Adams Ohio Biographies and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Families, Surnames L-Z

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Biographies and Biographical Sketches of prominent families from the Town of Adams, Darke County, Ohio extracted from The history of Darke County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; by Beers, W. H. & co., Chicago, pub., 1880.

LECKLIDER, W. C. Biographical Sketch

W. C. LECKLIDER, merchant and farmer, Horatio. Jacob, the father of W. C. , is a native of Maryland, born on the 12th of April, 1802: came, with his parents to Ohio, while he was quite young. He married a Miss Willey; two children were born to them, of whom one is living, viz., W. C; his wife died in about 1836. He celebrated his second marriage with Nancy Eshleman; they now reside near Greenville, Ohio. W. C. Lecklider, the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery Co.. Ohio, on the 13th of February, 1834; spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, assisting in the cultivation of the soil during the summer months, and in the winter attending the district school, where he obtained a good common-school education; when he was about 18 years old, he went to Greenville, Ohio, where he clerked in the dry-goods and grocery store of Swisher & Co. for about ten months; after which he went to Beamsville," same county, and clerked for J. H. C Dill for a period of two years. He now came to the conclusion that it was not good to be alone, and on the 8th of March, 1855, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Margaret Riffle, who was born in Darke Co., Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1834; after his marriage, he moved to Ansonia, Darke Co., and engaged in the grocery and dry-a;oods business, which he followed for a period of twenty-four years, meeting withgood success; he sold out and moved to Horatio in 1865 and engaged in the same "business, carrying a full line of groceries and dry goods; in 1870, he purchased 90 acres of land, for which he paid $4,150; he has erected a large twostory frame house, at a cost of about $1,500; also a barn, 40x60, and other outbuildings; all of said property he has accumulated by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife; he is also strictly temperate in all his habits; Mr. Lecklider has never been a political aspirant, although he has been identified with nearly all of the township offices; served as Township Clerk for two years; was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1875, which office he still holds; was appointed Postmaster at Horatio in 1870, which office he now holds, and during his residence in Ansonia, he was Postmaster for several years; was appointed ticket and freight agent at Horatio in 1869, of the P., C. & St. L. R R which agency he still holds. Seven children have been born to this union, viz.: Ira H., Jan. 18, 1856; W. Charles, July 30, 1857; Jacob H., March 2, 1859; Claudius G.. Dec. 26, 1860; Ulysses G., Aug. 14, 1862; Arthur E., Nov. 19, 4867; Harvey B., March 11, 1870.

LECKLIDER, Charles Biographical Sketch

CHARLES LECKLIDER, farmer; P. 0. Gettysburg; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1842 was the son of Jacob C, and Nancy Lecklider; his father, of Jacob C, was born April 12, 1802, at Middletown, Frederick Co., Md.; was the son Lewis and Catherine Lecklider. Nancy was born in Pennsylvania. Jacob C. was married in August, 1825, to Charlotta Creagor; after a few years, being left a widower, in November, 1833, he was married to Catharine Willey, with whom he lived but a short time till death snatched her from his side, and in September, 1835, he was united in marriage to Nancy Eshleman; he is the father of twelve children, viz., John, Lucinda, William C, Henry, David V., Elizabeth, Catharine, Sarah Jane, Mary Ellen, Adaline, Charles and Francis C. Jacob C, the father of our subject, came to this county September 16, 1846, and located in Adams Township, on Sec. 22, but after residing here for a time he bought more land in Greenville Township, Sec. 32; the subject of our sketch was only 4 years old when his parents brought him* into Darke Co. In 1874, he was married to Barbara, daughter of Emanuel and Martha Hershey, who came from Pennsylvania; they have one child, viz.: Judd; they located immediately after his marriage on his father's farm, where they have resided ever since; the farm consists of about 83 acres of good land, about 65 acres cleared and in good cul.

MARTINDALE, Martin Biographical Sketch

MARTIN MARTINDALE, farmer, Sec. 13; P. 0. Gettysburg. John, his father, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1798. He eame with his parents to Ohio when he was about 3 years old, locating in Montgomery Co.. where he spent his boyhood days on his father's farm; was united in marriage when he was 22 years old. with Mary Sidney, after which he obtained his education by boarding a school teacher. Unluckily for him, his wife died in about twenty-two months after they were married; one child was born to them. viz.. Jesse, who now resides near Dayton, Ohio. His second marriage was celebrated with Amelia Campbell, who was a native of Ireland, born in about 180-4; twelve children were born to this union, of whom ten are living, viz., Elizabeth, Robert, Samuel, Mary, Rachel, John. William. Steward, Martin and Rebecca. Mr. Martindale departed this life in March, 1858. Amelia, his widow, survived the storms of life till April, 1SG5. Martin, the subject of this sketch, is of Scotch descent on the paternal side, and Irish on the maternal, born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, on the 26th of January. 1839; he spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, assisting in the clearing and cultivation of the soil: obtained a good common-school education in the district schools of his county; he lived at home till he was about 22 years old, when, on the 18th of April, 1862, he celebrated his marriage with Rebecca C. Yount, who is of German descent; Fredric Yount, her father, was born in North Carolina; her mother is a native of Ohio. Rebecca was born in Miami Co., Ohio, on the 4th of June, 1842. After his marriage, he rented his father-in-law's farm, where he remained till September, 1862,when he purchased 79 acres of land in Adams Township, Darke Co., where he moved and has resided since; he has erected a beautiful twostory frame house, at a cost of about $1,600, and has cleared or put under cultivation since his residence here about 22 acres, and at present has 59 acres in a good state of cultivation; has a good frame barn, 40x76 feet. Mr. Martindale has by his hard labor, connected with correct business and temperate habits, accumulated a considerable amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife. They are active workers in the cause of religion, being members of the Christian Church. They have no children of their own, but have taken Sheridan Ingle, a bright and promising little boy, born on the 23d of September, 1867. Mrs. Martindale's grandmother was a native of Scotland. and her grandfather on her father's side, Duben Campbell, whose father was Duke of England.

MILLER, George W. Biographical Sketch

GEORGE W. MILLER, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Gettysburg. Phillip, the father of George W., was a native of Maryland, born in 1775. He married Rachel Baldwin, who was a native of the same State, in 1793; he departed this life in his native State, in May, 1837; Rachel, his widow, remained in Maryland till 1844, when she. with her family of eleven children, emigrated to Ohio, locating in Darke Co., where she resided till her death, which occurred on the 16th of August. 1853, leaving a family of ten children, of whom seven are living at the present writing, viz., Abraham, Daniel, Joseph, Kisiah, Margaret, Rachel, Rebecca. George W., the subject of this sketch, was born in Carroll Co., Md., on the 13th of May. 1828; he came, with his mother, when he was about 16 years old, but lived with his brother Abraham, who resided in New Harrison, where he obtained a good common-school education; at the age of 18, he commenced to learn the blacksmithing trade with his brother, in the town where he resided; he only followed the business two years, when he began the carpentering trade with Samuel Paulin. where he worked for about two years; he then followed the trade on his own responsibility for about six years. On the 7th of October. 1853, he celebrated his marriage with Eliza Reck, who was born in Darke Co., Ohio, on the 14th of September, 1836; in 1863, he rented a farm, where he lived for a period of about six years, after which he purchased 27 acres of S. Rontzon, for which he paid $1,600, where he has resided since. Mr. Miller has accumulated some property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and are living zealous and consistent Christians. Five children have been born to them, viz., Margaret A., Nov. 10, 1854; George W., Feb. 13, 1857; John E., Sept. 10, 1859; William H., April 20, 1862; Welby L., Aug. 13, 1867. Mr. Miller and his wife have passed through the mans' struggles, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneers of the West. Unfortunately for him, his father died when he was only about 9 years old, leaving his mother with eleven children, to survive the storms of life; but Providence smiled, sparing her life to see all her children grow into manhood and womanhood. George W, by his indomitable will and iron nerve, has fought the battles of life manfully, coming off more than conqueror. In 1864, he enlisted in the one-hundred-day service and went forth to battle for his country. Philip, his father, served in the war of 1821, and was at the bombardment of Baltimore in 1814.

MILLER, Abraham Biographical Sketch

ABRAHAM MILLER, retired blacksmith; P. 0. New Harrison; is a native of Maryland, born in Frederick County, on the 9th of March. 1820; his father's sketch appears with his brother, Geo. W. Miller, in another place of this work: Abraham came to Ohio when he was about 21 years old; he obtained a good common-school education in the district schools of Maryland; he commenced to learn the blacksmithing trade when he was in his eighteenth year, at which he served two years. When he came to Ohio he opened up a shop in New Harrison, where he operated for a period of thirty years; meeting with good success, he now owns 70 acres of land, valued at $4,000, all of which he has made by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife, to whom he was married on the 4th of December, 1845; she is a daughter of William and Christina Beck, born in Adams County, Penn., on the 17th of September, 1824, her name being Julia Ann; eight children have been born to them — viz.. William B., Jeremiah, Abraham S., Eliza Christina, Bachel Bebecca, Samuel (deceased), Henry H., Julia Ann; Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran Church.

O'BRIEN, Thomas Biographical Sketch

THOMAS O'BRIEN, retired farmer; P. 0. Gettysburg, Ohio; Michael, his father, was a native of Ireland, where he lived, died, and was buried in his native country; he married Margaret Kilday, who was also a native of Ireland, born on the 15th of August, 1769; she emigrated to America with her daughter Ann, in 1850, landing in New Orleans, and in 1861 she came to Darke Count}', Ohio; she departed this life in Gettysburg, Ohio, at the residence of her son, on the 15th of August, 1879, at the advanced age of 110 years; the day of her death being her birth day, her friends and relatives were going to celebrate the day with joy and good wishes, but alas ! the messenger of death entered the household and removed her from earth to heaven. Thomas, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ireland, born in March, 1822; lived with his mother and worked on the farm during the summer, and attended subscription schools during the winter, and by close application he obtained a good common school education; at the age of 17, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, and in 1841 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained till June of the same year, when he began to travel from one State to another till he had visited nearly every city and State in the United States, during which time he worked at all kinds of work; and, at the breaking-out of the rebellion, he was working in Nashville, Tenn., acting as foreman of the corporation, in which he worked a squad of men on the public works, and had, by using economy, accumulated some money, but left the city; and in March, 1861, he came to Darke County, Ohio, locating in Van Buren Township, and followed farming; and in 1862 he purchased 621/4 acres of land, for which he paid $900, where he remained till 1872, when he rented his farm and purchased property in Gettysburg, where he moved and has resided since. On the 27th of March, 1857, he celebrated his marriage with Bridget Mannix; three children were born to them, of whom one is living, viz., Margaret, born on the 13th of April, 1859; his wife died Jan. 29, 1861. He celebrated his second marriage with Catherine Meagen on the 29th of January. 1865; she was born in Ireland in 831, and emigrated to America in the fall of 1854; no children by this union. Mr. O'Brien has accumulated some property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife. He is a member of the St. Mary's Church of Greenville.

PATTY, David Biographical Sketch

DAVID PATTY, farmer; P. 0. Bradford, Ohio; James, his father, was a native of South Carolina, born on the 11th of November, 1805. He married Nancy Jones, who is a native of the same State, born on the 4th of October, IS 14; they were married in Miami Co., Ohio, on the 3d day of April, 1831; shortly after their marriage, they moved to Darke Co., locating in Adams Township, Sec. 33; they commenced life with but little of this world's goods, but by hard labor, connected with temperate and correct business habits, accumulated a considerable amount of property. On the 26th of November, 1871, the angel of death entered their peaceful and interesting family, removing from earth to heaven James, the father, who was a loving father and a kind husband; Nancy, his widow, is living at the present writing on the old home farm. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom only five are living, viz., David, Joseph J., Ennis E.. Malinda, Nanc}r J., David, the subject of this sketch, was born in Darke Co., on the 10th of September, 1851; he spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, assisting in the clearing and the cultivation of the soil during the summer months, and attended the district school in the winter, thereby obtaining a good common-school education; he also attended two terms at Pleasant Hill (Miami Co.) Graded School, also two terms in Gettysburg, Ohio; on the 31st day of April, 1870, he met with a shocking accident; while tying a jack in the stable, the animal caught him by the calf of the left leg, chewing it so badly that he was compelled to have it amputated above the knee; Mr. Patty owns the old home farm, where he and his mother resides at present; his mother is a member of the Christian Church, living a zealous and consistent Christian. Children — Joseph J., born 23d of March, 1857; Ennis, born 26th of September, 1840; Malinda, 20th of October, 1842; Nancy J., 17th of February, 1853. Joseph J. is married, and has erected a beautiful two-story frame house on part of the old home farm.

PEIFFER, Franklin Biographical Sketch

FRANKLIN PEIFFER, blacksmith, Gettysburg, Ohio; is a son of Joseph Peiffer, whose biography appears in another place of this work, was born in Darke Co., Ohio, on the 26th 'day of June, 1854; he assisted his father on the farm until he was about 17 years old, when he commenced to work for himself, performing all kinds of work by the day and month, for different persons; followed the thrashing machine for several seasons; assisted in getting out railroad ties for some time, and also worked on the railroad as a section hand; he commenced to learn the blacksmithing trade when in his 20th year, with Albert Behme, at Painter's Creek, where he applied himself very closely for a period of three years, completely mastering his trade. On the 25th day of March, 1877, he was united in marriage with Margaretha E. Friedrich, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, on the 19th day of November, 1856; he moved to Dawn, Darke Co., and formed a partnership with G. W. Hartzell, and carried on blacksmithing for about seven months, meeting with fair success; sold out to his partner and moved to Painter's Creek, where he followed his trade for about nineteen months, after which he moved to Gettysburg, Ohio, and entered into partnership with his brother Jacob, where he now resides. Mr. Peiffer is a hard-working man, and, with the help of his good wife, will in a short time, receive the reward of his toil. They have one child — Mary Olive, who was born on the 27th dajr of September, 1877.

PEIFFER, Jacob Biographical Sketch

JACOB PEIFFER, blacksmith, Gettysburg, Ohio; Joseph G. Peiffer, the father of Jacob, is a native of York County, Penn., born on the 19th day of August. 1815; Magdalena Btter, his wife, is a native of Pennsylvania, born on the 18th day of August, 1817; they emigrated to Darke County, Ohio, in 1850, locating north of Gettysburg, where he rented a farm; in 1869, he purchased 64 acres^ in Franklin Township, where he now resides; have had seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Lucy, Michael, Jacob, Franklin and Peter A. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was born in York County, Penn., on the 12th day of June, 1848; iame with his parents to Darke County in the spring of 1850; lived with his parents till he was 20 years of age, assisting his father on the farm during the summer, and in the winter attended the district school, thereby obtaining a common-school education. On the 2d day of May, 1864, he enlisted as a substitute for his brother-in-law in the one hundred day service, and went forth in defense of his country; served four months, after which he was mustered out of service and returned home. In 1868, he commenced to learn the blacksmithing trade at Painter's Creek, with Poock & Behme, and in two years, he, by strict and close attention to business, mastered his trade, and in 1870 he went to "Woodington and worked jour work till the 1st of April, 1871, after which he worked in Greenville, Ohio, with Coonrad Baker, for about six months, when he returned home and worked on the farm a short time; on the 5th day of December, 1871, he formed a partnership with Gr. W. Hartzell, of Gettysburg, carrying on blacksmithing till 1873, when he sold out to his partner, and in June he made a visit to Pennsylvania, remaining about six weeks; returning to Gettysburg, he worked at his trade with Aaron Dershen till the fall of 1875, and in November he purchased property in Gettysburg, where he now resides; in April, 1879, he formed a partnership with his brother Franklin, and are now doing a good business, giving universal satisfaction to their patrons. He was united in marriage with Millie A. Shimp, in Gettysburg, Ohio, on the 4th day of February, 1875; she was born in Preble County, Ohio, on the 28th day of August, 1852; two children are the fruits of this union, viz.: Edith Pearl, born on the 29th day of December, 1875; Vernon Ellsworth, born on the 28th day of March, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Peiffer are members of the Lutheran Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them.

RAMSEY, Thomas A. Biographical Sketch

THOMAS A. RAMSEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 31; P. 0. Gettysburg, Ohio. Samuel, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Berks Co. in 1780; was married to Ellen Fletcher, who was a native of England, born in Derbyshire about 1784; she came to America with two of her cousins when she was about 9 years old, locating in Pennsylvania, where she was married, and in 1811 they emigrated to Ohio, locating in Montgomery Co., two miles east of Dayton, on Gen. Finley's farm; at that time, there were only a few houses in Dayton, now a city of 05,000 inhabitants; six years later, he purchased 208 acres of land in Miami Co., about five miles from Troy, where he moved, remaining there until his death, which occurred in September, 1860; Ellen, his wife, died in about 1855. Mr. Ramsey served as a wagoner under Gen. Hull, in the war of 1812; he also performed guard duty at the old block-house which stood opposite Gettysburg, Ohio; he would pilot parties from the block-house to Greenville, and back again; but the decay and ravages of time have left no trace of the "old blockhouse." Thomas A., the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery Co., on the 17th of August, 1814; he was taken by his parents to Miami Co. when he was quite young, where he spent his boyhood days, assisting his father on the farm during the summer months, and attending school part of the winter, which at that time was kept up by subscription until within the last two or three years, when free schools were organized; he lived with his parents until he was in his 33d year, giving his entire services to them, knowing that by so doing his father would give him a good start in life; however, there was a strong attachment between the father and son; however, as he advanced in years, he concluded that he would engage in business for himself, and with due consideration he formed a resolution to take a partner for life, and on the 15th of April, 1847, he celebrated his marriage with Malinda Hoover, daughter of John and Mary Hoover, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1826; after his marriage he moved on his farm of 50 acres, which his father had given him, and engaged in farming for about seven years, when he sold out and purchased 50 acres in the same county (Miami), near Tippecanoe, whore he moved, but only resided there about one year, when he sold out for $2,500, and moved on the Booher farm, consisting of about 500 acres; however, previous to his moving, he had been appointed guardian for the Booher heirs; he resided here for about nine years, during which time he lost his wife her death occurring on the 27th of December, 1861; after her death he moved into the town of Tippecanoe, where he followed, or rather engaged in. the banking business on his own hook. In 1869, he purchased 197 acres in Darke County. Adams Township, for which lie paid $7,880; during the same year he moved, and has resided there ever since, and on the lid of March, 1864, he celebrated lus second marriage with .Mrs. AdaJine Litteral, whose maiden name was Snell, daughter of Eli and Evaline Snell, who is a native of Ohio, born in Miami County on the 23d of February, 1843; one child has been born to them, viz., Allie Grant, born on the 13th day of February. 1865. Mr. Ramsey is not a member of any church, but lives in his own soul's freedom, thinking, acting, and reading for himself, obeying the golden rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;" is strictly temperate in all his habits, and has accumulated a considerable amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife. He is a firm Republican, his first vote being east for Martin Van Buren. Mr. Ramsey's father and mother were the parents of ten children, five boys and five girls, of whom seven are living at the present time of writing, viz., Eliza. John H., James H., Thomas A., Mary A., Margaret B., Lewis M., George B., Harriett E. and Alfred W.

RECK, Michael Biographical Sketch

MICHAEL RECK, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Gettysburg, Ohio; John, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams Co., in 1785. He married Miss Ann Hiner. who was a native of Maryland, born in Frederick Co., in 1788; they emigrated to Ohio in 1827, leaving Pennsylvania the 14th of October, arriving on the old Campbell farm on the 14th of November, moving in the house with Mr. Campbell, where they spent the winter, and in the spring they moved on the northwest corner of Sec. 31, on the banks of Greenville Creek, and in 1831 he erected a saw-mill near where the flouring-mill now stands; Mr. Reck laid out the town of Getty sbui'g. and named it after the Gettysburg in Pennsylvania; he entered 928 acres in Darke Co.; they were the parents of eleven children, six boys and five girls; ten were living when they came to Ohio, six of whom have survived the storms of life at the present writing, viz., Samuel, John, Eli. Lydia, Elizabeth and Michael. Mr. Reck departed this life on the 9th of February. 1878. being 93 years 10 months and 24 days old; his wife died Sept. 11, 1856. Michael, the subject of this sketch, is one of Darke Co's old pioneers, who is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams Co., on the 23rd of October, 1810; he received his education in the ciistrict schools of Adams Co., Penn., and, being a natural mechanic, he spent the most of his time at carpentering, in preference to farming; he came to Darke Co.. with his parents, in 1828, being in his 17th3'ear: he continued to follow his trade. and in 1830 he performed the first carpentering work on the first schoolhouse built in the township. On the 20th of June, 1833, he celebrated his marriage with Eliza Hershey, and on the 28th of November, 1834, she passed from earth to heaven. He followed his trade for about twenty-three years. On the 28th of November, 1836, he celebrated his second marriage with Miss Mary Warwick after his marriage, he moved on a tract of land which contained 70 acres, that he had purchased in 1831, in Sec. 31, where he resided for a period of about six years, when he removed to Gettysburg,. and engaged in the hotel business, which at that time was good; he had built the stand in 1838; he remained here about six vears. meeting with good success; he then rented the hotel to William Fritz, and removed to his farm, where he remained till 1869, when he removed to Gettysburg, remaining about eighteen months, after which he removed to his farm, where he has continued to reside ever since . in the course of time he traded the hotel property in Gettysburg, for a farm of 160 acres in Mercer Co.. which he sold in 1862 for $1,650; he now owns 181 acres and a house and lot in Gettysburg: Mr. Reck has given to his children about $11,000 in land and money; he has. by his hard labor, connected with correct business and strict temperate habits, accumulated a large amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife, both of whom have passed through the many struggles, dangers, privations and incidents so common to the pioneer of the West, and are now reaping the reward of their toil; Mr. Reck would not accept any of the township offices, although they have been offered to him time and again. They are the parents of ten children, of whom eight are living, viz., Sarah A., born Jan. 24 1838; Wilkins, Nov. 14. 1841; Jeremiah 8., Oct. 15, 1843; Frances, July 28, 1845; Nancy J.. Sept. 29. 1848; Mary, Nov., 16, 1854; Charles E., May 16, 1852; James C., April 6, 1858. Mr. Reck has raised a large family and has taught them the great importance of industry and the use of carpentering tools.

RECK, William L. Biographical Sketch

WILLIAM L. RECK, miller and grain dealer; P. 0. Gettysburg; the son of David Reck, whose biography appears in another place of this work; born in Pennsylvania, on the 10th of February, 1835; came with his parents to Ohio when he was in his 4th year; spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and obtained his education in the first schoolhouse that was built in Adams Township; at the age of 21 he apprenticed himself to his brother to learn the carpentering trade, and at the expiration of two and a half years he completed his trade, and formed a partnership with his brother, carrying on the business for about six years, meeting with good success; dissolved partnership, and worked on his own responsibility till 1864, when, on the 2d day of May, he enlisted in the 100-day service, going forth in defense of his country: was mustered in the United States Service at Camp Dennison, where he joined the 152d 0. N. G. Co. C, and was appointed Sergeant; joined the command of Gen. Hunter in Virginia; he was in several hard-fought battles and long and tedious marches, viz.: Lynchburg, Sulphur Springs, Liberty, etc,; on the 2d of September, 1864, he was mustered out at Camp Dennison; he enlisted in the State service, 28th Battalion, Co. D, and was appointed Third Sergeant; after his return from the army he was drafted, but hired a substitute, Joseph Allspaugh. who died in Wilmington, N. C.; in 1871 he purchased the half-interest in the Premium Flouring Mills, near Gettysburg, where he now resides; the mill has four run of buhrs, with a capacity of 100 bushels per day; the brand of flour brings the highest market price in the Eastern market; he handles about 150.000 bushels of grain during the year, always paying the highest market price. Was united in marriage with Mary Ann Trump on the 14th of August, 1859; she was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, on the 27th of April, 1840; seven children have been born to this union, viz.: Ervin, born June 10, 1861; Lanna Bell, Oct. 22, 1863; Horris, July 6, 1866; Harriett, July 6, 1866; Olive, May 22, 1868; Cora, May 16, 1870; Mary Blanch, Dec. 12, 1874. Mr. Reck has accumulated a considerable amount of property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife; he is a member of the Masonic Order, also of the I. 0. O. F. of Gettysburg; he stands high in both orders, and is known as an honest, upright man in all his dealings, being strictly temperate in all his habits.

RECK, Jacob Biographical Sketch

JACOB RECK, grain-dealer; P. O. Horatio, Ohio; is a son of Jacob and Mary M. Reck, who is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bedford County on the 3d day of July, 1833. Jacob, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1795; he married Mary M. Seibt, who was born in Mar} land, near Chambersburg, in 1802. In 1837, he with his family were making preparations to move West, when death overtook him and he sank peacefully to rest, his spirit passing to the higher courts above, and in 1838, Mary ML, his widow, with a family of six children emigrated to Ohio, locating in Adams Township, Darke County, where she bought a farm for which she paid $800, all the money that she possessed, and for six years she with her family labored hard to keep from starving, living on corn bread the most of the time, but with willing hands and an indomitable will she survived the storm of life to see all of her children arrive at the years of maturity, and in 1868 her spirit joined the angel band -that was awaiting her arrival to the summer land; her children are all living at the present writing, viz.: William, Samuel, Susan (now Mrs. John Morrison), Mary J. (now Mrs. Henry Erisman), Anna E. (now Mrs. John Walker). Jacob, the subject of this memoir, lived with his mother till he was about 18 years old, during which time he assisted in the clearing and the cultivation of the soil during the summer months, and attended the district school part of the winter, and by close application to his books he obtained a good common school education; at the age of 13 he commenced to learn the carpentering trade with Levi Heck, for whom he worked a period of about eighteen months, when he accidentally cut his knee with the ax. which prevented him working away from home; however, while at home he built a kitchen for his mother, remained at home for about one year, when he formed a partnership with Perry Creager and engaged in the grocery and dry-goods business in Horatio, where they also bought and sold grain, which business they followed for about eleven years, meeting with good success; they sold out to Perry's brother, but one year later Mr. Lecklider purchased the property. He moved on his mother's farm and farmed for three years, after which he removed to Horatio, where he has resided ever since, working at all kinds of work, carpentering, plastering, buying grain, etc., and, in fact, is never idle. He celebrated his marriage on the 19th day of September, 1861, with Lizzie Werts, an accomplished daughter of Christian and Mary Werts; she was born in Mercer Co., Ohio, on the 6th of September, 1840; she has taught school four years; her parents reside in Mercer Co., Ohio. Mr. Reck has accumulated a handsome little fortune by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife, connected with correct and temperate business habits. They are active workers in the cause of relio-ion, being members of the Presbyterian Church of Gettysburg; three children have been born to them, of whom one is living, viz.: Ira W., born on the 13th of January 1868. The shadows of two great afflictions have rested upon the family hearth-stone during the past ten years — that of little Noah, a bright and promisinglittle boy of 6£ summers, who came to his death by a stick of wood falling on him, killino- him instantly; Estella, an interesting child of 18 months, was called to join her angel brother in that beautiful summer land. Mr. Reck is not a political aspirant, refusing all offices offered him.

RECK, John Biographical Sketch

JOHN RECK, farmer; P. 0. Gettysburg. He is a son of John Reck, whose biography appears with Michael Reek's, who is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams Co., on the 27th of February, 1814; lived with his parents and assisted his father on the farm during the summer months, and attended subscription school a part of the winter, till he was in his 14th year, when he, with his parents, emigrated to Ohio, locating in Darke Co., Adams Township, while at that time there was not a schoolhouse in the township, and during the summer of 1830 he assisted in the erection of the first schoolhouse, and completed his course of studies in the same, although he did not have the opportunity of attending the school as much as he desired, as he was compelled to assist his father in clearing and preparing the soil for cultivation; he remained at home, helping his father to open up the farm, till he was 23 years old, except at times he would assist his brother Michael in carpentering. On the 5th day of January, 1837, he celebrated his marriage with Isabell Belew, who was born in Miami Co., Ohio, on the 13th of January, 1819: after his marriage he erected a hewed-log house on Sec. 31, a tract of land which his father had given him as his share; he then moved what little furniture thev had. which consisted of one bedstead and bedding, seven splint-bottomed chairs, one set of cups and saucers, one set of plates, one skillet, two Dutch ovens and a teakettle; the cupboard he made himself, and in fact he made nearly all of his furniture, as he was a natural mechanic; he then commenced the task of clearing and opening up his farm; he did not spend much time in hunting, but put all his time in on his farm, although he has killed several deer by torchlight on Greenville Creek. He remained on his farm for a period of about four years, after which he rented his farm and moved to his father's saw-mill, on Greenville Creek, where he took charge of the sawing, which he followed for nearly seven years, when he removed to his farm, where he has resided ever since, and. by hard labor, connected with correct business and strictly temperate habits, he has cleared nearly 100 acres, accumulating a considerable amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife, both having passed through the many struggles, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneer of the West; having fought the battles of a pioneer life bravely, they are now reaping the reward of their labor. They have had a family of six children, of whom three are living, viz.: Isaac, born July 13, 1838; Silas, July 20, 1844; Rebecca, June 12, 1846. Mr. Reck relates a very interesting account of a remarkably large white-oak tree which stood on his farm; he felled it with his ax, and it took him about threequarters of a day to cut it down, which, when down, measured eight feet through; from which tree 'he made 730 rails from 7 o'clock A. M. till 4 P. M. Where could there be found a young man at this time who could perform the same amount of labor in a week ? He now owns 160 acres, with good farm buildings, etc.. and has given his children to the amount of about $7,000. Mr. and Mrs. Reck are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are living zealous and consistent Christians, having been members of the church for about forty-two years.

RECK, David Biographical Sketch

DAVID RECK, retired farmer; P. 0. Gettysburg, Ohio. Christian Reck, the father of David, was born in Littlestown, Penn.; was married to Sophia Ruker, who was born in Pennsylvania; nine children were born to this union, six boys and three girls. Mr. and Mrs. Reck spent their days in Pennsylvania; he died about the year 1806; she died about the year 1820. David, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Pennsylvania, born within seven miles of Gettysburg, on the 14th day of October, 1803; was left an orphan when only 3 years old; lived with his mother until he grew to manhood, working on the farm, taking care of his mother until she died, and attended subscription school whenever the opportunity presented itself, and by close application acquired a good common-school education. Was united in marriage with Miss Ann Maria Lightner, in Adams Co., Penn., on the 5th day of January, 1826; she was born in Maryland on the 14th day of July, 1 800; he followed farming during his residence in Pennsylvania; on the 14th day of October, 1839, he started with his family in a two-horse team for the West, bidding farewell, perhaps forever, to friends, old acquaintances and his native country, to seek a home in the Far West, where nature's stillness reigned supreme, only broken by the howling of the wolf and the whoop of the red man; on the 14th dajT of November*, just one month from the time of starting, he with his little family arrived in Darke Co., Ohio, locating about one and a half miles east of where Gettysburg now stands: rented a tract of land and commenced the task of clearing up a farm; remained here about three years, during which time he lost his wife, a sad misfortune. On the 23d day of August, 1841, the messenger of death entered this peaceful and interesting family, removing from earth to heaven, the mother of the family, after an illness of eleven da}-s. In 1842, he bought 154 acres in Van Buren Township, where he resided until 1877, after which he sold his farm, and is now living with his children. Six children were the fruits of this union, of whom five are living, viz., Levy, born on the 22d of November, 1826; Sophia, born on the 20th of February, 1829; Franklin, born on the 18th of January, 1832; William, born on the 10th of February, 1835; Ann Maria E., born on the 24th of March, 1838; Amos, born on the 28th of December, 1841, and on the 23d of March, 1876, left his body and has gone to join his angel friends. Mr. Reck is a member of the Presbyterian Church, connecting himself with the organization in 1874.

ROHR, Joshua Biographical Sketch

JOSHUA ROHR, farmer and fine stock-raiser, Sec. 6; P. O. Webster, Ohio. Fredrick, his father, was a native of Batavia, Germany, born in 1801; he emigrated to America in 1820, locating in Maryland; he married Miss Catharine Arnold, in 1826, in Maryland; in 1828, they came to Darke Co., locating where his son Joshua now resides, which at that time was a dense forest; they remained there till February, 1864, when the}' removed to Miami Co., where Mr. Rohr came to his death by a saw-log rolling off the wagon, which caught his leg, crushing it horribly, so that amputation of his limb was necessary, from which he never recovered, only surviving 36 hours after the amputation — this occurred on the 25th day of June, 18(54. Catharine, his widow, survived the storms of life till on the 15th day of April, 1878, when she sank peacefully to rest in the knowledge of the immortality of the soul, living with her daughter Catharine in this county at the time of her death. They were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are living, viz.. Joseph. born in 1830; Lucy Ann, born in 1832; Joshua, born in 1833; John, born in 1836; William, born in 1838; James Madison, born in 1840; GeorgeF., born in 1842; Catharine, born in 1840; all of whom live in Darke Co., except Lucy Ann and George F. Joshua, the subject of this sketch, was born in Darke Co., on his present place of residence, on the 13th day of October, 1833; he lived at home till he was four day-, past 21 years, assisting his father in the clearing and the cultivation of the soil dining the summer, and in the winter he would attend the district school perhaps about a week, going in all to school about six months of his life; the first school he attended was taught by Levi Huddle, on the farm of Levis, which was about two miles distant; when in his 20th year, he, attended about one month, being the longest time he ever attended at one time, also being his last school. When he was four days past 21, his father gave him $2 and told him to go and earn his own fortune, which he did; he went to Miami County and worked on a farm for two years, and, on the 27th of November, 1856, he celebrated his marriage with Louisa Koster, daughter of Gerhard A. and Anna J. Koster; she was born in Germany on the 17th of July, 1837; her parents were born in Germany, in the kingdom of Hanover; they were married in September, 1825, and in 1845 emigrated to America in the sail vessel Albert, being fifty-nine days on the ocean, landing in Baltimore; thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, remaining but a short time, when they moved to Minster, where they remained till the death of Gerhard, which occurred August 25, 1846, when his widow, with her four children moved to Piqua, Ohio, where she resided till the marriage of her daughter Louisa, with whom she resides at present. After his marriage he rented a farm two miles north of Piqua, where he remained three years, and January 1, he purchased the old homestead, which consists of 107 acres, for which he paid $3,500, removing to the same on the 27th of March, 1860, where he has continued to reside ever since, and in 1871, he purchased of Benjamin Overholser 53 acres, joining on the west, making in all 160 acres, nearly all of which is in a good state of cultivation; he erected a handsome bank-barn, 40x80 feet, in 1874, and in 1875 he erected a magnificent two-story brick house. Mr. Rohr is an admirer of fine stock, taking great pride in the raising of the same. Mr. Rohr is strictly temperate in all his habits, and has accumulated a large amount of property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife; six children have been born to them, of whom five are living, viz.: Charles A., born May 18, 1859; Anna Jane. born March 5, 1864; Franklin E., born Jan. 11, 1866; Ella Bell, born Aug. 4, 1869: Ida May, born May 23, 1871.

RYNEARSON, Sylvester Biographical Sketch

SYLVESTER RYNEARSON, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26; P. 0. Gettysburg. Abraham, the father of Sylvester, is a native of Ohio, born in Warren Co. on the 27th of April, 1812, he married Rachel Ball, who is a native of, the. same State and county, born on the 12th of August. 1S17; they have seven children living. viz.: Sylvester, Alice (Mrs. Huffer), Emetine, Stroud. Cyrus. Minerva (Mrs. Fonts) and Letha. Mr. Etynearson came to Darke Co. in L836, where he now resides. being 67 years old; Rachel, his wife, being 62. Sylvester, the subject of this memoir, is a native of Ohio, born in Warren Co. on the 5th of December, 1835; he received a good common-school education in the district schools; he remained at home till he was 21 years of age. assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil; he then left home and began to work for himself by the month on the farm. which he followed for a period of four years, except three months, when he worked in a flouring-mill, and in four years lie put in forty-four months of hard work, which speaks volumes for his industry and correct business habits; in the four years' work he saved $350; however, during this time, he made a visit to Iowa (Mahaska Co.), where he worked on a farm, receiving $15 per month part of the time, and $10 for the other. On the 1st day of November, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company C, 5th Iowa Regiment (infantry), James A. Suvers, Captain of the company, and" Col. H. T. Reid. regimental commander; he was an entire stranger to all. but approached the Captain with the salutation, " Captain, I have come to enlist in your company." This regiment, when its organization was commenced, in November, 1861, was intended by Glen. Fremont for the protection of Missouri; when it was mustered in at Keokuk, in 1862, the programme was changed and it was sent down to do duty on the Tennessee River; they joined Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing, and in the battles of the 6th and 7th they lost one-fourth of their number; and it was in these hard-fought battles that he ever fired an army gun, the first fire being at the would-be destroyers of the Union. Mr. Rynearson, as well as the 15th Iowa V. I., has a proud record; for three years and a half he, with his company, bore the brunt of battle, participating in many of the hardest fought engagements of the West, from Pittsburg Landing down to the capture of Vicksburg, Atlanta, and all the bloody battles preceding it; followed Sherman in his conquering march through the heart of the South, and their battle-torn standards bear them witness that they preserved their valor well. Mr. Rynearson entered the company as a private, but, through his heroism, strictly temperate habits, and his intelligence, filled every non-commissioned and commissioned office of the company, returning as Captain of Company C. The original strength of the regiment was 1,038; of these only 712 remained on the roll, and only 535 officers and men were present to be mustered out on July 24, at Louisville, Ky. Their several marches, added together, show that during his service he marched 7.898 miles. The company entered the service with 108 men, of whom only fourteen returned home. He was in twenty-two hardfought battles, and was under fire of the enemy from the 9th of June, 1864, until the"2d of September, 1861; he participated in every engagement that the company had, every march; sickness never prevented him from discharging his duty, and returned home without a scratch from the enemy's bullet, receiving his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, on the 3d of August, 1865. After his return, he followed farming for his father, and in June, 1866, he purchased 100 acres of land near Farmland, Randolph Co., Ind., for which he paid $4,000. On the 13th day of September, 1866, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary Jane Clark, an accomplished young lady, daughter of John and Sarah Clark, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, on the 29th day of December, 1839. In the fall of 1866, he moved on his farm, where he remained until 1870, when he sold his farm for $5,300, and purchased 140 acres in Darke Co., Ohio, Adams Township, Sec. 26. paying $11,000, where he now resides. Mr. Rynearson has accumulated a considerable amount of property by his hard labor, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and amiable wife. They are active workers in the cause ef religion, being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Gettysburg; he is a charter member of the Masonic order of Gettysburg; also one of the managers of the Darke County Agricultural Society; recommended by Gen. W. W. Belknap, who says of him: "lie is a very worthy man, and was a gallant officer of my regiment (15th Iowa), during the war." They have one child, viz., Eddy, born in Randolph Co., Ind., on the 23d of June, 1867.

SCOTT, John H. Biographical Sketch

JOHN H. SCOTT, Bradford, Ohio. Philip Scott, the father of John H, was born in Warren Co.,.N. J., on the 5th day of June 1814; was united in marriage with Miss Elnor Beaty, who was born on Staten Island, N. Y., in 1804, and in the year 1862, the death angel entered this peaceful family and removed from earth to heaven a kind and loving mother, who has gone to join the throng of her angel friends. Mr. Scott, came to Darke Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1870, and at present resides with his son, in Bradford; he is a plasterer by trade. Is a Master Mason, being a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 53, Hudson City, New Jersey. John H. the subject of this memoir, was born in Hudson City, N. J, on the 10th of July, 1847. Lived with his parents, spending his boyhood days in Hudson City, attending the city school till he Avas about 15 years old, thereby obtaining a good common-school education. Left home when he was in his 10th year, to tight the battles of life alone, traveling until he found himself in the State of Kansas, where he remained for about three years, following agricultural pursuits. He then went to Texas, where he engaged in the Government mail service, carrying the mail between Clarksville, Tex., and Washington, Ark., for a period of about fourteen months, after which he returned to Northern Kansas, but only remained there a short time, when he went to Wilson Co., remaining there about six months, after which he started for New Jersey, but changed his course, and went to Springfield, Ohio, where he remained for about one year, and in 1871 he came to Bradford, Darke Co., where he now resides; has followed plastering in Darke and Miami Counties for about four years. Was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Kendrick, in Winchester, Ind., on the 23d of February, 1873. She was born in Darke Co., on the 20th day of September, 1858; two children were given to this union, viz.: Lilly M.,born September 30, 1874; Nora May, born October 30, 1870.

SENSEMAN, Jacob Biographical Sketch

JACOB SENSEMAN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Gettysburg. Daniel, the father of Jacob, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster Co. in 1797; Mary, his wife, whose maiden name was Frey, is a native of the same place, born on the 5th of June 1800; they moved to Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1825, where he practiced medicine till his death, which occurred in 1835: Mary, his widow, is living at the present writing, and resides in Pennsylvania, being nearly 74 years old; they were the parents of six children, of whom four are living, viz., Reuben, Hiram. Jacob and Sarah A. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Cumberland Co. on the 22d of October, 1831; he spent his boyhood days in Mechanicsburg, Penn., where he obtained his preparatory education in the city schools, after which he entered the academy, receiving a good academic education, and at the age of 18 he commenced to teach school, which profession he followed for a period of about twenty-six years; he came to Ohio in the fall of 1857, locating in Miami Co., and engaged in teaching, remaining in the county four years, after which he removed to Darke Co., Adams Township, in 1801, where he has resided ever since; he owns 128 acres of land where he resides, and 180 acres in Cass Co., Ind., the whole valued at $18,480. He was united in marriage with Miss Catharine J. Thompson on the 25th of February, 1858; she is the daughter of Bonaparte and Justina Thompson born on the 5th of June, 1838; two children have been born to this union, viz: Henrietta C, born Nov. 20, 1858 William G., born March 2, 1873; Mr. Senseman has had his full share of township offices since his residence in the county; he served as Trustee of Adams Township four years, Supervisor two years, and Pike Superintendent one year; Mr. Senseman commenced life with about $305, and has by hard labor and good management, accumulated a considerable amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his wife; they are members of the German Baptist Church.

STAHL, Harmon R. Biographical Sketch

HARMON R. STAHL, farmer; P. 0. Horatio. Ohio. Jacob K.. his father, was a native of Pennsylvania horn in 1810; came to Ohio with his parents when he was quite small; he married Sarah Limber, who was anative of Pennsylvania, born in 1818; the; wire the parents of nine children, of whom four are living at the present writing. viz., Davis J., Henry J., Ella, Harmon R. Mr. Stahl departed this life in 1861, Sarah, his wife in 1879. Harmon R., the subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio. born in Darke Co., on the 7th of April, 1844; lived with his parents till he was 23 years old, assisting his father in the cultivation of the soil during the summer, and attended the district school during the winter months, thereby obtaining a good common-school education, and on the Ktth day of February, 1807, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Lucy Rudy, daughter of Isaac and Mary Rudy, who was a native of Ohio, born in Darke Co. in 1847. After his marriage, he rented a farm and engaged in farming, and on the 9th of April, 1871, the messenger of death entered the household, removing Luey, his wife, from earth to heaven. Two children were born to this union, viz.. Luella and AdnahL. On the 12th of February, 1877, he celebrated his second marriage, with Estella F. Myers, daughter of Samuel K. and Frances B. Myers, who was born in Miami Co., on the 28th of March, 1858. One child has been born to them, viz., Harry Harmon, born on the 5th of May, 1879. Mr. Stahl now owns and resides on the old home farm. He has been troubled of late with bronchial affections. He has, by his hard labor, accumulated considerable amount of property, in which he has been noblv assisted by his good and amiable wife.

SWADNER, Daniel Biographical Sketch

DANIEL SWADNER, farmer; P. 0. Horatio; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1820; was the son of Henry and Eleanor Swadner, who were born in Maryland; the}* had nine children, viz., Mary Jane, Daniel, Samuel, Sarah Ann. Elizabeth, Clarinda, Lavina. Charlotte and Henry; Eleanor's father was Jacob Suman. Mr. Swadner was married in 1859 to Margaret Bobo, born in 1822, daughter of John and Elizabeth Waltz, and was born in Montgomery Co.; her father, John, was born in Maryland, and her mother in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Swadner was a widow, being first married to John Bobo, by whom she had one child, viz., John L., who is now living. Mr. Bobo died in 1851, while crossing the Plains on his way to California. The}7 are parents of two children, viz., Henry A. and Samuel F. Mr. Swadner moved to this county in 1869, upon the farm he now lives upon, consisting of 80 acres; when he came here, there were about 20 acres cleared; now he has 55 acres cleared and in good cultivation, and has put up all the buildings, having a good two-story frame house and good barn, and other buildings for convenience and comfort. Mr. Swadner is one of those who has had to make his own fortune, starting without capital, but by industry and diligence in business, has a good farm and a competency for comfortable living. Mr. Swadner is a member of the Reformed Church; has belonged to same some forty years; his wife belongs to the Lutheran, having joined them about forty years ago, also. Thus, while we here see one who has made a good record, in the work of acquiring property and the comforts of life, we also see a long service in the church, and their example will stand as a bright and shining light for their children's children for ages to come.

TILMAN, John Biographical Sketch

JOHN TILMAN, farmer and stock-raiser; Section 28; P. 0. Greenville. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio, born in Preble Co. on the 16th of July, 1816; spent his boyhood dates on his father's farm, receiving his education in the subscription schools in the unique schoolhouses so peculiar to those days. On the 26th of July, 1838, he celebrated his marriage with Thisby Snyder, who was a native of New Jersey, born on the 18th of May, 1817. In 1838, he moved to Darke County, locating in Neave Township, on a tract of land consisting of 160 acres which his father gave him, which, at that time, was a dense forest; he erected a log cabin, moved in and commenced the herculean task of clearing and opening up a farm, and in a few years the mighty forest had disappeared, and in place of the "little log cabin" a beautiful brick house now stands erected at a cost of $1,500, also a barn 40x60 feet erected at a cost of $800; he added 160 acres more, making in all 320 acres with 240 acres under a good state of cultivation. In 1869, he purchased his present place of residence, 156 acres, at a cost of $7,304: he has cleared about 40 acres since his residence here; he now owns 470 acres, 1 50 in Adams Township, and 320 in Neave, the whole valued at $36,000, all of which he has made by his hard labor, connected with correct business and temperate habits. In the spring of 1 843, he lost his wife, after an illness of three years; twochildren were born to them, of whom one is living, viz., Anderson, born March 26, 1841. In 1846, he celebrated his second marriage with Margaret Daughterty, who was a native of Ohio, born on the 7th of September, 1818; four children were the result of this union, of whom three are living, viz.: Nancy A., born April 21, 1848; Martha and Cellia (twins), born Dec. 5, 1850; Humphry D., born April 2, 1856; and on the 16th of March. 1879, the angel of death entered this peaceful family, removing Mr. Tilman from earth to heaven; she was a loving mother and a devoted wife. Mr. Tilman is not a church member, but knonw as an honest, upright man.

VOGT, William Biographical Sketch

WILLIAM VOGT, merchant, Gettysburg, of the firm of Martin & Vogt. who have just received the largest and most complete stock of groceries ever brought to Gettysburg, also a complete stock of choice cigars and smoking tobacco, with -a large variety of notions and hardware. William is a son of Henry Vogt, who is a native of Darke Co., Ohio, born on the 25th of February, 1857; he spent his boyhood days in Gettysburg, where he received a good common-school education; at the age of 17, he went to Louisville, Ky., where he clerked in a grocery store for a period of about two years and a half, alter which he returned home, where he has remained ever since. In the spring of 1879, he was elected Constable, which office he still holds. He is a member of the National Guards, Co. G, 3d Regiment: Mr. Vogt is a live, energetic, thorough-going business young man; he is not a member of any church organization, but lives in his own soul's freedom, thinking, reading and acting for himself, keeping the golden rule in view.

VOGT, Henry Biographical Sketch

HENRY VOGT, the father of William, is a native of Germany, born in Hesse on the 17th of August, 1817; spent his boyhood in Germany, where he obtained a good education in the German; in 1848, he, in company with his brother John, emigrated to America, landing in Baltimore on the 9th of May, after a long and tedious voyage. On the 23d of August, 1848, he celebrated his marriage in Baltimore with Margaret Cohn, who is a native of Germany, born on the 28th of May, 1824; in 1849, they started for the West by rail as far as Cumberland, Md., when his wife took passage on the stage-coach for Pittsburgh, while he walked to Brownsville, a distance of seventy-five miles, where he boarded a steamboat and met his wife in Pittsburgh, and on his arrival he found that their baggage had been left at Cumberland by mistake; so he returned to Cumberland, and obtained the baggage, which he sent through by stage, while he returned to Brownsville on foot, from which he returned to Pittsburgh by steamboat, where he joined his wife, after which they took passage on a steamboat for Cincinnati, Ohio, where she remained one week, while he went to Dayton by stage, from where he walked to Darke County, arriving in Gettysburg on the 13th of April, 1849; his wife came through with his brother-in-law on the 17th; he rented a house, moved in, and commenced housekeeping, he working around by the day and month at all kinds of work for about two years, when he hired to work in the tanyard in Gettysburg by the month, receiving $15, and boarded himself; after four months, he then received $20 per month, working for about two years, when his wages were raised to $1 per day; at the expiration of two years, he became a partner in the business, operating till March, 1860, when he traded for the tannery, which he still owns; he now owns 51 acres of land in Sec. 24, Adams Township, but resides in Gettysburg on his own property. Mr. Vogt had but little of this world's goods when he started in life, but by hard labor, industry and correct business habits, he has accumulated a considerable amount of property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife; he has been identified with the township offices, viz.: Served as Pike Superintendent one year, Supervisor one year, School Director one year, and a member of the Town Council two years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church; they are the parents of nine children, of whom four are living, viz., Christian H, Augustus H. William. and Louisa.

WEAVER, John Biographical Sketch

JOHN WEAVER, farmer; P. 0. Gettysburg, Ohio. Elijah, his father, is a native of Virginia, born in 1820; Sarah, his wife, whose maiden name is Elmore, was born in Miami Co., Ohio., in 1833; he came with his parents to Ohio in 1821. locating in Highland Co., near where New Petersburg now stands; he resided about five years in Highland Co., after which he came to Miami Co., where he lived eleven years when lie moved to Darke Co., in 1837, where he has resided ever since; they are the parents of six children, viz., Andrew, John, Henry, Charles. Jennie, Anna Bell; Henry, the father of Elijah, was born in Virginia, on the 22d of November, 1793. He married Susan Winters, who was born in 1793; Peter Weaver, the father of Henry, laid out the town of New Petei'sburg, in Highland Co.; Henry, Elijah's father, departed this life on the 22d of November (being his birthday), 1865, Susanah, his wife, in 1866. She had a very remarkable dream a short time before her husband's death, in which she was warned of the death of her husband, also of her own, which was to occur just one year after her husband, and in one year and two days from that time, she sank peacefully to rest. John, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Darke Co., on the 24th of September, 1852; he spent his boyhood days on his father's farm assisting in the cultivation of the soil, receiving his education in the district schools; when he was 18 years old, he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for Peter Bolander in the fruit-tree nursery for about six months, after which he returned home and rented -6 acres of his father and engaged in the fruit-tree business on his own hook, and at the same time worked on the farm, which he followed for a period of about two years, meeting with good success; he followed buying and selling cordwood, which he hauled with team for one season, after which he concluded to take in a partner for life. On the 15th of April, 1875, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Hattie A Butt, daughter of Simon and Lovina Butt, who was born in Darke Co. on the 28th of January. 1852; after his marriage he rented his fathers farm and engaged in farming, where he resided for about two years, after which he moved on his father-in-law's farm, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Weaver is a young man of good moral habits, a live, energetic, thorough business man, and, with the help of his good and amiable wife, has accumulated some property; one child has been born to them, viz., Simon Homer, born on the 5th of November, 1879.

WENRICH, David G. Biographical Sketch

DAVID G. WENRICH, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements; P. 0. Bradford, Miami Co., Ohio; was born in Adams Township, Darke County; is a son of David and Elizabeth (Grubb) Wenrich. David was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Jan. 1, 1816, and was a son of Thomas and Esther (Brandt) Wenrich. Thomas Wenrich was born in Berks County and his wife in Dauphin Co., Penn.; being poor folks, they hired out their son David to work at farming, until, in his 17th year, he went to learn the cabinet and carpenter trade, which he followed till nearly 21 years of age. Having a desire to see the Western country, he then took a trip to Ohio, landing at Dayton, where he made a short stay; he then went to Salem and worked at his trade for about six months, when he went to Miami County, near Covington, and worked as journeyman at his trade for one year. In the mean time, his parents immigrated to Miami County, and located where Bradford, in part, now stands. On the 1st of March, 1838, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Grubb, who was born in Miami Co., July 22, 18 IS, by whom he had eight children — Mary, born in Miami Co., Oct. 10, 1839; Hettie. Jan. 8, 1842, and died in 1866, leaving one of her two children; John, Feb. 6, 1844; Levi, born in Darke Co., Oct. 7, 1846; David, Nov. 25, 1849; Malinda. May 5. 1852; Martha, Oct. 31, 1854; Isaac, Jan. 27, 1858. Our subject always lived at his native place, the farm which his father and family cleared up, with the exception of 15 acres; they have now a very desirable farm of 160 acres, of which about 106 acres are in a good state of cultivation. David G. followed teaching in public schools for ten winters; is one of the original proprietors of an agricultural store in Bradford, owning a halfinterest in the same, which he runs in connection with the home farm, of which he has entire charge. His marriage with Allie Babylon was celebrated Dec. 28, 1875; she was born in Miami Co. Jan. 7, 1851, and is the mother of two children — Sherman Byron, born Sept. 15, 1876; Chloe Bell, Jan. 2, 1880.

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