio, becoming 
 pioneers of Marion county. The Preston family came from England 
 and became pioneers of Hardin county, being among the earliest 
 families in the county. Mr. Drumm and his wife became parents of 
 children as follows: Wilbert K., married Lily Marten; they live in Mt. 
 Victory and have three children; Henry A., married Jenny Marten, 
 sister of his brother Wilbert’s wife, and they have two children; Edith 
 A., wife of J. 0. Moore, a farmer of Hale township, has one child; 
 Floyd McKinley is at home ; and Pearl G. is also at home. It is a 
 

JOHN WHITMORE AND FAMILY 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 691 
 
 notable fact in the Drumm family that until the death of Mr. Drumm’s 
 father, in 1908, there had been no deaths in the family for a period of 
 forty-eight years. 
 
 William Kahl, a hardware merchant of Dola, Hardin county, Ohio, 
 was born in 1877, in the county and township in which he now lives, 
 son of Nicholas and Wilhelmina (Heinish) Kahl, natives of Germany, 
 who emigrated to this country about 1859. On his arrival in America, 
 Nicholas Kahl settled at Kenton, in Hardin county, and subsequently 
 he purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Washington township, to 
 which he moved, and on which he has since made his home. He and his 
 wife are the parents of eight children, five of whom are living, namely: 
 Fred, Emma, Caroline, Edward and William. 
 
 On his father’s farm William passed his youth and early manhood, 
 assisting in the work of the farm and attending the district school. 
 Having a preference for a business life, he left the home place and en- 
 gaged in general merchandising, and later devoted his attention exclu- 
 sively to hardware. He has been in business since 1906, and recently, in 
 1910, entered into a copartnership with Delbert Reed. They carry a 
 full line of first-class stock and are doing a prosperous business. 
 
 September 12, 1907, Mr. Kahl married Miss Lena Reth, a native of 
 Ada, Ohio, born June 30, 1889. He is a member of the German 
 Lutheran church, and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. 
 
 John Whitmore. — One of the best known citizens of Pleasant town- 
 ship, Hardin county, Ohio, and one among its oldest residents is John 
 Whitmore. He has met with gratifying success in his labors, and has 
 now retired from active life and is spending his remaining years in the 
 ease and comfort he has so well earned. Mr. Whitmore was born in 
 Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1827, a son of 
 Peter and Catherine Whitmore, both formerly of that state. Peter 
 Whitmore and his wife had children as follows : Polly, Elizabeth, 
 
 Catherine, Sarah, Louisa, Daniel, Peter and John. John is the only 
 one who moved to Hardin county, Ohio, and he and Louisa, the latter of 
 Richland county, Ohio, are the only surviving members of the family. 
 
 In 1856 Mr. Whitmore moved to Ohio and settled in his present, 
 home, purchasing one hundred acres of land. He added to his land 
 sixty acres and a half interest in fifty-five acres, both located in Blan- 
 chard township, Hardin county. He set to work to improve his land 
 and erected good buildings. He built a saw mill and operated it thirty 
 years. Mr. Whitmore was an enterprising, thrifty farmer, and became 
 very prosperous; his honesty and high character were recognized by all, 
 and he had the highest esteem of his neighbors. 
 
 On March 10, 1859, Mr. Whitmore married Margaret J. Gardner, 
 who was born in Richland county, Ohio, September 22, 1834, and died in 
 1899. To them were born children as follows: Peter M., born in 1860, 
 died in 1861; Elcey C., born in 1863, died in 1879; Sarah E., born in 
 1865, died in 1869; Ora L„ Mrs. J. II.. Cessna, born in 1868; Eliza J„ 
 Mrs. O. W. Schwemmer, born in 1870; one child who died in infancy; 
 
692 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Clarinda, Mrs. S. C. Stewart, born in 1872 ; and Lulu A., Mrs. C. M. 
 Cessna, born in 1877. Eleey Oates left three children, Lowel, Carrie 
 and John. To Mrs. E. J. Sehwemmer three children have been born, 
 Hazel C., C. W. and Arline B. Mrs. Ora L. Cessna had three children 
 born, Olda, Margaret and Dana. Mrs. Clarinda Stewart had one son, 
 Irvin G. Mrs. Lulu A. Cessna has two children, Geneva and Dwight. 
 Mr. Whitmore has, therefore, twelve grandchildren. He has also two 
 great-grandchildren. 
 
 In politics he was first, a Whig then a “Know Nothing” and after- 
 ward a Republican until he supported Bryan and became a champion of 
 free silver and he is still a Bryan man. Mrs. Whitmore was a member 
 of the United Brethren church and as is also the family. 
 
 D. LI. Dome & Son. — The firm of D. II. Dome & Son, of Forest, 
 Ohio, dealers in clothing, footwear and gent’s furnishings, has one of the 
 main business establishments in Forest. Their stock is kept up-to-date, 
 and of a superior cpiality, which warrants the fine trade they enjoy. 
 Their treatment of customers is at all times courteous and businesslike, 
 and their store is well lighted and commodious. 
 
 D. H. Dome, senior member of the firm, was born in Richland 
 county, Ohio, where he was reared, and where he married Alice Kisor, of 
 Wyandot county. He owns several farms in Wyandot county, which he 
 rents very successfully, the date of his removal to Hardin county being 
 1904. To Mr. Dome and his wife but one child was born, U. J., junior 
 partner of the firm above mentioned. 
 
 IT. J. Dome was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1888, was reared 
 in his native county, and received his education in the common schools. 
 He also took a course at. Lima Business College, from which institution 
 he was graduated in 1901. He is an enterprising and industrious 
 business man, of pleasant manner and address, and takes great interest 
 and pride in the success of the firm with which he is connected. Both 
 he and his father command universal respect and have won many friends 
 in Forest. 
 
 Reverend J. F. TTenkee, D. D., pastor of the Methodist Protestant 
 church of Forest, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, May 13, 1847. He 
 was reared and educated in the public schools of his native county, and 
 profited well by his years of study, being intensely interested in the 
 acquirement of knowledge, so that he laid the foundation for his future 
 career, that has always stood him in good stead. He is naturally of a 
 studious, quiet disposition, and thinks deeply along any lines in which he 
 is interested. In 1876 he was admitted to the Ohio Conference, and 
 his first locations were in Fayette and Madison counties. During the 
 thirty-four years he has been engaged in the ministry he has been con- 
 stantly working within the boundaries of the same conference. His 
 life in the cause of the gospel has been a long and earnest one, and he has 
 converted many souls for the church. He has been very successful in 
 his work, and during his pastorate he has been instrumental in erecting 
 two new church buildings, at Milledgeville, Fayette county, and Big 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 693 
 
 Springs, Logan county. He also built a parsonage at Manchester, 
 Adams county. 
 
 Reverend Henkle has always been in excellent standing with the 
 members of the Conference, for three years ably discharging the duties 
 of the office of president of the Conference. His relations with his church 
 members and attendants have been mutually pleasant, and he has closed 
 his service in various places to the mutual regret of all. He has held 
 all important offices in the Conference, and is now treasurer of the 
 Board of Church Extension, which post he has held twenty-one years. 
 He is also treasurer of the Preachers’ Aid Society, president of the 
 Ohio Campmeeting Association at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, and was 
 secretary a long term of years. For the last fourteen years he has 
 served as a trustee of the college at Adrian. Michigan, and as recogni- 
 tion of his erudition and general ability, this college conferred upon him 
 the well deserved degree of Doctor of Divinity. Reverend Henkle is a 
 member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of 
 Pythias. 
 
 Dr. Henkle has labored well and faithfully at Forest, Ohio, since 
 1906, and there enjoys the friendship and esteem of all who know him. 
 He expounds the principles of the Gospel in an able and scholarly 
 manner, with an earnestness and force which have gained him a wide 
 reputation. He has a large congregation, and the stranger is always 
 welcome within the precincts of the church. 
 
 Dr. Henkle ’s parents were Captain Ephraim and Mary S. (Carr) 
 Henkle, both natives of Fayette county. Captain Henkle was a pros- 
 perous farmer and owned two hundred and fifty acres of land. Al- 
 though exempt from service in the Union army on account of age, he 
 organized a company in 1864, at the time of the invasion of northern 
 states by the Confederate army, commanded Company F, One Hundred 
 Sixty-eighth Ohio National Guard, advanced to the front, and was 
 captured by John Morgan, though soon recaptured by Union troops. 
 Though his service was brief it was eventful, and he served his country 
 well. He had the following children: Ellen, deceased; Mary J., Mrs. 
 
 Bush; William L. ; Jason F. ; Noah S. ; Joel E. ; Jesse C. ; Catherine J. ; 
 Mrs. Hyer ; Amanda S. ; Mrs. Dowden ; Almeda L. ; Mrs. Cohogen ; and 
 J. F. Captain Henkle began life a poor boy, and by his industry and 
 ambition became well-to-do, at his death having an estate of $20,000. 
 
 Dr. Henkle married (first) in 1872, Laura O’Day; to them was born 
 one child that died in infancy, in 1873, four months after the death of 
 the mother. Dr. Henkle married (second) in 1878, Nona Hamm, of 
 London, Ohio, and to this union were born six children, only two of 
 whom grew to maturity, Mary, born in 1881 and Allan E., in 1890. 
 The former is a graduate of the classical course of Adrian College, in 
 the class of 1905, and now a successful teacher in Montana. The latter 
 is a student at Adrian College, where he is taking a scientific course. 
 
 H. Dale Shields, a successful druggist of Forest, is one of the 
 enterprising and progressive citizens of that town. He is a native of 
 Forest, born March 22, 1878, and is a son of J. L. and Adeline (Wilson) 
 
694 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Shields. J. L. Shields was born in 1840, in Ross county, Ohio, and came 
 to Hardin county in 1852 ; he learned the trade of shoemaker, at which 
 he worked ten years, and about 1865 embarked in livery business, which 
 he carried on ten years. For the last seventeen years he has been con- 
 ducting a harness business in Forest. He was married in 1872, and 
 had three children, two of whom survive, namely: H. F., a druggist, 
 
 and H. Dale. J. L. Shields is a devout member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
 and its Encampment. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Clayton) 
 Shields, who had three children, J. L., Rebecca and Nancy. Samuel 
 Shields died when J. L. was six years of age, and his widow married 
 (second) David Warrener, who was one of the first settlers of Hardin 
 county. Mr. Warrener took an active part in the construction of the 
 Big Four Railroad; he had three children by this marriage, only one of 
 whom survives, Mrs. Wilson, whose husband is a native of New York. 
 
 H. Dale Shields graduated from Forest high school, and later took 
 a course in pharmacy at the Northwestern University at Ada, Ohio, 
 graduating in 1901. Upon returning home he opened a drug store in 
 Forest, where by his close attention to business and his ability and 
 industry, he has built up a good patronage. 
 
 Mr. Shields served in the Spanish-American war, being enrolled in 
 Company I, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one year, and then 
 honorably discharged. He belongs to Senate Lodge, Ancient Free and 
 Accepted Masons, of Forest, also to the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, having passed the chairs in the two 
 last named. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum, of which he has 
 served nine years as secretary. He is an earnest and active member of 
 the First Methodist Episcopal church. During his business career in 
 Forest Mr. Shields has acceptably filled the post of corporation clerk. 
 
 George A. IIively, who owns and occupies a fine farm of ninety 
 acres in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, is one of the 
 representative farmers and highly respected citizens of this locality. 
 Mr. IIively was born on the farm on which he now lives, June 1, 1853, 
 son of Samuel and Mary (Lower) Hiyely, natives of Columbiana county, 
 this state. At an early day in the history of Hardin county, Samuel 
 IIively came here and purchased three eighty-acre tracts, built a log 
 house for his family, and in true pioneer style settled down to the work 
 of clearing and cultivating his land. In time, his primitive cabin gave 
 way to a substantial resdence of modern construction, and in place of 
 the forest were well cultivated fields. To him and his wife were born 
 six children, namely: Malinda A., Amanda A., George A., Elizabeth, 
 David and Emma, all now living in Hardin county. The parents died 
 here in 1899, the father’s death occurring two weeks before the mother’s. 
 Her parents, Daniel and Barbara E. (Obenour) Lower, were prominent 
 early settlers of Columbiana county. Daniel IIively entered two eighty- 
 acre tracts from the government and gave the land to his children. 
 
 George A. Hively grew up on his father’s farm and received his 
 education in the district school, and here he has continued in the same 
 
MR. AND MRS. FAYETTE SCHOONOVER 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 695 
 
 occupation in which his ancestors were engaged. His father cleared 
 two of the three eighties above referred to, and he has cleared the other. 
 Since 1875 he has owned the farm on which he lives. 
 
 In 1874, George A. Hively married Miss Mary Lentz, daughter of 
 John and Mary (Daniels) Lentz; and the fruits of this union are three 
 sons: Anthony S., born May 16, 1876; David F., February 11, 1879, and 
 William A., May 31, 1887. Anthony S., the eldest son, is a prosperous 
 farmer and has eighty acres of valuable land adjacent to his father’s 
 which he has owned since 1902. He was married in 1900, and lias two 
 children, Paul M. and Corlean M. His wife, formerly Miss Lena 
 Casper, daughter of John M. and Minnie Casper, was born on her 
 father’s farm in Washington township, Hardin county, October 15, 
 1875 ; David F. married in March, 1909, Gertrude Slater, of Henry 
 county, and they have one child Esther E., born November 7, 1909, 
 William A. was married June 3, 1909 to Mary Haub of Washington 
 township, Hardin county. 
 
 The Hivelys are worthy members of the Church of Christ, in which 
 George A. holds the office of deacon. 
 
 Fayette Schoonover. — For more than three score and ten years of 
 his long and useful life Fayette Schoonover has been a resident of 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county, and since attaining manhood has 
 been conspicuously identified with the best interests of town and county, 
 generously using his influence to promote the public welfare. As a 
 successful agriculturist, a trustworthy citizen and a man of strict 
 integrity and high moral principles, he has the respect and esteem of the 
 entire community in which he has so long resided. A son of Joseph 
 Schoonover, he was born, in 1825, in Tioga county, New York, where the 
 days of his childhood were passed. 
 
 Joseph Schoonover was born January 5, 1775, in Delaware. Mov- 
 ing from there to New York state, he lived a number of years in Tioga 
 county. Following the tide of emigration westward, he came to Ohio 
 in 1838, locating in Pleasant township, Hardin county. Buying eighty 
 acres of wild and wooded land, he began the arduous task of reclaiming 
 a farm. There had been erected thereon a small log cabin ; he and his 
 family endured the trials and privations of life in a new country with 
 fortitude and patience, and in due course of time he met with such 
 success in his labors that he bought another tract of eighty acres. On 
 the homestead which he improved he spent the remainder of his life, 
 dying July 18, 1865, at a venerable age. He married, probably, in 
 Tioga county, New York, Margaret Decker, who was born in Pennsyl- 
 vania in 1782, and died in Pleasant township in 1852. They were the 
 parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to years of maturity, 
 namely: Jacob, Daniel, David, Hannah, Lydia, Elias, Simeon, Maria, 
 
 Fayette and Franklin. 
 
 When ready to begin the battle of life for himself Fayette Schoon- 
 over purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land not far from 
 the parental homestead in Pleasant township, but before assuming its 
 possession he sold forty acres of the tract. Regretting, however, with 
 
696 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the parting of any of his land he subsequently bought the forty acres 
 back again. Meeting with excellent results in his agricultural ventures, 
 Mr. Schoonover wisely made other investments in real estate, at one time 
 holding title to two hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land. 
 During his years of activity he cleared and improved three farms, two 
 of which he sold at an advantage, keeping his home farm of sixty-five 
 acres. This he has brought to a good state of cultivation, rendering it 
 one of the most productive estates in the vicinity. 
 
 On November 26, 18-16, Mr. Schoonover was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Holmes, who was born, February 22, 1829, in Carroll county, 
 Ohio, a daughter of Richard and Catherine Holmes. Fifteen children 
 were born of their union, namely: Emma, Alva, Hannah, Lydia, Mary, 
 David, Iva, May, Della, Joseph, Eva, Richard, George, Frank and Kate. 
 Mary, Iva, Richard and Frank are the only ones now living. Mary is 
 the wife of C. B. Hickernell, and is the mother of five children: John, 
 Helen, Warren, Bessie and Charles. Iva, who married W. A. Holmes, 
 has four children, Leah, Amy, Roy and Ray. Richard married May 
 Thompson, and they are the parents of three children, Merritt E., Karl 
 T. and Harry F. Frank married Rosa Cake and they have two chil- 
 dren, Irene and Edwin. A prominent member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, to which his family also belong, Mr. Schoonover has 
 served as steward of the church, and for many years has held the office 
 of class leader, filling the duties of the position with ability and dignity. 
 The sixty-third anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schoonover 
 was celebrated on the 26th of November, 1909, and was attended by their 
 three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 
 
 John Weir, who lives in Forest, Ohio, and owns a farm in Jackson 
 township, Hardin county, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 
 28. 1844. He is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Weir, the 
 former born in Ireland, in 1805, and the latter, of Irish parentage, died 
 in 1868. Robert Weir was a blacksmith by trade and an expert 
 
 mechanic. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment 
 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in active service at Falmouth, 
 Kentucky, in 1862. His eight children were: Margaret, Elizabeth, 
 Eleanor (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Mary D. (deceased), John, 
 Thomas J. (deceased), and Robert A. John is the only one living in 
 Hardin county. 
 
 The early childhood of John Weir was passed in Coshocton county 
 and he received the latter part of his education in Hardin county, Ohio, 
 to which place his parents removed when he was thirteen years of age. 
 He purchased a farm of forty acres in Jackson township, where he lived 
 forty-two years, and brought it to a high state of cultivation. He 
 became a successful farmer and has now retired from active life, to live 
 in the town of Forest, the farm being carried on by his son. Mr. Weir 
 served as township trustee seven years and has for the two years past 
 held the office of township assessor, which he still holds. He is well 
 known and highly respected, being one of the prominent citizens of the 
 town. He now deals extensively in stock, buying and shipping to 
 Buffalo, New York, and ships about three carloads weekly. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 697 
 
 Mr. Weir has been married twice, first, December 19, 1867, to 
 Miriam Case, and to this union were born children as follows : Professor 
 W. 0. Weir, superintendent of the Dunkirk school ; Arthur J. ; Edgar 
 C. ; and Clarence 0. Mrs. Weir died October 3, 1907, and Mr. Weir 
 married (second) in 1909, Sadie Yarnell. 
 
 Adam Krammer, of Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, is 
 a fair example of the Americanized German, whose loyalty to his adopted 
 country together with his hard work and good management have placed 
 him in a position where he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow 
 citizens. He was born in Germany, in 1841, son of Peter and Barbara 
 Krammer. The father died in Germany in 1859, and a few years later, 
 in 1866, the mother came to America and took up her residence in 
 Columbus, Ohio. They were the parents of eight children: Peter, 
 
 Annie, Barbara (1), Barbara (2), Adam (1), Adam (2), Catherine and 
 Abalona, most of whom are deceased. 
 
 In his native land the subject of our sketch grew to manhood, re- 
 ceived a liberal education, and learned the trade of stone cutter. He 
 worked at his trade there until 1871, when he came to America. Land- 
 ing in this country on the 24th of June, he made his way to Columbus, 
 Ohio, where his mother had settled, and there for two years Adam con- 
 tinued to work at his trade. In 1873 he came to Hardin county, and 
 that same year he bought eighty acres of land in Washington township. 
 Two years later he bought thirty-five acres more, and in 1904 he pur- 
 chased an additional forty acres. Thus not by speculation but by 
 persistent labor and careful management he in time acquired a fine 
 tract of land, which he paid for with its own products. Of this hun- 
 dred and fifty-five acres he has cleared sixty-five ; he has ditched and 
 drained his land, erected buildings, and made various other improve- 
 ments and today ranks with the up-to-date farmers of his community. 
 
 In 1865, in Germany, Mr. Krammer was first married, to Eva Orris, 
 whose death a few years later left him with a family of small children. 
 One child died in Germany, and another in this country the year follow- 
 ing their settlement here. Two of the children of that marriage, Kate 
 and Lizzie, are still living. In March, 1873, Mr. Krammer married Miss 
 Dena Eibling, who has borne him seven children, six of whom are 
 living: Minnie, Anna, Flora, Louis, Carl, and Henry. Mrs. Krammer 
 is a native of Marion county, Ohio. 
 
 Mr. Krammer was elected supervisor of Washington township, an 
 office he filled for six years. From the beginning of his identity with 
 the township he has always shown a deep interest in its affairs. He 
 
 takes a just pride in the fact that he is an American citizen. He 
 
 worships with the German Reformed church of Kenton, Ohio, of which 
 he and his family are worthy members. 
 
 Samuel Briggs, a prominent and respected citizen of Forest, is a 
 retired farmer. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 17, 1834, 
 and is a son of William and Mary (Banks) Briggs, both natives of 
 Lincolnshire, England, from which place they emigrated to America in 
 
698 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 1833. They located in Richland county, Ohio, where William Briggs 
 purchased two quarter sections, to which he soon added another quarter 
 section, and subsequently added eighty acres more to his estate. He was 
 a thrifty, industrious, and progressive farmer, and became an influen- 
 tial citizen. His children were: William, George, Mary, Robert, 
 
 Samuel and Matthew. The first four children were born in England 
 and the last two in Richland county, Ohio ; Samuel is the only one 
 surviving. 
 
 Samuel Briggs was reared and educated in his native county, and 
 when old enough worked out for neighboring farmers by the day or 
 month. In 1861 he removed to Hardin county, and there bought his 
 first farm of eighty acres, which was then almost in its wild state. This 
 farm cost him eleven hundred dollars, and in 1857 he sold it for twenty- 
 eight hundred. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres in Hancock 
 county, Ohio, which he improved and sold, doubling his investment. In 
 1879 Mr. Briggs purchased his present farm of one hundred and 
 twenty acres, which contains gas wells in operation. Later he pur- 
 chased twenty acres in Forest, besides which he owns the house and lot 
 where he resides. Mr. Briggs enjoys the confidence and esteem of his 
 fellow citizens, and has served the town as councilman and a member of 
 the school board. While living on his farm he served as trustee of 
 Jackson township. Mr. Briggs is a member of the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows, in which order he is a past noble grand. In 1861 Mr. 
 Briggs married Jane Spencer, who was born in 1840, and they became 
 parents of two children, Mrs. Irene Snyder and Mrs. C. Dunham. 
 
 Dr. F. F. Swimley, one of the leading physicians of Forest, where 
 he has been practicing some eleven years, has one of the best equipped 
 offices in Hardin county for the practice of medicine and surgery. He 
 was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1871, and is a son of Dr. W. A. and 
 Anna (Hopkins) Swimley. Dr. W. A. Swimley was born in Winches- 
 ter, Virginia, and his wife was a native of Champlain county, Ohio. He 
 is a graduate of Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, and first located in 
 Patterson, Hardin county, in 1879 ; later he removed to Forest, where he 
 remained a number of years and finally returned to Winchester, Vir- 
 ginia, his old home. He and his first wife had but one child, Dr. F. F. 
 Dr. W. A. Swimley married (second) Ella Powell, of Springfield, Ohio, 
 by whom he had three children, Lizzie, Dr. A. C. and Alonzo R., a phar- 
 macist,. The two latter are located at Winchester, practicing their 
 professions. Dr. W. A. Swimley is a physician of wide reputation and 
 ability, and is well known through Hardin county. 
 
 Dr. F. F. Swimley received his early education in the common 
 schools and in Kenton high school, and later received a liberal education 
 in the line of medicine and surgery. He graduated from the Illinois 
 College of Pharmacy, a branch of Chicago University, in 1890, and for 
 ten years practiced pharmacy. In 1898 he graduated from the medical 
 department of Columbus University, at Columbus, Ohio, and took two 
 special post-graduate courses on the diseases of the heart and lungs, of 
 which he makes a specialty. He is a member of the State Medical Asso- 
 

 
 
 
MR. AND MRS. C. B. DRUMM 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 699 
 
 eiation, and stands high in his profession. Dr. Swimley has won the 
 confidence of the people of Forest, and has a good practice. He belongs 
 to the Masonic Order, in which he has taken thirty-two degrees, and is 
 also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 
 1892 Dr. Swimley married Maud M., daughter of Captain Joseph L. 
 Dickelman ; they have no children. 
 
 Charles Drumm, an enterprising and up-to-date stock farmer of 
 Goshen township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in 1881 on the farm he 
 now owns and operates. Both his paternal and maternal grandparents 
 were among the early settlers of Ohio. John Drumm, a tailor by trade, 
 came to this state in 1833 and settled in Hardin county, where he and his 
 wife, Martha, reared their family and passed their lives. Their chil- 
 dren, in order of birth, were Channcev, James, John, Jackson, William, 
 C. B., Jane and Martha, and all are deceased. C. B. Dru m m was born 
 in Pennsylvania, September 7, 1831, and was quite small when brought 
 by his parents to Ohio. On January 18, 1876, he married Miss Jennie 
 Cowan, a native of Ohio, whose parents. Joseph and Isabell Cowan, were 
 among the pioneers of Hardin county. Joseph Cowan bought and im- 
 proved the farm which is now owned and occupied by his grandson, 
 Charles Drumm. C. B. Drumm and wife were retired residents of 
 Kenton, Ohio, and he died January 25, 1910. To them were born two 
 children. Bell and Charles, the former now being deceased. 
 
 'During the Civil war C. B. Drumm served his country faithfully 
 and well as a soldier in the Union army. He enlisted on August 22, 
 1862, as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, the fortunes of which he shared until the close of 
 the war. He Avas in numerous engagements in Virginia, Avas often in 
 the thickest of the fight, and on April 6, 1865, at High Bridge, Virginia, 
 Avas taken prisoner by the enemy. This, however, Avas only three days 
 before the close of the war, Avhen all prisoners Avere released. He was 
 honorably discharged on June 13, 1865. 
 
 Charles Drumm was reared on the home farm, and on reaching 
 adult age assumed charge of the farming operations, Avhich he has since 
 successfully conducted. October 3, 1906, he married Miss Florence 
 Latham, Avho was born in Goshen tOAAmship, Hardin county, Ohio, on 
 March 9, 1884, a daughter of H. B. and Mary Latham. Fraternally, 
 Mr. Drumm is identified Avith the Masonic order at Kenton, and both he 
 and his Avife are members of the Presbyterian church there. 
 
 John N. Pfeiffer, one of the prominent business men of Forest, 
 was born in Goshen township, Hardin county, in 1877 ; he Avas reared on 
 his father’s farm at Pfeiffer’s Station, and received his education in the 
 public schools. He is a son of John and Margaret (Hile) Pfeiffer, 
 both natives of Goshen township. The father, John Pfeiffer, oAvnecl the 
 old historic Wheeler Tavern, which is mentioned at length elseAvhere in 
 this work. He died March 4, 1904, and his Avife is still a resident of 
 Hardin county. He Avas Avell known throughout the county and held 
 many offices in his native toAvnship and county. He had many friends, 
 
700 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and stood well in the community, where his loss was universally mourned. 
 He and his wife had eleven children, namely: Lizzie (deceased), Mary 
 (deceased), Sophia, William, Anna, Edward, Minnie, Reverend Joseph 
 (of the Methodist Episcopal church), John N., Earl and Bessie. 
 
 John N. Pfeiffer located in Forest in 1903, and the same year mar- 
 ried Bertha, daiighter of Louis Crum ; they have no children. Mrs. 
 Pfeiffer was born in 1879, in Dunkirk, Ohio. For six years Mr. Pfeiffer 
 has carried on a profitable business as dealer in wagons, buggies, automo- 
 biles and storm wagons. He is a member of the Independent Order of 
 Odd Fellows, and is Chief Patriarch of the Encampment. He and 
 his wife are earnest and active members of the German Reformed church. 
 He is a public-spirited, useful citizen, actively interested in public affairs. 
 
 'C. M. Reigle, a rising attorney of the Hardin county bar, lives in 
 Forest. He was born on a farm in Madison township, Hancock county, 
 Ohio, in 1869, and is a son of Elias S. and Catherine E. (Cramer) 
 Reigle, the former a native of Wyandot county, Ohio. Catherine E. 
 Cramer was born in Germany, and emigrated to America in her youth; 
 she had been liberally educated, and became a teacher in the Hancock 
 county schools. Elias S. and Catherine Reigle had five children. Mr. 
 Reigle served his country in the Civil war and was a member of one of 
 the three companies which went from Ohio and later were merged into 
 a company of sharpshooters; they accompanied Sherman on the famous 
 “March to the Sea.’’ Mr. Reigle was wounded at' Atlanta, also at 
 Resaca, Georgia. 
 
 C. M. Reigle was reared on a farm and received his education in 
 the public schools of his native township and at Findley, Ohio. He 
 studied law at the latter town and matriculated in the Northern Ohio 
 University at Ada, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in 1893. 
 He was admitted to the bar the same year, since which time he has been a 
 resident of Forest. He stands high in his profession, and has the 
 confidence and esteem of all who have had dealings with him. Before 
 his study of law he taught school nine years in Hancock county. He is 
 a member of the Baptist church of Forest, and for a number of years 
 filled the responsible office of superintendent of Jackson Township 
 Sunday School Association, which post he still holds. 
 
 October 23, 1893, Mr. Reigle married Addie A., daughter of William 
 P. and Ann E. Harman, and to this union has been born one daughter, 
 Lois, born in 1895. Mr. Reigle is a self-made man, a public-spirited 
 citizen, and actively interested in public affairs. 
 
 Joseph IT. Van Houten, who ranks with the prosperous and highly 
 respected farmers of Hardin county, Ohio, occupies seventy-five acres 
 of fine land in Washington township, which he has owned since 1902. 
 Here he has erected a complete set of farm buildings, among the finest 
 in Ohio, and made other improvements, thus enhancing the value of his 
 property, and here he is carrying on general farming. He formerly 
 owned sixty acres more, which he sold. 
 
 Mr. Van Houten is a native of Ohio. He was born in Morrill 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 701 
 
 county, in 1864, son of Joseph H. and Caroline (Keller) Van Houten, 
 the former a native of that county and the latter of New Jersey. The 
 father owned a farm and passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He 
 was a veteran of the Civil war, for three years having served his country 
 faithfully and well as a private in Company E, One Hundred and 
 Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He died in 1902; his wife, in 
 1901. They were the parents of five children: Charles, Joseph H., 
 William B., Alice and Lora, all residents of Hardin county, except 
 Charles, who is deceased. Lora is the wife of a Mr. Ludwig. 
 
 Joseph H. Van Houten, the subject of this sketch, spent his hoy- 
 hood and received his education in Richland county, from whence, in 
 1879, he came to Hardin county, where he has since resided. Previous 
 to settling down as a farmer, he was for fourteen years engaged in the 
 manufacture of lumber. As showing his pluck and good management, 
 we state that Mr. Van Houten bought his first land at $35 per acre, and 
 went in debt for it. In ten years’ time he made it pay for itself, and 
 he then sold out for $60 per acre, thus nearly doubling the purchase 
 price. 
 
 In 1880 Mr. Van Houten married Miss Maggie Davis, who was 
 born in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1868, and they have one daughter, 
 Esto May, now attending school. T. W. Davis, the father of Mrs. Van 
 Houten, is also a native of Ohio, but his parents came from Scotland. 
 He is the father of the following children, all living: William, Nettie, 
 
 Maggie and Ella. William lives in South Haven, Michigan. 
 
 As a progressive and up-to-date farmer, Mr. Van Houten has identi- 
 fied himself with the Grange, in which he was honored with the office of 
 master, a position he lias filled acceptably. In his church, the Methodist 
 Protestant, he has long been prominent and active, from time to time 
 serving officially, the offices of class leader, trustee and steward having 
 been filled by him. 
 
 L. A. Conklin, the enterprising and progressive editor of the 
 Forest Advertiser , is also an able business man in other lines, and has 
 various financial interests. Lie has been editor of the above named 
 paper since 1907, and since 1899 has been engaged in real estate business. 
 He has a farm of four hundred and seventy-two acres in Tennessee, 
 besides property elsewhere. Mr. Conklin was born in Cass county, 
 Michigan, July 29, 1865. He received his education in the common 
 schools and Forest high school, graduating from this instituiton with 
 the class of 1886. Mr. Conklin then spent fifteen years successfully in 
 teaching in Hardin and Wyandot counties, five year's of which he taught 
 the A. Grammar Department of Forest. 
 
 Mr. Conklin has been a resident of Hardin county since 1876, when 
 he came with his parents. His father, A. G. Conklin, was a native of 
 the state of New York, and his wife, Rachel Conklin, of Champaign 
 county, Ohio. He was a carpenter and first-class mechanic, and first 
 moved to Hardin county in 1865 ; he remained but a short time and 
 moved away, but returned in 1876 and remained. He and his wife were 
 parents of but one child, L. A. 
 
 Vol. 11—17 
 
702 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 L. A. Conklin was united in marriage, in 1895, with Eva M., 
 daughter of J. P. Naus, and to the union was born one daughter, May. 
 Mr. Conklin has been successful in all his undertakings, and is con- 
 sidered one of the public-spirited, representative citizens of Forest, 
 where he has a large circle of friends. 
 
 Adelbert 0. Merriman. — Characterized by the same mental vigor, 
 business aptitude, and progressive spirit that, dominated the life of his 
 father, the late Lewis Merriman, Adelbert G. Merriman has attained a 
 position of note among the valued citizens of Kenton, where he is now 
 actively engaged in the real estate and loan business. He was born, 
 October 17, 1862, in Marseilles, Wyandot county, where his grandfather, 
 Charles Merriman, was a pioneer settler. 
 
 Born in Watertown, New York, Charles Merriman emigrated when a 
 young man to Ohio, settling first in Crawford county. In the latter 
 part, of 1826 he located in Marseilles, which was then in Marion county 
 hut in 1844 became a part of Wyandot county, formed from parts of 
 Hardin, Marion and Crawford counties and from a part of the old Indian 
 reservation. He married Susan Carey, a sister of William Carey, 
 formerly a banker in Kenton, and they became the parents of a large 
 family of children, of whom nine grew to years of maturity, as follows: 
 Lewis, George, Willis, Enoch, Mrs. Rachel Chesney, Mrs. Sarah Powers, 
 Mrs. II. C. Brunson, Belle and Mrs. Mary Lambert. Of these children 
 Mrs. Brunson is the only survivor. 
 
 Lewis Merriman was born, May 4, 1827, in Bucyrus, Crawford coun- 
 ty, Ohio, and grew to manhood in Marseilles, Wyandot county, where 
 his parents settled when he was but six months old. Beginning his 
 career as a clerk in his father’s store, he became familiar with the details 
 of mercantile pursuits, and on April 1, 1850, began business on his own 
 account as a merchant and a dealer in land and stocks. He gradually 
 enlarged his operations, extending them outside of the village limits, and 
 in 1863 erected in Kenton, on the west side, the building now occupied 
 as a store by Mr. Wendt. On the first of April, 1864, he established 
 himself in business in Kenton, still retaining his interests, however, in 
 Marseilles for fifteen years, forming a partnership with the late Anson 
 Norton, under the firm name of Merriman and Norton, and opening a 
 general store on the west side, two years later moving to what is now 
 Kellogg’s store. In 1868 he erected the building now occupied by 
 Nourse & Caine, and the firm of Merriman & Norton immediately 
 assumed its possession. In September, 1875, Mr. Norton retired from 
 the firm and was succeeded by Mr. Merriman ’s son, Charles C. Merriman. 
 The business was greatly enlarged and extended, being merged into a 
 wholesale notion and gentlemen’s furnishing business, and was in a 
 most flourishing condition when the son was taken ill with typhoid fever, 
 from which he died March 22, 1883. A short time after that sad event, 
 Lewis Merriman closed out his stock, and thenceforward lived practi- 
 cally retired from business pursuits until his death, November 23, 1905. 
 
 Lewis Merriman was for many years easily one of the foremost 
 citizens of Kenton, and one of the leaders in promoting its highest inter- 
 
1 / 
 
'•'> *r-'- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 703 
 
 ests. When the old Thompson Exchange and Deposit Bank was 
 dissolved he with others in 1872 founded the Citizens’ Bank, an institu- 
 tion which he bought in 1874 and conducted successfully until it passed 
 into the Kenton Savings Bank. The Kenton Savings Bank was organized 
 out of the old Cary Bank in 1876, Mr. Merriman being one of its first 
 directors. When, in 1877, the Citizens’ Bank and the Kenton Savings 
 Bank consolidated, it was installed in its present quarters. In January 
 1882, Lewis Merriman was elected president of this institution, and 
 served in that capacity the remainder of liis life. He was also officially 
 connected with other enterprises, having been the founder of the Home 
 Building and Loan Association and was a director in the Kenton Gas 
 and Electric Company. He was active in the upbuilding of the city, 
 having erected four of the five blocks in the business section of the city, 
 while during his life time he had owned many of Kenton’s most import- 
 ant business rooms. He was one of the most extensive real estate 
 owners of this part of Hardin county, and, with Andrew Carnegie, was 
 the founder of Kenton’s Public Library, towards the establishment of 
 which he gave the munificent sum of ten thousand dollars. 
 
 Lewis Merriman married Rebecca Hooker, of Marseilles, their 
 marriage being solemnized in February, 1850. She died October 4, 
 1900. Of the children born of their union the following named are 
 living: Luella, widow of F. C. Dougherty, an attorney in Kenton; 
 Clarabelle, widow of D. T. Robey, of Kenton ; and Adelbert G., the 
 subject of this brief sketch. 
 
 But two years of age when he came with his parents to Kenton, 
 Adelbert G. Merriman received his elementary education in the public 
 schools of this place, after which he took a course of study at Eastman’s 
 Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York. About 1886 he em- 
 barked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with 
 Ren McConnell, under the firm name of McConnell and Merriman and 
 opening a clothing store. At the end of three years he bought out his 
 partner and closed ont the stock, after which he assisted his father in 
 selling out his stock of notions and clothing. Mr. Merriman subse- 
 quently carried on business with his father, and has since continued 
 as a dealer in real estate and money lender, in these lines of industry 
 and in the settling up of his father’s affairs being kept busy. 
 
 In June 1889, Mr. Merriman married Lillian Bowman, who passed 
 to the higher life in 1897, leaving one child, Lewis. Mr. Merriman 
 married for his second wife in July, 1899, Maine Bliss, of Ann Arbor, 
 Michigan, and they have one son, Richard Bliss. Mr. Merriman is a 
 steadfast Republican in politics, but takes no active part in local affairs. 
 Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the 
 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he is a trustee in the 
 First Presbyterian church. He is a man of much ability and sound 
 judgment, and is connected with various enterprises, being a director 
 in the Kenton Gas and Electric Company, in the Kenton Savings Bank, 
 in the Home Building and Loan Association, and is secretary and 
 treasurer of the Forest Gas and Oil Company, of Forest, Hardin county. 
 He built the A. G. Merriman Block in 1905, a fine office building, three 
 stories in height and modern in all its appointments. 
 
704 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Charles William Smith has served Hardin county in many public 
 positions, and he is now a member of its board of commissioners. He 
 served Mt. Victory as a member of its city council, and was during one 
 term its mayor, resigning that office in 1909 to assume his duties as one 
 of the commissioners of Hardin county. He has also been prominent in 
 the business life of his city and county, owning a valuable farm which 
 he sublets in order to give his entire attention to his official position, 
 and he is also quite extensively engaged in the buying and shipping of 
 timber. 
 
 Mr. Smith was born in Dudley township of Hardin county on the 
 6th of March, 1862. His father, Charles Lorenzo Smith, was born in 
 Baden, Germany, on the 20th of May, 1834, and he died on the 29th of 
 January, 1896, at Mt. Victory. Coming from the Fatherland to the 
 United States at the age of seventeen, he settled on a farm near Colum- 
 bus, Ohio, and later coming from there to Mt. Victory was employed in a 
 saw mill here for twelve years. He then bought a farm in Dudley 
 township, which remained his home until within a short time of his 
 death, afterward living with his son, Charles W. Smith. In 1859, in 
 Hardin county, he was married to Sarah Ann Manley, and she died on 
 the 21st of September, 1888, at the age of forty-six years. The children 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, including Charles, are: Thomas L., a farmer in 
 Indiana; Joseph, a Hardin county farmer; George, employed in the steel 
 works at Marion ; Pearl, also at the Marion steel works ; Rosetta, the wife 
 of C. Woods, a retired farmer of Dunkirk; and Margaret, who is living 
 at Dunkirk. 
 
 Charles William Smith continued his studies in the public schools 
 until he had reached his seventeenth year, and from that on until he was 
 twenty he farmed. Taking up the carpenter’s trade he continued that 
 vocation for four years, and from that on for twenty years he was in 
 the business for himself. He is a charter member of the Knights of 
 Pythias fraternity at Mt, Victory, is a member of the Odd Fellows and 
 also of the Elks lodge at Kenton. He votes with the Democratic party. 
 
 Mr. Smith married on the 26tli of November, 1881, Flora M. Harvey, 
 who was born in kit. Victory August 23, 1865, a daughter of Newton 
 and Elizabeth (Smith) Harvey. Newton Harvey was born in Union 
 county, Ohio, in 1842, was both a shoemaker and farmer, and he died on 
 the 7th of September, 1900. Mrs. Harvey was a daughter of Hiram 
 
 and Jane (Wilkes) Smith. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey, 
 
 including Mrs. Smith, are : Loal and Otie, the former a farmer in 
 
 Hardin county, and the latter the wife of M. Madory, also of this 
 county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith ; Claude 
 who died in infancy, Everett, born June 14, 1885, and Clarence, born 
 October 4, 1890. Everett Smith married Goldie Dawson, and their 
 two children are Waldo and Dawson. Mrs. Charles W. Smith is a 
 member of the Rebekah lodge at Mt. Victory, and of the Pythian Sisters 
 at the same place. 
 
 Phil M. Crow. — A man of high talent, versatile genius, and full of 
 vim and energy, Phil M. Crow, of Kenton, Ohio, is widely known as a 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 705 
 
 sound and able attorney and counsellor at law, having the confidence of 
 the courts, of his associates at the bar, and of an extensive clientage. 
 He is also prominent and active in fraternal, political and financial 
 circles, and in fact, in any project or organization that bears the ear- 
 mark of advancement and progress for his fellow-men. A son of 
 Ezram B. and Isabella (Hudson) Crow, he was born, May 27, 1866, in 
 that part of Ridgeway, Ohio, which lies in Logan county, his parents 
 being esteemed and honored citizens. He was married May 10, 1893, 
 to Miss Linna A. Fogle. 
 
 Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the common branches of 
 learning, in his native village, he began his professional career by teach- 
 ing in the rural schools for several terms, and while thus employed, 
 commenced, in 1882, to read law. Afterward, Mr. Crow entered the 
 law office of Johnson and Crane, with whom lie continued as a student 
 about two years. Becoming proficient in his studies, he was admitted, 
 March 7, 1889, to the bar of the supreme court of Ohio, and on April 12, 
 
 1889, was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of the District of 
 Columbia. 
 
 On June 4, 1889, having completed the full course of three years at 
 the Georgetown University School of Law, Mr. Crow was graduated with 
 the degree of Master of Laws. Beginning the practice of his profes- 
 sion in Kenton, he formed a partnership with Fred M. Childs, and 
 continued as junior member of the firm of Childs and Crow, from May 2, 
 
 1890, until the retirement of Mr. Childs from active practice. He was 
 subsequently in partnership with William W. Durbin, as senior member 
 of the firm of Crow and Durbin, from January 16, 1892 until May 19, 
 1902, since which date he has practiced alone, being now one of the 
 foremost lawyers of Hardin county. 
 
 Mr. Crow was appointed city solicitor of Kenton, July 7, 1891, was 
 elected to that office in 1892, and re-elected in 1894, has also served the 
 city as a member of the board of sinking fund trustees and tax com- 
 missioners. Continuously during the past fifteen years, Mr. Crow has 
 been one of the trustees of the Kenton Public Library. He is of a very 
 sympathetic temperament, and is deeply interested in the suppression 
 of cruelty to animals. 
 
 He organized the Commercial Bank, of Kenton, and the Alger 
 Savings Bank, Alger, being a director in both, as well as their counsel. 
 
 Politically, he is an ardent and active Democrat, and was a dele- 
 gate from the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio, to the convention at 
 Chicago, which nominated William J. Bryan for president, in 1896. 
 Fraternally Mr. Crow is a member of all the Masonic bodies in Kenton, 
 is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, is a past exalted ruler of 
 Kenton Lodge of Elks, and belongs to the Loyal Legion, Ohio 
 Commandery. 
 
 John Anstine. — Widely known throughout a large part of the 
 state as an expert road builder, John Anstine is numbered among the 
 respected and influential citizens of Kenton, which has been his home for 
 many years. A son of John Anstine, Sr. he was born, January 13, 1874, 
 
70G 
 
 HISTORY OP IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 at Roundhead, Hardin county, Ohio, of German ancestry. His grand- 
 father, Henry Anstine, born, it is thought, in Germany, lived for awhile 
 in Pennsylvania, later becoming a pioneer settler of Champaign county, 
 Ohio. He subsequently purchased a flour mill on the Huntsville pike, 
 three miles from Bellefontaine, and there spent his last years, the mill 
 being now owned and operated by his son Charles. 
 
 Born in Pennsylvania, John Anstine, Sr., was very young when he 
 was brought by his parents to Ohio, and hut eight years of age when his 
 mother died. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and as a young 
 man located in Hardin county. Marrying a few years later, he took 
 charge of the farm of his father-in-law, at Roundhead, and subsequently 
 bought the estate, and there continued as a tiller of the soil until his 
 death, October 13, 1880, at the age of thirty-seven years, ere reaching 
 manhood’s prime. 
 
 John Anstine, Sr., married, in 1872, at Roundhead, Hardin county, 
 Maggie Pfeiffer, who was born in Pleasant township, Hardin county, 
 October 7, 1846, a daughter of John Pfeiffer. Her grandfather, Michael 
 Pfeiffer, spent the greater part of his life in Germany, coming from 
 there when well advanced in years to Ohio, and spending the remainder 
 of his life with his children, dying at the home of a daughter, in Pleasant 
 township. He reared four sons and two daughters. 
 
 John Pfeiffer was born and reared in Germany. Emigrating to 
 America at the age of nineteen years, he spent six years in Pennsylvania, 
 and then went back to the Fatherland to visit his relatives and friends. 
 Returning to this country in 1833, he came directly to Ohio, locating in 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county. This section of the country was 
 then in its primeval wildness, game of all kinds being very plentiful, and 
 Kenton was a hamlet of log cabins. Purchasing a tract of timber two 
 miles east of Kenton, he built a hewed log house and there resided until 
 1851. Coming then to Kenton he bought a flour mill on West Franklin 
 street, and operated it successfully until 1865, when he traded it for a 
 farm at Roundhead. Eight years later, he gave up farming and subse- 
 quently lived retired from active pursuits in Kenton. Pie came to this 
 country a poor boy, but he was industrious and persevering, possessed 
 good judgment, and in course of time acquired a competency that enabled 
 him to spend the closing years of his life in ease and comfort, his death 
 occurring when he was sixty-seven years of age. The maiden name of 
 the wife of John Pfeiffer was Eva Elsasser. She was born in Hesse 
 Castle, Germany, and preceded her parents to America. She survived 
 him, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-one years. She reared 
 six children. John Anstine, Sr.., and his wife reared two children, 
 namely: John and Willis. Mrs. Anstine, a widow for many years, 
 
 now resides in Kenton. She is a most estimable woman, and a con- 
 scientious member of the Lutheran church. 
 
 Educated in the district schools, John Anstine was reared to habits 
 of industry, honesty and thrift. Beginning young to assist on the farm, 
 he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until twenty-four years of age. 
 In the meantime he had performed his full share of the work required 
 to keep the public highways of the neighborhood in good condition, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 707 
 
 and had carefully studied the question of good roads and their benefit 
 to a community. Leaving the farm in 1897, Mr. Anstine engaged in 
 the work of road building, and in the construction of substantal high- 
 ways has gained a wide reputation, having been thus employed in a 
 majority of the counties of the state. In 1907 Mr. Anstine became the 
 junior member of the firm of D. R. McArthur & Company, thus becoming 
 a member of one of the oldest road building companies in the state, 
 Mr. McArthur having been thus employed for thirty-five years, and 
 being well known throughout the state as an expert macadam road 
 builder. 
 
 Mr. Anstine married, in 1897, Mary Louise McArthur, who was 
 born in McDonald township, Hardin county, a daughter of D. R. and 
 Elizabeth (Clark) McArthur. Mr. and Mrs. Anstine have two children, 
 namely: Daniel McArthur and Margaret Elizabeth. Politically Mr. 
 Anstine is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Pythian 
 Lodge, No. 101, K. of P. ; and of Kenton Lodge, No. 157, B. P. 0. E. 
 
 Isaac Robert Draper. — Among the enterprising men who have 
 been identified from early youth with the development and promotion 
 of the agricultural prosperity of Hardin county is Isaac Robert Draper, 
 now living retired from active business cares in Kenton. A son of 
 Robert Draper, he was born, February 20, 1852, in Pleasant township, 
 Hardin county. His grandfather, Isaac Draper, Jr., was born in 
 Virginia, where his father, Isaac Draper, Sr. was a life-long resident. 
 The great-great-grandfather of Mr. Draper was also, as far as known, 
 a life-long resident of the old Dominion State. He was an expert 
 cabinet maker, and one of the beautiful pieces of artistic furniture 
 which he manufactured, a combination bookcase and secretary, made 
 upward of one hundred and fifty years ago, has been handed down from 
 generation to generation, and is now in the possession of Isaac Robert 
 Draper, who prizes it highly. 
 
 Brought up in Virginia, Isaac Draper, Jr., followed the emigrant’s 
 trail westward in early life, becoming a pioneer settler of Coshocton 
 county, Ohio, where he resided several years. Coming with his family 
 to Hardin county in 1834, he bought timbered land on the Scioto river, 
 about a mile from Kenton. He improved quite a tract of the wild 
 land, and carried on farming. He spent the closing years of his life 
 in Kenton, dying at a venerable age. His first wife, whose maiden 
 name was Workman, died soon after their removal to Hardin county, 
 leaving four children, Sarah, Nancy, Robert and Perry. He married 
 for his second wife Susan Teeters, and they had one child, a daughter 
 named Susan, and a resident of Florida. 
 
 Born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Robert Draper was a lad of seven 
 years when he came with his family to Hardin county. This section 
 of the country was then in its virgin -wildness, its dense growth of 
 timber being inhabited by the dusky savages and the wild beasts of the 
 forest, while the wild turkeys were more plentiful than the barnyard 
 fowls now are. At night all of the domestic animals had to be kept 
 in an enclosure. For many years there were no railways and no 
 
708 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 convenient markets, the people living chiefly on the products of their 
 land and the fruits of the chase. After his marrigae Robert Draper 
 settled on a tract of land which had been purchased by his father in 
 Pleasant township. There, in the midst of the giant trees, he reared 
 the humble log cabin in which his older children were born. Energetic 
 and industrious, he cleared and improved a fine homestead of one 
 hundred and twenty-eight acres, after a few years replacing the original 
 log cabin with a substantial frame residence, and erecting good farm 
 buildings. There he carried on general farming until his death, at 
 the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary 
 Osborn, was born in Richland county, Ohio, and as a child was brought 
 by her parents, Isaac and Margaret Osborn, to Pleasant township, where 
 they were early settlers. She died at the age of fifty-seven years, 
 after becoming the mother of eight children, namely : Isaac Robert, 
 Emma, McClellan, Willis E., Alice, Cynthia, Elva and Clara, McClel- 
 lan, Alice and Cynthia died in young man and womanhood, before their 
 mother’s death. 
 
 Brought up on the home farm, Isaac R, Draper was educated in the 
 district schools, and while yet young obtained a practical knowledge of 
 agriculture under his father’s wise instructions. Marrying at the age 
 of twenty-two years, he gained his first experience of domestic life in 
 a log house on his father’s farm, a part of which he rented. A few 
 years later, having succeeded in his undertakings, he bought sixty acres 
 of timbered land in Blanchard township, and having erected a log house 
 and barn began clearing the land. Eighteen months later Mr. Draper 
 sold at an advance and bought an eighty acre tract in the same township, 
 thirty acres of which was cleared. He lived there a year and a half, 
 and then purchased sixty acres of the parental homestead. Erecting 
 a substantial set of frame buildings, he was there prosperously engaged 
 in his independent calling until 1887, when he removed to Kenton, 
 where he has since resided, leasing his farm. 
 
 Mr. Draper married, in 1874, Sarah Belle Carothers, who was horn 
 in Pleasant township, Hardin county, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel 
 Henderson Carothers. Her grandfather, James Carothers, Jr., was 
 born in Scotland, near Glasgow, in 1770, and as a young child was 
 brought to America by his parents, James, Sr., and Mary (Maloy) 
 Carothers. James Carothers, Sr., settled with his family on a farm 
 in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there spent his remaining 
 years, attaining the venerable age of ninety-four years. He was a 
 man of magnificent physique, broad and well proportioned, standing 
 six feet four inches in height. Enlisting in the Revolutionary army, 
 he served as a soldier five and one-half years, a part of the time as one 
 of Washington’s body guard. He was subsequently a guardsman on 
 the frontier for seven years, during which time he battled with and 
 killed several Indians, never losing an opportunity to make way with a 
 redskin, having vowed vengeance on the savages for their brutal mas- 
 sacre of a brother and his family. James Carothers, Jr., was a child 
 when he came to America and eighteen years of age when the family 
 settled in Huntingdon county. He succeeded to the occupation in 
 
r 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 709 
 
 which, he was reared, although prior to his marriage he was for awhile 
 engaged in boating on the Susquehanna river. He subsequently located 
 on a farm near Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county, and there spent the 
 remainder of his years. He served during the war of 1812 as a soldier. 
 The maiden name of his wife was Polly Fitzsimmons. She was born, 
 in 1782, in Dublin, Ireland, and was brought to America by her parents, 
 Patrick and Nancy Fitzsimmons, about the close of the Revolutionary 
 war. Samuel Henderson Carothers was born, February 8, 1819, on 
 the home farm in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and there began 
 life for himself as a teamster, receiving at first eleven dollars a month 
 for hauling produce between Shirleysburg and Baltimore and other 
 points, driving a six-horse team. When he had saved eighty-eight 
 dollars he bought a pair of horses and a wagon, paying for the whole 
 outfit, including the harnesses, fifty dollars. With this outfit, accom- 
 panied by his wife, he started for the western frontier, making an 
 overland journey to Ohio, arriving in Greene county with sixteen dollars 
 and fifty cents in his pockets. Resuming his former occupation, he 
 began teaming to Cincinnati, taking produce to that city and bringing- 
 back coal. Prudent and economical, he accumulated some money, and 
 in 1846 purchased eighty acres of land in Pleasant township, Hardin 
 county. He continued teaming, however, four years longer, and then 
 turned his attention to the care of his farm, in his operations being 
 quite successful. He married first, June 22, 1840, Nancy E. Gilmore, 
 who was born in Cumberland county, Maryland, January 25, 1819. 
 She died October 12, 1861, leaving four children. Mr. Carothers mar- 
 ried on Jnne 24, 1862, Ann E. Woods, who was born in Union county, 
 Pennsylvania, June 7, 1829, a daughter of Roland and Elizabeth (Mus- 
 ser) Reece, and of this union there were two children. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Draper have one son, namely: Clyde Draper. He 
 was educated in Kenton, and was for three years a telegraph operator 
 in California, but is now a shoe dealer in Kenton. Socially Mr. Draper 
 belongs to Amicitia Lodge No. 79, I. 0. 0. F., and Mrs. Draper is a 
 members of the Rebekahs of Kenton. Religiously both are valued mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 J. C. Miller, the pioneer shoe dealer of Kenton, Ohio, has been 
 identified with this place since 1858, and since 1876 has had his son as 
 partner, their business being conducted under the firm name of J. C. 
 Miller and Son. 
 
 The Millers are of English descent and several generations of the 
 family were born on Long Island, New York. J. C. Miller was born 
 there July 27, 1830, a son of Enoch and Amy (Conklin) Miller, both 
 natives of Long Island. Mrs. Miller also traced her ancestry to Eng- 
 land. In their family were seven sons and one daughter, and of this 
 number six are now living, J. C. being the second in order of birth. 
 The father died in New York state at the age of seventy years ; the 
 mother at thirty-five. 
 
 At the age of fifteen years J. C. Miller, having finished his studies 
 in the common schools, went into his father’s shop and entered upon 
 
710 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 an apprenticeship to the shoemaker’s trade. This term of apprentice- 
 ship lasted until he was twenty-one, and he continued to work for his 
 father seven years longer. Then, in 1858 he came west to Kenton, 
 Ohio, and established himself in business here, at first supplying his 
 his trade with the work of his own hands. And here he has continued 
 for more than half a century, he having celebrated in 1908 the fiftieth 
 anniversary of his business in Kenton. 
 
 In 1852, on Long Island, he married Miss Caroline Raynor, who 
 was born there in 1832, daughter of Norton Raynor. She died at Ken- 
 ton, May 16, 1909. To them were born two children, a son and 
 daughter. The former, Henry J., born on Long Island, April 14, 1855, 
 was three years old at the time the family came to Ohio ; the daughter, 
 Emma W., was born in Kenton, November 9, 1862. She was married 
 October 14, 1885, to Ralph W. Rarey, a farmer of Hardin county, and 
 they have three children, Frank, Amy and John. 
 
 Henry J. Miller received his education in the Kenton high school, 
 and, following in the footsteps of his forefathers, he settled down to 
 the trade of shoemaker, which he learned in his father’s shop. In 
 April, 1876, on reaching his majority, he became his father’s partner 
 and has since been in business with him. He married, October 13, 
 1880. Miss Emma C. Norton. A native of Ohio state and a sister of 
 W. A. Norton. They have two sons, William Norton and Raynor, the 
 former born July 28, 1881, the latter, September 13, 1894. William 
 Norton Miller married, November 20, 1907, Miss Marie Andrews. 
 
 Both J. C. and Henry J. Miller are stockholders in the Kenton 
 Savings Bank and in the Kenton Telephone Company, Henry J. being 
 a director in the latter organization. J. C. Miller is the only one of 
 the original stockholders of the Savings Bank now living. Religiously 
 he is a Presbyterian. He joined the church in 1850, and for over fifty 
 years has been one of its elders. His son is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church. 
 
 Alvin L. Zuck. — An industrious and well-to-do agriculturist of Har- 
 din county, Alvin L. Zuck, of Buck township, owns and occupies a farm 
 which in regard to its appointments and equipments compares most 
 favorably with any in the locality, manifesting in its neat and orderly 
 appearance the thrift, care and good management of the proprietor. 
 A son of Joseph Zuck, he was born, March 17, 1846, in Caledonia, Marion 
 county, Ohio. John Zuck, his paternal grandfather, was, it is thought, 
 born in Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry. Coming in pioneer days to 
 Ohio, he lived for awhile on a farm in Ross county. Removing from there 
 to Marion county, he bought raw prairie land in Marion township, and 
 there devoted his time to clearing and improving a comfortable home- 
 stead, residing there until his death, January 1, 1861, at the venerable 
 age of four score and ten years. He was buried in a cemetery which was 
 laid out on his farm and given by him to the county. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Anna Van Guntine, survived him, passing away at 
 the age of eighty years or more. They reared nine children, including: 
 Abraham, Daniel, John, David, Joseph, Nancy, Fanny and Tena. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 711 
 
 Born in 1811 in Ross county, Ohio, Joseph Zuc-k was there brought 
 up and educated, going as a young man to Marion county. Although 
 brought up on a farm, he began life as merchant, having a general store 
 in Caledonia. Selling out in 1848, he turned his attention to agricul- 
 tural pursuits, buying his father’s homestead property. A few acres 
 had been cleared and a log cabin and a log stable had been erected. 
 He set to work with a will to clear the remainder of the land, in the 
 course of a few years having a well cultivated and productive farm. 
 About the time of the Civil war, he erected a frame house, and later 
 put up a substantial frame barn. In 1876 he sold that property and 
 a year later bought land on Taylor Creek pike, Buck township, Hardin 
 county, and was here prosperously employed in tilling the soil until 
 his death, January 9, 1889. The maiden name of his wife was Mary 
 Ann Kniesley. She was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Abraham 
 Kniesley, who came from there to Ohio in early days, locating first in 
 Marion county, from there moving to Richfield, Crawford county, where 
 he improved a farm, on which he spent his remaining years. Four 
 children were born of their union, namely : Alfred, who died when 
 eighteen months old ; Amanda and Melinda, twins ; and Alvin L. 
 
 Growing to manhood in Marion township, Alvin L. Zuek was early 
 initiated into the various duties and labors that fall upon a farmer’s 
 son, his help when out of school being needed by his father. After the 
 death of both of his parents he succeeded to the ownership of the home 
 farm, on which he toiled so faithfully, and continued its management 
 until 1893. Selling the old homestead in that year to the Toledo and 
 and Ohio Central Railroad Company he bought a farm of one hundred 
 and fifteen acres on the Bellefontaine pike, but continued to reside on 
 the place which he had sold. In 1894 Mr. Zuc-k bought the farm which 
 he now owns and occupies. It is located on Bellefontaine pike, in Buck 
 township, and contains two hundred and five acres of choice land, and 
 has improvements of value, including a substantial and convenient set 
 of farm buildings. Here he is carrying on his chosen calling with well 
 deserved success. 
 
 Mr. Zuek married, January 28, 1871, Isabelle Hill. She was born in 
 Scott township, Marion county, Ohio, January 17, 1844. Her father, 
 Samuel Hill, was born in Knox county, Ohio, where his father settled 
 as a pioneer on coming from Ireland, his native land, to this country. 
 Samuel Hill, who was of Scotch ancestry on his father’s side of the 
 house, was reared on the home farm in Knox county, and when ready 
 to begin life for himself bought land in Scott township, and on the farm 
 that he improved resided until his death. He married Ann Jane Mitchell, 
 who was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came with her parents in a sail- 
 ing vessecl to Ohio, where, in Crawford county, they subsequently spent 
 their remaining years. Mr. and Mrs. Zuc-k have one child, Acldie L., 
 who was born December 31, 1872, in Marion county. She married Paul 
 K. Sieg, and they have two children, Mary Isabelle and Edwin Lewis. 
 Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Zuek are in sympathy with the teachings of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
712 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 H. N. Bradley. — One of the prominent early families of Hardin 
 county were the Bradleys, William and Anna (Baker)) Bradley, who 
 established their home within its borders in the spring of 1857, making 
 their journey hither with team and wagon and they settled on a farm in 
 Lynn Valley, Lynn township. Their first purchase of land there was 
 ninety-seven acres, mostly covered with timber, the only improvements 
 consisting of a log house, an orchard of two acres and twenty acres 
 of cleared ground. There these Hardin county pioneers lived and 
 labored until their death, the husband dying on New Year’s day, 1862, 
 and the wife in the year of 1895. 
 
 H. N. Bradley, their son, was born in Madison county, Ohio, in 
 1850, seven years before the family emigrated to Hardin county, and 
 he afterward lived on the homestead here until twenty years of age. 
 Following this he was absent for a short time, and then returning to 
 the old home place he bought the interests of the other heirs and became 
 its sole owner. In time he succeeded in clearing the land of its timber, 
 erected good buildings, including a home, and continued its cultiva- 
 tion until in the fall of 1904 he moved to Kenton and to the residence 
 he had purchased on North Detroit street, where he yet resides, although 
 he still continues to oversee the work of his farm. He has added eighty 
 acres to the original homestead, making an estate of one hundred and 
 seventy-seven acres, all of which is under cultivation with the exception 
 of about eighteen acres of timber land. The farm contains two good 
 residences and two orchards, and is one of the valuable estates of the 
 township. In addition to his home place in Kenton Mr. Bradley also 
 owns residence property on West Columbus street. lie has served one 
 term as a township trustee. 
 
 In 1879 he was married to Miss Mary R. Kinnear, a daughter of 
 Frank and Mary Jane (Carruthers) Kinnear, natives of Ohio, and there 
 were two children of this union. Mrs. Bradley died in February of 
 1883, and in 1884 Mr. Bradley wedded Mary Margaret, a daughter of 
 John and Catherine (Fults) Flynn, the former from West Virginia 
 and the latter from Hardin county, Ohio. Of the three children of this 
 second union two are living. Mr. Bradley votes with the Republican 
 party, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 James H. Ray, an energetic, enterprising business man, is identified 
 with the mercantile interests of Hardin county as a provision dealer 
 at Kenton, having a large and profitable trade. A son of John Ray, 
 he was born, September 25, 1850, in Harrison county, Ohio, of Scotch an- 
 cestry. His grandfather, Jonathan Ray, was born it is thought in 
 Scotland, and after coming to the United States settled first in Maryland. 
 From there he moved to this state, and a few years later located as a 
 pioneer in Adams county, Indiana, where he cleared a farm and resided 
 until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. Born in 
 Maryland, John Ray came when a young man to Ohio, and lived for 
 a while in Jefferson county. Migrating then to Harrison county, he 
 was for ten years there employed in a mill. In 1851, accompained by 
 his family, he journeyed by team to Adams county, Indiana. Purchas- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 713 
 
 ing one hundred and sixty acres of wild land about eight miles south 
 of Decatur, he built a hewed log house in the opening that he made and 
 began the improvement of a homestead. When he had cleared a large 
 part of his original purchase he bought eighty acres of near-by land. 
 Placing a large part of this under cultivation, he sold out at an advance, 
 and invested in one hundred and sixty acres, which he immediately began 
 to clear. The country roundabout him was in its primeval condition 
 when he settled in Adams county, deer, wolves and wild turkeys being 
 plentiful, while Fort Wayne, thirty-five miles away, was the nearest 
 market. He used to team all of his surplus products to that point, 
 starting as early as three o’clock in the morning, taking provisions with 
 him, and camping in a feed yard located in what is now the business 
 center of that city. Industrious and practical, he accumlated a compet- 
 ency, and spent his last years retired in Monroe, Indiana, passing away 
 at the age of seventy-eight- years. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Mercy Smith, was born in Washington county, Ohio, and died at the 
 age of sixty-five years. 
 
 One of a family of nine children, James H. Ray obtained his 
 first knowledge of books in the pioneer schools of Adams county, Indiana, 
 in the log cabin of pioneer days, when the seats were simply slabs with 
 wooden pegs inserted for legs, and a board placed along one side of 
 the cabin furnished the pupils a place on which to write. He assisted 
 on the farm, remaining with his parents until attaining his majority. Be- 
 ginning then his career as a independent farmer, he rented land for 
 four years, and then bought a tract of timbered land, on which he built 
 a log house, the first home which he ever owned. After clearing about 
 twenty acres he sold at an advantage and rented his father-in-law’s 
 farm, which he managed successfully a number of years. In 1882 Mr. 
 Ray in company with his brother-in-law bought one hundred and seventy- 
 seven acres of land lying ten miles west of Kenton, in McDonald town- 
 ship. The following year the land was divided, and Mr. Ray lived for 
 four years on his share of the estate. Going then to Van Wert county, 
 he embarked in mercantile pursuits, continuing there for a while. Sell- 
 ing out, he was similiarly employed at Jumbo, Hardin county, for seven 
 years, after which he was engaged in general farming, owning a farm of 
 one hundred and twenty acres situated three miles east of Kenton. Since 
 1905 Mr. Ray has been prosperously engaged in the provision business 
 at Kenton, his sons being associated with him. 
 
 In 1872 Mr. Ray married Martha H. Gilpin, who was born in Adams 
 county, Indiana, a daughter of Jonathan and Martha Gilpin. Seven 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ray, namely : Leonidas, who 
 married Miss Desbaugh; Leona A., Catherine; Otto; May; Homer and 
 Edgar. Politically Mr. Ray is a Republican and also a stanch supporter 
 of the principles of the Prohibition party. Religiously both he and his 
 wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Eugene Rogers. — No more worthy representative of the native born 
 citizens of Kenton is entitled to memtion in a work of this character 
 than Eugene Rogers, a well known druggist, whose father, Dr. John 
 
714 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 A. Rogers, was one of the earliest settlers of this part of Hardin county 
 and a pioneer physician and druggist. 
 
 The Rev. John Rogers, grandfather of Eugene, was born in Freder- 
 ick county, Virginia, and there reared to agricultural pursuits. Prom 
 childhood he showed a strong tendency to religious thought and feel- 
 ing, and early in life was converted, and from that time was a local 
 preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. Emigrating to Ohio, he 
 became one of the first settlers of Greene county. He subsequently moved 
 to Champaign county, locating near Mechanicsburg, where he spent his 
 remaining days, passing away in 1848. His wife, whose maiden name 
 was Margaret Herbert, was born and bred in Loudoun county, Virginia. 
 
 Dr. John A. Rogers was born in February, 1820, in Greene county, 
 Ohio, and as a boy, being a diligent pupil, made the best of his oppor- 
 tunity to acquire an education in the pioneer schools of his times. He 
 afterwards turned his attention to the study of medicine, in 1842 attend- 
 ing lectures at the Ohio Medical Institute in Cincinnati. In May, 1843, 
 Dr. Rogers, with all of his earthly effects packed in his saddle-bags, 
 started on horseback for Kenton. Hardin county was then a compar- 
 ative wilderness, the few scattering settlers living in log cabins. Other 
 settlers, however, were constantly making their appearance, and the 
 location seeming favorable he concluded to take up his residence here 
 and start in business. Forming a partnership, in 1845, with Dr. J. 
 F. Ankeny, these enterprising physicians purchased a stock of drugs 
 and opened the first drug store in Kenton, it being located in a small 
 frame building on the east side of the square. The drugs, which were 
 bought in New York, came via river, canal and lake to Sandusky, thence 
 by rail to Republic, Seneca county, the nearest railroad station, from 
 there being brought by team to this place. At the end of four years 
 the partnership was dissolved and the goods sold to George Sweeney, 
 who in turn sold out to Charles Ashton. In 1856 Dr. Rogers bought a 
 half interest in the business, and a short time later bought out Mr. 
 Ashton’s entire interest, becoming sole proprietor of the establishment. 
 Retiring then from the active practice of medicine, the Doctor devoted 
 his whole time to the drug business, which is now carried on by his 
 son, Eugene Rogers. He passed away in 1909, in the ninetieth year 
 of his age. He was a member of Latham Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., 
 and served a number of years as a member of the Board of Education. 
 
 Dr. Rogers was twice married. He married first, in 1843, Clarissa 
 Knight, of Miami county, Ohio. She died in 1848, leaving two children, 
 namely : Engene, the subject of this brief sketch ; and Kate, wife of 
 Thomas Cantwell. The Doctor married for his second wife Ann Eliza- 
 beth King, who survives him. Three daughters were born of this union, 
 namely : Mary. Margaret and Clara. 
 
 After completing the course of study in the city schools, Eugene 
 Rogers began assisting his father in the drug store, at an early age mas- 
 tering the science of pharmacy. On May 10, 1864, he enlisted in the One 
 Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, went with his regi- 
 ment to Virginia, and was soon appointed assistant hospital steward, 
 a positon that he retained until the expiration of his term of enlistment, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 715 
 
 when he was honorably discharged from the service. Soon after his 
 return home lie became associated with his father in the drug business, 
 to which he subsequently succeeded, and is now carrying on an extensive 
 and lucrative trade, being one of the leading druggists in this part of 
 the county. 
 
 Mr. Rogers married, in 1903, Mozelle Walker, who was born in 
 Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of General Moses and Mary L. Walker. Fra- 
 ternally Mr. Rogers belongs to Latham Lodge, No. 154, F. & A. M., to 
 Lima Chapter, R. & S. M. ; and to Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R. 
 
 W. Delano Combs, a popular and highly esteemed resident of Ken- 
 ton, is one of the leading representatives of the dental profession of that 
 part of Hardin county. No professional calling it is safe to say so 
 aptly illustrates the swift advance of science in this age as that of den- 
 tistry, which, until a comparatively recent date, had scarce been elevated 
 to a distinct and separate science, but was left largely in the hands of 
 those unskilled in this particular branch of surgery. Dr. Combs was 
 born, November 6, 1879, in Guernsey county, Ohio, which was likewise 
 the birthplace of his father, James Combs. William Combs, the 
 Doctor’s grandfather, was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, 
 where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. A pioneer settler of 
 Guernsey county, Ohio, he cleared and improved a farm from the raw 
 land, and there followed farming many years, but is now living retired 
 from active business in Cambridge, the county-seat. The maiden name 
 of his wife was Delilah Kimball. The son of a farmer, James Combs 
 continued to follow the free and independent occupation of his youth for 
 many seasons. Retiring then from farming he is now, in company with 
 his son John M. carrying on a substantial drug business in Bvesville, 
 Guernsey county, having a large and remunerative patronage. He mar- 
 ried Allie McCullev, who was born in Guernsey county, a. daughter of 
 William and Sarah McCulley, and they reared five children, namely : W. 
 Delano, Harry, John Kate and Pearl. 
 
 After leaving the district school, W. Delano Combs completed the 
 course of study at the Kirkersville High School, and was subsequently 
 graduated from the Antrim Normal School. Turning his attention then 
 to the study of dentistry he became proficient in his knowledge of the 
 science and in 1902, successfully passed the examination of the State 
 Board in Columbus. Dr. Combs immediately commenced the practice 
 of his profession in Kenton, and has met with eminent success as a 
 dentist. 
 
 In September, 1905, Dr. Combs married Iva N. Rice, who was born 
 near Kenton, a daughter of A. M. and Nancy (Derr) Rice, and they 
 have one child, Dorothy Combs. The Doctor is a member of the State 
 Dental Association, and is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to 
 Latham Lodge, No. 154, A. F. & A. M. ; to Scioto Chapter, No. 119, R. 
 A. M. ; to Kenton Council, No. 65. R. & S. M. ; to Kenton Commandery, 
 No. 58, K. T. ; to Scioto Camp, No. 11206, M. W. A. ; to Kenton Lodge, 
 No. 157, B. P. 0. E. ; and to Pythian Lodge, No. 101, K. of P. 
 
716 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 John H. Strong a progressive and prosperous agriculturist of 
 Kenton, is distinguished not only for his personal worth, but for the 
 substantial and honored ancestry from which he is descended. A 
 native of Kenton, he has here spent his years busily employed in the 
 independent occupation upon which the wealth and prosperity of our 
 great nation so largely depends. His father, the late Hon. Luther 
 Martin Strong, noted as a soldier, statesman and learned jurist, was born 
 on a farm near Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, June 23, 1838. He was a 
 son of Jesse Strong and a grandson of Louis and Mary (Hill) Strong, 
 of Maryland. A native of Maryland, Jesse Strong was born, February 
 12, 1801, near Frederick. At the age of thirteen years he came with 
 an older brother to Knox county, this state. Ohio was then a vast 
 wilderness, from which the wild beasts of the forest had not yet fled, 
 but, with the dusky savage, were everywhere in evidence. Returning 
 to his native state in 1827, he remained there three years, in the mean- 
 time taking unto himself a wife. In 1830 he came back to Ohio and 
 settled with his bride in Seneca county. Buying a tract of wild land near 
 Tiffin, he cleared and improved a good farm, upon which he resided 
 until his death, March 19, 1876. He married a Maryland girl, Sarah 
 A. Myers, who died on the home farm near Tiffin in November, 1868. 
 Fourteen children were born of their union, and eleven of them grew to 
 mature life, as follows: Margaret; Mary; Thomas and William, twins; 
 Barbara; Luther; John; Wesley; Ira and Irena, twins; and Alva. 
 
 Luther Martin Strong received his elementary education in the 
 pioneer schools of Seneca county, which he attended usually in the 
 winter seasons only, his assistance being needed on the farm during 
 seed time and harvest. At the age of nineteen he began teaching the 
 winter terms of school, the remainder of the year attending the academy 
 at Republic. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he left the 
 academy to raise Company G, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infan- 
 try, of which he was made captain. Going south, his regiment, with 
 about fifteen hundred other troops, became the nucleus of the Ciimber- 
 lancl Army. Captain Strong remained at the front with his command 
 during the trying scenes that soon followed, participating in its many 
 engagements, among which were the battles at Shiloh, Lawrenceburg, 
 Liberty Gap, Chiekamauga, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge. At 
 the battle of Chiekamauga his regiment was on the left with General 
 Thomas, and during a part of the engagement the command of its men 
 fell upon Captain Strong, and he received special mention for coolness 
 and bravery from both his brigade and division commanders. After 
 the battle of Missionary Ridge, he was promoted to the rank of major, 
 and in that capacity took part in the various engagements of the 
 Atlanta campaign, including those at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Pickett’s 
 Mill, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and Jonesboro. Soon after the latter 
 engagement, Major Strong became the senior officer of the regiment, 
 and was commissioned lieutenant colonel. He subsequently commanded 
 the regiment in pursuit of Hood, and in the battles of Columbia, Frank- 
 lin and Nashville. In the charge at Pickett’s Mill he was wounded in the 
 shoulder, but did not relinquish his command. In the battle that 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 717 
 
 occurred May 27, 1864, one of the hardest fought of that campaign, 
 one half of the members of the Forty-ninth regiment were killed or 
 wounded, while fifteen hundred of the division were either killed or 
 wounded. In the battle of Nashville, December 17, 1864, Colonel Strong 
 was wounded by a minie ball in the left arm. At the close of the war, 
 Colonel Strong began the study of law, and on January 3, 1867, was 
 admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio. He immediately 
 began the practice of his profession at Kenton, where he met with 
 eminent success, winning a large clientage. He became very prominent 
 in public affairs, and served with distinction in various official capac- 
 ities. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate, and was re-elected in 
 
 1881. In 1883 he was made judge of the court of common pleas. In 
 1892 he represented the Eighth Ohio district in congress, and in 1894 
 was re-elected to the same position. He died on the 26th of April, 
 1903, honored and respected throughout the county and state. 
 
 Hon. Luther M. Strong married, February 13. 1865, Mary Milliman, 
 who was born in Tompkins county, New York, December 26, 1837, a 
 daughter of Hiram Milliman. and grand-daughter of Joseph Milliman, 
 a life-long resident of New York. Hiram Milliman was born in eastern 
 New York, and after attaining manhood bought a tract of wild land 
 in Tompkins county. Building a cabin of round logs, he and his bride 
 there began housekeeping, living in it until after the birth of their 
 children. He cleared a large part of the land, set out fruit trees, and 
 in course of time erected a substantial set of frame buildings. Selling 
 out in 1853, he came with his family to Ohio, locating in Seneca county, 
 where he bought land, and began the improvement of a farm. His 
 career, however, was cut short by the grim harvester, death, in the 
 following year, 1854, when he was but fifty-three years of age. Hiram 
 Milliman married Sally Dyer, who was born at White Creek, New York, 
 a daughter of Amherst Dyer. She was a descendant in the seventh 
 generation from William and Mary (Suffield) Dyer, who emigrated to 
 the United States in 1660, settling in Maryland. The line continued 
 through Samuel and Ann (Hutchinson) Dyer; Edward and Mary 
 (Greene) Dyer; Samuel and Tabitha (Niles) Dyer; Edward and Eliza- 
 beth (Fish) Dyer; Amherst Dyer; and Sally Dyer. Mary Greene, who 
 married Edward Dyer, the third in line of descent from William Dyer, 
 the emigrant, was a daughter of William and Mary (Sayles) Greene, 
 a granddaughter of John and Ann (Almy) Greene, and a great grand- 
 daughter of John and Joan (Tattersal) Greene. Mary Sayles, who 
 married William Greene, was a daughter of John and Mary (Williams) 
 Sayles and a grand-daughter of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Is- 
 land. Amherst Dyer, grandfather of Mrs. Luther M. Strong, was born in 
 Rhode Island, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, being 
 under the command of Captain Thomas Clark, Colonel Charles Dyer, 
 Captain James Parker, Colonel Cook, Captain Peter Wright, Captain 
 Carlisle, Colonel Elliot, and under Captain Parker in Colonel Johnson’s 
 regiment, and under Captain Samuel Dyer. He also served on board a 
 privateer, and was twice captured. The first time he was held a 
 prisoner seven months, three months of the time being kept in irons on 
 Vol. 11—18 
 
718 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 board a ship, after which he was taken to the West Indies. The second 
 time he was more kindly treated. Sometime after the Revolution he 
 settled in White Creek, Washington county. New York, and there spent 
 the remainder of his long life, passing away in 1840, in the eighty- 
 first year of his age. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Luther M. Strong reared three children, namely: 
 Milton, Sally and John H. Milton is a florist at Sioux Falls, South 
 Dakota. He married Jessie Hotelling and they have two children, Milton 
 and Mary. Sally married Charles B. Fink, of Kenton, and they have 
 one son, Fred Fink. John H. Strong adopted agriculture as his vocation, 
 and now operates a magnificent farm of two hundred and fifty acres, 
 a part, of which lies within the corporate limits of Kenton. He carries 
 on general farming and stock-raising with much success, and, with his 
 widowed mother, occupies the old homestead. 
 
 Theodore Scihndewolf is worthy of special mention among the 
 active and respected business men of Kenton, Hardin county, widely 
 and favorably known as one of the leading furniture dealers and under- 
 takers of this part of Ohio. A German by birth and breeding, he was 
 born, September 14, 1840, in Helmarshausen, Kur Hessen, where his 
 father, Ferdinand Schindewolf, spent his entire life. The latter was 
 a hotel keeper by occupation, as a host being very popular with his 
 patrons, and his death in about middle life was a cause of regret to the 
 traveling public. He married Julia Rees, a life-long resident of 
 Helmarshausen. She survived him many years, after his death conduct- 
 ing the hotel successfully and satisfactorily as long as she was able, 
 when she relegated its management to her son George, who still owns and 
 operates the house. She died in 1885, in her native town, leaving seven 
 children, namely: Ilermina, Eliza, Philip, William, Henry, Theodore 
 
 and George. The sons, with the exception of George, emigrated to the 
 United States and are numbered among the valued, law-abiding citizens. 
 
 Receiving excellent educational advantages in the Fatherland, Theo- 
 dore Schindewolf attended school regularly until the Easter Sunday 
 preceding the fourteenth anniversary of his birth, when he was con- 
 firmed. Ambitious then to come to America, he embarked on board a 
 sailing vessel and after an ocean voyage of fifty-seven days landed in 
 New York city. Starting immediately for Ohio, he came by way of the 
 Hudson river to Albany, thence by rail to Kenton. This was in the 
 time of the old state banks, and he soon found to his sorrow that of the 
 small sum of seven dollars that constituted his entire capital five dollars 
 were worthless. Nothing daunted, however, he soon apprenticed him- 
 self to a fellow countryman, Peter Dorn, with whom he served three 
 years at the cabinet maker’s trade, receiving for his labors in addition to 
 his board twenty-five dollars the first year, fifty dollars the second and 
 one hundred dollars the last year. Completing his apprenticeship, Mr. 
 Schindewolf worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati three years, after 
 which he was for a time in a steam mill and still house in Kenton. 
 Enlisting in 1864 in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, for ninety days, he joined his regiment in Virginia, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 719 
 
 and participated in the battles at Antietam, Shepherdsville, Maryland 
 Heights and in others of less importance. Being honorably discharged 
 in September, 1864. he returned to Kenton, and with two of his brothers 
 bought the James White mill and distillery. Selling out his interest 
 in two years, he removed to Ada, where he was engaged in the furniture 
 and undertaking business until 1874, when he sold out, and the following 
 eight months was engaged in the hardware business in Kenton. Dis- 
 posing of his hardware stock Mr. Schindewolf bought the furniture and 
 undertaking business of his former employer, Peter Dorn, and in com- 
 pany with Edward Sorgen carried on a good business until 1878. The 
 partnership being then dissolved, Mr. Schindewolf opened his present 
 establishment on Columbus street, and has here built up an extensive 
 and lucrative business, having a fine stock of furniture of all kinds and 
 all of the equipments of a modern, up-to-date undertaking establishment. 
 
 Mr. Schindewolf married, in 1864. Barbara Pfeiffer, who was born 
 in Pleasant township, Hardin county, Ohio. Her father. John Pfeiffer, 
 was born and reared in Ilenkelhoff. Germany. In 1835, accompanied by 
 his family, he emigrated to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Pleasant town- 
 ship, where he bought a tract of timbered land, on which he built from 
 round logs the humble cabin in which Mrs. Schindewolf first opened her 
 eyes to the light of this world. Mr. Pfeiffer was a man of strong mental 
 and physical vigor, industrious and enterprising. He bought other 
 land, in the course of time becoming the owner of six hundred acres, 
 divided into different farms, all equipped with good buildings. He 
 married Eve Elsesser, a native also of Henkelhoff, and of their nine 
 children six grew to years of maturity, as follows : Lizzie, Barbara, 
 
 Maggie, John, Louis, and Henry. Four children have been born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Schindewolf, namely : George, who died at the age of eighteen 
 years ; John, who was born in 1868, married Mary Ekerus, and died in 
 1902, leaving one child, Theodore ; Minnie, wife of Hamilton Hoke, who 
 has two children, Virginia and Marion ; and Frank, who is associated in 
 business with his father. 
 
 Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Schindewolf are members of the Evan- 
 gelical church. Strongly opposed to slavery, Mr. Schindewolf joined 
 the Republican party soon after attaining citizenship, and has ever 
 been loyal to its principles. Being elected town treasurer in 1881, he 
 served two terms, and was elected county treasurer in 1894 and re-elected 
 to the same office in 1896, his popularity being shown when he ran far 
 ahead of his ticket. Fraternally he belongs to Cantwell Post. No. 97, 
 G. A. R., and to Latham Lodge, No. 154. F. & A. M. 
 
 John C. Bales, a well known business man of Kenton. Hardin 
 county, is intimately associated with the growth of its mercantile and 
 agricultural interests, being actively engaged in the provision business, 
 and in addition owning and superintending the management of a fine 
 farm. A son of Burel Bales he was born, July 10, 1863, in Kenton, 
 coming from Virginian ancestry. His grandfather, George Bales, was 
 born in Virginia, and there spent the earlier years of his life. Deciding 
 to follow the march of civilization westward, he came to Ohio, journey- 
 
720 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ing a part of the way on the Ohio river and the remainder with teams. 
 Locating in Hardin county, he followed his trade of a mechanic, being 
 largely employed in making ox yokes. He died at the age of three 
 score and ten years. The maiden name of his wife was Lucy Carter. 
 
 Born in Virginia, Burel Bales was but a youth when he came with 
 his parents to Ohio. Until his marriage he was variously employed, 
 and being industrious and economical accumulated a small sum of money. 
 Settling then permanently in Kenton, he rented land near by, and was 
 here a resident until his death, August 17, 1904. He married Catherine 
 Tucker, who was born near Lafayette, Allen county, Ohio, April 9, 1836, 
 and is now living in Kenton. Her father, Lemuel Tucker, was born in 
 Virginia, and at an early age was left an orphan. Coming to Ohio, he 
 lived first in Champaign county and then in Allen county. In 1848 he 
 located in Hardin county, and for twelve years was a resident of Buck 
 township. Moving then to Paulding county, he bought land and was 
 there engaged in tilling the soil the remainder of his days. His wife, 
 whose maiden name was Maria Walton, was horn in Champaign county, 
 Ohio, and died at the age of eighty-eight years in Paulding county. To 
 Burel and Catherine (Tucker) Bales six children were born, including 
 John C„ David S., William E„ and Isabelle S. Asher, second oldest, 
 died when young and Jesse, the youngest, died in infancy. 
 
 Educated in the public schools of Kenton, John C. Bales began the 
 battle of life for himself as a wage earner, working by the day or the 
 month. On March 5, 1888, desirous of engaging in some special busi- 
 ness, he formed a partnership with Henry Alt, and for three years dealt 
 in provisions, having a good trade. Since the dissolution of the partner- 
 ship in 1891 Mr. Bales has conducted the business alone, and in its man- 
 agement has met with eminent success. He has invested largely in land, 
 and now owns and operates a valuable farm, in his agricultural ventures 
 being equally as prosperous as in his mercantile dealings. He has for 
 many years belonged to the Kenton fire deparement, being now its as- 
 sistant chief. 
 
 William P. Bowman is prominent among the practical and pro- 
 gressive business men of Kenton and has for many years been identified 
 with the varied interests of this part of Hardin county. He was born 
 May 6, 1851. in Lancaster county Pennsylvania, a son of Joseph Bowman. 
 His grandfather Bowman, a native of England, settled in Pennsylvania on 
 emigrating to the United States, and during the remainder of his life 
 was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lancaster county. Born and 
 brought up on the home farm in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Joseph 
 Bowman was for many years successfully engaged in mercantile pur- 
 suits in the city of Lancaster. He was influential in business and 
 political circles, and was appointed deputy prothonotary of Lancaster 
 county and served two terms, rendering such good service that he was 
 afterwards twice elected to the office of prothonotary of that county. 
 Removing to Licking county, Ohio, in 1860, he bought land and was 
 engaged in general farming until 1892. Coming in that year to Forest, 
 Hardin county, he lived retired until his death in 1898, at the venerable 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 721 
 
 age of eighty-seven years. His first wife, whose maiden name was 
 Elizabeth Parker, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, of 
 Scotch-Irish ancestry. She died in 1851, leaving six children, as 
 follows : Amanda, Amos, Adaline, Samuel, Joseph and William P. 
 
 Joseph Bowman married for his second wife Eliza J. Davis, a Phila- 
 delphia Quakeress. She died in 1902, having survived him four years. 
 
 Nine years of age when he came with his parents to Ohio, William P. 
 Bowman remained at home until twenty years old. Going then to 
 Illinois, he lived for a year in Champaign county with an older brother. 
 Returning to Ohio, he was for three years employed as a clerk in a gen- 
 eral store in Alexandria, afterwards being engaged in farming for 
 several months. Locating in Sparta, Ohio, in 1876, he conducted a 
 hardware business there for six years. Removing to Forest, Hardin 
 county, in 1882, Mr. Bowman was there similarly engaged until 1898, 
 having an extensive trade in hardware. Being then elected county 
 treasurer, he took up his resilience in Kenton. In 1900 he was re-elected 
 to the same office, in which he served two terms of two years each. In 
 1905 he established a hardware store in Kenton, and managed it suc- 
 cessfully until 1907, when he traded his stock for a farm, which he still 
 owns, in Butler county. Mr. Bowman was one of the organizers of the 
 Crystal Ice and Cold Storage Company, of which he has been a director 
 since its incorporation, and of which he was manager during its first 
 year of existence. He is one of the directors of the Kenton Telephone 
 Company, and in 1908 assisted in installing the Automatic telephone 
 system. 
 
 Mr. Bowman married, in 1872, Lizzie Iiazelton, who was born near 
 Alexandria, Ohio, a daughter of Solon and Louise (Beaumont) ILazelton. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are both members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 chprch. Politically Mr. Bowman is identified with the Republican 
 party, and fraternally he is a member of Kenton Commandery, No. 58, 
 K. T. 
 
 Delano M. Gage. — A man of push and vim, gifted with quick per- 
 ceptions and an intelligent mind, Delano M. Gage has been identified 
 with the industrial progress of Kenton for many years, and is now carry- 
 ing on a substantial business as a member of the Robinson-Gage Lumber 
 Company. A native of Ohio, he was born, August 10, 1864, in Findlay, 
 Seneca county, coming from thrifty New England ancestry. His 
 father, Philemon Gage, was born, reared and educated in Vermont, and 
 there learned the saddler’s trade. Coming as a young man to Ohio, he 
 located in Findlay, then a small village in a sparsely settled country. 
 He followed his trade there awhile, and upholstered the first passenger 
 coach that ran on the Mad River railroad. During the exciting days 
 of 1849 he joined a band of gold seekers and made an overland journey 
 to California, where he was engaged in mining two years. Coming- 
 home then by way of the Isthmus lie visited with his family six months, 
 and then returned to the Pacific coast, and continued his labors with 
 pick and shovel for another two years. Having accumulated quite a 
 sum of money, he came back to his home in Findlay and was successfully 
 
722 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 engaged in mercantile pursuits for a number of years. Subsequently 
 assisting in the organization of the State Bank at Findlay, he was elected 
 president of the institution, and devoted his time to its management until 
 his death, when but sixty-one years old. He married Caroline Carlin, 
 a daughter of Parlee Carlin, a pioneer of Findlay, who for many years 
 operated a flour mill and a saw mill on the Blanchard river. She is 
 now seventy-eight years of age, and is spending her time with her 
 children, of whom she has four, namely : John L., Harriet, Delano M. 
 and Catherine. 
 
 After completing the course of study in the public schools of 
 Findlay Delano M. Gage still further advanced his education by attend- 
 ing the Ohio Northern University at Ada. Upon leaving school he 
 entered the United States Railway Mail service, for three years being- 
 railway mail clerk in Montana. Coming then to Kenton Mr. Gage 
 
 was here for three years engaged in the manufacture of chairs, after- 
 wards being employed as bookkeeper for a time at the Straw Board 
 Works. Starting then in the lumber business he continued operations 
 alone for a while, and then organized the Robinson-Gage Lumber Com- 
 pany, which not only deals in lumber but manufactures hardwood 
 lumber and wooden boxes, the business being already large and profitable. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Gage married Anna Harris, who was born in Kenton, 
 a daughter of George II. and Maggie Harris. Two daughters have been 
 born of this union, Margaret and Caroline. Fraternally Mr. Gage is 
 a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; and of 
 Aminta Lodge, No. 79, I. 0. O. F. Religiously he and his family belong 
 to the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Wilson S. Cole, an able representative of the agricultural interests 
 of Hardin county, is a model farmer in every sense implied by the 
 term, and now owns and occupies one of the most valuable and beau- 
 tiful country estates to be found in this part of the state, it being 
 finely located in Buck township. He is a native born citizen his birth 
 having occurred in March, 1842, in Goshen township, where his 
 father, Henry Cole, was a pioneer settler. His grandfather, Cole, settled 
 in Fairfield county, Ohio, at an early day, and did his full share of the 
 pioneer labor of developing the neighborhood in which he lived. 
 
 Henry Cole was born and brought up in Fairfield county, and be- 
 came a farmer from choice. Soon after his marriage he took up his 
 residence in Goshen township, coming here when the land was in its 
 primitive condition, and the dense forests were inhabited by bears, deer, 
 wolves, and smaller animals that roamed at will, and often caused sad 
 havoc in the new settlements. Kenton was then a small hamlet, composed 
 entirely of log cabins. Buying a timbered tract in the northeastern part 
 of the township, he cleared a space in which to erect a rude cabin from 
 round logs. This he subsequently replaced by a more commodious resi- 
 dence built of hewed logs, riving the boards that covered the roof, 
 holding them in place by weighted poles. For years thereafter there 
 were no railways in the state, and the settlers had to go to Sandusky 
 to procure salt and other articles equally necessary, an entire week 
 
WILSON S. COLE AND FAMILY 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 723 
 
 being consumed in making the round trip. Much of the land which he 
 bought was covered with black walnut timber, and in clearing it large 
 trees were felled, and timber that would now be worth thousands of 
 dollars was burned without a thought being given as to the future 
 wealth it might represent. In 1854 he sold that property, and purchased 
 one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township. About one- 
 half of the land had been cleared, and a set of log buildings had been 
 previously erected. Selling out a few years later, he removed to 
 Cessna township, and there resided until death, when past eighty years 
 of age. He married for his first wife Lucinda Kaughman, who was born 
 in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. She died in 1855, leaving four 
 children, Wesley, Henry, Martha and Wilson S. 
 
 The rude building in which Wilson S. Cole gleaned his early educa- 
 tion was built of logs, heated by a fireplace, while the seats were simply 
 split logs with pins inserted for legs, and the desks on which the 
 pupils learned to use the quill pen was a plank of puncheon placed 
 against the wall. To reach this palace of learning he had to trudge a 
 mile and a half each morning, following a trail marked by blazed trees. 
 He lived with his father, assisting in clearing and improving the land, 
 the greater part of the time until December, 1861, when he enlisted in 
 Company A, Eiglity-seconcl Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the same company 
 and same regiment in which he veteranized in 1864. 
 
 Mr. Cole was with his command in all of its marches, campaigns 
 and battles, among the more important of which were the engagement 
 at McDowell’s, Second Bull Run, Chaneellorsville, Gettysburg, Cedar 
 Mountain, the Battle above the Clouds ; was with Sherman in his cam- 
 paign, taking part in all of the engagements enroute to Atlanta, and 
 participated in the seige and capture of that city. He subsequently 
 marched with the gallant hero to the sea, thence through the Carolinas, 
 and by way of Richmond, Virginia, to Washington, where he took part 
 in the Grand Review. Going then to Louisville, Kentucky, he remained 
 there a brief time, and was from there sent to Columbus, Ohio, where 
 he received his honorable discharge from the service. 
 
 Soon after returning to Hardin county, Mr. Cole bought forty acres 
 of timbered land in Washington township, paying sis hundred and fifty 
 dollars for it. He cleared ten acres of it, set out an orchard, and then 
 sold it for one thousand dollars. He afterwards bought another forty- 
 acre tract in the same township, on which there were some improvements, 
 several acres having been cleared, and a log house and stable having- 
 been erected. Mr. Cole built a frame house, and after living there eight 
 years sold the place for two thousand and four hundred dollars. Moving 
 then to Goshen township, Mr. Cole bought first one hundred and six acres 
 of land, and later purchased fifty-three more acres. He farmed there 
 successfully for nineteen years, when, having acquired a goodly share 
 of this world’s wealth, he rented his land, and lived retired from active 
 business in Kenton. In 1906 Mr. Cole sold that estate and bought his 
 present farm, which is advantageously located in Buck township, two 
 and one-lialf miles from Kenton, assuming its possession in December 
 1908. This farm, which he now occupies, contains one hundred and 
 
724 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 fifty-eight acres of highly improved land, and has a commodious frame 
 barn and a large brick house thoroughly modern in style and equipments 
 and surrounded by ample grounds, on which there are many beautiful 
 shade and ornamental trees, rendering it one of the most desirable 
 country homes to be found in any community. 
 
 Mr. Cole married on September 22, 1870, Eliza Jane Sams, who 
 was born in Brown county, Ohio, a daughter of Ellis Sams, of whom 
 a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this biographical work. Five 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cole, namely : Emma, who died 
 when one month old, Clara, Earl, Della and Nellie. Della, wife of George 
 Fink, has one son, Paul Fink. Nellie married Jacob Luckhoff, and they 
 have one daughter, Mildred Luckhoff, who lives in Dayton. Earl E. is 
 now making his home in Kenton. Politically Mr. Cole is an earnest 
 supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Fraternally he 
 belongs to Cantwell Post No. 97, G. A. R. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. 
 Cole and two of their daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. 
 
 Thomas C. Mahon. — Conspicuous for his ability, integrity and 
 worth, Thomas C. Mahon holds a position of note among the leading 
 citizens of Kenton, where he is extensively engaged in the practice of 
 law and identified with the higher interests of the city, at the present 
 time being president of the board of education. A son of James Mahon, 
 lie was born, July 4, 1860, in Marseilles, Wyandot county, Ohio, of 
 pioneer stock. His grandfather, Thomas Mahon, was a very early 
 settler of Richland county, Ohio, where he resided many years. He 
 afterwards engaged in mercantile pursuits, being first located in Scot- 
 town, from there going to Williamstown. He spent his last days in 
 Dunkirk, Ohio, dying at the age of sixty-seven years. 
 
 One of a large family of children, James Mahon was born, May 25, 
 1833, in Richland county, Ohio, and as a youth began his mercantile 
 career as a clerk in his father’s store. Embarking in business for him- 
 self, he conducted a general store at Marseilles for a number of seasons. 
 Removing from there to Dunkirk in 1862, he was for a long time suc- 
 cessfully engaged in business as a merchant and manufacturer. He is 
 now living practically retired, although he devotes a part of his leisure 
 to the superintendence of his near-by farm. He married Phebe Waples, 
 who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, a daughter of B. F. Waples, and 
 into their household seven sons and one daughter were born, four being 
 deceased, three sons and the daughter. The four living sons are Judson, 
 Thomas C., Edward and Hoyt B. 
 
 During the days of his boyhood and youth Thomas C. Mahon at- 
 tended the public schools and assisted his father in the store. He 
 subsequently advanced his education by an attendance at the Ohio 
 Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, afterwards beginning the study 
 of law in the office of Daugherty & Daugherty, completing his studies 
 at the Cincinnati Law School. Opening a law office in Kenton in 1889, 
 Mr. Mahon has since been actively and successfully engaged in the 
 practice of his profession in this city, and has built up a large and lu- 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 725 
 
 crative clientage. He is a man of great enterprise and ability, and is con- 
 nected with various organizations of a financial and fraternal nature. He 
 is vice president of the Scioto Sign Company and a director in the Kenton 
 National Bank. He is a member of Kenton Commandery, No. 58, K. T. ; 
 of Pythian Lodge, No. 164, K. of P. ; and of Kenton Lodge, B. P. 0. E. 
 Politically he has always been a loyal supporter of the principles of the 
 Democratic party, and has served acceptably in various official positions. 
 In 1893 he was elected city attorney, and in 1896 was elected prose- 
 cuting attorney of Hardin county. In 1899 he was re-elected to the 
 same responsible office, receiving a handsome majority of the votes cast, 
 and served two terms of three years each. He is now, as above related, 
 president of the city board of education, a position to which he was 
 elected in 1907. 
 
 On April 14, 1885, Mr. Mahon was united in marriage with Maude 
 Alexander, who was born in Dunkirk, Ohio, a daughter of J. B. and 
 Charlotte (Smith) Alexander. Two sons have been born to them, 
 namely: Paul T. and Prank B. The former was graduated from 
 
 the Kenton high school with the class of 1907, and the latter with the 
 class of 1909, and both are now students at the Ohio Wesleyan University, 
 their father’s alma mater. Mr. and Mrs. Mahon and their sons are 
 members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Mahon 
 has been a steward for many years. 
 
 Elmer S. Protzman, M. D., by nature, temper and training singu- 
 larly fitted for general medical practice, has met with marked success 
 in his professional career, and is eminently worthy of the high 
 position he holds among the leading physicians of Kenton. A son of 
 the late Dr. Silas Protzman, he was born, March 28, 1872, in Fairfield, 
 Ohio. The Doctor’s grandfather, Captain John Protzman, was born in 
 Maryland, and there obtained his early education. At the age of four- 
 teen years, in 1805, he came to Ohio, and subsequently settled near Ger- 
 mantown, Montgomery county, where he followed milling and distilling, 
 two industries then frequently combined. A patriotic citizen, he com- 
 manded a company of soldiers in the war of 1812. He died in 1861, 
 aged three score and ten years. His wife, Margaret Shafer, a native of 
 Pennsylvania, died in 1860. 
 
 One of a family of ten children, Dr. Silas Protzman was born in 
 Montgomery county, Ohio, January 17, 1842. He obtained the rudi- 
 ments of his education in the common schools of his district, and after- 
 wards attended Holbrook’s Normal School in Lebanon, Ohio. Enlisting 
 in 1862 in Company F, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer In- 
 fantry, he was at the front in the battle of Winchester, and was present 
 when the gallant Sheridan completed his memorable ride. He was 
 afterwards assigned to the Army of the Potomac and took part in the 
 engagements at Brandy Station on June 5, from August 1 to August 3, 
 on September 6, and on November 8. After this he served in the 
 Inspector General’s office of the Third Division, Sixth Corps, which was 
 everywhere known as the Old Fighting Corps of General Sedgwick. He 
 was once with others taken prisoner, but his captors, fortunately, were 
 
726 
 
 HISTORY OP IIARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Germans. He spoke to them in their own language and they exchanged 
 their well-worn uniforms for theirs and turned them loose. He quickly 
 rejoined his command, with which he remained until receiving his 
 honorable discharge from the service. Returning home, Silas Protzman 
 began the study of medicine with his brother William, who was then 
 practicing medicine at Yellow Springs, Ohio, but is now in Lincoln, 
 Nebraska. Being graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in 
 1869, Dr. Silas Protzman began the practice of medicine in Fairfield, 
 Greene county, where he remained until 1872. Coming in that year to 
 Kenton, he was here engaged in his professional labors until his death in 
 1885, at the comparatively early age of forty-three. 
 
 Dr. Silas Protzman married Henrietta Sliuey, who was born near 
 Eaton, Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of Adam Shuey, who was of 
 early Holland ancestry. The family from which she sprung was known 
 in Pennsylvania as early as 1732, and some of its members served in the 
 Provincial Assembly at the time of the Revolutionary war. Her great- 
 grandfather, John Shuey, Sr., and her grandfather, John Shuey, Jr., 
 both lived in Pennsylvania, the former spending his entire life in that 
 state. Adam Shuey lived for a time near Hagerstown, Maryland, 
 moving from there to Preble county, Ohio, in pioneer days, when the 
 country was a vast wilderness. He afterwards settled at Fairfield, 
 Greene county, Ohio, where he improved a farm of one hundred and sixty 
 acres, on which he lived until after the death of his wife, whose maiden 
 name was Sarah Neiswander. He afterwards made his home with his 
 children, and died at the age of eighty-one years. He was a member of 
 the Reformed church, and his wife belonged to the United Brethren 
 church. After the death of her husband Mrs. Henrietta (Shuey) 
 Protzman married for her second husband Charles W. Oldt and now 
 resides at Lewistown, Pennsylvania. 
 
 The only child of his parents, Elmer S. Protzman attended first the 
 public schools, after which he took a course of study at Wittenberg 
 College in Springfield, Ohio, where he subsequently began the study of 
 medicine with Alexander Dunlap, M. D. In 1895 he was graduated 
 from the Medical College of Ohio in Cincinnati, with the degree of M. 
 D., and the following year began the practice of his profession in Kenton, 
 where he has since remained, having by skill and proved ability won the 
 confidence and good will of the people and built up a large and lucrative 
 patronage. 
 
 Dr. Protzman married, in 1898, Ida Marcella Watt, a daughter of 
 James Watt, and granddaughter of Dr. Samuel Watt, an early physician 
 of Kenton. Her great-grandfather, William Watt, born in Ireland of 
 Scotch ancestry, emigrated to this country and lived for a time in 
 Philadelphia. He came from there to Ohio at an early period of its 
 settlement, and spent his last years in Cadiz. Samuel Watt was born in 
 Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, in 1805, and when a young man there 
 began the study of medicine with Dr. Wilson. He subsequently at- 
 tended lectures at Jefferson Medical College in Washington, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and began the practice of his profession in Jefferson county, Ohio, 
 remaining there until 1839, when he settled in Kenton, where for many 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 727 
 
 years he had a large practice, remaining here until 1858. In 1848 and 
 1849 he represented Hardin county in the state legislature, and in 1858 
 was elected probate judge, and filled the office three consecutive terms. 
 Removing to Ada in 1873, he lived there retired until his death, in 
 October, 1876. 
 
 Janies Watt was born in Kenton, Ohio, December 6, 1839, and here 
 acquired his elementary education. He was graduated from West- 
 minster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, with the class of 1865, 
 and the following year was graduated from the Albany Law School in 
 Albany, New York. He was subsequently actively engaged in the 
 practice of law until 1882, when he was elected cashier of the Kenton 
 Savings Bank, a responsible position which he filled acceptably several 
 years. At the present time he is serving as deputy county clerk. He 
 married Ida M. Chapman, a daughter of Harvey Chapman, of Hardin 
 county. 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Protzman have one child, a daughter named Caroline. 
 Politically the Doctor has always been a stanch Republican, and has 
 served three terms as county coroner and ten years as a member of the 
 board of health. He is a member of the County, the State and the 
 American Medical Societies, and takes great interest in each. Frater- 
 nally he is a member of Latham Lodge, No. 154, P. & A. M. ; of Scioto 
 Chapter, No. 119, R. A. M. ; and of Kenton Lodge, No. 157, B. P. 0. E. ; 
 and he also belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution. Mrs. 
 Protzman belongs to the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is 
 a member of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 Emanuel Lawson. — For a quarter of a century the late Emanuel 
 Lawson was intimately associated with the development and growth of 
 of the mercantile and financial prosperity of Kenton, his operations 
 being extensive and exceedingly remunerative. He was a man of mark 
 and of recognized worth as a citizen, his business ability being unques- 
 tioned and his character irreproachable. He was born, October 11, 
 1830, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, a son of John Lawson, who 
 was, as far as known, a native of the Keystone state. Accompanied by 
 his wife and children John Lawson came to Ohio about 1835, and for a 
 number of years followed his chosen occupation of a farmer in Richland 
 county. He subsequently moved to Defiance county, and there spent 
 the remainder of his life. 
 
 A small boy when he came with his parents to Ohio, Emanuel 
 Lawson profited by the meagre facilities that were afforded him in his 
 youth to obtain an education, attending regularly the short terms of 
 the district school. When a young man he began his independent 
 career as an employe of the Big Pour Railroad Company, being ticket 
 agent at Shelby. He afterwards established a well-paying business as 
 a dealer in hay and grain. In 1878 Mr. Lawson located in Kenton, 
 and here built up an extensive business along the same line of industry, 
 buying and shipping grain in large quantities, in his trancactions reap- 
 ing a good annual income. He became identified with financial 
 organizations, being made a director in two banking institutions. Here 
 
728 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 he resided, an esteemed and respected citizen, until his death, July 10, 
 1903. 
 
 Mr. Lawson married Arah E. Nagle, who survives him. She is a 
 daughter of Henry Nagle. Her grandfather, Frederick Nagle, was 
 without doubt a life-long resident of Pennsylvania. Until fifteen years 
 of age Henry Nagle resided in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where 
 he was born and educated. He then came to Ohio, joining an elder 
 brother in Clark county. After attaining his majority he established 
 himself in business as a merchant at West Liberty, Logan county, from 
 there coming to Hardin county and locating at Roundhead, where he 
 opened one of the very first stores, putting in a stock of general merchan- 
 dise. He ' used to trade for cattle, and also bought stock, which he 
 would drive to the eastern markets, making the trips on horseback, 
 that being before the days of railroads with their palace stock cars. 
 All of his merchandise was brought to Hardin county by canal and 
 teams. He was very successful as a merchant, accumulating considera- 
 ble wealth, and spent his last years retired from business activities in 
 Kenton, passing away in the seventy-ninth year of his age. The 
 maiden name of the wife of Henry Nagle was Asenatli Crockett. She 
 was born in Kentucky, and belonged to the family from which David 
 Crockett, the noted frontiersman, sprung. She died at the age of 
 seventy-five years. To her and her husband twelve children were born. 
 
 Politically Mr. Lawson was a sound Democrat. Religiously he 
 was a member, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 
 which he was an active worker, and for many years was the secretary 
 of its Sunday school. 
 
 William H. Lawrence. — A man of sterling integrity and worth, 
 William IT. Lawrence holds a position of note among the honored and 
 highly esteemed citizens of Kenton, where he is now living, retired from 
 active pursuits. A native of Logan county, Ohio, he was born, Decem- 
 ber 21, 1848, at Belief ontaine, a son of Hon. William Lawrence, who in 
 the three fold capacity of lawyer, soldier and statesman achieved emi- 
 nence and honor, becoming one of the best known men of his day. He 
 is of English descent, his lineage having been traced back to Sir 
 Robert Lawrence, upon whom Richard, Coeur de Lion, bestowed a coat- 
 of-arms for his distinguished services in planting the banner of the 
 Crusaders on the walls of Saint Jean D’Acre in 1191. Among his 
 ancestors of a later generation were Robert Lawrence, of Ashley Hall, 
 Lancashire, England, and one James Lawrence, who married Matilda 
 Washington, a member of the same family that produced George 
 Washington. 
 
 Joseph Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence’s grandfather, was born, Decem- 
 ber 21, 1793, at Byberry, Friends’ Meeting House, which is now included 
 within the corporate limits of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
 He served as a soldier in Captain Beneget’s company during the war of 
 1812. Migrating to Ohio in 1816, and married at Mount Pleasant, 
 Temperance Gilchrist, who was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, Aug- 
 ust 6, 1792. Locating in 1830 on a farm in Jefferson county, Ohio, he 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 729 
 
 lived there a number of years. Subsequently buying farm lands in Har- 
 din county, he took up his residence at Bellefontaine, and there lived 
 until his death, in the meantime superintending the care of his farm. 
 
 William Lawrence was born, June 20. 1819, at Mount Pleasant, 
 Ohio. An intelligent, studious lad. with scholarly ambitions, he at- 
 tended every session of the district school, assisting in the farm labors 
 during the long summer vacations. He acquired a good knowledge of 
 surveying when young, and before entering his “teens” wrote a book 
 entitled “A solution of Gummer’s Surveying.” In 1833 he attended 
 Rev. John Tidball’s Academy in Knoxville, and in 1838 was graduated 
 from Franklin College in Athens, with the degree of A. B., and as vale- 
 dictorian of his class. In the meantime he had assisted on the home 
 farm a part of each year and had taught in the district school. He 
 subsequently studied medicine, natural philosophy and chemistry, acquir- 
 ing a. knowledge that became useful to him in later years. In 1838 he 
 began the study of law at McConnelsville, and in March. 1840, was 
 graduated from the Cincinnati Law School with the degree of LL. B., 
 and was at once admitted to practice in the supreme court of the state 
 at Zanesville. In 1840 and 1841 William Lawrence was reported for 
 the House of Representatives of Ohio, and was correspondent for several 
 newspapers. Locating at Bellefontaine in 1841. he began the practice 
 of his profession, and soon took rank among the leading attorneys of 
 the state, his name subsequently appearing in the records of the supreme 
 courts of Ohio. Kansas and the United States. By authority of At- 
 torney General Williams he was the leading counsel for the United 
 States in the case of the Goverment versus the L. L. and G. Railroad, 
 whereby a tract of nine hundred and sixty thousand acres of land was 
 reclaimed by the United States and opened for settlers. In 1842 
 William Lawrence was appointed commissioner of bankruptcy for Logan 
 county, and in 1845-6 was prosecuting attorney for the same county. 
 In 1847 he represented his district in the state legislature, and was 
 elected state senator in 1849 and re-elected to the same high position 
 in 1854. In 1852 he was candidate for elector on the Whig ticket. 
 
 In 1862 William Lawrence, now entitled to the term “Honorable,” 
 enlisted for three months service in the Civil war, and was made colonel 
 of the Eighty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. One 
 month of the time he served as president of the court martial, before 
 which many important cases were tried. In 1863 he was appointed by 
 President Lincoln as district .judge of Florida, but declined the honor. 
 In 1864 he was elected to congress, and was subsequently re-elected, 
 serving with the exception of one term until 1877. In congress he was 
 the author of several bills that became laws and championed many 
 others. He was in full sympathy with the Republican party, and was 
 the author of the bill giving each Union soldier one hundred and sixty 
 acres of government land, and was one of the first in congress to urge 
 that Indian lands should no longer be disposed of by railway companies 
 but reserved for homesteaders. He likewise introduced the bill in 
 congress to make the office of attorney general an executive department. 
 In 1877 he was chosen by the Republicans of the House to argue the 
 
730 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 case of four contested states before the Electoral Commission, and his 
 portrait appears in the painting entitled “Electoral Commission,” which 
 was purchased by congress and now adorns the walls of the Capitol. 
 
 Hon. William Lawrence delivered several notable addresses on the 
 subject of wool protection, one of the, entitled “The Protection of Wool 
 from the Standpoint of the Grower,” was printed by the “Home Market- 
 Club” of Boston, and was widely circulated by its members. He was 
 appointed by Governor Foraker as a delegate to the Farmer’s Congress 
 of the United States, held at Chicago in 1887, and the address which he 
 there delivered on the wool industry was published and distributed as a 
 campaign document by the Republican National Committee. He was a 
 zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a delegate 
 from the Central Ohio Conference to the General Conference in the years 
 1872-76-80 and 1892. In 1871 he organized the Bellefontaine National 
 Bank, of which he was the principal stockholder, and served as its 
 president during its earlier years of existence. He was an enthusiastic 
 farmer and stock raiser, and owned farms in Buck, Taylor Creek and 
 Lynn townships, Hardin county, and carried on general agriculture 
 with success. He died May 8, 1899, his death being a public loss to 
 the community in which he resided, to the county and to the state. 
 
 Hon. William Lawrence married, December 20, 1843, Cornelia 
 Hawkins, a daughter of Hon. William Hawkins. She died February 
 29, 1844. He married on March 2, 1845, Caroline M. Miller, who was 
 born January 20, 1828, in Port Republic, Rockingham county, Virginia, 
 a daughter of Henry Miller, who was born in Virginia, of German 
 ancestors, and moved from there to Ohio, becoming a pioneer settler of 
 Bellefontaine, where he was for many years successfully engaged in 
 mercantile pursuits, conducting a general store. She was a woman of 
 culture, receiving her education at the Presbyterian Female Seminary 
 in Granville, Ohio. Three sons and three daughters blessed their union, 
 namely : Joseph H., William H., John M., Cornelia, Frances C. and 
 Mary Temperance. 
 
 Acquiring his rudimentary education in the public schools of 
 Bellefontaine, William H. Lawrence completed his studies at the Swed- 
 enborgian College at Urbana, Ohio. Turning then his attention to 
 agricultural pursuits, for which he had a natural love and taste, he was 
 for thirty years industriously and prosperously engaged in farming and 
 stock-raising in Lynn township. Removing to Kenton in 1900, he has 
 since resided here retired from active business cares. 
 
 Mr. Lawrence married, February 5, 1878, Agnes Gunn, who was 
 born in Lynn township, Hardin county, November 23, 1854, a daughter 
 of John Gunn, Jr., coming from Scotch ancestry. Her grandfather, 
 John Gunn, Sr., was born in Scotland in 1770, and as a young man 
 joined the English army, with which in 1800 he came across the Atlantic 
 to Canada. After leaving the army he continued his residence for a 
 time in Canada, living first in Montreal, then in Malden, and afterward in 
 Wapakoneta where he was an Indian trader. Coming to Ohio in 1808, 
 he located at McKee Creek, Logan county. The country roundabout 
 was then in its pristine wildness, deer, bear, wolves, panthers, turkeys 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 731 
 
 and wild game of all kinds being plentiful, while the Indians were num- 
 erous and sometimes quite troublesome. He became a tavern keeper, 
 and during the war of 1812 rendered valuable service to the United 
 States commissary department, and for these services his widow was 
 subsequently awarded one hundred and sixty acres of government land. 
 He died in 1842, and his widow passed away in 1864. They reared 
 three sons, namely: John, Jr., Walter D. and Robert. John Gunn, Jr., 
 was born, October 24, 1814, in Logan county, Ohio, and was brought up 
 on a farm, and in 1842 located on land in Lynn township. Making the 
 most of his opportunities, he acquired a practical education, becoming 
 a surveyor of note. He purchased land at different times, becoming 
 owner of upwards of a thousand acres. He was a man of enterprise and 
 public spirit, among the foremost in promoting improvements, assisting 
 in the establishment of schools and churches, and was a strong advocate 
 of good roads. He died July 22, 1876. He married, in 1844, Emily 
 Garrett, a daughter of Tirey Garrett, of whom a sketch may be found 
 on another page of this volume. She died January 16, 1905. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lawrence are the parents of three children, namely: John M.. who 
 married Mabel Ewing and has one child, Joseph H. ; J. William ; and 
 Frances A. 
 
 Robert L. Miller. — In the front rank of the class of men who have 
 been actively associated with the financial movements of various parts of 
 the Union is Robert L. Miller, of Kenton, a man of superior business 
 talent, judgment and tact. In his judicious operations he has accumu- 
 lated much wealth, and is now living retired from business cares in 
 Buck township, Hardin county, occupying his magnificent country seat, 
 a farm of one hundred acres. A son of William Miller, he was born, 
 October 15, 1853, at Catasauqua, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 A native of Ireland, William Miller was born in Coleraine, County 
 Londonderry, and when a small child was left an orphan. When nine 
 years old he came to the United States to make his home with a maternal 
 uncle, a Mr. Leslie, living in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, and there he 
 grew to manhood, receiving in the meantime excellent educational ad- 
 vantages. Endowed with natural ability, he embarked in early man- 
 hood in mercantile pursuits, but in common with those of much greater 
 experience suffered severe losses during the panic of 1857. He subse- 
 quently became a railroad builder, and took contracts to build several 
 hundred miles of the Union Pacific Railroad, both on the plains and in 
 the mountains. He subsequently purchased three hundred and twenty 
 acres of land in Benton county, Iowa, and superintended its management, 
 living in the meantime in Yinton, the county seat, until his death, 
 December 17, 1872. He married Mary McKee, who was born in 
 Dutchess county, New York, where her father, Thomas McKee, who 
 emigrated from Ireland to this country when young, was for many years 
 an Indian trader. She died December 8, 1881, leaving three children, 
 namely : Robert L. ; Mrs. Belle Parker, of Los Angeles, California ; 
 
 and Bertha. Bertha married George Scoville, and died in Iowa, 
 leaving two children. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian 
 church. 
 
732 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Robert L. Miller went west with his father, and at Ogden, Utah, on 
 May 10, 1869, witnessed the driving of the golden spike into the last tie 
 that united the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railways. Coming 
 to Kenton in 1873, he clerked in a bank a year, and then made a trip 
 abroad, visiting many of the larger cities of Europe. Returning to 
 Kenton, Mr. Miller was for a number of years extensively engaged in 
 banking and real estate business. In 1885 he was appointed chief of 
 loans and currency division of the treasury department at Washington, 
 D. C., where he remained four years. Going from there to Saint Paid, 
 Minnesota, Mr. Miller was there engaged in banking several years, and 
 afterwards operated successfully in stocks in Chicago, his home in the 
 meantime being in that beautiful suburb of the city, Evanston. Leaving 
 there he resided in Toledo, Ohio, until 1907, when he assumed possession 
 of the farm which he purchased in 1895, it being beautifully located 
 three miles south of the Kenton courthouse. 
 
 Mr. Miller has been twice married. He married first, when in his 
 twenty-first year, Achsa Stevens, who was born in Kenton, a daughter of 
 Julius and Anne (Burnham) Stevens. She died in 1905. Mr. Miller 
 married second in 1906, Mrs. Mary J. (Smith) Stubbs. She was born 
 in Warren county, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Bowyer) 
 Smith, who are still living on their home farm in that county. Her 
 first husband, Horace Stubbs, a life long resident of Warren county, 
 died at a comparatively early age, leaving one son, George Wilbur 
 Stubbs. Mr. Miller has an adopted daughter, Mary, to whom he is 
 devoting as much care and attention as though she were in reality his 
 own child. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Miller was identified with the Democratic 
 party until 1906, when he became a stanch advocate of sound money and 
 has since voted the Republican ticket. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. 
 Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally 
 he belongs to the Wolf Creek Grange, and takes great interest in pro- 
 moting the welfare of the organization, believing it can be made an 
 instrument of much good to its members. Although Mr. Miller has 
 ever been a busy man, he has been a constant reader, keeping himself 
 well informed on the topics of the day, and in consequence has been 
 uniformly successful in his undertakings, even in his battles with the 
 stock market. Mr. Miller’s country home is one of the finest in Hardin 
 county and the admiration of city people, Avho envy him its possession. 
 The commodious frame house, built in modern style and containing all 
 of the up-to-date improvements for heating and illuminating, stands in 
 the midst of a spacious lawn, which is ornamented with a great variety 
 of trees and shrubs, the estate being an ornament to the community and 
 one in which he and his fellow townsmen may take a just pride. 
 
 George W. Overtly. — Standing high among the industrious and bus- 
 iness-like farmers who are so successfully conducting the agricultural 
 interests of Hardin county is George W. Overly, of Buck township, who 
 represents the younger generation of the Ohio husbandmen. He was 
 born, January 16, 1867, in Wabash county, Indiana, which was also the 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 733 
 
 birthplace of his father, Samuel W. Overly. His grandfather, Daniel 
 Overly, a native of Pennsylvania, born of German ancestors, became a 
 pioneer settler of Wabash county, Indiana. Entering a tract of tim- 
 bered land from the government, he redeemed a good farm from the 
 forest and while establishing a home for himself and family contributing 
 his full share toward the growth and development of that part of the 
 state. There he and his wife spent their remaining years. Daniel 
 Overly was eighty-six years of age at the time of his death. 
 
 Developing into manhood on the Indiana homestead, Samuel W. 
 Overly assisted his father in the strenuous labor of clearing the land, and 
 was engaged in farming in that locality until 1873. Migrating then to 
 Pettis county, Missouri, he located fifteen miles south of Sedalia, and 
 there continued his chosen occupation three years. Coming thefl to 
 Ohio, he spent a year in Champaign county, after which he rented a 
 farm three miles west of Kenton, in Hardin county, where he lived a 
 number of years. Coming then to Buck township, he was here employed 
 in tilling the soil until 1908, when he took up his residence in Ridgeway, 
 where he now lives, retired from active pursuits. He married Eveline 
 Ash, who was born in Indiana, and was there bred and educated. She 
 died in 1894, leaving eight children, namely : George W., Elda, Charles 
 T., Elinor, Stella, John, Edith and Ada. 
 
 Ten years old when he came with his parents to Hardin county, 
 George W. Overly received a practical education in the district schools, 
 while at home he Avas well trained in agricultural arts. In early man- 
 hood he began his agricultural career on rented land and met with very 
 encouraging success from the start. In 1897 Mr. Overly purchased his 
 present farm in Buck township, and is here carrying on general farming 
 Avith satisfactory results, displaying excellent judgment in his operations. 
 
 Mr. Overly married, in 1892, Iva M. Scott, Avho was born in Ohio, a 
 daughter of William Scott, a Hardin county farmer. Three children 
 have been born of their union, namely: Ethel Mary, Lloyd E. and 
 
 Leota May. Mr. Overly belongs to Wolf Creek Grange and to Scioto 
 Camp, M.W. A. 
 
 Samuel A. McCullough, one of the most enterprising, useful and 
 prosperous citizens of Hardin county, conducts a fine farm of four hun- 
 dred acres on Mt. Victory pike. Buck township, t,Avo and a half miles 
 from the courthouse. He purchased the modern place he now occupies 
 in 1907 and is therefore a new settler. Mr. McCullough’s long and 
 noteworthy career as an educator and a broad-gauge farmer was made 
 chiefly in Fairfield and Van Wert counties, Ohio, the grandfather, 
 William, having established the family in the former county in 1806. 
 The ancestor named came from Ireland, which was his native country. 
 As his parents crossed over into Scotland Avhen he was very young he 
 made his home with an uncle ; but it is supposed that both his father and 
 mother perished of the plague which Avas raging at that time. At all 
 events, all tidings of them Avere lost, and at the age of nineteen the youth 
 crossed the ocean to America, first residing in Pennsylvania. In 1806 
 he took up land in Fairfield county, Ohio, Avhere he died at the age of 
 Vol. 11—19 
 
734 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ninety -seven. William, his son (father of Samuel A.), was born in that 
 county, and when he had reached manhood moved across the line into 
 Perry county, where he purchased a quarter section for seven hundred 
 dollars. Coal was discovered on his land, but as he did not wish to work 
 the deposits he sold the one hundred and sixty acres four years after 
 their purchase for five thousand dollars. He then returned to Pair- 
 field county, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. William 
 McCullough married Miss Elizabeth Nixon, born in Virginia, daughter 
 of John and Rebecca (Holt) Nixon, both born in England. The father 
 came to Virginia in his early boyhood and one of his sons, George, served 
 in the Revolutionary war. The Nixons generally remained in the 
 south and its male representatives served in the Confederate army ; the 
 McCulloughs were distributed in various sections of the country, some 
 being soldiers of the Union and others of the southern army. Twelve 
 children were born to William and Elizabeth (Nixon) McCullough, of 
 whom nine reached maturity and Samuel A. was the fourth. 
 
 Samuel A. McCullough was born in Perry county, Ohio, March 27, 
 1847, being eight years of age when his parents moved to Fairfield 
 county. Although his education was confined to his training in the 
 district school he so proved his adaptability to teaching that for twenty- 
 nine years he continued his educational work during the winter terms, 
 giving his summers to farming. Then for two years he gave his entire 
 time to teaching at Bloomfield, Iowa, but in 1892 located on a farm in 
 Hoglin township, Van Wert county, and since that year has made 
 agriculture the main purpose of his life work. For several years of 
 his early residence in that county he was identified with the Gilliland 
 and Little farms, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty 
 acres in Tully township, and for nearly twenty years made a specialty of 
 harvesting hay, his season’s product ranging from one hundred and fifty 
 to two hundred tons. He also raised various grains and live stock ; 
 so that “Grand View” farm became noted as much for its varied pro- 
 ductiveness as for its elevated and beautiful location. Mr. McCullough 
 purchased the land, in 1898, at thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents an 
 acre, and sold it in 1906 at one hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre — 
 a somewhat remarkable advance in price caused by the fine improvements 
 which the proprietor had put upon the place, by the general rise in the 
 desirable lands of the locality, and the improvement made by the Lima 
 and Fort Wayne Electric Railroad. As stated, in 1907 Mr. McCullough 
 located on the fine homestead he now occupies in Buck township. 
 
 In 1874 Mr. McCullough married Miss Anna Jane Wright, who was 
 born in Fairfield county, daughter of William and Betsy (Hansacker) 
 Wright. Her father, an extensive livestock dealer, is also a native of 
 Fairfield county. Her maternal grandfather, Jacob Hansacker, was a 
 native of Virginia, was captured by Indians when a boy and held for 
 twenty-five years ; so that when recovered by his relatives he was, in 
 appearance and nature, an Indian himself. His daughter, the mother 
 of Mrs. McCullough, migrated from Virginia to Fairfield county. Four 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. McCullough — Isaac 
 W., Kate, Benjamin F. and William A. The son last named is follow- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 735 
 
 ing in his father’s footsteps as a teacher, his efficient work having been 
 conducted both in Van Wert and Hardin counties. He is now teaching 
 in Dudley township. Mr. McCullough’s preparation for his profession 
 has been of the most thorough nature. He first exhausted the facilities 
 of the district school, then completed a course at the Conroy high school, 
 and has been a faithful student at the Lima College and the Northern 
 Ohio University at Ada. 
 
 William L. Garrett. — Noteworthy among the active and valued 
 citizens of Hardin county is William L. Garrett, a well-known farmer 
 whose home is pleasantly located on Mt. Victory pike, two miles south of 
 the city of Kenton. A son of Tiry Garrett, he was born, January 1, 
 1844, in Pleasant township, this county. His grandfather, William 
 Garrett, a Virginian by birth and breeding, was a pioneer settler of 
 Highland county, Ohio. Taking up a tract of wild land, he cleared a 
 homestead and there resided until his death in 1825, when but fifty-two 
 years of age. His body was buried in the old Pope cemetery near 
 Centerfield. One of a family of fourteen children, Tiry Garrett was 
 born in Virginia on the 4th of April, 1802, and there acquired his early 
 knowledge of books. Coming with the family to Ohio, he first assisted 
 his father, but after his marriage moved to Wyandot county, where he 
 was a pioneer farmer. Coming from there to Hardin county in 1841, 
 he bought a tract of timbered land that is now owned by the county, it 
 being the present site of the Hardin County Infirmary. The small 
 cabin which he built of round logs had a riveted board roof, a split 
 puncheon floor, an earth and stick chimney, with a huge fireplace, before 
 which his young wife did all of her cooking. W T ild beasts of all kinds 
 roamed through the forests, and Sandusky, many miles away, was the 
 nearest milling and marketing point. Devoting his time to clearing 
 and improving a farm, he resided there, an active and industrious 
 farmer, the remainder of his life, passing away August 31, 1845. 
 
 Tiry Garrett was twice married. He married first Eliza White, 
 who died in Sandusky, Ohio, February 27, 1833, just eight years after 
 their marriage, which was celebrated in February, 1825. By this 
 union two children were born, Emily and Rebecca. He married for his 
 second wife Mahala Nessel, who was born in Pike county, Ohio, where 
 her father, George Nessel. was a pioneer settler. He was born in Ger- 
 many and came to Ohio with his parents at the age of three years. He 
 married Priscilla Pearl, and both he and his wife spent their closing 
 years on their homestead in Ross county, and were buried in the family 
 lot on their home farm. Mrs. Mahala (Nessel) Garrett survived her 
 first husband, and married James Keith. She died in 1893, aged seven- 
 ty-seven years. Of her union with Tiry Garrett five children were 
 born: Mary Ann, who died in infancy; George II., who was killed in 
 
 the Civil war; Charles C., living at Ada, Ohio; our subject, William L. ; 
 and Blona, who died in infancy. By her marriage with Mr. Keith she 
 had four children, Silas, Sarah M., Laura and John. 
 
 Receiving his elementary education in the typical pioneer log school- 
 house, William L. Garrett was initiated into the mysteries of agriculture 
 
736 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 when young, and at the age of thirteen years became self-supporting, 
 finding employment on a farm, and receiving as wages two dollars a 
 month. As his services grew in value, his wages were increased, finally 
 reaching the sum of twenty dollars a month. Going to the territory of 
 Kansas in 1858, Mr. Garrett located in Wyandot county, near Kansas 
 City, where the settlers were few in number and border troubles were 
 rife. He remained there, working as a farm hand, until 1861. At that 
 time the stars and stripes and the Confederate flags were both flying at 
 conspicuous points. 
 
 Returning by boat to his home in May, 1861, Mr. Garrett was busily 
 employed until the following September, when he enlisted in Company 
 G, Thirty- third Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, with which he went 
 south, his regiment being attached to the Foiu’teenth Army Corps, com- 
 manded by General Thomas. He was with the corps in its marches, 
 campaigns and battles, among the more important engagements having 
 been those at Perry ville, Stone River, Hoover’s Gap, Chickamauga, the 
 battle above the clouds, at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and was 
 with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, participating in the battles en 
 route and in the siege and capture of the city. He subsequently con- 
 tinued with his gallant commander to the sea, thence through the Caro- 
 linas and Virginia to Washington, where he took part in the Grand 
 Review. Receiving his honorable discharge July 9, 1865, Mr. Garrett 
 returned to Hardin county, and resumed farming. At the time of his 
 marriage he bought a partly improved farm in McDonald township, 
 resided there four years and then sold out. Purchasing then a timber 
 tract in Taylor Creek township, he built a house and barn, placed the 
 land in a high state of cultivation, and made many improvements of 
 value during the thirty years that he occupied it. He then sold and 
 bought his present attractive home on Mt. Victory pike. 
 
 Mr. Garrett married, in 1868, Sarah Jeffers, who was born in 
 Logan county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Catherine Jeffers. She 
 died July 31, 1908. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Garrett served one 
 term as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is a member of W. W. 
 Simpson Post, G. A. R., of Belle Center. 
 
 John Gerlach. — The representative of one of the early pioneer 
 families of Hardin county, a brave soldier in the Civil war, and an 
 esteemed and respected resident of Kenton, John Gerlach is one of the 
 oldest native born citizens of this place, his birth having occurred here 
 August 1, 1840. He comes of German ancestry, his father, Ulrich 
 Gerlach, having been born at Elm Kreis, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Janu- 
 ary 21, 1812. Three of his brothers, John, Christopher and Gottfried, 
 emigrated when young to America, while his older brother, Adam, in- 
 herited the family estate and remained in the Fatherland. John settled 
 at Pickaway, Miami county, Ohio, and the other two located in Pleasant 
 township, Hardin county. 
 
 When a young lad Ulrich Gerlach began learning the trade of a 
 harness and saddle maker, and after completing his apprenticeship 
 traveled, as was then the custom, working for brief periods in different 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 737 
 
 localities, in each place securing a certificate for skillful workmanship 
 and good character. About 1834 he started for America, being sixty 
 days in crossing the ocean on a sailing vessel. He landed in Baltimore, 
 a stranger in a foreign land, his only capital being good health, willing 
 hands and a large supply of courage and ambition. Starting on foot 
 for the west, he made his way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, stopping 
 occasionally on the route to work at his trade. He resided for awhile 
 in Pittsburg, and then pushed on to Mansfield, Ohio. In 1837 he visited 
 Kenton for a few days, and then went back to Mansfield. In 1838 he 
 returned to Kenton, which at that time was but a small village and the 
 surrounding country a pathless wilderness, which has since given way 
 before the axe of the pioneer, developing into thriving villages, populous 
 towns and productive agricultural communities, the Indian trails of 
 those days being now well graded public highways. Ulrich Gerlach 
 bought a tract of land in a block on North Main street, including a space 
 now included in four city lots, and there established the first harness 
 shop in Hardin county. He traded a harness for one half of this land, 
 and for the other half paid thirty-four dollars in cash. He subse- 
 quently sold the whole tract for five thousand dollars, and then purchased 
 a farm east of Kenton, but did not at once move onto it. He continued 
 in business in Kenton for awhile longer, being first located at the east 
 corner of the block north of the courthouse, and later east of the square. 
 Removing to his farm about 1867, he resided there until his death, in the 
 eighty-fourth year of his age. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary 
 Pfeiffer, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, a daughter of John and 
 Elizabeth Pfeiffer, pioneers of Hardin county. She died at the age of 
 seventy-eight years, leaving six children, John, George, Adam, Christo- 
 pher, William and Elizabeth. 
 
 Beginning as a boy to learn the trade of a harness maker, John 
 Gerlach has followed it during his entire life. Enlisting in May, 1864, 
 in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 he went with his command to Virginia, and served with his regiment 
 until the expiration of his term, when he was honorably discharged and 
 returned home. 
 
 Mr. Gerlach married, in 1862, Mary Jane Balch, who was born in 
 Madison, Ohio, September 25, 1843, a daughter of Israel Balch, a native 
 of Boston, Massachusetts. As a youth Israel Balch followed the sea, 
 but in early manhood came to Ohio, locating in pioneer days in Madison 
 where he spent his remaining years. He married Sarah S. McDonald, 
 who was born in Ross county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Millie 
 (Riley) McDonald. Millie Riley was born in Essex county, Maryland, 
 in 1791, of patriotic ancestry, her mother having carried messages for 
 the Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary war. Millie’s first 
 husband, Mr. McDonald, died young, and she subsequently married a 
 Mr. Roby. She came to Ohio in 1804, and died in Kenton September 29, 
 1864. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach are the parents of eight children, namely: 
 Anna, Mary E., Eva, Sabina, Sadie, Ida, Flo and Alfred McDonald. 
 Religiously Mr. Gerlach is a member of the Evangelical church. Fra 
 
738 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ternally he belongs to Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R., and to Amintia 
 Lodge, No. 79, I. O. 0. F. 
 
 Judge Willis AY. Bowers, who was elected probate judge of Hardin 
 county in 1908, enjoys the reputation of being one of the best county 
 judges in this section of Ohio. He is accounted a wise and impartial 
 dispenser of justice and has the distinction of being the youngest man 
 ever elected to the office of probate judge in Hardin county. He was 
 born, February 22, 1874, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, a son of 
 George D. Bowers. George D. Bowers spent the early part of his life 
 in the Keystone state, but is now a resident of Missouri. He married 
 Caroline Hertzog, daughter of Andrew and Susan Hertzog of Pennsyl- 
 vania. She died in 1890, leaving but one child, AVillis W., the subject 
 of this sketch. 
 
 But fourteen years old when his mother died, Willis AY. Bowers was 
 subsequently brought up by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and 
 Julia Bowers. He received good educational advantages, attending 
 first the public schools, then the State Normal School at California, 
 Pennsylvania, and Hiram College in Portage county, Ohio. Coming 
 to Hardin county in 1895, Mr. Bowers embarked in the onion industry, 
 beginning as a grower and subsequently becoming a buyer and shipper, 
 in the latter industry carrying on an extensive trade, one year shipping 
 three hundred cars. A stanch Democrat in politics, he was his party’s 
 candidate for probate judge in 1908, and had the honor of being elected 
 in a district that is decidedly Republican. 
 
 Judge W. W. Bowers married, July 8, 1896, B. Hazel Hogan, a 
 daughter of John and Sarah Hogan, then residents of Hardin county, 
 but now living at Redford, Michigan. Three children have been 
 born of their union, namely : John F., Oliver C. and George J. Fra- 
 ternally the Judge stands high in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
 the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, the Council and the Commandery. He is 
 also a member of Kenton Lodge, No. 157, B. P. 0. E, ; also a member of 
 Kenton Council No. 344, of the United Commercial Travelers, and is one 
 of the charter members of Scioto Camp No. 4101, of the Modern Wood- 
 men of America, which is the oldest camp of the Modern Woodmen in 
 Hardin county. Religiously he belongs to the Church of Christ, of 
 which he and his family are regular attendants. 
 
 Charles Augustus Stevenson. — A skillful and progressive farmer, 
 thoroughly conversant with the occupation in which he is engaged, 
 Charles Augustus Stevenson materially assists in maintaining the repu- 
 tation of Hardin county as a superior agricultural region, his well 
 managed ancf fertile farm being located in Buck township. He was 
 born, January 5, 1853, in Orleans county, New York, a son of Silas 
 Stevenson and grandson of James Stevenson. A native of Virginia, 
 James Stevenson emigrated to Ohio about 1820, becoming a pioneer 
 settler of Champaign county, where he resided seven years. In 1827 
 he traveled northward, locating on the line of Logan and Hardin coun- 
 ties, where he carried on farming until 1834. Removing then to Taylor 
 
WILLIS W. BOWERS 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 739 
 
 Creek township, Hardin county, he bought wild land, and from the 
 wilderness hewed a homestead, on which he resided until his death, 
 June 6, 1865. He married Unity New, who was born in Virginia, and 
 died in Taylor Creek township March 10, 1864. They were the parents 
 of twelve children, as follows : Silas, father of Charles Augustus ; 
 
 Robert; Lace; Jane; Harriet; William; John; Ephraim; Margaret; 
 Charles A., of whom a sketch may be found on another page of this 
 volume ; David H. ; and Louisa. 
 
 Silas Stevenson was born in October, 1822, in Champaign county, 
 Ohio, and was reared among pioneer scenes. In his boyhood days deer, 
 Avolves, bears and other beasts of the forest were plentiful, often terror- 
 izing the scattering settlers. The nearest mill was many miles distant, 
 and there were no convenient markets, the people subsisting largely on 
 the productions of the soil. When a young man he went to New York 
 state, married, and lived there about four years. Returning to Hardin 
 county, he purchased a tract of wild land in 1853, in Buck township, 
 built a log house, and immediately began the herculean task of redeeming 
 a farm from the wilderness. Huge trees were felled, the logs were 
 rolled into piles and burned, thousands of dollars worth of what would 
 now be good lumber being thus ruthlessly destroyed. Little did the good 
 people of those times dream that in less than a century the conservation 
 of forests would become a question of national importance. Silas 
 Stevenson soon had a part of his land in a yielding condition, and had 
 added to his homestead excellent improvements, having erected a brick 
 house, a frame barn, and other necessary buildings. On this valuable 
 estate he spent the remainder of his life, enjoying all the comforts of a 
 modern home, his death occurring on his home farm in July, 1900. He 
 married Ruby Tyler, who was born in Orleans county, New York, 
 October 27, 1827, and died on the home farm in March, 1908. She was 
 a daughter of John II. and Salina Tyler, esteemed residents of Orleans 
 county. Of the union of Silas and Ruby Stevenson nine children were 
 born, namely: IJazen J., Charles A., Salina, Horace, William. Laura, 
 
 John, Margaret and Frank. 
 
 Early becoming acquainted with the various branches of agricul- 
 ture Charles A. Stevenson has followed farming throughout his entire 
 life, with the exception of a few months spent in Lynn township, having- 
 resided in Buck township since coming here, an infant, in his mother’s 
 arms. In 1902 he settled on the Pike, taking possession of the farm he 
 now owns and occupies. It contains one hundred and thirty acres of 
 rich and fertile land, well adapted to the raising of all the cereals com- 
 mon to this region, and is well improved in regard to both buildings and 
 cultivation. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage with Arrie Newcomb, 
 who was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1852, a daughter of Clark Lewis 
 Newcomb, and granddaughter of Cromwell and Esther (Lewis) New- 
 comb. From a history published by John Bearse Neweomh. of Elo-in. 
 Illinois, a handsome volume of six hundred pages, the history of the 
 Newcomb family of America is given from 1635 to 1874. It shows that 
 Clark Lewis Newcomb was a descendant in the eighth generation from 
 
740 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the emigrant ancestor, Captain Andrew Newcomb, a native of England, 
 the line of descent being as follows : Captain Andrew, Andrew, Simon, 
 Hezekiah, James, James, Cromwell and Clark Lewis. Cromwell New- 
 comb was born at Stephentown, Rensselaer county, New York, May 6, 
 1790 . Coming as a pioneer to Ohio in 1833, he settled first in Knox 
 county. From there he came in 1852 to Hardin county, and on the 
 farm that he bought in Pleasant township lived his remaining days, 
 passing away September 10 , 1871 . Ills wife died August 11, 1872. 
 Clark Lewis Newcomb, born in Livingston county, New York, August 
 8, 1824, was young when he came with his parents to Ohio. Reared to 
 agricultural pursuits, lie spent his comparatively brief life as a farmer, 
 dying in Pleasant township in 1858. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Sarah Finerty, was born in Knox county, Ohio, where her father, 
 Samuel Finerty, was a pioneer settler. She died in 1890 , leaving two 
 children by her first marriage, Arrie, now Mrs. Stevenson ; and Rosa. 
 Sarah Finerty ’s second marriage was to Mr. T. J. Smith and to this 
 union there were three daughters: May, the wife of Jacob Stair; Jessie, 
 who makes her home now with Mrs. Stevenson ; and Elizabeth, wife of 
 Samuel Kumly. Mr. Stevenson is a Republican in politics, and both he 
 and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Clement L. Howey is one of the highly esteemed and successful 
 citizens of Pleasant township, Hardin county, Ohio, and a practical and 
 progressive farmer. He was born in the county, in Blanchard township, 
 August 3, 1864, a son of James and Sarah (Briggs) Llowey, the former 
 born in Pennsylvania, in 1824, and the latter a native of England. Mrs. 
 llowey came to the United States with her parents when three years of 
 age. After her marriage she came with her husband to Hardin county, 
 locating in Blanchard township, where they became owners of a valuable 
 farm. James IJowey died in 1905, at the age of eighty-one years, and 
 his widow survives him and is living on the home farm. They had 
 children as follows: Mary E., Mrs. J. W. Musgrave; Rev. Matthias C., 
 a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a member of the Cen- 
 tral Ohio Conference; John R., a professional music teacher who resides 
 in Missouri; Clement L. ; Wm. W. ; E. E., deceased; G. W. ; and one who 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Clement L. Howey was reared in his native township on his father’s 
 farm and attended the country schools. Reared to farm work, when old 
 enough he began working for others, and by his strict attention to his 
 duties and to the interests of his employers he was able to command the 
 highest price paid for that kind of work. He gained a reputation for 
 industry and thrift, and by his economy and good business judgment has 
 made his own way in life, so that he now owns a productive farm and a 
 beautiful home. He purchased his present farm of seventy-five acres in 
 1893, and has since resided on it, becoming well known in the community. 
 He is a devout and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church, which he served as treasurer ten years, and was also honored by 
 election to the office of steward, and the post of class leader. 
 
 On July 28, 1887, Mr. Howey married Mary M. Kritzler, by whom 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 741 
 
 he had one daughter, Alta E. Mrs. Howey died September 4, 1898. 
 He married on March 27, 1900, Sylphia Finley, and they became the 
 parents of two children, John W., deceased, and Ruth J. Mrs. Ilowey 
 was born in Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, June 6, 1872. 
 
 Henry J. Bloom, a successful and practical farmer of Pleasant 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Kenton, Ohio, in 1863, and 
 is a son of Bernhard and Anna K. (Alt) Bloom, both natives of Ger- 
 many, the former born June 14, 1831, and the latter February 21, 1837. 
 Bernhard Bloom and his wife emigrated to the United States in 1851 and 
 1856, respectively, and the father was six and the mother was eight 
 weeks on board a sailing vessel in crossing the ocean. When he first 
 came to America he worked for the Big Four Railroad Company. He 
 was married in 1857, and in 1866 bought a farm of forty-seven and one- 
 half acres in Buck township, Hardin county, upon which he lived four- 
 teen years. In 1880 he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty-one 
 and two-thirds acres in Pleasant township, which was partly improved 
 and which lie developed into a well tilled and productive farm. He and 
 his wife have now retired from active life, and still reside on this farm. 
 They are the parents of three children, namely: William, Mrs. G. 
 
 Cook and Henry J. 
 
 Henry J. Bloom was reared on a farm and received his education 
 in the country schools. He became an enterprising farmer and is a 
 good manager. He and his brother conduct the farm together ; it is 
 situated about three miles north of Kenton. They follow general farm- 
 ing and raise some stock. They carry on their farm along scientific 
 lines, and the results are gratifying. They own eighty acres in this 
 neighborhood and Henry J. also owns ten acres more where his parents 
 live. He married Mrs. Anna Roby, whose maiden name was Cook, in 
 1903 ; they have no children. Mr. Edward B. Roby died August 4, 1901, 
 the father of Minnie E. and Omer R. Roby. Mr. Bloom is well known 
 in the community for his enterprise and thrift, and is highly respected 
 by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. In politics he is a 
 Democrat. The family are members of the St. John Evangelical church 
 of Kenton and are active in its work, especially in the Sunday school. 
 
 George W. Darst. — An honored representative of the native-born 
 citizens of Hardin county, and the son of a pioneer settler^ George W. 
 Darst, now living retired from active pursuits at Kenton, has been an 
 able assistant in the development and advancement of the agricultural 
 resources of this fertile region, and by his sagacity and foresight has at 
 the same time been enabled to accumulate a competency. A son of 
 Rev. Harrison P. Darst, he was born, February 8, 1840, in Washington 
 township, Hardin county, of Virginian stock. 
 
 Born May 8, 1818, in Woodstock, Virginia, Harrison P. Darst spent 
 his early years in his native state. Left an orphan when a child, he 
 was bound out to a saddletree maker, who kept him at work early and 
 late. Becoming discontented with his lot he ran away and was fortun- 
 ate enough to find a home with a drover, who treated him most kindly. 
 
742 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Subsequently migrating to Ohio, he lived for a time in Pickaway county, 
 and there took unto himself a wife. Coming to Hardin county in 1837, 
 he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Washington township, 
 and in the clearing that he soon made built from round logs a small 
 cabin, into which he moved with his bride before the chimney was made 
 or the floor laid. The land roundabout was then in its original wildness, 
 game of all kinds inhabiting the primeval forest, and the people lived in 
 a most primitive manner. For some time he was the only man that 
 owned a team, and when he went to mill, the nearest one being at West 
 Liberty in Logan county, he used to carry three or four of his neighbors. 
 These pioneers, taking bread enough to last during the four days con- 
 sumed in making the round trip, would shoot wild game and cook and 
 camp by the wayside. When he was away on one of these trips his wife, 
 who was left alone with a young babe, retired to her cot in a corner of 
 the room. She was subsequently awakened by a strange noise, and by 
 the dim light of the fire saw a bear in the room climbing the side of the 
 cabin for a piece of meat hanging there. On securing the meat he left, 
 much to the relief of the poor woman. Rev. Harrison P. Darst was a 
 man of sincere religious convictions, and became a local preacher in the 
 Christian church, in this capacity preaching in various places, at the 
 same time superintending the improvement of his land. In 1858 he 
 visited relatives in Virginia, procured some family papers and a few 
 valuable relics. On his return trip he made the unfortunate mistake 
 of trying to ford a river when the water was too high. He managed 
 to free the horses from the wagon, and they swam ashore, dragging him 
 along, but the wagon and its contents were lost. He died on the home 
 farm on October 31, 1860. Although a Democrat until 1856, he was a 
 strong anti-slavery man, and his home became a station on the under- 
 ground railway, and through it many a poor slave passed on to freedom. 
 
 Rev. Harrison P. Darst married, in Pickaway county, Ohio, Cather- 
 ine Teegardin, who was born in that county June 14, 1814, a daughter of 
 William Teegardin, a Pennsylvania German who became a pioneer of 
 that part of Ohio. Serving in the war of 1812 William Teegardin was 
 for awhile stationed at the block house in Upper Sandusky. He was 
 very successful as an agriculturist, becoming owner of extensive tracts 
 of land in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, and gave to each of his 
 eleven children valuable property, giving one hundred and sixty acres of 
 land to each of seven children, while to the other four he gave each one 
 a home in Pickaway county. He died at the venerable age of eighty- 
 four years. Mrs. Catherine (Teegardin) Darst died February 19, 1901, 
 leaving five children, namely: George W., of whom we write; Sarah E., 
 wife of John Clinger, of Upper Sandusky; John, deceased, lived in 
 Pacific Grove, California; Rebecca, wife of Eli Kridler, of the same 
 place ; and Maria M., wife of W. H. Obenour, also of Pacific Grove. 
 
 Educated in the district schools, George W. Darst was brought up 
 on the home farm, the management of which, owing to the ill health of 
 his father, devolved upon him when he was a mere youth. In Septem- 
 ber, 1862, he enlisted in Company 'A, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, with his brother John, joining his command at Stafford Court 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 743 
 
 House, Virginia, and he remained with his regiment until the close of the 
 war, participating in many important engagements, including the battle 
 of Gettysburg. He was with Sherman on the march to the sea, up 
 through the Carolinas, and after the Grand Review at Washington, D. 
 C., was honorably discharged from the service, in June, 1865. His 
 brother went through with him and died at Pacific Grove, California, 
 June 7, 1909. 
 
 Returning then to the parental homestead, Mr. Darst continued its 
 management until 1878, when he devoted his time to his duties as a 
 sheriff, a position to which he was elected in 1877, and served two terms. 
 He was subsequently engaged in the insurance business until 1891, when 
 he was appointed by Governor McKinley as policeman and given control 
 of the Capitol and grounds in Columbus. In this capacity Mr. Darst 
 served acceptably six years. In 1897 he returned to his farm, and for 
 ten years was successfully employed in agricultural pursuits. Selling 
 out in 1907, he has since lived retired in Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Darst married, October 22, 1865, Hannah E. Eulin, who was 
 born in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 21st of 
 August, 1844, a daughter of John P. Eulin. Her great-grandfather, 
 Benjamin Eulin, a Virginian, was a genuine frontiersman, and a noted 
 Indian fighter, rescuing many white women from the savages. Being 
 pursued by a band of redskins on one of his raids, he jumped off a steep 
 embankment and received injuries which caused his death. Mrs. 
 Darst ’s grandfather, Benjamin Eulin,- born in Virginia, followed the 
 march of civilization westward, located first in Pennsylvania and from 
 there came to Ohio, settling among the pioneers of Columbus. He 
 subsequently moved to Coshocton county, and in 1830 drove across the 
 country with his family to Hancock county. In 1833 he bought govern- 
 ment land in Hardin county, put up the first flour mill in this section to 
 be operated with horse power, and was here a resident several years. He 
 moved from here to Iowa, and there spent the closing years of his life. 
 He married Elizabeth Elder. 
 
 Born, July 17, 1818, in Columbus, Ohio, John P. Eulin began life 
 for himself at the age of nineteen years, taking a contract to clear ten 
 acres of the land now included in the present site of Dunkirk, receiving- 
 ten dollars an acre for his work. He was later variously employed, and 
 when he had accumulated a sufficient sum he bought timbered land in 
 Washington township, Hardin county, and here lived until 1862. He 
 then bought a farm in Cessna township, where he spent the remainder 
 of his life, passing away March 1, 1887. He married, in 1842, Elizabeth 
 Lynch, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 14, 1825, a 
 daughter of George Lynch. She died May 22, 1891, leaving three 
 children, namely: Mrs. Darst, who died February 11, 1910; Benjamin P. 
 Eulin; and Emma E., who died October 11, 1867. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Darst had seven children, but all died in infancy 
 except A. Frank and Otto C. A. Frank Darst, who received a practical 
 education in the public schools of Kenton, is now living in Columbus, 
 being there employed in the trans'fer department in the Express Com- 
 pany’s office. He married Gertrude Schrader. Otto C. Darst attended 
 
744 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the Ohio State University at Columbus, and subsequently made a special 
 study of architecture under the tutorship of Mr. Gilbert in New York, 
 and of Mr. Granger in Chicago, and subsequently studied in Europe. 
 He is now engaged in architectural business in Columbus and is fast 
 forging to the front as a leading architect of that city. Mr. Darst has 
 always been a Republican in politics, and a stanch supporter of the 
 principles of his party. In his official life he performed his duties 
 with marked ability and fidelity, winning the approval of his constituents. 
 He is a member of Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R., and was in December, 
 1909, elected commander of his Post, which he helped to organize in 
 1883 and of which he is a charter member. 
 
 Robert H. Mitchell. — The late Robert PI. Mitchell, of Kenton, 
 Ohio, was an able and highly respected business man, and was well 
 known in the community. Mr. Mitchell was born in Gloversville, New 
 York, March 24, 1832, and was a son of Peter IT. and Catherine 
 (Demarest) Mitchell, both natives of the state of New York. Peter H. 
 Mitchell and his wife moved to Wyandot county, Ohio, where they lived 
 a short time, after which they removed to Missouri. Mrs. Mitchel was 
 taken sick and died about 1862, after which Peter II. Mitchell returned 
 to Ohio, locating in Marseilles, where his son, Robert H., was then living. 
 
 Robert PI. Mitchell spent much of his eary life working in mills, 
 spending a short time in Kentucky in this occupation. At the time of 
 the Civil war he enlisted for a short time in Company G, One Hundred 
 and Forty-fourth Infantry, Ohio National Guard, under General Lew 
 Wallace. At the close of the war he lived for a time on a farm near 
 Marseilles, Ohio, and about 1868 he moved with his family to Kenton, 
 Hardin county, where he bought a woolen mill, and he conducted the 
 same until the panic of 1872, when he failed in business and began 
 working as commercial traveler. Mr. Mitchell spent a number of years 
 on the road and then worked in the office of the house he had represented, 
 which was located in Columbus, Ohio. He continued in this position 
 until his death, December 11, 1902. 
 
 Politically Mr. Mitchell was a Republican, and he was a member of 
 the Masonic order. He was an earnest member of the Presbyterian 
 church, conscientious and honest in his dealings with his fellow men, and 
 highly regarded by his associates. He was a man of high character, 
 who made and retained the friendship of many. Mr. Mitchell married, 
 in 1852, Elizabeth Terry, daughter of Ethan and Barbara (Heckathorn) 
 Terry, the former from North Carolina and the latter a native of Ohio. 
 Ethan Terry was a surveyor and served a number of years as public 
 surveyor of Wyandot county ; after removing to Hardin county he was 
 also elected surveyor of that county, and he surveyed the road from 
 Kenton to Marseilles. 
 
 Mr. Mitchell and his wife became the parents of two children, Isabel 
 and Terry, the latter of whom died at the age of thirty-five years. Isabel 
 married James L. Moore, of Kenton, and one child was born to them, 
 Charles. Mrs. Moore died while her child was a mere infant, and her 
 mother, Mrs. Mitchell, took the child and reared him. He was educated 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 745 
 
 by his grandmother, and became a credit to her love and care. He is a 
 young man of good habits and high character, well liked wherever known. 
 
 Henry J. Myers. — Occupying a prominent position among the more 
 intelligent, enterprising and active agriculturists of Hardin county is 
 Henry J. Myers, whose well-managed and highly productive farm is 
 finely located in Buck township. He has the distinction of being a 
 native born citizen, his birth having occurred in Pleasant township 
 September 7, 1853. His father. Henry Myers, Jr., and his grandfather, 
 Henry Myers, Sr., were both born and reared in Brunswick, Germany. 
 
 Henry Myers, Sr., followed the trade of a carpenter in the Father- 
 land for a number of years. Emigrating to America about 1846, he 
 settled in Kenton, Ohio. While still a resident of this place he bought 
 a tract of timbered land lying south of the town, and after building a 
 substantial log house on the place moved into it and was there engaged 
 in clearing and improving a homestead during the remainder of his 
 active days, dying there at the good old age of seventy- five years in 1864. 
 He reared four children, Henry, Christian, Andrew and Hannah. 
 Andrew enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war, and lost his life on the field 
 of battle. 
 
 Born in Brunswick, Germany, in April, 1819, Henry Myers, Jr., 
 was there brought up and educated. In 1845, ambitious to try his luck 
 in a new country, he came across the ocean to the United States, making 
 his way directly to Kenton, Ohio, where he began life for himself even 
 with the world. He labored at any honest employment that he could 
 fin d, and when the railway was in process of construction worked on that. 
 In the fall of 1854, after his marriage, he took possession of the hewed 
 log house which his father had built in the wilderness and turned his 
 attention to clearing the land and tilling the soil. He subsequently 
 succeeded to the ownership of the land, and continued the improvements 
 already inaugurated, erecting a frame house and other farm buildings, 
 and was there successfully employed in general farming- until his death 
 in 1897 at the age of seventy-nine years. Henry Myers, Jr., married, in 
 1850, Mary Kahler, who was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, which 
 was also the birthplace of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kahler. 
 In 1848 Nicholas Kahler, with his wife and three children, set sail for 
 America, and after battling for nine whole weeks with the turbulent 
 waves landed, in February, in New York city. He came directly to 
 Kenton, Ohio, which was then a small place, and was soon actively en- 
 gaged in the manufacture of brick, continuing the industry a number of 
 years. He subsequently spent the remainder of his life in or near 
 Kenton, dying at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him, 
 attaining the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His son, Conrad 
 Kahler, became a farmer, and spent his last years in Pleasant township, 
 Hardin county. Mrs. Mary (Kahler) Myers now occupies a pleasant 
 home on South Main street, Kenton, where she is living in comfort and 
 pleasure. She is highly respected for her many virtues, and is a con- 
 scientious member of the Evangelical clnirch, and has reared her family 
 in the same religious beliefs. To her and her husband nine children 
 
746 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 were born, namely : Henry J., William, August, Andrew, Martha, Mary, 
 Elizabeth, Augusta, and Emma, and all are living. 
 
 Educated in the district schools, Henry J. Myers resided beneath 
 the parental roof until ready to start, an establishment of his own, when 
 he settled in Buck township, on the farm which he now owns and occu- 
 pies. A log house on the place and a few cleared acres constituted the 
 improvements at the time of his purchase. With the resolute spirit and 
 ambition of a sturdy manhood, he continued the improvements, and has 
 constantly added to its value and to its extent, having now two hundred 
 and twenty acres of rich and fertile land, with a commodious frame 
 house and a substantial set of farm buildings. His homestead is well 
 stocked with horses, cattle and sheep, and he is here carrying on farming 
 and stock raising after the most approved modern methods, his farm 
 being one of the finest and most desirable in the vicinity. 
 
 On October 10, 1878, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Mary 
 Lintz, who was born in Kenton, where her parents, Nicholas and Amelia 
 Lintz, located as pioneers on coming to this country from Germany, their 
 native land. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have seven children living, namely: 
 Herman, who married Fannie Fulton, has one son, Nelson ; Edith ; Otto ; 
 Minnie ; Frances ; Emma ; and Florence. All are at home attending 
 school and helping on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Myers belong to 
 the Evangelical church, being among its most faithful members. 
 
 William Ruhlen. — Some of the most desirable citizens of Kenton, 
 Ohio, are men who have spent most of their lives in hard work and have 
 retired from active life to enjoy the fruits of their labors. Among these 
 useful citizens is William Ruhlen, who was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- 
 many, January 21, 1842, a son of George and Dorothy (Sattler) Ruhlen, 
 both also born in Wurtemberg. About 1853 the family emigrated to 
 the United States and settled on a farm near New California. Here Mr. 
 Ruhlen bought ninety acres of land, of which about thirty acres were 
 cleared, and this farm also contained an old log cabin. They put this 
 land into good condition and later added land until they had one hundred 
 and thirty acres, which they sold after a few years and bought a farm 
 of two hundred and seventy acres, also near New California, where Mr. 
 Ruhlen died about 1878. Later this farm was traded for a farm near 
 Pottersburg, the latter containing one hundred and thirty acres. Here 
 Mrs. Ruhlen spent her remaining years, passing away in 1888. 
 
 When sixteen years of age William Ruhlen began working on a 
 farm near Milford, Ohio, where he spent two years and then enlisted in 
 Company I, Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, being discharged at Zanesville 
 in 1861. He reenlisted in September in Company K of the First Ohio 
 Cavalry, and served with this regiment three years. He served in the 
 battle of Missionary Ridge and took part in a skirmish in the town of 
 Cleveland, Tennessee, when the ammunition factory was blown up by 
 the Union forces. In this disaster many lost their lives, two who were 
 mortally wounded being in the First Cavalry. One of these men was a 
 man named William Johnson, who after receiving his wound was held 
 on his horse by Mr. Ruhlen (who was riding at his side at the time) and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 747 
 
 taken to a place of safety. Among the engagements in which Mr. 
 Ruhlen participated were the following : Booneville, Mississippi ; Rus- 
 
 sellville and Courtland, Alabama ; Bardstown and Perryville, Kentucky ; 
 Stone River (December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863) and Elk River, 
 Tennessee; Alpine and Chickamauga, Georgia; Washington, Tennessee; 
 Paint Rock, Decatur and Moulton, Alabama ; New Day Creek and Love- 
 joy, Georgia ; and the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Ruhlen was also engaged 
 in the skirmish at Calhoun. Tennessee, in which one hundred and sixty 
 southern soldiers were taken prisoners by forty Union soldiers. Mr. 
 Ruhlen was discharged in October, 1864. at Columbia, Tennessee, and 
 returning home, took up his affairs where he had left them. He was 
 employed on the same farm where he had worked before the war, and 
 continued there two years. 
 
 In April, 1867, Mr. Ruhlen married Miss Euphemia Reed, daughter 
 of James Reed, a resident of Union county. In July of the same year 
 they moved to a farm of seventy-seven acres situated in Hardin county, 
 Lynn township, which he had purchased. This was all timber land, so 
 that he had to proceed to clear same for cultivation. He erected a small 
 log house and went to work with energy to put his land into a good state 
 of cultivation, adding more land from time to time until he now owns a 
 fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, with modern improvements 
 and substantial buildings. He is a good business manager and very 
 industrious, so that he made the most of his land and was considered 
 very successful in his operations. Mr. Ruhlen also owned a nice farm in 
 Bedford county, Tennessee, which he recently turned over to his son. 
 He and his wife became the parents of five children, all of whom are 
 living, but Mrs. Ruhlen died September 26, 1879. In the spring of 
 1908 Mr. Ruhlen retired, renting his farm to a son and son-in-law, and 
 he now lives in the substantial home he has purchased on East Columbus 
 street, Kenton. He married February 16. 1880, Adelia Reed, daughter 
 of Samuel L. and Margaret F. (Boal) Reed, and six children were born 
 of this marriage. 
 
 Mr. Ruhlen has always taken an active interest in public affairs and 
 he is a Republican. He served his township three years as trustee. He 
 is a member of the Presbyterian church and is interested in every good 
 cause tending toward the betterment or progress of the city and county. 
 
 William Carey, deceased, for years a prominent merchant and 
 banker of Kenton, Ohio, settled in the county just after the town of 
 Kenton was laid out. when it was surrounded by timber. He was a 
 native of New Jersey, and was a son of Lewis Carey, who came to Ohio 
 among the early settlers. Lewis Carey brought one hundred slaves 
 with him from New Jersey, all of them belonging to him. He bought a 
 large tract of land near Bucyrus and gave it to them, but they could not 
 make a living for themselves without some one to take care of them, so 
 they ran away. lie spent the greater part of his life at Bucyrus, but 
 died in Kenton, Ohio. 
 
 The early childhood of William Carey was spent in New Jersey; he 
 came with his parents to Ohio, and in an early day came to Hardin 
 
748 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 county, where he spent a year and then removed to Marseilles, where he 
 married Sarah, daughter of Moses and Jane (Patterson) Dudley. Moses 
 Dudley was among the first white settlers of Hardin comity, Ohio, and 
 the town of Kenton was not laid out at the time. He helped build 
 the first road through Hardin county and erected the first jail in Kenton. 
 He purchased one hundred acres of land in the vicinity of Kenton and 
 improved it, later selling out. He bought land farther down the river, 
 where he lived for a number of years, then removed to Versailles, Ohio, 
 and after spending a few years there he returned to Kenton and spent 
 his remaining years with his daughter. 
 
 About five years after his marriage William Carey returned to 
 Kenton, where he conducted a general store for several years, and also 
 became the pioneer banker of Kenton, establishing the Carey Bank. On 
 account of ill health, however, Mr. Carey retired and lived only about 
 one year afterward. He was a public-spirited citizen, and interested in 
 every movement for the betterment and development of the town. He 
 was a Republican after the establishment of that party, and actively 
 interested in public affairs. He and his wife were parents of ten 
 children, of whom three now survive. He is well remembered in Kenton 
 where he was well known and highly esteemed. 
 
 Albert Dean. — One of the pioneer merchants of Kenton was Albert 
 Dean, deceased, who was born in Stamford, Connecticut, March 5, 
 1805. Mr. Dean was a son of Lebbius and Ruah (Weed) Dean, who 
 came to the state of Ohio before the construction of the Erie canal and 
 were among the earliest settlers. Lebbius Dean, with his family and 
 possessions, started from Connecticut to Ohio in December, 1821, having 
 a team of horses and a yoke of oxen. Their way was attended by many 
 hardships and dangers ; in many places they had literally to cut their 
 road through the woods, and the wild animals and Indians were often 
 annoying. However, by spring they had reached Columbus, where they 
 stopped for a time. Afterward Mr. Dean took up six hundred and 
 forty acres of land from the government in Franklin county. He 
 erected a log house and began clearing and improving his farm, so that 
 by the time a few years had passed the result of his industry was very 
 apparent in the state of his farm. He built a comfortable house and 
 other suitable buildings, and here he and his wife spent the remainder 
 of their days. This farm has passed down to the fourth generation 
 from the original settler. 
 
 The boyhood of Albert Dean passed as that of other sons of pioneers. 
 His educational advantages were meager, but he made the most of his 
 opportunities and helped with the work of the farm when he was old 
 enough. About 1844 he moved to Hardin county and spent a short 
 time on a farm, after which he located in the city of Kenton and em- 
 barked in the dry goods business. He built up an excellent trade, but 
 later sold his business and engaged in the harness industry with his 
 brother. Their business grew to fair proportions and they remained in 
 business together a number of years. Albert Dean showed his business 
 acumen by his good investments in real estate, and some of the property 
 

 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 749 
 
 he purchaed in Kenton is now very valuable. Some time before his 
 death he sold his interest in the harness business and retired from active 
 life. Politically he was a Republican, and he belonged to the Presby- 
 terian church. Mr. Dean became well known and highly respected 
 in Kenton and the surrounding community, and was considered a 
 substantial, representative citizen. 
 
 About 1832 Albert Dean married Miss Jane Dalzell, daughter of 
 William and Elizabeth (Laughlin) Dalzell, natives of Ireland. Eight 
 children were born to Mr. Dean and his wife, of whom five still survive. 
 
 Philip H. Hisey, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens 
 of Kenton, is a worthy representative of those courageous pioneers who 
 came to Ohio at an early period of its settlement and assisted in the 
 development of its varied resources. During his four score years of 
 residence in this state he has witnessed wonderful transformations. In 
 his boyhood days neither railways, telegraph or telephone line spanned 
 these broad acres, few, if any, evidences of civilization were then in 
 evidence ; while now flourishing towns and cities and magnificent agri- 
 cultural regions have usurped the place of the forest, and the fertile 
 acres yield abundantly and to spare. A native of Virginia, Mr. Hisey 
 was born, December 31, 1826, in Monroe county, a son of John Hisey. 
 
 John Hisey, born of German parents, spent his last years in Monroe 
 county, Virginia, dying in early life, about 1827. He married Priscilla 
 Hutchison, who was born, probably, in Virginia, and at his death left 
 her with two small children, a daughter Martha and a son Philip H., who 
 is the subject of this sketch. His widow, Mrs. John Hisey, came with 
 her two young children to Ohio about 1829 and settled in Lawrence 
 county. She subsequently there married Daniel S. Vermilion, and in 
 1834, in November, located in Linn township, Hardin county, on one 
 hundred and sixty acres of land which had been given to Mr. Vermilion 
 by his father. Cutting away trees to make space for a dwelling, Mr. 
 Vermilion erected a cabin of small round logs, with a puncheon floor, 
 a stick and mud chimney, and a roof covered with split boards. Mrs. 
 Vermilion did all of her cooking by the fireplace, and from the flax and 
 wool raised on the land carded, spun and wove the homespun from 
 ■which she made the clothes for the family. Mr. Vermilion in the 
 meantime made the shoes, each member of the family having one pair a 
 year. With the assistance of his step-son and his own sons he cleared 
 one hundred acres of the land and made substantial improvements on the 
 place. He first replaced the original cabin with one made of hewed 
 logs, and later built a good frame house and two large barns. He set 
 out fruit and shade trees, starting a fine orchard from apple tree sprouts 
 that, he brought with him from Lawrence county when he returned from 
 a visit made to his former home in 1836. He died at a ripe old age, and 
 his wife died when seventy-four years old. By her second marriage 
 Mrs. Vermilion reared ten children. 
 
 An infant when his father died. Philip II. Hisey was seven years old 
 when he came with his mother and step-father to Lynn township. He 
 was reared among pioneer scenes, and remembers well when Cherokee, 
 Voi. n — 20 
 
750 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Northwood and West Liberty were the only milling points in Logan 
 county, and all grain grown in this locality had to be taken to one of 
 those places to be ground, while the farmers of this vicinity took their 
 surplus produce to Sandusky, where he had his first glimpse of a railroad. 
 The log schoolhouse in which he learned to read and write was furnished 
 with slab seats, with wooden pegs for legs, no desks in front, while a 
 piece of glass inserted in a space cut in a log admitted a dim light. 
 Leaving home at the age of twenty-two, Mr. Hisey borrowed an axe and 
 earned bis first money as a wood chopper and a farm hand. Industrious 
 and thrifty, he saved his wages, and subsequently bought a tract of 
 timber land in Lynn township. Building then a nice hewed log house, 
 he there began housekeeping with his bride. Selling out a short time 
 after for five hundred dollars he operated a saw mill in Jackson township 
 for five years. In 1857, in company with Mr. Edward Clark, he embarked 
 in the dry goods business at Patterson, Hardin county, and at the end of 
 a year moved to Yelverton and later bought out his partner and removed 
 to Taylor Creek township, where he continued as a merchant for some 
 time, carrying a good stock of general merchandise. Selling out in 
 1884, Mr. Hisey has since resided in Kenton. During the time that has 
 since elapsed he has bought and sold several farming estates, and now 
 owns two well improved and valuable farms, one in Lynn township and 
 one in Taylor Creek township, from the rentals of which he receives a 
 handsome annual income. 
 
 Mr. Hisey married, in 1851, Mary E. Piper, who was born in New 
 Hampshire, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth Piper, who migrated 
 from that state to Richland county, Ohio, and from there came, in 1848, 
 to Hardin county, locating in what is now Lynn township. Mrs. Hisey 
 passed to the life beyond in 1907, aged seventy-four years. Three 
 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hisey, namely: May E., who died 
 in infancy; Ira and Iva Myrtle. Ira married Jane Fuls and they have 
 six children, Hattie, Grace, Esther, Mabel, Ruthie and Phyllis. Iva 
 M. keeps house for her father. Mr. Hisey has one great-grandchild, 
 named for him, Philip H. Ragan, a son of Mrs. Grace Ragan, of Columbus 
 Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hisey united with the Presbyterian church 
 when young. Politically Mr. Hisey is a Republican and has voted at 
 every presidential election since casting his first vote for General 
 Zachary Taylor. 
 
 Daniel W. Rose. — Eminently deserving of representation in this 
 volume is Daniel W. Rose, who comes of pioneer stock, is a veteran of the 
 Civil war and is identified with the interests of Kenton as a dealer in 
 real estate. A son of the late James Rose, he was born, July 28, 1844, 
 in Delaware township, Hancock county, Ohio. Ilis grandfather, James 
 Rose, Sr., was born and brought up in England. When a young man 
 he, with his brothers, Jesse and John, emigrated to America, locating 
 first on Long Island, and later one of the brothers settled in the Western 
 Reserve. The grandfather, too, came to Ohio, but located in Hancock 
 county, having, however, first spent a short time in Fairfield, Greene 
 county. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 751 
 
 James Rose, Jr., was born during the residence of his parents in 
 Hancock, Maryland, and with them crossed the country to Fairfield, 
 Ohio, where as a young man he learned the trades of a carpenter and 
 cabinet maker. Early in the ’30s he became a pioneer settler of 
 Hancock county, Ohio, where, two miles south of Mount Blanchard, he 
 purchased eighty acres of government land and soon after purchased 
 eighty acres more of a Mr. Ilarshbarger. Beginning at once the es- 
 tablishment of a home in the wilderness by erecting a log cabin, he 
 began the clearing of a homestead. His earnest labors were rewarded, 
 and in addition to redeeming a good farm from the wild land he rendered 
 material assistance in the development and advancement of the locality, 
 living there until his death, in May, 1868. He married Sarah Spurgeon. 
 Ten children were born of their union, namely : Keziali, Emily, Thomas 
 J., Caroline, David, Martha, Elias, Eli, Daniel W., and Lorenzo D. W. 
 
 The typical pioneer sehoolhouse in which Daniel W. Rose obtained 
 his early education was built of logs, with puncheon floors, slab benches 
 with wooden pins inserted for legs, while a plank placed along one side 
 of the room furnished a place upon which the older pupils learned to 
 use the quill pen. When not in school he assisted his father in the 
 daily work of the farm, and at the age of seventeen years joined the 
 State Militia. On April 2, 1864, Mr. Rose was sworn into the United 
 States service for a period of one hundred days as a member of Company 
 A, One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Going 
 south he joined General Butler’s command, and served with his regiment 
 in all of its marches and campaigns until the expiration of his term, 
 when he received his honorable discharge. On February 6. 1865, Mr. 
 Rose reenlisted, joining Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-second 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went with his comrades, and was in the 
 Shenandoah valley at the time of Lee’s surrender. He was chosen 
 by the colonel as color guard, the color bearer’s right hand man. Honor- 
 ably discharged on September 1, 1865, Mr. Rose returned home, and 
 the ensuing four years was engaged in farming for himself on the 
 parental homestead. Coming to Hardin county in 1869, he purchased 
 eighty acres of land in Jackson township, and on it raised two crops. 
 Trading that land far a tract lying three miles south of Mount Blan- 
 chard. Mr. Rose resided there two seasons, and then sold out and bought 
 sixty acres of land, the old Shaw place, lying across the river in the 
 same township. A year later, taking advantage of a good offer, he 
 sold that farm, and bought the old Musgrave homestead of one hun- 
 dred acres in the same township, and was engaged in its management 
 for three years. Again selling at an advance, Mr. Rose purchased 
 eighty acres of land in Madison township, and also bought property in 
 Dunkirk, where he lived for six months. Taking possession then of the 
 Madison township farm, situated one and one-half miles west of Williams- 
 town, he was there engaged in tilling the soil until 1881, when he sold 
 and invested his money in Jay county, Indiana, buying two farms of 
 eighty acres each. Disposing of both farms in 1886, Mr. Rose, whose 
 health was badly impaired, came to Kenton, where he lived retired a 
 number of years. In 1897, having recovered to some extent his former 
 
752 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 physical vigor, he bought a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres in 
 Adams county, Indiana, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits 
 for four years. In 1901 he returned to Kenton and has since been 
 actively and profitably engaged in the real estate business. 
 
 Mr. Rose married, in 1868, Jane Scott, who was born in Crawford 
 county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Amelia Scott. Three children 
 were born of their union Flora, Ella May and Edwin Rose. Ella May 
 died when five months old. Edwin Rose married first Mary Krenbihl, 
 who died in early life, leaving one child, Ellen. He married for his 
 second wife Estella Woods, and they have one child, James D. Rose. This 
 wife also died and he married for his third wife Nellie Weller. Flora 
 Rose married first Edward Wilson, and married second P. F. Swanger. 
 By her first marriage Mrs. Swanger had two children, Effie and Goldie G. 
 By her present union she has one child, Charlie Swanger. Mr. Rose is a 
 member of Cantwell Post No. 99, G. A. R. 
 
 J. Harry Wagner. — Widely known throughout this section of the 
 state in his official capacity of sheriff of Hardin county, J. Harry Wag- 
 ner, of Kenton, has spent the larger part of his life in this vicinity, 
 contributing towards the advancement of its agricultural and industrial 
 interests and gaining for himself the reputation of one who deserves 
 the confidence and trust of his fellow-men. A son of W. TI. H. Wagner, 
 he was born, September 20, 1870, in Pleasant township, Hardin county, 
 coming from pioneer ancestry, his paternal grandfather, Henry L. Wag- 
 ner, and his maternal grandfather, John TI. Gary, having been early 
 settlers of this county. 
 
 W. H. H. Wagner, a native of Warren county, Ohio, came to Hardin 
 county when young, and was brought up on the homestead cleared and 
 improved by his father. He became a farmer, and was for many years 
 engaged in tilling the soil in Pleasant township, but is now a resident 
 of Kenton. He married Mary A. Gary, who came to Hardin county 
 with her parents, and to them six children were born, three of whom 
 are living, J. Harry being the eldest. 
 
 Growing to man’s estate on the home farm, J. Harry Wagner early 
 became familiar with its various labors, in the meantime obtaining a 
 practical education in the common schools. A natural mechanic, he 
 made use of his talents by learning the carpenter’s trade, under the 
 tuition of J. S. Scott, of Kenton, and for awhile, in addition to farming, 
 carried on a substantial business as a contractor and builder. An 
 active worker in the Republican party, Mr. Wagner was elected sheriff 
 of Hardin county in 1908, and has since served in this position with 
 recognized ability. He has been successful in his career, and is the 
 owner of a valuable farming property in Taylor Creek township. 
 
 Mr. Wagner married, November 16, 1892, Olive Brelsford, a daugh- 
 ter of James J. and Victoria (Smiley) Brelsford, of Hardin county, and 
 they have one child, Juanita Wagner. Fraternally Mr. Wagner is a 
 member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; of the Inde- 
 pendent Order of Odd Fellows ; and of the local Grange. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 753 
 
 James M. Baldwin, who is engaged in a real estate, loan and insur- 
 ance business at Kenton, Ohio, has been a resident of this place for over 
 twenty-five years. He is a native of Ohio, born in Logan county, Aug- 
 ust 30, 1843, of Western Reserve pioneer stock, his ancestors having 
 come here at an early day from Pennsylvania. Jonah Baldwin, his 
 father, Jerrub Baldwin, his grandfather, were both born in Ohio, the for- 
 mer in Stark county. Jonah Baldwin now eighty -six years of age, is 
 a resident of West Mansfield, this state. His wife, Mary (Yarrington) 
 Baldwin, a native of Union county, Ohio, died at the age of seventy- 
 eight years. Her father, Ephraim Yarrington, came from his native 
 state, Pennsylvania, to Ohio at an early day. Jonah and Mary Bald- 
 win had eight children, six sons and two daughters ; all the sons are 
 living but the daughters are deceased. 
 
 When James M., the eldest of the children was about twelve years 
 old his father moved to West Mansfield and settled on a farm, which as 
 a boy, he helped to clear and cultivate, and which he left just as he was 
 entering manhood to answer his country’s call. On August 8, 1862, 
 he enlisted as a member of Company II, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, and as a private he shared the fortunes of his command until 
 the close of the war. He was mustered out at Mobile, Alabama, and 
 discharged at. Columbus, Ohio, July 31, 1865, During his service he 
 was in thirteen hard fought battles, besides numerous lesser engagements, 
 but was fortunate enough to escape without a wound. For a time he 
 was ill and in hospital. The year following his return from the army 
 he married, and for several years thereafter was engaged in contracting 
 and carpenter work. He spent one year at Mt. Victory, Ohio, after 
 which he went over into Indiana and settled in Rochester, where he 
 made his home fifteen years. After this he lived two years in Warsaw, 
 and in 1884 came back from there to Ohio and took up his residence in 
 Kenton, where he has since remained. Here he continued work at the 
 carpenter’s trade until 1900, and since then has been engaged in a real 
 estate and insurance business. Also he is a justice of the peace, having 
 been elected to this office November 8, 1904. 
 
 Mr. Baldwin married, on May 17, 1866, Miss Sarah F. Kennedy, 
 who was born on a farm in Hardin county December 9, 1844, a daughter 
 of Moses and Nancy Kennedy. To them were born a son and daugh- 
 ter. The latter, Ida May, is the wife of L. Wilson, and the son, Charles 
 E., married Mattie I. Cessna, of South Kenton. Politically Mr. Bald- 
 win has been a life-long Republican. He is prominent and active in 
 the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Cantwell Post, No. 
 97, in which he has filled all the chairs. Also he is a member of the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious creed is that of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has been identified all his 
 life and in which for years he served as class-leader. 
 
 William A. Hatch. — Among the native born citizens of Hardin 
 county noted for their intelligence and capabilty is William A. Hatch, 
 a representative agriculturist of Pleasant township, and proprietor of 
 “Locust Lawn Farm,” one of the model rural estates of this section of 
 
754 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Ohio. Clear-headed and active, possessing excellent judgment, he is 
 meeting with eminent success as a general farmer and stock-raiser, and 
 is widely and favorably known as an upright, honorable man. He was 
 born, in 1850, in Cessna township, Hardin county, a son of Chester 
 Hatch, coming on the paternal side of substantial New England ancestry. 
 
 Born in Vermont, Chester Hatch grew to a vigorous manhood among 
 the rugged hills of his native state. Lured westward by the glowing 
 accounts of cheap lands to be found in Ohio, he came to Hardin county 
 in 1845, locating in Cessna township, where he purchased eighty acres 
 of land that was still in its virgin wildness. In his New England home 
 he had obtained a practical education, and after coming to this county 
 he taught school during several winter seasons, in the meantime working 
 hard during the long summers on his land. By diligence, thrift and 
 good management he improved a good farm, on which he spent the 
 remainder of his life, passing away in 1902. He was prominent in 
 local affairs, serving many years as justice of the peace, and holding 
 minor offices of responsibility. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Mary Chambers, was born and brought up in Pennsylvania, in the vc- 
 cinity of Cliambersburg, and died, in 1900, in Cessna township. Two 
 sons were born of their union, namely: David and William A. David 
 married Matilda Gillon, who died in 1879, in early womanhood. 
 
 William A. Hatch was educated in the common schools of Cessna 
 township, and while on the home farm was initiated into the mysteries 
 of agriculture. Following in the footsteps of his father, he taught 
 school a number of winter terms when a young man, working on the 
 farm during seed time and harvest. He afterward began his agricul- 
 tural career by purchasing forty acres of land adjoining his father’s 
 homestead, in Cessna township, where he carried on his chosen occupa- 
 tion for a while. Wishing to enlarge his operations, Mr. Hatch removed 
 to Washington township, where he bought a farm of eighty acres, which 
 he managed with excellent pecuniary results for a number of seasons. 
 In 1900 he purchased Locust Lawn Farm in Pleasant township, and three 
 years later, in 1903, took possession of the property. Mr. Hatch is 
 carrying on his labors after the latest and most approved scientific meth- 
 ods, his one hundred and twenty acres of land being well cultivated and 
 well improved and considered one of the most valuable in the neighbor- 
 hood. TIis farming machinery and implements are of the most improved 
 patterns, and everything about the place is in keeping with the appli- 
 ances of a first-class agriculturist. 
 
 Mr. Hatch married, on October 29, 1879, Elizabeth N. Ilagerman, 
 who was born in Marion township, Hardin county, daughter of Rev. 
 Samuel Hagerman. Mr. Hagerman was born in Carroll county, Ohio, 
 but was brought up and educated in Richland county, Ohio, where as a 
 young man he learned the blacksmith’s trade. Removing to Hardin 
 county in 1836, he bought forty acres of land in Marion township, and 
 by dint of earnest labor cleared and improved a homestead. In con- 
 junction with farming, he followed his trade, burning the charcoal which 
 he used in his forge. Converted in early life, he united with the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, which he subsequently served ably and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 755 
 
 faithfully for many years, first as a licensed preacher and afterward 
 as an ordained elder. He was active in the ministry until a short time 
 before his death, which occurred, August 30, 1884, at Ada, Ohio. He 
 was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and showed much interest in 
 the Order. Mr. Hagerman married Elizabeth Hiles, who survived him 
 many years, passing away in 1898. She bore him the following children, 
 namely: Dayton A.; Mary M. ; John W. ; Eliza E., deceased; Elizabeth 
 E., deceased; Samuel A.; Edith A.; Elizabeth N. wife of Mr. Hatch; 
 William J., a prominent minister of Toledo, pastor of the Second Metho- 
 dist church ; Genevra J. ; Sarah ; Alfretta ; and Benson, deceased. 
 
 Dr. Jacob A. Grove, formerly a prominent physician and now living 
 at Kenton, Ohio, retired from active life, was born in York county, 
 Pennsylvania, September 8, 1833, and is a son of Jacob and Agnes 
 (Martin) Grove, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a 
 weaver by trade, also carried on a farm, and he died in his native state 
 when about seventy-four years of age. He was of German descent. 
 His widow survived him and lived to be ninety-four years old, her death 
 being caused by accident. They were the parents of four sons and 
 four daughters, six children growing to maturity, three sons and three 
 daughters, and besides Dr. Grove one other survives, Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Margaret Hyson, of York county, Pennsylvania. Jacob Adams is the 
 youngest child of the family. 
 
 The boyhood of Dr. Grove was spent in his native state, and he re- 
 ceived his education in the public schools of Stewartstown and the 
 academy at that town. At the age of twenty-one years he began 
 teaching school, which he followed three or four winters, when he moved 
 to Ohio, settling at Mount Blanchard, Hancock county, where he taught 
 school one summer. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Grove enlisted in Com- 
 pany F, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving four months. 
 Returning to Mount Blanchard, he finished his fall and winter terms of 
 school, and in the spring of 1862 he began studying medicine. He 
 reenlisted July 4, 1863, in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty- 
 eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, in 
 
 1865. He served twenty-nine months in all and about the last year was 
 detailed as a musician. He resumed his study of medicine at the close 
 of the war, and began the practice of his profession in the spring of 
 
 1866, at Mount Blanchard. He continued in the successful practice of 
 medicine there until 1893, when he removed to Kenton and retired from 
 active life. He has made his home in Kenton many years, and is one 
 of the public-spirited and representative citizens of the town. He is 
 well known and highly respected. Pie was a member of the Ohio State 
 Eclectic Medical Association and of the National and Northwestern 
 Eclectic Medical societies. He has been a member of the Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows since 1858, and also belongs to the Masons, with 
 which order he has been affiliated a number of years. At one time Dr. 
 Grove was an active and prominent member of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic. Pie is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been an 
 elder since October 6, 1895. Before the inception of the Republican 
 
756 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 party Dr. Grove was a Whig, but since its organization has supported the 
 Republican party. He had the satisfaction of voting twice for Abraham 
 Lincoln and has helped elect all the Republican presidents. He is 
 actively interested in local affairs, and keeps well informed in current 
 events and issues. 
 
 Dr. Grove married on February 14, 1867, Pliebe, daughter of 
 Charles and Sarah (Twining) VanHorn, of Hancock county, Ohio; she 
 died March 29, 1889. Dr. Grove married for his second wife, January 
 1, 1891, Ella Eliza McClay, who was born in Logan, Hocking county, 
 Ohio, and reared in Licking county. She was educated in the common 
 schools and also attended the Granville school. She prepared herself 
 for teaching and taught twenty-three years in Licking, Hancock, Wood, 
 Allen and Hardin counties. She taught seven years in the Central 
 building in Kenton. Her father, William McClay, was born in county 
 Donegal, Ireland, and died in his seventy-eighth year. He was a car- 
 penter by trade and came to America when twenty years of age. He 
 served in the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry until discharged 
 on account of disability. He settled in Ohio about 1835, and made his 
 home in Hocking county. He married Sarah Nelson, a native of 
 county Down, Ireland, who came to America when twelve years old, 
 coming with her father. She was reared in Virginia, remaining there 
 until her marriage. Mrs. Grove is the youngest of their seven children, 
 those growing to maturity being Miss Mary Jane, James W. and Mrs. 
 Grove. Her mother was the youngest of her father’s family and 
 Mrs. McClay ’s father was the youngest child of his father’s family. 
 Mr. McClay was for a long time a resident of Philadelphia, before locat- 
 ing in Ohio. He was married in Virginia, and soon after moved to Ohio. 
 
 James W. McClay enlisted in the Home Guards when but seventeen 
 years of age ; they were called to Columbus, Ohio, and there asked if 
 they wanted to go out of the state, Mr. McClay being the first to step 
 out and declare his willingness to do so. He was taken prisoner July 
 4, 1864. He was a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty- 
 fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his Company, with another, were 
 keeping guard of a road in West Virginia when all were captured, some 
 being sent to Andersonville. Mr. McClay was a prisoner for nine months 
 and twenty-five days, and spent this length of time in Andersonville. 
 He was one of seven in his mess to return home, all the others having 
 died. He lived to the age of thirty-one years. Mr. McClay mar- 
 ried Miss V. Rollison and they had two sons, one of whom died when 
 small and the other, E. R. McClay, at the age of thirty-one years. 
 
 Isaac E. Wilson. — Especially worthy of mention in a work of this 
 character is Isaac E. Wilson, of Kenton, who is distinguished not only 
 for the honored ancestry from which he is descended but for his fine 
 record of service as a county official, and for the substantial position he 
 has attained among the leading agriculturists of this part of Hardin 
 county. A native and to the manner born, his birth occurred September 
 20, 1842, in Pleasant township, this county. His father, John Wilson, 
 Jr., and his grandfather, John Wilson, Sr., were both natives of West- 
 moreland county, Pennsylvania. Colonel James Wilson, great-grand- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 757 
 
 father of Isaac E., was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, 
 and was as far as known the only member of his immediate family to 
 cross the Atlantic. Coming- to the United States in colonial times, he 
 commanded a regiment in the Revolutionary war, having enlisted in 
 Pennsylvania, and was at the front in various engagements. He was 
 also one of the nine men from the Keystone state that signed the Decla- 
 ration of Independence. 
 
 John Wilson, Sr., served under General Wayne in the war of 1812. 
 He subsequently came with his family to Ohio, settling as a pioneer in 
 Holmes county. He moved from there to Richland county, later coming 
 to Hardin county, and he spent his last years with his son, John Wilson, 
 Jr. Born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1811, John 
 Wilson, Jr., was quite young when he came with his parents to Ohio. 
 He married in Richland county, and in 1839 came to Hardin county to 
 live, being one of the first settlers of Pleasant township. Buying a tract 
 of timber lying five miles north of Kenton, and close to the present site 
 of Grant station, he built a two-story hewed log house, a pretentious 
 structure for those days, when most of the people were content to live 
 in humble log cabins. The surrounding country was in its primeval 
 condition, wild beasts roaming at will through the forests, while Indians 
 were numerous and for the most part friendly. There were no markets 
 nearer than Sandusky, and the trip across the country made with teams 
 was long and tedious, these highways being rough. The first mill in this 
 vicinity was operated by horse power, the farmers being obliged to 
 unhitch their own horses and place them to the power whenever they 
 wanted grain ground. Little do the people of this day of comforts and 
 even luxuries realize the hardships and the trials endured, the great 
 ambition required and the physical endurance demanded to secure the 
 homes established by the Ohio pioneers for themselves and their descend- 
 ants. Though not an extremely tall man, John Wilson, Jr., possessed 
 a fine physique, being noted for his strength and endurance. Improving 
 a fine farm from the wilderness, he continued a resident of Pleasant 
 township until 1865, and then moved to Hancock county where he lived 
 until his death, August 25, 1895. at the advanced age of four score and 
 four years. He was a Republican in politics, and a devoted member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal church. John Wilson, Jr., was twice married. 
 He married first Phoebe Osbun, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, 
 where her father, Nathaniel Osbun, settled as a pioneer, and cleared and 
 improved the land now occupied by the Richland County Infirmary. 
 She died in 1857, in the prime of life. He married for his second wife 
 Mary Jane Bushong, who died in 1896. Of his first union nine children 
 were born, namely: Eve, Thurza, Eliza, Ann, Mary, Sarah, Rachel, 
 
 Isaac E. and Nathaniel. 
 
 The little one-story cabin built of round logs in which Isaac E. 
 Wilson obtained his early schooling was furnished with seats made of 
 split linn wood saplings, one side being hewn, with wooden pins inserted 
 for legs, having no backs and no desks in front, the older scholars learn- 
 ing to write on a board placed against one side of the cabin, the whole 
 being very unevenly heated by a fireplace. On June 6, 1861, abandoning 
 
758 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 work in the fields, Mr. Wilson enlisted in Company D, Fourth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Denison, 
 near Cincinnati, and on June 20 of that year started for West Virginia. 
 He first met the enemy in battle at Rich Mountain, and soon after that 
 event his regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Second 
 Division, Second Corps, of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by 
 General Hancock, who claimed that this corps captured more colors and 
 more arms than all of the rest of the Union forces combined. With his 
 comrades Mr. Wilson participated in many of the more noted engage- 
 ments of the war, including among others the two at Romney, Winchester, 
 Port Republic, Harrison Landing, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Freder- 
 icsburg, Gettysburg, Bristol Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Poe Run, 
 and Spottsylvania. At the latter battle he was wounded in the left 
 shoulder, and sent to the hospital for treatment. He rejoined the regi- 
 ment at Cold Harbor, and was honorably discharged on account of the 
 expiration of his term of enlistment. On March 31, 1865, Mr. Wilson 
 enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, for a second term of service, and was stationed at Camp Chase, 
 Columbus, to guard Confederate soldiers until May 8, 1865, when he was 
 honorably discharged. 
 
 Returning home Mr. Wilson entered the employ of Rev. Jacob 
 Holmes, whose farm he managed for two years. He subsequently 
 followed the carpenter’s trade until 1872, when he was appointed super- 
 intendent of the Hardin County Infirmary, and served four years. He 
 afterwards followed his trade three years, when, in 1879, he was again 
 honored with an appointment as superintendent of the same infirmary, 
 and held the position during the next thirteen years, discharging the 
 duties devolving upon him as head of that institution with ability and 
 fidelity. In the meantime Mr. Wilson purchased one hundred acres 
 of the land included in his present farm, which is advantageously located 
 on Scioto Valley pike. Tie cleared off the heavy growth of timber, erected 
 a substantial set of buildings, and has here been successfully engaged in 
 general farming since, his estate with its excellent improvements being 
 very attractive and valuable. 
 
 Mr. Wilson married,, in 1867, Kate Hufnagle, who was born at 
 Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Harriet Hufnagle. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had four children, Willis H. and Hattie, and 
 two that died in infancy. Willis II. Wilson married Hallie Baird, and 
 they have three chilrden, Clifford, Kathryn and Flora. He enlisted in 
 Company I, Second Ohio Regiment, on May 10, 1898, for the Spanish- 
 American war, and was mustered out February 4, 1899. He had been 
 fourteen years a member of the Ohio Second Regiment of Militia and 
 was second lieutenant for three years and first lieutenant for four years, 
 but had resigned his commission before the opening of the Spanish- 
 American war. Hattie Wilson married Orlando Doster and they are 
 the parents of five children, Esther, Isaac, Harl, Ellen and Eulah. 
 Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. Politically a steadfast Republican, Mr. Wilson served as 
 deputy sheriff in 1887 and 1888 and is now agent for the Hardin County 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 759 
 
 Humane Society. He is an active member of Cantwell Post No. 97, 
 Grand Army of the Republic, which he has served as junior and senior 
 vice-commander and as commander, and has also been an aide de camp 
 on the staff of the department commander. 
 
 -James C. Poling. — Among the substantial, public-spirited citizens 
 of Kenton, Ohio, is James C. Poling, surveyor of Hardin county. He 
 was born in Hocking county, Ohio, September 18, 1868, and is the fourth 
 son of Samuel B. and Irene (Smith) Poling. Samuel B. Poling was 
 also born in Hocking county, where he was reared and married, and he 
 died at the age of seventy-four years; his widow, who is a native of 
 Maryland, survives him and resides at Ada. Mr. Poling located in 
 Ada in 1881, and engaged in farming near the village. 
 
 J. C. Poling was thirteen years of age at the time his parents re- 
 moved to Hardin county. After attending the public schools he entered 
 the Ada Normal after which he taught school in the county for a period 
 of twelve years, becoming one of the most prominent educators in the 
 county and during those years of school attendance and teaching he 
 obtained his knowledge of engineering. In 1901 Mr. Poling located in 
 Kenton, filling the position of deputy county surveyor for a term of 
 four years, after which he spent three years in abstract and general 
 surveying, and in 1906 he was elected to the office of county surveyor, 
 being reelected in 1908. 
 
 Politically Mr. Poling is a stanch Democrat, and has taken a deep 
 interest in the intrests of the party. He is a conscientious, faithful 
 official, who gives his most careful attention to the duties of his office, 
 for which he is well fitted. He is a member of Amicitia Lodge No. 79, of 
 Scioto Encampment, No. 179, and Canton Kenton No. 83, I. 0. 0. F., and 
 of Lodge No. 157, B. P. 0. E. He is considered one of the representa- 
 tive citizens of Kenton, where he is well known and has many friends. 
 He is upright and honorable in all his dealings, and his sterling integrity 
 and probity are unquestioned. On October 30, 1894, Mr. Poling mar- 
 ried Lottie Robinson, a daughter of F. M. and Martha (Pemperton) 
 Robinson, natives of Wyandot county, Ohio. Three children have 
 been born to them: Neil R. and James Conwell, students in the high 
 
 school and Carol E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Poling are members of the 
 First Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Reverend Henry Katterjohn. — The city of Kenton, Ohio, has 
 some beautiful churches, and one of these which is in a very prosperous 
 condition is the Evangelical church, presided over by Rev. Henry 
 Katterjohn. Mr. Katterjohn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 24, 
 1869, a son of William and Sophia (Schoer) Katterjohn, both of whom 
 reside in Cincinnati. The father was born in Ladbergen, Germany, 
 where he was reared. He came to America in 1866. locating in Cincin- 
 nati. He was a mason by trade. His wife is also a native of Germany, 
 and came to America one year later than her husband ; they were mar- 
 ried in the city where they now reside. 
 
 The early education of Rev. Henry Katterjohn was acquired in his 
 
760 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 native city, where he attended high school two years. In 1885 he began 
 studying for the ministry and took a four years’ course at Elmhurst 
 College near Chicago, after which he spent three years in a theological 
 seminary at St. Louis. His first charge was at Urbana, Ohio, and after 
 spending four years at Waverly he located in Kenton in April, 1897. 
 His work in Kenton has been very successful, and as a result of tin. 
 growth and prosperous condition of the church and its finances a fine 
 edifice was erected, which was completed August 16, 1903, at a cost of 
 thirty thousand dollars. This is the handsomest church building in 
 Kenton, and the members and pastor may well be proud of the result 
 of their efforts. Rev. Katterjohn is an able, convincing speaker, and is 
 accorded the fullest affection of his congregation, as well as the esteem 
 and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a whole- 
 souled, public-spirited citizen, whose life is an inspiration to many. 
 
 On November 7, 1904, Rev. Katterjohn married Mary Eccarius 
 Schindewolf, a native of Hardin county, whose parents were early 
 settlers there. 
 
 W. LI. Lick, city treasurer of Kenton, Ohio, has for years been in 
 the meat market business here and in many other ways identified with 
 the town. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1860, 
 and spent the first fourteen years of his life there. Then he went west, 
 visited St. Louis and Kansas City and various points in Iowa and 
 Minnesota, and after five years spent there came to Ohio and took up 
 his residence at Tiffin. In 1887 he came from Tiffin to Kenton and 
 opened a meat market, and here he has since continued in this business, 
 having occupied his present location for twenty-two years. By honest 
 dealing and close personal attention to detail he has met with deserved 
 success, and with the passing years has accumulated a competency. He 
 is a bank director and the owner of farm property, and he has various 
 investments in Kenton. 
 
 In 1880, at Tiffin, Ohio, he married Miss Sarah Diemer, of that city, 
 and to them have been given two sons, Karl and Ralph. Mr. Lick is a 
 thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and he 
 also has membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and 
 Protective Order of Elks of Kenton. Politically he is a Democrat, and 
 has always taken an active part in local affairs; was a member of the 
 city council in 1890, and at this writing is city treasurer. 
 
 Pearl M. Magly, manager and treasurer of the Kenton Gas & 
 Electric Company, Kenton, Ohio, was born in this city February 9, 
 1876, a son of J. J. and Mary (Handenschild) Magly. J. J. Magly 
 engaged in the pump business at Kenton, has been identified with this 
 place since 1852, when he came here from Licking county, Ohio, where 
 he was born. He has a family of seven children, Pearl M. being the 
 fifth born and only son. 
 
 After receiving a common school education Pearl M. Magly went to 
 work as a bookkeeper and clerk for the Scioto Furniture Company, with 
 which he remained four years. Afterward he was with Harry Gray in 
 

 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 761 
 
 the grocery business, and later was bookkeeper for Hensel & Snyder. 
 In 1899 he engaged in the coal and tile business, which he continued until 
 1909, when he became manager of the Kenton Gas & Electric Company, 
 a position he has since held, and since 1907 he has also been treasurer of 
 the company. 
 
 Politically Mr. Magly is a stanch Republican, and fraternally, a 
 Mason, having served as master of Latham Lodge from 1906 to 1908, 
 and he has taken the degrees in this ancient and honored order up to and 
 including the commandery. He married, in 1904, Miss Clare Keil, of 
 Lima, Ohio. 
 
 Charles A. Stevenson. — Worthy of note in this volume, not only 
 as a native born citizen of Hardin county, but as a veteran of the Civil 
 war, Charles A. Stevenson was for many years an important factor in 
 promoting the agricultural interests of this section of the state, having 
 been prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1909, when he 
 moved to his present home, lying one and one-half miles south of the 
 Kenton courthouse. He was born, November 17, 1843, in Taylor Creek 
 township, Hardin county, where his father, James Stevenson, was a 
 very early settler. As early as 1822 James Stevenson was living in 
 Champaign county, Ohio, from there moving, in 1827, to Logan county. 
 Settling then near the Hardin county line, he remained there until 1834, 
 when he bought land in Taylor Creek township, which was then a com- 
 parative wilderness. Redeeming a farm from the forest, he was there 
 a resident until his death, June 6, 1865. He married Unity New, 
 whose death occurred on the home farm March 10, 1864. Eight sons 
 and four daughters were born of their union, as follows: Silas, Robert, 
 
 Lace, Jane, William, John, Ephraim, Harriet, Margaret, Charles A., 
 David and Louisa. Six of the sons, Robert, Lace, John, Ephraim, 
 Charles and David served in the Civil war, Ephraim dying while in 
 service. 
 
 Attending the district schools and assisting his father on the farm, 
 Charles A. Stevenson remained beneath the parental roof-tree until 
 September, 1864, when he enlisted in Company LI, One Hundred and 
 Seventy-ninth Ohio Vohmteer Infantry. Going south, he joined with 
 his regiment the Army of the Cumberland at Nashville, Tennessee, and 
 served until the close of the war, taking an active part in all of the 
 marches, campaigns and battles in which his regiment participated. 
 Returning home after receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Stevenson 
 rented the home farm for a year, and then, in 1865, bought sixty-five 
 acres of land in Taylor Creek township, a part of which had been 
 cleared and on it a log house and barn had been built. A year later he 
 sold out, at an advance, and subsequently rented land for a few years. 
 In 1875 Mr. Stevenson purchased a farm of one hundred and five acres 
 in the southern part of Buck township, and carried on general farming 
 there for twenty-six years. He then sold and bought land on Mt. 
 Victory pike, and was there engaged in his profitable occupation until 
 1909, when he sold and bought his present attractive home estate near 
 Kenton. 
 
762 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Stevenson married first, in 1869, Mary S. Richards, who was 
 born in Buck township, a daughter of Leonard Richards. She passed 
 to the higher life in 1895. Mr. Stevenson married for his second wife 
 in 1897 Lyda Rice, a daughter of Thomas Rice, of Taylor Creek township. 
 By his first marriage Mr. Stevenson had four children, namely : Stilla, 
 
 Ida, Louis E. and Arthur J. Stilla, a farmer, married Mary Lyle. Ida, 
 wife of Charles Royer, has three children. Louis E., also engaged in 
 farming, married Gertie Cahill. Arthur, an electrical engineer, resid- 
 ing in Washington, D. C., married Roda Bartlett. In his political 
 affiliations Mr. Stevenson is a decided Republican. He belongs to 
 Cantwell Post No. 97, Grand Army of the Republic, and is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal church, both of his wives belonging also to 
 the same church. 
 
 IIon. J. B. Pumphrey, of Goshen township, Hardin county, Ohio, 
 was born in Fayette county, this state, October 25, 1838, and comes of 
 an ancestry that has figured prominently in history. Through his 
 grandmother Pumphrey, whose maiden name was Cromwell, he traces 
 back to Oliver Cromwell of English history fame. Both his maternal 
 and paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of this country. 
 Caleb Pumphrey and his son John W., grandfather and father respec- 
 tively of J. B. Pumphrey, were natives of Maryland, from whence they 
 came west to Ohio and made settlement among the primitive pioneers 
 of the Western Reserve. John W. Pumphrey was a soldier in the war 
 of 1812 and served as a scout under General Harrison. Previous to that 
 time he spent seven years trading with the Indians, during which period 
 he acquired a knowledge of their language and habits which made him 
 valuable to General Harrison in that war. He was married three times 
 and was the father of seven children, four of whom are deceased. The 
 mother of J. B. Pumphrey was before her marriage Miss Jane Wright, 
 and Fayette county, Ohio, was her native place. 
 
 It was in Fayette and Wyandot counties that the subject of our 
 sketch was reared and educated. In early youth he applied himself 
 closely to his studies, to general literature as well as to the text books 
 then in vogue, and, indeed, it may be said of him that he has been a 
 student all his life. When a young man he engaged in the profession of 
 teaching, which he followed for some time, teaching both day and night 
 school and making a. specialty of penmanship. When the Civil war 
 came on he left the farm to enter the army. On August 12, 1862, he 
 enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the government service until 
 the close of the war. After nine months service as a private soldier 
 he was commissioned second lieutenant under Colonel W. T. Wilson and 
 went to the field of action. On June 16, 1863, at the battle of Win- 
 chester, Virginia, his entire regiment was captured by General Lee’s 
 forces. He was conveyed to Richmond and confined in Libby prison, 
 where he remained until May, 1864. After that date he was changed 
 about to various prisons and finally was lodged in Columbia, North 
 Carolina. While on the road to Columbia he made an attempt to 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 763 
 
 escape, but failed, and during his confinement at that place he made the 
 second attempt before he was successful in effecting an escape. On this 
 journey he was accompanied by B. F. Blair, adjutant of the One Hun- 
 dred and Twenty-third Regiment. His imprisonment covered a period 
 of eighteen months, and it was during this time that he was promoted to 
 the rank of first lieutenant, which he held at the close of the war when 
 he was honorably discharged. On reaching his regiment after escaping 
 from the enemy he was placed in direct touch with and under the orders 
 of the war department, his duty being to transport recruits from various 
 points of distribution to the front. In this capacity he served until the 
 close of the war. 
 
 On his return to civil life Mr. Pumphrey engaged in farming, which 
 he has followed more or less ever since. Since 1868 he has made his 
 home in Hardin county, and at this writing (1910) he is the owner of 
 two hundred and twenty-four acres of choice farming land, his postoffice 
 address being Kenton. He was for two years cashier of the Citizens 
 Bank of Kenton, and for years much of his time has been devoted to 
 activity in political affairs, he being a stanch Republican. For six 
 years, from 1876 to 1882, he was a county commissioner. He served 
 one term as a state senator ; for four years was a member of the state 
 election board and two terms he represented Hardin county in the state 
 legislature, his time in this office expiring in 1909. 
 
 Mr. Pumphrey has been married twice. On April 26, 1860, he 
 wedded Miss Adilla Cook, daughter of J. Cook, and the only child of 
 this union died in infancy. This wife having died, he married, Janu- 
 ary 22, 1903, for his second companion Miss Estella Harding, daughter 
 of T. G. Harding. By her he has one son, James C., born December 9, 
 1905. 
 
 Mr. Pumphrey has long been a member of the Methodist church, in 
 which he is prominent and active. He has been recording secretary of 
 the church for thirty years, and for twenty years he has served as Sun- 
 day school superintendent. He is identified with both the Grand Army 
 of the Republic of Kenton, and with the Knights of Pythias at Hepburn, 
 and in all these organizations his influence and substantial support are 
 felt to a marked degree. He is the author of a lecture on “Unwritten 
 History,” the income from which, amounting to over seven thousand 
 dollars, has been given to various churches and social bodies, including 
 the Grand Army of the Republic and the Woman’s Relief Corps. 
 
 Daniel B. Heilman owns and occupies ninety-five acres of valuable 
 farm land situated near the center of Goshen township, Hardin county, 
 Ohio, where he is engaged in general farming. He was born in the 
 township in which he now lives, September 17, 1867. of German descent, 
 and was reared and educated here. His grandparents, John U. Heil- 
 man and wife Elizabeth, nee Dreite, were natives of Germany, the 
 former born in 1804, the latter in 1808. They emigrated to this coun- 
 try in 1840, landing at Baltimore. After a few months spent in Penn- 
 sylvania they came west to Ohio and settled first in Columbiana county, 
 where they remained until October, 1848. At that time he moved to 
 
764 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Ashland county, purchased sixty acres of land, and lived there until 1861 
 when they came to Goshen township, Hardin county. Of their seven 
 children, five grew to maturity. While John U. was a shoemaker and 
 worked at his trade his sons carried on farming. On coming to Goshen 
 township he purchased eighty acres of land and a little later forty acres 
 more. Afterward, by the aid of his sons, he bought an additional tract 
 of land comprising one hundred and four acres, and still later, through 
 the aid of his two sons, John U. and Leonard, another tract, thirty-seven 
 acres, was added to the farm. John U. Heilman, the grandfather of our 
 subject, died in 1872, and his widow, in 1880. Their son Leonard, who 
 was born in Germany the same year the family emigrated to this country, 
 1840, was reared and passed his life in Ohio. In Goshen township, 
 Hardin county, he married Elizabeth Hile, who was born in 1843 in 
 Pleasant township, this county, and they became the parents of nine 
 children, namely: Daniel B., whose name introduces this sketch; Minnie, 
 deceased; William, deceased; Elmer; Samuel, deceased; George; Zona, 
 deceased ; and two that died in early infancy. Leonard Heilman died 
 in 1888, his wife in 1880. 
 
 Daniel B. Heilman was reared to farm life and has been engaged 
 chiefly in agricultural pursuits. From 1878 to 1884 he operated a 
 threshing machine and was interested in the manufacture of tile. With 
 this exception his attention has been devoted to farming. 
 
 On February 23, 1892, Mr. Heilman married Miss Amelia Stoll, who 
 was born in Pleasant township, Hardin county, August 19, 1870, daugh- 
 ter of George and Amelia Stoll. To them have been born eight children : 
 Samuel (deceased), Bryan, Ruah, Calvin, Arlo, John, Freda, and Charles 
 Iber. 
 
 Mr. Heilman has always taken a deep interest in local affairs, being 
 a stanch Democrat, and has served efficiently in various public offices. 
 For nine years he has been a member of the school board and, at this 
 writing is a justice of the peace ; also he has filled the offices of constable 
 and township supervisor and township treasurer. He is a member of 
 the Grange and of Marseilles Lodge, No. 515, F. and A. M., and he and 
 his family are worthy members of St. John’s Evangelical church of 
 Goshen township. 
 
 William Yauger, a highly respected citizen of Goshen township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is one of the oldest residents of the county. He 
 was born in Marion county, this state, August 7, 1836, a son of Jacob 
 and Charity (Albertson) Yauger, and in that same year was brought to 
 Hardin county by his parents. His father and mother were natives 
 respectively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Coming to Ohio at an 
 early day they first settled in Marion county. He had entered the 
 land in 1835, and after their removal to Hardin county, Jacob Yauger 
 built a log cabin and in earnest began the work of developing a farm. 
 This primitive log cabin in time gave place to one built of hewed logs, 
 and years later, after the farm came into possession of the subject of 
 this sketch, the present residence was built. In the pioneer community 
 Jacob Yauger was soon recognized as a man of influence and was honored 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 765 
 
 with official position. For years he served as a justice of the peace and 
 also for a number of years he was treasurer of Goshen township. Relig- 
 iously he was an old school Baptist, and exemplified in his daily life the 
 teaching's of the faith he professed. He died in 1868, his widow, in 
 1877. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Rebecca, 
 
 Elem R., Hiram, John, William, Jacob, Joseph and Andrew, and of this 
 number William is the only survivor. 
 
 William Yauger grew up on his father’s farm, receiving a common 
 school education, and in early life took up the carpenter’s trade, a busi- 
 ness he followed successfully for a period of thirty years. During the 
 Civil war he was in the government service from March, 1861, until 
 October of that year, employed on work of constructing hospitals and 
 other buildings along the war front. Following in the footsteps of his 
 honored father, he has for years owned and occupied the old home place, 
 and for twenty-seven consecutive years has been a justice of the peace 
 and during the same length of time has been clerk of Goshen township. 
 He is a member of the Grange at Kenton, and has long been prominently 
 identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 In December, 1863, Mr. Yauger married Miss Joanna Weldon, a 
 native of Champaign county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jesse Weldon. 
 They have five children: Addison. Edward, Sophrona, Jessie and Cora. 
 
 Charles W. Taylor, an excellent representative of the native born 
 citizens of Hardin county, is actively identified with the promotion of the 
 agrcultural prosperity of this section of the state, being the owner and 
 manager of a fine farming estate in Pleasant township. A son of the 
 late J. W. Taylor, he was born, in 1874, in Dunkirk, where his earlier 
 >ears were passed. His grandfather, Charles A. Taylor, who was born 
 in Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry, was a pioneer settler of Knox 
 county. His wife, Mary A. Taylor, was a native of Ireland. She bore 
 him five children, as follows: Samuel, Caroline, Millie L.. Hannah and 
 J. W. 
 
 Born and bred in Knox county, J. W. Taylor became a farmer from 
 choice. When a young man he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-sixth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country bravely for three years 
 and six months. During that period of service he took an active part 
 in forty-three of the most hardly contested engagements of the Civil 
 war, passing through each battle without a scratch, and at the expiration 
 of his term of enlistment received his honorable discharge from the 
 army. In 1870 he came with his family to Hardin county, and having 
 purchased eighty acres of land in Washington township, he was there 
 employed in tilling the soil until his death, in September, 1908. He 
 married Elizabeth A. Lauderbaugh, who w T as born in Knox county, 
 Ohio, and is now living in Hardin county. Five children were born 
 of their union, namely: Delphia A., wife of E. E. Jones, of Kenton, 
 
 Ohio ; a child that died in infancy ; Charles W., the subject of this brief 
 biographical sketch; Jessie P. ; and Mae, deceased. 
 
 Having completed his early education in the public schools of Dun- 
 kirk, Charles W. Taylor accompanied his parents to Washington town- 
 Vol. 11—21 
 
766 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ship, and while there assisting his father to improve a homestead gained 
 a practical experience in farming methods. In 1904 he purchased his 
 present farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, and in its manage- 
 ment is meeting with well merited success. He takes great interest in 
 stock raising, and is an extensive dealer in fine horses, of which he is a 
 good judge and a superior manager, knowing well how to handle and 
 train them. He is an expert in the art of dehorning cattle, a work in 
 which he has had much experience and is very skillful. 
 
 Mr. Taylor married, on February 18, 1893, Arvillie Yoakam, who 
 was born, in 1873, in Allen county, Ohio, a daughter of C. G. and Harriet 
 A. Yoakam, of Dunkirk. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one child, Pearl 
 E. Taylor. Politically Mr. Taylor is a stanch Republican, and fra- 
 ternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 
 Marcus D. L. Mentzer. — A man of excellent financial and business 
 judgment, enterprising and progressive, Marcus D. L. Mentzer, of Buck 
 township, is connected with one of the leading industries of this part of 
 Hardin county, being ex-president and ex-treasurer of the Mentzer Clay 
 Working Company, of which he is the controlling stockholder. A 
 native of this county, he was born, February 23, 1848. in Kenton, where 
 his father, Samuel Mentzer, was an early and prominent settler. 
 
 Samuel Mentzer was born on Aiigust 3, 1806. But little is known 
 of his early life. He first visited Kenton, Ohio, in 1834, coming here 
 from Maryland on horseback. The land in this vicinity was covered 
 with timber, and he assisted in clearing the spot on which the courthouse 
 was erected. The following winter he spent in Mansfield, Ohio, but 
 in the spring returned to Kenton, and for two years was here employed 
 in mercantile pursuits. He then took a contract to build a section of 
 the Erie Canal, but the venture proved most unfortunate, and at the end 
 of eighteen months he returned to his home in Kenton, poorer in pocket 
 but richer in experience. He subsequently built a hotel on the northwest 
 corner of the block immediately south of the Square, on the present site 
 of the Kenton Savings Bank. At the end of two years he traded that 
 property for one hundred acres of land on Wolf creek, in Buck township, 
 and one thousand dollars in cash. Having first cleared an opening in 
 the timber, he erected a dwelling house, moved in with his family, and 
 began the improvement of a farm. He succeeded in his undertakings, 
 bought another one hundred and twenty-two acres of adjoining land, 
 and was there employed in tilling the soil until his death, August 10, 
 1882. He was for many years active in public affairs, serving as town- 
 ship clerk and trustee and as county auditor. Samuel Mentzer was 
 three times married. By his marriage with his first wife, whose maiden 
 name was Susan Lipley, he had three children, David, John and Lydia. 
 By his marriage with Elizabeth Whitman, his second wife, there was one 
 child, who died when small. He married for his third wife Sophia 
 Benjamin, who was born in Athens, Ohio, a daughter of Nathan and 
 Mary (Nulse) Benjamin. Her paternal grandparents settled in New 
 Jersey on coming to this country, from there moving to Pennsylvania, 
 and subsequently locating as pioneers in Muskingum county, Ohio. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 767 
 
 Her maternal grandfather, John Nulse, was a Scotchman by birth, and 
 his wife Rebecca Clendennin, was a native of Ireland. Of his union 
 with Sophia Benjamin five children were born and reared, namely : 
 Susan, Mary, Louisa, Marcus D. L. and William M. 
 
 Receiving his early education in the pioneer schools of Buck town- 
 ship, Marcus D. L. Mentzer began as a boy to assist his father on the 
 home farm, and at the age of sixteen years assumed its entire manage- 
 ment. After his marriage he bought a tract of adjoining land, occupied 
 it a few months, and then returned to the old homestead, and subsequent- 
 ly cared for his parents as long as they lived. He bought of his father 
 fifty acres of land, and after the death of his parents bought the interest 
 of the remaining heirs in the home estate, and still owns the entire tract 
 of two hundred and fourteen acres. 
 
 In 1893 Mr. Mentzer began the manufacture of brick tile on his 
 farm, and the enterprise proved so successful that in 1900 he organized 
 the Mentzer Clay Working Company, which bought twenty acres of 
 land of A. P. Snodgrass in Buck township and four acres of P. J. Dodge, 
 and established the present plant, which is described elsewhere in this 
 volume. Mr. Mentzer served as president and treasurer of this 
 company until 1909, when his son George was made president, but Mr. 
 M. D. L. Mentzer is now again the president. He is the largest share 
 holder in the company, owning two-thirds of the stock. 
 
 Mr. Mentzer married, in 1870, Rhoda R. Smith, who was born in 
 Auglaize county, Ohio, a daughter of Garland Smith. Three children 
 have blessed their union, namely : Iona, Annie and George A. Iona 
 
 married Fay Hisey, and has four children, Floy, George, Laura and 
 Theodore. Annie, wife of H. A. Swope, has three children, Maize, 
 Natilla and Esther. Idello died when three years old. George A. 
 married Victoria Kennedy, and they have one child, Helen Louise. Mr. 
 Mentzer has never been out of Hardin county in all his life more than 
 one week. He is a Democrat in politics, and the family are Methodists 
 in religion. 
 
 Chester F. Southard, proprietor of a livery and transfer business 
 at Kenton, Ohio, came here when a boy and has since been identified with 
 the town, occupying a representative place among the business men. 
 
 Mr. Southard is a native of Union county, Ohio. He was born 
 September 22, 1865, a son of Robert W. and Malinda (Davis) Southard, 
 both natives of that county. During the Civil war his father was three 
 years and six months in the Union army, a member of General Garfield’s 
 regiment. Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a member of 
 the Grand Army of the Republic and also of the Knights of Pythias. 
 After the war he engaged in the livery business at West Mansfield, in 
 Union county, where he remained until 1882, when he came to Kenton. 
 Here, in 1883, he opened a livery business, which he conducted from that 
 time until his death, which occurred in 1899, at the age of sixty-one 
 years. His widow is still living and makes her home with their only 
 child, Chester F.. 
 
 Chester F. Southard was sixteen years old when he came with his 
 
768 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 parents to Kenton. He attended the Kenton High School and after- 
 ward took a course in commercial law and bookkeeping at Ann Arbor, 
 Michigan, where he graduated in 1887. That same year he became inter- 
 ested in the livery business with his father, continued with him until 
 his death, and has since conducted the business alone, meeting with 
 success in this enterprise and from time to time making investments 
 in other lines, including real estate. 
 
 In many ways Mr. Southard had been identified with the best in- 
 terests of Kenton. He served as councilman from the Second ward and 
 three years he was mayor of the city, elected on the Republican ticket. 
 He is a Mason of the Knight Templar degree and a member of the Elks 
 Lodge, No. 157. 
 
 On January 20, 1892, Mr. Southard married Miss Maude Guthrie, 
 daughter of John and Minnie (Houseman) Guthrie, of Dunkirk, Hardin 
 county, Ohio, and they have two daughters, Helen and Ruth. They 
 lost a son, who died in infancy. 
 
 George S. Binckley,— One of the highly respected and public- 
 spirited citizens of Kenton, Ohio, is G. S. Binckley, now serving as city 
 clerk. Mr. Binckley is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and son of George 
 W. Binckley, who was a farmer in that county, of which he was himself 
 a native. George W. Binckley was a prominent man in his community, 
 and served twenty-one years as a justice of the peace, also served as 
 county auditor, and took a leading part in public affairs. He spent 
 his declining years in Lancaster, Ohio, where he died at the age of 
 seventy-eight years. He was a life-long Democrat and an honored 
 member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar. He was a son 
 of Jacob Binckley, who came from Hagerstown, Maryland, and was of 
 German descent. The latter died in Perry county at the age of forty- 
 three years. George W. Binckley married Adeline Mills, a native of 
 Virginia, of English descent, and she lived to the age of eighty-one 
 years. They became the parents of six daughters and four sons, of 
 whom four daughters and three sons survive. G. S. is the third son 
 and sixth child. 
 
 The boyhood days of Mr. Binckley were spent in Perry county and 
 he received a common school training. He received a good education 
 and made the most of his opportunities for the pursuit of knowledge. 
 He taught school about two years, and then located at Kendallville, 
 Indiana, where for several years he worked as a clerk in a general store. 
 
 In 1871 Mr. Binckley married Caddie E. Johnson, daughter of L. 
 H. and Eunice J. (Stephens) Johnson, who was horn in New York 
 state, and after his marriage he located in New Lexington, Perry county, 
 Ohio, where he was deputy county auditor. In 1873 he removed to 
 Kenton, where he remained a short time and then located in Indiana, 
 where he lived several years, being employed as traveling salesman. 
 In 1878 Mr. Binckley returned to Kenton, and was employed as book- 
 keeper for the hardware firm of Cantwell & Company, with whom he 
 remained three years. At the end of that time he engaged in the drug 
 business with his brother, Dr. J. W. Binckley, this partnership continu- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 769 
 
 ing six years and then Mr. Binckley sold his interest and became 
 associated with the First National Bank as cashier. He is an enter- 
 prising, wide-awake business man, possessed of good judgment and high 
 principle, having the entire confidence of all who know him. In 1898 
 Mr. Binckley was a candidate for probate judge on the Democratic 
 ticket. In 1889 he went into partnership with Thomas J. Cantwell 
 (deceased) in the hardware business, and this continued eleven years. 
 Mr. Binckley was again engaged in the drug business for a time and also 
 worked again as traveling salesman. He was elected to his present 
 office January 1, 1908, and he fulfills the duties of the post with the 
 same careful consideration and attention he has always accorded 
 his private affairs. He is an ardent Democrat, and has performed 
 valuable service in the interests of the party. He is public-spirited 
 and intelligent in understanding the needs of the city, and is interested 
 in every movement for the welfare and progress of the community. 
 Mr. Binckley is well known, and has a large circle of friends. He is 
 a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of Lodge No. 157, 
 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 
 
 George Pfeiffer, a well known farmer of Goshen township. Hardin 
 county, Ohio, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this 
 county. His grandfather, Michael Pfeiffer, was born in Hesse-Cassel, 
 Germany, in 1783, and emigrated to this country in 1832. In 1835 
 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Goshen township, 
 for which he paid one dollar and fifty cents an acre, and here he spent 
 the rest of his life and died, his death occurring June 5, 1869, at the age 
 of eighty-six years. His wife, Kenitor (Elf) Pfeiffer, died in Germany, 
 May 3, 1837. Their children were Adam, Henry, John A., Peter, 
 Michael, John G., Elizabeth and Barbara. One son, Michael, was a 
 soldier in the Civil war. The son John A. was the father of George. 
 He was born in Germany in 1808, and died in Hardin county in 1876; 
 and his wife, Sophia Pfeiffer, was born iu 1811, and died in 1856. Their 
 children in order of birth are as follows: Elizabeth, deceased; John, 
 deceased ; Peter, deceased ; George, Louis and Adam. John A. Pfeiffer 
 had five hundred acres of land in Goshen township, four hundred of 
 which were improved during his life time. 
 
 Here, in 1843, amid pioneer scenes, George Pfeiffer was born, and 
 here he was reared and educated and has always lived. He well remem- 
 bers when wild game was plentiful in this section of the country and 
 when his father sent him to ‘ ‘ drive the deer out of the wheat field. ’ ’ 
 He recalls that at one time he chased seven deer from his father’s field. 
 There were also plenty of wolves, bears and wild turkeys. Since 1874 
 he has owned and occupied his fine farm of two hundred acres. Its 
 commodious and comfortable dwelling, its well constructed out-buildings 
 and its scientifically cultivated fields are all the result of his well- 
 directed efforts. 
 
 On April 7, 1870, Mr. Pfeiffer married Miss Mary Hile, daughter 
 of Nicholas and Elizabeth Hile; they have seven children, and at this 
 writing their grandchildren number three. The children in order of 
 
770 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 birth are: Ida (Mrs. J. G. Bloom) ; Nettie; Dora (Mrs. E. J. Carey) ; 
 Jessie; Charles; Edna( Mrs. Carr); and Elsie. Mrs. Pfeiffer was 
 born in Goshen township, February 12, 1848, one of a family of seven 
 children, as follows: Margaret, Elizabeth (deceased), Daniel (deceased), 
 Mary, Minnie (deceased), George, and John deceased. Their father 
 emigrated to this country from Germany about 1837 and made settle- 
 ment in Hardin county, Ohio, where he entered one hundred acres of 
 land and bought one hundred and sixty acres more. At the time of his 
 death in 1884 he was the owner of three hundred and eighteen acres. 
 His wife’s death occurred in 1875. Mr. Pfeiffer is one of the leading 
 Democrats of this part of Hardin county. He and his family are 
 members of St. John’s Evangelical church of Kenton. 
 
 Eddie G. Thompson, of Goshen township, Hardin county, Ohio, is 
 a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Hardin county. 
 David Thompson, his great-grandfather, was a Virginian who came west 
 to Ohio in 1832 and settled in Hardin county. In 1834 he purchased 
 a farm of Champness Terry in Goshen township, which has since been 
 in the family, having passed to his son David and later to his grandson, 
 also named David. The first David Thompson married Nancy Anderson, 
 and the children of their union were Ann, Martha, James, John, Jacob 
 and David. Their third born died in infancy, unnamed. 
 
 The youngest of the children above named, David, was the grand- 
 father of the subject of this sketch. He was twice married. In 1852 
 he wedded Margaret Shriner, who bore him nine children : Eleanor, 
 Frank, Anna M., Albert, Henry W., Louis M., Nora, David and James. 
 In 1872 he married Mrs. Mary A. Bates, and three children were born 
 to them : Mary A., George PI. and David D., of whom only the last 
 named is living. The father was a soldier in the Civil war, serving 
 as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Vol- 
 unteer Infantry, of which his brother John also was a member. David 
 Thompson had a large tract of land lying in Hardin and Wyandot 
 counties, and at his death left to each of his children eighty acres. 
 
 Frank Thompson, the second born of David’s children was the 
 father of Eddie G. He was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, January 
 1, 1856, and died December 8, 1895. He married Miss Harriet James, 
 who was born in Noble county, Ohio, in 1855, and they became the 
 parents of three children : Flora E., Eddie G. and Omer J. 
 
 Eddie G. Thompson was born November 9, 1880, in the township 
 in which he now lives, and where he is regarded as one of the practical 
 farmers of his section of the country. He owns and operates eighty 
 acres of choice land, and he is a Republican in politics. 
 
 On April 2, 1902, Mr. Thompson married Miss Birtie Hamilton, 
 who was born in Goshen township, Hardin county, September 12, 1886, 
 a daughter of James and Annie Hamilton, and they have three children : 
 Mabel M., James F. and Ray. 
 
 Benton K. Jones, M. D., of Kenton, Ohio, was born in Washington 
 township, in the county in which he lives, March 2, 1858, and on his 
 

 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 771 
 
 paternal side is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, John Jones, a native 
 of New Jersey, came to Ohio in the early history of this state and 
 settled in Knox county, where he made his home until 1850, when he 
 moved to Hardin county. Here he spent the closing years of his life, 
 and died at about the age of seventy. The Doctor’s great-grandmother 
 Jones was before her marriage a Miss Wolf, she being a cousin of General 
 Wolf, of historic fame. John Morgan Jones, the Doctor’s father, was 
 born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1832, and in 1850 came with his father’s 
 family to Hardin county. Here he met and married Miss Elizabeth 
 M. Gillen, who was bom in New Jersey in 1836 and who had come with 
 her parents from that state to Hardin county, Ohio, the same year the 
 Jones family took up their residence in this county. Her father 
 returned to New Jersey to look after their household goods that had been 
 shipped, and was never again heard of. After their marriage, which 
 occurred in 1855, John Morgan Jones and wife settled on a farm in 
 Washington township where he was engaged in farming until the close 
 of the war, when he moved to Blanchard township to a farm in the 
 southwest corner of the township, where he lived until 1880, when he 
 bought and moved to the Herrick farm in the northeast corner of the 
 township where he lived until within five years of the time of his death, 
 when he retired and moved to Kenton. He died at the age of seventy- 
 five. For a number of years he was a justice of the peace. Religiously 
 he was a Methodist, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church for many years. His widow is still living. To them were 
 born nine children, two daughters and seven sons, the number including 
 three pairs of twins, namely : Sarah Caroline, who died at the age of 
 
 seventeen years; Benton K., the subject of this sketch; E. E. and Ella 
 J., twins; Christopher and Charles F., twins; U. 0. and A. M., twins; 
 and John M. The last named is now a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. 
 
 Benton K. Jones was reared on his father’s farm and received his 
 early training in the district school. When he was seventeen he attended 
 for a time the Kenton school and afterward entered Ada University, 
 now the Ohio Northern University, where he pursued his studies, and still 
 later he went to Cincinnati and took a course in medicine, graduating 
 there in 1888. In the meantime he clerked in a dry goods store in 
 Springfield, Ohio, and taught country school, thus paving his way to 
 professional life. After his graduation, he entered upon the practice 
 of medicine at Kenton, and has since continued here. With the passing 
 years he has kept pace with the progress made in the science of medicine. 
 In 1894 he took a post graduate course in special surgery, in Chicago, 
 and in 1899 a post graduate course in the New York Post Graduate 
 School. AVhile in Cincinnati he took special work on the subject of 
 the eye and ear. Like all up-to-date physicians and surgeons Dr. Jones 
 has identified hihftelf with various medical organizations. Pie has 
 membership in the N. W. State Medical, the Ohio Sta,te Medical, the 
 0. C., E. M. A. and the N. E. Medical Associations. In 1897 he was 
 president of the State Medical Association, and two terms he was coroner 
 of Hardin county. 
 
 In 1883 Dr. Jones married Miss Alice M. Fredrick, daughter of 
 
HISTORY OF ITARDIN COUNTY 
 
 772 
 
 William and Sarah Fredrick of Hardin county. They have two sons 
 and two daughters: William Clay, Paul Frederick, Maude and Marie E. 
 Following in the footsteps of his father, William Clay chose the profes- 
 sion of medicine, and is engaged in practice with his father. He is a 
 graduate of the Kenton High School, the Ohio State University and the 
 P. H. G. M. D., and is a member of the E. M. A. 
 
 The senior Dr. Jones is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fellow 
 and a Knight of Pythias. 
 
 George Stoll. — The native born citizens of Pleasant township, 
 Hardin county, have no more worthy representative than George Stoll, 
 who holds a noteworthy position among the practical, progressive and 
 business-like farmers who are so ably conducting the extensive agricul- 
 tural interests of this section of the state. He was born on the farm 
 he now owns and occupies February 21, 1836, in the log house erected 
 by his father, Coonrod Stoll, coming from thrifty German ancestry. 
 
 Coonrod Stoll was born, reared and married in Germany. Emi- 
 grating to this country in 1833, he came to Ohio in search of cheap 
 land. Locating in Pleasant township, Hardin county, he bought eighty 
 acres of timber land, paying the government price of two dollars and 
 fifty cents an acre for the tract, subsequently working by the day to 
 get the money to pay for it. By means of untiring industry and thrift 
 he succeeded in paying off all of his indebtedness within a comparatively 
 few years, and in course of time had a well improved and productive 
 property. The log house which he built and in which his six olde r 
 children were born was replaced by a frame building, and good barns 
 and outbuildings were erected. Here he was prosperously employed 
 as a tiller of the soil until his death, in May, 1865. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Amelia Rader, was born in Germany, and died in 
 Pleasant township, Hardin county, in 1887. Eight children were born 
 of their union, as follows: George; Elizabeth, deceased; Casper; Mary, 
 deceased; Millie, deceased; Eliza; Margaret; and John. 
 
 Reared and educated in Pleasant township, George Stoll spent eight 
 years of his earlier life in California, but was not well enough pleased 
 with his prospects of a prosperous future to remain on the Pacific 
 coast. Returning to the scenes of his childhod, he turned his attention 
 to farming, and in due course of time succeeded to the ownership of 
 the parental acres. Devoting his attention to its care, Mr. Stoll has 
 made substantial and essential improvements, the place now comparing 
 favorably in its appointments with any in the vicnity. He is a man 
 of keen foresight and enterprise, and has, evidently, a thorough under- 
 standing of the best methods of so conducting his business as to secure 
 the most profitable results. He has made judicious investments and 
 owns in addition to the old homestead two hundred and forty acres of 
 land in Washington township, Hardin county. 
 
 Mr. Stoll married, in October, 1869, Amelia Reise, who was born, 
 June 26, 1837, in Kohessen, Germany, and came to this country in 1867. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Stoll are the parents of five children, namely : Amelia, 
 
 who married G. B. Heilman, has seven children, Samuel, Bryan, Rush, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 773 
 
 Calvin, Arlo, Freda and John ; Julia, the wife of G. E. Carruthers, has 
 two children, Emma and Alice; Philip married Emma Flinn, and they 
 have two children, William E. and John C. ; Mary, deceased; and Wil- 
 liam, who married Electa Haines, by whom he has one child, Kenneth. 
 John W. Flinn, the father of Mrs. Philip Stoll, enlisted in defense of 
 his country in 1861, becoming a private in the Eighty-second Ohio Vol- 
 unteer Infantry, and at the end of his term of enlistments re-enlisted, 
 becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, with which he was associated until the close of the war, taking 
 an active part in many important engagements. He married Catherine 
 Foults. Mr. Stoll and his family are faithful and valued members of 
 Saint John’s Evangelical church at Kenton. 
 
 Henry W. Scott, one of the successful farmers of Hardin county, 
 Ohio, was born in Warren county, this state, May 25, 1855, a son of 
 Richard and Margaret (Lynn) Scott. When he was five years old 
 his parents moved to Putnam county and settled on a farm, and there 
 Henry W. was reared and received a district-school education. From 
 the time he was seventeen until he was married he worked as a farm 
 hand. Then he rented land for two or three years, after which the 
 father and father-in-law gave to the young couple an eighty-acre tract 
 of timber land. Moving to this place, he directed his energies toward 
 the work of clearing and improving it, and later traded it for one hun- 
 dred and twenty acres of other land. In the spring of 1892 he moved 
 to Hardin county, where in time he acquired no less than four hundred 
 acres. As his sons have married he has divided with them and assisted 
 them in establishing homes of their own ; and he retains two hundred 
 acres, on which he is engaged in general farming and raising hogs and 
 cattle. 
 
 Mr. Scott married in 1875 Miss Mary E. Beam, who was born in 
 Putnam county, Ohio, in April. 1857, a daughter of Amos and Mary 
 (Burkhart) Beam, natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott 
 seven children have been born, namely : Amos, Samuel, Earl, Pearl, 
 Otto, Cloyd and Carrie. Samuel married Miss Maud Witham, Earl 
 married Miss Nora Sheller, Pearl is the wife of Finley Huston, and 
 Otto married Miss Effie Shiveley. The other children are at home. 
 
 Mr. Scott and his family are members of the Radical United Breth- 
 ren church, in which he has served as class leader and trustee. While 
 he has never taken an active part in politics he has always voted con- 
 scientiously, supporting the man rather than the party, but has strongly 
 favored the Prohibitionists. 
 
 Bernard Dowd, is widely known as a prosperous agriculturist of 
 Pleasant township and is numbered among the citizens of good repute 
 and high standing in Hardin county, where the larger part of his life 
 has been passed. He was born in 1866, in Champaign county, Ohio, 
 a son of the late Thomas Dowd. 
 
 Coming with his family from Champaign county, Ohio, to Hardin 
 county in 1866. Thomas Dowd purchased fifty-two acres of wild land. 
 
774 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and in an open space soon erected a log house, which he occupied several 
 years. Working with a well-directed purpose, he subsequently cleared 
 and improved a productive farm, on which he erected substantial build- 
 ings, and was there employed in his chosen occupation until his death, 
 in 1884. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Tully, survived him 
 more than a score of years, passing away in 1907. Nine children blessed 
 their union, namely: Maggie; Daniel; Nellie; Mary; Bernard; Anna, 
 deceased; Michael; Jane and Theresa. 
 
 Brought by his parents to Hardin county in infancy, Bernard Dowd 
 was here brought up and educated. As a boy he attended the district 
 school, and on the home farm became thoroughly acquainted with the 
 various branches of agriculture. Beginning life for himself, he chose 
 for his life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and in 
 1899 bought the farm on which he now resides. It contains eighty 
 acres of rich productive land, on which he has valuable improvements, 
 his comfortable residence being tastefully furnished, while his ample 
 barns are well stocked and conveniently arranged. In addition to his 
 home estate Mr. Dowd owns thirty-six acres of choice land in another 
 part of Pleasant township. In his operations he has invariably met with 
 success, his earnest and judicious labors being well rewarded. 
 
 Mr. Dowd married, in 1900, Ida C. Bookmyer, who was born at 
 Clyde, Ohio, in 1872, a daughter of John and Harriet Bookmyer, and 
 into their happy household four children have been born, namely ; 
 Lawrence, Henrietta, Mary G, and Irma C. Mr. and Mrs. Dowd are 
 genial, agreeable people, enjoying to the utmost the esteem and con- 
 fidence of their many friends and neighbors, and are worthy members 
 of the Roman Catholic church. 
 
 IT. J. Scullin, a successful hardware and agricultural implement 
 dealer of Roundhead, Ohio, was born near Bolivar, Tuscarawas county, 
 Ohio, November 6, 1847, a son of Henry and Mary (Smells) Scullin. 
 Henry Scullin was born in Ireland, was a soldier in the queen’s army, 
 and was sent to Canada. He came across the line from Canada into the 
 United States at Detroit. He was afterwards married at Akron, Ohio. 
 He finally settled in Zanesville, Ohio, where he died in 1852. He worked 
 in a soap and candle factory. Mr. Scullin was the father of three 
 children, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Hiram Stocker; Margaret, wife of 
 Milton Martin, of Akron, Ohio ; and Henry J. 
 
 After the death of Henry Scullin his widow married again, and 
 II. J. Scullin remained on the home farm, working through the summer 
 and attending school winters, until the age of sixteen years. On Febru- 
 ary 24, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-first Ohio, and served 
 under Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, then served under General 
 Thomas at Franklin and Nashville. He went to Victoria, Texas, and 
 was mustered out October 3, 1865, being discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
 November 30, 1865. Returning to his native county, he returned 
 with his stepfather to Auglaize county and worked four years on a farm. 
 He then went to the eastern part of the state and was for a time engaged 
 in mining business. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
AUSTIN S. McKITRICK 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 775 
 
 On August 10, 1870, Mr. Scullin married Mary I. Stewart, and 
 returned to Auglaize county, where he rented a farm. Later he pur- 
 chased eighteen acres, which he sold and purchased forty acres, which 
 in turn he sold and then bought one hundred acres, which he sold, and 
 then located in Roundhead, on April 10, 1901, buying the corner where 
 he is now located. He engaged in the hardware and implement business, 
 and lias built up a good trade. He carries a good stock of goods, and 
 in his business dealings displays good business principles and excellent 
 judgment. He has won the respect and confidence of his fellows, and 
 is well liked. Politically Mr. Scullin is a Repubican and served two 
 terms as trustee ; he is also serving his second term as township treasurer. 
 He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Roundhead and 
 one of its trustees. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and 
 the Grand Army of the Republic. 
 
 Eight children were born to Mr. Scullin and his wife, of whom all 
 survive, namely : Ella, wife of Charles Stokes, of Lima ; Maggie, wife of 
 Benjamin Miley, of Wapakoneta, Ohio ; Tillie, wife of William Miley, of 
 Roundhead ; Henry, unmarried ; Howard, who married Blanch Murphy, 
 of Bell Center, Ohio ; George, who married Feme Hobensack, and lives 
 in New Hamsphire, Ohio ; Carl, unmarried ; and Logan, who married 
 Nellie Smith and lives at Lima, Ohio. 
 
 Austin S. McKitrick, M. D.— A physician and surgeon of skill and 
 ability, Austin S. McKitrick, M. D., of Kenton, is widely recognized as 
 one of the leading members of the medical fraternity of Hardin county. 
 A son of Harvey Smith McKitrick, he was born, October 8, 1863, at 
 Plain City, Union county, Ohio, coming on the paternal side from Scotch 
 ancestry, and on the maternal side from substantial New England stock. 
 
 His great-grandfather, John McKitrick, is supposed to have been 
 born, reared and married in Scotland. On emigrating to America, he 
 located first in York county, Pennsylvania, and served, it is said, in the 
 Revolutionary war. He subsequently became a pioneer settler of 
 Washington county, Pennsylvania, and there, presumably, spent his 
 remaining days. He was twice married, and reared seven children, one 
 of whom, James, was the next in line of descent. 
 
 James McKitrick, born October 22, 1781, in York county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and soon after attaining his 
 majority began life for himself on Virginia soil, settling in that state 
 on land just across the line from Pennsylvania. Migrating to Ohio in 
 1807, he was one of the first settlers of Newark, where he became a land 
 owner. He afterwards removed to Delaware county, where he resided 
 until his death, in 1874. He married Mary Smith, who was born, in 
 1786, in Virginia, of German ancestry on her mother’s side, and whose 
 parents came to Knox county, Ohio, after her marriage. She died in 
 1846. Of the twelve children born of their union, eleven grew to years 
 of maturity, married, and reared families. 
 
 Harvey S. McKitrick was born in Newark, Ohio, April 23, 1822, and 
 became a farmer from choice. Purchasing land near Plain City, he was 
 there profitably engaged in tilling the soil until his death, when in the 
 
776 
 
 PTISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 seventieth year of his age. He married Harriet C. Hjemenway, who was 
 born in Bridgeport, Vermont, a daughter of Farmary Piemen way, and a 
 descendant in the seventh generation of Ralph Hemenway, of England, 
 her lineage being thus traced: Ralph, Joshua, Ebenezer, Daniel, Daniel, 
 Farmary, and Harriet C. Ralph Hemenway, the emigrant ancestor, 
 was born, it is supposed, in Yorkshire, England, and in 1634 was a 
 resident of Roxbury, Massachusetts, where, on July 5, of that year, he 
 married Elizabeth Hewes. In the records of that town he is mentioned 
 as having been active in public affairs, and in 1638 was recorded as one 
 of the largest landholders and tax payers. His wife’s brother, Joshua 
 Hewes, was likewise one of the wealthy men of Roxbury. Ralph 
 Hemenway died in 1678, at a ripe old age. Ralph’s son, Joshua Hemen- 
 way, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1644, married for his second 
 wife Mary , of Dorchester, Massachusetts, and soon after- 
 
 wards moved to Farmingham, Massachusetts, where his death occurred, 
 in 1717, at the age of seventy-three years. 
 
 Ebenezer Hemenway, the next in line of descent, born in Framing- 
 ham, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, in 1681, was as far as known a 
 life-long resident of that town. He married first Hannah Winch, and 
 the line was continued through their son, Daniel Hemenway, who was 
 born, in 1719, in Framingham, and in early manhood settled in Shrews- 
 bury, Worcester county, Massachusetts. He was a carpenter and 
 builder by trade, erected many buildings of note, among them being a 
 church in Shrewsbury, and one in Worcester. He was noted for his 
 patriotism during the Revolutionary war, and was a delegate to the 
 convention that framed the Constitution of Massachusetts. He was 
 one of the patentees of the town of Shoreham, Vermont, and made 
 several visits to that place, and to Bridgeport, Vermont. He died in 
 Shrewsbury, in 1794. Of his union with his first wife, Ruth Bigelow, 
 eight children were born, and by his second union he had one child. 
 
 Daniel Plemenway, Jr., the next in line of descent, was born in 
 Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1745, being the second son of his parents. 
 He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and afterwards settled 
 on a farm in Barre, where he spent his last years, and his homestead is 
 still owned by his descendants. In the Revolution, he was a member of 
 Captain Benjamin Nye’s company, Colonel Nathan Sparhawk’s regi- 
 ment. in which he enlisted August 21, 1777, and immediately marched 
 to Bennington, Vermont, to reinforce General Stark. He married Mary 
 Carroll, and they reared ten children. 
 
 Farmarv Hemenway was born in Barre, Worcester county, Massa- 
 chusetts, March 25, 1786, and when a young man removed to Vermont, 
 where he followed the trade of a miller. Migrating to Ohio in 1833, he 
 settled near Plain City, where he operated a grist mill for many years. 
 He died there in 1867. He was three times married. He married 
 first, in 1810, in Vermont, Rebecca Hemenway, who died the following 
 year, leaving one daughter. He married second Mrs. Mehitable (Rand) 
 Knowlton, a daughter of Jasper Rand, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, 
 who served in the Revolutionary war under Captain John Maynard and 
 Colonel Job Cushing, marching with his regiment to Bennington, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 777 
 
 Vermont, during the battle there in progress. She died quite awhile 
 
 before he did, having borne him nine children. He subsequently mar- 
 
 ried a. third wife. 
 
 Of the union of Harvey S. and Harriet C. (Hemenway) McKitrick 
 five children were reared, namely : Dr. S. C., a. physician at Tabor, 
 
 Iowa, with whom the widowed mother now lives; George L., a miner and 
 rancher in Arizona; Viola Wells Smith of Plain City; Leslie W., en- 
 gaged in farming near Jerome, Ohio ; and Austin S., M. D., of this 
 sketch. 
 
 After finishing the course of study in the public schools of Union 
 county, Austin S. McKitrick entered the Ohio Normal University, now 
 the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, where he was graduated with the 
 class of 1886. He subsequently began the study of medicine with Dr. 
 J. E. Ilerriott, of Jerome, and in 1888 was graduated from the Eclectic 
 Medical Institute of Cincinnati. He began the practice of his pro- 
 fession in Cleveland, Ohio, remaining there two years. In 1890 Dr. 
 McKitrick located in Kenton, and later was graduated from the College 
 of Physicians and Surgeons in Cleveland. Wishing to further perfect 
 himself in his profession-, the doctor took a post graduate course, in 1903, 
 at the Chicago Clinical College. He has made a special study of 
 surgery, becoming especially proficient in this branch of his profession, 
 being not only skillful, but swift and sure. 
 
 On April 3. 1889, Dr. McKitrick married May Donaldson, who was 
 born in Greenwich. Huron county, Ohio, April 26, 1866, and had gradu- 
 ated at the Ohio Northern JTniversity in 1886. She is a daughter of 
 John H. Donaldson, and a descendant in the sixth generation from one 
 Andrew Donaldson, the founder in America of the family to which she 
 belongs. Andrew Donaldson, the emigrant ancestor, was either a native 
 of Scotland, or was born in Ireland of Scotch ancestry. He was living 
 in the Juniata valley, Pennsylvania, in 1749. He, with other Scotch 
 settlers, refused to pay rents to the proprietors of Pennsylvania on the 
 grounds that they had bought the lands of the Indians. They were 
 warned off. and their cottages burned. They erected new cabins, and 
 held their lands. Moses Donaldson, the next ancestor, owned land in 
 Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. In 1778 his first wife, and two 
 of their children, were massacred by the Indians, who were incited to 
 the deed by English rewards offered for patriot scalps. He married 
 a second wife, and continued his residence in that county until his 
 death. He was a charter member and an elder of the First Presbyterian 
 church at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 
 
 His son, Andrew Donaldson, the succeeding ancestor, was a lad of 
 eight years when his mother was massacred. He married Rebecca 
 Smart, a daughter of William Smart, of Huntingdon county, and located 
 in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently coming with his 
 family to Ohio, he settled near Mansfield, Richland county, and there 
 spent his remaining years. Both he and his wife were faithful members 
 of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 Joseph Donaldson, Mrs. McKitrick ’s grandfather, and the next in 
 line of descent, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 4, 
 
778 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 1808. He chose the occupation of a farmer, and was engaged in tilling 
 the soil during his active life. He moved, in 1863, to Indiana, and 
 spent his last years near Fort Wayne. He married Sarah Gordon 
 Matthews, a daughter of Rev. William and Mary (Maxwell) Matthews. 
 Her grandfather, Deacon William Matthews, was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and after coming to America joined the Continental Army, and 
 served three years in the Revolutionary war. He married Rachel Gor- 
 don, and settled, in 1804, in Kinsman, Trumbull county, Ohio, where 
 he was a pillar in the Presbyterian church during his remaining years. 
 Rev. William Matthews was the first Presbyterian missionary to the 
 Wyandotte Indians at Upper Sandusky. 
 
 John H. Donaldson, Mrs. McKitrick’s father, was born, February 
 24, 1834, in Richland county, Ohio, near Mansfield, was educated at 
 Oberlin College, and while young taught school in Huron and Richland 
 counties, Ohio, and also in Missouri. He subsequently took up farming, 
 and now resides near Greenwich, Huron county. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Lura P. Barker, was born near Greenwich, Ohio, a 
 daughter of General Daniel G. and Eliza (Baker) Barker, and a de- 
 scendant in the seventh generation from Richard Barker, who was living 
 in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1643. Stephen Barker, the next in line 
 of descent, was born in 1659, and married Mary Abbott. The line was 
 continued through their son, Zebediah Barker, who was born in 1690, 
 and married Elizabeth Lovejoy. The next in descent was David Barker, 
 born in 1731, who served as a soldier in the Revolution, and afterwards 
 moved to Temple, New Hampshire, where he spent his remaining days. 
 He married Sarah Barker, and the line was continued through their son, 
 Ephraim Foster Barker, who was born in Methuen, Massachusetts, in 
 1778, and married Hannah Moss, of Boston. He removed from Temple, 
 to Scipio, New York, and from there, in 1819, made an overland journey 
 in the winter season to Ohio, and located in Huron county, becoming 
 the second permanent settler of Greenwich township, that county. He 
 took up wild land near Greenwich, improved a farm, and there resided 
 until his death, in 1860. He was three times married, and reared 
 thirteen children. General Daniel G. Barker, Mrs. McKitrick’s grand- 
 father, was born in Temple, New Hampshire, March 17, 1803. He 
 served as a brigadier general in the State Militia. Succeeding to the 
 occupation of his ancestors, he followed farming during his active life in 
 Huron county, Ohio, and died, in 1887, at Greenwich. He married 
 Eliza Baker, who descended from Edward Baker, who, with his wife 
 Joan, sailed in 1630, from Southampton, England, for America, and 
 settled in Lynn, Massachusetts. The next in line of descent, Edward 
 Baker, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Captain Thomas Marshall, and 
 their son, Marshall Baker, married Thankful Ward, a direct descendant 
 of William Ward, who settled in Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1639, and 
 founded the Massachusetts family to which General Artemas Ward, 
 commander-in-chief of the army, belonged. The next in line of descent 
 was Sherebiah Baker, who served as a minute man in the Revolutionary 
 war, going from Upton, Massachusetts. He married Clotilda Daniels. 
 Their son, Marshall Baker, married Betsey Ward, and among the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 779 
 
 children that they reared was Eliza Baker, who became the wife of 
 General Daniel G. Barker. Mrs. McKitrick’s mother died April 2, 1897. 
 She reared five children, as follows: Clara R., now a teacher in the 
 
 Philippine Islands; Joseph D. ; Frank D. ; May E. McKitrick; and 
 Grace A. Matthews. 
 
 Dr. McKitrick and his wife have two children, namely : Donald 
 Kent and Austa. The family are all members of the Church of Christ. 
 Mrs. McKitrick is a member of Fort McArthur Chapter, D. A. R., of 
 which she is a regent, and Dr. McKitrick is a member of Scioto Chapter, 
 S. A. R, 
 
 Professor John W. Osborne, is one of the ablest and most promi- 
 nent educators of Hardin county, Ohio, who has been principal of the 
 Roundhead schools for the past eleven years. Professor Osborne was 
 born in Clinton, Ohio, February 11, 1865, a son of John M. and Christina 
 (Tullis) Osborne. His father was killed in the battle of Franklin be- 
 fore John W. Osborne was born, thus he never knew a father’s care or 
 counsel. He was reared on a farm and was educated in the Ohio 
 Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Home at Xenia, remaining there until 
 sixteen years of age. He attended the normal school at Ada, and at 
 the age of nineteen years took up the occupation of teaching. He has 
 continued in this profession constantly ever since, save for one year 
 when he was engaged in service in the Spanish- American war. He en- 
 listed as a private and was mustered out as battalion quartermaster ser- 
 geant. Professor Osborne was the first principal of the high schools at 
 Roundhead, and is assisted by two other teachers. He has entire charge 
 of the high school department. He made the most of his opportunities 
 to gain an education, and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in mat- 
 ters relating to his profession. He is well read and highly cultured, and 
 has made his own way in the world from a very youthful beginning. 
 He was possessed of unusual energy and ambition, and used them to good 
 advantage. Professor Osborne holds a five-year county license. 
 
 In 1904 he married Mary Young, and one child has been born to 
 them, Dorothy, born in September, 1908. He is a member of Bell Center 
 Lodge No. 347, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a 
 past master. Politically he is a Republican and takes a commendable 
 interest in public affairs. Professor Osborne has been an inspiration 
 to those who have been under his charge, and has made his influence 
 count for good. He has the confidence and esteem of his fellows, and is 
 well liked wherever known. 
 
 John W. May, who successfully conducts a general store at Round- 
 head, also owns a good farm in Roundhead township and looks after 
 its interests. He is an enterprising and progressive business man, and 
 pays close attention to his various interests and investments. He was 
 born in Kenton, Ohio, November 19, 1852, a son of James H. and Susan 
 J. (Walker) May. James IT. May was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, August 
 2, 1812, and his wife was born near Charlottesville, Virginia, In April, 
 1826. The Walker family removed from Virginia to Pickaway county, 
 
780 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Ohio, about 1832. James H. May was a son of John May, who located 
 in Logan county and kept a hotel at Big Springs. 
 
 James H. May was married in 1846, and the following year settled 
 in Kenton, where he worked at the trade of a carpenter until 1867, and 
 then located in Roundhead township, near the town, where he carried 
 on farming until death in 1896. He was an earnest member of the 
 Disciple church. He was the father of nine children, of whom four 
 now survive, namely: Mary, wife of Dr. B. B. Potter, of Lancaster, 
 Missouri ; John W. ; Frank W., who lives on the old homestead in Round- 
 head township; and Ida R., wife of J. B. South, of Lima, Ohio; Henry, 
 deceased was a soldier in the Spanish- American war, and served as 
 quartermaster and paymaster. He was an attorney of Kenton and re- 
 presented the Thirteenth district in the Ohio senate in 1887. He died 
 in Texas in May, 1905. A daughter Liddie, is also deceased. 
 
 The early days of John W. May were spent on his father’s farm, 
 where as soon as he was old enough, he assisted in the work. He was 
 educated in the public schools of Kenton and Roundhead township, and 
 in 1882 entered into partnership with J. E. Mertz and bought out the 
 grocery store of E. J. Short. They remained in partnership twenty-two 
 years, and in 1904 Mr. May bought out his partner’s interests, since 
 which time he has conducted the business alone. He also owns a farm 
 of one hundred and seventy-six acres in the township and makes a 
 specialty of stock raising. His business integrity and honesty are widely 
 recognized, and he enjoys a good patronage. 
 
 On December 30, 1875, Mr. May married Mary C. Bowdle, daughter 
 of Henry S. Bowdle. She was born in Roundhead township in 1855. 
 To this union three daughters have been born, as follows: Grace, born 
 September 9, 1878, a graduate of the Delaware (Ohio) College; Hazel, 
 born March 23, 1890, a student in the Conservatory of Music at Cincin- 
 nati, Ohio ; and Ruth, born September 16, 1892, a graduate of the High 
 school at Roundhead. Politically Mr. May is a Republican, although 
 he does not aspire to public office himself. He is well known in Hardin 
 county and has a host of friends. 
 
 William F. McGinnis. — Among the successful farmers and stock 
 raisers of Roundhead township is William F. McGinnis, a native of the 
 state of Ohio, born in Perry county March 4, 1853, a son of Moses and 
 Margaret (Work) McGinnis. Mr. McGinnis is the only one now living 
 of the children by his father’s first marriage. He came with his parents 
 to Allen county when about eleven years of age, and they located on 
 a farm at West Newton. He lived with his father until twenty-four 
 years of age, attending the country school winters and working on the 
 farm summers. 
 
 On February 26. 1876, Mr. McGinnis married Marie E. Smith, 
 who was born in Allen county December 30, 1857, a daughter of Jacob 
 L. and Sarah M. (Crawford) Smith. She was reared in West Newton 
 and attended the graded school at that place. After his marriage Mr. 
 McGinnis rented a farm, and they worked hard to get a start in life. 
 He lived on rented land until 1885, when he purchased a hotel at Alger, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 781 
 
 Ohio, and remained there about five years, then sold out and purchased 
 a farm in Marion township, where he remained about five years, then 
 located in Roundhead township. He owns eighty acres of land in 
 section 15, where he carries on general farming and makes a specialty 
 of stock raising. Mr. McGinnis is a member of the United Brethren 
 church of Pleasant Valley, and serves as chorister of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church at Holden, Ohio. He is a member of the Knights of 
 Pythias Lodge at Roundhead. Politically he is a Republican, and has 
 held various township offices. At present he is serving the county as 
 infirmary director; the body meets once a month and attends to the 
 wants of the poor and looks after the poor farm. He is serving his 
 second two-year term in this capacity. He is highly respected in his 
 locality, where he has a large circle of friends. He is honest and indus- 
 trious, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, being always 
 ready to support every measure for the public welfare. 
 
 Mr. McGinnis and his wife have had children as follows : Myrtle 
 E., wife of Rev. W. E. Childs; Margaret, wife of Orion J. Clinger- 
 Gertrude G., wife of Frederick Hamilton ; Fred V., who married Miss 
 Elsie Hinkle; Bennie, Retha and Cordie, and two children deceased. 
 Hazel, who died January 3, 1909, and Victor, who died November 7, 1904. 
 
 Albert Moore Jr. — Prominent among the business men and citizens 
 of McDonald township is numbered Albert Moore, Jr., who was born in 
 Franklin county, Ohio, September 17, 1862, a son of Albert and Hannah 
 (Fultz) Moore. The family came to Hardin county about the year 
 of 1871, locating in Taylor Creek township, which was their home for 
 some time, and the parents are now living in McDonald township. 
 
 Albert Moore, the son, was the third born of his parents seven 
 children, and he has been identified with agricultural pursuits since 
 leaving the district schools at the age of seventeen. At, the age of 
 twenty-one, in 1883, he was married to Callie Ampsler, who was born and 
 reared in Hardin county. They began their married life with com- 
 paratively nothing of this world’s goods, and Mr. Moore rented his 
 father’s farm for some time, then going in debt for a place. But suc- 
 cess has crowned his well directed efforts, and he now owns a good estate 
 of six hundred and twelve acres in McDonald township, which repre- 
 sents the accumlation of many years of hard and persistent labor. He 
 is engaged very extensively in growing and shipping onions, shipping 
 about two hundred car loads of this product yearly to the best markets 
 of the country, and besides he is also a well known breeder of good stock, 
 hogs, sheep and horses. He is a Republican voter, and is cpiite pro- 
 minent in the politics of his township and county. 
 
 Fotu- children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, namely: 
 Effie, Lydia, Callie and Anna. The eldest daughter is the wife of Carl 
 Batchlett, of McDonald township. Mr. and Mrs. Moore and their family 
 are members of the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal church of McDonald 
 township. 
 
 Vol. 11—23 
 
782 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 George Jameson. — Attorney George Jameson was born in Wayne 
 county, Ohio, November 15, 1838. After leaving the common schools 
 he attended Vermilion Institute in Ashland county and Kenyon College, 
 and graduated from the Law Department of Michigan University in 
 1867. He was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, and 
 practiced law successfully at Lima, Ohio, for sixteen years, and besides 
 prosecuting an active law practice he performed his full share in im- 
 proving the city of Lima, having developed and laid out Jameson’s 
 two beautiful additions to that city and which constitute now the 
 beautiful west end, filled with fine homes and constituting by far the 
 most beautiful residence part of the city. He was the pioneer street 
 railway man of Lima. He organized the original Lima Street Railway 
 Company and served as its president until he left the city. In 1883, on 
 account of the unfavorable condition of his health, he sold his interests 
 in Lima, including his beautiful home which he sold to Dr. Baxter, and 
 invested in lands near Dola in Hardin county, where he developed a 
 large farm and made a beautiful home where, with his estimable wife, he 
 resided until her death in 1899. 
 
 When twenty- two years of age Mr. Jameson had married Mary E. 
 McClure, the sweetheart of his boyhood and of his after life, a most 
 excellent and beautiful Christian woman, to whom he was very greatly 
 devoted and with whom he lived most happily for nearly forty years. 
 Her death has greatly saddened his life, and being left with no one 
 but employes he opened a law office at Ada in order to be near his only 
 child, Charles E. Jameson, to whom with his family he is very much 
 attached. During the Civil war he entered the army as a private, but 
 was promoted to first sergeant and afterward became captain of his com- 
 pany. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and a Republican 
 in politics, but in both religion and politics he is very liberal toward the 
 sincere and reasonable opinions of others. He has always been opposed 
 to the saloons and the liquor traffic, and he did his full share in eradicat- 
 ing them from Ada and from the township and the county. He is an 
 industrious, careful lawyer of long experience, who aims to always give 
 good, faithful, safe and honest counsel and service to all who employ him. 
 
 Charles E. Jameson, son of George and Mary E. Jameson, was 
 born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 8, 1866, and received his education 
 in the Lima, Ohio, schools and the Ohio State University. He married 
 Elma I. Sanford, and they reside in their country home three miles east 
 of Ada. They operate their farm of four hundred acres of very rich 
 and valuable land, and educate their sons at Ada. They have six sons, 
 Edwin, Cloyd, Sinclair, Sanford, AValter and Robert. 
 
 Cadwallader Wallace. — The agricultural interests of Hardin 
 county find an able representative in Cadwallader Wallace, who owns a 
 valuable estate in McDonald township, and is prominently known both as 
 a farmer and stock raiser. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, January 
 24, 1855, a son of Neacma and Maria Wallace, both also natives of 
 this commonwealth, the father of Ross county and the mother of 
 Franklin county. The son was reared in his native city of Chillico- 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MRS. CHARLES E. JAMESON 
 
MRS. GEORGE JAMESON 
 

 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 V 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 783 
 
 the, attending a private school there, and leaving there in 1882 he 
 came to Hardin county, where his father had given him three hundred 
 and seventy-six acres of land in McDonald township. This, however, 
 was heavily wooded land at that time, but with the passing years Mr. 
 Wallace has cleared it and made it one of the valuable estates of the 
 township. He follows a general line of farming and is engaged very 
 extensively in the raising of fine stock, including Percheron horses, 
 Duroc hogs and Holstein cattle. He is also an active political worker 
 in county and state politics, and was at one time the nominee of his 
 party, the Democratic, for the office of commissioner. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Wallace was married to Louella Reed, also born in the 
 city of Chillicothe, and they became the parents of the following four 
 children: Harry R.. who married Ethel Fullilove, and is filling a cler- 
 ical position at MeGuffey, Ohio ; Nellie, the wife of Norman Williams, 
 of Taylor Creek township ; George, who married Edith McKaftv ; and 
 Jean, in the parental home. Mrs. Wallace died in 1896, and Mr. 
 Wallace subsequently married Alice Fields, a daughter of the Rev. 
 John Fields of Ada, Ohio, and the only child of that union died at 
 the age of thirteen months. Mr. Wallace is a member of the Knights 
 of Pythias fraternity at Kenton. 
 
 John Dillon. — The substantial and well-to-do residents of Hardin 
 county have no more worthy representative than John Dillon, of 
 Roundhead, who ranks high among the keen, progressive and skillful 
 farmers who have so actively assisted in developing the agricultural 
 interests of this part of the state. A son of John S. Dillon, he was 
 born. August 4, 1844. in Logan county, Ohio, John S. Dillon was 
 born. September 19, 1814, in Clark county, Ohio, of pioneer ancestry, 
 and was there brought up and educated. He subsequently moved to 
 Logan county, and was there engaged in general farming until his 
 death in 1887. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Martin, 
 was born, August 9, 1817, in Highland county, Ohio. Of the children 
 born of their union three sons served in the Civil war, Isaac, Thomas 
 and John. 
 
 Having completed the course of study in the public schools of 
 his native county, John Dillon naturally turned his attention to the 
 independent pursuit with which he was most familiar, becoming a 
 most successful farmer. Locating near Jumbo, Hardin county, in 1866, 
 he lived there thirteen years, after which he spent two years in Logan 
 county. Returning to Hardin county in 1881, he took up his residence 
 in McDonald township, where he continued as one of its foremost 
 agriculturists until 1909, when he moved to his attractive home in 
 Roundhead. When the Civil war was in progress Mr. Dillon enlisted 
 for a period of three years in Company I, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, but was sent home owing to his youth, although he afterwards 
 re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company F, One Hundred and 
 Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the end of his term of 
 enlistment, one hundred days, was honorably discharged at Camp Chase. 
 During his service in the army he participated in several engagements 
 
784 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of importance, including the battle of Richmond, the three days siege 
 of Petersburg and the battle of Chattanooga. 
 
 Mr. Dillon married, February 16, 1866, Nerva Helpenstein, a 
 daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth (Heath) Helpenstein, and to them 
 six children were born, namely: Simeon, residing at Silver Creek, mar- 
 ried Bertha Grundy, and they have one child, Lizzie; Emma, wife of 
 James Taylor, of Lima, Ohio, has three children, Mary, Homer and one 
 other; Marietta, wife of Amos Wheeler, of Foraker, Ohio, has three 
 children, George, Homer and one other; Annie, wife of Robert Low, 
 of Kenton, has one child, Ethel ; George E., of Roundhead township, 
 married Aggie Stout, and they have one child, Emerson ; and a child 
 that died in infancy. Mr. Dillon’s first wife died January 28, 1884. 
 He married on March 28, 1896, Mary Jane Hoon, daughter of George 
 and Sarah Hoon, of McDonald township. Politically Mr. Dillon uni- 
 formly casts his vote for the Republican candidate for office. Fratern- 
 ally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and for upwards of 
 sixteen years he has belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Re- 
 ligiously he is a faithful member of the Christian church. 
 
 Arthur Clifton Levally. — Prominent among the agriculturists 
 and business men of Taylor Creek township is numbered Arthur Clifton 
 Levally, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, September 2, 1866, a 
 son of George William, a grandson on the paternal side of James Jeffer- 
 son and a great-grandson of George Levally. This last named ancestor 
 came to America during the war of 1812 and he afterward settled in 
 Logan county, Ohio, the birthplace of his son, James Jefferson Levally. 
 The latter married Emeline Wilklow and died in 1901, when seventy- 
 five years of age. George William Levally born in Logan county, Ohio, 
 in 1843, died in the year of 1889, when forty-six years of age. After 
 leaving the school room he farmed and studied law at Ridgeway, and 
 being admitted to the bar in 1880 he was afterward in practice in that 
 city until his death. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and 
 he served both as a justice of the peace and as a constable in Logan 
 county. He married Mary Anna Milner, who yet survives him and 
 has attained the age of sixty-eight, years. She is a daughter of Joseph 
 Milner, from Logan county, and of Mary (Hines) Milner, his wife. 
 George W. Levally served three years as a soldier in the Civil war, en- 
 listing in 1861. The children born to him and his wife are: James 
 Jefferson, of Logan county; William Burtis whose home is in Wood 
 county; Guy Carleton, also of Logan county; Anna, who is teaching 
 school in Ridgeway; and Cora May, wife of Charles Tapp, of Taylor 
 Creek township. 
 
 Arthur C. Levally, also of the above family, after leaving the school 
 room farmed with his father until twenty-eight, and he then married and 
 farmed for two years near Silver Creek, was then four years on the old 
 Nash farm in Taylor Creek township, two years in Logan county, a 
 similar period in Union county, and he then came to his present farm of 
 seventy acres in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, and engaged 
 in farming and stock raising. Mr. Levally is an influential Democratic 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 785 
 
 worker of his township, and while in Logan county he served two terms 
 as a constable and is now serving his second term as the constable of 
 Taylor Creek township, elected first in 1907. 
 
 In December of 1894 he was married to Nettie Smith, who was born 
 September 18, 1873, in Logan county, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary 
 (Wambaugh) Smith. The mother is a daughter of Paul and Hannan 
 (Ross) Wambaugh, the former born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 
 22, 1818, and died in 1868, and the latter, born April 13, 1825, died in 
 1855. Jonathan Smith, born on the 23d of March, 1851, is a son of 
 William and Malinda E. (Bonnell) Smith. William Smith was born in 
 southern Ohio and died on the 24th of August, 1876, when fifty-eight 
 years of age, and Malinda, his wife, born February 19, 1820, died in 1896. 
 The Smith family settled in Logan county, Ohio, many years ago, later 
 moving to Delaware county, this state, and in 1873 Jonathan Smith and 
 his wife came to Taylor Creek township in Hardin county and home- 
 steaded their present farm there. Mrs. Levally is one of their eight 
 children, the others being : Eber Smith, a Dudley township farmer ; 
 
 Frank Smith, living in Taylor Creek township ; Charles Smith, a resident 
 of Hale township ; Fenton Smith, farming in Logan county ; Everett 
 Smith, on the home farm; Iva, wife of Seigle Williams; and Grace, wife 
 of Orville Oglesbee, of Kenton. Five children have been born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Levally, namely : Eva, who died in infancy ; Omah, born 
 
 December 4, 1898; Kenneth, born October 13, 1900; Herbert, born May 
 21, 1908; and Anna May, born in January, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Levally 
 are members of the Christian church. 
 
 Hon. Frank Given is one of the representative men of Hardin 
 county. He has proved a valued factor in its political councils, and 
 represents one of its honored pioneer families. He was born in 
 McDonald township on the 28th of April, 1846, a son of Alexander and 
 Mary (Campbell) Given and a grandson on the paternal side of William 
 Given, who was born in Maryland and was of Scotch descent. He was 
 a soldier in the war of 1812, and lie died in Hardin county, Ohio, in 1848. 
 Alexander Given, born in Ross county, Ohio, March 14, 1811, became 
 one of the prominent characters of McDonald township, Hardin county. 
 He served for many years as a justice of the peace, also as the clerk and 
 treasurer of McDonald township, and he died in the year of 1895. The 
 Campbell family were among the pioneers of Ross county and became 
 residents of Hardin county prior to its organization. Daniel Campbell 
 was the first recorder of Hardin county, and later served as one of its 
 associate judges. He was a prominent worker in the local ranks of the 
 Republican party. He died in 1864. 
 
 The Hon. Frank Given received a common school training in his 
 early youth, and this fitted him for a teacher, which continued as his 
 work during two or three terms. He moved to Roundhead township 
 in the spring of 1865. He served as a justice of the peace, as treasurer 
 and as clerk of Roundhead township, and in 1893 he was elected a 
 probate judge on the Republican ticket, and was returned to the office 
 in the following election of 1896, thus remaining the incumbent of that 
 
786 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 office for six years. At the expiration of this incumbency the judge 
 returned to his farm in Roundhead township. He owns a splendid 
 farm of two hundred and ten acres, located in both Roundhead and 
 McDonald townships, and is actively engaged in general agricultural 
 pursuits. He is a member of Bell Center Lodge, No. 347, A. P. & A. 
 M., and is also associated with Kenton Chapter, R. A. M., and with 
 Kenton Commandery, No. 58, K. T. and is a Knight of Pythias, belong- 
 ing to the lodge at Roundhead. 
 
 In 1865 he was united in marriage with Eliza I. Marmon, a native 
 daughter of Hardin county and one of its former educators. She 
 became the mother of the following seven children: Walter C., Anna 
 
 M., Boyd and Moses (twins), Eva B., Robert A. and Franklin. Mrs. 
 Given died in March, 1880, and in January of 1882 Judge Given 
 married Malinda Slaybaugh, by whom he had the following four chil- 
 dren: Ada E., Mary C., Lewis P. and Gertrude M., all now living with 
 the exception of the daughter Mary. Ada E. is the wife of C. C. 
 Thomas, and they are living on the farm with her father. The second 
 Mrs. Given is also deceased, her demise occurring in March of 1906. 
 Judge Given is a member of the Methodist Protestant denomination at 
 Hinkle Chapel, and is a member of the board of trustees of His church. 
 
 John P. Richards. — The development of Hardin county from a 
 dense wilderness to a rich agricultural region has been a labor of years, 
 and largely performed by men of brain and brawn, skilled in the use of 
 tools of all kinds, and especially thorough in their knowledge of agri- 
 culture. Noteworthy among this number is John P. Richards, a 
 venerable and highly esteemed resident of Buck township, who has here 
 been engaged in his honorable and pleasant occupation for upwards of 
 half a century. A son of Rev. James Richards, he was born, February 
 27, 1827, in Seneca county, Ohio, coming from excellent New England 
 ancestry. 
 
 His grandfather, John Richards, was born and reared in New 
 Hampshire, and as a young man served in the Revolutionary war. He 
 subsequently returned to his old home among the New England hills, 
 and for a number of years owned and operated a flour mill, continuing 
 his residence there until his death. 
 
 Rev. James Richards was born and reared among the invigorating 
 breezes of the New England states, in New Hampshire. With the 
 spirit of enterprise that is essentially American in character, he longed 
 as a young man to try the hazard of new fortunes, and, with no capital 
 to start with, journeyed westward on foot, stopping occasionally in 
 some large place to earn a little spending money, continuing on his way 
 until he arrived in Seneca township. He was one of the original set- 
 tlers of that locality, Indians and the wild beasts of the forest being 
 then plentiful. Buying a tract of land on the Sandusky river, ten 
 miles south of Tiffin, he built a log cabin, and cleared a portion of the 
 tract. Selling out in 1829, he, with his wife and five children, moved 
 to Pike county, making the journey there with a team, and taking along 
 all of their worldly goods. A few years later he settled on rented land 
 

 
 
JAMES RICHARDS MATILDA RICHARDS SARAH M. HARBISON 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 787 
 
 in Ross county, where he was soon licensed as an exhorter by James B. 
 Findley. He was subsequently licensed as a preacher by Bishop 
 Soule, and for many years thereafter was active in the ministry, preach- 
 ing in various counties, and making many conversions. Coming to 
 Hardin county in 1848, he spent his last years in the family of his son, 
 John P., passing away at the age of seventy-seven years. He married 
 Matilda Perrel, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of John Perrel. 
 She lived to the age of seventy-five years. She reared eight children, 
 as follows; Leonard, Minerva, Sarah, John P., Esther, Jephtha, Harriet, 
 and Frank. 
 
 Beginning life as a wage-earner as soon as old enough, John P. 
 Richards began working by the day or month, and continued until 
 twenty-four years of age to be thus employed. Renting land then in 
 Pleasant township, he resided there three years, and then settled in 
 Buck township, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, at once 
 assuming possession of the log cabin standing among the trees. But 
 ten acres of the land had then been cleared, but he has since cleared 
 the remainder, and has made improvements of an excellent character 
 on the place, including among others the erection of a substantial set 
 of frame buildings. 
 
 Mr. Richards married, in 1851, Sarah M. Harbison, who was born 
 in South Carolina, September 18, 1832. Her father. Matthew Harbison, 
 a native of North Carolina, went to South Carolina when young, and 
 lived there until 1834. In that year, accompanied by his wife and five 
 children, he came until a colony from his neighborhood to Ohio, making 
 an overland trip with teams. His wife rode on horseback, bringing 
 Mrs. Richards, then an infant, in her lap. He and his family lived 
 in Greene county until 1842, and then came to Hardin county, locating 
 in Pleasant township, and there living with his sons until his death, 
 at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Sarah McCoy, was born in South Carolina, and died, in Hardin county, 
 Ohio, in the ninety-fourth year of her age in 1894. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Richards have one son, Marion F. Richards. He 
 married Viola Butler, and they have five children. Neva, John P.. Earl. 
 Hazel, and Carl. Neva married Horace Latimer, and they are the 
 parents of three children, Ruby, Cleo, and Pauline. John P. married 
 Ada Overly and they have two children, John C. and Evelyn. Earl 
 married Rebecca Bishop and they have one child, Anna Belle. Mr 
 Richards was converted, and joined the Methodist Episcopal church! 
 when he was twelve years old, and Mrs. Richards united with the same 
 church when she was twenty-six years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs 
 Richards enjoy good health. 
 
 Hugh E. Pearce.— Among the men who have acquired success in 
 Kenton, Ohio, is Hugh E. Pearce, a life-long resident of the city, born 
 there December 20. 1870. He is an enterprising, representative citizen, 
 and is now engaged in real estate and insurance business. Mr. Pearce 
 is a son of John M. and Mary E. (Whitney) Pearce; the former a 
 native of Bedford, Massachusetts, was reared and partly educated in his 
 
788 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 native town. John M. Pearce came with his father, Benjamin Pearce, 
 also a native of Massachusetts, to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended 
 school for a time and then entered the University of Michigan, from 
 which he was graduated. Benjamin Pearce practiced dentistry some 
 years in Cleveland, and spent his last ten years in Kenton, Ohio. John 
 M. Pearce was connected with the Pennsylvania railroad, and upon 
 settling in Kenton, about 1868, was elected county clerk, holding the 
 office about four years. He was a life-long Democrat and took an active 
 interest in public affairs. He was a Mason, and had a wide circle of 
 friends. His wife was a daughter of Dr. Benjamin Whitney, of 
 Mansfield, Ohio. John M. Pearce and his wife were parents of five 
 children, of whom Hugh E. is the youngest. 
 
 The boyhood days of Hugh -E. Pearce were spent in Kenton, where 
 he received his education, and when a young man began his business 
 career as bookkeeper for the Champion Iron Company, of Kenton, where 
 he remained seven years. He later became manager of the American 
 Straw Board Company, at Kenton and Middletown, Ohio, which position 
 he held about four years. His father died in February, 1899, and he 
 succeeded to his real estate business. 
 
 Mr. Pearce is well known in the community, and enjoys universal 
 respect and esteem. He is a stanch Democrat and takes an active 
 interest in public affairs ; he is at the time secretary of the county board 
 of elections. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
 of Elks, No. 157. of the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of the American 
 Revolution and the Modern Woodmen. 
 
 William Alvin Belt, M. D. — In the annals of Hardin county the 
 name of William A. Belt, M. D., stands prominent, not only in the 
 medical world but in business, literary, social, political and fraternal 
 circles, in each of which he is influential and popular. As one of the 
 leading physicians and surgeons of Kenton, he has built up one of the 
 best medical practices in the city, his professional knowledge, skill and 
 ability being recognized throughout the community. He was born 
 April 23, 1863, in Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, Ohio, oldest child of 
 Rev. LeRoy A. Belt, D. D., and Rachel Burgett Belt. His boyhood was 
 passed in Ottawa, Bellefontaine, Marion and Toledo, Ohio. From the 
 high school of the latter city he graduated at sixteen. 
 
 In 1884, after completing a university course and taking prepara- 
 tory medicine, he was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University at 
 Delaware, Ohio, with the degree of B. S. Four years afterward, having 
 complied with the requirements, the post-graduate degree of M. S. was 
 conferred. In 1886, completing his medical course, he was graduated 
 from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, now the medical depart- 
 ment of the University of Cincinnati. 
 
 In 1887 the doctor was married to Alba Webster at Kenton, Ohio, 
 who died twelve years afterward, leaving two children, LeRoy Lorin, 
 who is now in the Ohio Wesleyan University and Rachel A., now in 
 Kenton high school. 
 
 Dr. Belt holds a place of prominence in the Masonic fraternity with 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 789 
 
 'which he has been officially connected in many ways for many years, 
 and in 1902 and 1903 was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 
 and has since served on its various committees. In 1906 and 1907, as 
 chairman of the ritual committee, the Doctor re-edited the Ritual of 
 Masonry for Ohio, and he has the distinction of being one of the five 
 men chosen to write the “History of the Masonic Order in Ohio for the 
 Past One Hundred Years,” the first volume of which is now, in 1910, 
 out of press, and will be of great interest and benefit to the Masons 
 throughout the United States, but more especially to the Grand Lodge of 
 this state and Ohio Masons. In 1909 Dr. Belt was chosen and received 
 at Boston the thirty-third and last degree in Masonry, being the first 
 man in the history of Hardin county to receive this honor. 
 
 Very active in politics, Dr. Belt is one of the prominent members 
 of the Republican party, and from 1898 until 1900 served on the Ohio 
 Centennial Board of Commissioners, being appointed by Governor Busli- 
 nell to represent the Eighth Congressional District. For two years 
 he was chairman of the county Republican executive committee. He is 
 now a member of the state Republican executive committee. He was a 
 member of the Kenton School Board for eight years, and for ten years 
 was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Northern University 
 from 1897 until 1907, serving also as their secretary, when he resigned 
 the position. On February 22, 1908, when the Delta Kappa Epsilon 
 literary fraternity was established at his alma mater the Doctor re- 
 ceived the honorary degree of D. K. E., his standing in his studies 
 throughout his college course having been above ninety. The Doctor 
 holds membership in Hardin county, North Western Ohio, the Ohio 
 and the American Medical Societies. 
 
 Dr. Belt married, June 6, 1901, Barbara H. Garst of Greenville, 
 Darke county, Ohio, and they have one son William Alvin, Jr. born 
 July 13, 1903. In 1900, the Doctor took a trip abroad, visiting while 
 away many places of historical interest, and the principal hospitals 
 of the various European countries, including England, Scotland, Ire- 
 land, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Belgium and 
 Holland. 
 
 Thomas Yearsley, deceased, one of the oldest settlers of Taylor 
 township, Union county, Ohio, lived for many years near Broadway. 
 He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1819, son 
 of Thomas and Sarah Yearsley. Thomas Yearsley Sr. was also a 
 native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, born August 23, 1790; Sarah, 
 his first wife, was also born there, October 9, 1789, and died in the same 
 place, March 17, 1834. He remained a widower until January 6, 1836, 
 when he was united in marriage with Mary Hawley. In 1853 Mr. 
 Yearsley removed, with his wife and three of his youngest children, to 
 Union county, Ohio, and June 28, 1854, he died, being in his sixty-fourth 
 year. His widow survived him some time, and passed away July 18, 
 1870. 
 
 In 1849 Thomas Yearsley Jr. removed to Ohio, settling near Broad- 
 way, Union county, on a farm, where he lived until his decease, in 
 
790 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 August, 1895. He married, October 18, 1860, Sarah Greene, a native 
 of New York, born August 3, 1833. Mr. Yearsley became a successful 
 farmer, and before engaging in this occupation spent some, time in 
 teaching, and also clerked in a store. He had acquired a good educa- 
 tion and was a progressive farmer, at the time of his death owning 
 one hundred and seventy-six acres of land, in a high state of cultivation. 
 He was well known and highly respected in the community, and for 
 some time held the office of trustee of Taylor township. Mr. Yearsley 
 and his wife became parents of seven children, of whom the following 
 five survive: Alben, Joseph, Ada, Burton and Emma. Mrs. Yearsley 
 formerly belonged to the Christian church but later joined the Fi*ee- 
 will Baptist church. Mr. Yearsley was a man of influence, and had 
 many friends ; his loss was deeply felt, and he was widely mourned. 
 
 Douglas Poe. — One of the prominent and successful farmers and 
 stockmen of Hardin county, Ohio, is Douglas Poe, who owns land in 
 Roundhead and McDonald townships. Mr. Poe was born in Round- 
 head township, January 16, 1856, and is a son of Andrew and Lavina 
 (Zimmerman) Poe. Andrew Poe, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, 
 was born May 1, 1816, and was a son of David Poe, a native of Kentucky, 
 who settled in Ohio in 1812. David Poe was one of the pioneers of Ohio, 
 and removed from one place to another in search of a suitable location ; 
 finally in 1830, he located in McDonald township, Hardin county, where 
 he cleared and improved a farm of two hundred acres, where he lived 
 until the death of his wife, after which he spent the remainder of his 
 life in Roundhead township. He married Elizabeth Ritchey, a native 
 of Ireland, who was brought to the United States when she was a year 
 old. To this union twelve children were born. 
 
 Andrew Poe married Lavina Zimmerman February 11, 1837; she 
 was a native of Ross county, Ohio. Mr. Poe was a prosperous farmer 
 and became the owner of some five hundred and fifty acres of land. ■ He 
 died April 26, 1905, and his wife died May 26, 1895. They were par- 
 ents of the following children: William, Milton, Ann M., Genova, 
 Samantha, David and Douglas. Mr. Poe was a member of the Metho- 
 dist Protestant church. 
 
 The boyhood of Douglas Poe was spent in Roundhead township, 
 and when old enough he began to assist in the work of the farm. He 
 attended school winters until he was eighteen years of age and then 
 devoted his entire attention to farming. He has been very successful 
 and now owns three hundred and twenty-three acres in his farm, where 
 he carries on general farming and pays special attention to stock-raising. 
 He has always looked carefully after his interests and has been amply 
 rewarded by the results of his labor. 
 
 Politically Mr. Poe is a Democrat, though he has never cared for 
 public office. lie married, December 9, 1891, Anna Borders, who is 
 a native of Hardin county, born in McDonald township, December 3, 
 1858, and they became parents of three children, namely: Birdie, born 
 April 2, 1896; Leah, June 18, 1900, and Tena, born June 18, 1900, died 
 in August, 1900. 
 

 
 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 791 
 
 Mr. Poe and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant 
 church of Hinkle chapel. 
 
 Cyrus McGuffey was born in Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio, 
 January 15, 1834, a son of John and Parmelia McGuffey, both also born 
 in the commonwealth. It was John McGuffey and sons that conceived 
 the idea of draining the great Scioto Marsh. The lands lying on the 
 north and east of the Scioto river were Congress and Military lands and 
 were sold to whoever would buy them at one dollar and twenty-five cents 
 per acre. When the lands that could be disposed of at that price were 
 all sold there remained an extensive tract of swamp lands that the 
 government was unable to sell. This land was regarded as absolutely 
 worthless and was considered impossible to drain. The government 
 then ceded these lands to the state. The state in turn to the county. 
 At the time the state turned these swamp lands over to the county a law 
 was passed directing how they were to be disposed of. The county 
 commissioners were to advertise for bidders to do a certain amount of 
 ditching under the direction of the commissioners and engineer. The 
 contractors were to receive for their work land at one dollar and twenty- 
 five cents per acre. 
 
 This land was advertised for several years without any one bidding 
 on it. Finally John McGuffey heard of it and came up from Columbus, 
 looked the land over and concluded that it could be drained. He then 
 put in a bid and got the contract and went ahead and did a sufficient 
 amount of work to obtain four thousand five hundred acres of this land. 
 This was done in the years 1858-9 under the direction of Mr. Rough, 
 Mr. Woods, and Mr. Marsh, county commissioners at that time and to 
 their entire satisfaction as they themselves expressed it. The prime 
 object of this work was to get this land on the tax duplicate and thus 
 help bear the burdens of taxation. 
 
 This then was the entering wedge toward reclaiming this section 
 from the snakes, frogs and mosquitoes and we believe that the McGuffey 
 family should receive the proper credit that their efforts merit in thus 
 starting a reclamation project that has been the means of developing 
 the most productive section of Hardin county, a section that today is 
 noted for its good roads fine homes and fertile farms, and realizes 
 enormous sums of money from the sale of its products. 
 
 After acquiring this land the great Civil war broke out and thus 
 delayed and frustrated the original plans of reclamation. This land 
 was held for some twenty years and then the four thousand five hundred 
 acres was sold to a syndicate of capitalists for six dollars per acre. 
 
 In the meantime John McGuffey purchased some two thousand 
 acres at prices ranging from three to twelve dollars per acre and it was 
 this land that was deeded to his heirs and at present is still largely 
 owned by them. His two sons, Richard C. and Cyrus were actively 
 engaged with their father in the work from the beginning. Richard 
 C. moving to Hardin county in November, 1863, and died March 22, 
 1870. Cyrus and wife moving there in April 1864. 
 
 Cyrus McGuffey was educated in the public schools of Franklin 
 
792 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 county, then at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware for two years 
 and completed his educational training at the Ohio University at Athens. 
 On October 25, 1859, he married Marinda Patterson, daughter of Thomas 
 and Marinda (Codner) Patterson a native daughter of Franklin county, 
 and a student for some time at the Worthington Female College. Four 
 years after marriage they took up their abode in Hardin county and 
 lived in this county until 1884. In March of that year they removed 
 to Miami county, Indiana, living there for six years. In 1890 they re- 
 turned to Hardin county and were residents of this county until the 
 death of Cyrus McGuffey on June 7, 1906. 
 
 Cyrus McGuffey was ever modest and unassuming but honored and 
 respected by all who knew him and in his death Hardin county lost one 
 of her representative citizens and business men. In his home life he 
 was always gentle and kindly considerate of the wishes of others and 
 would sacrifice his own pleasures for the benefit of others. He was a 
 man of strong mind and always strove to do good and to live up to a 
 high standard of truth, virtue and absolute honesty. His widow still 
 survives him and together with her son lives on the home farm. 
 
 William Cyrus McGuffey was the only son born to Cyrus and 
 Miranda McGuffey and was born March 11, 1872. When twelve years 
 of age he removed with his parents to Miami county, Indiana. After 
 living there for six years he returned with his parents to Hardin county 
 where he still resides. His early education was received at Rising Sun 
 school in Marion township, Hardin county, later graduating from the 
 high school at Gilead, Indiana. He then attended school at the Ohio 
 Northern University at Ada and studied for awhile at the Ohio State 
 University at Columbus. 
 
 After leaving school he engaged with his father in the produce 
 business under the firm name of Cyrus McGuffey & Son. Since the 
 death of his father he still conducts the business under the firm name. 
 While doing general farming their specialties are onions and potatoes ; 
 large quantities of which are grown and shipped to any section of the 
 country that wants them. At present their leader is upland grown 
 White Globe onions. Mr. McGuffey grew the first upland onions that 
 were grown in a commercial way in this county. The popular belief being 
 that it required a muck soil to successfully grow that crop This enter- 
 prise was begun some five years ago and today the upland grown onions 
 are a great factor in the onion deal. 
 
 The home farm where W. C. McGuffey lives is located about one 
 quarter mile north of McGuffey, Ohio. This farm until 1892 was 
 practically a wilderness. The larger timber had been removed and 
 the land had grown up in brush until that time when the clearing up 
 of this farm began. The work was pushed steadily until the sixty 
 acres then owned was all cleared. In 1900 the north half of the present 
 farm was purchased from Clemuel R. McGuffey and it in turn cleared. 
 This farm today is one of the best improved farms and the residence of 
 Mr. McGuffey is one of the finest in the county. He is a man of 
 splendid business ability and good judgment and acumen and is generally 
 successful in his undertakings. His honesty and probity are unques- 
 tioned and he merits and retains the confidence of his fellows. 
 

 
 
 
 
ixj 
 
 RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM C. McGUFFEY 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 793 
 
 On November 28, 1894, W. C. McGuffey was united in marriage to 
 Myrtle J. Guider, daughter of Carl A. and Marilla A. Guider. Two 
 children have been born of this union. Cyrus Carl, born January 5, 1896, 
 and Eunice A., born September 1. 1898. Mr. McGuffey is a member 
 of the Modern Woodmen of America, the United Commercial Travelers 
 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Kenton. In 
 national politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party, but in local 
 affairs votes for the men rather than the party, choosing the men he 
 considers best fitted to fill the office in question. 
 
 James V. Hill. — Among the most influential and substantial resi- 
 dents of Roundhead township, Hardin county, Ohio, is James V. Hill, 
 who carries on farming and stock-raising to a considerable extent. He 
 has other interests outside his farm, is a successful business man, of 
 sound judgment and intelligence, and interested in the cause of progress. 
 Mr. Hill was born December 15, 1875, son of James R. and Elizabeth 
 (Goslee) Hill. He is the oldest child living by his father’s second 
 marriage, and was reared in Roundhead township, of which he is a 
 native. He lived on his father’s farm and attended the district school 
 winters, working on the farm through the summer, until he was sixteen 
 years of age, since which he has given his entire time and attention to 
 his business affairs, farming, buying and selling stock, etc. He re- 
 mained at home until June 12, 1907, at which date he marred Bertie 
 Smith, daughter of James and Samantha (Poe) Smith. Mrs. Hill was 
 born in McDonald township, was reared on a farm, received a good 
 education and became a teacher in McGuffey and Roundhead schools. 
 Mr. Hill and his wife have one son. James W., born March 10. 1909. 
 
 Mr. Hill is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his 
 wife belongs to the Presbyterian church of Roundhead. He is also a 
 member of Roundhead Lodge Knights of Pythias, and Kenton Lodge 
 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a Democrat, 
 was elected commissioner in 1906, was reelected in 1908, and at present 
 is serving the second term, being president of the board. He served 
 four years as township trustee before being elected to his present office, 
 and early took an interest in public affairs. He is an efficient and 
 conscientious official, and highly esteemed by all. 
 
 Mr. Hill owns a farm in Roundhead township, comprising two hun- 
 dred and eighty acres, and is a stockholder in the Belle Center Bank. 
 He is a breeder of registered Ilerford cattle, and is enterprising and 
 progressive in his manner of carrying on his farm. 
 
 C. W. Campbell. — Among the substantial and representative far- 
 mers of McDonald township is C. W. Campbell, a native of the township, 
 born on the farm where he now resides. May 19, 1857. He is a son of 
 William B. and Jane A. (Criswell) Campbell, who formerly lived in 
 Greenfield. Ohio, and settled in Hardin county in 1852, there spending 
 the remainder of their lives. Mr. Campbell began clearing the farm 
 on which he settled, as it was thickly wooded, and he improved his land 
 until he had a good homestead. He was an industrious and ambitious 
 
794 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 farmer, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and seventy- 
 five acres of excellent farm land. He had seven children, of whom C. 
 W. is the fifth. 
 
 The boyhood of C. W. Campbell was spent on his father’s farm, 
 and when old enough he began assisting with the duties of farming. 
 He attended the district school of his neighborhood and spent one term 
 at the college in Geneva. At the death of his father he remained on 
 the farm and bought out the interests of the other heirs, so that he now 
 owns the home farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. Besides 
 carrying on general farming he has been very successful in stock raising. 
 Mr. Campbell has worked hard on the farm ever since he was a boy 
 and fully understands the conditions which exist thereon, so he is able 
 to make the most possible profit from his work. He worked for his 
 father by the month and saved enough money to make a start in life, 
 and he owes his present success to his own efforts. He is one of the 
 best known men in his community and has the respect and confidence 
 of his fellows. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a keen interest 
 in public matters. 
 
 March 6, 1901, Mr. Campbell married Ada E. Greentree, who was 
 born August 11, 1883, on a farm adjoining that of her husband, and 
 here she was reared to womanhood. She was educated in the district 
 school and remained at home until the time of her marriage. To this 
 union four children have been born: Mary J., born December 28, 1901;, 
 Ada C., June 15, 1904; Elinore, May 31, 1907, and Dora Mildred, Sep- 
 tember 21, 1908. Mr. Campbell and his wife are members of the 
 United Presbyterian church at Roundhead, and are active workers in the 
 interests of same. 
 
 William Loyd Harvey is prominently identified with ML Victory 
 and its interests as a merchant. He was born at Saratoga, Indiana, 
 March 11, 1883, a son of Thomas M. and Martha M. (Thompson) Harvey. 
 On the paternal side he traces descent to William Harvey, his great- 
 great-grandfather. This William Harvey was a sailor and a Revolu- 
 tionary soldier, and a brief account of his life is given in the sketch of 
 Marvin O. Harvey. One of William’s sons was Erastus Harvey, who 
 became the great-grandfather of William L., and who served as a drum- 
 mer in the war of 1812. He came with his brother Rufus to Logan 
 county, Ohio, but later moved to Iowa, where he died in 1859 when 
 ninety years of age. He was a Baptist minister, and his wife was 
 Elizabeth Bettys. 
 
 Alonzo Harvey, a son of Erastus and Elizabeth Harvey, was born 
 in the state of Vermont on the 29th of August, 1819. and he came with 
 his parents to Logan county, Ohio. In 1860 he bought a farm in Union 
 county, this state, but afterward sold that land and moved to Hardin 
 county, buying a farm in Dudley township. He taught school during 
 the winter months and farmed in the summers from the age of eighteen 
 until the age of sixty, and he died in the year of 1888. On the 7th of 
 July, 1844. he married Rachel Ballinger, who was born on the 15th of 
 September, 1823, and died on the 10th of September, 1905. She was a 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 795 
 
 daughter of Caleb Ballinger, born in the year of 1794, and of Rebecca 
 (Bronson) Ballinger, born in 1796. They came from Virginia to Ohio, 
 and were among the earliest settlers of Union county. Caleb Ballinger 
 was a Methodist minister. The following children blessed the marriage 
 union of Alonzo and Rachel Harvey: William, a carpenter; Irwin Har- 
 ley, a farmer in Hardin county; Mary Melvina, widow of George Thomp- 
 son and a resident of Mt. Victory; Julius Oscar; and Thomas M. 
 
 Thomas M. Harvey was born in Union county, Ohio, July 9, 1853. 
 After leaving school at the age of sixteen he farmed with his father until 
 he reached the age of nineteen, and he then married and farmed for 
 himself during the following six years. During that time he also 
 studied for the ministry in the United Brethren church, and three years 
 later became pastor of the church at Ottawa Corners. During the many 
 years of his long and active life he labored as a minister throughout 
 many parts of Indiana, his ministry covering twenty-five years of effi- 
 cient and active service, and he died on the 17th of June. 1908. In the 
 meantime he had purchased a farm, and he placed his sons thereon as 
 managers, he continuing to devote his life to the work of his church, 
 On the 3d of July, 1872, the Rev. Thomas M. Harvey married Martha 
 M. Thompson, who still survives him and is now fifty-nine years of age. 
 She is a daughter of Anderson and Anna (Conklin) Thompson, and is 
 the mother of the following children : Myrtle, the wife of Peter Miller, 
 and they have two children; Marvin O., a merchant in Mt. Victory; 
 Homer, who is farming in Hale township, Hardin county; Nellie, the 
 wife of Harry Hatcher, a farmer living in kit. Victory; William L., 
 the immediate subject of this sketch ; and Mary, deceased. 
 
 Anderson Thompson, the father of Mrs. Harvey, was born in 
 Union county, Ohio. In 1859 he moved to Hardin county, Dudley 
 township with his family remaining until 1868, when he went to Hale 
 township, where he farmed until his death, 1896, at the age of seventy- 
 seven. His father, William Thompson, came as a boy from Virginia, 
 and settled in Union county, Ohio, where he farmed all his life. His 
 wife was Elizabeth Graham. The father of William Thompson, John 
 Thompson, was the owner of a very large plantation in West Virginia 
 and had many slaves. Anderson Thompson first settled on forty acres 
 of the old Harvey homestead in Dudley township, and besides working 
 his farm he also operated a brick kiln. After his marriage he made all 
 his own household furniture, and as his daughter, Mrs. Harvey, relates, 
 that he made the first payments of his farm by selling hickory nuts. 
 During the Civil war he was drafted, and as he could not leave his family 
 sent a substitute. He was a member of the Christian church and for 
 many years a deacon. He was chaplain of the I. 0. 0. F. and charter 
 member of Mt. Victory Lodge. In politics he was a Democrat, and a 
 very active worker in his party. His wife, Ann Conklin, was a daughter 
 of William and Rebecca (Coleman), and they were natives of Union 
 county. She died in 1897, at the age of seventy-eight. Her grand- 
 father was captured by the British during the Revolutionary war. He 
 managed to escape during a skating exhibition which was gotten up to 
 amuse the British soldiers. Of the eight children in the family of 
 
796 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Anderson Thompson bnt, one besides Mrs. Harvey is living. He is 
 John Thompson, of Kenton, in the real estate business. Mrs. Harvey 
 makes her home at Collett, Indiana. She is engaged in ministering in 
 the United Brethren church being in charge of the United Brethren 
 church conference for the past six years as itinerant minister, she being 
 the first, lady given this work for her church. 
 
 William D. Harvey received a common and high school training in 
 Mt. Victory, graduating at the age of eighteen, and he afterward taught 
 two terms of school in Hardin county and two terms in Mercer county. 
 He then left the professional for a business life, farming for himself for 
 three years, and in 1906 he bought the Butler Brothers interest in his 
 present mercantile business, his partner being his brother-in-law, G. W. 
 Rutledge. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, and he has 
 served Mt. Victory as a member of its council and his community as 
 corporation and township treasurer. 
 
 On the 6th of November, 1902, Mr. Harvey was married to Eva P. 
 Rutledge, who was born in Mercer county, Ohio, July 3, 1884, a daughter 
 of Joseph and Caroline (Early) Rutledge, farming people in Mercer 
 county. Their family numbered the following children : Elmer, farm- 
 ing in Mercer county ; George, a Mt. Victory merchant ; and Harvey, 
 Charley, Otis, Lula, Hazel and Cora, at home with their parents. The 
 five children of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are : Mavis, Loyd, Edith, Alton, 
 and Mildred. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are members of the Methodist 
 church, and Mr. Harvey is servng his church as one of its stewards. 
 
 Marvin O. Harvey, prominently numbered among the business men 
 of Mt. Victory, is a well known hardware merchant. He was born in 
 Dudley township, Hardin county on the 5tli of September, 1875, and 
 on the paternal side he traces descent to William Harvey, his great- 
 great-grandfather. This William Harvey was a sailor and a Revo- 
 lutionary soldier. The parents of William Harvey came from Scotland 
 in 1730, and settled in Windsor county, Connecticut. Their son, Wil- 
 liam, was born at East Haddon, October 26, 1754. At the early age of 
 fifteen he was a sailor on the vessel plying along the New England coast. 
 At the beginning of the Revolutionary war he joined the Continental 
 army, and was in the first battles around Boston. After the evacuation 
 of Boston, he entered the navy and was sent on an expedition up North 
 river and later detailed on a voyage to the West Indies. On this trip 
 he was captured by a British man of war and taken to prison at 
 Providence, Rhode Island. Here he was released in what was thought 
 to be a dying condition, but after a time he reenlisted in the Continental 
 army for three years and served under General Washington. In the 
 year 1780 he was again sent to the West Indies, and again he was taken 
 prisoner, and remained in the Bermuda Isles till the end of the war. 
 He continued his sea voyages until 1793 when he moved with his family 
 to Lyndon, Vermont, where he died in 1826. He had married an 
 English lady, Jane Bebee, and she survived him until 1840, dying in 
 Champaign county, Ohio. One of his sons was Rev. Erastus Harvey, 
 who became the great-grandfather of Marvin O. of this sketch. Rev. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 797 
 
 Harvey was born in East Haddon, Vermont, March 8, 1789. He was 
 ordained in the Baptist ministry in August, 1825, and served for some 
 time in Vermont, later coming to Ohio and ministering in Champaign, 
 Clark and Union counties. During the war of 1812, he served five 
 years in the United States service as drummer boy. Three of his 
 brothers, like their father, followed the sea. On one of the voyages all 
 three went on the same vessel and were never after heard from. In 
 1816 he married Elizabeth Bettys, of Woodbury, Vermont, and they 
 reared a family of thirteen children. Two of the sons died during the 
 Civil war. There were two ministers and a physician among his 
 children. 
 
 Alonzo Harvey, a son of Erastus and Elizabeth Harvey, was born in 
 the state of Vermont on the 29th of August, 1819, and he came with his 
 parents to Logan county, Ohio. In 1860 he bought a farm in Union 
 county, this state, but afterward sold that land and moved to Hardin 
 county, buying a farm in Dudley township. He taught school during 
 the winter months and farmed in the summers from the age of eighteen 
 until the age of sixty, and he died in the year of 1888. On the 7th of 
 July, 1844, he married Rachel Ballinger, who was born on the 15th of 
 September, 1823, and died on the 10th of September, 1906. She was a 
 daughter of Caleb Ballinger, born in the year of 1794, and of Rebecca 
 (Bronson) Ballinger, born in 1796. They came from Virginia to Ohio, 
 and were among the earliest settlers of Union county. Caleb Ballinger 
 was a Methodist minister. The following children blessed the marriage 
 union of Alonzo and Rachel Harvey : William, a carpenter ; Irwin Har- 
 ley, a farmer in Hardin county ; Mary Melvina, Avidow of George Thomp- 
 son and a resident of Mt. Victory; Julius 0.; and Thomas M. 
 
 Thomas M. Harvey Avas born in Union county, Ohio, July 9, 1853. 
 After leaving school at the age of sixteen he farmed Avith his father until 
 he reached the age of nineteen, and he then married and farmed for 
 himself during the folloAAung six years. During that time he also 
 studied for the ministry in the United Brethren church, and three years 
 later became pastor of the church at Ottawa Corners. During the many 
 years of his long and active life he labored as a minister throughout 
 many parts of Indiana, his ministry covering twenty-five years of 
 efficient and active service, and he died on the 17th of June, 1908. In 
 the meantime he had purchased a farm, and he placed his sons thereon as 
 managers, he continuing to devote his life to the work of his church. 
 On the 3d of July, 1872, the Rev. Thomas M. Harvey married Martha 
 M. Thompson. Avho still survives him and is now fifty-nine years of age. 
 She is a daughter of Anderson and Anna (Conklin) Thompson, and she 
 is the mother of the following children : Myrtle, the wife of Peter Miller, 
 and they have two children ; Marvin O., the immediate subject of this 
 sketch ; Homer, who is farming in Hale toAvnship, Hardin county ; 
 Nellie, the wife of Harry Hatcher, a farmer living in Mt. Victory ; 
 William L., engaged in the grocery business in Mt. Victory; and Mary, 
 deceased. In the sketch of William L. Harvey is given a sketch of the 
 Thompson family. 
 
 Marvin 0. Harvey after leaving school at the age of fourteen \A r orked 
 
 Vol. 11—23 
 
798 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 three years in a churn factory, and from that time until he attained the 
 age of twenty-two he was again in school. During two terms he at- 
 tended Ada University, and after his graduation from that institution 
 he taught school for nine years in Dudley and Hale townships. On 
 account of the ill health of his wife he sold his farm and moved to 
 California, where for two years he was engaged in a mercantile business, 
 and then returning to Ohio he settled at Mt. Victory and bought the 
 hardware store of Johnson and Ballinger and has since been engaged in 
 business along this line, conducting at the present time one of the largest 
 hardware stores in this section. He is a Democrat in his political affilia- 
 tions, and has served his community as a justice of the peace. 
 
 Mr. Harvey married on the 13th of September. 1899, Edna Lingo, 
 who was born on the 6th of July, 1879, a daughter of Alvin Lingo, men- 
 tioned elsewhere in this work. Their children are Clarinel, Merrill, 
 Russell. Dwight and Louise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are members 
 of the United Brethren church. 
 
 John W. Zimmerman. — It is a matter of gratification to the editors 
 and publishers of this history of Hardin county to be able to incorporate 
 within its pages a brief review of the career of this sterling citizen and 
 successful agriculturist of Hardin county, where he has passed his 
 entire life, being a scion of one of the honore'd pioneer families of this 
 section of the Reserve, with whose annals the name has been identified 
 for four generations — representing a period of nearly seventy years. 
 
 Mr. Zimmerman was born in McDonald township, Hardin county, 
 on the 29th of July, 1857, and is a son of Humphrey J. and Susan 
 (Wright) Zimmerman, the former of whom was born in Ross county, 
 this state, about the year 1828, and the latter of whom was born in 
 Fayette county, in 1832. Humphrey J. Zimmerman was a child of 
 about six years at the time of his parents’ removal from Ross county to 
 Hardin county, where his father, John Zimmerman, secured a tract of 
 wild and heavily timbered land, in the south part of McDonald township, 
 In a log cabin of the type common to the pioneer epoch was established 
 the family home and then came the task of reclaiming the land to 
 cultivation. Here the parents of Humphrey J. Zimmerman passed the 
 residue of their lives, living up to the full tension, the deprivations and 
 vicissitudes of pioneer days, and here he himself was reared to manhood, 
 his educational advantages being limited to the primitive subscription 
 schools, and even as a boy he began to lend his aid in the development 
 and other work of the home farm. At the age of twenty-two years he 
 was married, and later he became the owner of the fine homestead farm 
 now owned and occupied by his eldest son. the subject of this review. 
 He was one of the successful farmers of the county, a man of sterling 
 integrity and of indefatigable industry, and he did well his part in 
 connection with the civic and industrial development of this now favored 
 section of the fine old Western Reserve. His name is well entitled to a 
 place of honor on the roll of the sturdy and valued pioneers of Hardin 
 county, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 
 1895, his cherished and devoted wife having passed away in 1867. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 799 
 
 Humphrey J. Zimmerman was married to Emely Dolph of Roundhead, 
 December 25, 1870, and died May 22, 1895, a few months before his 
 father’s death. In politics Humphrey J. Zimmerman was originally a 
 Whig and later a Republican. Of the seven children born to him four 
 lived to years of maturity: John W., whose name initiates this article, 
 being the eldest of this number ; Eliza J. became the wife of George 
 Tidcl and is now deceased; Samantha is the wife of Wesley McCoy, of 
 Lima, Ohio ; and Lawson L. is a representative farmer of Roundhead 
 township. 
 
 John AY. Zimmerman was reared to manhood on the old home 
 farm in McDonald township, and to the common schools of that section 
 he is indebted for his early educational discipline. He continued to be 
 associated in the work and management of the home farm until his 
 marriage, at which time he was twenty-six years of age. He soon 
 afterward turned his attention to the buying of live stock, being thus 
 employed by David Cole and Jake Wise of Forest, Ohio, for several 
 years, after which he engaged independently and successfully in the 
 buying and shipping of live stock. After the death of his honored 
 father he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the old homestead 
 farm, which comprised one hundred and thirty-seven and one-half acres, 
 and his ability as a business man, together with his progressive policies 
 and discrimination in connection with the great basic industry of 
 agriculture, is best vouched for in the splendid success which he has 
 gained. He is now the owner of a landed estate of eight hundred and 
 forty-five acres, of which six hundred and ten acres are located in 
 Hardin county; forty acres in Auglaize county; seventy-five acres in 
 Logan county; and one hundred and twenty acres in Jasper county, 
 Indiana, Aipon which last mentioned farm his eldest son, Arthur R, 
 Zimmerman resides. On his finely improved homestead farm, one of 
 the model places not only of Roundhead township but of Hardin county, 
 Mr. Zimmerman erected in 1901 his attractive and spacious modern 
 residence, which contains fifteen rooms, has more than one hundred 
 feet of verandas, with basement under the entire building. The house 
 is heated by furnace and Avas erected at a cost of more than four thous- 
 and dollars, being one of the finest farm homes of this section and being 
 notable for its generous and gracious hospitality. The timber for the 
 building was secured almost entirely from the farms of Mr. Zimmerman, 
 and the appointments and finishings of the building throughout are of 
 the most attractive order. In politics Mr. Zimmerman is a stanch sup- 
 porter of the cause of the Republican party and while he takes a loyal 
 and helpful interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community 
 he has never been an aspirant for public office, the only official position 
 in which he has consented to serve being that of member of the school 
 board of hs district. He is known as a progressive, liberal and honor- 
 able citizen and is held in unqualified esteem in the community that has 
 ever represented his home and to whose social and material advancement 
 he has contributed a due quota. 
 
 On the 29th of July, 1883. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. 
 Zimmerman to Miss Anna Older, who was born in Roundhead toAvnship, 
 
8U0 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Hardin county, on the 27th of May, 1862, and who is a daughter of 
 William and Martha Ohler, who were honored pioneers of the county, 
 where they continued to reside until their death. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Zimmerman became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living 
 and the four eldest of whom are married and established in homes of 
 their own. The names of the children, with respective dates of birth, 
 are here entered: Arthur R., July 8, 1884; Clara M., April 2, 1886; 
 Esta L., November 8, 1888; James D., September 23, 1890; John, 
 February 22, 1893 ; Susan, November 4, 1895 ; Lloyd, October 12, 1897 ; 
 Noble, May 25, 1901; and Martha E., January 21, 1907. Arthur R., 
 who resides in Jasper county, Indiana, as already noted, married Miss 
 Lucretia Hankins, and they have one child named after his grandfather, 
 John W. ; Clara is the wife of Thomas Plummer, of Huntsville, Logan 
 county, and has two boys ; Esta L. is the wife of Midd Gossard, of 
 Harrod, Ohio ; and James D., who is engaged in farming on his grand- 
 father Ohler ’s old homestead near Roundhead, which John W. and Anna 
 his wife purchased after William and Martha Ohler ’s death. James D. 
 married Miss Opal Harbert. All the children are farmers. 
 
 James R. Burnison. — Prominent among the thriving and progres- 
 sive agriculturists of Hardin county is James R. Burnison, whose fine 
 estate, adjoining the city of Kenton, is finely improved, and constitutes 
 one of the most valuable and desirable farming properties in the neigh- 
 borhood. He was born January 4, 1864, in Wyandot county, Ohio, 
 where his father, the late Andrew W. Burnison, was a pioneer settler. 
 
 Andrew W. Burnison was born January 30, 1828, and was reared in 
 Stark county, Ohio. March 24, 1852, he was married to Jane B. 
 Melvin and to this union two children were born : Josephine, born 
 
 December 13, 1854, and John W. born June 15, 1857. In the year 1858, 
 after the death of his wife, Mr. Burnison removed to Wyandot county 
 and here was employed in general farming on Whetstone creek. On 
 March 26, 1859, he was again married, the name of his second wife 
 being Margaret A. Baker. To this marriage four children were born: 
 Francis M., born May 27, 1860; A. Ellsworth, March 6, 1862, died 
 November 21, 1884; James R., born January 4, 1864 and Charles O., 
 April 10, 1873. In 1864 Andrew Burnison removed with his family 
 to Hardin county, locating on the Berdine farm in Dudley and Goshen 
 townships where his youngest son was born. He resided on this farm 
 until the death of his wife April 8, 1893, and then retired from active 
 labor, making his home with his children until his death which occurred 
 October 11, 1899. 
 
 Educated in the public schools, James R. Burnison subsequently 
 assisted his father on the home farm until ready to begin life for himself. 
 After his marriage he lived op a farm five miles south of Kenton for two 
 years and the following year operated an elevator for the Marion Milling 
 Company, in Hepburn. He subsequently conducted a general store in 
 that place for a year, after which he was successfully engaged in mer- 
 cantile pursuits in Alger until 1901. In that year Mr. Burnison pur- 
 chased his present farm of eighty-six acres, which is most advantageously 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 801 
 
 located, and is highly improved, being under a high state of cultivation, 
 with substantial and conveniently arranged buildings for carrying on 
 his work of a general farmer and dairyman. 
 
 Mr. Burnison has been twice married. He married first, at the age 
 of twenty-six, Edith Barrett, who was born in Goshen township, Hardin 
 county, a daughter of George and Eliza Barrett. She died two years 
 later, leaving one child, Helen, who died at the age of eleven years. 
 Mr. Burnison married second, in 1899, Minnie A. Myers, who was born 
 in Putnam county, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas V. Myers, and grand- 
 daughter of George W. Myers, a pioneer settler of Franklin county, Ohio. 
 
 George W. Myers was horn in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, 
 and as a young man settled in Franklin county, Ohio, becoming a pioneer 
 of Madison township, where for many years he followed his trade of a 
 cabinet maker. Moving to Putnam county in 1854, he bought land and 
 was there engaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his active 
 life. He married Margaret Matilda Blakely, who survived him more 
 than a score of years, her death occurring in 1879, while his occurred in 
 1858. They became the parents of eleven children, not a large family 
 in those days. 
 
 Thomas V. Myers was born September 22, 1846, in Madison town- 
 ship, Franklin county, Ohio. His father dying when he was a lad of 
 tender years, he lived with his mother until 1864, when he enlisted in 
 Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 and was mustered into service at Camp Chase. Joining the Army of the 
 Cumberland at Washington, D. C., he was on guard duty at the Capitol 
 for some time. The most important battle in which he took part was 
 one at Fort Stevens. Receiving his honorable discharge in September, 
 1864, Mr. Myers returned to Putnam county and resumed his agricul- 
 tural labors. Buying a farm, subsequently, in Sugar Creek township, 
 he lived there until 1884, when he purchased the farm which he now owns 
 and occupies, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. 
 
 Thomas V. Myers married, in 1867, Matilda F. Garner, who was 
 born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, December 6, 1843. Her 
 father, William Garner, born near Culpeper Court House, Virginia, was 
 one of the early settlers of that township, where he entered a tract of 
 government land, and there built the humble log cabin in which his 
 daughter Matilda was born. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name 
 was Elizabeth Stover, spent their last years on the homestead which 
 they improved from the forest. 
 
 Fraternally Mr. Burnison is a member of Latham Lodge, No. 154, 
 F. & A. M. ; and also belongs to Hopkins Lodge, No. 619, K. of P., 
 being a charter member. 
 
 Frank M. McKinley, a well known and prosperous citizen of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is a member of one of the pioneer families of the 
 state. He was born August 12, 1857, in Champaign county, Ohio, and 
 is a son of William and Elizabeth (Pence) McKinley, both also natives 
 of Champaign county, the former born November 28, 1832. William 
 McKinley is a son of William and Mary (McKinley) McKinley, the 
 
802 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 former born in Kentucky and the latter in Monmouth county, Ohio. 
 Though they bore the same surname they were not closely related. 
 William McKinley, Sr., was a son of Michael McKinley, a soldier in the 
 Revolution. The McKinleys are of Scotch-Irish origin, and there is 
 a tradition that Michael McKinley was a brother of the grandfather of 
 the late president, William McKinley, although the fact has not been 
 established beyond doubt. Michael McKinley married a German 
 woman, and they had sons John, Peter and William. 
 
 William, son of Michael McKinley, was one of the pioneers of 
 Champaign county, Ohio, and bought one hundred acres there, paying 
 for it working by the day, and he walked seven miles to and from this 
 work. He was a prominent man in the community and served his 
 country in the war of 1812. He and his wife were parents of children, 
 namely: Sarah, Nancy, Mahala, Margaret, William, Mary, Lucinda 
 
 and Michael. 
 
 William McKinley, Jr., was married in Champaign county, Ohio, 
 by Reverend D. E. Scott, October 2, 1855; he and his wife removed to 
 Jackson township, Hardin county, March 9, 1861. Here he purchased 
 eighty acres of land in its virgin state, cleared his land, and became a 
 successful farmer. He now has a well tilled farm, well equipped with 
 machinery, and a comfortable home. He is a member of the Baptist 
 church. William McKinley and his wife became parents of the follow- 
 ing children: Frank M., Aaron P., Mary T., Marie, Sarah E., Earl 
 
 (deceased) and Arlo (twins), Lou E. (deceased) and William P. 
 
 Frank M. McKinley has spent most of his life in Jackson township, 
 Hardin county, where he was reared and educated. He now owns an 
 eighty-acre farm, with first class barns and other buildings, and his land 
 is in a high state of cultivation. lie has a very comfortable home, 
 which is heated and lighted by gas which he obtains just outside his 
 door, and enjoys all modern comforts and conveniences. In 1879 he 
 purchased his first forty acres of land, adding another forty acres in 
 1897. 
 
 Mr. McKinley also owns two threshing machines, and these he 
 operates during the season ; he has followed this business for thirty-two 
 years with gratifying success, and has never met with an accident. He 
 is an industrious and enterprising man of affairs, and was one of the 
 contractors for the construction of the McKinley and Kelly Pike. Mr. 
 McKinley is an earnest member of the Baptist church of Forest. By 
 the nature of his business interests Mr. McKinley meets a great many 
 people, and is one of the highly respected and popular citizens of the 
 county. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. McKinley was united in marriage with Wilhelmina 
 Buess, who was born in 1857, and to this union have been born six 
 children, namely: James, Otto B., Anna E., Edith G., Gladys C. and 
 Joe. 
 
 George W. Lipoed. — A systematic and thorough-going agriculturist, 
 George W. Lipoid is engaged in his free and independent calling on a 
 highly improved farm in Pleasant township, Hardin county, where he is 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 803 
 
 meeting with excellent pecuniary results, his land being rich and pro- 
 ductive. Coming on both sides of the house from German ancestry, he 
 was born, February 18, 1861, in Pleasant township, being a son of the 
 late Albert Lipoid. 
 
 Emigrating from Germany, his native land, to the United States in 
 1856, Albert Lipoid lived for a year in Canton, Ohio. The following 
 year he came with his family to Hardin county, and immediately bought 
 one hundred and twenty acres of land in Pleasant township. He 
 cleared and improved a homestead, which, with fifty-six acres since added 
 by his sons, who purchased it, still remains in the family. Here he 
 carried on general farming to advantage for many years, residing on it 
 until his death, July 2, 1880. He married Mary Lipoid, also a native 
 of the Fatherland, and she still survives. Five children were born to 
 them, as follows : Nicholas, Andrew, Albert, George W., and William. 
 
 Having completed his studies in the district schools of his native 
 township, George W. Lipoid served an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s 
 trade. He was afterwards in the employ of the Big Four Railroad 
 Company for four years, subsequently working for other concerns for a 
 period of six years. He then turned his attention to the occupation of 
 his youthful days, and in 1898 bought his present farm in Pleasant 
 township. It contains as fine farming land as can be found in this 
 locality, and under his wise management is highly cultivated and im- 
 proved, everything about the premises indicating the existence of 
 cultivated tastes and ample means. In 1906 Mr. Lipoid built a com- 
 modious residence, with all modern conveniences, and he has besides 
 convenient buildings for housing his stock and his bountiful crops. 
 
 Mr. Lipoid married, in 1898, Anna, daughter of John G. and 
 Hannah Loop, and into their home two children have made their advent, 
 namely: Goldie, born June 10, 1900; and William, born July 30, 1902. 
 
 John S. Harvey, a prominent and enterprising farmer of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, was born on the old Harvey homestead, Sep- 
 tember 5, 1875, and is a son of Julius O. and Sarah (Sullivan) Harvey. 
 The ancestry of the Haiwey family is given further mention in connec- 
 tion with the sketches of William L. and Marvin O. Harvey, of Mt. 
 Victory, contained elsewhere in this work. Sarah Sullivan was born in 
 Ross county, Ohio, March 22, 1836, a daughter of Henry Sullivan, a 
 native of Virginia, who died in February, 1871, at the age of fifty-five 
 years. He came to Logan county, Ohio, where he lived until 1838, and 
 then removed to Perry county, Illinois, and there carried on farming 
 until his death. He married Elizabeth Wilgues, a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, who died at the age of thirty-three years. Sarah Sullivan 
 returned to Hardin county in 1866, and after her marriage to Mr. 
 Harvey lived in Mt. Victory. She now lives on the farm with her 
 son John S. Mrs. Harvey has one brother living, James Sullivan, a 
 retired farmer of Iola, Kansas. The present home of Mrs. Harvey and 
 her son is the old homestead of the Harvey family. 
 
 After receiving a good education in the public schools, John S. 
 Harvey worked on the old home farm with his brother, commencing 
 
804 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 active work at the age of eighteen years. He has made many improve- 
 ments on the farm, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation 
 and where there is a fine maple grove. He carries on general farming 
 and makes a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Harvey is an earnest 
 member of the United Brethren church. He is an active Republican 
 and takes great interest in the success of his party. He is a member of 
 the school board, is central committeeman and has served several times as 
 delegate to various party conventions. 
 
 October 26, 1898, Mr. Harvey married Willa Lusanna Lingo, who 
 was born October 5, 1879, daughter of James LI. and Harriet (Williams) 
 Lingo. Mr. Lingo lives in Dudley township ; his wife is a daughter of 
 Anderson Williams, an old pioneer. Mrs. Llarvey had two sisters, 
 both of whom are deceased, and she was the youngest of the family. 
 Mrs. Harvey died April 29, 1906, and her loss was deeply felt in the 
 community. She was a devout, earnest Christian, having been a mem- 
 ber of the church since the age of eleven years. She died after an 
 illness of one year, a patient, uncomplaining sufferer, whose chief 
 thought was always for the comfort and well-being of her husband and 
 child ; she had a lovely disposition, and her high character and beautiful 
 life made her beloved by all who knew her. Her good deeds were not 
 confined to the members of her immediate family, and she was always 
 ready to lend her assistance to all who were in need of help or comfort, 
 and her example has served as an inspiration to many. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Harvey had two children: One born February 29, 1904, died March 
 
 11, 1904, and Irene Cleone, born October 22, 1899. 
 
 Alonzo T. Harvey. — Farming operations in Hardin county, Ohio, 
 are very profitable, and among those who have won success along this 
 line is Alonzo T. Harvey, of Dudley township. Mr. Llarvey was born 
 in Taylor Creek, Ohio, June 29, 1874, and is a son of Julius Oscar and 
 Sarah (Sullivan) Harvey, the former of whom died June 11, 1898, and 
 the latter resides with Alonzo’s brother, John S. Harvey, having at- 
 tained the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Harvey is given mention at 
 length in connection with the sketch of her son, John S., found elsewhere 
 in this work. The ancestry of the Llarvey family is to be found in 
 connection with the sketches of Marvin 0. and William L. Harvey, of 
 Mt. Victory, also to be found elsewhere in this work. J. O. llarvey and 
 his wife had three children, namely : Alonzo T. ; John S., a farmer of 
 Dudley township ; and Oeis, wife of Carl Latimer, of Marion, Ohio. 
 
 After receiving a good education in the public schools of his native 
 place, Mr. Harvey began helping on his father’s farm at the age of 
 eighteen years. He remained at home until his marriage in 1894, when 
 he bought his present farm of seventy acres, which was little improved. 
 He has brought the condition of the farm up to a high standard, and 
 now has one of the most attractive and best improved farms in this 
 section of the country. He carries on general farming and stock rais- 
 ing, and being enterprising and thrifty, has been accordingly rewarded 
 for his labor. Mr. Harvey owns one of the best known horses in Hardin 
 county, the stallion “Liberty,” of the Pereheron breed, Registered No. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 805 
 
 25,799, foaled April 29, 1900, at West Liberty, Ohio, by Boulanger 
 (No. 11,352), the latter by Peoria and Brilliant. 
 
 Mr. Harvey is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Mt. Victory. 
 Politically he is an active supporter of the Republican party, and is a 
 member of the high school board. Mr. Harvey is well known in the 
 county, and is accounted one of its useful, representative citizens. 
 
 In October, 1894, Mr. Harvey married Olive Smith, who was born 
 in Dudley township, December 24, 1874, daughter of Samuel Smith, who 
 died in 1890, at the age of forty-seven years. He was born in Logan 
 county, and removed to Hardin county, Ohio, with his parents, when he 
 was seven years of age. His parents, Jonathan and Susan (Cunning- 
 ham) Smith, were among the earliest settlers of Hardin county. Jona- 
 than Smith died in 1868, at the age of eighty-five years ; he came from 
 Maryland to what later became Washington county, Ohio, and there 
 followed farming the remainder of his life. He assisted in building 
 the old stage road. He came to Hardin county in 1845, and settled in 
 Dudley township, near the present family homestead, containing one 
 hundred and ten acres, which he cleared, being the first settler on it, 
 and there he built a log house. He was the founder of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, helped erect the first church building, becoming class 
 leader and local pastor. He was very active in church work all his 
 life, and was a highly respected, useful member of society. He was a 
 Whig and later became a Republican. His widow survived him many 
 years, and passed away in 1893, at the age of eighty years. 
 
 Mrs. Mary Ann Stevenson, who owns extensive farming interests 
 in Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born near Urbana, 
 Champaign county, Ohio, May 25, 1822, daughter of Dan and Nancy 
 (Hill) Ilidlinger. Dan Hullinger was born in Virginia, and his 
 father’s name was also Dan. The elder man was also a native of 
 Virginia and served in the Revolution. Mrs. Stevenson’s father served 
 in the war of 1812 and came with his father to Champaign county; the 
 latter died in 1844. The son died in 1858, at the age of sixty-two 
 years. His wife died in 1825. 
 
 In 1835, when thirteen years of age, Mrs. Stevenson came to Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, with a sister, and worked in various 
 families until her marriage. For some time she earned her living by 
 spinning wool. November 26, 1840, Mary Ann Hullinger married 
 Homer Stevenson, who was born in Green county, Ohio, May 31, 1816, 
 and died in September, 1904. He was a son of William and Mary Ann 
 (Hillis) Stevenson and came to Taylor Creek township in 1830. Mrs. 
 Stevenson is one of the oldest living pioneers of Hardin county and the 
 last of the older generation of the Stevenson family to survive. She 
 has witnessed many changes in the community and the manner in which 
 the people of the county live. When she came to the county many fine 
 farms of the present day were mostly covered with a heavy growth of 
 timber, and neighbors were far apart. She is known and loved by a 
 large circle of friends and is known to old and young alike as “Aunt 
 Mary Ann.” 
 
806 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 William Stevenson located in Xenia, Ohio, in 1800, being one of the 
 very earliest inhabitants of the region, and he later settled on the Little 
 Miami, being one of the early pioneers of that region. He served as 
 county assessor and also as justice of the peace. He served in the war 
 of 1812 and died in 1826. His widow died in 1841. Homer Stevenson 
 helped build the first sehoolhouse in his district, now known as the 
 Stevenson sehoolhouse. In 1844 he and his wife built the first cabin 
 in the neighborhood where she now lives, and in 1862 they erected the 
 house which is still the family home. They first owned eighty acres 
 but soon added another sixty acres. They made their own furniture 
 for keeping house and endured all the privations incident to pioneer 
 life. In early days they took eggs to Kenton on horseback and received 
 three cents per dozen for them. Mr. Stevenson was an industrious, 
 enterprising farmer and met with gratifying success. He was a 
 public-spirited, useful citizen and actively interested in public affairs. 
 He was a strong Republican and voted for Harrison for president in 
 1840. He was highly esteemed and served thirty years as township 
 assessor, also served as justice of the peace. The first school in the 
 neighborhood was built near what is now the Moy farm and was taught 
 by a brother of Mr. Stevenson. Another brother, Charles, was the 
 first auditor of Hardin county. Mr. Stevenson won success entirely 
 through his own efforts, as he started with almost nothing and at his 
 death was possessed of a large property. When a young man and 
 calling on his sweetheart, he came by horseback, and together he and 
 she would travel on the same horse many miles to attend a party or 
 dance. 
 
 Mr. Stevenson and his wife had children as follows : Rachel, wife 
 of Leander King, has four children ; Bartley E., who was killed in the 
 battle of Winchester ; Miller, who lives near Bellefontaine, a veteran of 
 the Civil war, married Lizzie Raney and they have three children and 
 one grandchild ; Elizabeth, wife of Albert Ranney, a farmer living near 
 Kenton, has one child, Mary Ethel; Perry, living near the old homestead, 
 married Amy Burbey and they have one child, Scott ; David, of Rushsyl- 
 vania, Ohio, married Sarah Bailey and they have five children ; and 
 Margaret, married Otis Hopkins, of Taylor Creek township. Mr. 
 Stevenson was a member of the United Presbyterian church of Silver 
 Creek, Ohio. Mrs. Stevenson still resides on the old homestead, and 
 is remarkable for her perfect health and activity. She does a large 
 amount of work for one of her age, caring for her personal needs and 
 doing small chores around the farm, such as helping with the milking, 
 etc. She is a woman of high intelligence and remarkable for her good 
 memory and ability to recount notable events in the history of the 
 county where so large a part of her life has been spent. 
 
 Joseph A. Rubeck, an enterprising and practical farmer of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born on the farm where he now 
 resides, February 24, 1877, son of Peter and Barbara (Winslick) Rubeck, 
 both natives of Germany. Peter Rubeck came with his father, George 
 Rubeck’ to the United States, when five years of age. They located in 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 807 
 
 Huron county, and in 1874 he came to what is now the home of his son 
 Joseph. He built the present house and carried on farming until 1901 
 and then retired and moved to Kenton. The home place was formerly 
 owned by a company that conducted a saw mill along the Scioto river. 
 Peter Rubeck married Barbara Winsliek. who died in 1909, at the age 
 of sixty-nine years. She came to America with her parents when she 
 was sixteen years of age. She and her husband had children as follows : 
 Joseph A.; Mary, wife of J. Steiner, a farmer; Anna, widow of George 
 Schorff; Lizzie, wife of H. Rohr, of Kenton; Rosa, wife of J. Rueber; 
 Maggie, wife of John Schorff; Tina, at home; John, a blacksmith in 
 Marion, Ohio; and George, also a blacksmith of Marion. 
 
 Joseph A. Rubeck lived with his parents until his majority and 
 attended school until seventeen years of age. He farmed four years 
 for himself and then began conducting his present farm with his brother 
 and sister. He farmed in partnership with them until his marriage, 
 when he purchased their interest and has since conducted the farm on 
 his own account. He has one hundred and fifty-two acres of fine land, 
 and besides general farming pays special attention to poultry and stock. 
 He is a member of the Catholic church in Larue, and although interested 
 in public affairs takes no active part in politics. He is a progressive, 
 up-to-date farmer, and produces the maximum of profit from his farm. 
 He is well known in the community and has a large circle of friends. 
 
 Mr. Rubeck married Helen Offenburger, a native of Washington 
 county, born March 4. 1886, daughter of Laundler Offenburger, who is 
 now fifty-five years of age. He is a plumber by trade and he and his 
 wife, Mary (Giant) Offenburger (aged fifty-one years) live in Marietta, 
 Ohio. Both are natives of Pennsylvania. Besides Mrs. Rubeck Mr. 
 Offenburger and his wife have children as follows: Anna, wife of H. 
 
 Albrecht, of Mansfield ; Rosa, wife of A1 Kuhns, of Pittsburg ; George, 
 of Columbus ; and Ollie, Paul and Florence, all at home. Mr. Offen- , 
 burger and his wife belong to the Catholic church and are members of 
 the Altar society of the church. Mr. Rubeck and his wife are parents 
 of two children, namely: Maris Christina, born July 14, 1904, and 
 
 Denanclis, born February 15, 1908. 
 
 Albert Willis Cook, a successful and substantial farmer of Dudley 
 township, Hardin county, is a native of the township, and was born on 
 the old Cook homestead. June 26, 1858. He is a son of Nelson Wesley 
 and Susanna ((Dilldine) Cook, the former a native of Knox county, 
 Ohio, and a son of Silvanus Cook. 
 
 Silvanus Cook was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. April 
 14, 1807, and came to Ohio at the age of seven years, locating with his 
 parents in Richland county. He was married, April 23. 1830, to Anna 
 Spracklin, who was born June 14, 1805, a native of England, who came 
 with her parents to the United States, at the age of eighteen years. 
 Silvanus Cook was a stanch Republican and active in public matters ; 
 he served in several townships and was active in the interests of his 
 party. He removed to Hardin county in 1843. 
 
 After attending the public schools Nelson Wesley Cook helped with 
 
808 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the work of his father’s farm and took up the trade of carpenter, which 
 he followed until his marriage. He rented the old Ward farm for one 
 year after his marriage, then purchased the homestead which became the 
 family home, in 1859. In 1879 he erected a brick house, the first in 
 the vicinity ; he made his own brick, after building the kiln himself, 
 and procured the mortar from his farm. He carried on farming until 
 his death, February 3, 1880, at the age of fifty years. His widow now 
 resides in Marion, Ohio, and has reached the age of seventy-three years. 
 Mr. Cook was a Republican, though he took no active part in politics, 
 and he was a member of the United Brethren church. He and his wife 
 were parents of ten children, of whom nine still survive. Albert W. is 
 the oldest son and the other children are : Mary Ann, widow of William 
 Davis; Viola, wife of William Key; John Elmer, a farmer of Iowa; 
 Katy, wife of Charles Wosts; Lydia, wife of William Morris; Harry, a 
 farmer of Marion county ; Maude, wife of Charles Ansley ■ and Claude, 
 a salesman, of Marion. 
 
 Albert W. Cook attended public school until he was fifteen years of 
 age and then assisted with the work of the farm, remaining at home until 
 he was of age. After the death of his father he was the mainstay of the 
 family, as he was the oldest son and the youngest child was only a year 
 and a half old. He remained with his mother until his marriage, then 
 rented a farm in Marion county one year, and later purchased the home 
 where he now lives, the old Dilldine home. The Dilldine family owned 
 one of the first log houses in the vicinity, and when Mr. Cook purchased 
 the farm it contained fifty acres, of which only five acres was cleared. 
 He now owns ninety-three acres, and his farm is one of the best im- 
 proved in the northern part of the township. 
 
 March 22, 1887, Mr. Cook married Emma Cosner, who was born 
 in Marion county, Ohio, April 11, 1866, daughter of William Cosner, 
 who died in 1903, at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Cosner re- 
 moved to Ohio from Virginia with his parents, when eighteen years of 
 age, and they settled in Marion county, where he spent the remainder of 
 his life farming. Mr. Cosner married Abigail Johnson, who died in 
 1904, at the age of sixty-nine years. She was born in Marion comity, 
 a daughter of Adam and Susan (Seyler) Johnson, pioneers of Marion 
 county. William Cosner was a son of Adam Cosner, who located in 
 Marion county among the early pioneers and there carried on farming 
 all his life. William Cosner reared his children in the Methodist Epis- 
 copal faith. Besides Mrs. Cook he and his wife had children as follows : 
 Jenny, wife of J. N. Court, of Marion, Ohio; Mary, wife of St. Powell, 
 deceased; Prank, of Michigan, a pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church; Lizzie, deceased wife of William Hinkler; John, a farmer of 
 Dudley township ; and Lydia and Joseph, twins, the latter deceased and 
 the former wife of W. II. Cummins. Mrs. Cook is a member of the 
 United Brethren church and an active worker for the Ladies’ Aid 
 Society. She and her husband became parents of children as follows: 
 Gail, born February 10, 1888, at home ; Alton G., born in November, 
 1891, a clerk of Marion, Ohio; Hortense May, born May 8, 1893, at home; 
 one child who died in infancy; Nelson Allen, born October 12, 1897, at 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 809 
 
 school; Lena and Lorin (twins), born October 4, 1899; and Harold, 
 born in 1902. 
 
 Mr. Cook is also a member of the United Brethren church and a 
 parsonage trustee. He is a Republican in political principles, and held 
 several township offices, such as supervisor (two terms) and member of 
 the school board (two terms), and is a member of the Sons of Veterans. 
 He has acquired his present success in life by his own unaided efforts. 
 He and his wife began housekeeping with almost nothing. They had a 
 little furniture and a few cooking utensils, and Mr. Cook owned a horse 
 and colt, he had received from his parents as wages for a year’s work. 
 He carried on general farming with good results and pays special atten- 
 tion to stock raising, breeding and raising a number of horses. Among 
 his horses may be named “Young Sieg, ” a pacer, that has figured many 
 times in county races. This horse is sired by Sigma Nu, No. 8009, and 
 the dam, Molly Boston, Mr. Cook raised himself. Mr. Cook also owns 
 a dapple gray team of registered horses, a full blood stallion and good 
 driving horses. He has a large herd of sheep, sixteen head of cattle and 
 two registered full blood brood hogs, both of Poland China breed, from 
 “Dew Rock,’ ’ 
 
 Charles R. Crum, postmaster of Forest, and one of its representa- 
 tive and substantial citizens, was appointed to his present office in 
 February, 1907. He has fulfilled his duties in a business-like and able 
 manner, that commends itself to all the patrons of the postoffice. Five 
 rural routes radiate from Forest, through which some six hundred 
 families daily receive mail. 
 
 Mr. Crum is a native of Forest, born in 1877, and was reared and 
 educated in this town, where later he became engaged in mercantile 
 business. He is a son of A. H. and Eleanor (Cook) Crum, the former 
 from Richland county, Ohio. The Cook family was from Connecticut, 
 and moved to Ohio in 1832. A. H. Crum was born in Huntington, 
 Indiana, in 1846, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1849 ; and in 1858 
 he came to Kenton, Ohio. He was reared and educated in the home of 
 his aunt, Mrs. Catherine Crum. While in Kenton, in company with 
 his brother-in-law, D. V. Branch, he kept the Pease House. In 1861 
 he and Mr. Branch removed to Forest, and for some time kept a hotel 
 in partnership. In 1862 A. H. Crum enlisted as private in Company 
 C, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he was in the Third Division 
 and became orderly for General Robinson, of Kenton. His division 
 became attached to General Sherman’s command and took part in the 
 historic march to the sea. At the battle of Atlanta Mr. Crum was 
 color-bearer, and after color-guards Mahon, Knaus, Stanacher, Baker 
 and Williams were shot down, he was still hanging to the colors of his 
 regiment. He was wounded slightly in the right knee at Resaca, 
 Georgia. In 1865 he received his honorable discharge. At the close 
 of the war Mr. Crum realized the need for more knowledge, and for a 
 time attended school. Subsequently he removed to Findlay, Hancock 
 county, Ohio, and took a clerical position, soon after which he was 
 married. To them were born : L. D., Mrs. Gertrude Spear, Mrs. Maud 
 
810 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Ford, Charles R. and Dr. John R., of Dunkirk. Mr. Crum spent 
 twenty-seven years in farming and purchased eighty acres of land in its 
 wild state, which he cleared and cultivated. In 1896 he removed to 
 Forest, where he lives retired, surrounded by modern comforts and con- 
 veniences. His son L. D. married Carrie A., daughter of Mrs. M. J. 
 Foster, in 1896 ; Mrs. Crum was born in Marion, Ohio, July 10, 1874. 
 They have three sons, A. Harry, born in 1898 ; Foster, in 1901 ; and 
 Louis J. in 1908. 
 
 Charles R. Crum and his brother L. D. have for some time been 
 proprietors of a confectionery and bakery business besides conducting a 
 first-class lunch room in Forest. They are industrious and energetic, 
 and have met with good success. During the Spanish-American war 
 Charles R. Crum served as a member of Company I, Twentieth Ohio 
 Volunteers. He belongs to Senate Lodge No. 378, Ancient Free and 
 Accepted Masons. Mr. Crum is unmarried and lives with his parents. 
 He has the full confidence of his fellow citizens, and takes an active 
 interest in public affairs. 
 
 Charles Darrell Kelley is prominently associated with Hardin 
 county as a journalist, and he represents a family which has been identi- 
 fied with Ohio since before its admission into the union of states and 
 which has been represented in every prominent war of the nation. It 
 was the paternal great-great-grandfather who became a resident of Ohio 
 before its admission as a, state to the Union, when the territory, sparsely 
 settled by sturdy pioneers, was holding its own against British invasion 
 and Indian wars. His son Joseph, of Irish lineage and a native of 
 Ohio, was a trader, farmer and rural barrister, as was his father before 
 him. He married Sarah Shaw, a native of Pennsylvania, and among 
 their children was Mathew Kelley, who was born in Pickaway county, 
 Ohio, and at the time of his death was a store keeper at Groveport, Ohio. 
 He married Louisa Weaver, and among their children numbered Isaac 
 Kelley, who became the father of the Kenton editor. Isaac N. Kelley was 
 born in Pickaway county, Ohio, subsequently moved to Franklin county, 
 this state, and after attending school there and at Ada he engaged in 
 farming in Hardin county. His wife was before marriage Jennie Rarey, 
 a great-granddaughter of Charles Rarey, a farmer, who came to this coun- 
 try from Germany before the opening of the eighteenth century and was 
 one of the first frontiersmen in the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio. Her 
 father settled in Hardin county in 1854. 
 
 Charles D. Kelley Avas born on his parents’ farm three miles Avest 
 of Kenton on the 8th of July, 1882. During three years of his early 
 life he attended school in district No. 10 of the Scioto Valley. On the 
 1st of April, 1891, he accompanied the family on their removal to a farm 
 adjoining South Kenton, and a year or two later they took up a perma- 
 nent residence in Kenton, where the head of the household became the 
 deputy postmaster. All of the members of this family are living 
 excepting the father, whose death occurred Avhen Charles Avas a lad of 
 fourteen, and it was by dint of hard work, economy and perseverance 
 that the large family afterward held together. Young Charles con- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 811 
 
 tinued his attendance at school, working on farm, in factory and store 
 between terms, and was graduated from the Kenton high school with 
 distinction on June 6, 1901. He afterward continued his education 
 along special lines, but his specialty seemed the literary field, black and 
 white drawing and mathematics. He was chosen by the Kenton schools 
 to represent his city in an interurban oratorical contest at Upper San- 
 dusky on May 10, 1901. and in his oration entitled “The Swing of the 
 Pendulum” he demonstrated forensic superiority and won the chief 
 prize that was awarded to the male division in the contest, which em- 
 braced all the important cities of northwestern Ohio. 
 
 In 1901, in Kenton, Mr. Kelley engaged in the newspaper business 
 as a regular vocation, he having previously at various times held small 
 positions, such as carrying papers, learning to set type, etc. Upon 
 leaving school he accepted a regular position as reporter on the Daily 
 Democrat and two years later became the city editor, but on the 1st of 
 July, 1905, resigned the position to engage in newspaper work elsewhere. 
 He assisted in the starting of a new paper at Sidney, and a few weeks 
 later became associate editor of the News-Republican at Kenton. He 
 held that position until October 31. 1907, when he acquired twenty-five 
 per cent of the stock of The Kenton Republican Company, became a 
 director and the secretary of the company, and the editor-in-chief of the 
 company’s publications, — The News-Republican, The Hardin County 
 Republican and The Graphic-News. From the time of his first vote Mr. 
 Kelley has been a Roosevelt Republican ; is a strong champion of princi- 
 ples he believes to be right, — at the same time granting that other men 
 have a right to views of their own. He is not affiliated with secret 
 societies, but has given much time to the reorganization and betterment 
 of The Kenton Guards, Company I, Second Regiment of Infantry, O. N. 
 G. He enlisted in the company on June 10, 1902, first as a private, 
 being later appointed company clerk, and then corporal ; was elected 
 first lieutenant and commissioned August 1, 1906 ; and was next elected 
 captain of the Second Infantry and placed in command of Company I. 
 At the time of this commission, made by Governor Harris on March 4, 
 1907, he is thought to have been the youngest commanding officer in the 
 state. During his captaincy the command has won an excellent reputa- 
 tion through its personnel and marksmanship. 
 
 Mr. Kelley married on June 29. 1907, Miss Bess G. Stevenson, an 
 accomplished young woman of Kenton, great-granddaughter of Harvey 
 Buckminster, who conducted the pioneer stage coach line in this part 
 of Ohio, running from Detroit to Cincinnati, and in whose honor Buck 
 township was named. A daughter, Lillian Jane, was born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Kelley on the 22d of November, 1909. As an editor Charles D. 
 Kelley has proved himself an intelligent shaper of matter for public 
 print, and as a citizen he is identified with the earnest life of his com- 
 munity, public spirited and patriotic and a diligent worker at anything 
 he attempts. His kindly and always sympathetic nature account for no 
 personal enemies, and his sturdy character and strong personality mark 
 him as one of the truest and best citizens of his community. 
 
812 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 James B. Fuel, a well known and highly respected citizen of Jack- 
 son township, Hardin county, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, in 
 December, 1843. He is a son of Henry and Susan Fuel, the former a 
 native of Ohio and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. Fuel and his wife were 
 parents of seven children, namely : Lucy, Martha, Alice, Samantha, 
 
 Leatha, Miranda and James B. 
 
 The early days of James B. Fuel were spent in his native county, 
 and here he attended the district school ; he learned the saddle-tree trade, 
 but could not stand the indoor confinement, so abandoned it. He began 
 learning the trade of machinist, but soon gave that up for farming, in 
 which line he has been very successful. Mr. Fuel heard the call of his 
 country at the time of the Rebellion, and enlisted in Company B, Tenth 
 Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three months, being enrolled as musi- 
 cian ; at the expiration of this term of service Mr. Fuel reenlisted in 
 Company B, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years. 
 At the end of this time he was honorably discharged and reenlisted in 
 the same company, serving until the end of the war. He served with 
 bravery and distinction, and took part in many engagements, among 
 them : Rich Mountain, Bowling Green, Petersburg, Savannah, Gettys- 
 
 burg and Nashville. He was wounded three times, first at Petersburg 
 and again at Jonesboro and Atlanta. He was taken prisoner at 
 Atlanta and confined four months in Andersonville prison ; he was one 
 of six who attempted to escape from prison, five of whom succeeded and 
 one was shot, he being one of the five to reach the Union lines. Upon 
 being mustered out at the close of the war, Mr. Fuel returned to farming, 
 and since 1879 has owned his present farm of one hundred and thirty- 
 five acres, which he devoted to general farming. He has carried on his 
 farm in an able, efficient manner, and has managed so well financially 
 that he now contemplates retiring from active life, to spend his remain- 
 ing years in the town of Forest. 
 
 Mr. Fuel is actively interested in local affairs, and has been honored 
 by the offices of township trustee and school director. He is well known 
 in the community, where his good qualities and high character are ap- 
 preciated. Mr. Fuel is a prominent member of the local post of the 
 Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife have a daughter who 
 resides with them. 
 
 Charley Stout. — Earnest in purpose, enterprising and industrious, 
 Charley Stout is actively identified with the advancement of the indus- 
 trial prosperity of Hardin county, being busily employed as a farmer, 
 and a lumber manufacturer and dealer in Hepburn. A son of the late 
 Safety Stout, he was born, August 29, 1857, in Licking county, Ohio. 
 
 His paternal grandfather, Robert Stout, who served in the war of 
 1812, came to Ohio in pioneer times, locating in Marion county. Taking 
 up a tract of land that was still in its virgin wildness, he cleared and 
 improved a homestead, on which he was engaged in tilling the soil the 
 remainder of his active career. He died in 1870, at the venerable age 
 of eighty-six years. He married Jane Newman, who became blind 
 during her later years, otherwise retaining her faculties until her death. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 813 
 
 Safety Stout was born, in 1818, in New Jersey, and came as a child 
 with the family to Marion county, Ohio, where he grew to man’s estate, 
 acquiring a meager education in the pioneer schools of his day. He 
 subsequently drove stage for a number of years, but after his marriage 
 engaged in the manufacture of lumber, at first having a saw mill in 
 Licking county, but later removing to Marion county, his mill being a 
 portable one. In 1886 he established his mill in Dudley township, and 
 continued its operations until his retirement from active business, con- 
 tinuing his residence here until his death, at the age of seventy-two 
 years and ten months. He married Cynthia Freeman, who was born 
 in 1819, and died in 1891. Her father, H. Freeman, served in the war 
 of 1812, and was subsequently an early settler of Licking county, Ohio, 
 where he cleared a homestead from the wilderness, and did his part in 
 advancing the interests of town and county. Four children w^ere born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Safety Stout, as follows : Oliver, engaged in farming 
 
 in Dudley township ; Alice, wife of Milt Armstrong, of Findlay, Ohio ; 
 Diantha, wife of Louis Farmer, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits 
 in Nashville, Tennessee; and Charley, the special subject of this sketch. 
 
 Receiving but limited educational advantages, Charley Stout began 
 at the age of thirteen years to be in a measure self supporting. Assist- 
 ing his father in the saw mill, he began running an engine when a mere 
 boy, and subsequently remained with his parents as long as they lived, 
 caring tenderly for them in their closing years. Succeeding to the 
 business at the death of his father, Mr. Stout was extensively engaged 
 as a lumber manufacturer and dealer for many years, and in connection 
 with this industry has carried on general farming since 1893. A man 
 of excellent character and good business qualifications, Mr. Stout has 
 won well merited success in his varied undertakings, and the respect in 
 which he is held throughout the community gives evidence of his up- 
 right and manly life. 
 
 Mr. Stout married Dora Moore, who was born in Iowa, in 1858, a 
 daughter of John and Louisa Moore. Her father, a life-long farmer, 
 served as a soldier in the Civil war for a period of three years, taking 
 part in many engagements of importance, in one of which he was severely 
 wounded in the shoulder, the wound, and subsequent exposure and hard- 
 ships, causing his death. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Stout, namely : Arthur, employed as a clerk in Hepburn, married Rosa 
 Ward, and they have one child, Harry Stout; Clifton, deceased; Norma, 
 living at home; Callie, died in infancy; and Mabel, who died when an 
 infant. Politically Mr. Stout supports the principles of the Democratic 
 party at the polls, but has never been an office seeker. Religiously both 
 he and his estimable wife are valued members of the United Brethren 
 church. 
 
 Leroy S. Dickerson. — Among the enterprising young men of Mt. 
 Victory, Ohio, is Leroy S. Dickerson, station agent for the Big Four 
 Railway and Western LTnion telegraph operator, born in Shelby, Ohio, 
 February 8, 1888, son of Charles E. and Ida (Pettit) Dickerson, the 
 mother dying when her son was three weeks old. The child was reared 
 
 Vol. 11—24 
 
814 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 by his foster-parents, Andrian and Addie (Rex) Dickerson. Audrian 
 Dickerson, Sr., died September 9, 1908, at the age of forty-five years; he 
 was born in Ohio, and followed farming until eighteen years of age 
 when he took the position of engineer for threshing machine, which he 
 followed all his life. He was highly respected and well liked by all who 
 knew him, and was an earnest member of the Lutheran church. For 
 twenty years he Avas a member of the Royal Arc Lodge. His wife was 
 born in Richland county, Ohio, and is now forty-four years of age. The 
 father of Charles E. Dickerson, Thomas Dickerson, lives at Shiloh, Ohio, 
 and has reached the age of eighty-eight years ; his wife, who was Susan 
 Miller, is deceased. 
 
 Leroy S. Dickerson has one brother and one sister living, who were 
 reared by their grandparents, — Roscoe Pettit, of Toledo, Ohio, a mail 
 clerk ; and Bertha, living in Shiloh with her grandmother Pettit. Mr. 
 Dickerson attended school until eighteen years of age, graduating in 
 1 905, and then became employed at Shelby, Ohio, as agent and telegraph 
 operator, remaining there until 1906, when he engaged with the Western 
 Union Telegraph Company, at United States Stock Yards, at Cleveland. 
 Returning to Shiloh, he engaged as operator for the Big Pour Railroad 
 at Columbia, Ohio, and later transferred to Mt. Victory, where he has 
 since been employed as freight and ticket agent, and also Western Union 
 telegraph operator. 
 
 Politically Mr. Dickerson is a strong Republican, and he is actively 
 interested in public affairs. He is a member of the Lutheran church, of 
 Shiloh, and is a young man of good principles and high character, honest 
 and upright in all his dealings. He is highly esteemed by his employers 
 and has a large circle of friends. In 1908 Mr. Dickerson married Rose 
 A. White, who was born January 13, 1887, in Richland county, a daugh- 
 ter of Newton H. and Alice (Rose) White, retired farmers. To this 
 union one child has been born, Alice, born December 9, 1908. The 
 foster-parents of Mr. Dickerson had one child of their own, Mary S., 
 who married R. W. Corkhill, of Cleveland, 
 
 James W. Obenotjr is identified with both the agricultural and 
 commercial life of his community, and he is one of Hardin county’s 
 native sons, born in its township of Washington on the 24t,h of March, 
 1855. His parents, Henry and Mary Jane (Sheppard) Obenour, are 
 both now deceased, the father dying in 1860, and the mother in 1894, she 
 having reached the age of seventy-two years. She was born in Pennsyl- 
 vania. Mr. and Mrs. Obenour were among the earliest settlers of 
 Hardin county, and he was a life-long agriculturist. Both were mem- 
 bers of the Methodist church. In their family were the following 
 children: Levi Perry, a Dudley township farmer; Joshua, who is farm- 
 ing in McGuffey township ; and Susanna, the wife of John Taylor, of 
 Kenton. 
 
 James W. Obenour, also a member of this family, after the school 
 age of fifteen worked at farm labor and at railroading. He has worked 
 in the fields from a very early age, for as a boy of eight he followed the 
 plow, and so small was he at that time that he had to stand on a box to 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 815 
 
 hitch and unhitch a team of horses. After the father’s death the 
 mother cared for her children as best she could, and when her son 
 James was seventeen they moved to the town of North Washington, he 
 continuing to live with his mother until her death. During three years 
 he was the engineer of the Kenton Paper Mills ; moving then to Terre 
 Haute, Indiana, he was the engineer of a large plant there, and later 
 was similarly engaged at Indianapolis, Indiana, and Lima, Ohio, until in 
 1891 he returned to Kenton and his former occupation of farming. 
 During the six years following his return he lived in McDonald township, 
 and then purchasing another farm near Kenton he was there for three 
 years, moving then to Hepburn, where he has since been engaged in 
 conducting a meat market and in farming. 
 
 He was first married to Elma Jane Smith, a daughter of Hiram and 
 Elizabeth Smith, and a son and a daughter were born to them, — Perry 
 C., who is now twenty-three years of age and a mechanic in Detroit, 
 Michigan, and Rena Lodema, twenty-five years of age and the wife of 
 Louis Dodson, a farmer in Dudley township. There are also two 
 grandchildren. Edward N. and Mary Ellen. Mrs. Obenour died in the 
 year of 1891, when thirty-two years of age, and Mr. Obenour married for 
 his second wife Ellen (Williams) Rimick, a daughter of Cornelius 
 Williams, now deceased. Mrs. Obenour has two children by her former 
 marriage, Ida, the wife of William Smith, of Seattle. Washington, and 
 Charles, a farmer near Larue, Ohio. The second union has been with- 
 out issue. 
 
 Marsena Stewart Spencer is one of Hepburn’s business men. He 
 was born in Allen county, Ohio, near Spencerville, on the 16th of May, 
 1869, and he is a son of one of Ohio’s early and well known ministers, 
 the Rev. David Duman Spencer. The last named was born in Miami 
 county, Ohio, and he died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1899. 
 Amos Spencer, his father, located in Miami county during an early 
 period in its history, and he was a life-long farmer. The Rev. David D. 
 Spencer after leaving the school room followed farming until 1861, 
 and he then began to study for the ministry. In 1885 he entered the 
 pulpit as a Missionary Baptist minister, his field of labor being Miami 
 county. At the opening of the war between the north and the south he 
 enlisted for service at Troy, Ohio, and at the close of his first term re- 
 enlisted, but was discharged and pensioned before the close of the war 
 on account of sickness. He entered the ranks as a private, but was 
 afterward commissioned as a first lieutenant, and at the close of his 
 military service he returned to Troy and to his ministerial labors. For 
 a period of five years he was stationed in Allen county, was later two 
 years at Janesville, for three years was pastor of the Ada church, dur- 
 ing a similar period was stationed at Liberty Center, Indiana, was then 
 two years at the Eel River Baptist church, then returning to Liberty 
 Center was stationed there for two more years, and then coming to 
 Mercer county. Ohio, he served as the pastor of three appointments and 
 branches there. In 1886 Rev. Spencer returned to his first charge, the 
 old Manda and Marion church, and there he also ended his ministerial 
 
816 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 work. Through his efforts the old Poraker church was built, and his 
 entire career as a minister was characterized with efficient service and 
 with duties well performed. He married Mary K. Sutton, and she is 
 now living in Spencerville, Ohio. She is a daughter of Thomas and 
 Susan (Kephart) Sutton). 
 
 Marsena S. Spencer was one of twin sons, and his brother, Artemus 
 Spencer, is now a teacher in Spencerville, Ohio. After leaving school ' 
 at the age of fourteen Marsena S. Spencer followed farming for three 
 years, and then entering the employ of the Erie Railroad Company he 
 was their agent and operator at Conant, this state, for two years, and 
 for twelve years was stationed at Poraker, leaving there for Adrian, 
 Michigan, where he spent one year as clerk and cashier of their freight 
 office. Returning then to Poraker he was for a time extra traveling 
 agent, was next stationed at Kemp one year, and in 1904 he came to 
 Hepburn as an agent and operator. In July of 1909 he left the railroad 
 service to engage in the hay business, and in addition he owns a restau- 
 rant and store at this place. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias 
 fraternity at Kenton and of the Maccabees at Hepburn. 
 
 On the 28th of June, 1891, Mr. Spencer was married to Hattie I. 
 Wheeler, who was born in Noble county, Ohio, June 21, 1871, a daughter 
 of Enos and Lottie (Lamley) Wheeler, who are living on a farm in 
 Hardin county, the father sixty-nine years of age and the mother sixty- 
 six. They have two children living, and the son, Amos Wheeler, resides 
 near them. Mrs. Spencer is a member of the Baptist church at Poraker, 
 also belonging to its Ladies Aid Society, and she is a member of the 
 Pythian Sisters at Hepburn and its mistress of finance. The following 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer : Ralph, who is de- 
 
 ceased ; Mildred, born August 22, 1895; Gladys, born December 13, 
 1898; LeRoy, born February 21, 1901; and Harold, born July 7, 1903. 
 
 Azel Prank Ballinger. — Among the prominent and prosperous 
 farmers of Hardin county, Ohio, is Azel Prank Ballinger, who owns a 
 fine farm in Dudley township. Mr. Ballinger was born August 5, 1879, 
 on the old Ballinger homestead, and is a son of Layman and Louisa 
 (Nash) Ballinger, the former of whom died in 1898, at the age of fifty- 
 five years. Layman Ballinger was born November 25, 1844, in Logan 
 county, Ohio, being a son of Henry and Rebecca C. (Moore) Ballinger. 
 The Ballinger family originally came from England and settled in New 
 Jersey. Joshua Ballinger came to Ohio from New Jersey in the early 
 days, and located in Logan county near Middleburg. Henry Ballinger 
 was born about one mile south of Middleburg, being the elder of the two 
 children born to Henry and Patience (Bishop) Ballinger. Rebecca C. 
 Moore was born in New Jersey, and when five years old came to Ohio with 
 her parents. After her marriage to Mr. Ballinger, November 23, 1837, 
 they settled on the farm in Perry township about two miles north of 
 East Liberty, where they spent the remainder of their lives ; he being 
 eighty-six at the time of his death and she seventy-three years of age. 
 They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church from early 
 life until their deaths. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 817 
 
 Layman Ballinger, the father of Azel F., followed farming all his 
 life. He had lived in Champaign county until the age of fifteen when 
 he went to Logan county, later going to Hardin county, where he took 
 up farming on one hundred acres in Dudley township. In October, 
 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry 
 for three years. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout 
 Mountain, and Pittsburg Landing, Atlanta and others. During the last 
 year and a half he served as orderly sergeant to which office he had been 
 promoted. His wife, Louisa Nash, was born July 13, 1846, in Belle- 
 fontaine, her father, John Nash, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish 
 descent. His wife, Elizabeth Ann Peterson, was born in Virginia, of 
 German parentage, her father, Jacob Peterson, being one of the pioneers 
 of Ohio. Layman Ballinger and wife had several children, of whom 
 one daughter is living besides Azel. She is Effie, wife of Carl Davis, a 
 farmer of Dudley township. 
 
 After receiving a good education in the public schools of his native 
 county, Azel F. Ballinger helped with the work on his father’s farm, and 
 thoroughly learned the details of all kinds of farm work. When he was 
 nineteen years of age his father died, and the young man tried to take 
 the latter’s place in managing the farm, remaining with his mother and 
 sister until 1906, when on account of his wife’s health he took a trip 
 with her to California, and carried on farming one year in that state. 
 He returned to the old homestead, of one hundred and twenty acres, which 
 he now owns, and besides general farming carried on extensive stock 
 raising. The farm is situated in the midst of a fine farming country, 
 and is one of the handsomest and most picturesque in the county. In 
 1907 Mr. Ballinger bought a half interest in a hardware business in Alt. 
 Victory, known as C. E. Cook & Company, but eighteen months later 
 sold his interest and returned to farming. He is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias of Mt. Victory, and belongs to the Christian church. 
 He taken an active interest in public affairs, is a stanch Republican and 
 has served two terms on the school board. 
 
 In 1900 Mr. Ballinger married Almary Fisher, who was born June 
 12, 1881, on the old historic Wheeler farm which was owned from 1875 
 until 1880 by her grandparents, John and Sarah (Barrett) Haley, who 
 now reside in Goshen township. This farm is located on the Sandusky 
 road. Mrs. Ballinger is a daughter of Alford and Mary (Haley) 
 Fisher, the former of whom, an old pioneer of Dudley township, died in 
 1898, and the latter died in 1903. Alford Fisher’s father was an 
 attorney and served as justice of the peace. Besides Mrs. Ballinger Mr. 
 Fisher and his wife had children as follows: John, of California; Ray, 
 a barber, living in Missouri ; Alford, a teacher in Goshen township ; and 
 Alpha, wife of Roy Rosebroob, living with Mr. and Mrs. Ballinger. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Ballinger have one child, Zelma, aged six. Mrs. Ballinger 
 is a member of the Christian church and of the Pythian Sisters. Mr. 
 Ballinger has the largest maple-sugar grove in the county, the industry 
 of sugar-making being but little carried on in this part of the state. The 
 trees are the finest of their kind and yield a fine quality of sap. 
 
818 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Andrew J. Wallace, a retired farmer living in Taylor Creek 
 township, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, March 27, 1827, son of 
 William and Polly (Campbell) Wallace, both natives of Kentucky. 
 William Wallace removed to Ohio and settled in Bell Center, in 1832. 
 He bought a farm in the neighborhood and there spent the remainder 
 of his life passing away in 1875, at the age of eighty-two years. His 
 widow survived him a few years and died in 1881, at the age of eighty- 
 two years. His father, Joseph Wallace, was a native of Virginia, and 
 he and his wife both died in Kentucky. The children born to William 
 and Polly Wallace were: Andrew J., of this sketch, and Elizabeth, wife 
 of William Ramsey, of Bell Center, Ohio. Mr. Wallace had a brother 
 who served in the war of 1812. 
 
 After receiving a good education in the public schools, Andrew J. 
 Wallace helped his father with the work of carrying on the farm, until 
 twenty-eight years of age, when he married and located on his present 
 farm in Hardin county. He took up one hundred and twenty-three 
 acres of land that was partly cleared, and has remained on the farm ever 
 since, now owning three hundred and twenty-five acres in the home- 
 stead and two farms adjoining, altogether four hundred and fifty acres. 
 Since 1907 he has lived a quiet, retired life and his interests are cared 
 for by his son William, who manages the farm. Mr. Wallace is a 
 Republican and has served as township trustee, during the time his home 
 was included in Linn township. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 church of Bell Center. Mr. Wallace is a man of great industry and 
 ambition, a useful, public-spirited citizen, and a farmer of intelligence 
 and judgment. 
 
 Mr. Wallace married Caroline Laughlin, born in Guernsey county, 
 Ohio, February 7, 1833, daughter of Hugh and Maria (Clark) Laughlin, 
 natives of Pennsylvania, who located in Logan county, Ohio, in 1830. 
 Her paternal grandfather was John Laughlin, and her maternal grand- 
 father, Thomas Clark, was a Presbyterian minister. Mrs. Wallace 
 died in April, 1898, mourned by a wide circle of friends. She was a 
 woman of high character and worthy deeds and had done a great deal 
 for the cause of religion and other objects. She was a member of the 
 Presbyterian church. To Mr. Wallace and his wife children were born 
 as follows : Cornelia, married C. Porter and they have three children, — 
 Ivan, Ellen and Mabel; Edna, married E. E. Obenouer, of Bell Center, 
 and they have four children, — Florence, James, John and Sterling; 
 Elizabeth, married Joseph Emory, and they have two children,— Wal- 
 lace and Gladys; Tad, married Thomas Mansfield, of Bell Center, and 
 they have one child, Harry; and William, married Mary Hannah, 
 daughter of William H. and Chloe Ann Wallace, bearing the same sur- 
 name, but not a relative. 
 
 William Wallace has full charge of his father’s farm and like his 
 father is making a specialty of stock raising, which he carries on with 
 great success. He has some registered sheep, “Dew Rock” hogs and 
 standard bred horses. He has about six hundred sheep at present. 
 He is one of the most extensive stock raisers and shippers of the town- 
 ship, and displays excellent management in his manner of conducting 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 819 
 
 his business. He is enterprising and progressive and prominent among 
 the modern and up-to-date farmers of Hardin county. Mr. Wallace 
 is a Republican, and although very popular in the community has never 
 held office. He belongs to the Presbyterian church. 
 
 William J. Mathews. — One of the most enterprising and success- 
 ful citizens of Hardin county, Ohio, is William J. Mathews, a native of 
 the county, who was born in Washington township, November 4, 1856, 
 son of Elihu and Margaret J. (Rusk) Mathews. He was one of a 
 family of four children, of whom two survive Emmor S., of Washington 
 township and himself. Elihu Mathews located in Cessna township in 
 1834, and taught school eighteen years. He later purchased a farm 
 in Washington township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He 
 was educated in Hardin county and became a prominent farmer and 
 successful man. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1826, and 
 died in September, 1909. His wife passed away in 1904. 
 
 AY. J. Mathews was reared on a farm and attended the district 
 school ; later he was a student at the college at Ada, Ohio, and fitted 
 himself for teaching. He was successfully engaged in this profession 
 eight years, in Hardin county. After his marriage, in August, 1884 
 Mr. Mathews and his wife lived a year and a half in Washington town- 
 ship and then settled in Cessna township, where they own one hundred 
 and sixty acres. He carries on general farming and Is making a 
 specialty of stock-raising, paying special attention to breeding Ram- 
 bouillet sheep of pure blood. 
 
 Mr. Mathews is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church as is 
 his wife and they belong to the church at Huntersville, Ohio. He was 
 county secretary of the Sunday schools at one time, and is actively 
 interested in church work. He is also a member of Pleasant Hill 
 Grange and for four years was steward of the Ohio State Grange. Mr. 
 Mathews has served his county and township in many useful positions. 
 He is a man of quiet, unassuming manner, who is well known through- 
 out the community and highly esteemed. He has made many friends, 
 and his business relations have been pleasant and profitable. His land 
 is located in section 8 and 17, in Cessna township, and he has made all 
 modern improvements. The house is one of the best and most comfort- 
 able in the township, and the other buildings are in good order. 
 
 Mr. Mathews married Mamie E. Williamson, who was born in 
 Pleasant township, March 18, 1861, daughter of Nathaniel and Serena 
 (Davis) Williamson. Mrs. Mathews was educated in the district 
 schools, Kenton high school and Ada Normal, and taught five years in 
 the Hardin county schools. 
 
 Oren L. Williams is numbered among Hardin county’s native 
 sons and among its representative farmers and business men. He was 
 born in McDonald township on the 6th of September, 1869, a son of 
 Janies W. and Sarah J. (Lyles) Williams, in whose family were the 
 following seven children: Fred, Lewis C. (deceased), Oren L., Rose, 
 Norman, Sherman and Nora (deceased). 
 
820 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Oren L. Williams, the third born son and child in the family, was 
 reared on the home farm in McDonald township, and during the days 
 of his youth he supplemented his attendance in the district schools 
 during the winter months with farm work in the summers, and thus 
 continued until about his eighteenth year when he left the school room 
 to give his undivided attention to farm work and to learning the car- 
 penter’s trade. After his marriage he settled on a farm in McDonald 
 township, and on his twenty acres there he was engaged in general 
 agricultural pursuits and at the work of his trade until he sold his land 
 in that township to come to Lynn township. He is renting two hun- 
 dred acres of land here, and follows a general line of farming. He has 
 served as a member of the school board and as a health officer, and in 
 politics he is a Republican voter. 
 
 On the 3d of November, 1888, Mr. Williams was married to Harriet 
 J. Hesser, born in Eden township of Wyandot county, Ohio, September 
 13, 1871, and from Pleasant township in Hardin county, where she had 
 located in about 1884, she came to McDonald township, where her father 
 is still living. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Williams are : Ernest 
 J., born January 26, 1890; Ray, born October 5, 1891; Clara B., born 
 September 19, 1893; Ina Blanche, born June 16, 1895; Lavina, born 
 October 3, 1898; and Walter A., born January 19, 1901. Mr. Williams 
 has membership relations with the Odd Fellows fraternity, affiliating 
 with Amicitia Lodge, No. 79, and with Scioto Encampment, No. 179, 
 at Kenton. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
 Foraker, and is now serving his church as a class leader. 
 
 William PI. Kinnear has lived in and been identified with the 
 interests of Hardin county throughout his entire life, and he owns one 
 of the best farming estates in Lynn township. He was born in Pleas- 
 ant township of Hardin county March 19, 1860, a son of F. D. and 
 Mary J. (Caruthers) Kinnear, born respectively in Hardin county and 
 in Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm in Lynn township and 
 attended its district schools. At the age of eighteen he left the school 
 room to take up the active duties of farm life, but he remained at home 
 with his parents until he was twenty-one. His present homestead farm 
 contains one hundred acres of choice land in Lynn township, and there 
 he is also extensively engaged in the raising of good stock, including 
 horses, cattle and sheep, and he has been successful in both his general 
 farming and stock-raising. 
 
 On the 15tli of February, 1893, Mr. Kinnear was united in marriage 
 with Miss Jessie May Fuls, who was born and reared in Lynn township, 
 born on the 6th of January, 1872, a daughter of John H. Fuls. The 
 two children of this union are Ilo J., born December 22, 1893; and 
 Paul W., born December 1, 1897. The family are members of the Lynn 
 Valley Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Kinnear is an active and 
 efficient church worker, a class leader and a member of its board of 
 trustees, and he is also the superintendent of the Sunday school. His 
 political affiliations are with the Republcan party. 
 

 
 
 
DANIEL FLANAGAN 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 821 
 
 Daniel Flanagan., for many years editor and principal owner of 
 the Kenton Democrat, died at his late home on North Main street on the 
 14th of February,- 1901. He was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1840, 
 and came with his parents to this country in 1848. They landed at 
 New Orleans, and later came to Butler county, Ohio, where the young 
 man grew to mature years. From Butler county he went to the office 
 of the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he learned the trade of a printer, and 
 he remained there, after acquiring the trade, as a reporter upon the staff. 
 His residence in Kenton dates from December 8, 1866, the Sunday on 
 which the Catholic church of this city was dedicated by Archbishop 
 Purcell. He soon made a bargain with Charles Zahm for the Advocate, 
 supposed to be the organ of the Hardin county Democracy, but in those 
 dark hours of Democracy immediately following the war it took a 
 courageous man indeed to successfully publish a Democratic paper. 
 But Daniel Flanagan demonstrated that he had the acquired ability. 
 Changing the name of the paper to the Kenton Democrat he made it a 
 paper that won for itself and its editor a reputation more than local. 
 He was soon known over Ohio as the editor of one of the stanchest organs 
 of Democracy, and yet while always a Democrat with an almost idola- 
 trous devotion to party he so conducted himself among his fellows that 
 he won many friends in the camp of his political enemies. 
 
 From 1879 until 1885 Mr. Flanagan edited the Herald of Delaware, 
 D. S. Fisher, now of Warren, being the proprietor of the Democrat. 
 While editing the Herald Mr. Flanagan secured control of the Union 
 Democrat of Urbana and conducted the two papers for three years. In 
 1885, by a transfer of properties, he again assumed control of the Kenton 
 Democrat and held it until his death. Associating with him his brother 
 Thomas and his brother-in-law, Alfred Mathews, he erected a tine home 
 for the Democrat on East Franklin street, and the paper has been issued 
 from that office to the present time and is still in the control of Mr. 
 Flanagan’s children, who have associated with them their father’s 
 former partners. His good and faithful wife, who was Clotilda B. 
 Mathews, a daughter of Bernard Mathews, deceased, one of Hardin 
 county’s most prominent and well-to-do pioneer citizens, preceded him 
 in death. Mrs. Flanagan was a woman of the noblest attributes, a 
 woman who was ever an influence to highest attainments of character, 
 and one whose life was rich in deeds of kindness. It was truly said 
 of her that she was one of God’s loveliest creatures. Her death hastened 
 that of Mr. Flanagan. 
 
 Daniel Flanagan was of a distinct type, a type of editors that is 
 now fast disappearing. He was an editor in practice as well as theory ; 
 he was an editor who felt it his stern duty to be ever present at his 
 office looking after the management of his paper. Rev. Father Sieben- 
 foercher spoke truly over his bier, “Daniel Flanagan was a very busy 
 man. He never went slowly. He seldom had time to rest.’’ This 
 was all very true, and had he been less a worker and had he been more 
 willing to leave the responsibilities of the office partly resting upon other 
 shoulders he might still be alive, but lie was never content to do this, and 
 he died a martyr to his work. That he died in the harness must have 
 
822 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 been to his liking, for he was not one to enjoy ease. He would not have 
 been content to retire from the editorial chair, and perhaps ’twere best 
 that he should have been suddenly summoned. God moves in a mys- 
 terious way, and what we of earth often call a blow the great Creator of 
 all would term a blessing. 
 
 Daniel Flanagan was not a child of wealth, but a creature of hard 
 experience, a builder in the storm. Poverty and hardship have ever 
 been the greatest school masters of the race and have forced into promi- 
 nence many a man who otherwise would have remained unknown. Com- 
 ing with his parents from Ireland at a tender age, settling in Ohio at a 
 time when this was “the west’’ to our eastern brethren, the future 
 editor early learned the lessons of labor in a great school, the office of 
 the Cincinnati Enquirer. There he learned the newspaper trade from 
 feeding the press to writing editorials. He had quickly shown the 
 newspaper instinct, and though blessed with but a meager school educa- 
 tion he soon developed into a witty, forcefid and keen writer, and his 
 associates of the Enquirer recognized his ability and power. With the 
 ambition characteristic of the Celt young Flanagan was soon looking- 
 out for a paper of his own, and through the courtesy of the noted Bloss 
 he came to Kenton and lived here all these years, mingling with its 
 people, helping to build up the town and wielding a great and unmeas- 
 ured influence as the editor of the oldest paper in the county. In the 
 years that Mr. Flanagan presided over the Kenton Democrat he demon- 
 strated to the people with whom he came in contact two things at least. 
 He was brave enough to defend his opinions and his character was never 
 failing. No one who knew Mr. Flanagan will deny this. Though he 
 may have had his faults — and who has none — he possessed a charity 
 that covers a multitude of sins. Though he may have been sometimes 
 in the wrong — and no one is always in the right — he had the moral and 
 physical courage to stand for the right as he saw it, and he never failed 
 to defend his opinions and defend them with a vigor that caused his 
 opponents much worry. 
 
 His life as the editor of the county organ of Democracy was much 
 like the stormy petrel. He was always in the thick of the fight, and 
 around him the smoke of political battle was ever circling. How strange- 
 ly coincident that he should have entered his editorial career in Kenton 
 at a time when his party, bleeding from the wounds of internecine strife, 
 was ingloriously retreating, and he laid down his pen at a time when the 
 same party, having wandered far from the teachings of its fathers, and 
 met with the defeat foretold by him and others prominent in the party’s 
 counsels who were ever true to the teachings of the party’s founders, was 
 trying like the prodigal to find the path that led to the old homestead 
 where there was a plenty and to spare. The editorial life of Mr. 
 Flanagan was daily echoing to the din of battle, and yet he seemed to 
 enjoy it. That he reveled in the conflict, that he thrived under stern 
 opposition and prospered under bitter criticism were soon evidenced 
 here. The Democrat had not long been under Mr. Flanagan’s control 
 before the party began to win back its former prestige. And this, too, 
 in the face of the most bitter and uncompromising opposition of the 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 823 
 
 Republicans. In those days editors were more given to a newspaper 
 exhibition of their personal animosities than now, and it is much to be 
 questioned if any editor ever had to endure the bitter attacks that were 
 made on Mr. Flanagan. No name was mean enough, no insinuation 
 coarse enough for the Republican editors to apply to the young editor. 
 Yet he stood it like a man. He thrived. His paper prospered. His 
 party gained the offices. That was success. 
 
 It has often been asked why Daniel Flanagan did not obtain 
 personally more reward for his work in behalf of party. The question is 
 easily answered. Men of definite opinions and a courage to express 
 them can never hope to succeed iu politics. Daniel Flanagan was too 
 pronounced in his views. He could not hope for office, but his work 
 was not with the hope of office. He did it because he loved his party 
 and he enjoyed work. He was proud of Democracy, and that he some- 
 times criticised the leaders of his party in these later days should only 
 redound to the glory of his manly courage. Always a Democrat, too 
 often most bitterly a partisan, yet he ever knew true worth when he 
 saw it and he never failed to give one credit for faithful performance of 
 duty, be the performer of what political persuasion he chose. This 
 characteristic won many friends for Mr. Flanagan among Republicans, 
 and they remained his friends all through a stormy life. 
 
 In business as in politics Mr. Flanagan was frank, quick to make up 
 his mind, always ready to lend a hand. No business enterprise was 
 started in this city during his residence here that Editor Flanagan did 
 not aid in some way. He was the kind of a man that helps a town. 
 He had ever a good word for Kenton and Kentonians, and his published 
 words of encouragement for town and townsmen will remain an undying- 
 tribute to his memory. Public spirited to an extraordinary degree, 
 generous to a fault, this man who might have been rich never amassed 
 any considerable amount of this world’s goods. He left the world poor 
 as men count wealth but rich in kind words, noble acts and imperishable 
 deeds. Too often, as Anthony said over the bier of the fallen C®sar, 
 "The evil that men do live after them, the good too oft is interred with 
 their bones,” but it was not so with Daniel Flanagan. His was an 
 open life, his faults he did not conceal. He could not fawn nor flatter. 
 He never tried to deceive. What he thought he said. If it were wrong 
 the people at large knew it. They could condemn. If it were right 
 he asked no praise. True to the inheritance of Irish parentage Daniel 
 Flanagan was quick to take offense, quicker to forgive. If lie erred he 
 was willing to make amends. It he wronged any one his was the first 
 voice to ask forgiveness. In many ways he was the living embodiment 
 of that sound sensible advice of Thoreau, “Be resolutely and faithfully 
 what you are, humbly what you aspire to be. Be sure you give men the 
 best of your wares, though they be poor enough, and the gods will help 
 you lay up a better store for the future. Man’s noblest gift to man is 
 his sincerity, for it embraces his integrity also.’’ 
 
 And Daniel Flanagan is dead. His last copy has been edited, the 
 page of his life book has been closed and the recording angel has closed 
 the volume not again to be opened 
 
824 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Till the sun grows old 
 
 And the stars grow cold 
 
 And the leaves of the judgment book unfold. 
 
 Today he sleeps under the fir trees of yonder hill. The snow has wet 
 with her pure tears the sod above his grave, the flowers of spring have 
 given him the tribute of their perfume. Those who knew him living 
 will revere him dead, and coming generations will learn from the lips of 
 the present to honor his memory. And this by a contemporary was 
 justly said of him: “When some future historian shall take up pen to 
 tell of those who helped to make Kenton the model of thrift and industry 
 that she is he will in justice to truth pay a tender tribute to Daniel 
 Flanagan, printer, editor and citizen, but above all else a man.” 
 
 H. M. Boroff, one of the representative farmers of Jackson town- 
 ship, owns one hundred acres of valuable land. He was born in Allen 
 county, Ohio, in 1851, and as a child removed with his parents to Mer- 
 cer county, Ohio, where he was educated in the public schools. When 
 a young man he removed to Van Wert county, where he resided until 
 after his marriage, in 1876. He is a son of Harrison and Rebecca 
 (Ross) Boroff, of Mercer county, where they resided on a farm until 
 their deaths. They were the parents of fifteen children, eleven of 
 whom grew to maturity, namely: Amanda, Alfred, John, Nancy A., 
 Elizabeth, H. M., Jacob, Richard and Jennie (twins), Benjamin and 
 Lincoln. 
 
 H. M. Boroff removed to his present home in Hardin county in 
 1901 ; he is an enterprising and practical farmer, and having spent 
 most of his life in this vocation has been very successful. Mr. Boroff 
 is a public-spirited, loyal citizen, and stands well in the community. 
 He is an earnest member of and worker in the Methodist Episcopal 
 church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. 
 Boroff married Anna Ford, and they became the parents of six children, 
 as follows : Orla ; Glen, pastor of a church in the North Ohio Conference ; 
 Joseph, deceased; Florence; Hazel; Austin, deceased. Mrs. H. M. 
 Boroff died in May, 1907. 
 
 Elmer S. Kaylor, prominent as a farmer and stock raiser in Cessna 
 township, was born in Logan county, Ohio, May 22, 1868, a son of George 
 F. and Christena (Houtz) Kaylor. George F. Kaylor was a son of Reu- 
 ben Kaylor, who came from his native state Pennsylvania with his family 
 to Logan county, Ohio, and spent the remainder of his life there. His 
 son George became a farmer and stockman there, but finally moved from 
 there to Auglaize county and still later to Hardin county. From Pleas- 
 ant township, where he had first located on coming to Hardin county, 
 he came to Cessna township in March, 1886, establishing his home on the 
 farm now owned by his sons, Elmer and Claudius, and there he passed 
 away in death in 1888. His widow still survives him and is living in 
 Kenton. She is a daughter of John Houtz, born in Pennsylvania. 
 
 Elmer S. Kaylor was a lad of eighteen years when he came with 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 825 
 
 the family to Cessna township, and the educational training which he 
 had previously gained in the district schools was supplemented by study 
 in the schools of Ada, Ohio. In association with his brother, Claudius 
 C. Kaylor, he owns four hundred and twenty-two acres of land in one 
 body in Cessna township, and he has gained a wide reputation as a stock 
 raiser, raising principally sheep, hogs, cattle and horses. He is an in- 
 fluential local worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has 
 served his township as a justice of the peace and as a trustee and 
 treasurer. 
 
 Mr. Kaylor ’s wife was before marriage Mary Cessna, a daughter of 
 the late Zack Cessna, and she was born and reared in Cessna township. 
 The seven children which have blessed their marriage union are Maloda 
 C., Lulu I., George B., Clay C., Elmer E., Harry I. and Hugh W. Mr. 
 Kaylor is a member in high standing of the Salem Methodist Episcopal 
 church, and he is serving his church as a steward and trustee and as a 
 member of its Sunday school. He also has membership relations with 
 the Grange and with the Modern Woodmen of America. 
 
 i 
 
 Alpheus McConnell. — A man of sound judgment and much 
 ability, Alpheus McConnell, residing in McDonald township, Hardin 
 county, is intimately associated with the development of the agricultural 
 and industrial interests of his community as a carpenter and farmer. 
 A son of Hugh McConnell, he was born, October 11. 1842, in Medina 
 county. Hugh McConnell was born of German parents December 1, 
 1811, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Wayne 
 county, Ohio, where his parents settled when he was a child. After his 
 marriage he moved to Medina county, from there coming, in 1853, to 
 Hardin county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying April 
 5, 1859. He married Mary Lance, who was born in Pennsylvania, 
 December 13. 1811, and as a girl came with her parents to Wayne county, 
 Ohio. She survived her husband, passing away in April, 1870. 
 
 Obtaining his early education in the common schools of Medina and 
 Hardin counties, Alpheus McConnell became familiar with the labors 
 incidental to farm life when young, and also developed his natural 
 mechanical ability by learning the trade of a carpenter. He has since 
 followed farming and carpentering in McDonald township, where he is 
 numbered among the esteemed, valued and trustworthy citizens. Dur- 
 ing the Civil war Mr. McConnell enlisted, September 16, 1864, in the 
 One Hundred and Seventy -ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 
 until receiving his honorable discharge June 17, 1865, being on guard 
 duty at Nashville, Tennessee, the greater part of the time. He is an 
 uncompromising Republican in politics, and is now one of the trustees 
 of McDonald township. 
 
 Mr. McConnell married, April 5, 1863, Polly Paver, a daughter of 
 James and Ruth (Meredith) Paver, former residents of Buck township. 
 Mr. Paver died June 23, 1880, in Hardin county, and Mrs. Paver died 
 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. McConnell. January 3, 1887. Eight 
 children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. McConnell, namely: 
 Sarah Ella, born January 21, 1864, married George Washington Strain, 
 
826 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and they have one child, Erma Strain ; Calvin Llewellyn, born October 
 5, 1866, lives with his parents ; Carrie May, born November 28, 1869, 
 married Elmer Decker, of McDonald township, and two children have 
 been born to them, Howard, who died at the age of three years, and 
 Raymond; Edith Estella, born May 14, 1873, married Alec Given 
 MacDonald, and died April 13, 1909, leaving her husband and four sons, 
 Lloyd Adlai, Leo Vernon, Paul Ernest and Percy Given; Charlie, living 
 at Grand Rapids, Michigan, born April 10, 1875, married Edna Fuller, 
 of Michigan, and they have one child, Harold Donald; Mertie Ann, born 
 July 10, 1877, married Henry IT. Llarvey, of Kenton, and they have 
 two children, Walter Enoch and Louis Alpheus; Howard Harvey, born 
 July 23, 1880, married Eva Snyder, and to them four children have been 
 born. Elsie Ellen, Mary Wilma, Charlie Grey and Mertie ; and Earl 
 Wayne, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. McConnell, born August 12, 
 1883, married September 18, 1909, Mary Varvel. 
 
 Thomas Cochran Dodds. — Noteworthy among the active and ener- 
 getic men that have made farming their life occupation and in its pur- 
 suit have met with much success is Thomas Cochran Dodds of McDonald 
 township, Hardin county. A native of this county, he was born, 
 October 21, 1857, in Buck township, on the Kenton-Ridgeway pike, a son 
 of the late John Dodds, of Scotch-Irish lineage. 
 
 John Dodds was born, in 1806, in Pennsylvania, being one of a 
 family of seven children, of whom one son, Joseph Dodds, born in 1792, 
 served in the war of 1812, and subsequently lived to the venerable age 
 of ninety-four years. John Dodds married, in Champaign county, Ohio, 
 Nancy Gary, who was born in 1822, at Louisburg, Champlain county. 
 Of the children born of their union two served in the Civil war, Andrew 
 and Joseph. Andrew Dodds was a private in the army and died during 
 the war, in 1863. Joseph Dodds, now residing in Ridgeway, Hardin 
 county, enlisted in the Union army in 1861, and served until the close 
 of the war, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He took 
 an active part in many important engagements, and at the battle of 
 Missionary Ridge was wounded in the right shoulder. 
 
 Receiving a practical education in the rural schools of Hardin 
 county, Thomas Cochran Dodds began his career as a wage earner in 
 William Dodds’ saw mill, in which he was employed for four years. 
 Renting then the farm of Joseph McArthur, he managed it for a year, 
 and then leased from his brother ninety-five acres of timbered land, 
 twenty of which he cleared. Five years later Mr. Dodds rented the 
 sixty-five-acre farm belonging to Charles McGinnis, and was there 
 employed in tilling the soil five years. The following seven years he 
 carried on his chosen occupation on the Breen farm of one hundred and 
 forty-four acres. Moving then to the Tom Espy homestead, he tilled 
 its ninety acres for three years, after which he lived on the Henry 
 Pfeiffer place for a year. Returning then to the Breen farm, Mr. 
 Dodds was there engaged in general farming for six years. In March 
 1903, he bought his present place of ten acres, and in its improvement 
 has met with well deserved success. A decided Republican in politics, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 827 
 
 Mr. Dodds has served as assessor of his township, and is now township 
 trustee. 
 
 Mr. Dodds married, March 4, 1875, Mary A. McGinnis, daughter of 
 John and Katherine (Muller) McGinnis, of McDonald township. The 
 following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dodds, namely : 
 Demar Dorothy, Ora, Bertha, Nettie, Maggie, John 0., Benjamin, Fred, 
 George, Nancy Elizabeth. Thomas Gary, Ernest and Hernia, twins, and 
 Leo and Fred. Nancy E., Thomas G.. Ernest and Hernia, died in 
 childhood. Demar Dorothy Dodd, born in June, 1876, died on the 27th 
 of February, 1909. She married Daniel Vermilion, and they became 
 the parents of six children, namely : Mildred, who died in infancy ; 
 
 Clara, Golcla, Clarence, Etta, and Mary. Ora Dodds, deceased, mar- 
 ried Cyrus Neglev, of McDonald township, and to them five children 
 were born, namely: Eva, deceased; Homer; Zena ; Joe; and Harry, 
 deceased. Bertha Dodds, who married D. H. Lowry, became the 
 mother of four children, namely: Robert, deceased; Ray; Harry; and 
 Eva Naomi. Nettie Dodds married William Fultz, and they have 
 three children, Ernest, Earl and Edith. Maggie, who married Frank 
 Hites, became the mother of two children, Oney, deceased and Galley. 
 
 Alfred IIites. — A man of industry, enterprise and ability, Alfred 
 Hites, of McDonald township, occupies an assured position among the 
 successful agriculturists of the Buckeye state, of whom, mayhap, no 
 other county can boast so large a number in proportion to its population 
 as Hardin. A son of the late George Hites, he was born in this town- 
 ship March 3, 1848, coming from German ancestry. 
 
 A native of Rockingham county, Virginia, George Hites was born, 
 July 14, 1815. As a young man he migrated to the western frontier, 
 locating in Carroll county, where he lived until after his marriage. In 
 1839 he bought sixty-two and one-half acres of wild land in McDonald 
 township, Hardin county, and having by dint of sturdy pioneer labor 
 cleared a large part of it he subsequently bought another timbered 
 tract of equal area, and continued his agricultural work. On the 
 homestead which he redeemed from the wilderness he spent the re- 
 mainder of his life, passing away May 15, 1898. He married, in 
 Carroll county, Ohio, Elizabeth Hatfield, who was born March 15, 1815, 
 and died November 10, 1896. To them six children were born, namely : 
 William, of Kenton, married Caroline Spencer, and of the seven children 
 born of their union four died in infancy, Adam died at the age of 
 three months, and the other two, Anna and Arthur Banning, are resi- 
 dents of Hardin county; Mary Ann, born June 9, 1840, died in 1842; 
 Marianna, born September 30, 1849, died in the same year; Alfred, the 
 special subject of this sketch; Nancy Jane, who was born June 4, 1852, 
 and died March 2, 1874, married P. Sumner, of Roundhead, and had one 
 child, now deceased; and George Westley, born July 20, 1857, died 
 August 14, 1857. 
 
 Educated in the district schools. Alfred Hites was early initiated 
 into the mysteries of farming, and finding that occupation congenial to 
 his tastes as well as profitable he has since devoted his attention to the 
 
828 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 pursuit of agriculture. He now owns forty-eight, and one-half acres of 
 the land belonging formerly to the parental homestead, and in its care 
 and management has met with most satisfactory results. Politically 
 a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Hites 
 has never shirked the responsibilties of public office, but has served 
 as township supervisor and as a school director. Religiously he is a 
 valued member of the Baptist church. 
 
 On December 2, 1875, Mr. Hites was united in marriage with Alice 
 Willard, who was born, May 24, 1858, in Mercer county, Missouri, a 
 daughter of the late Joseph Willard. Mr. Willard was twice married, 
 by his first, wife having three children, namely: John Henry, who served 
 in the Civil war, and was killed in battle; Martha, Jane; and Mary 
 Elizabeth. Mr. Willard married for his second wife Elizabeth IJudnut, 
 and of the children born of their union six grew to mature life, as 
 follows: William; James; Emeline ; Joseph Fremont, deceased; Alice, 
 
 wife of Mr. Hites ; and Jennie. William Willard, a resident of Holmes 
 county, Ohio, married first Mary Berry, who died in early womanhood, 
 leaving one child, Jennie, of Cleveland. William married for his 
 second wife Minnie, MacLean, and they have had the following children: 
 Dalmar; Jennie, deceased; Harry; and Fannie. James Willard, who 
 lives in Iowa, married Rachel McGinnis, and to them five children have 
 been born, Thomas ; Clara Belle ; Effie ; Robert ; and a child that died in 
 infancy. Emeline Willard, of Wayne county, widow of the late John 
 Saunders, bore him six children, Frank, deceased; Thomas, a resident 
 of Wayne county; Idell, deceased; Jennie, wife of Harvey Burnett, has 
 two children; Hazel, wife of Harry Cliff, has one child; and Maggie 
 residing with her mother. Jennie Willard, Mrs. Hites’ youngest sister, 
 married John Shearer, of Holmes county, and they became the parents 
 of the following named children : Blanche Shearer, married Edward 
 
 Hostetler, and has three children, John, Frank, and Arthur; John F. 
 Shearer, living at home; Edna Shearer married John Stink, of Pitts- 
 burg, and has four children; Charles Shearer, single, resides with his 
 parents; Harry Shearer, also living at home; Walter, living at home; 
 and Rachel Shearer, deceased. 
 
 Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hites, namely: a 
 child that died in infancy; Rosette; Erma Virginia; Bertha; Homer 
 Emerson ; Leslie Harrison, living with his parents ; and Blanche, living 
 at home. Rosette Hites, the oldest daughter, married Charles IJanna- 
 krat, of Logan county, Ohio, and into their home five children have been 
 born, namely : Grace Reed, living with her grandparents ; Myrl ; Daisy 
 Verona; Alice Odessa, deceased; and Ethel Virginia. Erma Virginia 
 Hites married George MacFarland, of Kenton, Ohio. Bertha Hites, 
 who married Virgil Simpson, died in January, 1906, leaving two chil- 
 dren, Gladys Simpson, deceased; and Paul Simpson. Homer Emerson 
 Hites married Clementine Coolidge and they have two children, Opal 
 Idelle and Arol May. 
 
 Albert B. Charles was horn and reared in Richland county, Ohio, 
 and settled in Ada in early manhood, beginning his career as a grain 
 

 
 
 
 * 
 
 
MR. AND MRS. JACOB VASSAR 
 

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 829 
 
 dealer. A man of marked financial and executive ability, he became 
 prominent in the affairs of the city, and served not only as cashier of 
 the Citizens’ Bank but was mayor of Ada and a member of its school 
 board. In 1885 he Avas elected treasurer of Hardin county, and re- 
 elected to the same office in 1887, serving until his death in 1888. He 
 was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the 
 Knights of Pythias, in each organization taking great interest. He 
 married Autha Morehead, who Avas born in Richland county, near 
 Mansfield, and is now living in Kenton, Ohio. Of the three children 
 born of their union, one died in infancy, and tAvo are living, namely: 
 Eugene, mentioned below, and Arthur B., of Seattle, Washington. 
 
 A man of undoubted integrity and worth, Eugene Charles holds 
 high rank among the more intelligent and popular business men of 
 Hardin county, which he is now serving acceptably as county treasurer. 
 A resident of Kenton, he has spent the larger part of his life within its 
 limits, and has taken an active part in advancing its best interests. 
 He Avas born, August 14, 1875, at Ada, Hardin county. A boy of 
 eleven years AA r hen he came to Kenton, he Avas here educated, and in 
 1893 began life on his own account as deputy clerk in the office of the 
 county treasurer. He Avas subsequently assistant cashier of the Kenton 
 National Bank, holding that position from November. 1895, until Sep- 
 tember, 1907, AAdien he assumed his present office as county treasurer of 
 Hardin county, to which he was elected in 1906 and reelected in 1908. 
 Mr. Charles is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic 
 order, in which he has taken three degrees, and of the Benevolent and 
 Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Charles is one of the younger genera- 
 tion of men, and is not only a prominent member of business, political 
 and social circles, but is one who, continuing his useful activities, aauII, 
 without doubt, become connected Avith more important events of town, 
 county and state. 
 
 James Ezra Vassar. — One of the most successful farmers and stock- 
 men of Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, is James Ezra 
 Vassar, Avho Avas born on his present homestead November 11, 1867, a 
 son of Jacob and Mary (CorAvin) Vassar. Jacob Vassar was born in 
 Logan county, Ohio, October 4, 1837, and was a son of Daniel Vassar, a 
 native of New Jersey. Daniel Vassar was accidentally killed by a horse 
 in 1862, at the age of about forty-seven years. He moved to Ohio 
 from Virginia as a young man, settling in Logan county, where he car- 
 ried on his trade of a carpenter. He was married in Logan county, 
 to Mary Ann Kerns, and he and his family afterwards removed to 
 Missouri, Avhere he died. 
 
 After acquiring his education in the public school, Jacob Vassar 
 remained with his parents until his marriage, at the age of twenty-tAvo 
 years, and then settled on the present home in Hardin county. He 
 settled in the woods, proceeded to clear land and erected the present 
 home. He first cleared thirty acres, then added sixty acres more. He 
 became very successful as a farmer and also became a timber-worker, 
 making staves by hand, in Avhich manner he paid for his home. He 
 Vol, 11—25 
 
830 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 started for Minnesota in 1863, then enlisted in the Civil war as a 
 teamster and driver for one year, later fired an engine on a steamboat, 
 in the employ of the government, for hauling supplies. At the close 
 of the war he returned to his home and carried on farming until his 
 death, July 10, 1895. He was one of the charter members of the Church 
 of Christ of Ridgeway, and politically was a Democrat, though he never 
 cared for public office. He was a member of the Independent Order of 
 Odd Fellows and the local Grange. 
 
 On September 24, 1857, Jacob Vassar married Mary Corwin, a 
 native of Pickaway county, Ohio, born April 6, 1840, a daughter of 
 Daniel Corwin, a native of Logan county, Ohio, who later moved to 
 Scotland county, Missouri. He died in 1900, at the age of eighty- 
 eight years. Mr. Corwin married Nancy Williams, who died in 1850. 
 Jacob Vassar ’s widow survives him, has now reached the age of seventy 
 years and resides with her son James E. The other children who sur- 
 vive are as follows : Lydia, wife of J. S. Ludenburg, a farmer of 
 
 Michigan ; Nancy, wife of B. Britton, an attorney ; Olive, wife of 
 Thomas Hauser, of Patterson, Ohio; Thomas K., of Bellefontaine ; and 
 Daniel, a farmer of Hale township. Besides these there are two 
 daughters and two sons deceased. Mrs. Vassar is a member of the 
 Church of Christ. 
 
 The education of James Ezra Vassar was obtained in the public 
 schools, after which he began working on a farm. When twenty-two 
 years old he began working for his father, and worked three years on the 
 old home, farming and raising stock. He then moved to Logan county, 
 where he carried on a farm five years, after which he returned to the 
 home farm and bought out the other heirs. He carries on general 
 farming and pays special attention to stock raising. He owns one 
 specially fine registered horse, “Harold,” aged four, of English Shire 
 stock which was imported by the Hartman Importing Company, of 
 Columbus, also a fine road horse, “Noki’’ No. 41512, also aged four years. 
 He also owns several other brood mares and colts. 
 
 Politically Mr. Vassar is a Democrat, and is active in the interests 
 of his party. In 1906 he was elected a justice of the peace of Taylor 
 Creek township, and is serving in his second term. He is a a charter 
 elder of the Church of Christ. He is an enterprising and ambitious 
 and business-like farmer, and carries on his work by modern methods 
 and in accordance with modern ideas. He can remember many hard- 
 ships he and the members of his family had to bear during his youthful 
 days; he well recalls that at one time a heavy storm killed a cow which 
 was the main support of the family. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Vassar married Cinda Gardner, born November 11, 
 1873, daughter of Freeman Gardner, who died in 1909, at the age of 
 eighty-five years. Mr. Gardner was a native of Pennsylvania and one 
 of the pioneers of Hardin county. He married Joan Jennings, who 
 survives him and has now reached the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. 
 Vassar died March 14, 1908, after nearly twenty years of happy wedded 
 life, having been in delicate health for years. She was a patient sufferer 
 and her mild and beautiful nature was loved by all who knew her, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 831 
 
 She had a large circle of friends, who held her friendship in high 
 esteem and admired her personality. Her loss was widely mourned, by 
 her fellow church members especially, and by all who knew her. She 
 was an active worker in the Presbyterian church, of which she was a 
 member. Mr. Vassal’ and his wife had children as follows: Randall, 
 born October 29, 1890, at home; Joseph, born July 30, 1892; Pauline, 
 born November 2, 1897 ; and Jacob Gardner, born December 26, 1898. Mr. 
 Vassar is well known in the community, where he has spent almost his 
 entire life, and is greatly respected. 
 
 Samuel Hiram Faltner, a well known and prosperous agricul- 
 turist of Hardin county, residing in McDonald township, has for many 
 years been an able assistant in developing and advancing the farming 
 interests of this part of the state. A son of the late Vance Faltner, he 
 was born, December 10, 1866, in Logan county. For a number of years 
 Vance Faltner resided in Logan county, but at the time of his death, 
 in November, 1909, was a resident of Columbus, Ohio. He was twice 
 married. He married first, a Miss Brown, by whom he had three child- 
 ren, namely: Anna, James and Samuel Hiram. Anna married William 
 Fisher, of Bellefontaine, and of the four children born of their union two 
 are living, Roy and Ethel May. James, the second child, resides in 
 Louisiana, Vance Faltner married for his second wife Mary Ann Watt, 
 and their only child, Jesse Faltner, died when fourteen years old. 
 
 His mother dying when he was an infant. Samuel Hiram Faltner 
 was brought up by Mr. and Mrs. James Ford, who eared for him as 
 tenderly as if he were their own child. He was educated in the district 
 schools, and during his entire life has devoted his time and energies to 
 the cultvation of the soil, which at his touch yields abundant harvests, 
 his well kept and well managed farm being one of the best improved 
 in Roundhead township. Mr. Faltner is a steadfast Republican, having 
 voted that ticket for twenty-two years, but he has never been an aspirant 
 for political honors, neither has he ever joined any secret organization. 
 
 James Ford, Mr. Faltner ’s foster father, was successfully engaged 
 in general farming until 1894, when he located in McDonald township, 
 Hardin county, where he has since resided, an honored and respected 
 citizen. He married, September 16, 1841, Louisa Emeline Goodnow, who 
 was born in Champaign county, Ohio, February 14, 1825. Her father, 
 Levi Goodnow, was born, in 1790, in Vermont, and there married Cyn- 
 thia Beebee, whose birth occurred in that state in 1796. Eight children 
 were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, namely: John Riley, Elmira, Clara 
 Josephine, Levi R., Edward Sheldon, Sarah Jane, William Frank and 
 Louisa Ellen. John Riley Ford, the first born, died March 16, 1848. 
 Elmira, who married Ira Downing, of Kenton. Ohio, died December 30, 
 1867, leaving one child, Luther Downing. Clara Josephine Ford died 
 November 13, 1870. Levi R. Ford, the fourth child in succession of 
 birth, died June 15, 1897. He married, June 13, 1867. Elizabeth Hews, 
 and to them were born children as follows: Jesse E., who lived but 
 three months; William C., living at Saint Marys, married Ida White- 
 head; Clara Ellen, wife of Tim Bogan, of Saint Marys, has had six 
 
832 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 children, of whom but two are living, Ruth and Georgia Ellen ; Nora 
 Emeline, wife of John Cawlick, of Lake View, has had two children, Wes- 
 sie Ford, deceased, and Dorothy May; James Alexander, deceased; Clara 
 S., deceased and Jesse Elmer, deceased. Edward Sheldon Ford, the 
 fifth child in order of birth, born August 9, 1850, died June 11, 1909. 
 Sarah Jane Ford, born October 21, 1853, married Ephraim Young, and 
 of their union four children were born, Earl, who married a young 
 lady of Troy, Illinois ; Mary Emeline, of Troy ; Bertha, wife of a 
 Mr. Stephens; and James, the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Young, died 
 in May, 1903. William Frank Ford, who died in January, 1899, 
 married Rachel Sunderland, who has also passed to the life beyond. 
 They became the parents of nine children, as follows : Glenna, wife 
 of Francis Hankins, has one child, Eliza; Naomi, wife of Venton Engle, 
 of Wapakoneta, has one child, Ruth Engle; Ida died at the age of eleven 
 years; James George, deceased; and five children that died in infancy, 
 the two next to the last being twins. Louisa Ellen Ford, who married 
 Jesse T. Bowdle, of Roundhead township, became the mother of three 
 children, namely : Pearl, wife of Stuart Fisher, postmaster at Round- 
 head, has one child, Louisa Katherine ; Oryl, deceased ; and Irwin, of 
 Roundhead, who married Edna Young. 
 
 Andrew Breitenstin, a substantial and successful farmer of Dud- 
 ley township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born in Franklin county, 
 Ohio, May 3, 1855, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Enggasser) 
 Breitenstin. The former was born in Baden, Germany, and died in 
 Ohio, in 1869, at the age of fifty-two years, three months and twenty- 
 seven days. He came with his wife and one child to America, February 
 19, 1850, spending a short time at New Orleans. Mrs. Breitenstin died 
 October 9, 1904, at the age of eighty years. Two years after reaching 
 New Orleans they moved to Columbus, Ohio, and in 1865 located in 
 Hardin county, where they bought forty acres of land in Dudley 
 township. Three years later they located on the old Richley farm in 
 Goshen township, where Mr. Breitenstin died. He was a member of the 
 German Lutheran church, a Democrat in political affairs and actively 
 interested in the success of his party. Besides Andrew their children 
 were: Theodore, a farmer of Goshen township; Esther, wife of Fred 
 Born, of Goshen township ; and Elizabeth, deceased. 
 
 The youth of Andrew Breitenstin was passed on a farm, and he 
 attended the country schools until fifteen years of age. After the 
 death of his father he worked on the homestead which his mother pur- 
 chased, and remained with her until her death. He purchased an ad- 
 ditional forty acres and lived on the home farm until 1904, when he 
 sold his interest and bought his present farm where he has made all 
 possible improvements. He makes a specialty of stock raising and is a 
 prosperous and energetic farmer. He has earned his success through 
 his own efforts, and always been industrious and ambitious. He is a 
 member of St. John’s church in Goshen township, of which he has 
 served as trustee. Politically he is a Democrat but has never cared for 
 public office. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 833 
 
 On September 15, 1881, Mr. Breitenstin married Anna Gertrude 
 Bishop, who was born March 28, 1858, in Hardin county, daughter of 
 George Bishop. Her father was born in Hessen, Germany, and at the 
 age of thirty-seven years came to the United States and settled in 
 Goshen township, Hardin county. Five years later he sold out and 
 located in Buck township, where he spent the remainder of his life 
 and died in November, 1891, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, 
 Catherine Elizabeth Roeder, died in 1902, at the age of eighty-five 
 years. Mrs. Breitenstin ’s grandfather, Michael Bishop, married Eliza- 
 beth Fink. Besides Mrs. Breitenstin her parents had children as follows : 
 Elizabeth, born December 28, 1840, widow of George Roeder, and two, 
 the oldest and youngest, deceased. Mrs. Breitenstin is a member of 
 St. John’s church, and is an active worker in the Ladies’ Society con- 
 nected with the church. 
 
 To Mr. Breitenstin and his wife four children were born, namely: 
 George William, born January 2, 1883, married Luella Abbott and they 
 have two children : Frieda Marie and Dorothy May ; John Jacob, born 
 February 13, 1885, single and living at home; Leo Theodore, born 
 December 29, 1889, living at home with his parents ; and Fred Edward, 
 born December 30, 1891, also living at home. 
 
 Otis Daniel Brungard. — Among the energetic, enterprising and 
 far-sighted men who are contributing their full share towards the devel- 
 opment and advancement of the commercial prosperity of Hardin county 
 is Otis Daniel Brungard, who as a miller, grain dealer and shipper, is 
 carrying on a substantial business. A son of the late John Brungard, 
 he was born, February 1, 1871, in Mahoning county, Ohio, in New 
 Middletown. His grandfather, George Brungard, a native of Maryland, 
 migrated to Ohio in the year 1832, locating in Springfield township, 
 Mahoning county. 
 
 Brought up on the home farm, John Brungard began life for him- 
 self as a merchant, for five years being located in New Middletown. 
 Subsequently removing to Wooster, Ohio, he was there for three years 
 engaged in the milling business, running a flour mill and elevator. Go- 
 ing then to Pittsburg, he was there similarly employed for ten years. 
 In 1885 having disposed of his interests in that place, and of his farm 
 in Mahoning county, he came to Ridgeway, and here founded the milling 
 and grain business now carried on so successfully by his sons, it being 
 the most extensive plant of the kind between the lake and Columbus, 
 Ohio. Here he resided until his death, March 27, 1906. He was a 
 valued member of the Reformed church, and was active in public affairs, 
 being a man of ability and eminent trustworthiness. He served several 
 years as a trustee of Mahoning county ; was treasurer of Ridgeway ■ and 
 was the first president of the Ridgeway Banking Company. He 
 married Elizabeth Young, who was born, April 11, 1844, in Germany, 
 and came to this country with her parents at the age of ten years. She 
 passed to the life beyond June 13, 1891. Five children were born of 
 their union, namely: Ella, deceased; George C., a grain dealer at West 
 Mansfield; Otis D., the subject of this brief sketch; Laura Barbara, wife 
 
834 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of John McGill, of Poland, Ohio; and John, of whom a short sketch may- 
 be found on another page in this volume. 
 
 Attending the common schools as a boy, Otis Daniel Brungard was 
 brought up on the home farm until sixteen years of age, when he 
 entered the Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, where he continued his 
 studies until 1889. Turning his attention then to the reading of medi- 
 cine, he was graduated from the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, 
 in Pittsburg, in 1897, with the degree of M. D., and for four years was 
 engaged in the practice of his profession at Edinburg, Pennsylvania. 
 After the death of his father, Mr. Brungard, in partnership with his 
 brothers succeeded to the grain business established by their father, 
 and have continued it since with marked success. This firm, Brungard 
 Brothers, which was incorporated with a capital of $50,000, purchased, 
 in 1907, the Big Springs Mill and elevator, and with their elevator at 
 Horton, built in 1904, is carrying on an extensive business, handling on 
 an average two hundred thousand bushels of grain annually. Mr. 
 Brungard, true to the religious faith in which he was reared, is a member 
 of the Reformed church, and fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 588, A. 
 F. & A. M., of West Mansfield. 
 
 Mr. Brungard married, July 11, 1906, Ina McElhaney, who was 
 born, March 11, 1883, in Ridgeway, a daughter of Robert McElhaney. 
 Mr. McElhaney was born in Ireland sixty-seven years ago. Emigrat- 
 ing to this country in 1864, he settled in Hardin county, where he was 
 for a while engaged in farming. In 1875 he opened a store of general 
 merchandise at Ridgeway, becoming a pioneer merchant of this place. 
 He married Cornelia A. Dugan, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, 
 a daughter of Michael and Sarah Dugan, her birth occurring in 1856. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brungard have one child, a boy born January 25, 1910, 
 named Otis D. Brungard. 
 
 Alfred K. Raney. — One of the strongest forces in the public and 
 industrial life of Hardin county for many years has been found in 
 Alfred K. Raney, whose life span of many decades has been years of 
 purposes well directed, who has made for himself a place in connection 
 with the activities and honors of life and who has successfully sur- 
 mounted obstacles and gained recognition for intrinsic worth of 
 character. 
 
 Alfred K. Raney was born in Franklin county, Ohio, June 13, 1837, 
 a son of Benjamin and a grandson of Adam Raney, who came from his 
 native land of Germany and established his home in Franklin county, 
 Ohio, there remaining until his death. Benjamin, his son, bom near 
 Groveport, Ohio, died in October of 1840, when fifty-eight years of age. 
 After leaving the school room he farmed with his father until his 
 marriage, at that time entering some land for himself, and clearing it 
 he continued its cultivation until his death, also erecting and operating 
 for fifteen years a tannery. He was a good Christian man, a member 
 of the Methodist church. Of the children born to him and his wife, nee 
 Mary Arnold, three are now living: Benjamin, whose home is in 
 
 Huntington, Indiana ; Margaret, the widow of Charles Goodman and a 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 835 
 
 resident of Kokomo, that state ; and Alfred K. Mrs. Raney died at tlie 
 home of Catharine Funk, an older daughter in Kokomo in 1904, at the 
 age of seventy-six years. 
 
 One of his parents’ nine children and one of the three surviving 
 ones, Alfred K. Raney, after his father’s death, remained with the five 
 youngest of the children with his mother on the homestead, but at the 
 early age of twelve he began working for others at whatever a boy could 
 find to do, thus earning sufficient means to continue his schooling in the 
 fall, this including one term in a select school in Stark county. After 
 his marriage in the spring of 1858 he located at old Fort McArthur, and 
 the log house which he built there with its corner posts was the first of 
 its kind in Hardin county. He left there in 1880, in the meantime 
 having purchased one hundred and fifty acres in Hale township, and 
 building a substantial residence, and in 1897 he left that Hale township 
 farm to come to Taylor Creek township, here purchasing his farm 
 opposite Grange Hall. He followed a general line of farming, making 
 the raising of Jersey cattle, Poland China hogs and sheep a special 
 feature of his business, and he lias the largest yoe sheep in Hardin 
 county, the animal weighing three hundred pounds. He is also inter- 
 ested in a patent mower, for which he invented a swath cleaner and 
 improved swath board and which he had patented in the United States 
 and in Canada. 
 
 While Mr. Raney has ever been faithful in citizenship and in civil 
 life, his military career also redounds to his credit as a loyal and faithful 
 soldier of the Union. On the 28th of July, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
 I, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private under Lieutenant 
 England, and for three years he served with the Army of General 
 Burnside. While following Morgan through Ohio, Mr. Raney received 
 his first wound, and following General Sherman to Kenesaw Mountain, 
 Georgia, June 28, 1864, he was shot through the back of the neck, the 
 same bullet wounding another soldier. They lay under the entrench- 
 ments on the field until carried to a place of safety, and when partially 
 recovered were taken to a division hospital for treatment. While on a 
 three days’ absence from the hospital Mr. Raney visited his regiment 
 and finding no commanding officer of his rank he took charge and par- 
 ticipated in the second day ’s fight at Nashville, Tennessee. He received 
 his first promotion as second lieutenant on the 10th of November, 1863, 
 while on the 10th of February, 1864, he was commissioned a first lieu- 
 tenant, promoted to captain February 6, 1865, mustered out of the 
 service on the 12th of the following June at Camp Harker, Tennessee, 
 as a brevet major. Shortly after his return home Mr. Raney was 
 elected the sheriff of Hardin county, entering the office the 1st of 
 January, 1866, and during the years 1883-4-5-6 he represented his 
 county in the state legislature. Throughout his membership in the 
 house, covering two terms, he was a member of the Soldiers, Sailors and 
 Orphans Home at Xenia, Ohio, and against great odds he succeeded in 
 gaining for the home an appropriation of eight hundred dollars for a 
 training blacksmith shop to be installed therein, and Mr. Raney got a bill 
 passed to erect a new county jail costing $40,000. His labors as a 
 
836 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 legislator were far reaching and effective. During the World’s Fair 
 at Chicago he was commissioned to represent Hardin county on wheat 
 in the agricultural department. Since 1902 he has served as a justice 
 of the peace in Taylor Creek township, and on the 31st of October, 1890, 
 he was greatly honored by being made the department commander of a 
 Union veteran organization, with headquarters at Kenton. He is a 
 member and has served in all the offices of Silver Creek Grange, No. 
 1570, is a member and a past officer of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and 
 is a member of the United Methodist church. He is also a member and 
 the commander of the Grand Army post at Roundhead. He with a 
 number of others were the builders of the first graveled pike which was 
 built one and a half miles out on the Kenton and Lima road. 
 
 On the 30tli of September, 1856, Mr. Raney was married to Eliza- 
 beth Smith, and they became the parents of the following children : 
 Jessie D., whose home is in Columbus ; Lydia, the wife of Harris Steven- 
 son, and they have four children ; Mattie, wife of William Winner, of 
 Silver Creek, and they have eight children, the eldest son being also 
 married and having one child ; and Eveline, also in Columbus. Mr. 
 Raney married for his second wife Lulu Kremplebein, a daughter of 
 John and Mary Kremplebein, and they have a daughter, Dorsey, aged 
 fourteen years and now in school. 
 
 William H. Getz, one of the representative farmers of Washington 
 township, Hardin county, Ohio, has resided here for nearly two decades, 
 and since 1897 has owned his present farm, which comprises a hundred 
 acres of choice and valuable land. Mr. Getz is a native of Snyder 
 county, Pennsylvania, and was born and reared on a farm, the date of 
 his birth being November 29, 1856. His parents, Henry and Caroline 
 (Booger) Getz, both natives of the “Keystone State,” had a family of 
 eight children, namely: Mary, William II., Perry D., George M., 
 
 Catherine E., Emma C., John and Daniel W. The last two named are 
 deceased. Henry Getz, the father, was born on the 28th of February, 
 1831, and died on July 14, 1899. He was a soldier in the Civil war, 
 Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania 
 Infantry. He enlisted, in 1863, for one year, at the end of which time 
 he was honoraby discharged; then he reenlisted, and remained with his 
 command until the close of hostilities, when he again received an 
 honorable discharge. During his service he was an active participant 
 in several hotly contested battles ; he received two slight wounds, one on 
 the back of his neck and the other on his hand, and he returned home 
 with a record for valor and fearlessness. 
 
 In 1877, on reaching his majority, William H. Getz left the old home 
 in Pennsylvania and went to Arlington, Hancock county, Ohio, where he 
 remained until 1888. Since that date he has been a resident of Wash- 
 ington township, Hardin county, his postoffice being Williamstown. 
 During this time he has been honored with local office. For over six 
 years he was township trustee and for the past nine years he has been a 
 member of the school board. He began life in Hardin county with only 
 eleven dollars and fifty cents and a wife. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 837 
 
 In 1888, in his native county, Mr. Getz married Miss Jane E. 
 Greenhoe, and seven children have been given to them, namely : Mary 
 E., who is now the wife of J. E. Moses; Vernon C., who married Miss 
 Margaret West; Mabel D. ; Ralph H. ; Ruth; Leonard, and a child that 
 died in infancy. Mr. Getz is a Christian gentleman, a worthy member 
 of the Presbyterian church, and by his upright, honorable life he has 
 won the esteem of his fellow citizens. 
 
 Mr. Reuben Greenhoe, father of Mrs. Getz, was in the Civil war for 
 three years and died at the age of sixty-five on May 27, 1899. He was 
 born and always lived in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, a tanner by trade 
 and a good one. His wife’s name was Rachel (Winter) Greenhoe. She 
 died aged sixty-four and was also a native of Synder county, Pennsyl- 
 vania. They had eight children : Anna, Jane, Charles, died when 
 
 small, Mary, Frank (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Libbie and William. 
 All live in Pennsylvania but Libbie, who lives in New Jersey. 
 
 A. J. Garmon is one of the agriculturists of Washington township, 
 where he owns a splendidly improved estate of one hundred and thirty- 
 six acres of choice farming land and on which he raises the best of crops. 
 This farm has been purchased at various times since his removal to 
 Hardin county in 1881, and as a whole it is a valuable and desirable 
 property. Thirty-six acres of the tract were purchased in 1893, fifty 
 acres in 1898 and the remaining fifty in 1902, and new and splendid 
 buildings now complete this estate. Mr. Garmon was born in Hancock 
 county, Ohio, in 1865, being there also reared and educated, and reach- 
 ing man’s estate he chose farming as his vocation. He is a son of John 
 and Catherine (Miller) Garmon, who came from their native common- 
 wealth of Pennsylvania to Hancock county, Ohio, during an early period 
 in the county’s history, in 1858, and they owned a farm of sixty acres 
 there. Their children were as follows: Fannie, Clara, Trella, Frank- 
 
 lin, Delilah, A. J. and Millie. John Garmon was born in Pennsylvania 
 in 1810, and died in Washington township, Hardin county, Ohio, in 1903. 
 He came here in 1881, and became the owner of a farm of eighty-seven 
 and a half acres, the present home of his widow. She has reached the 
 age of seventy-four years. 
 
 A. J. Garmon has been twice married, wedding first Miss Nora E., 
 a daughter of W. K. and Lucretia Zehner, and she died in 1902, leaving- 
 two children, Edna L. and Lauren. Mr. Garmon married for his 
 second wife Miss Florence A. Zehner, a sister of his former wife. The 
 second marriage was solemnized in 1904. They belong to the Grange. 
 
 Dr. Usher Parsons Leighton, who was for many years associated 
 with the political and public circles of Kenton, Ohio, and vicinity, be- 
 longed to a family that has lived for many generations in America, and 
 they have taken their part in promoting general welfare and progress 
 wherever found. Usher P. Leighton was born at Eliot, Maine, March 
 16, 1810, and died at Kenton, Ohio, August 26, 1878. His memory is 
 still tenderly cherished by those who had the pleasure of knowing him 
 intimately and appreciating his many good qualities. 
 
838 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 The emigrant ancestor of this family was born in Devonshire, 
 England, about 1625, and about 1650 came to America, settling at 
 Kittery, Maine. His name was Captain William Leighton; he was a 
 ship-master and a man of intelligence and education. Captain Leighton 
 married Katherine, daughter of Nicholas Frost, of Kittery, who was born 
 at Tiverton, England, in August, 1633. By this union there were five 
 children. 
 
 The father of Usher P. Leighton, Samuel (called General Samuel) 
 Leighton, was born in Kittery, Maine, May 25, 1771, and died at Alfred, 
 Maine, in October, 1848. He was married, in December, 1799, to 
 Frances Usher, daughter of William Parsons, of Alfred. Samuel 
 Leighton was a man of considerable prominence and influence, and 
 served as representative from his district to the general assembly at 
 Boston, in 1809. He served as justice of the peace for thirty-five years 
 and was appointed judge of the court of sessions of York county, in 1820. 
 He was quite active iu military affairs, having been appointed ensign, by 
 General Hancock, August 20, 1792; colonel in 1800 and brigadier general 
 in 1818. He was the father of ten children, of whom Usher P. was the 
 seventh. 
 
 Usher P. Leighton came to MeCutchenville, Ohio, in 1831, and there 
 read medicine with Dr. Sampson. In 1833-34 he attended medical 
 lectures at Bowdoin College, of Brunswick, Maine, and in 1835 received 
 a diploma from Brown’s University, of Providence, Rhode Island. In 
 March, 1836, Dr. Leighton came to Kenton and commenced the practice 
 of medicine, becoming very siiccessful. He soon won his way into the 
 hearts and confidence of the people of the community, and built up a fine 
 practice. He was a nephew of Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, 
 Rhode Island, for whom he was named. Dr. Parsons distinguished 
 himself as a surgeon while with Commodore Perry, in the battle on Lake 
 Erie, and his wife was a sister of Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
 
 Dr. Leighton was elected three times treasurer of Hardin county 
 and discharged his duties with honor and credit. He was instrumental 
 in founding the First Presbyterian church, in Kenton, Ohio, donating 
 the lot upon which it was built and considerable lumber for its erection. 
 He founded the Pioneer Association of Hardin county, July 4, 1871, and 
 was its president while he lived. He was always ready to contribute to 
 any worthy benevolent cause and had at heart the welfare of the com- 
 munity. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows. 
 
 January 19, 1840, Dr. Leighton married Ellen Houser, daughter of 
 Jacob Houser. She was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 7, 
 1822. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and moved to Kenton 
 in 1832, entering many acres of land. ITe donated land for a public 
 square and courthouse in Kenton. Mrs. Leighton died October 28, 1893. 
 
 Five children were born to Dr. Leighton and his wife, two of whom 
 died in infancy. His son, George Leighton, was born in Kenton, April 
 16, 1842, and had four daughters: Anna P., Georgia P., Grace H. and 
 Virginia P. Anna Leighton, the oldest daughter of Dr. Leighton, was 
 born June 14, 1844, and married George Gregg, (now deceased) Decem- 
 ber 5, 1866. She resides in Pittsfield, New Hampshire and has one 
 
/ 
 
HOSEA JOHNSON 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 839 
 
 daughter, Frances L. . Martha Ellen, the youngest daughter of Dr. 
 Usher P. Leighton, was born April 18, 1848, and died February 14, 
 1902. She was married, December 7, 1871, to B. F. Brunson, of 
 Wisconsin, and they have had four sons, two of whom are living at 
 Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jay L. and Alcott. George Leighton is a 
 successful and prominent citizen of Kenton, Ohio, where he is engaged 
 in real estate business. 
 
 IIosea Johnson. — In the death of Hosea Johnson, one of the old 
 and honored pioneers of Hardin county passed to his final reward. 
 His birth occurred, December 11, 1817, in Monroe township, Logan 
 county, Ohio. Rheumatism, which afflicted him to some extent, in- 
 capacitated him for manual labor, but his mental faculties were un- 
 dimmed, and he was young in his sympathies and progressive in his 
 ideas, talking interestingly not only of by-gone times, when people lived 
 the simple life, but on the current topics of the day. 
 
 Jacob Johnson, his father, was born in New Jersey, of Holland an- 
 cestry. When a boy he moved with his parents to Kentucky, settling as 
 pioneers in Bourbon county. The country roundabout was then sparsely 
 settled, the nearest trading post being twenty-five miles away, in Mason 
 county, where to obtain even salt, a commodity of which every family 
 used more or less, a journey on horseback must be made. In 1816, with 
 his wife and seven children, he came to Ohio, making the removal with 
 teams, and was among the original settlers of Logan county. Taking 
 up a squatter’s claim, he built two log cabins, connecting them by roof 
 and floor. He cleared a small patch, and in addition to raising some 
 corn made sugar. Deer, bears, wild turkeys and other game were 
 abundant, supplying the family larder with what are now deemed lux- 
 uries. He also raised flax, and kept sheep, and his good wife used to 
 card, spin and weave the material from which she fashioned the garments 
 in which the entire family was clothed. After living in that clearing 
 seventeen years, Jacob Johnson moved to the northeastern part of Logan 
 county, about two miles from the present city of Rushsylvania, where 
 he bought eighty-seven acres of heavily timbered land. He built a log 
 cabin, and began the improvement of a farm, leaving the work, however, 
 as he was then well along in years, to his sons, Peter and IIosea. He there 
 resided until his death, in the ninetieth year of his age. 
 
 He married, in Kentucky, Rachel Greene, who died at the age of 
 seventy-three years. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob 
 Johnson, namely: Polly, Andrew, George, John, Peter, Henry, Jane, 
 Hosea, Jacob W., Paris Fleming, Nelson M. and Philip G. While living 
 in Kentucky, both he and his united with the Free Will Baptist church, 
 There being none of his religious faith in Ohio when he came here with 
 his family, he joined the Calvinistic Baptists, who were believers in pre- 
 destination. Unwilling to subscribe to that doctrine, he withdrew his 
 membership from that body, enlarged his cabin, invited a Methodist 
 to preach there, and from that beginning a Methodist church was organ- 
 ized, and both he and his wife died in that faith. 
 
 Obtaining his knowledge of the three “r’s” in the pioneer schools 
 
840 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 of his day, Hosea Johnson began as soon as large enough to assist his 
 father on the farm, living with his parents until taking upon himself 
 the cares of a married man. Beginning life then even with the world, 
 he rented land and began housekeeping in a log cabin near Miles City. 
 A few months later he rented a tract of land on the Sandusky road, there 
 raised two crops, after which he leased land for two years in Union 
 county. Locating then in Lane township, Logan county, Mr. Johnson 
 had charge of the farm of his uncle, George Greene, for seven years. 
 Industrious and enterprising, he accumulated considerable money during 
 his years of renting land, and this sum he invested in land, buying 
 seventy-nine acres adjoining his uncle’s estate, paying eleven dollars an 
 acre. Five acres were cleared, but there were no other improvements. 
 Failing to obtain good water, Mr. Johnson sold at a small advance, and 
 then in October, 1850, came to Hardin county, and settled on his present 
 farm. He bought first one hundred acres, paying twelve dollars an acre. 
 Fifty acres of the oak timber had been cleared, and a hewed log house had 
 been erected. He afterward cleared the remaining half of the original 
 tract, and purchased other land at various times, his aggregate holdings 
 amounting to five hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Johnson made im- 
 provements of an excellent character, placing his land under a good 
 state of cultivation, and erected a good brick house and substantial farm 
 buildings, everything about him indicating ample means and cultivated 
 tastes. 
 
 Mr. Johnson married, January 2, 1840, Nancy Rosebrook, who was 
 born in West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, a daughter of Hilkiah and Sus- 
 anna (Dearduff) Rosebrook, natives of Virginia, and Pioneers of Logan 
 county, Ohio. She died January 11, 1900, at a ripe old age, eighty- 
 three years. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, namely: 
 Susanna, Elizabeth, John C., Sophronia, George, Mieajah, Jane, Mar- 
 garet, Peter and Mollie. Susanna married James Morrison and had eight 
 children. After the death of Mr. Morrison she became the wife of L. T. 
 Calvin, by whom she had two daughters. Elizabeth, wife of H. N. Smith, 
 has eight children. John C. married Anna Rarey, and they have eight 
 children. Sophronia, wife of Paschal Latimer, has five children. George 
 married Julia Harmon, and they have two children. Mieajah married 
 Ollie Hyde, and they have one child. Jane, wife of Milton Davis, has 
 two children. Margaret, wife of Milton Lee, has four children. Peter 
 married Emma Vogel, and they have three children. Mollie married 
 George Baumunk, who has charge of Mr. Johnson’s homestead. 
 
 A Universalist in his religious beliefs, Mr. Johnson was broad in 
 his views, believing in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of 
 man. He cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, 
 and became a Republican when the party was formed, and continued 
 a fearless advocate of its principles, supporting them by voice and vote. 
 Hosea Johnson passed from this life on the 20th of January, 1910. 
 
 He was an optimist, having an unusual cheerful disposition ; he saw 
 only the good and succeeded in pointing out the blessings of God to 
 others; so positive was he in seeing only God’s grace and goodness 
 that he became a Universalist in faith ; he had an unusally bright mind 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 841 
 
 and a good memory so . that he was able to quote with the mind of a 
 scholar, poetry and the classics ; he was a great singer and loved the 
 hymns of the church ; his love for children was very marked and as a 
 result the children all loved him. 
 
 He was a kindly man, a man of men. He lived for the good he 
 could get out of life, the contentment of home and loved ones. He was at 
 the time of his death the dean of the Ansleys and Johnsons and was 
 for years the principal character at their annual reunions.. 
 
 Hosea was the last of this good family to pass to the better world 
 on Thursday afternoon, January 20th, 1910, closing his weary eyes to 
 sweet, sweet rest at the age of 92 years, 1 month and 9 days. 
 
 Uncle Hosea Johnson and Nancy Rosebrook were joined in the holy 
 bonds of matrimony and lived a happy and prosperous life of sixty 
 years together, celebrating the event with their children January 1, 
 1900. On the day following, the good wife and mother was striken 
 with paralysis and after nine days passed away to her home in heaven. 
 
 The surviving children of this grand old couple are — Mrs. Susanna 
 Calvin, Mrs. H. N. Smith, Mrs. Jennie Davis, Mrs. Margaret Lee, and 
 Mrs. Mollie Baumunk, and four sons John C. and George of Hardin 
 county, and Mac and Peter of Glendora, California. Also forty-five 
 grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren survive. 
 
 Uncle Hosea in early life was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church, but later happily embraced the Universalist faith and greatly 
 rejoiced in the faith, and the profession of belief that the Holy scrip- 
 tures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the charac- 
 ter of God and the duty, interest and final destination of mankind; that 
 there is one God whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord J esus Christ 
 by one holy spirit of grace who will finally restore the whole family of 
 mankind to holiness and happiness. All who ever met Uncle Hosea will 
 ever remember his good advice and prayers for their welfare. 
 
 George Baumunk was born in February, 1863, in Wyandot county. 
 Ohio, a son of John and Barbara (Greecur) Baumunk. Having obtained 
 a practical education in the public schools of his native county, he 
 came to Hardin county in 1882, before attaining his majority, and has 
 since been actively and prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
 now having the entire management of the farming property of his 
 late father-in-law, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Baumunk ’s marriage with Mollie 
 Johnson was solemnized May 5, 1904. A lively and interesting member 
 of their household is a grand niece of Mrs. Baumunk, Margaret Price, 
 called by her great-grandfather, of whom she was a great pet, ‘ ‘ Birdie. ’ ’ 
 
 John Brungard. — Widely known as one of the leading grain men 
 of Hardin county, John Brungard, in company with his brother is carry- 
 ing on a thriving business, being owner of mills and elevators, and one of 
 the largest grain dealers and shippers of this part of the state. He 
 was born, October 9, 1880, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a son of Jo hn 
 and Elizabeth (Young) Brungard. A more extended parental and 
 ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this work, in connection 
 with the sketch of Otis Daniel Brungard, Mr. Brungard ’s brother. 
 
842 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Obtaining a practical education in the public schools, John Brun- 
 gard began life as a wage earner at the age of fifteen years, being 
 employed on a railroad for a time. Coming with the family to Ridge- 
 way, he assisted his father in the establishment of the milling business 
 with which he has since been actively associated. After the death of 
 his father, he, in company with his brothers, incorporated the milling 
 interests before inaugurated, and for two years thereafter had charge of 
 the Horton elevator. He now resides in Ridgeway, and, with his 
 brother, is kept busily employed in the management of their various 
 milling and elevator interests, their business having assumed large 
 proportions, being one of the most extensive of its kind in the county. 
 Religiously Mr. Brungard is a consistent member of the Reformed church 
 and fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 588, A. F. & A. M., at "West 
 Mansfield. 
 
 Mr. Brungard married, October 22, 1907, Clara May Holmgren, who 
 was born, October 14, 1884, in St. Paul, Minnesota, a daughter of S. H. 
 Holmgren. 
 
 J. D. Kennedy, a prominent dairy farmer of Hale township, Hardin 
 county, was born on the farm lie now occupies. He is a son of Moses 
 Kennedy, who was born in 1822, in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and a 
 grandson of John Kennedy. The great-great-grandfather of Moses 
 Kennedy came from Ireland to America, and married a wife of German 
 descent. They had both come to Pennsylvania with their respective 
 parents and were there married. 
 
 John Kennedy removed from Pennsylvania to Wyandot county, 
 Ohio, where he became employed as a wood chopper near Marseilles and 
 here he spent the remainder of his life. Moses Kennedy remained 
 with his parents until his marriage. In 1843 he settled in Hale town- 
 ship, Hardin county, buying his farm of one hundred and twenty-six 
 acres at six dollars per acre and here he followed farming for the re- 
 mainder of his life. He was a millwright by trade and erected the 
 first grist mill in the township. He was also a carpenter, and there are 
 still standing many buildings erected by him. He died in 1897. He 
 was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was an influen- 
 tial citizen and in politics a Republican, being one of the oldest com- 
 missioners of Hardin county. He married Nancy F. Kendrick, a 
 daughter of James and Hanna Kendrick. She was born in Delaware in 
 1818, and died in 1892. Moses Kennedy and his wife had children as 
 follows: Emi H., of California; Kendrick, a farmer of "Wolf Creek; 
 
 J. D. ; Joseph, a farmer of California; Sarah, wife of James M. Baldwin, 
 of Kenton ; Rille, wife of H. F. Keech, of Toledo ; Renah, wife of F. P. 
 Allen, of Forest; Maggie, wife of D. H. Gantt, living with her brother, 
 J. D. Kennedy ; and three Avho are deceased, namely : Hersteram, 
 
 Frances and Hannah. 
 
 J. D. Kennedy received a common school education and helped with 
 the work of the farm until his father’s death. He then purchased the 
 shares of the other heirs, and carries on general farming, dealing con- 
 siderably in stock. lie is an enterprising, prudent farmer, and good 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 843 
 
 business man, and having paid close attention to his interests has been 
 financially successful. Mr. Kennedy is unmarried and is doing the work 
 of the farm with hired helpers. He was the first man in Hale township 
 to sow commercial fertilizer. He is a stockholder in the Mt. Victory 
 Telephone Company. 
 
 Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
 fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of 
 Mt. Victory, in which he has passed through the chairs and served a 
 number of years as trustee and two terms as deputy district grand 
 master of Hardin county. Politically he is a Republican, but has 
 never cared for public office, though at present he is serving as precinct 
 committeeman of Hale township. 
 
 J. E. Mertz, who is the owner of a farm in Roundhead township, 
 Hardin county, was bgrn in Sidney, Ohio, December 27, 1854, and is 
 a son of Oliver and Catherine (Shafer) Mertz. Oliver was a son of 
 John Mertz, who was the second sheriff of Auglaize county, Ohio. 
 Oliver Mertz and his wife removed to Illinois in 1864, and J. E. Mertz 
 then lived there with his parents until of age. 
 
 The early days of J. E. Mertz were spent on a farm and he learned 
 the details of farming. After attending the schools of his neighborhood 
 and applying himself well to the task of acquiring an education, Mr. 
 Mertz began teaching, and continued in this profession from 1875-82, 
 when he went into partnership with John W. May, under the name of 
 May & Mertz. They continued in mercantile business in Roundhead 
 for a period of twenty-two years, and the firm was dissolved March 17, 
 1904. Mr. Mertz now devotes his time and attention to his farming 
 interests, and is very successful. He owns one hundred and fifty acres 
 and is an energetic, progressive farmer. He is a public-spirited citizen, 
 and in political views is a Democrat. He has served in various local 
 offices, clerk, treasurer, etc., and has fulfilled his duties in a satisfactory 
 manner. In his business dealings Mr. Mertz has always been honest and 
 upright, and his probity is unquestioned. He is well known and popular 
 in his community, where he has been a resident thirty-three years. 
 
 In 1880 Mr. Mertz married Alice Bowdel, the daughter of Henry S. 
 Bowdel, and to them four children have been born, namely: Henry 0., 
 born April 5, 1884, graduated from Roundhead high school, spent two 
 years at Ohio Northern University, and graduated from the Indiana 
 University School of Medicine ; Gladys E., graduated from Shortriclge 
 high school in Indianapolis ; Catherine, born July 7, 1894, a student in 
 high school ; and Edwin, born in 1897. Mr. Mertz and his family are 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the 
 Masonic order being affiliated with Belle Center Lodge, Ada Chapter 
 and Kenton Commandery. He is also a member of the Knights of 
 Pythias, in which he is a past chancellor, and of the Modern Woodmen 
 of America. 
 
 Captain Walter Elliott. — Enterprising and progressive, inherit- 
 ing the vigorous qualities of heart and mind that marked his Scotch 
 
844 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 ancestors, Captain Walter Elliott is thoroughly identified with the best 
 interests of Hardin county, and as postmaster at Ada is widely known. 
 He was born, December 16, 1867, in Scioto county, Ohio, a son of 
 Benjamin Elliott, and grandson of Clinton Elliott, a pioneer settler of 
 Clinton county, this state. 
 
 A native of Clinton county, Ohio, Benjamin Elliott succeeded to the 
 occupation in which he was reared, and was engaged in general farming 
 until his death, in 1872, while yet in manhood’s prime. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Elizabeth Storer, is still a resident of Ohio, her native 
 state. Of the six children born of their marriage, three survive. There 
 were five sons and one daughter, Walter, the subject of this brief sketch, 
 being the fifth child and the youngest son. 
 
 Bnt five years old when his father died, Walter Elliott obtained the 
 rudiments of his education in the rural schools of his native district, 
 and as soon as old enough to be of any use began to earn his living, 
 working in the woods, the saw mills, or on a farm. Desirous of ad- 
 vancing his education he came as a young man to Ada and by teaching 
 paid his way through the Ohio Northern University, from which he was 
 graduated with the class of 1897. The following year he embarked in 
 mercantile pursuits, and in 1900 he was appointed postmaster of Ada by 
 President McKinley, and served so faithfully that he was reappointed to 
 the office by President Roosevelt in 1904, and again reappointed in 
 January, 1909, by President Roosevelt, a record of service, this being his 
 third term, that bespeaks his ability, integrity, and efficiency. A 
 stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Elliott takes an intelligent interest in 
 everything pertaining to the public welfare, and is now serving as presi- 
 dent of the Ada Water and Light Company. On June 22, 1904, he was 
 honored by receiving, from Governor Myron T. Herrick, his commission 
 as captain of Company G, Second Ohio National Guards, a position 
 which he filled with dignity and credit. 
 
 Captain Elliott married, June 15, 1909, Cecile Longworth, daughter 
 of Rev. J. M. and Anna (Morgans) Longworth, of Ada. Mrs. Elliott 
 died on March 9, 1910. Fraternally the Captain is a member of the 
 Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge and to the chapter, and also 
 to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. 
 
 Malichi Taylor. — In the death of Malichi Taylor, a young man 
 whose brief life was rich in promise and in achievement, Hardin county 
 lost a citizen of sterling worth and integrity, and Taylor Creek township 
 was deprived of one of its most intelligent and progressive agriculturists. 
 A loving and dutiful son, an affectionate brother, a kind neighbor, and 
 a most genial and popular companion, his death was a cause of general 
 regret, and the immediate family, especially, were tendered the sympathy 
 of the entire community. He was born April 7, 1879, in Taylor Creek 
 township, and there died, March 30, 1910, on the homestead where his 
 entire life had been passed. He was of Irish ancestry, his father, 
 Patrick Taylor, and his grandfather, Joseph Taylor, having been natives 
 of the Emerald Isle. 
 
 Emigrating from Ireland with his family in 1860, Joseph Taylor 
 located first near Belle Center, Logan county, Ohio, where he was en- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 845 
 
 gaged in farming a few years. Coming from there to Hardin county, he 
 bought land in Taylor Creek township, and on the homestead which he 
 improved was employed in tilling the soil until his death. May 2, 1872. 
 He married Mary Farrel, who was born in Ireland, and died on the 
 home farm, in Taylor Creek township, July 2, 1877. Four children 
 blessed their union, namely: Patrick, Joseph, Katherine and Sarah. 
 
 Born February 23, 1848, in Ireland, Patrick Taylor was but twelve 
 years old when he came with the family to Ohio. He received a practi- 
 cal education in the district schools, and under his father’s instructions 
 was well drilled in the various branches of agriculture. After the 
 death of his parents he bought out the interests of the remaining heirs 
 in the home farm, which he managed successfully until his death, Novem- 
 ber 30, 1895. On January 7, 1877, he married Mary Haley, who was 
 born in Sandusky, Ohio, August 25, 1857, a daughter of Malichi and 
 Johanna (O’Connell) Haley. Ten children were born to them, namely: 
 Malichi, the subject of this brief biographical sketch; Joseph Henry, of 
 Tacoma. Washington; John Patrick, living on the adjoining farm; 
 Charles William, residing in Canada; Thomas Franklin, died September 
 5, 1896; James Robert, died in infancy; Daniel A., attending school in 
 Lima, Ohio ; Dennis Bertran ; Robert Leo ; and Mary Agnes. The 
 mother still occupies the old homestead, the younger children being with 
 her. 
 
 Having acquired a practical education, Malichi Taylor, at the age of 
 sixteen years, left school, and began assisting his father in the farm 
 labors. After the death of his father, he remained with his mother, 
 brothers and sister on the homestead, and was thereafter successfully 
 engaged in agricultural pursuits carrying on general farming the re- 
 mainder of his years. He was specially interested in stock breeding and 
 raising, keeping registered Hereford cattle, Poland China hogs, and 
 other registered stock. He was manager, and one of the heirs, of the 
 parental homestead, and with his brother John, had title to seventy-five 
 acres of adjoining land. Inheriting the political and religious beliefs 
 of his father, Mr. Taylor was an active supporter of the principles of 
 the Democratic party, and a. trustworthy member of the Roman Catholic 
 church at Kenton. He was active in local affairs, and at the time of his 
 death was serving as township assessor. 
 
 Patrick E. Travers was born in the beautiful “Isle of the Sham- 
 rock,’’ a country noted for its beautiful scenery and its hospitable and 
 loyal people, his birth occurring in the county Leitrim in 1840. At the 
 age of twenty-two he emigrated to the United States, and locating first 
 in Wheeling, West Virginia, he learned the blacksmith’s trade and fol- 
 lowed it for a number of years. Moving to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1866, 
 he remained here working at his trade for two years, and in 1872 came 
 from there to Hardin county and purchased in 1883 his present home 
 farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, afterward clearing this land 
 and erecting thereon a beautiful and substantial home and commodious 
 and valuable farm buildings. 
 
 Vol. 11—26 
 
846 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Travers is a son of Peter and Mary (Kelly) Travers, both of 
 whom were born in county Leitrim, Ireland, and they lived and died on 
 their native soil. Of the eight children which were born of their mar- 
 riage union four came to the United States, namely: Delilah, Mrs. 
 IToban ; Mary, Mrs. Gorman ; and John and Patrick E. Patrick E. 
 Travers married in 1868 Miss Anna Osborn, and they have become the 
 parents of ten children as follows : Lutecia, Gertrude, Martin, Anna 
 
 (deceased), Emmett, Kate, Ambrose (deceased), William (deceased), 
 Christine and Neveda. Mrs. Travers was born in Ireland, and came 
 to this country previous to her husband. The family are members of 
 the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. Travers lias membership relations 
 with the Patrons of Husbandry. The following children are married : 
 Lutecia is the wife of George Hinsel; Gertrude married William J. 
 Hinsel ; Martin married Lizzie Ruppriglit ; Christine is the wife of 
 Louis Baker; and Kate is married to John Wolgamot. 
 
 Miles Wilkinson Van Fleet, many years since deceased, is still 
 remembered by many of his old friends and neighbors. The last days 
 of his life were spent on his farm in Dudley township, Hardin county, 
 Ohio, where he was prominently identified with the best interests of the 
 community. Mr. Van Fleet was born near Canandaigua, New York, 
 
 JOSHUA VAN FLEET 
 
 April 30, 1805, son of Joshua Van Fleet, a Revolutionary soldier, who 
 also served in the war of 1812, and was one of the pioneers of Marion 
 county. 
 
 The founder of the Van Fleet in America, Joshua Van Fleet, 
 was born at Amsterdam, Holland, August 13, 1764, and in the year 1776 
 he emigrated to America with his brother John, serving during the last 
 three years of the war, having enlisted at the age of fourteen years. 
 He served three months, also, in the war of 1812, and acquitted himself 
 creditably. In 1785 Joshua Van Fleet married a Miss Roberts, whose 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 847 
 
 father was also a Revolutionary soldier, and of this union the following 
 children were horn : nine sons and five daughters, who settled as pioneers 
 in different parts of the country. Mrs. Van Fleet died November 21, 
 1813, and Mr. Van Fleet married (second) January 26, 1819, Miss 
 Elizabeth Odell, by whom he had no children. 
 
 Joshua Van Fleet served as a member of the Legislature of the 
 state of New York, and as county judge, and was a member of the com- 
 mittee that drafted and reported a bill which became a law, abolishing 
 slavery in the state of New York. He served twenty years in the legis- 
 lature and twenty-two years on the bench. In religious belief he was a 
 Universalist and in political views a Democrat. In 1836 Mr. Van Fleet 
 left Canandaigua and removed to Big Island, Marion county, Ohio, in 
 order to spend his last days near his son Miles, all his children having 
 moved west prior to this time. He died January 8, 1848, and his 
 remains rest in the cemetery north of Big Island. 
 
 In 1832 Miles Wilkinson Van Fleet located in Dudley township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, and at that time there were but two hundred and 
 ten inhabitants in the county, the major portion of these being located 
 near Roundhead and what was then known as Johnstown, now Ada. 
 There was then but one road in the county, which has always been known 
 as the Sandusky road, going from Sandusky on the lake, to Springfield 
 and Dayton, and crossing Hardin county from northeast to southwest. 
 Over this road at that time passed all freight and passenger traffic. Mr. 
 Van Fleet and his family suffered the hardships and privations incident 
 to pioneer life, and the time he spent in Hardin county included the 
 period when it passed from a wilderness to a scene of productive farms 
 and comfortable homes. He was one of those who worked so hard to 
 make this change and development possible, and was one of the first, 
 citizens in the county to urge the present system of building pikes or 
 macadamized roads, and he suggested to Benjamin Brunson, then a 
 member of the county board of commissioners, the plan that was adopted 
 by them, which resulted in giving Hardin county so many miles of most 
 excellent roads. 
 
 When a young man, Mr. Van Fleet was a warm friend of Stephen A. 
 Douglas, and it was by the request of Mr. Douglas that when the former 
 came to Ohio in 1832, he interceded in behalf of Mr. Douglas before the 
 school board of what was then the village of Cleveland, succeeding in 
 inducing them to employ him as superintendent of schools for a period 
 of two years. Upon the end of the two years Mr. Douglas left Cleve- 
 land to go farther west and came to visit his friend in his cabin in 
 Dudley township, remaining two weeks, then left for Cincinnati, whence 
 he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, and thence to Chicago. The last- 
 named city, Mr. Douglas prophesied would become the largest city in the 
 west, if not in the whole country. He often wrote Mr. Van Fleet, 
 urging him to sell his farm in Dudley township and move to Chicago, 
 and there friendly relations were unshaken up to the time of Mr. 
 Douglas’ death. In all his turbulent and busy career he found time to 
 write occasional letters to his old friend in Hardin county, whom he 
 never forgot. 
 
848 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 In 1831 Mr. Van Fleet married Caroline Knapp, of Canandaigua, 
 and to this union two children were born : Lucy and Henry T. Henry 
 T. Van Fleet followed the profession of law until his death, at Marion, 
 Ohio, in 1892, and Mrs. Lucy Bartram Van Fleet is still living, at 
 Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Caroline Van Fleet died in 1837, and in 
 1842 Mr. Van Fleet married Miss Nancy White, by whom he had five 
 children, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Nancy Van Fleet died April 
 1, 1849, and September 10, 1851, Mr. Van Fleet married Miss Elizabeth 
 Lester, by whom he had nine children, all of whom are deceased except 
 Mrs. C. E. Ridenour, of Denver, Colorado, and John M., ex-mayor of 
 Kenton. Mrs. Elizabeth Van Fleet died December 8, 1908. 
 
 In religious belief Mr. Van Fleet always clung to the doctrine of 
 Universalism, and in politics was an unswerving Democrat. However, 
 although he was three different times tendered the nomination for state 
 senator, and the same number of times the nomination for office of 
 county representative, he always refused, and his standing advice to 
 his sons was “to keep out of politics, except to use their influence to 
 elect good men to represent the people, who would look to the interests 
 of the people, regardless of party interests.” Mr. Van Fleet was highly 
 esteemed for his many fine qualities of mind and heart, and was con- 
 sidered a man of superior intelligence and gifts, who ever had at heart 
 the best interests of the community in which he lived. This excellent 
 man died April 11, 1892, at the age of eighty-seven years, and his 
 remains rest in what is known as the Lee cemetery, in Dudley township, 
 Hardin minty. 
 
 William Wolf, a representative German-American farmer of 
 Goshen township, Hardin county, has been a resident of that section of 
 Ohio since 1866, and his long identity with its substantial interests, as 
 well as his standing in the community, fully entitle him to mention in 
 this work. Mr. Wolf was born in Germany in 1842, and is a son of John 
 and Rosella Wolf, both natives of the fatherland. His mother spent 
 her entire life in Germany, while the father, when well advanced in 
 years, came to the United States and passed away in Goshen township 
 at the age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of five children. 
 The daughter is deceased and two of the sons, Joseph and Frederick, 
 are still residents of Germany. William was reared and educated in 
 his native land, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. Emigrating 
 to the United States in 1861, after a short time spent in New York city 
 he went to Buffalo and thence to Upper Sandusky. In the city last 
 named he entered the employ of the government as a mechanic, during 
 the following three years being identified with the construction of 
 hospitals and other United States buildings. At the end of that period 
 he became associated with private contractors at various localities, and 
 in 1866 located at Kenton, Hardin county, where he worked steadily and 
 efficiently at his trade for sixteen years. In 1872 he purchased his 
 present farm of eighty acres in Goshen township, which has remained 
 his homestead ever since. 
 
 In 1868, two years after coming to Hardin county, Mr. Wolf 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 849 
 
 married Miss Caroline, a daughter of George Pfeiffer, and the fruits of 
 this union were four children, namely: Rudolph, born July 17, 1872, 
 who married Miss Mabel McQuown ; Margaret, who was born April 25, 
 1875, and is the wife of Perry Briley; Samuel, born in 1878, who mar- 
 ried Miss Jessie Armstrong; and Mary, born November 8, 1879, who is 
 now Mrs. Louis Lehnhardt. His first wife having died, Mr. Wolf 
 married Miss Ella Rader, daughter of John Rader, their marriage occur- 
 ring on July 5, 1883. Mrs. Wolf’s parents died when she was eight 
 years of age. The children of this union are six in number, as follows : 
 Minnie, born October 22, 1886, who is now Mrs. Joe Bookmyer; Carl, who 
 was born March 26, 1888 ; Edward, August 3, 1890 ; Louis, December 28, 
 1893 ; Laura, August 8, 1895 ; and Catherine, August 2, 1896. 
 
 George B. Wells. — Prominent among the agriculturists of Hardin 
 county is numbered George B. Wells, a prominent and well known resi- 
 dent of Liberty township. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, May 12, 1864, and in the same year his parents, Elden and Susan 
 B. (Gossert) Wells, both from Pennsylvania, moved to Ohio. Their 
 first home here was in Seneca county, but later moving from there to 
 Wood county, Elden Wells bought one hundred and twenty acres of 
 valuable land there, but eventually sold that farm. In 1864 lie entered 
 the army of the north and served as a faithful soldier in the Civil war 
 until honorably discharged. Pour children were born to Elden and 
 Susan Wells, namely: Winfield S., Ida M. and George B., twins, and 
 Victoria E., but the last named is deceased. Mrs. Susan B. Wells, is 
 also deceased, dying in 1906. 
 
 George B. Wells is now one of the most prominent of the farmers 
 of Liberty township, where he owns and occupies a splendidly improved 
 estate. He purchased this farm in 1902. He married Miss Carrie M., 
 a daughter of John and Susan Alexander, from Wood county, Ohio. 
 They were married on the 1st of November, 1894, and they have two 
 children, John E. and Nina M. Mrs. Wells was born in Wood county, 
 Ohio, February 11, 1876, and was the younger of two children, her 
 brother, James D., now residing in Canton, Ohio. John Alexander died 
 in the year 1904, and his wife Susan passed away on the 24th of October, 
 1908. Mr. Wells is one of the representative citizens of Liberty township. 
 
 William B. Price, of the law firm of Price Brothers, of Forest and 
 Kenton, was born in Forest. He is a son of Russell and Addie (Backus) 
 Price, who were married June 22, 1876; Russell Price was brought to 
 Madison county by his parents when one year of age, and his wife is 
 a daughter of Colonel W. II. Backus, a valiant soldier of the Civil war. 
 Russell Price’s parents drove to Kenton in 1847, with a wagon, crossing 
 Scioto river on a raft. He was reared and educated in Kenton and 
 Patterson, Hardin county, and his father died in 1855, aged fifty-five 
 years of age. Russell Price is a son of Henry and Eloisa (Corry) 
 Price; Henry Price brought his family to Hardin county in 1847, and 
 owned two hundred acres of land in Pleasant township, besides his 
 
850 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 property in Kenton. He was a lover of fine horses and dealt exten- 
 sively in stock. He ran a stage between Kenton and Lima, and did his 
 own driving, this being before the day of the railroad. His children 
 were: Shelby, who died in 1848; John C., formerly sheriff of Union 
 
 county, Ohio, and died in 1893; Henrietta, died in 1848; Mrs. J. S. Snow; 
 Robert E. and Russell. 
 
 Upon reaching manhood Russell Price returned to Kenton, where 
 lie remained five years and then located in Forest., which is still his home. 
 In 1868 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the Ohio bar 
 August 25, 1871. He was admitted to the United States bar February 
 5, 1878. While living in Kenton he held the office of township clerk, 
 while at, Patterson was postmaster, and also served as postmaster of 
 Forest from March, 1885, until July 31, 1889. Mr. Price also served 
 one term as mayor of Forest. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 church and the Knights of Pythias. To him and his wife were born 
 three sons, namely : Harry B., superintendent of gold mines in Central 
 
 America; Charles R. and William B. Mrs. Addie B. Price died October 
 30, 1909. 
 
 The firm of Price Brothers is composed of William B. and Charles 
 R., both born in Forest, where they received their early education ; later 
 they entered Ohio Northern University, where both graduated in the 
 literary course, William B. in 1901 and Charles R. in 1903. They were 
 graduated from the law department of the same institution, William B. 
 in 1904 and Charles R. one year later. The latter taught three years 
 in the high school of Forest ; after his brother graduated in law he 
 entered the law school of the Ohio Northern University from which he 
 was graduated, as above stated. The firm has a large practice, not con- 
 fined to the state, as they also practice in the United States courts. Both 
 are able members of their profession, in which they stand high. They 
 have been very successful and have won fine reputations. Both are 
 members of the Masonic order and of the Benevolent and Protective 
 Order of Elks. Charles R. Price married Louise D. Rese, April 8, 1909. 
 
 William B. Price married June 16, 1903, Gwendoline Cessna, and 
 to this union have been born three children, namely: Russell, Bradley 
 
 and Eloise. 
 
 Mrs. Joseph M. Dille both by birth and marriage is connected with 
 the pioneer families of Hardin county. She was born in Logan county, 
 Ohio, on the 31st of July, 1833, arid her father, James Smith, a farmer 
 there for some years, came to Hardin county in 1843, establishing the 
 family home near Mt. Victory. On the land which he purchased there 
 was a large hill which he sold for one thousand dollars to the railroad 
 company when it ran its line, through his place, and when this hill was 
 dug up and the dirt hauled away many Indians’ bones were found there. 
 Mr. Dille was born in Virginia, but he was only a boy when he came 
 with his parents to Ohio, and after a life devoted to agricultural pur- 
 suits and saw milling he died in the year 1877, when seventy-seven 
 years of age. He had married Mary Taylor, and of their children there 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 851 
 
 are three daughters and two sons living : Mary, wife of Rev. T. N. 
 Barkdale, of Toledo ; Francis, widow of John Baldwin ; Mrs. Joseph M. 
 Dille, the subject of this review; John a real estate dealer and resident 
 of northern Kansas ; and Charles a farmer in Hardin county. Three 
 of the sons of this family were Civil war soldiers, one having laid down 
 his life on the altar of his country and another was wounded in its 
 service. 
 
 Miss Smith in 1850 gave her hand in marriage to Joseph M. Dille, 
 and their married life covered a period of nearly thirty years, the hus- 
 band dying in 1879. when fifty-two years of age. He was born in 
 Richland county, Ohio, a son of Abraham Dille, who moved there when 
 a young man from Pennsylvania, and later came to Hardin county, 
 where he died in 1884, at the age of eighty years, and his wife, nee 
 Deborah Post, died at the age of sixtv-five years. He was a participant 
 in the celebrated Squirrel Hunters raid during the Civil war. Joseph 
 M. Dille was but a lad when he came with his parents to Hardin county 
 in 1832, and his time after leaving the schoolroom was devoted to farm- 
 ing and to the carpenter’s trade. During the war between the North 
 and the South he enlisted for ninety days, and at the close of his term of 
 service he returned to his home and to his former occupations. The 
 following children blessed the marriage union of Mr. and Mrs. Dille : 
 Lafayette, a farmer in Larue, Ohio, married Anna Harmon, and they 
 have three children; Clara is the wife of Frank Cessna, a farmer in 
 Dudley township, and they have one child ; Oak, a farmer in Hale town- 
 ship married Florence Butler, and they also have one child; Effie is the 
 wife of William Eddy, of Kent, and they have six children; Fremont is 
 deceased; Llenry, a clerk in Lima, Ohio, married May Hoover and has 
 two children; James is at home with his mother; Edith is the wife of 
 Samuel Deardorff, of Bellefontaine, and the mother of four children ; 
 and Frank. Mrs. Dille also has two great-grandchildren : Alice, a daugh- 
 ter of Jennie Dille Penny, and Pauline, a daughter of Roy Eddy and 
 a granddaughter of Effie (Dille) Eddy. 
 
 Frank Dille is with his mother on the home farm. He married 
 Vesta Morrison, born in Union county, Ohio, in 1879, a daughter of 
 John Morrison, who is now living retired at Mt. Victory, sixty-three 
 years of age. Mrs. Morrison, nee Drusilla Ely. died in 1907, when sixty- 
 two years of age. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Dille are Clair. 
 Dwight, Leonora and Wilburt. 
 
 James Dille owns a half interest in the Dille farm, and he devotes 
 his time and attention to its cultivation and improvement. This home- 
 stead is one of the largest and most valuable estates in this section of 
 Hardin county. James Dille is a musician of note, and much of his 
 time since his boyhood’s days has been spent in travel, his wanderings 
 taking him over many parts of the continent. 
 
 Michael S. Moon. — One of the best known of McDonald township ’s 
 business men is Michael S. Moon, who owns a splendid estate here and 
 who has been identified with its agricultural life for many years. He 
 was born in Hardin county, Ohio, December 23. 1859, a son of William 
 
852 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 and Maria (Smith) Moon and a grandson on the paternal side of John 
 and Rebecca Moon. The grandparents were both born and reared in 
 Virginia, coming from there to Highland county, Ohio, and in September 
 of 1833 they came to Hardin county. They established their home in 
 the township of McDonald and spent the remainder of their lives here. 
 John Moon died in the year 1869, owning considerable land at the time 
 of his death and he was considered a very prosperous man. John and 
 Rebecca Moon became the parents of four children : Silas K. who gave 
 his life to his country’s cause and died in Andersonville prison; William, 
 who was born in Highland county, Ohio, July 13, 1828, served with the 
 One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Regiment to the close of the war ; 
 Lydia, who died in Battle Creek, Nebraska, the wife of E. G. Dennis; 
 and Rebecca, the wife of John Jefferies, of Michigan. William Moon 
 married Maria A. Smith, whose parents were from Virginia, and in the 
 same year in which the Moon family moved from that state to Highland 
 county, Ohio, the Smith family came to Ross county, this state, and the 
 year that the Moon family located in Hardin county the Smiths estab- 
 lished their home in Logan county, but the two families during all this 
 time were unknown to each other. There was but one day’s difference 
 in the ages of William Moon and Maria Smith, and another strange 
 coincidence in their lives is that at the time they were married they each 
 weighed one hundred and seventy-six pounds. They were married in 
 the year of 1856, and their four children are: Sarah E., the deceased 
 wife of Lloyd IJoon ; Michael S., of this review; Eliza V., who became 
 the wife of Isaac Philips and is also deceased ; and John W., whose home 
 is in Elkhart, Indiana. 
 
 Michael S. Moon was reared on his parents farm and received a 
 district school education, and since old enough he has been identified with 
 agricultural pursuits. He now owns nearly four hundred acres of land 
 in McDonald township, all in one body, and he is extensively engaged 
 in both farming and stock raising. He also has a deer park on his 
 farm. Mr. Moon married on the 7th of June, 1885, Ida B. Hoon, who 
 was born in McDonald township October 28, 1862, and she was reared 
 on a farm adjoining that of her husband’s early home. They have 
 foiir living children : Grethel F., a graduate of the Belle Center high 
 school and of a business school at Lima, Ohio, and now the wife of Harry 
 Noble, of Logan county; Lendel B., at home; Zelma, a graduate of the 
 Belle Center high school with the class of 1910; and Helen M., a student 
 in the Belle Center high school. A daughter, Gladys, died in April of 
 1903. Mr. Moon is in politics a Republican. 
 
 Marshall Stewart, a successful farmer of Taylor Creek township, 
 Hardin county, Ohio, pays special attention to stock raising and owns a 
 large amount of land. Mr. Stewart was born near Spring Hill, Logan 
 county, Ohio. November 12, 1850, a son of Samuel and Mary Ann 
 (Marshall) Stewart. Samuel Stewart was a son of John T. and Ann 
 (Elder) Stewart, and was born in Clark county, Ohio, March 26, 1823. 
 When about twenty-six years of age he moved to Green county and en- 
 gaged in mercantile business, and in 1860 he located in Hardin county, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 853 
 
 where he purchased five hundred acres of land that was partially cleared. 
 He engaged extensively in stock raising, making a specialty of sheep. 
 For some twenty years he handled more sheep than any other man in the 
 county, and wintered from fifteen hundred to two thousand head of 
 them. He was a man of superior business judgment and very success- 
 ful. He was for many years president of the Farmers Bank of Rushsyl- 
 vania. Mr. Stewart was a member of the Presbyterian church and 
 served many years as its elder. Politically he was a Republican, and 
 he served in several township offices. In October, 1870, he was elected 
 county commissioner for one term, and during his incumbency of this 
 office the gravel pikes of the county were built. For thirty years Mr. 
 Stewart kept a careful diary of his work and of events, which recorded 
 many interesting things. In the fall of 1876 he moved to Kenton, but 
 two years later returned to his farm, where he spent the remainder of 
 his life. He died March 19, 1888, and his widow died in July, 1890. 
 Mrs. Stewart was also a native of Clark county, Ohio, born June 19, 
 1825, daughter of William Marshall. Mr. Stewart and his wife were 
 married December 12, 1841, and besides Marshall their children were as 
 follows: Chase, an attorney at Springfield, Ohio; Ella, wife of I. W. 
 Lewis, of Rushsylvania, a merchant; Mary A., who married C. B. Corrv, 
 and they live in Cleveland, where he is general agent for an insurance 
 company; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. J. J. Boom, of Mt. Victory; and 
 Catherine, wife of R. W. Warmington, a banker of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 John T. Stewart’s grandfather came to the United States from 
 Belfast, Ireland, in 1735, bringing his wife with him. John T. Stewart 
 was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, March 3. 1781. and his 
 father died September 19, 1803. In 1805 John T. Stewart moved with 
 his brother to Ohio, where he purchased five hundred acres of land, 
 located in Clark county. On March 2, 1815, he married Ann, daughter 
 of Robert and Ann Elder; she was born in Pennsylvania May 19, 1798. 
 Mr. Stewart died April 16, 1850, in Clark county, and his widow died 
 September 24, 1880. 
 
 After receiving his education in the public school, Marshall Stewart 
 began helping his father with the work of the farm. At Samuel Stewart’s 
 death one thousand acres of land were divided among his children and 
 Marshall received the homestead as his share. Like his father, lie has 
 devoted much attention to sheep and has often kept four hundred head 
 through the winter. He also has some fifty head of cattle, fifteen 
 horses and about one hundred hogs, which he ships to market. Mr. 
 Stewart is an enterprising and ambitious man, and in his business affairs 
 has always shown good judgment and ability. He is a man of sterling 
 honesty and integrity, and his high character is recognized and 
 appreciated. 
 
 In February, 1886, Mr. Stewart married Olive Stevenson, who was 
 born in Buck township, Hardin county. May 24, 1861, and is a daughter 
 of Samuel and Eliza Jane Stevenson. Samuel Stevenson died in the 
 Civil war ; one of his fingers was shot off and blood poisoning resulted. 
 Mr. Stewart and his wife have children as follows: Samuel, born 
 
 December 3, 1886; Thornton, born in April, 1889; Ella, born May 3, 
 
854 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 1892 ; Harold, April 4, 1894; and Dorothy, born March 31, 1900. Samuel 
 is now attending the Ohio State University at Columbus. Mr. Stewart 
 is one of the directors of the Ridgeway (Ohio) Bank. He is a charter 
 member of the County Agricultural Society and one of its directors. 
 He is a member of the Elks of Kenton and politically is a Republican. 
 He is actively interested in public affairs and has served as township 
 treasurer and trustee. 
 
 Earl E. Rutledge. — Among the influential and successful business 
 men of Kenton, Ohio, is Earl E. Rutledge who deals in real estate and 
 insurance. He is a native of Hardin county, having been born in Ada, 
 August 13, 1874, and is a son of George W. and Susanna (Shuler) 
 Rutledge, both natives of Ohio, the former born in Roundhead township, 
 Hardin county, August 16, 1851, and the latter near Lima, Allen county, 
 June 30, 1856. George W. Rutledge was reared in his native county. 
 He entered the Northwestern Ohio Normal School at Ada, and afterward 
 became connected with this institution as a teacher. He was a merchant 
 in Ada for a time and in 1880 became connected with the Hardin County 
 Republican, being at one time sole owner, but later sold a half interest 
 in the paper to E. L. Millar; when he was elected to the office of county 
 auditor, in 1884, he disposed of the paper altogether. He was seven 
 years in office, being elected twice. He became prominent in public 
 affairs in Kenton, and served some time as a member of the school board. 
 He was interested in the Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Company 
 and the Kenton Gas & Electric Company. In 1888 he organized the 
 Home Savings Building and Loan Company of which he became secre- 
 tary. He was a Scottish Rite Mason and was also affiliated with the 
 Knights of Pythias. He was a stanch Republican and active in the 
 interests of the party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. He was at the head of the Bureau of Inspection and Supervis- 
 ion of Public Offices of the State of Ohio, at the time of his death, which 
 occurred January 18, 1906. He was a life-long resident of Hardin 
 county, and took great pride and interest in its progress and welfare. 
 
 George W. Rutledge was a son of Lewis and Jane (Tidd) Rutledge. 
 The former was a native of Champaign county, Ohio, and the latter was 
 the first white female child born in what is now Hardin county, Novem- 
 ber 15, 1823, her parents being among the earliest pioneers. She died 
 March 17, 1873. Lewis Rutledge, who was born September 2, 1818, 
 was one of the pioneers of Hardin county, and identified with the early 
 history of the locality. He died in June, 1875. He was a son of Richard 
 Rutledge, born July 28, 1798, died January 12, 1875, a native of Hagers- 
 town, Maryland, whose father, Thomas Rutledge, born August 3, 1772, 
 came to Hardin county in 1832, one of the original settlers, when the 
 county was included as a part of Logan county. Thomas Rutledge died 
 August 30, 1846. Thomas, Richard, and Lewis Rutledge are all buried 
 in Roundhead township. Susanna (Shuler) Rutledge was a daughter 
 of Valentine and Lucy (Strickler) Shuler, of Allen county, Ohio. Her 
 father died when she was but four days old. Her mother was several 
 years later married to William Garretson, of Allen county, to which 
 union was born one daughter, Della, now Mrs. W. H. Cooper, of Toronto, 
 Canada. Mrs. Rutledge was an active worker in the Methodist Epis- 
 copal church with which she became identified when a child. She was 
 a noble woman and will long be remembered. She died on June 16. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 855 
 
 1903. George W. Rutledge and his wife had four children, those 
 besides Earl E. being: Carl C., intercollegiate secretary of the Y. M. C. 
 A., of Philadelphia; Donna D. and Warren W., the two latter being in 
 Los Angeles, California. George AY. Rutledge was again married, to 
 Mrs. Sallie (McBride) Davis, October 26, 1905, less than three months 
 prior to his death. She survives him and lives with her son Ray Davis, 
 in Columbus, Ohio. 
 
 Earl E. Rutledge is the oldest child, and the only one now living in 
 Hardin county. He was six years old at the time his parents located in 
 Kenton, and there received his education in the public schools. He 
 graduated from high school in 1893, and attended Eastman Business 
 College of Poughkeepsie, New York, graduating from same in June, 
 1894. He became associated with his father in the insurance business 
 in August of that same year, and continued in this business until 
 November 1, 1906, when he sold a half interest to E. A. Loop, of Craw- 
 fordsville, Indiana. February 1, 1909. Mr. Rutledge bought him out 
 and sold a half interest to E. C. Sells, the firm now being Rutledge & 
 Sells, doing a flourishing business in general insurance and real estate. 
 Both members of the firm are wide-awake, enterprising business men, 
 with keen insight and good principles, and the affairs of the concern are 
 in promising condition. Mr. Rutledge was inspector of public accounts 
 under the Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices, hold- 
 ing this office from December, 1906, until February, 1909. 
 
 April 27, 1899, Earl E. Rutledge married Eda M. Stahl a daughter 
 of G. A. and Elizabeth (Fink) Stahl. G. A. Stahl, who was born 
 September 12. 1843, is a native of Esslingen, Wertemburg, Germany, 
 Elizabeth (Fink) Stahl who was born June 30, 1842, is a native of 
 Hardin county. Her father was Benedict Fink, a native of Berne, 
 Switzerland, and one of the '"frarly pioneers of Hardin county. Eda 
 hi. Stahl was born May 26, 1873, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Rutledge 
 and his wife have one child living, a son, Edwin Stahl, born September 
 10, 1903. Three children died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Rutledge is a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight 
 Templar, and he is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He 
 belongs to the Church of Christ. He is secretary of The Kenton Gas 
 & Electric Company, and is a director of The Home Savings & Loan 
 Company. He is well known throughout Hardin county, where his 
 entire life has been spent, and is highly respected, having a multitude of 
 friends. He is actively interested in public affairs, and politically 
 supports the cause of the Republican party. He was chairman of the 
 Hardin County Republican Central Committee for two years, and was 
 recently selected as chairman of the Republican Executive Committee. 
 
 AVilliam Dible, a prominent and successful farmer of Taylor Creek 
 township, Hardin county, was born near Tiffin, Ohio, March 10, 1846, 
 and is a son of Frederick and Eureka Dible. both natives of Prussia. 
 Frederick Dible emigrated to America with his family in 1836, and 
 became one of the first pioneers of AVvandot county. He w r as a black- 
 smith by trade and worked many years near Tiffin. He died at Spring- 
 ville, Ohio, at the age of fifty-four years, and his widow died in 1894, 
 at the age of fifty-four years. He was one of eight children. He and 
 his wife were members of the German Lutheran church. They had 
 children as follows: AYilliam; Henry, a farmer in Kansas; Ferdinand, 
 a farmer of Seneca county, Ohio ; Napoleon, a farmer of Ohio ; and two 
 daughters who are deceased. 
 
856 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 After reaching the age of eighteen years William Dible cared for 
 his mother and followed farming until her death. He worked for 
 others four years and then for five years rented a farm. After living 
 two years on a farm near Kenton he then located in that City and spent 
 two years teaming and two years working in a factory. However, he 
 preferred farming and for three years rented the Spensler farm. In 
 1890 Mr. Dible purchased his present farm of forty-two acres, where he 
 made a specialty of high-bred horses. He has been very successful as 
 a farmer and is now able to retire from the more active labor, though 
 he still resides on his farm. He is a member of the local Grange and 
 is well known in the community. He has many friends and has a repu- 
 tation for honesty and industry. Politically he is a Republican, though 
 he takes no active part in local affairs. 
 
 Mr. Dible married Martha Jane Smalley, who was born in Hancock 
 county, daughter of George and Magdalena (Reinhart) Smalley; she 
 died in 1907, at the age of fifty-five years. Mr. Smalley was a farmer 
 and spent his entire life in Hancock county. Mr. Dible and his wife 
 became the parents of children as follows : Lemuel C., of Kenton, Ohio, 
 now thirty-six years of age, married Mary Roberts, and they have one 
 child ; Ferdinand Edward, of Taylor Creek township, married a Miss 
 Wilcox, and they have three children ; Clarence, of Kenton, married 
 Maude Lane, and they have one child ; Mary Alta ; Lola Bell, who married 
 John Bortsch, of Kenton, and they have one child ; and Virgil Carlin, 
 at home with his father. 
 
 Darius M. Sieg. — One of the prosperous young stock farmers of 
 Hardin county, Ohio, is Darius M. Sieg, who lives in the brick house 
 built by his grandfather, Jacob Sieg. Mr. Sieg was born on the farm 
 where he now lives, March 22, 1884, and is a son of Paul K. and Marga- 
 ret Evans. Paul Sieg was born in Augusta county, Virginia, June 5, 
 1818, and died March 27, 1884. He came to Hardin county, Ohio, with 
 his father when fifteen years of age. His father, Jacob Sieg, was born 
 in Pennsylvania, May 29, 1784, and died in Hardin county, January 
 26, 1855. He settled on the farm that is still in the family, and built 
 a log cabin in the woods. He spent the remainder of his life here. 
 He had two sons, Jonathan and Paul, both teachers. Jonathan was the 
 first teacher in Taylor Creek township. Jacob Sieg moved to West 
 Liberty, Ohio, in 1828, and from there to Hardin county in 1839. He 
 built on his homestead the fine brick house that is still standing, and 
 manufactured the brick for the same. This is the oldest and largest 
 building of the kind in the section of Ohio where it is located. He mar- 
 ried Lydia Haines May 3, 1810 ; she was born in Pennsylvania January 
 8, 1793, and died January 15, 1878. 
 
 Paul K. Sieg remained at home with his parents and helped carry 
 on the farm, and at the death of his father he managed the home farm 
 until his own demise. He was one of the pioneer members of the St. 
 Paul Methodist church, and was elected its steward in 1856, serving 
 until his death. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1852, served 
 six years as township trustee, and for twenty-seven years acted as town- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 857 
 
 ship treasurer. He was also a member of the Agricultural Board at 
 its organization. Mr. Sieg was married. October 10, 1841, to Rebecca 
 Van Meter, who was born June 18, 1816, and died in October, 1852. 
 Of this union five children were born, the only one living being Lavinia, 
 
 wife of H. C. Collett, of Ansonia, Ohio. Mr. Sieg married on April 7, 
 
 1854, Margaret McBeth, who died December 5, 1857. Two children 
 were born to this union, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Sieg married 
 for his third wife, March 27, 1859, Margaret E. Evans, born February 
 24, 1839. She is a daughter of David and Lovina (Price) Evans of 
 Delaware county, Ohio. David Evans came to the United States from 
 Wales, with his parents when four years old. He was a son of Thomas 
 and Elizabeth Evans, who were farmers and settled first at Gallipolis 
 and later in Delaware county. In 1853 David Evans moved to Hardin 
 county and located in Buck township, where he died. He was born 
 June 5, 1818, and died in 1884, and his wife died in 1890. Mrs. Sieg 
 
 lives with her son, Darius M., on the old homestead. She has twenty- 
 
 three grandchildren. Her children who survive are as follows: Henry, 
 a farmer of Cessna township; Robert E., of Richwood, Ohio; Lovina, 
 wife of William Cook, of Buck township; Jacob, a farmer, living near 
 Mt. Victory; David, of Hale township; John, a farmer, of Taylor Creek 
 township ; Mary, at home ; Paul K., a farmer of Buck Creek township ; 
 and Darius, the youngest child. 
 
 After attending the public school until fifteen years of age Darius 
 M. Sieg attended Ada University three terms and then settled down to 
 farming and stock raising on the home farm, where most of his life has 
 been spent. He makes a specialty of sheep, hogs and cattle, and is 
 very successful in this line. Tie is an industrious and enterprising 
 young farmer, and his management of the farm is able and thorough. 
 He is a member of the Methodist church and politically is a Republican, 
 being at present a member of the school board. 
 
 In 1908 Mr. Sieg married Elizabeth Moser, born June 11, 1882, 
 daughter of J. H. Moser, who died in 1895. He was a native of Switzer- 
 land, where Mrs. Sieg was born, and married Elizabeth Bassiger, who 
 survives him. He brought his family direct to Kenton, Ohio. In his 
 native country he worked at blacksmithing and iron furnace manufac- 
 turing. He and his wife had children as follows : Adolph, of Xenia, 
 Ohio; Rose, wife of E. Born, of Kenton; Freda, a teacher, living in 
 Kenton ; Anna, John 11. and Minnie, at home ; Katherine and Carl, 
 twins ; and Helen, now deceased. Mr. Sieg and his wife have one child, 
 Richard Moser, born November 6, 1909. 
 
 Charles H. Rickets, a successful baker of Mt. Victory, Ohio, was 
 born in Logan county, March 8, 1871, and is a son of William A. Rick- 
 etts a native of the city of New York, a son of George Ricketts of New 
 York state. William A. Ricketts came with his parents to Ohio before 
 the Civil war, and they settled in Logan county. His father, after the 
 death of his wife, moved to Lima, Ohio, where he died in 1887, at the age 
 of eighty-eight, years. 
 
 William A. Ricketts was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, having 
 
858 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 learned the trade at Bellefontaine, Ohio ; he spent two years working 
 at his trade at Toledo, and in 1861 he enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio, 
 serving four years and nine months. He participated in many of the 
 important battles of the war and at its close married Mary Jane Wheeler, 
 who is now sixty-six years of age. She is a daughter of Robert and 
 Jane Wheeler, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ricketts still follows his trade 
 at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and has now reached the age of sixty-eight years. 
 Besides Charles H. he had children as follows : Lyda, Eddie, Addie, 
 Bertha, Margaret, George, Robert and John. 
 
 The education of Charles H. Ricketts was acquired in the public 
 schools and he lived on his father’s farm until twenty-one years of age. 
 He then learned the trade of baker at Bellefontaine, and worked at 
 same there until 1902, then removed to Van Wert, and for one year was 
 engaged in the bakery and confectionery business. He sold out and re- 
 turned to Bellefontaine, where for three years he was employed as fore- 
 man by the Richter Baking Company. In 1908 he located in Mt. 
 Victory to take charge of the present bakery. He is thorough master 
 of his trade and has won a reputation for fine work in his line. 
 
 Mr. Ricketts married Fannie A. Longfellow who was born February 
 16, 1870, daughter of Rev. J. M. Longfellow a Methodist Episcopal pas- 
 tor at Bellefontaine. His wife, Hannah J. (Hartley) Longfellow, died 
 in 1905, at the age of seventy-eight years, and he is now eighty-two. 
 Mr. Ricketts and his wife became parents of children as follows: Mary, 
 aged sixteen, wife of Charles Palmer, of North Dakota ; Bernice, aged 
 fourteen, attending school; Van Arthur, aged twelve; Miles, aged six; 
 and Byron, aged two years. In his business relations Mr. Ricketts has 
 always shown a strict adherence to the highest principles, and he has 
 won his success in life through his own efforts. He has always paid 
 close attention to his work and financial interests, and has good business 
 judgment. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church. 
 
 Mrs. Nancy (Norman) Bailey, who lives on her farm in Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, has been a resident of the county sine* 3 
 childhood. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, February 13, 1832, 
 a daughter of James and Mary (Brown) Norman, the former of Vir- 
 ginia, Mr. Norman came to Taylor Creek township when his daughter 
 was eleven years of age. The family came by wagon and had two yoke 
 of oxen for making the trip. They stopped on their way at Wheeler’s 
 Tavern, on the Sandusky Road, also at Furney’s Tavern in Kenton. 
 They located opposite the present home of Mrs. Bailey and took up 
 one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, there being then but one 
 house between their farm and Kenton, — the Scott house. Their first 
 home was a hewed log affair, and at the raising of the house little Nancy 
 did all the cooking, providing food for all who attended, though she was 
 then only eleven years old. Mrs. Norman died in 1869. Mrs. Bailey is 
 the only survivor of the family of five children. James Norman was 
 a son of Henry and Nancy (Knotts) Norman. 
 
 Nancy Norman spent her girlhood on a farm and in 1849 she 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 859 
 
 married Silas Bailey, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1824, a 
 son of William and Mary (Olcott) Bailey, who married in 1817. Wil- 
 liam Bailey was born in Martinsburg, Virginia, and moved to Hardin 
 county in 1827 ; he died December 6. 1853. After their marriage Mr. 
 Bailey and his wife lived some time in a small cabin on the Norman 
 place, and in 1868 came to what is the present family homestead. They 
 began housekeeping there in a small log cabin which is now in the rear 
 of the pleasant, modern farm house. Mr. Bailey was a successful far- 
 mer and stock raiser and an enterprising, progressive citizen, who was 
 actively interested in public affairs and in every good cause. He en- 
 listed in the Union army in 1864, serving until the end of the war, in 
 Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry. He died March 10, 1882, and his loss was mourned by a 
 large circle of friends. He and his wife became the parents of children 
 as follows: Nathaniel, deceased; Jonathan, a farmer of Buck township, 
 married Sarah Frey; Martha, wife of W. Bailey, had one child, Cora, 
 who married W. Short, and she is deceased ; Fletcher, of Goshen town- 
 ship, married Ida Kelley, and they have three children; B. Wells, mar- 
 ried J oan Newell and lives in Georgia ; Curtis, living at home, married 
 Ada Stevenson, and they have one child, Martha and Curtis both live 
 with their mother and care for her interests. Mrs. Bailey is well known 
 in the community, having spent so large a part of her life in the township, 
 and has a large circle of friends. She is blessed with good health and 
 after a life of industry and toil enjoys a well-earned rest. She is a 
 member of the Disciples church. 
 
 George Elmer Mitchell, a prominent farmer and a justice of the 
 peace of Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, is a native of 
 Franklin county, Ohio, born July 13, 1861. He is a son of Charles 
 and Nancy M. (Drake) Mitchell, both natives of Ohio, the former born 
 in Franklin county and the latter in the southern part of the state. 
 Charles Mitchell died hi 1898, at the age of sixty-four years. He was a 
 son of Hugh Mitchell, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, 
 who moved with his parents to Dublin, Ohio, where they bought a piece 
 of land with the expectation that the state capital would be located there. 
 Hugh Mitchell spent the remainder of his life in this vicinity and died 
 in 1862, at the age of sixty years. 
 
 After attending the district school until a young man Charles 
 Mitchell helped his father with the work of the farm and remained with 
 his parents until after his marriage, when he rented a farm and also 
 worked by the day. In 1867 he moved to Hardin county and remained 
 in Lynn township until his death, which took place in 1898. In May, 
 1864, Mr. Mitchell enlisted in the Union army for one luuidred days’ 
 service, in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio National 
 Guard, and was discharged in September of the same year. He was a 
 Republican in his political views, and for several terms served as town- 
 ship clerk ; he also served as a justice of the peace. He married Nancy 
 M. Drake, daughter of James H. and Caroline (Marshall) Drake, the 
 former a United Brethren minister from southern Ohio. Charles 
 
860 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Mitchell and his wife had children as follows: Gleorge E. ; Clementine, 
 
 wife of William Burger, of Kenton; Auta, living with her mother at 
 Kenton ; Lester, a farmer ; Caroline, wife of Gilbert Hamilton and lives 
 in Columbus : Beecher, living on the home farm ; Emma, wife of R. 
 W. Longbrake; and Elsoda, wife of James B. Mitchell of Altoona, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 George E. Mitchell attended the country schools and received a 
 fair education. He remained with his parents until his marriage in 
 1888, and then began farming for himself. Politically he is a Republi- 
 can, and is active in the interests of the party. He has been a member 
 of the school board and township clerk, besides holding other township 
 offices. In 1896 Mr. Mitchell was elected a justice of the peace and in 
 1910 he was again elected to this responsible office. He served fen 
 years as a member of the state militia, and while belonging to this 
 organization attended the funeral of the martyred Garfield, at Cleveland, 
 being part of the guard on duty. He was also at the Cincinnati riots. 
 Mr. Mitchell has the full confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and 
 makes a good public official. He gives the affairs of the public the same 
 thoughtful and careful consideration he does his own private affairs, and 
 is popular with all parties. 
 
 Mr. Mitchell married Minnie M. Richards, who was born March 4, 
 1872, daughter of Ira C. Richards, a veteran of the Civil war, who has 
 now attained the age of sixty- five years. Mr. Richards is a retired 
 
 farmer and Methodist Episcopal preacher. He is a native of Hardin 
 
 county and son of Leonard Richards, who came to Hardin county from 
 Ross county, Ohio, and was a Methodist preacher, as was also his 
 father, James. Ira C. Richards married Bethany Evans, who has now 
 reached the age of sixty-seven years. She is a daughter of David and 
 Lavina (Price) Evans. Mr. Mitchell and his wife have had children 
 as follows : Bessie, born in 1889, a graduate of the Kenton high school 
 and now living in Kenton ; Ira, born in 1892, at home ; Wilbur, born in 
 1896, attending school; Avice, born in 1899; Dora, born in 1902; DeArlo, 
 born in 1905 ; Earnestine, born in 1907 ; Margaret, born in 1909 ; and 
 three deceased, Ernest, Theresa and Everett. 
 
 Otis Marion Hopkins. — Among the most enterprising and suc- 
 cessful farmers and stockmen of Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, 
 is Otis M. Hopkins, who was born on the farm where he still resides 
 December 12, 1865, a son of Marion and Elmira (Bailey) Hopkins. His 
 great-grandfather, Archibald Hopkins, was born in 1791, and died 
 August 15, 1879. He married Jemimah Gosley, who died January 14, 
 1834. Their son Robert, born July 3, 1820, died March 30, 1877. He 
 married Sallie Robertson, who was born October 28, 1819, and died 
 March 15, 1884. Their son Marion was born in Logan county, Ohio, 
 in 1842, and in 1850 moved with his parents to the present family home- 
 stead, where they took up a homestead of one hundred and fifty acres 
 of Woodland. They erected a log house and spent the remainder of 
 their lives on this farm. 
 
 Marion Hopkins remained with his parents as a young man, teach- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 861 
 
 ing school winters and helping with the farm work summers. He 
 enlisted in Company O, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, serving until the close of the war. After returning home he 
 spent the remainder of his life farming, and died November 28, 1870, of 
 sickness contracted during the military service. He was a Republican 
 in political views and held many townships offices. His wife was horn 
 September 26, 1841, and died August 1, 1867. She was a daughter of 
 Silas and Harriet (Stevenson) Bailey, of this community. 
 
 The only child of Marion Hopkins and his wife now surviving is 
 Otis M., the subject of this biography. He received his education in 
 the common schools. He was a small boy when his mother died, and 
 only four years of age at the time of the death of his father. He was 
 reared- by his grandparents and they died before he was eighteen years 
 of age. He is now owner of the family homestead and carries on 
 farming and stock raising with excellent success. Mr. Hopkins is a 
 prominent and influential citizen and actively interested in public 
 affairs. He is a stanch Republican and has rendered valuable service 
 in the interests of his party. He has held various public offices and 
 discharged his duties in a manner that was highly satisfactory and proved 
 his ability and good judgment. Mr. Hopkins served three terms as 
 township clerk, two terms as county infirmary director, and has also 
 acted as delegate to state and congressional conventions. He is well 
 known and popular in the community and has many friends. He 
 belongs to the United Presbyterian church of Silver Creek, to the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Kenton and also to the Elks at 
 Kenton. 
 
 On June 1, 1887, Mr. Hopkins married Maggie J. Stevenson, daugh- 
 ter of Homer and Mary Ann (Hullinger) Stevenson, who are given 
 more extensive mention elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Stevenson is a 
 widow and resides on her farm in Taylor Creek township. Mrs. 
 Hopkins was born April 11, 1865. She is also a member of the United 
 Presbyterian church, and is active in the work of the missionary society 
 and other church work. 
 
 John M. Fisher, a retired farmer and stock dealer of Taylor Creek 
 township, was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 31. 1843, a son of 
 John H. and Elizabeth (Marshall) Fisher. John H. Fisher was a 
 native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1808, and he moved 
 to Stark county, Ohio, when a young man. He returned to his native 
 state, where he was married, and later removed to Logan county, Ohio, 
 where he took up forty-five acres of land in the timber. He built a 
 cabin and improved his land, spending the remainder of his life on this 
 farm; he added more land from time to time and at his death, in 1874. 
 owned one hundred and twenty-five acres. In early life he Avas a 
 Presbyterian, but as there was no organization of that denomination in 
 the neighborhood where he lived he finally joined the Christian church. 
 Mrs. Fisher Avas born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and 
 was a daughter of Conrad Marshall; she died in 1875. Besides John 
 M. they had another son, Conrad N. Fisher, M. D., of Rushsylvania, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Vol. 11—37 
 
862 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 After attending the local schools and securing a good education 
 John M. Fisher helped his father on the farm and at the same time 
 taught four terms during the Civil war. He remained with his parents 
 until 1873, then moved to Hardin county, where he first purchased one 
 hundred acres of land, where he now lives. Later he added one hun- 
 dred and forty acres more, and still later added more land until he now 
 owns three hundred acres. A large part of his land was in the swamp, 
 but he has made all modern improvements and has his land in a high 
 state of cultivation. He has erected a comfortable home and is very 
 successful in his enterprise. He is engaged extensively in stock raising 
 also and feeds a number of cattle each winter. He ships to market in 
 carload lots. For two years from 1880 he was in partnership with 
 William Callahan, of Logan county, and they shipped extensively. Later 
 he engaged in partnership with Marshall Stewart, shipping stock and 
 buying wool. He has carried on business in this line for fifteen years 
 in Hardin county. 
 
 Some years ago Mr. Fisher located in Kenton, and there continued 
 dealing in stock, but six years later he returned to his farm, where he 
 now lives. He has retired from active business life, but keeps well 
 informed as to his business interests. He is one of the most successful 
 and influential citizens of the county, and his reputation as a stock and 
 wool dealer has traveled over a wide territory. Politically he is a 
 Democrat, and he served two terms as township trustee. He is well 
 known in the community and is recognized as one of the public spirited, 
 representative men of the county. 
 
 In 1865 Mr. Fisher married Anna E. Musselman, born July 22, 
 1846, in Logan county, Ohio, a daughter of Jerome and Elizabeth 
 (Ansley) Musselman. Her father was born and reared in Virginia 
 and came to Ohio with his parents, Michael and Ann (Coover) Mussel- 
 man. Mrs. Fisher’s father died in 1903 and her mother in 1874. She 
 was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Ansley. Besides Mrs. Fisher 
 they had children as follows: Mary, wife of Thomas Kautzman, of 
 
 Indiana ; Leah, widow of L. Carson, of Marion, Ohio ; Gfeorgie, wife of 
 E. E. Wickersham, of Logan county, Ohio ; and Lucian, a farmer of 
 Taylor Creek township. Mr. Fisher and his wife became the parents 
 of children as follows : Louis N. who married Myrtle Collins ; Willis, 
 
 on the home farm, married Eva Swallow, daughter of John and Harriet 
 (Copp) Swallow, of Kenton, and they have three children, Hazel, Mabel, 
 and Mary; Charles E., living in the west, married Mary Williams, and 
 they have two children, Ralph and Evangeline; Mary Elizabeth mar- 
 ried Marshall Porter, an undertaker of Kenton, and they have one child, 
 Emerson ; Claude, living in the west, married Mary Carr, and they have 
 one child, Francis; Hattie married G. A. Vincent, a merchant of Hiram, 
 Portage county, and they have one child, Myron. Mrs. Fisher is a 
 member of the Disciples church of Kenton, and is an active worker in 
 the Ladies’ Aid Society. Mr. Fisher has gained success in life mainly 
 through his own efforts. He is a keen business man of sound judgment, 
 and has made the most of his opportunities. He still owns the family 
 homestead where he was born, in Logan county. 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 863 
 
 Hon. Frank B. Willis. — Talented and cultured, of broad and pro- 
 gressive views, Hon. Frank B. Willis, of Ada, teacher of Law and 
 Economics at the Ohio Northern University, has long been a conspicuous 
 figure in educational circles, and is also widely known in the political 
 world. His literary and scholastic attainments have obtained wide 
 recognition, and he has won a far more than local reputation, not only 
 as an able and popular instructor, a brilliant and forcible lecturer, but as 
 a leader in the Republican ranks, and as an earnest champion of needed 
 reformatory measures. A native of Ohio, he was born. December 28, 
 1871, in Lewis Center, Delaware county, a son of J. B. Willis. He is 
 of substantial New England ancestry, his grandfather, Buckley H. 
 Willis, having been a. resident of Vermont, while his great-grandfather, 
 enlisting from Massachusetts, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 
 Although born and bred in the Green Mountain state, J. B. Willis 
 has spent the greater part of his life in Delaware county, Ohio, being now 
 one of the prominent citizens of Galena, and an influential member of the 
 Republican party. Inheriting the spirit of patriotism that inspired 
 his ancestors, he volunteered in defence of his country in 1862, and served 
 bravely in the Civil war. He married, in 1857, Lavina Buell, and to 
 them three children were born, as follows: Lloyd M., of Chicago, 
 
 Illinois; Buell B., a prosperous agriculturist; and Frank B., with whom 
 this sketch is chiefly concerned. 
 
 Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the 
 district schools of his native county, Frank B. Willis subsequently 
 attended the Galena high school, where he won an excellent record for 
 scholarship. Entering the Ohio Northern University in 1890, he was 
 graduated from that institution with the class of 1893, and immediately 
 accepted the professorship of the chair of Political Economy, Civil 
 Government and United States History. A diligent and persistent 
 student, with a natural taste and talent for legal study and work. Pro- 
 fessor Willis was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1906, and is now teaching 
 Law and Economics in the College of Law, of the Ohio Northern 
 University. 
 
 Throughout his useful career as an educator Mr. Willis has met 
 with distinguished success. Since 1900 he has been actively engaged for 
 six or more weeks each year as a lecturer before Teachers’ Institutes, 
 his work in that direction covering twenty-five Ohio counties, and nearly 
 as many in Pennsylvania ; in the summer of 1910 several counties in 
 Ohio and also in Indiana, receiving the advantage and benefit of his 
 lectures on American History and Civics. 
 
 With patriotism as a virtue and an inheritance, Professor Willis 
 has kept in touch with the polities of county, state and nation since early 
 manhood, and in 1894 made his first appearance as a political speaker. 
 In 1896 he stumped the state in behalf of McKinley’s election to the 
 presidency, and in 1899 he was elected to the General Assembly from 
 Hardin county, and served his fellow citizens to such good purpose that 
 he was reelected to the same office in 1901. this time his previous good 
 majority of votes being largely increased. During his later term in the 
 House, he was chairman of the committee on insurance, and a member of 
 
864 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the committee on taxation, and took an active part in all debates on tax- 
 reform measures. He was also vice chairman, or chairman pro tern, 
 of the House Committee of twenty-three chosen to formulate a municipal 
 code for the government of Ohio. Through the administration of the 
 Willis Law, of which he was the framer, the state treasury is richer by 
 far than it otherwise would be, while the revenues produced by its enact- 
 ment have made it possible to reduce the taxes of the farmer and the 
 home owner. 
 
 A candidate for congressional honors in 1904, Professor Willis was 
 defeated in a long drawn out convention, famous in the history of the 
 eighth district, his opponent being Hon. Ralph D. Cole, for whom he 
 afterwards took the stump, working vigorously for his, and for the 
 Republican party’s success. Again a candidate for congress in 1908, 
 the professor was again defeated after some eleven hundred ballots in 
 the two spectacular and exciting conventions at Marysville and Kenton. 
 In 1910 he was again a candidate for congress on the Republican ticket 
 at the primary. 
 
 Since entering politics, Mr. Willis has been a simon pure Republi- 
 can and is of that thorough kind known as progressive. He is a supporter 
 and admirer of President Taft, whom he holds to be a great constructive 
 statesman and an executive doing his best for his country. On the 
 tariff question. Professor Willis adheres to the pledge which says: “In 
 all tariff legislation the true principle of protection is best maintained 
 by the imposition of such duties as will equalize the difference between 
 cost of production at home and abroad together with a reasonable profit 
 to American industries. ’ ’ On the wool question, his attitude is one that 
 is satisfactory to the growers of the district. There are various reasons 
 for the wool growers’ confidence: Mr. Willis became an advocate of 
 
 wool protection, when as a boy he heard Major McKinley speak on the 
 question; all of the Willis people on “both sides of the house” have 
 been wool-growers and dealers, Mr. Willis’s father having been for years 
 one of the prominent sheep men of the county and an uncle was the origi- 
 nal Merino sheep man of Delaware county. Being the son of an old 
 soldier, Mr. Willis has always been the eloquent champion of the rights 
 of war veterans and is an associate member of Ada Post of the G. A. R,. 
 The Willis Guards of that town was named in his honor because of his 
 work and interest in the cause of patriotism. 
 
 Mr. Willis is an active supporter of the Y. M. C. A. and other young 
 peoples’ societies, and on the platform of religious organizations he is 
 a familiar, popular and eloquent speaker, his, often times impromptu 
 addresses being full of courage, good cheer and inspiration to his hearers. 
 In an informal talk to the members of the Presbyterian Brotherhood 
 at Kenton, in the summer of 1907, he expressed a strong belief in the 
 theory that right shall conquer, and made a plea for right living and 
 right thinking in our daily walks of life. 
 
 Professor Willis married, in 1894, Allie Dustin, a daughter of 
 John and Hannah Dustin, of Galena, Ohio, and they have one child, 
 Helen Willis. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 865 
 
 Horace E. Sponsler. — Prominent among the extensive land owners 
 and progressive agriculturists of Hardin county is Horace E. Spons- 
 ler, proprietor of one of the most attractive and valuable estates in 
 McDonald township. A native of Hardin county, he was born August 
 13, 1854, in Taylor Creek township, a son of Jacob Sponsler. 
 
 Jacob Sponsler was born and brought up in Pennsylvania, and there 
 married Margaret Slonaker, also a Pennsylvanian by birth. Migrating 
 to Hardin county, he bought a tract of wild land in Taylor Creek town- 
 ship, and from the dense forest cleared and improved a homestead. 
 The Sponsler family has ever been distinguished for its patriotism and 
 loyalty to country, three of its members serving in the Civil war, 
 George in the Artillery, Winfield B. in the Infantry, while Alvin served 
 for more that three years in the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. 
 
 Horace E. Sponsler received his early education in the district 
 schools of his native township, and on the home farm was well trained 
 in the various branches of agriculture. Finding the occupation of 
 farming both pleasant and profitable, he decided to make it his life 
 work, and began his operations by purchasing fifty acres of land in 
 Taylor Creek township, to which he subsequently added by purchasing 
 eighty-five acres of adjoining land. At the end of four years he sold out 
 at an advantage, and bought one hundred and eighty-seven acres of the 
 land now included in his present farm, in McDonald township. Suc- 
 cessful in his undertakings, Mr. Sponsler has added to the size of his 
 farm, which now contains three hundred and fifteen acres as fine farming 
 land as can be found in this part of Hardin county. He has made im- 
 provements of an excellent character, and is carrying on general farm- 
 ing with most satisfactory results, and, with his son, who assists him, 
 owns and manages a threshing outfit. Since becoming of age, Mr. Spons- 
 ler has supported the principles of the Republican party by voice and 
 vote, but has never had official aspirations. 
 
 On July 29, 1884, Mr. Sponsler was united in marriage with Mar- 
 garet Jane Carson, a daughter of William S. and Jane Carson, of 
 Kenton. William Edwin Sponsler, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sponsler, was born August 11, 1885, and has always lived with his 
 parents, assisting in the management of the farm. He married Bessie 
 C. Claypool, and they have one child, Margaret Alice, born May 14, 
 1907. 
 
 General David Thomson. — A man of whom all Hardin county felt 
 justly proud during life and whose memory is held in tender reverence 
 today is General David Thomson, who left in his war record a noble 
 legacy not only to his family but to the people of his county and state. 
 He died at his residence in Kenton, Ohio, in which he had lived many 
 years, February 2, 1893. General Thomson was a native of Ohio, born 
 in Marion county, April 27, 1823. He married Miss Margaret Espy, 
 a native of Philadelphia and became a resident of Hardin county in 
 1849. He engaged in the practice of law, and continued in this occupa- 
 tion until the beginning of the Civil war. In his service in behalf of 
 his country he distinguished himself so that the expression was often 
 
866 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 made “Never did a braver man wear shoe leather.” His record began 
 with the formation of Company A of the Eighty-second Ohio, of which 
 he was chosen captain. He was soon afterward appointed major of the 
 regiment and after the battle of Bull Run he was made lieutenant- 
 colonel. March 13, 1865, he was made a brigadier general, for “gallant 
 and meritorious service during the war. ” He had many narrow escapes 
 and figured as a hero in sixteen battles. At Peach Tree Creek his life 
 was saved by his pocket-knife, which was shattered to pieces. He made 
 a fine record at the most important battle of Gettysburg, where a horse 
 was shot from under him. His heroic conduct at this battle was testi- 
 fied by a magnificent sword which was presented to him by the Eighty- 
 second, and on it was this inscription: “Presented to Colonel David 
 Thomson by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Eighty- 
 second regiment as a token of their appreciation of his noble conduct 
 at Gettysburg, July 1, 2, and 3, 1863.” He never fully recovered from 
 the severe wounds he recived at the battle of Averysboro. 
 
 Among the battles in which he participated were : Cedar Mountain, 
 Bull Run, Wauhatchie Valley, Resaca, Culp’s Farm, Nancy Creek, Peach 
 Tree Creek, Savannah and Averysboro, in all of which he commanded 
 the brave boys of the Eighty-second. He was wounded at Dallas, and 
 during the siege of Atlanta he commanded the regiment, when they 
 were under fire continuously from June 29 to August 25. 
 
 General Thomson was a man to whom his friends gave their warm- 
 est affection and confidence. He was a pleasant and friendly companion, 
 being most refined in his tastes and fond of the finer things of life, 
 He was entertaining in conversation, being full of general information, 
 and was most highly esteemed by his comrades in arms, as well as by 
 all who came to know and appreciate his high character and blameless 
 life. As an amateur artist of landscape painting, he possessed unusual 
 ability. 
 
 In the Masonic Order, as in all other places where he met with his 
 fellows, General Thomson was highly regarded. He was initiated into 
 Latham Lodge No. 154 F. & A. M., in November, 1853, and in December, 
 1857, was elected Worshipful Master, being re-elected the following year 
 and again in 1865. He was a charter member of Scioto Chapter R. A. 
 M. and was appointed its first High Priest. The following year (1870) 
 he was elected to the same office, under the charter, and was reelected 
 in 1871. He was buried with high Masonic honors as well as high 
 Military honors and his funeral was one of the largest that ever took 
 place in the community. 
 
 General Thomson’s wife died in 1888. There remained of the 
 family after his death two children: Metullis and Mary; Metullis and 
 his wife Bessie, who was a daughter of General Moses B. Walker, removed 
 with their family from Ohio a few years after the death of General 
 Thomson and now reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their family 
 numbers four, three sons and one daughter, named respectively : Theo- 
 dore Walker, Margaret Mary, Metullis, and Willis Irving. With Mr. 
 Metullis Thomson and his family, also resides Mary, the unmarried 
 daughter of General David Thomson. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 867 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Simpson, of Mount Victory, Ohio, widow of William 
 Simpson, who died May 7, 1883, was born July 8, 1835. William Simp- 
 son was born in Licking county, Ohio, and was a son of Solomon and 
 Ellen Simpson, who came from Licking county to Hardin county. They 
 were among the earliest settlers of the latter county, and were very 
 strong Methodists. William Simpson was reared on a farm, and lived 
 with his parents until the time of his marriage, when he rented a farm 
 for himself. In 1865 he removed to Mount Victory and there purchased 
 a home. He was engaged in railroad work, and was one of the builders 
 of the railroad now known as the “Big Four.” Later he engaged in 
 cutting and hauling timber which he continued the remainder of his life. 
 
 William Simpson enlisted in Company I, One Hundred Thirty- 
 second Ohio National Guard, December 15, 1864, and was discharged 
 after serving one hundred days. He was the victim of sunstroke while 
 on guard duty, and never recovered from the effects. He was an active 
 member of the Methodist church, and took great interest in public 
 affairs. He was well known and highly respected in the community, 
 and his loss was widely felt. He was a man of undoubted integrity, and 
 greatly esteemed for his high character and pleasant, friendly manner. 
 
 Mr. Simpson’s parents, Davis and Susan (Iiann) Crane, were farm- 
 ers, and came to Ohio from New Jersey, settling in Logan county. They 
 were members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Simpson and his wife 
 became the parents of children as follows : David Edgar, Mack, Amanda 
 and Ruth. David E., a merchant of Mount Victory, married Ida Frey, 
 and they have one child, Rose. Mack, a farmer of Hale township, Hardin 
 county, married Susan Allen, and they have one child. Amanda, wife 
 of Ham Cramer, a farmer of Hale township, has two children. Ruth 
 married Clint Bird, also a farmer in Hale township. 
 
 William Simpson has three brothers surviving, namely: Sam, retired 
 and living in West Mansfield; David, a farmer of West Mansfield; 
 and Sylvester. 
 
 Frank S. Chapman, the introduction of the telephone system has, 
 doubtless, been of more practical value to the residents of Hardin 
 county than any other enterprise here established, not even excepting 
 rural free delivery, which has been of inestimable value to the farmer, 
 bringing the people in close communication with the events of the day, 
 facilitating the business movements of the immediate neighborhood, the 
 town, county, state, and even more remote parts of the Union. Actively 
 identified with the success of this system is Frank S. Chapman, the well- 
 known manager of the Kenton Home Telephone Company, at Kenton. 
 A son of Wilson IT. Chapman, he was born, December 15, 1871, in Seneca 
 township, Lenawee comity, Michigan. 
 
 Wilson H. Chapman, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, was brought 
 up on a farm, and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. 
 When ready to begin life for himself he moved to Lenawee county 
 Michigan, where he purchased two farms, one lying in Seneca township, 
 the other being situated just across the state line, in Ohio. After farm- 
 ing there a few years, he moved, in 1876, to Morenc-i, Michigan, which 
 
868 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 was home for about, twenty years. Settling then in Wayne county, 
 Michigan, lie resided there until his death, in 1907. He married Sarah 
 G. Fink, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a daughter 
 of John Fink, and she is still living in Wayne county, Michigan. 
 Six children were born of their union, namely: Emma Frantz, Louis, 
 
 William W., Fred A., Frank, and Vernon A. 
 
 Having completed the studies in the public schools of Morenci, 
 Michigan, Frank S. Chapman attended the Toledo high school, acquiring 
 a substantial education. At the age of seventeen years began learning 
 telegraphy, the following three years being in the employ of the Wheel- 
 ing & Lake Erie Railroad Company as a telegraph operator. He was 
 then made train despatcher, first at Jewell, Ohio, and later at Massillon. 
 During that time Mr. Chapman studied chemistry, electricity and steno- 
 graphy, but the close attention to study and business impaired his 
 health, and in 189.5 he resigned his position with the railroad company, 
 Going then to Toledo, Ohio, lie was for four months inspector for the 
 Central Union Telephone Company of that city, and subsequently had 
 charge for two years of the Company’s offices in Elkhart and Goshen, 
 Indiana. Accepting then a position with the Bell Telephone Company, 
 Mr. Chapman was manager of its Kenton office until 1903. Then, for 
 nine months, he managed the Shelby office for the Shelby Telephone 
 Company. Resigning that position, he became manager of the Kenton 
 Home Telephone Company, which under his efficient management is 
 carrying on a profitable business, and rendering to its numerous patrons 
 most satisfactory service. 
 
 Mr. Chapman married in June, 1903, Maude Furney. She was born 
 in Kenton, a daughter of Melvus and Almina Furney, and grand- 
 daughter of Colonel Furney, of whom a brief biographical sketch may 
 be found on another page of this work. Fraternally Mr. Chapman is a 
 member of Aminta Lodge No. 79, I. 0. O. F. of Scioto Encampment, 
 No. 179; of Kenton Canton, No. 83, of which he is a patriarch militant; 
 and of Latham Lodge, No. 154, F. & A. M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chapman 
 belong to the Daughters of Rebekah, and to Rispah Chapter, No. 53, O. 
 E. S., of Shelby. 
 
 J. Edson Gordon. — During many years the name of J. Edson Gor- 
 don was interwoven with the history of the educational interests of Mt. 
 Victory, an educator of well known ability. He was born near West 
 Mansfield in Logan county, Ohio, on March 22, 1858, a son of John E. 
 and Barbara E. (Keller) Gordon, and a grandson on the maternal side 
 of Frederick and Rebecca Keller, who came from Virginia to Ohio about 
 the year 1820. John E. Gordon was born in Loudon county, Virginia, 
 in 1831, and he came with his parents, John Woodford and Elizabeth 
 Gordon, to Ohio in 1835, living successively in Adams and Highland 
 counties, and later near West Mansfield in Logan county, his death oc- 
 curring at the latter place in 1899, and his wife Barbara had died at 
 their country home there in 1882. John Woodford Gordon, born in 
 
 Wales in 1797, died in Logan county, Ohio, in 1867. J. Edson Gordon 
 was the second of the ten children born to John E. and Barbara Gordon, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 869 
 
 two of his sisters dying in infancy and two after attaining the age of 
 young womanhood, while six of the family, a sister and five brothers, are 
 yet living, namely: J. Edson, of Mt. Victory; John E., living at West 
 Mansfield; Ransom D. and Robert F., both of Bowling Green; Charles 
 A., of Union county; and Mrs. Mary E. Barber, who resides with her 
 family on the old homestead near West Mansfield. 
 
 J. Edson Gordon spent the first seventeen years of his life on the 
 parental homestead, attending meanwhile the country schools, and at the 
 age of seventeen he entered upon his career as an educator, teaching 
 in the country schools of Logan and Union counties. After a time he 
 entered Ridgeville College at Ridgeville, Indiana, later passing to the 
 Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and he completed his training at 
 the Champion City Commercial College at Springfield. Followng this 
 splendid college training Mr. Gordon served seven years as superinten- 
 dent of the public schools of West Mansfield and thirteen years in the 
 same capacity in the schools of Mt. Victory, where he yet resides. 
 
 He was married in 1885 to Miss Nora A. Saylor, from New Carlisle, 
 Ohio, and she is yet a primary teacher in the Mt. Victory public schools. 
 Their family consists of a daughter Imogene, a teacher in the public 
 schools of Alger, Ohio ; a son Chester S., a student in the Ohio State 
 University at Columbus; and Louva E., who is with her parents at Mt. 
 Victory. Mr. Gordon during the past six years has been a member of 
 the Hardin county board of school examiners, and he still retains his 
 interest in educational affairs although he is not at present engaged in 
 school work. 
 
 Albert Grant Willauer. the enterprising manager of the lumber 
 company at Mt. Victory, is a native of that town, born December 11, 
 1881, son of Theodore Willauer, now aged fifty-nine years, and Nancy 
 (Latimer) Willauer, now fifty-six years of age. Besides Albert G. 
 they had children as follows: Essie, operator at Mt, Victory; John, of 
 
 Mt. Victory, a timber buyer; Edward, an electrician; Roy, an operator; 
 Frank, a lineman; Willis, a clerk; Fannie, a clerk; and Helen, living at 
 home. 
 
 Albert G. Willauer received his education in the public schools, and 
 at the age of sixteen years took up the trade of carpenter, which he con- 
 tinued until 1905, when he became manager of the present lumber com- 
 pany of Mt, Victory. They are doing a prosperous business, and are 
 established on a firm foundation. 
 
 Mr. Willauer is actively interested in public affairs, politically is a 
 Democrat, and is at present serving as a member of the city council. 
 He is a public-spirited citizen, well known and highly respected. Mr. 
 Willauer belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of 
 Odd Fellows, of Mt. Victory, and to the Elks of Kenton, Ohio. 
 
 January 20, 1902, Mr. Willauer married Anna, daughter of Milton 
 and Lydia Jane (Riley) Mills, born December 21, 1882, in Marion 
 county, Ohio. Milton Mills was born September 10, 1850. in Marion 
 county, Ohio. His wife, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Powell) 
 Riley, died in 1905, at the age of fifty-two years. William Riley was a 
 
870 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 pioneer of Marion county, and now lives at Larue, Ohio, at the age of 
 eighty-six years. Milton Mills is a house mover and lives with his wife 
 at Larue; he is a son of Hiram Mills, born February 8, 1822, and married 
 Ann Lake, who died in 1856, aged thirty-seven years. Hiram Mills is a 
 carpenter by trade, and is a son of Richard Mills, born in New Jersey, in 
 1791. Richard Mills married Julia Wells, and they came to Marion 
 county in 1822 ; their son Hiram was the first white child born in the 
 county. When they settled first in Marion county Tom Lyons was the 
 head medicine man among the Wyandot tribe of Indians, still living 
 there. 
 
 Milton Mills and his wife had children as follows: Anna; William, 
 a horse dealer of Marion, Ohio; Ida, wife of E. J. Davis; Ottie, wife of 
 M. M. Pierce, lumber dealer, of Columbus, Ohio ; and Bessie, living at 
 home. Mrs. Willauer graduated at Larue in 1900, at the age of eighteen 
 years. She is a member of the Methodist church, the Pythian Sisters 
 of Mt. Victory, holding the office of Protector, and also belongs to the 
 Rebekah Lodge of Mt. Victory. Mr. Willauer and his wife have one 
 daughter, Ruth Ellen, born September 30, 1903. 
 
 Philip A. Brielmaier, one of the agriculturists of Lynn township, 
 was born in Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, April 1, 1877, a son of Philip 
 and Margaret (Biehle) Brielmaier, the father born in Swatzwalt, Ger- 
 many, and the mother in Springfield, Ohio. Philip Brielmaier came 
 to the United States when thirteen years of age, and locating in Cincin- 
 nati, Ohio, he grew to mature years there, and later spent a short time 
 in Covington, Kentucky. The Biehle family had in the meantime 
 located in Cincinnati, and it was at White Oak in Hamilton county that 
 the young couple became acquainted and were married. They continued 
 to live there until going to Pickaway, Ohio, and later they came to 
 Kenton, where the husband and father died in 1900, being still survived 
 by his widow. 
 
 Philip A. Brielmaier attended the parochial schools near his boy- 
 hood’s home until he was twelve years old, and since then he has given 
 his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, being now one of the leading- 
 farmers and stock raisers of Lynn township. He married Marie 
 DeRaad, who was born in Iowa. Her parents died during her infancy, 
 and going to Nebraska she was there married to Mr. Brielmaier on the 
 15th of July, 1906, and their two children are Margaret B. and Freder- 
 ick, born respectively on the 7th of March, 1908, and on the 3d of 
 October, 1909. The family are members of the Catholic church at 
 Kenton, and in politics Mr. Brielmaier affiliates with the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 Charles Vermillion has the distinction of being the oldest business 
 man in point of years of continuous service in West Foraker. He 
 located in Foraker in 1898, and in the same year opened a general 
 mercantile store, and he is also engaged in the handling of coal. He 
 owns all of his own buildings, and is conducting a prosperous and remun- 
 erative business. 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 871 
 
 Mr. Vermillion was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 6, 
 1846, a son of William and Mary (McLain) Vermillion. When their 
 son Charles was but a year old Mr. and Mrs. Vermillion moved to 
 Virginia, but after a short time in that state they returned to Ohio and 
 located in Guernsey county, which remained their home for several years. 
 From there they finally came to Licking county, and in 1880 to Hardin 
 county, where William Vermillion passed away in death in 1908, dying 
 in the city of Kenton. Charles Vermillion, the son, was reared as a 
 farmer lad, but later he learned the trade of a wagon and carriage 
 maker and followed those trades for twenty-five years at Kirkersville, 
 owning his own plant. In 1873 he was married to Jane Fairchild, and 
 a son, Carl, was born to them on the 9th of August, 1877. He is a 
 graduate of telegraphy at the Northern Indiana Normal University at 
 Valparaiso, and is the present operator at Foraker. He married Ida 
 Page, and they have two children. Mr. Charles Vermillion is allied 
 with the Democrats in politics, and during two years lie was the assessor 
 of Cessna township. 
 
 Jesse Shark. — One of the substantial and successful farmers of 
 Dudley township, Hardin county, Ohio, is Jesse Shark, who is now re- 
 tired from active business life, though he still resides on his fine farm. 
 Mr. Shark was born in AVest Virginia, October 14, 1825, and is a son of 
 Jonathan and Betsey (Edgar) Shark, the former of whom, a native of 
 Virginia, died in 1853. He removed to Union county, Ohio, about 1825, 
 settling near Peoria, where he took up a farm, and later moved to a farm 
 near Somerville, where he remained about ten years, and after the death 
 of his wife, in 1836, he discontinued keeping house. 
 
 After the death of his mother Jesse Shark remained with his father, 
 and received his education in Ohio, although he attended school but 
 little. He was one of ten children, and has two sisters living: 
 Clarissy, wife of A1 Brown, a farmer, and Charlotte, wife of Sam Walker 
 of Kenton. 
 
 Mr. Shark early learned to look out for himself, and when a boy 
 began work for the meager sum of two dollars per month and his board. 
 In 1862 he settled down to farming on his own account. He worked 
 eighteen years for one man, then farmed two years in Madison county, 
 returned to his old employer for a time, and then bought a farm which 
 he farmed ten years. 
 
 Mr. Shark enlisted in the army for service during the Civil war, in 
 Company B, Eighth Ohio, and later transferred to the Fourth Ohio, at 
 Cold Harbor. He fought under Grant and Hancock, serving until the 
 end of the war. He stood guard at his post at the time General Lee 
 surrendered, and his regiment was the first in the capital. Several 
 times he was slightly wounded, and he was mustered oi;t, in July, 1865. 
 He returned home and four years later located in Hardin county; in 
 1885 he settled on his present homestead, and he has one of the finest 
 farm houses in his section of the county. Politically he is a Republican 
 and though he is actively interested in public affairs, he does not care 
 for public office. He has been hardworking and thrifty all his life, and 
 
872 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 lias well earned his days of ease and comfort. He is a man of strict 
 honesty and in his business dealings has always been governed by good 
 business principles. 
 
 Mr. Shark married Elizabeth (Betsey) Holycross, who has now 
 reached the age of seventy-four years. She is a daughter of James 
 Holycross, also from Virginia, who removed to Marion county, Ohio. 
 To this union ten children have been born, namely: Mollie, wife of 
 
 John Macombs, of Magnetic Springs, has two children ; Jason, married 
 Ann Lynn and has two children ; and Irene, wife of Ely Milligan, who 
 has two children; William, married Louisa Moore and they have two 
 children, Fred, unmarried, and Mary, wife of E. Terrill, of Indiana, who 
 has three children ; Emily, deceased, left five children, of whom one, 
 Maggie, Mrs. Valentine, of Kenton, Ohio, has one child; Albert, of 
 Magnetic Springs, married Louise Longstoff, and they have three chil- 
 dren, of whom Merrill married Madge Hite, and Ethel, the wife of B. 
 Dewitt, has one child; George, of Kenton, married Emma Bachman, and 
 they have two children ; Rosetta, wife of Ed Hildreth, a farmer, has 
 two children ; Leroy, a farmer of Dudley township, married Grace 
 Gorman and they have three children ; Anna, deceased ; Maude, wife of 
 P. Warner, of Dudley township, has two children; and Howard, mar- 
 ried Collie Stultz, and they have two children. The last named family 
 live with Mr. Shark on the family homestead. 
 
 John W. Powell, a prosperous and prominent farmer and stock 
 raiser of Hardin county, Ohio, was born in the county, in Marion town- 
 ship, December 15, 1858, and is a son of William and Nancy (Lions) 
 Powell. William Powell was born in England, about 1821, and accom- 
 panied his parents to the United States when a small boy. They located 
 in Hardin county, and there spent the remainder of their lives, on a 
 farm in Marion township. Mr. Powell grew to manhood on his father’s 
 farm and married Nancy Lions, a native of Pennsylvania. To this 
 union seven children were born, of whom four still survive (1910), 
 namely: James Powell, of Kenton; Joseph, of Marion township; Sarah, 
 wife of William Moore, of Liberty township ; and John W. 
 
 The boyhood of John W. Powell was spent on a farm in Marion 
 township, and when he was old enough he began helping with the work 
 of the farm, attending school winters until seventeen years of age. He 
 continued working on his father’s farm until he reached his majority, 
 when his mother was married a second time, to William Close, and the 
 young man worked on the farm for him six years. Then in company 
 with his brother Joseph, he carried on farming six years. 
 
 Mr. Powell married Emma Shetlon, and they became parents of one 
 child, Opal, wife of Emmett Potter, of Cessna township. Mrs. Powell 
 died in 1886 and Mr. Powell married (second) Miss Minnie Blooworth, 
 a native of Liberty township. One son and three daughters were born 
 to this union, namely : Ethel, a student in Ada high school ; Beulah and 
 Esther, attending district school, and Justin, born March 28, 1907. 
 
 Politically Mr. Powell is a Republican. In the summer of 1907 
 Mr. Powell erected his present fine residence, fitted with modern con- 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 873 
 
 veniences. His other buildings are in good order, and his land in a 
 good state of cultivation. He owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres 
 in section 1, Marion township, and aside from three years spent in 
 Kenton and six years in Pleasant township, he has spent his entire life 
 in Marion township. He is well known and highly respected, having 
 a wide circle of friends. 
 
 E. E. Jones. — Occupying a leading position among the wide-awake, 
 enterprising business men of Kenton, E. E. Jones is identified with the 
 mercantile interests of Hardin county as a wholesale and retail dealer in 
 grain, coal, and hay, having an extensive and remunerative trade. A 
 life-long resident of Hardin county, he was born, September 30, 1860, 
 in Dunkirk, a son of J. M. Jones. 
 
 Born, reared and educated in Knox county, Ohio, J. M. Jones came 
 to Hardin county in early manhood, and here spent the remainder of his 
 life, passing away July 3, 1907. He began his active career as a school 
 teacher but. afterwards engaged in agricultural pursuits, first in Washing- 
 ton township, but afterwards buying a farm in Blanchard township, 
 where he tilled the soil to some purpose for many years. He married 
 Elizabeth Miranda Gillen, who was born in Dover, New Jersey, seventy- 
 four years ago, and is now a resident of Kenton. Her father, James 
 Gillen, a stone and brick mason by trade, came with his family to Hardin 
 county, and here spent his remaining days. Nine children were born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Jones, namely: Caroline, deceased; B. K. Jones, 
 M. D., of Kenton; E. E., the subject of this sketch; Ella, his twin sister, 
 now the wife of Dr. W. D. Barnhill, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Christo- 
 pher and Charles, twins, both deceased; Dr. U. 0., Adelbert, a twin 
 brother of Dr. U. O., and John Morgan, of Lincoln, Nebraska, an 
 assistant clerk in the railway mail service. 
 
 Having laid a good foundation for his future education in the 
 district schools of Blanchard township, E. E. Jones completed his early 
 studies in the State Normal School at Ada. Beginning life for himself, 
 he was successfully employed in buying and shipping grain and hay in 
 Dunkirk from 1885 until 1890. Coming from there to Kenton in the 
 latter year, Mr. Jones has since developed a very large and profitable 
 mercantile business as a wholesale and retail dealer in grain, hay and 
 coal. He is also interested in agricultural pursuits, owning a farm of 
 forty acres in this vicinity, and having a half interest in an estate of 
 ninety acres. 
 
 Mr. Jones married, September 30, 1885, Delpha A. Taylor, who was 
 born in Knox county, Ohio, but as a child came with her parents, Mr. 
 and Mrs. J. W. Taylor to Hardin county, and was here brought up, 
 receiving her education in the Dunkirk schools. Two children have 
 brightened the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, namely: Dean C. and Neil 
 T. An earnest Republican in his political affiliations, and an active 
 worker in his party, Mr. Jones was elected county treasurer in 1902, and 
 served in that capacity two terms, being honored with a reelection in 
 1904. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, being 
 a Royal Arch Mason, and a Knight Templar. 
 
874 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 William Clark Winder, a prominent citizen of Mt. Victory, Ohio, 
 was born in Hale township, Hardin county, Ohio, April 28, 1868. His 
 father, Elihu Winder, who lived on the old Wilson farm in Hale town- 
 ship, was born in Stark county, Ohio, and died December 16, 1904, at 
 the age of seventy-three years. He was left an orphan when a small 
 child, and with his two brothers and three sisters was reared by his 
 grandfather, Thomas Bloomfield. Elihu Winder came to Hardin 
 county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-one years, and worked on a farm for 
 Thomas McCall, until his marriage, when he carried on the present farm 
 of his father-in-law, John C. Garwood. In 1884 he settled on the Hamp- 
 ton farm in Dudley township, where he remained until 1901, and in 
 that year located near Kenton, where he carried on farming until his 
 death. lie was a member of the United Brethren church of Mt. Victory, 
 but never greatly interested in political matters. 
 
 Elihu Winder enlisted in Company H, One Hundred Twenty-first 
 Ohio Infantry, under General Sigel. He was with Ferd Kopp and 
 George Ansley, when Boyd was shot between them, at Maryland Heights. 
 He served four months and was mustered out in 1865. Mr. Winder 
 married Hopy Garwood, now living, at the age of sixty-seven years, 
 with a daughter in Buck township, Hardin county. Besides William C., 
 the children of Elihu Winder and his wife were: Louis W., of Marion, 
 in insurance business ; Maud, a music teacher, living in Buck township 
 with her mother ; Rebecca, died at the age of forty-six years, and Rockey, 
 died at the age of thirty years. Mr. Winder has two sisters living, 
 namely : Anna, wife of Thomas Moreland, of Elkhart county, Indiana, 
 and one other. 
 
 The education of William C. Winder was acquired in his native 
 county, and he attended Mt. Victory schools until sixteen years old. He 
 then helped his father on the farm and remained at home until twenty 
 years of age, when he began learning the trade of barber, which he has 
 worked at for the past twenty-one years. He is also engaged in the 
 accident, life and fire insurance business, and for the past fifteen years 
 has also worked at paper-hanging and decorating work. He is a good 
 workman, and skillful in all the work he undertakes. His industry and 
 honesty are well recognized, and he is held in high esteem by all who 
 know him. 
 
 January 5, 1888, Mr. Winder married Anna M. Ponelson, born 
 August 1. 1868, daughter of Rob and Susanna (Shanks) Ponelson. Mr. 
 Winder and his wife became parents of children as follows: William C., 
 Jr., born October 14, 1888, a student, living at. home; Storley, born 
 April 5, 1895; Lucille, June 16, 1898; Robert E. March 26, 1900; Rich- 
 ard Carvel, February 22, 1902 ; Martin, February, 1904 ; Helen, June 
 26, 1906 ; and Minnie, September 26, 1908. Mr. Winder and his family 
 are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias of Mt. Victory, and of the Independent Order of 
 Odd Fellows, having passed through the chairs of the latter; he also 
 served twelve years as record-keeper of the K. O. T. M., of which he is 
 a member. Politically he is a Republican, and served as corporation 
 and township clerk eight terms each, or sixteen years. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 875 
 
 John S. Scott. — Among the most substantial and influential busi- 
 ness men of Kenton, Ohio, is a successful contractor and builder. He 
 was born in Kenton, July 17, 1843, and is a son of James and Mary 
 (Eaton) Scott, both natives of Pennsylvania. James Scott was of 
 Scotch descent, and came to Hardin county, Ohio, in the spring of 
 1833, locating in Kenton. He also was a contractor and carpenter, and 
 erected some of the first houses put up in the city of Kenton. He built 
 irp a good business, and became a prominent member of the community. 
 Politically he was a Democrat ; he died when about fifty-seven years of 
 age. He was married in his native state, and he and his wife reared 
 six sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters sur- 
 vive at the present time, John S. being the ninth child. 
 
 The early boyhood of John S. Scott was spent in Kenton, and when 
 five years of age his father moved to a farm in Buck township, Hardin 
 county, where John lived until fifteen years of age, attending the public 
 schools, and then started in life for himself. He worked some time at 
 the trade of carpenter, and in 1861 enlisted in Company B, Eighty- 
 second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, later attaining the rank of sergeant. 
 He served until the close of the war, about four years altogether. He 
 reenlisted at Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the same company and regiment, 
 and took part, in most of the important battles of the struggle, in Vir- 
 ginia and along the Potomac, until after Gettysburg, when they were 
 transferred to the Western Army. He was with Sherman at the 
 capture of Atlanta and the march to the sea. Mr. Scott was first 
 wounded in the right shoulder, with a minie ball, at the battle of Bull 
 Run. He w r as again wounded in the forehead and left leg, at Chancel- 
 lorsville, wms taken prisoner and spent five months at Libby prison, 
 returning to his regiment in October, 1863. He was present at the 
 Grand Review at Washington, and was then ordered to Texas, but 
 after proceeding as far as Louisville, returned home, arriving in Kenton 
 July 29, 1865. Upon his return he worked twenty days and then had 
 the ball removed from his shoulder. Since that time he has been en- 
 gaged as carpenter, contractor and builder. He has erected more 
 buildings in Kenton than any other three men engaged in the same 
 occupation ; he has built business blocks, clwellngs, churches, school- 
 houses and other public buildings, and has conducted his business in a 
 creditable manner. He is an able workman himself, and employs 
 several men. 
 
 In 1867 Mr. Scott married Almira Bridge, a native of Union county, 
 Ohio, who w r as reared in Buck township, Hardin county, daughter of 
 Thomas Warner. Mr. Scott and his wife have one daughter, Susa, 
 wife of George A. Wendt, of Kenton. Mr. Scott is a stanch Republican 
 and takes an active interest in public affairs. He served four years as 
 sheriff of Hardin county, also served as a member of the city council. 
 He is a member of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, also of the 
 Grand Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
 He is a lifelong resident of Hardin county, and has been actively identi- 
 fied with its interests. He is widely known throughout the community, 
 and has the entire respect and confidence of his fellows. 
 
876 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 William Poe. — Among the honored native sons of Hardin county 
 who have witnessed and assisted in its development from the virgin 
 wilds into one of the most progressive and prosperous sections of the 
 tine old Western Reserve is William Poe, who was born in the township 
 that is now his home and who is a member of one of the sterling pioneer 
 families of this county, where his entire life thus far lias been passed 
 and where he has been identified with the great industries of agriculture 
 and stock-growing from his youth, being now the owner of a well im- 
 proved and valuable landed estate of three hundred and fifty acres, in 
 Roundhead township. His life has been guided and governed by the 
 strictest principles of integrity and honor, and thus he has not been 
 denied the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem. He is one 
 of the well known and representative farmers of the county and is 
 specially entitled to consideration in this history of Hardin county. 
 
 William Poe was born in Roundhead township, Hardin county, 
 Ohio, on the 18th of December, 1837, and is a son of Andrew and Lavina 
 (Zimmerman) Poe. Andrew Poe was born in Kentucky, in May, 1816, 
 and was a child at the time of his parents’ removal to Fayette county, 
 Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, receiving such advantages as 
 were offered in the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch. His mar- 
 riage was solemnized in Ross county, and he was one of the early settlers 
 of Roundhead township, Hardin county, where he became the owner of 
 four hundred acres of heavily timbered land. He made a clearing in 
 which to erect his little log house and then essayed the herculean task 
 of reclaiming his land to cultivation. He was a man of indomitable 
 energy and sterling character, and he eventually became one of the 
 substantial farmers of the county, where his name is held in high regard 
 by all who remember him as a venerable patriarch of this section, where 
 he continued to reside until his death, in April, 1906, only a few weeks 
 before he would have ninety years of age. His devoted wife and 
 himself were both devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 They became the parents of three sons and four daughters, of whom the 
 subject of this review is the eldest; William Milton is a resident of 
 Kansas ; Ann M. is the wife of Hamilton Hill ; Geneva is the widow of 
 Daniel Carter; Samantha is the wife of James Smith; David; and 
 Douglas. 
 
 William Poe was ushered into the world in the little pioneer home 
 in the midst of the forests of Roundhead township, and his earliest labors 
 were in connection with the arduous work of the farm. He assisted in 
 clearing land and in other portions of the farm work, and to the pioneer 
 schools of the locality and period he is indebted for his early educational 
 training, which was limited, as a matter of course, but which has been 
 supplemented by the lessons gained under the direction of that wisest of 
 headmasters, experience. Mr. Poe has had no inclination to sever his 
 allegiance to the great basic art of agriculture during the long interven- 
 ing years, marked by ‘ 1 ceaseless toil and endeavor. ’ ’ He initiated his 
 independent operations on eighty acres of land in his native township, 
 establishing his home in the woods and reclaiming his land from the 
 forest. Success of definite and generous order crowned his efforts and 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 877 
 
 he is now the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of well improved 
 and most productive land, located in sections 4, 16 and 17, Roundhead 
 township. lie has given his attention to diversified agriculture and the 
 raising of high-grade stock, and, well preserved in mental and physical 
 powers, he still finds satisfaction in supervising the various departments 
 of his farm work. He is a substantial, progressive and public-spirited 
 citizen, has ever lent his aid in support of measures for the general good, 
 and has contributed his quota to the industrial and civic upbuilding of 
 this favored section of the Reserve. He is a stockholder in the Belle 
 Center Bank and as a business man his ability is best indicated by the 
 success which he has attained through his own well directed endeavors. 
 
 In politics Mr. Poe is found arrayed under the banner of the Demo- 
 cratic party but he has never sought the honors or emoluments of public 
 office, though he has consented to serve as school director of his district. 
 He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
 Pleasant Hill, and he is a valued member of its board of trustees. 
 
 Mr. Poe has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Helen M. 
 Buffenbarger, who was born in Auglaize county, this state, and whose 
 death occurred on the 1st of May, 1898. They became the parents of 
 five children, concerning whom the following brief data are entered : 
 Florence, who was a successful school teacher when a young woman, is 
 now the wife of James Patrick; Marquis is a successful farmer of Round- 
 head township and he also found requisition for service in the pedagogic 
 profession ; Ada N. is the wife of Frederick Davidson ; Leota is the 
 widow of Frank Tidd, of Roundhead township, where she still resides ; 
 and Vesta, is the wife of Edward Turner. Mr. Poe married for his 
 second wife Miss Pauline Stinson, daughter of John W. and Selina 
 (Brinton) Stinson. She was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 18th 
 of October, 1856, and was about ten years of age at the time of her 
 parents’ removal to Hardin county, where she has since maintained her 
 home, and where she has a wide circle of friends. 
 
 J. A. Grafmiller, a well-to-do farmer of Jackson township, Hardin 
 county, owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres of well improved 
 land, which has been in his possession since 1888. He was born in 
 Crawford county, Ohio, in 1862, and is a son of Andrew Grafmiller, also 
 a native of Crawford county, born in 1838, whose wife was born in 1840. 
 He removed with his family to Hardin county, in 1869, first buying 
 eighty acres and later adding to his holdings. In 1882 and 1884 he 
 built a fine brick house; he served as township trustee. He and his 
 wife are now residing in the state of Washington. Their children 
 were: William A., Mary M. (Mrs. Gardner) and J. A. Andrew 
 
 Grafmiller, is a son of Andrew and Siloam (Wizard) Grafmiller, both 
 natives of Baden, Germany, who came to this county as early as 1834, 
 and settled in Crawford county, Ohio. They were parents of children 
 as follows: Andrew, Augustus (deceased), Christian (deceased), Jacob, 
 Rudolph and Caroline (deceased). 
 
 J. A. Grafmiller was reared and educated in Crawford and Hardin 
 counties, having come with his parents to the latter county in 1869. He 
 VoJ. 11—28 
 
878 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 took up farming after completing his education, with what success may 
 be seen. He is well known and highly esteemed in the community, 
 and takes an active interest in public affairs. He is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias. 
 
 In 1885 Mr. Grafmiller married Sarah J., who was born August 22, 
 1863, in Goshen township Hardin county, Ohio, a daughter of James M. 
 Baker. To this union have been born seven children, namely : Edna, 
 Lydia, Matthew, Ollie M., Jessie, Ray and an infant. 
 
 J. N. Hensel, a progressive farmer of Blanchard township, where 
 he owns eighty acres of well-tilled and valuable land was born in Wash- 
 ington township, Hardin county, Ohio, in 1865, and is a son of Adam 
 and Thresa Hensel, both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated 
 to this country in 1838. After spending two years in Columbus, Ohio, 
 they located in Hardin county, which was at that time new country and 
 the land was not cleared. Here Adam Hensel purchased eighty acres 
 of land, to which he was soon after able to add another eighty. By 
 untiring energy and economy he was afterward able to purchase another 
 one hundred and sixty acres, all in Washington township. He after- 
 ward purchased eighty acres of land in Blanchard township, which is 
 now the property of J. N. ; he was thus at one time possessed of four 
 hundred acres. Mr. Hensel was an earnest member of the Lutheran 
 church. Tie was the father of children as follows : Kate, Louisa, 
 Charles, John, J. N., George, Mary, William and three who died in 
 infancy. 
 
 J. N. Hensel was educated in his native township, and has always 
 followed farming. He has owned his present farm since 1891, and has 
 been very successful. Mr. Hensel is an intelligent farmer, and looks 
 carefully after his business interests. He stands well in the community, 
 and is a public-spirited, useful citizen. He and his family are members 
 of the German Lutheran church, and interested in all movements and 
 causes for the general welfare. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. Hensel married Alvinsie, daughter of Charles Hill, a 
 well-to-do farmer of Hardin county, and to this union have been born 
 six children, namely: Charles, Dean, Catherine, Harry, Lucile and 
 
 Helen. Mrs. Hensel is also a native of Washington township, born 
 in 1871. 
 
 Benson M. Hopkins, a well known and distinctively popular citizen 
 of the village of Alger is entitled to special credit for the success he has 
 gained through his own indefatigable efforts, as he has been dependent 
 upon his own resources from his boyhood days and has had his full 
 share of the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” so far as they 
 are ever directed against the one who thus fights the battle of life for 
 himself. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins is a native of the old Buckeye state and here the major 
 portion of his life thus far has been spent. He was born in Morgan 
 county, Ohio, on the 15th of July, 1869, and is a son of James and Mary 
 (Breeze) Hopkins. When but six years of age he was entrusted to the 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 879 
 
 care of others than his parents, and for several years thereafter he found 
 his home an uncertain quantity, not only in location but in meriting the 
 name. He received but meager educational advantages, but has learned 
 well the lessons to be gained in the school of practical experience, and is 
 known as a capable business man and as a citizen of sterling integrity 
 of character. He devoted his attention principally to farm Avork until 
 he had attained to the age of nineteen years, after which he was engaged 
 in mining work for about two years. Thereafter he was in the employ 
 of the C. S. & A. R. R. He worked for this company on its coal docks 
 and also as “hostler” of a locomotive, turning his attention to any 
 honest occupation that would afford him due financial returns for his 
 efforts. 
 
 In 1903 Mr. Hopkins took up his residence in the village of Alger, 
 Hardin county, where he has since maintained his home and Avhere he 
 is held in unqualified popular esteem. Soon after his arrival here he 
 leased a portion of the fertile marsh land lying contiguous to the village 
 and he put this into effective use in the raising of melons and a large 
 variety of vegetables. He found a ready market for his products and 
 built up a prosperous business, in which he has since continued, ha\dng 
 recently released the land for a period of five years. As a market- 
 gardener he has gained a high reputation for his discrimination and 
 effective handling of the various details of his enterprse. He is the 
 owner of a fine residence property on Front street, and also owns two 
 full lots and two fractional lots in the Dunlap addition to the village. 
 In politics Mr. Hopkins is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Repub- 
 lican party and both he and his Avife hold membership in the Methodist 
 Episcopal church. 
 
 Mr. Hopkins AA r as united in marriage to Miss Rosetta Roberts, Avho 
 was born and reared in Perry county, this state, and they have three 
 children, Avhose names, with respective dates of birth, are here noted : 
 Noble B., February 21, 1896 ; Charles A., February 28, 1903 ; and Dale, 
 February 15, 1908. 
 
 Henry Conklin. — One of the most prominent of Hardin county’s 
 business men Avhose enterprise and sound judgment have not only pro- 
 moted individual prosperity but have advanced the public welfare is 
 mentioned Henry Conklin, the promoter and operator of the Mt. Victory 
 electric light plant. Mr. Conklin was born in Jones county, Iowa, 
 December 15, 1856. Samuel Conklin, his father, Avas born in Hardin 
 county, becoming a laborer and farmer, and he moved from here to 
 Marion county, Ohio, and from there to IoAva in 1855, but returned to 
 Marion county during the infancy of his son Henry. He Avas a farmer 
 there for some time, but finally sold his farm and with his family moved 
 to Pulaski county, Indiana, but again he returned to Ohio, and settling 
 in Mt. Victory he died here. His Avife, Hannah, Avas a daughter of 
 John Preston, a Marion county farmer, and their family numbered the 
 following children : William, a farmer in Arenac county, Michigan ; 
 
 Riley, living in Mt. Victory ; Mary Ellen, AA T ife of Orr Pyers, also in Mt. 
 Victory; Elmira, of this city; and Henry. 
 
880 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Henry Conklin after leaving school at the age of fifteen learned and 
 followed for two years the carpenter’s trade, later was engaged in the 
 timber and lumber business, and in 1881 began the operation of a saw 
 mill in connection with his lumbering. On the 15th of April, 1906, he 
 completed what was then and has since remained the only electric plant 
 in this vicinity, and this plant furnishes both the light and power for 
 Mt. Victory and the surrounding country. This is one of the valued 
 and important institutions of the city, and Mr. Conklin may well feel 
 proud of what he has accomplished in the way of public improvement 
 and the success he has achieved. 
 
 He married on the 2d of May, 1879, Sarah E. Peaver. She was 
 born on the 16th of December, 1856, in Hardin county, a daughter of 
 John and Sarah (Thomas) Peaver, honored pioneers of the county. Mrs. 
 Conklin has the following brothers and sisters: George and James, 
 
 both deceased; Jane, the wife of Ross Campbell, a carpenter living in 
 Missouri ; and Edith, also deceased. Five children have blessed the 
 marriage union of Mr. and Mrs. Conklin: Charles, who married Jennie 
 Seidel, and they are living in Goshen, Indiana; Samuel, at home with 
 his parents ; Harry Clyde, who married Daisy Callahan, and they are 
 living in Mt. Victory ; Nellie, wife of Elmer Shirk, and they have a son 
 Francis Edmond, the only grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Conklin; and 
 Marie, in school. Mr. Conklin gives his political allegiance to the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 John IT. Culp. — A well known and highly esteemed resident of Mt. 
 Victory, John II. Culp has spent a large part of his active life in Hardin 
 county, contributing to its industrial interests both as an agriculturist 
 and as a merchant, in the meantime gaining for himself the reputation 
 of one who deserves the confidence and trust of his fellow men. A son 
 of Jacob Culp, he was born, March 23, 1862, in Marion, Ohio. He is of 
 German descent, and has inherited in a marked degree the habits of 
 industry and thrift characteristic of his ancestors. His grandfather, 
 J. Culp, was a, baker by trade, and, with his wife, Katie Culp, lived to 
 a good old age. 
 
 Born in Durlach, Germany, Jacob Culp was there brought up and 
 educated. Following the tide of emigration across the Atlantic, he 
 came to America in 1851, locating in Marion, Ohio, where he followed 
 his trade of a stone mason for several years. Investing his money then 
 in land, he was afterwards employed in tilling the soil until his death, in 
 1882, at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years. He married 
 Katie Fulmer, who was born sixty-six years ago in Germany, which was 
 the life-long home of her parents. She came from the Fatherland with 
 her uncle, Lewis Fulmer, who settled in Marion, Ohio, and subsequently, 
 during the Civil war, fought bravely in defence of his adopted country. 
 Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Culp, namely: Jacob, 
 a farmer in Meade county, Kansas; Susan, wife of H. Muth, a gardener 
 in Mansfield, Ohio; John H., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; 
 Charles, of Prospect, Ohio ; Mary, wife of George Muth, of Mansfield ; 
 William, a cabinet maker in Columbus ; Frank, an attorney, residing in 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 881 
 
 Butler, Ohio ; and Arthur, living with his mother on the old homestead. 
 
 Leaving school at the age of thirteen years, John H. Culp assisted 
 his father in clearing the home farm for five years, after which he again 
 attended school for two years. Subsequently, having earned some 
 money by working three years in a bakery, he embarked in agricultural 
 pursuits, renting land for two years in Hale township. He was then 
 similarly employed in Dudley township for a year, from there going to 
 Marion county, where he had the entire supervision of the Gill farm until 
 1899, a period of eight years. Mr. Culp then bought a farm on the 
 pike, and there carried on general farming with success until 1907, when 
 he sold at an advantage. Coming then to Mt. Victory, Hardin county, 
 he turned his attention to an entirely different kind of business, buying 
 a restaurant and a grocery, which he has since conducted in an able 
 manner, at the same time having a good trade in hay, of which he is an 
 extensive buyer and shipper. 
 
 Mr. Culp married, in 1886, Mary A. Self, who was born in Marion 
 county, Ohio, in 1868, being a daughter of William Self, a venerable 
 and highly respected farmer, now eighty-six years of age. Three chil- 
 dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Culp, namely : Floyd, who married 
 Bessie Moore, died March 29, 1908, aged twenty-three years, leaving one 
 child, Mary Elizabeth Culp ; Charley, born in 1887, living on the home 
 farm; and John, born in 1892, attending school. In his political 
 affiliations Mr. Culp is a steadfast Democrat, and is now serving as 
 trustee of Hale township. Fraternally he is a member of the Indepen- 
 dent Order of Odd Fellows ; of the Knights of Pythias ; and of kit. 
 Victory Tent, K. 0. T. M. Mrs. Culp belongs to the Daughters of 
 Rebekah, and to the Pythian Sisters, and is an active member of the 
 Church of God. 
 
 Christian Kraft, one of the worthy farmers of Washington town- 
 ship, Hardin county, Ohio, is of German descent and belongs to one of 
 the pioneer families of the county. His grandfather, John Kraft, with 
 his wife and son, William, came from Germany in 1833, landing at 
 Baltimore, Maryland, and going direct to Wheeling, Virginia, to the 
 home of their son, John. They traveled by post, the trip to Wheeling 
 taking seventeen days. After one year’s residence here, during which 
 the mother died, John Kraft with his son William and William ’s wife 
 came to Hardin county and during the remainder of their lives they 
 were residents of this county. 
 
 The parents of Christian Kraft, William and Louisa (Stratton) 
 Kraft, settled in Washington township in 1834, and here the father 
 purchased two hundred acres of unimproved land, which in due time 
 he converted into a beautiful farm. In coming from Wheeling, Virginia, 
 which was two hundred miles away, the mother of Mr. Kraft related that 
 the roads were so bad they were oftentimes obliged to get out of the 
 wagon and walk, and in some places had to cut poles to lay across the 
 road ; it took two weeks to make the trip. For many years the home was 
 the typical log house of the pioneer. They used an old horse mill on 
 which they ground corn for meal, and also an old grater, like a horse- 
 
882 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 radish grater, only very much larger. They had no stoves and did all 
 their cooking in the fire-place. Bread was baked in kettles with long 
 legs and heavy iron lids. These kettles were placed in the fire-place, 
 the heavy iron lids were heated and put on and over the lids coals were 
 also placed. In those days Indians were numerous and would come to 
 the house and ask for something to eat. Sheep had to be penned up at 
 night to protect them from the ravages of wolves, bears and other wild 
 beasts. The nearest grist mill was forty miles away at West Liberty, 
 Logan county, the road to which was mostly through the woods. The 
 round trip to the mill took two weeks and sometimes the family would 
 be without flour for several days before the father’s return, during which 
 time they would live on roasted potatoes served with butter, which the 
 children thought delightful. There was no well on the place and water 
 had to be carried from neighboring farms. Like all German people, 
 William and Louisa Kraft were thrifty and economical and good loyal 
 citizens of their adopted country. William Kraft died at his home in 
 this county in 1850, but his wife, who was born in 1815, survived him 
 until 1889. 
 
 Christian Kraft was born September 24, 1845, on his father’s farm 
 in Washington township, and here lie was reared and here he has always 
 lived. He is the owner of three tracts of choice land containing four 
 hundred and twelve acres, under a high state of cultivation. He figures 
 as one of the prominent men of the community, the offices of land ap- 
 praiser and township treasurer having been held by him. In 1876, 
 Mr. Kraft was married to Miss Louisa Hensel, who was born in Wash- 
 ington township, May 31, 1854, and to them have been given six children : 
 John A., George W., L. M., Mary, Irwin and Marie. 
 
 David S. Tough is the present chairman of the board of trustees of 
 Taylor Creek township and one of the representative farmers and busi- 
 ness men of his community. He was born on the homestead on which he 
 now lives on the 11th of March, 1870. David Tough, his father, born 
 in Scotland in September of 1830, came to America at the age of twenty- 
 four and was for seven years engaged in blacksmithing in Urbana, Ohio, 
 coming then in 1862 to Hardin county, and locating on the tract that now 
 forms a part of the old Tough homestead in Taylor Creek township. 
 This little farm of fifty-six acres at the time of the purchase was covered 
 with timber, but Mr. Tough in time cleared the tract, built his home and 
 transformed the tract into a splendid farm. In the city of Springfield, 
 Ohio, in 1861, David Tough was married to Miss Janet Cummings, who 
 was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1832, a daughter of James and 
 Margaret (MaeBeth) Cummings, the father a shipbuilder in Aberdeen. 
 There was a son and a daughter born of that union, and the latter, Jessie, 
 is the wife of William Harbert, a printer in Chicago, Illinois. 
 
 David S. Tough has spent his entire life on the homestead where he 
 now lives, a splendid tract of one hundred and thirty-five acres, and he is 
 engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is serving his second 
 term as chairman of the board of trustees of Taylor Creek township, and 
 he also served his township two terms as a constable. He is an active 
 Republican worker in local politics. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 883 
 
 In 1895 Mr. Tough was married to Amy Stout, who was born on the 
 old Stout homestead in McDonald township, Hardin county, on the 24th 
 of April, 1875, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bell) Stout. Joseph 
 Stout also had his nativity on the homestead mentioned, his father, 
 Daniel Stout, having come here from Pennsylvania. He married 
 Barbara Zahllers, a member of another of the pioneer families of Hardin 
 county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stout are living, the former at the age of 
 sixty-two and the latter at the age of fifty-nine. She is a daughter of 
 Richard and Elizabeth (Bergert) Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Stout became the 
 parents of seven children, and the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Tough 
 are Elsie Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Corwin, a merchant in Belle 
 Center; Denny E., at home with his parents; Mary Agnes, the wife of 
 George Dillon, a farmer at Roundhead ; Anna Bell, the wife of Roy Liles, 
 in McDonald township; Willard E., on the homestead with his parents; 
 and Floyd Ivan, also with his parents. The four children of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Tough are : Ethel, born in 1896 ; Mary, in 1897 ; Bessie, in 1898 ; 
 and Agnes, in 1904. The eldest daughter, Ethel, at the age of twelve, 
 passed successfully the examination which entitled her to free tuition in 
 any high school in the state of Ohio. The family are members of the 
 Presbyterian church at Belle Center. 
 
 William PI. McGraw. — There are many -fine farms in Hardin coun- 
 ty, Ohio, that owe a great deal of their good condition to the owners, who 
 have spent much time and effort to bring them up to the high standard 
 maintained by farmers of the present day. Among the enterprising 
 farmers of Hale township is William H. McGraw, who was born in Plain 
 City, Ohio, March 28, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Kate 
 (McLaughlin) McGraw. Patrick McGraw is a native of Ireland, who 
 has now reached the age of ninety years, and is living retired near 
 Kenton. He came from Ireland when a young man and settled on a 
 farm near Plain City, where he followed farming some years, and then 
 came to the farm where he now resides. His wife, also a native of 
 Ireland, who came to the United States when a girl, has now reached the 
 venerable age of eighty-six years. They are members of the Catholic 
 church at Summit. Besides William, he and his wife had the following 
 children: Daniel, living at home on the farm; Lawrence, also at home; 
 Maggie, wife of J. McGraw; Mary, married J. Connell, of Kenton, 
 where he is a teamster; and John, living on a farm near Ashley, Ohio. 
 
 William H. McGraw received a good common school education and 
 when he had reached the age of sixteen years he began assisting his 
 father on the farm, which he continued until twenty-two years of age, 
 when he worked for others until his marriage. He settled on the farm 
 he now occupies in 1898, and has been since that time actively engaged 
 in farming and stock raising. He has adopted the most modern methods 
 and meets with a high degree of success. He is a Republican in 
 political views, although he has never cared for public office, devoting 
 himself closely to the interests of his farm. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. McGraw married Cordelia Allen, who was born in De- 
 cember, 1874, a daughter of Charles and Jane (Kelly) Allen. Charles 
 
884 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Allen, a retired farmer of Mt. Victory, has reached the age of sixty- 
 eight, years. His wife is sixty-five years of age. Mr. Allen is a veteran 
 of the Civil war and is a son of Ethan Allen, who was one of the largest 
 stock dealers in Fayette county, Ohio; the family of Mrs. McGraw came 
 from Fayette to Hardin county in 1874 and settled in Hale township, 
 where they lived on a farm many years; later Mr. Allen engaged in 
 livery business at Mt. Victory for a time, but is now living retired. Mr. 
 McGraw and his wife have been blessed with two children : Dorothea, 
 
 born April 7, 1900, and Charles, born December 6, 1894. 
 
 James T. Porter, a retired farmer and stockman of Taylor Creek 
 township, was born on the old homestead January 17, 1844, and is a son 
 of Andrew and Rebecca (Dunlop) Porter. Andrew Porter’s father 
 located in Green county, Ohio, in 1804, and lived there the remainder of 
 his life. He served in the war of 1812. His wife, Jane Porter, died 
 in 1844. 
 
 Andrew Porter was a native of Kentucky, born May 11, 1800, and 
 died October 6, 1867. He followed farming all his life and in 1832 
 settled on what became the family homestead in Taylor Creek township, 
 where he took up one hundred and twenty-two acres of land. This 
 farm was in the woods and Mr. Porter set out to improve his land and 
 erected a log cabin for the family home. He spent the remainder of his 
 life on this farm and became successful as a farmer. He was a member 
 of the Disciples church. He was a strong Whig and held various town- 
 ship offices. He was married, September 29, 1830, to Rebecca Dunlop, 
 who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1805. Besides James T. 
 Porter his parents had children as follows : Freeman, a farmer of 
 
 Taylor Creek township ; Mary Ann, wife of O. Howell, of Belle Center, 
 Ohio; Jane, widow of J. Lowery, of Belle Center; and Susan, wife of 
 G. C. Aldrich, of California. 
 
 The early years of James T. Porter were spent on a farm and he 
 received his education in the district schools. At the age of seventeen 
 years he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 serving three months under Captain Riddle. In 1864 he reenlisted for 
 three years and served under Generals Thomas and Howard. He par- 
 ticipated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and Springhill. He was 
 mustered out in 1865, at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and returned 
 home. After the death of his father he carried on the farm for his 
 mother and cared for her until her death, in 1886. His father had built 
 the first brick house in Hardin county, manufacturing his own brick. 
 
 Mr. Porter and his brother bought the shares of the other heirs to 
 the homestead and settled there in 1877. He has made a specialty of 
 stock raising and often wintered as many as two hundred hogs for sale in 
 the spring. For the past five years he has been retired from active 
 work, but still lives on the farm. He has made all possible improve- 
 ments and has been a most enterprising, progressive farmer. He has 
 worked hard all his life until the last few years and met with gratifying 
 success. 
 
 September 2, 1869, Mr. Porter married Sarah J. Kauffman, who was 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 885 
 
 born in Richland county, Ohio, September 1, 1849, daughter of John and 
 Mary (Shaffner) Kauffman, the latter of whom died in 1907. Mrs. 
 Kauffman was a member of St. Paul Methodist church and an active 
 worker for the church and the Ladies’ Aid Society. Mrs. Porter has two 
 sisters, — Mary, wife of W. Moy, a farmer living north of Kenton, and 
 Lydia, wife of George Stone, also a farmer. Mr. Porter and his wife 
 became parents of children as follows: Chase, born July 23, 1870, a 
 
 merchant of Richmond, married Madeline LaChanee and they have two 
 children, Bernard and Fred; Albert J., born November 28, 1871, a real 
 estate dealer of Marion county, Ohio, married (first) Jennie Jeffers, by 
 whom he had one child, Lois, and (second) Bernice Laughlin, by whom 
 he had one child, Helen; Marshall, born June 11, 1874, an undertaker of 
 Kenton, married Elizabeth Fisher and they have one child, Emma ; 
 William A., born in 1878, a farmer of Logan county, married Catherine 
 Titus and they have two children, Ralph and Lulu ; Mary I., born in 
 1881, married Harry Van Fleet, a dentist of Toledo, and they have two 
 children, Ethel and Margaret; Charles E., born September 18, 1884, 
 lives at home with his parents; Mina' C., born October 10, 1887, lives at 
 home ; and Lydia, born February 9, 1890, is at home. 
 
 Mr. Porter and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian 
 church of Belle Center. He is a member of the blue lodge of Masons 
 in Belle Center, Lodge No. 348, and of the chapter of Kenton. Both 
 he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. He belongs to the 
 Grand Army of the Republic post at Kenton. Politically Mr. Porter 
 is a stanch Republican. He has served thirty years as member of the 
 school board and is at present chairman of same. He served two terms 
 as land appraiser and has also been delegate to political conventions. Mr. 
 Porter is well known in the community where his entire life has been 
 spent, and is highly esteemed. 
 
 Harvey Buckminster, who was for many years a resident of Ken- 
 ton, Ohio, was a native of Vermont, born in 1800. When he was 
 thirteen months old he was left an orphan and was adopted into the 
 family of Stephen Strong, with whom he lived until twenty-seven years 
 of age. He then entered the employ of a Mr. Smith, who hired him to 
 drive a team over the mountains to Little Sandusky and defrayed the 
 expenses of the trip. Mr. Buckminster worked one month for a doctor 
 in the town and in December, 1827, engaged to work for a Mr. Chaffee, 
 who conducted a hotel at Tymochtee (in an Indian reservation), caring 
 for the stage horses, at four dollars per month and his board. While in 
 this town Mr. Buckminster became acquainted with a Mr. Brown, from 
 New Hampshire, who was the founder of Browntown, near Marseilles, 
 and conducted a hotel in the new town. Mr. Buckminster left his 
 position soon after and began working for Mr. Brown, about the time of 
 his marriage. He married Miss Abigail Brown, his employer’s daughter 
 February 22, 1828, and in May of the same year he was employed by A. 
 L. Hunt to drive a stage between Upper Sandusky and Bellefontaine, 
 Ohio. 
 
 In 1839 Mr. Buckminster purchased a farm in Hardin county, Ohio, 
 
886 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 near Grassy Point, and established a tavern, which his wife conducted, 
 while he continued driving stage. About a year later he entered the 
 employ of the North American Fur Company, purchasing furs through 
 the northwestern part of Ohio, also traveling as far north as Detroit, 
 Michigan, making his trips on horseback. During the thirteen years he 
 was employed with this concern he paid out some $75,000 for furs, and 
 became well known throughout the territory over which he traveled. 
 He discontinued his tavern at Grassy Point in 1842 and purchased a 
 farm on the old Sandusky road, where he erected a log tavern and he 
 and his wife conducted same with success and profit for a period of 
 some sixteen years. 
 
 About 1858 Mr. Buckminster rented his farm and tavern and retired 
 from active life, settling in the town of Kenton. lie had worked hard 
 all his life and had been successful through his own efforts, ably seconded 
 by his wife, and they were highly respected wherever they were known. 
 They endured the hardships common to pioneer and frontier life, and 
 had well earned the rest they were ready to enjoy. Mrs. Buckminster 
 died in 1868 and the following year Mr. Buckminster married Miss 
 Ellen McConaha, of West Liberty, Ohio, who was left an orphan in early 
 childhood. By his first wife Mr. Buckminster had three children, 
 namely : Jane, Louisa and Serena. By his second marriage he had one 
 daughter, Amelia, wife of J. A. Morrison, of Kenton. Mr. Buckminster 
 died in January, 1894, survived by his widow, who passed away in 1901. 
 He was greatly interested in the progress and development of the 
 county and was always ready to do his share in furthering any good 
 cause. Politically he was a stanch Republican and he attended the 
 Episcopal church, although he never became a member. He became a 
 well-known citizen of Kenton, and was able to relate many interesting 
 experiences of pioneer days. He had witnessed great changes in his 
 lifetime. Coming to Ohio when the settlers were scatterd and the 
 roads poor and but little traveled, he lived to see many wonderful im- 
 provements and witnessed the gradual upbuilding and growth of towns 
 and settlements where he had first seen their sites covered with timber. 
 
 Thomas Calvin Ferguson. — In the death of Thomas Calvin 
 Ferguson, late of Kenton, Ohio, the entire community felt bereaved of 
 a most beloved and revered friend and benefactor. Mr. Ferguson had 
 been a teacher in Kenton schools for a period of thirty-four years, and 
 during this time has figured more prominently than any other man in 
 moulding citizenship and public sentiment in the city for two generations. 
 He taught the fathers of many of the boys and girls who were his pupils 
 up to the time of his death. Professor Ferguson came of a family who 
 had been interested in education and culture for generations and in- 
 herited a quiet, studious, character and an ambition to know all a man 
 could learn of science, art, and the highest forms of learning. 
 
 Professor Thomas C. Ferguson was born on a farm near Tiffin, in 
 Seneca county, Ohio, June 8, 1851, one of the five sons of William and 
 Martha Chamberlain (Tittle) Ferguson. William Ferguson was a son 
 of Thomas Ferguson, who was of Scotch descent, and settled in West- 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 887 
 
 moreland county, Pennsylvania, about 1800. Thomas was a farmer by 
 occupation and a man with a high order of culture and learning. Some 
 of the letters he wrote to his children are still preserved in the family 
 and show that he was a man of superior education. He was an elder 
 in the Presbyterian church, owned a large farm, and was highly re- 
 spected by his associates. He married Elizabeth Marshall, who died 
 in middle life, and but little is known of her early life. Their children 
 were all given good educations and all became prominent business men 
 of Pittsburg and Allegheny, except William. 
 
 William Ferguson was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, 
 in March, 1820, and like his father, was a successful farmer. He was 
 a close student and was informed far above the average farmer of his 
 day. He moved with his wife’s people to Seneca county, Ohio, in 
 1845. His wife was born also in Westmoreland county, in 1821, eldest 
 daughter of Jonathan and Susan Beatty Tittle. She possessed a good 
 education and was a woman of culture and refinement. William Fergu- 
 son and his wife lived together fifty-two years, until his death, in March, 
 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. His widow survived him and died 
 in March, 1905, at the age of eighty-four years. They had five sons, of 
 whom two died in infancy. The others were : Marshal Beatty, the 
 eldest, Thomas Calvin, the second and William Wilson, the youngest. 
 Marshal Beatty was a graduate of Wooster University, and would 
 have graduated with high honors from Princeton Theological Seminary, 
 but for his sudden death, during the spring before graduation, when he 
 was thirty years old. His death was caused as the result of an accident. 
 William Wilson Ferguson was a graduate of Heidelburg University of 
 Tiffin and of the Iron City Business College, of Pittsburg. He was a 
 successful druggist in Red Cloud, Nebraska, and died at his father’s 
 farm in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1887, at the age of thirty-two years, from 
 the effects of asthma. He left a wife but no children. 
 
 Professor Thomas C. Ferguson was educated in Heidelburg Uni- 
 versity, of Tiffin, and after leaving that institution spent the remainder 
 of his life as a public instructor. In 1873 Professor Ferguson was 
 chosen superintendent of the public schools at Dunkirk, Ohio, and in 
 1875 he came to Kenton to accept a position as teacher of Grade No. 9 
 in the Old Central building, which burned more than a decade ago, and 
 when this grade was merged with the high school, becoming the freshman 
 year, Mr. Ferguson was given charge of this division as a member of 
 the high school faculty. He became teacher of mathematics, with his- 
 tory, political science and languages as side branches when his services 
 were necessary. 
 
 Some idea of the early ambition of Mr. Ferguson may be understood 
 from the fact that when a child of three years he often cried until he 
 was allowed to toddle with his older brother to the nearby country 
 school, really beginning his education at that age. He was always a 
 close student and had a burning desire to acquire knowledge. He was 
 a broad and skillful teacher of mathematics, in which branch he espec- 
 ially excelled, and was considered a very capable instructor in literature 
 and history. An active and tireless teacher as well as student, he lived 
 
888 
 
 HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 a life of service and self-sacrifice, of which his willing spirit and love of 
 his work were the keynote. After his long hours of work he would 
 spend hours in study and research and seemed never to rest. He was 
 well known throughout the state through institute and round-table 
 work, and the good he accomplished will stand as a monument in the 
 character, mind and heart of each one of his students. His life was 
 an inspiration and he had the faculty of investing each subject on which 
 he spoke with peculiar interest. His position of prominence and 
 respect did not come from a love of display or of being in the public 
 mind, as he was of a quiet, retiring nature, and rather introspective, 
 though he had many warm friends and was an enthusiastic speaker on any 
 subject that interested him. He was beloved throughout the community 
 in which he spent many years, because of his rare mind and wonder- 
 ful powers of oratory. He had a never-tiring love of young people, 
 and was never happier than in his work among them. He was ever 
 patient and cheerful, and had high ideals of his duty as an instructor 
 of the bright minds of his interesting pupils, who were just budding into 
 manhood and womanhood. 
 
 We quote from the Kenton Democrat of November 25, 1909: “Pro- 
 fessor Ferguson was a brilliant man, a deep student, a model teacher 
 and a Christian gentleman. He was an orator, and no tongue was more 
 eloquent than his. No more beautiful word pictures, enriched by gems 
 of literature, deep thought and long experience, have ever been heard in 
 this city, than those from the silver tongue of the white-haired orator.” 
 
 The death of Professor Ferguson occurred November 17, 1909, at 
 Kenton, Ohio. He had for some time been in a state of nervous col- 
 lapse due to stomach trouble and overwork and his family were much 
 worried about his health, but he loved his work and would not give up 
 while he was able to carry it on. The immediate cause of his sudden 
 death was brought about by the receipt on that evening of an evil anony- 
 mous letter, attacking him in a very unmerited manner. It is supposed 
 that, as was his custom when worried or grieved over anything he had 
 gone for a long walk, and since a heavy cold storm came on that night, 
 he probably was overtaken with weakness and illness after walking to 
 his farm about a mile and a half from Kenton. He was found lying 
 under a tree and his spirit had passed to its reward with none by to wit- 
 ness its departure. He was a man of delicacy of feeling and sensitive 
 nature and with his failing health this attack was unbearable. He died 
 of exposure and a broken heart. 
 
 He was an elder in the first Presbyterian church and a member of 
 the Masonic Order, having served as Worshipful Master. He was a 
 deep student of the Bible and was greatly revered for his help in church 
 work. He prepared and delivered a number of instructive lectures 
 from the bible for prayer meetings, brotherhood meetings and other 
 church meetings. In political views he was a Republican, as was his 
 father before him, but like him, did not care for public office. 
 
 August 14, 1873, Mr. Ferguson married Augusta M. Phillips, at 
 Patterson, Ohio. She was the youngest daughter of G. T. Phillips, 
 formerly of New Philadelphia, and her mother was Miranda Chrisman. 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 889 
 
 Her father was a cultured and educated man and spoke several lan- 
 guages.. He was ninety years of age at the time of his death, in 
 September, 1896. He was from New York and his brother Edwin Phil- 
 lips was a w 7 ell known artist in New r York City in the early part of 
 the nineteenth century. The family contained many gifted musicians. 
 The children born to Mr. Ferguson w 7 cre as follows: Nellie F., born in 
 Dunkirk, Ohio, November 13, 1874, graduated from high school and 
 married Dr. William C. Snodgrass, a physician of Kenton ; Martha 
 Louise, born November 26, 1876, graduated from high school, married 
 Frank J. Baker, a shoe merchant of Portsmouth, Ohio ; Grace C., born 
 at Kenton, September 2. 1878, graduate of high school and of a business 
 college of Toledo, Ohio, is a stenographer and book-keeper for Kenton 
 Hardware Company; Kate C., born September 21, 1880, died March 12, 
 1891 ; John Beatty, born February 5, 1886, unmarried, graduated from 
 high school and from an architectural training school of Ada, Ohio, is 
 an architect for the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company of Chicago ; 
 Sarah Agnes, born September 22, 1889, is a high school graduate ; Edwin 
 Phillips, born November 31, 1890, is in his senior year in high school. 
 
 D. L. Fryer, former mayor of Dunkirk, and now a justice of the 
 peace at Dunkirk, is one of the most popular and highly respected citi- 
 zens of that town. He was born in Carrollton, Carroll county, Ohio, 
 in 1844, and is a son of Robert and Esther (Green) Fryer. Robert 
 was a son of David Fryer, who was a soldier in Washington’s Army 
 during the Revolution, and was at Valley Forge, as was also Mrs. Fryer’s 
 father, Abram Green. Robert Fryer and his wife were both natives 
 of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and both of Quaker descent. They 
 were parents of four children, namely: John, D. L., Rachel and Lizzie. 
 John served in the Civil war, in the same regiment as his brother, and 
 took part in the same campaign. 
 
 D. L. Fryer was reared on a farm and attended the local schools ; 
 he was an earnest and persevering student, and became fitted for teach- 
 ing, which profession he followed with marked success nineteen years, 
 seventeen years of which he w T as school superintendent. In October, 
 1861, Mr. Fryer followed the call of his country, and joined the Eightieth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. After serving his enlistment 
 term of three years, he reenlisted in 1864, was promoted to the rank of 
 first sergeant, and discharged with this rank in 1865. Thus, he spent 
 nearly four of his best years in his country’s service, and during this 
 time never received a wound or encountered a serious accident. He 
 had left teaching to go to the front, and upon his return he resumed 
 his work. In 1880 Mr. Fryer located in Dunkirk, w^here he served as 
 mayor from 1888 until 1896. About the same time he was elected to 
 the office of justice of the peace, w r hich he has since filled with satisfac- 
 tion to all. For about eight years he was notary public ; in connection 
 with his present office Mr. Fryer has been for twenty years engaged in real 
 estate and insurance business, and for some thirty years past has fol- 
 lowed the vocation of auctioneer. He is well known throughout the 
 
890 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 community, and recognized as an enterprising, progressive man of affairs. 
 He is actively interested in local public affairs, and a patriotic, useful 
 citizen. 
 
 Mr. Fryer is a member of Dunkirk Lodge No. 549, Ancient Free 
 and Accepted Masons, Ada Chapter and Kenton Commandery: be also 
 belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is now Com- 
 mander of Post No. 102, Grand Army of the Republic, which office he 
 has already held four terms. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Fryer married Maggie Dunlap, and they had no 
 children. Mrs. Fryer died in 1896. 
 
 John II. Rader is a native of Kenton, Ohio, born in 1857 and now 
 resides in Kenton, although he has spent most of his life in farming. 
 He is a son of Michael and Eve (Rader) Rader, the former born in 
 Hessen, Germany, in 1816, and the latter born in Storfritz, Germany, 
 in 1822. Michael Rader emigrated to the United States about 1848 
 and settled in Hardin county, Ohio. Tie had learned the trade of wood- 
 worker and followed it for several years, but later went to work for a 
 farmer of Hardin county, remaining three years at this occupation. He 
 then returned to his native country and spent a year there. Returning 
 to the United States, he landed at New Orleans, came up the Mississippi 
 and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, from which city he walked to Kenton. 
 Three years later he again returned to Germany for another year, and 
 returning to the United States landed at Baltimore, where he met and 
 married Miss Eve Rader. They located in Hardin county and began 
 housekeeping first in an old schoolhouse, remaining in this until Mr. 
 Racier bought some land and erected a small house, into which they 
 moved. In 1862, Mr. Rader began farming on his own account, renting 
 land for several years, and in 1871 he purchased fifty acres of land in 
 Dudley township, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their 
 lives. Mr. Racier died February 13, 1886, and his wife died September 
 3, 1876. 
 
 The boyhood of John II. Racier was spent on a farm and he acquired 
 a very good education in the public schools. When old enough to work 
 he became interested in farming, and successfully followed this line of 
 work until about fifteen years ago, when he gave up active work, al- 
 though he still looks after his place. He lives in the town of Kenton, 
 where he has a very pleasant home. Mr. Rader was a most enterprising 
 and industrious farmer and became one of the prosperous and represen- 
 tative citizens of the county. He is a level-headed and straightforward 
 business man, whose honesty and integrity have never been questioned. 
 He is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Kenton, and is well known 
 in the community. Although Mr. Rader favors the principles of the 
 Republican party, in local affairs he casts his vote for the man he con- 
 siders best qualified for any given office. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Racier married Minerva, daughter of William and 
 Mary Ann (Roby) Williams. Mr. Williams was born in Virginia, in 
 1806 and his wife was born in Ohio, in 1819. When he was about six 
 months old his parents brought him to Ohio and located in Columbus, 
 
HISTORY OP HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 891 
 
 where he grew to maturity. He removed to Hardin county about 1831, 
 and there worked at his trade of harness maker and also taught school. 
 Mrs. Williams removed to Hardin county with her parents in 1832, and 
 the family settled on a farm east of Kenton, where her parents spent 
 the remainder of their lives. Mr. Williams and his wife were married 
 in 1849. 
 
 Damos Kahler represents one of the pioneer families of Hardin 
 county, and their name figures prominently on the pages of the history 
 of Washington township. John Kahler, his paternal grandfather, born 
 in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1778, emigrated to the United States in 
 1834, and in the same year entered forty acres of government land in 
 Washington township. Hardin county, while two years afterward, in 
 1836, he brought his family here. His wife before marriage was Martha 
 Shively, and they had three children : Ludwig, John G. and one who died 
 when young. 
 
 John G. Kahler, born April 26, 1821, in Wurtemburg, Germany, 
 came with his father to the United States, and reaching man’s estate he 
 purchased land at different times until he accumulated six hundred and 
 forty acres, which was afterward sold and willed to his heirs at differ- 
 ent times and with the exception of forty acres the property is still in 
 the possession of his children. John G. Kahler was a worthy citizen of 
 his adopted country and an industrious and successful agriculturist of 
 Hardin county. He served Washington township as treasurer for ten 
 years. He was confirmed in the German Lutheran church and continued 
 one of the members of that demonination until finally uniting with the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, afterward living and dying in that faith. 
 He married Miss Eve M. Markley on December 28. 1846, and nine, 
 children were born to them, namely : two who died in infancy, Damos, 
 William, Simon. Mary (deceased). Prank, Emma (deceased) and Joseph. 
 John G. Kahler. the father, died on the 18th of February, 1908, when 
 eighty-seven years of age, and his wife died on the 19th of October, 1905, 
 when seventy-six years of age. Their old family Bible shows with what 
 earnest care and deep research the book was read and studied, and its 
 many markings also show their familiarity with the Word of God. This 
 Bible is one of Martin Luther’s translations, and dates back to 1585. 
 
 Damos Kahler was born in Hancock county, Ohio, January 11, 
 1850, and was three years of age when his parents moved to what is 
 now Dola in Washington township. On the 18th of December, 1876, he 
 moved to his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres of valuable 
 farming land, all under a high state of cultivation and his buildings are 
 commodious and modern. He has served his township as an assessor and 
 school director, and is one of the influential residents of Washington 
 township. He married Miss Helmena, a daughter of Christian and Chris- 
 tena. Heroe, December 6. 1876, and they have had two children, Olive 
 M. and Edward C.. but the son died on the 7th of September, 1884. The 
 daughter is now the wife of W. W. Stump. Mr. Kahler and his family 
 are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dunkirk, and he 
 has served his church as a steward and trustee. 
 
892 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 Nelson Roby. — Among the venerable and highly respected residents 
 of Kenton is Nelson Roby, who served his country as a soldier in her time 
 of need, and was for many years busily engaged in promoting the agricul- 
 tural interests of Hardin county, carrying on general farming. A native 
 of Ohio, he was born, November 14, 1827, in Madison county, two miles 
 from Pleasant Valley, where his father, Henry Roby, was a pioneer 
 settler. 
 
 Henry Roby was born and bred in Virginia. Following the march 
 of civilization westward when young, he settled in Madison county, Ohio, 
 where he followed his trade of gun smith until 1831. In that year he 
 came with his family to Hardin county, making the removal with teams. 
 The country roundabout was then in its primeval wildness, the log cabin 
 then serving as a Court House being surrounded by forest trees, the 
 Square not having beeen cleared. He bought forty acres of land lying 
 three miles east of Kenton, and moved, with his family into the log cabin 
 standing in the clearing. He began the improvement of a homestead, and 
 continued his pioneer work until his death, at the age of sixty-eight 
 years, about 1839. His widow, was left with four children to care for. 
 But a small part of the forty acres purchased had then been cleared. 
 All of the children had to labor hard in helping care for the land, while 
 she, in addition to her other duties, raised sheep and flax, and carded, 
 spun and wove the material in which she clothed her family. She was 
 a most capable woman, and kept her family together until each of the 
 children became self supporting. 
 
 The oldest child of his parents, Nelson Roby took largely upon him- 
 self the care of the home farm, remaining with his mother until his 
 marriage, when he rented land, and began farming for himself. Enlist- 
 ing in 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, he went to Nashville, Tennessee, with his regi- 
 ment, and after taking a part in the engagement at that place was en- 
 gaged in guarding the city, being on patrol duty until the close of the 
 war, when he was honorably discharged from the service, and returned 
 home. Mr. Roby was subsequently engaged in tilling the soil until 
 1904, when he sold his farm, and came to Kenton, where he has since 
 lived retired from active pursuits. 
 
 Mr. Roby married, in his twenty-second year, Mary Surgeson, who 
 was born in Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Surgeson. She died in 1901, 
 leaving seven children, namely: Urania, Scott, Susan, John, Edward, 
 Charles and Minnie. Mr. Roby is a member of Cantwell Post, G. A. R., 
 and belongs to the Fairview Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. 
 Roby was also a member. 
 
 Henry W. Eibling, of Dola, Ohio, is a representative of an old 
 and well-known family of Hardin county. Mr. Eibling ’s grandfather, 
 Charles Eibling, was born in Germany, from whence, in 1834, he came to 
 the United States and settled in Richland township, Marion county, Ohio, 
 where he bought forty acres of land from the Government. Subsequently, 
 he moved to Van Wert county, this state, and purchased two hundred 
 and fifteen acres, which he owned at the time of his death. He died in 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 893 
 
 1864, at the age of fifty-nine years. His first wife, whom he married 
 in the old country and who came with him to America, died in Marion 
 county, and in 1848 he married Miss Rachel Meyle, who had come here 
 from Germany two years previous to that time, and who survived him 
 until 1900, when she died at the age of seventy-six years. His children 
 by his first wife were Charles, Godlieb, Frederick, Rachel, Minnie and 
 Christine ; Charles and Frederick are deceased. The children of the 
 second marriage also number six: C. T., Albert, John, Mary, Caroline, 
 Matilda, of whom two, Albert and Mary, are deceased. 
 
 C. T. Eibling, eldest child of this second union, was born in Richland 
 township, Marion county, in 1849 ; and in 1860 accompanied the family 
 on their removal to Yan Wert county, where he grew up and completed 
 his education. He followed farming, saw-milling and threshing alter- 
 nately in their seasons for a number of years, and in the mean time, in 
 1868, came to Hardin county. Here, in Washington township, in 1882, 
 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of cleared land, to the 
 cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his energies, and 
 where he has since lived. In 1869 he married Miss Elizabeth Orth, 
 who was born in Washington township, this county, in 1851, daughter of 
 George and Martha M. Orth, and their union was blessed in the birth 
 of seven children, five of whom are living, namely; Henry W., Clara, 
 Emma, Otto and Louis. 
 
 Henry W. Eibling dates his birth in Washington township, in 1871. 
 He was reared on his father’s farm, and his education, begun in the 
 common schools, has been carried forward in the broad school of ex- 
 perience. He followed farming until 1902, when he turned his attention 
 to railroading. Two years, however, sufficed for that line of work, and 
 on February 15, 1904, he became a Rural Free Delivery mail carrier, hav- 
 ing previously to that time passed a rigid examination, in a class of 
 seven, and received a per cent of ninety-nine. 
 
 Mr. Eibling has been twice married. His first wife, Hattie Beard, 
 whom he married in 1896, died in May 1902, leaving him with one son, 
 Roscoe W. In 1904 he married Miss Sarah Stanyer, a native of Canada, 
 and two children have been born of this union — Harold H. and Willis 
 M. Previous to her marriage, Mrs. Eibling was a nurse. She is a 
 graduate of the Lima (O.) Training School, with the class of 1898, and 
 has had considerable hospital experience. They reside in Dola, where 
 they have a comfortable and attractive home, and are held in high esteem. 
 Mr. Eibling at one time served as township assessor. Fraternally, 
 he is an Odd Fellew. 
 
 Professor Samuel P. Axline, a man of broad culture and high 
 mental attainments, has the distinction of being, in point of service, 
 one of the oldest members of the faculty of the Ohio Northern University, 
 with which he has been connected for twenty-seven years, for the past 
 twenty-two years having been dean of its law department. A son of the 
 Rev. P. H. Axline, he was born, March 31, 1849, in Muskingum county, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Born and reared in Muskingum county, Ohio, P. H. Axline became 
 
 Vol. 11—29 
 
894 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 widely known throughout many parts of the state as an active teacher 
 and preacher in the Christian church. He spent a full half century of 
 his three score and ten years of earthly life in his religious work, at one 
 time being located in Hardin county. He was of German ancestry on 
 the paternal side, and inherited to a marked degree the tireless industry 
 and sturdy integrity of his forefathers. He married Eleanor Lyle, of 
 Muskingum county, the daughter of a pioneer settler, and she, too, at- 
 tained the age of seventy years. Of their seven children, four sons 
 and three daughters, all grew to years of maturity and five are now liv- 
 ing, Samuel P. being the fourth child and third son. 
 
 Being fitted for a teacher in the public schools, Samuel P. Axline 
 taught in Licking county for a time, beginning when sixteen years of 
 age, and afterwards learned the potter’s trade, which he followed seven 
 years. About 1876 he began reading law in Missouri, afterwards con- 
 tinuing its study in Illinois and completing his law studies in Kentucky. 
 For nearly fourteen years he was engaged in newspaper work, being 
 located in Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio. Coming to Ada in 1882, Mr. 
 Axline taught for five years in the Ohio Northern University, and then 
 assumed his present position in its law department, of which he has been 
 clean for the past twenty-two years, as above stated. The Professor is 
 a close student, and has received the degrees of LL. D., LL. B. and of A. 
 M., to all of which he is justly entitled on account of his superior 
 scholarship. Politically he is active in the ranks of the Republican 
 party, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the 
 Woodmen of the World. 
 
 Professor Axline was united in marriage with Ellen F. Monroe, 
 a daughter of James and Sarah Monroe, of Portage county, Ohio. They 
 have no children living. 
 
 John Lace Collins, one of the most prominent farmers of Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born on the old homestead of 
 his parents March 21, 1846. He is a son of James and Elizabeth 
 (Hillinger) Collins, the former of whom died in 1861 and the latter in 
 March, 1889. The children of James Collins and his wife were as 
 follows: John L. ; Thomas Taylor, a farmer of Missouri; Mary, widow 
 of Andrew Sitron ; Sally, wife of John Refer, a farmer; and Eliza, wife 
 of Clark Ansley. Mr. Collins moved to Hardin county with his 
 brother and widowed mother in 1828 and purchased land. This land 
 was afterward owned by Ira C. Richards. Mr. Collins died April 26, 
 1861, at the age of fifty-two years. 
 
 John L. Collins received a good common-school education, and as 
 his father died when he was a young man he became the mainstay of the 
 family, taking great responsibilities on bis young shoulders. His older 
 brother enlisted and served some time in the Union army, leaving John 
 in charge of affairs at home. He remained with his mother and the 
 rest of the family until he was thirty years of age and then married and 
 located on a neighboring farm. A year later he returned to the home 
 farm, where he has lived ever since. There are one hundred and fifty 
 acres of land in the farm, and the handsome house built in 1905 is one 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 895 
 
 of the most modern and comfortable in the county. The old frame 
 house has been moved to the rear of the new one. Mr. Collins has 
 made all possible improvements on the farm and keeps everything in 
 first-class condition. He is a man of more than usual intelligence and 
 ability, and has been very successful in his operations. He makes a 
 specialty of stock raising, though since 1902 he has been practically 
 retired from active life. 
 
 Mr. Collins married Alice Chamberlin, who died in 1889, at the age 
 of thirty-six years. She was born in Buck township, and was a daugh- 
 ter of Cornelius and Katie (Quinn) Chamberlin, the former of whom 
 died in 1898. Cornelius Chamberlin was born in the state of New York 
 on March 30, 1825, and was a son of David and Hannah (Bridge) 
 Chamberlin. His grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary war. 
 David Chamberlin and his wife settled in Taylor Creek township, 
 Hardin county, in 1837 ; they purchased two hundred acres of land, but 
 lost it on account of the invalidity of their title. He died in November, 
 1838, and his widow died in May, 1865. Cornelius Chamberlin was 
 married in 1846 to Catherine Irwin, who was born October 20, 1828, a 
 daughter of Michael and Mary Irwin. Cornelius Chamberlin enlisted 
 in 1864 in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer 
 Infantry, under General Thomas. Mr. Chamberlin and his wife had 
 children as follows: Clary, wife of Wilk Brisban ; William, a merchant 
 of Kenton; Charles, a laborer of Kenton; Douglas, of Kenton; Martin, 
 also of Kenton; John, a farmer; Harry, a farmer; and Alice, who became 
 Mrs. Collins. Mrs. Collins was a member of the Methodist church. 
 
 To Mr. Collins and his wife were born children as follows : Myrtle, 
 born in 1874, married Lewis Fisher, who manages Mr. Collins’ farm, and 
 they have had three children, Alonzo (sixteen), Ella (fifteen), and Clara 
 (seven), besides Bryan, deceased; Clare, born in 1876, married Oscar 
 Robinson, a merchant, and they have one child, Ona; James, now twenty- 
 six years of age; and Roy, aged twenty. All these children have re- 
 ceived a fair education and are a credit to their parents. 
 
 Manley Allen Deerwester, prominent stock breeder of Taylor 
 Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born on the farm he now 
 occupies January 3, 1876. He is well known for the full-blood Poland 
 China hogs he has bred, and in this connection is recognized all over 
 the state as one of its most enterprising stock dealers. Mr. Deerwester 
 is a son of John and Sarah Jane (Gardner) Deerwester. John Deer- 
 wester was a son of George Deerwester, a native of the state of New York, 
 born October 7, 1815. He married on March 8, 1842, Rebecca Lewis, 
 who was born June 17, 1825, in Delaware. George Deerwester moved 
 with his family to Hamilton county, during its early history, where he 
 followed farming for some years. His grandson relates that at first a 
 blanket served as a door to his cabin, and one day, when the father was 
 away from home a bear entered the home ; the mother was much fright- 
 ened and rushed to the loft with her children, but the bear soon disap- 
 peared. About 1850 George Deerwester located in Logan county, re- 
 maining there until 1877, when he settled in Paulding county, where 
 
896 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 the remainder of his life was spent. His widow survived until 1908, 
 when she passed away, at the age of eighty-four years. 
 
 John Deerwester was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, October 17, 
 1843. He received his education in the public schools, and when old 
 enough began to assist with the work on his father’s farm. He received 
 a good education and made the most of his opportunities to acquire 
 learning and culture. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth 
 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years in the Army of the 
 Potomac. At the battle of Stone River the flag became entangled in 
 some bushes, and in trying to recover it Mr. Deerwester was wounded in 
 the thigh and shoulder, being hurt twice in this one engagement. During 
 another engagement he received a saber thrust and was carried off the 
 field on the very cold New Year Day of 1862, by his friend and comrade, 
 Manuel Dunson. He was truly grateful to his friend, and promised to 
 name his first son for Mr. Dunson, this first son being Manley Deerwester, 
 whose name heads this sketch. 
 
 After being mustered out of service, John Deerwester returned to 
 Ohio and began the study of medicine in Dayton. Later he located in 
 Taylor township, Hardin county, where he bought a farm of sixty-one 
 acres on the old Sandusky road. Ills neighbors here were the Corwins 
 and the Vassars. Mr. Deerwester became known as the most extensive 
 breeder of fine hogs in his section of the state, beginning the enterprise 
 in 1878. He was the originator of the famous “Tom Corwin” herd of 
 Poland China hogs, which enterprise is now carried on by his son. He 
 was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also belonged to 
 the G. A. R. Post at Kenton ; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 of Ridgeway; and to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Castle No. 62, 
 of Big Spring, Ohio. Politically he was a Democrat and served as 
 justice of the peace for two terms. 
 
 On October 24, 1867, John Deerwester married Sarah Jane Gardner, 
 a daughter of Freeman Gardner, who died in 1909, at the age of eighty- 
 five years. Mr. Gardner, who was a native of Pennsylvania, became 
 one of the pioneers of Hardin county, Ohio, and married Joan Jennings, 
 who survives him and has now reached the age of eighty-four years. 
 Their daughter, Sarah Jane, was born July 30, 1847, and died September 
 22, 1903. Mr. Deerwester died December 18, 1903. He and his wife 
 had children as follows : Manley A. ; Minnie, wife of William Hisel, of 
 Taylor Creek township; Eva, wife of Dennis lams, of Union county; 
 Carrie, wife of Charles Titus, of Logan county; Laura, wife of Harley 
 Corwin, of Hardin county; Adda, wife of Charles Basley, of Logan 
 county ; Lizzie, wife of Roy McKinley, of Logan county. 
 
 After receiving a fair education in the district school Manley A. 
 Deerwester turned his attention to farming and stock raising, and has 
 followed these industries with unusual success ever since. After the 
 death of his parents he purchased the shares of the other heirs and now 
 has one of the most modern and comfortable homes in Hardin county. 
 He has one hundred and eight acres of land, on which all improvements 
 have been made. The old log house is still standing and is in a good 
 state of preservation. Mr. Deerwester conducts two sales each year, 
 
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 897 
 
 in October and February, of high bred Poland China bogs. These 
 sales are patronized by people from all over the state and from other 
 states, and are doing a large part towards raising the standard of 
 breeds in Ohio. Mr. Deerwester ’s renowned hog known as ‘ ‘ Impudent ’ ’ 
 is a son of the highest priced hog in the world and weighs seven hundred 
 pounds. Another. “Gabriel’s Perfection.” is a double Ohio State fair 
 winner. “Majestic Perfection” weighs nine hundred pounds. Mr. 
 Deerwester is very successful in this enterprise and is known as one of 
 the leaders in his line. In the year of 1908 he was elected state vice 
 president of the National Poland China Record Company of Ohio, and 
 has lately been elected one of the directors of the American Poland 
 China Record Company of Chicago. 
 
 In 1898 Mr. Deerwester married Mary Bell Baker, of Buck town- 
 ship, Hardin county, a daughter of Emanuel and Anna (Born) Baker. 
 Emanuel Baker and his wife are now living retired from active life in 
 Kenton, Ohio ; both are sixty-seven years of age, his birth occurring on 
 24th of October and hers on the 16th of March. He is a son of George 
 and Mary Kahler Baker, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Baker is a 
 native of Berne, Switzerland, daughter of Jacob and Amelia (Miller) 
 Born, and she came with her parents to America at the age of nine years 
 and spent her ninth birthday on the ocean. Besides Mrs. Deerwester, 
 Mr. Baker and his wife had three other daughters, namely: Adda, wife 
 of Silas Hatcher, of DeGraf, Ohio; Grace, widow of Ralph Stittsworth; 
 and Elida, widow of Philip Strahm. A son, Willie, is deceased. Mr. 
 Baker enlisted in 1861 for three years’ service in the Civil war. He 
 enlisted from West Liberty, Ohio, and served the entire time, receiving 
 his discharge in 1865. Mr. Deerwester and his wife have children as 
 follows: Anna B., born May 12, 1900; Gertrude Rachel, born October 
 8, 1902 ; Thelma Grace, born February 28, 1904 ; Oran Gardner, born 
 May 21, 1905; and AYilbert Allen, born April 29, 1907. 
 
 Mr. Deerwester belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle and to 
 the Modern Woodmen of America, at Big Springs, Ohio. Politically 
 he is a Democrat and an active worker in the interests of his party. He 
 has been twice elected to the office of township clerk, receiving his 
 second election in 1909, and is thus the present incumbent of the office. 
 
 Benjamin F. Cessna, M. D., a retired physician of Kenton, Ohio, 
 has been identified with Hardin county since he was seven years old, 
 and his useful life has made its impression here. 
 
 Dr. Cessna was born in Cumberland Valley, near Bedford Springs. 
 Pennsylvania, January 27, 1826. His father and grandfather, both 
 named Jonathan Cessna, were natives of Pennsylvania, his father having 
 been born near Bedford Springs April 1, 1789. The latter came with 
 his family to Hardin county, Ohio, in 1833, landing here on the third of 
 May, and here he spent the rest of his life, and died at the age of 
 eighty years. He was an influential man in the pioneer community. 
 For twelve years he served as associate judge. 
 
 Benjamin Cessna grew up with the energies and ambitions of the 
 great West and soon mastered the learning of the local schools within 
 
898 
 
 HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY 
 
 his reach. Like many another young American he then became a school 
 master ; but his thirst for knowledge was not yet satisfied. In 1846 he 
 entered the Ohio Wesleyan University from which he was later gradu- 
 ated and later still received Master’s degree. He completed a medical 
 course in the University of Michigan, receiving his diploma in 1852. 
 After six years of successful practice the young physician entered the 
 Jefferson Medical School at Philadelphia and received his degree from 
 that institution in 1858. 
 
 In 1855 Dr. Cessna began the practice of medicine in Van Wert, 
 Ohio, and with the exception of the time spent in professional study, 
 he continued his professional career in Van Wert until 1876. 
 
 In his profession and also in his investments he was successful, 
 the passing years bringing him as a result of his well directed efforts 
 not only comfort and plenty but also a competency from which he 
 has drawn liberally and from time to time has made gifts to numerous 
 worthy causes. He was elected a trustee of the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
 versity. He has deeded to the Ohio Wesleyan University property 
 sufficient to provide for a professorship. The income of the property 
 goes to the University and provides for the perpetual maintenance of a 
 chair of English language and literature, which bears his name in the 
 college. Dr. Cessna is the second graduate of the college thus to 
 provide for the endowment of a chair. Also he has given much to 
 various charities. On retiring from the practice of medicine in 1876, 
 he came to Kenton, conducting his farms near this city, where he has 
 since made his home. In the meantime he has traveled extensively. In 
 1884 he toured Europe and in 1902 he went to Palestine and visited 
 the different countries on the Mediterranean sea. Dr. Cessna was in 
 Egypt and went up the Nile. He also visited Greece. 
 
 Dr. Cessna has been twice married, first in 1853, and again in 1876. 
 By his first marriage Dr. Cessna had two daughters, Ida and Kate. 
 The former died some years ago in Buffalo, New York, and the latter is 
 at present living in Nebraska. By his second marriage he had one 
 daughter, Marion, who died a few years ago in Milan, Italy, where she 
 had gone to study music. At present Dr. Cessna is a widower. He 
 is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Alumni Association of the 
 University of Michigan. 
 

 
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