BIOGRAPHIES

Source: 
History of Allen County, Ohio
Containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns,
Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, etc.; Portraits of
Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies;
History of the Northwest Territory;
History of Ohio; Statistical and
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.
- Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co.
1885

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	Amanda Twp. - ISAAC J. BABER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in German Township, Allen Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1842; son of James and Susan (McMullen) Baber, natives of Virginia and early settlers of this county.  Our subject received a limited common school education, and having been raised on a farm has naturally made farming the principal, occupation of his life.  He was united in marriage, Oct. 27, 1867, with Mary M. Thomas, of German Township, this county, and by her has eight children: William Brinton, James W., Franklin Orwood, Albert, Naoma, Margaret, Walter, and Isaac Jr.  Mr. Baber's sole possession when he started out for himself, at the age of twenty-one years, was a colt valued at $25.  He was fully determined to make the most of his opportunities, however, and now owns 121 acres of land, eight-five of which are under cultivation, proving him to have been an active man.  Mr. Baber was formerly a granger.  In his political views he is Democratic.  He is a consistent member of the Christian Union Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 561
	Richland Twp. - G. W. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Rocking-ham County, Va., June 15, 1S84, son of William and Lydia (Neuschwander) Bailey, also natives of Virginia, of English and Irish descent, former a farmer. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. He settled in Richland Township, this county, and engaged successfully in farming. He was married, in 1852, to Malinda, daughter of Dr. Jacob Driver, and to this union were born twelve children. all of whom are now living: John P., an attorney at law in Ottawa, Ohio: P. R., a law student, now engaged in the insurance and loan business at Lima, Ohio; Mary, a teacher, wife of John Luke; Jacob W., a telegraph operator; Daniel M., a school teacher and general agent; Jennie, wife of A. G. Kenney; and Nancy E., Alice,  Charles, Sadie, Melvin and Edward at home. Mr. and    Mrs. Bailey take much interest in their children, four of whom received collegiate education, five teaching school. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the German Baptist Church. Our subject is an industrious man and now owns a well-improved farm in Richland Township, this county. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 753
	Spencer Twp. - JOHN N. BAILEY, lawyer, Spencerville, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 3, 1839 ; eldest son of Christopher and Nancy (Noble) Bailey, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, early settlers of Auglaize County, and who are still living on the old homestead. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a common school education. He was married, February 11, 1861, to Minerva Baber, who died in 1876, leaving to his care seven children: Mary A., Minnie M., Alice M., Emma J., Charles F., Lillian and Arthur N. His second marriage, which occurred November 20, 1879, was with Hannah Caldwell, of Darke County, Ohio. Early in life Mr. Bailey learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as contractor, building railroad bridges, etc., till 1880. He read law more or less till that year, and then entered the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in June, 1882. and immediately commenced practice at Spencerville. Although young in the profession, his success is such as usually attends years of hard labor. In addition to his practice Mr. Bailey owns a farm in Amanda Township, this county, consisting of 216 acres of land, and also other property in Spencer Township. His property is the result of his own efforts, and he is virtually a self-made man. He is master of Arcadia Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly twenty-three years. Our subject is a stanch Republican, although not an office seeker. In the performance of his professional and business transactions he bears the reputation of being an honorable and upright man. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 799
	Ottawa Twp. - OLIVER BAKER, dealer in carpets, etc., Lima, was born Apr. 29, 1842, in Massachusetts, of which State his parents, Sylvester and Sabra (Matthews) Baker, were also natives, the latter of whom is now a resident of Baltimore, Md.  Of their family only three members are now living: Martha R., now Mrs. C. Sears, in Baltimore, Md.; Edwin, in Tiffin, Ohio, and Oliver.  Our subject received his primary education in Massachusetts, and completed same in Providence, R. I.  He came to Ohio in 1864, settling in Cleveland, where he remained until 1870, when he went to Akron, Ohio, and there engaged in the carpet trade.  He subsequently returned to Cleveland; in 1874 went to Cincinnati, where he resided for about one year.  In 1879 Mr. Baker moved to Toledo, entering the firm of Baker, Sterling & Co., in the carpet business.  In 1882, he took charge of one of hte largest carpet departments in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1884 came to Lima, where he keeps a large assortment of carpets, curtains, draperies and paper hangings.  Mr. Baker was married in 1864, to Mary E. Rice, of Ashby, Mass., and to this union have been born four children: Edwin R., Alice M., Sarah M. and Edith H.  Mr. BAker is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Legion of Honor. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 679
	Richland Twp. - A. BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Bluffton, is a native of Richland Township, this county, and was born March 9, 1S43. His parents, Peter and Mary (Stauffer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, came to Wayne County, Ohio, and were there married. In 1849 they came to this county and settled on a farm here. They were parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, nine of whom are now living. Our subject, the fifth born, was reared on the farm, attended the school in Richland Township, and worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Anna, daughter of David Beeler, by whom he had three children: Calvin, Amanda and Andrew. Mrs. Balmer died in 1875, and two years later our subject married Jennie Beeler. a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of John Beeler. To this union were born three children, two now living: Sarah and Ella. Both wives were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Balmer are members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as deacon. Mr. Balmer is one of the trustees of Richland Township. In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 753
	Richland Twp. - B. BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, February 15, 1847; son of Peter and Mary Ann (Stauffer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, and who were parents of thirteen children, twelve growing up, nine of whom are now living. Our subject, the seventh child, was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked four years, farming, however, being the principal business of his life. He is the owner of eighty acres of land, on which he now resides. He was married in 1871 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, the fourth born in the family of nine children of John W. Lugibihl, a farmer, and an early settler of Allen County.   Her parents were German, and most of their family now reside in this county. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Emma, William, Peter and John. Mr. Balmer is a member of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the Mennonite Society. He has served as a school director. In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 754
	Richland Twp. - REV. JOHN BARNHARD, retired minister and farmer, P. O. Richland, was born in Maryland, February 20, 1821, eldest son and second in the family of David (a farmer) and Margaret (Walker) Barnhard, who were of English and German descent. They raised two daughters and two sons. Our subject was reared on the farm, and, not having ever had the privilege of attending school, educated himself. He was married when twenty years old to Nancy Lambert, a native of Germany, where her parents were also born, and the children by this union were as follows : Melvin Z., Virgil F., Leonadas Q., Philena M., Sylvester W. (The first three named served in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion.) They also raised and adopted John T. Huber, who is now a telegraph operator at Beaver Dam. Mrs. Barnhard died in i860, and in 1861 our subject married Amanda C. Jennings, by whom he has one child, John Williams Wesley. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard are members of the Methodist Church. He has been a local preacher, and was engaged in farming for a number of years. He lived in Knox County, Ohio, from 1829 till he came to Allen County, in 1856, and has since resided here. He owns a well-improved farm in Richland Township, which he rents, however, and is now living a retired life on his property in Beaver Dam. In politics Mr. Barnhard is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 754
	Ottawa Twp. - GEORGE W. BASFORD, baker, Lima, was born Oct. 29, 1856, in the village of Jeromesville, Ashland Co., Ohio; son of George W. Basford and a grandson of George W. Basford, Sr., a native of Ireland, and who came to Ohio in a very early day, becoming one of the largest landholders of the State, and who at hsi death left his children and grandchildren well provided for.  The father of our subject has a family of five children: Napoleon O., Mary E., George W., John F. and Harry E.  Our subject was educated in Ashland County, Ohio.  He was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 1879, with Philira, daughter of James Leoffer, of that county.  To this union were born two children: Ethel and James Carlos.  Mr. Basford came to Lima in October, 1884, and opened out in the bakery business. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 680
	Richland Twp. - REV. DAVID P. BASINGER, minister and farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, August 14, 1841. His parents, Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, were natives of Germany, the father, a farmer by occupation, being a son of Christian Basinger, Sr., who came to America in 1824, settling in Virginia, where he lived for ten years, and then moved to this county, in 1836. Here the father of our subject lived, from the time he was nineteen years of age until his death, which occurred April 21, 1876. David P. was the eldest of twelve children, nine of whom attained maturity. He was reared on the farm, early attending the common schools but, later, academies in Findlay and Lima, and then taught school for six years in Allen and Putman Counties. He also worked at carpentering for a time. He was married in 1867, to Mrs. Barbara Amstutz, daughter of Peter Schumaker, an early settler and prominent farmer of this county (by her first marriage she had two children: Peter D., a school teacher, teaching German and English, and Abraham C., a farmer). To Mr. and Mrs. Basinger were born the following children: Nahum, Joel, Noah, Lydia, Julia, David and Reuben. Mr. Basinger was ordained a minister of the Reformed Mennonite Church, in 1882. He is an earnest and devoted follower of the Great Master, and allows no personal concern to stand between him and his duty to God. He has been also engaged in farming, during his life, and is owner of a well improved farm in Richland Township. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 755
	Richland Twp. - JOHN C. BASINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O Columbus Grove, Putman County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 5. 1834; son of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Germany, who came to America when young. His father, a farmer, who lived to the advanced age of eighty-five, died in 1882. They raised a family of fifteen children, of whom John C., the third, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the schools of Richland Township, this county. Our subject has been a farmer all his life, and now owns a first-class farm in Rich-land Township, consisting of 160 acres, whereon he resides. He was married, in 1859, to Elizabeth Wixel, a native of Germany. Their children are Theophilus, Christian, Noah, Leah (deceased), and Caroline. They have an adopted daughter—Maggie Flatt. Mr. and Mrs. Basinger are members of the Mennonite Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 754
	Richland Twp. - NOAH C. BASINGER, farmer and school teacher. P. O. Bluffton, of German descent, was born in Richland Township, this county, June 15, 1860, youngest son and twelfth in the family of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native township and here obtained the rudiments of his education, subsequently attending the high schools at Bluffton and Ada, and Hayesville College. He then taught for several terms, but subsequently engaged in farming, which has been his principal occupation. Mr. Basinger owns a half interest in the farm, comprising 140 acres, where he and his brother Peter P. now reside. He is not a church member. In politics he usually votes the Democratic ticket. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 755
	Richland Twp. - PETER P. BASINGER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born on the farm where he now resides in Richland Township, this county, June 3, 1857; son of Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Alsace, Germany (then belonging to France). Christian Basinger, Jr., a farmer by occupation, was born in 1817, and when seven years old, his parents came to America and settled on a farm in Virginia, where they remained for ten years, thence moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and after a few years to this county. The family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the eleventh in the family, grew to maturity on the farm where he now resides, receiving his education in the township schools. He was married, in 1880. to Miss Mary Alice Lower, a daughter of Samuel Lower, a farmer, and Catherine (Baer), who were natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Basinger have been blessed with three children: Catherine Olive. Samuel Alfred and Isadore. Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 755
	Richland Twp. - SAMUEL BASSETT, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Allen County, Ohio, October 23, 1848, son of Lewis and Sarah (Edgecomb) Bassett, of English descent, and natives of New York and Ohio, respectively, the former of whom came to Alien County, Ohio, over half a century ago, and was a farmer all his life. They reared a family of eight children. Samuel, the eldest, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in this county, and early in life commenced to teach school. During the late civil war he enlisted in 1864, in Company I, Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was engaged in the battle of Atlanta, and participated in other battles and skirmishes. He was discharged at the close of the struggle, and returning home worked at the carpenter's trade for a time, then commenced farming. He is now the owner of two farms. Mr. Bassett was married in 1868, to Mary, a daughter of D. L. Whip, a retired farmer of Beaver Dam, and to this union were born six children: Otis, Bossie, Sadie, Louise, Clarie and Samuel. Mr. Whip was born in Maryland, December 31, 1822, son of George and Sarah (Barnett) Whip, who were of German descent; he has been twice married, Mrs. Bassett being the fourth in a family of six children by his first wife; Mr. Whip's present wife's mother, aged eighty-five, and his own mother, aged eighty-six, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is class leader. In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 756
	Richland Twp. - J. T. BATES, proprietor of stone quarry, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Allen County, Ohio, April 27, 1837, son of Elijah and Nancy (Chandeler) Bates, natives of Virginia, the former of English descent, who had been a farmer all his life, and the latter of Irish descent. Our subject, the sixth in a family of eleven children, was reared on the farm, receiving his schooling in the log schoolhouse in Bath Township, this county, and worked on the farm until he was twenty-seven years old. He then went to Lima, Ohio, and worked by the day for a time. In 1874 he came to Bluffton, and opened a stone quarry, which he has conducted successfully to the present time. Mr. Bates was united in marriage in 1860,with Miss Susanna Bope, whose parents were Germans (her father, George Bope, was a farmer in Allen County). This union has been blessed with six children: William H. (a telegraph operator in Colorado, and who learned telegraphy at Blnffton under Myron Rounsavell, who is the agent here for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad), Tempa J., Nannie May, Elijah H, Bertha B. and John Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Bates are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics; has served as supervisor and township trustee of Rich-land. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 756
	Ottawa Twp. - GEORGE M. BAXTER (deceased) was born Dec. 3, 1834, in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio; son of Samuel A. and Nancy M. (Mason) Baxter.  Samuel A. Baxter, a hatter and furrier by trade, came to Lancaster in an early day to take charge of a hat and fur store there, which he conducted for many years.  White thus employed he took up the study of law, under the preceptorship of ex-Gov. William Allen, and finished his studies at the Cincinnati Law School, subsequently becoming a prominent lawyer of Lima.  Our subject, also a graduate of the Cincinnati Law School, was admitted to the bar.  He was married in June, 1855, to Margaret C., daughter of William Chaney of Lima, and to this union were born four children (one now living): Fannie M., married to J. K. Brice, Aug. 30, 1880, died July 12, 1882; Alfred C. secretary Lima Gaslight Company, was married Jan. 7, 1885, to Carrie, daughter of B. C. Faurot, a banker and proprietor of the opera house; Medora and George.  Capt. George M. Baxter raised the first company of Zouaves of Lima, and, in 1862, went into the field where he served until 1864, then resigned on account of the death of his mother, and returned to Lima.  He died May 16, 1865. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 681
	Jackson Twp. - JAMES BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born Sept. 9, 1817, in Ross County, Ohio, son of Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, former born in Knox County, Ohio, son of John and Sarah Baxter, both foreigners. Samuel Baxter had eleven children, those living are James; Curtis, in Marion Township, this county; Smith in German Township, this county; David, in Marion Township, this county; Eliza, wife of William Cochran, of Marion Township, this county.  The family came to Amanda Township, this county, in 1827, where they endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer life.  The father died about four years after his removal to this county.  Our subject being the eldest, manfully assumed the responsibility left by his father in providing for the family and clearing the farm, and for this reason he received but little education.  AT eighteen years of age he started out for himself, engaging in daily labors.  He was married, Apr. 20, 1837, to Melissa John who was born Jan. 10, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio, daughter of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, former a son of Abia and Martha John, born Sept. 6, 1795, died Feb. 20, 1856; latter a daughter of George and Sarah Miller, born Sept. 13, 1802, died June 23, 1862.  They were married Feb. 20, 1817.  To our subject and wife were born eleven children, four of whom died without issue.  Samuel, the second child, was born Apr. 16, 1839 (he was a corporal in Company I, Thirty-fourth Regiment, killed at Winchester, Va., in the battle between Gens. Sheridan and Early; he was married to Rachel Cremean, by whom he had three children).  Those living are Griffith J., in Coffey County, Kans.; Keziah, wife of William D. Poling, county auditor; David E., in Amanda Township, this county; Levi, in Amanda Township, this county; Eliza (wife of Otis Fraunfelter), of Bath Township, this county, and Rachel, at home, unmarried.  Mr. Baxter has held the office of township trustee for sixteen years and was for six years county infirmary director, arriving to these positions of honor by energy and close application to business.  The family are members of the Christian Church, in which our subject was elder.  He takes an active interest in the improvement of stock and farm products, and in the advancement of education and religion.  He has lived to see a beautiful and productive country developed from the once dense forest, and to see thirty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren around him. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 618
	Ottawa Twp. - SAMUEL A. BAXTER (deceased), was born in Washington County, Md., Sept. 26, 1807; son of Samuel A. Baxter, of English descent, his ancestry being among the early settlers of Maryland and Virginia.  Our subject, a hatter and furrier by trade, was offered an opportunity to take charge of a hat store in Lancaster, Ohio, by a gentleman who met him while East guying goods.  He accepted this offer and immediately, in company with another young man, set out, having one horse which they rode alternately.  On arriving at his destination Mr. Baxter took charge of the business which he conducted many years, and eventually bought out.  During his residence in Lancaster, and while working at his trade, he commenced to study law under ex-Gov. William Medill.  In 1838 he removed to Lima, and opened a hat store, which he carried on most of the time till 1846, when he spent a winter attending the law school at Cincinnati, and was admitted to the bar in 1847.  Returning to Lima, he then commenced to practice his profession and soon became a prominent member of the bar.  He dealt largely in real estate, was enterprising, persevering, generously giving of his means to the poor and every good cause, and was foremost in every enterprise conducive to the improvement of Lima.  Mr. Baxter was married in 1833, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Henry Mason, by whom he has three children, two now living: Alfred C. and Samuel A.  Mrs. Baxter died in 1862, and our subject subsequently married Annie M., daughter of John Mason by which union there was one child - Nancy M.  S. A. Baxter, the third son, began the study of medicine under Dr. William H. Harper, of Lima, which he completed with Dr. J. Dawson of Columbus, Ohio.  He graduated at Cincinnati College, and began the practice of his profession in the army, in 1863, in the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he remained until the close of the war.  He then returned to Lima and after practicing for five years, retired from the profession to become the president of the First National Bank, a position he still fills.  He was married, in 1866, to Deborah, daughter of W. P. Ellison of Chicago, by whom he has three sons: Frank, Don and Clem. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 680
	German Twp. - SMITH BAXTER, farmer; P. O. Elida, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born Oct. 10, 1824; son of Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, who were of English and Scotch descent, and who came from Ross County, Ohio, to this county in 1828, where the father soon afterward died, and where the mother died in 1853.  Of their family of nine children only five survive:  James, Curtis, Smith, David E. and Eliza.  Our subject was married, Mar. 29, 1845, to Miss Mary Cremean, of German Township, this county, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of William and Margaret (Miller) Cremean (both deceased) who came from Ross County, Ohio, to this county in 1839, and reared a family of eight children, all now living.  To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were born the following children: Sarah E., James J., Elizabeth J., Rachel A., Samuel B., Mary M., Freemont W., Roxana M. and Flora T., all now living but Samuel and Roxana.  Mr. Baxter entered land in German Township in 1847, which he cleared and improved, and about ten years later went into general trading, continuing in same until about 1867, after which he confined himself to the lumber trade for several years, then operated his farm for a few years again, and in 1881 engaged in mercantile trade in Elida, Ohio, disposing of his business, there in 1883.  Since that date Mr. Baxter has been somewhat retired.  He has served in some of the township offices.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. Baxter was a Democrat until 1852, since which time he has been a stanch Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 590
	Spencer Twp. - JOHN M. BEARD, druggist, Spencerville, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, February 3, 1848; son of Milo and Mary (Osburn) Beard, natives of Mahoning County, Ohio, latter of whom died in 1851; former still resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm. In 1865 he went with his parents to Allen County, Ind., and during 1866-67 he attended the school at Roanoke, Ind.. and the three following years at Fort Wayne, and Cleveland. Ohio. During twenty-four months of this time he engaged in teaching. He entered upon his business career as drug clerk, in the employ of T. M. Biddle, druggist, of Fort Wayne, with whom he remained seven years. He then engaged about four months with J. A. Tyler & Co., at the end of which time he purchased an interest in a drug store at Delphos. Van Wert Co., Ohio, in partnership with H. P. Eysenbach, and carried with him to his new place of business the best wishes of the community he had served so long as prescription clerk, and where he had gained the reputation of being a careful and efficient pharmacist. Remaining in Delphos over a year, he then removed to Spencerville and formed a partnership with Theo. Eysenbach, in the drug and hardware business; two years later the firm dissolved and divided the business, Mr. Baird retaining the drug department. On December 14, 1881, he was married to Miss Eva Brown, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, January, 18, I860, by whom he has one child, Lois, born February 28, 1883. At present Mr. Beard is township and corporation treasurer. He is a member of Summit City Lodge, No. 170, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne; politically he is identified with the Democratic party. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 800
	German Twp. - BENJAMIN BECHTOL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Center County, Penn., June 21, 1821, son of Samuel and Mary (Ebler) Bechtol, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and who moved in an early day to Delaware County, Ohio, where Mrs. Bechtol died in 1845.  Samuel Bechtol then went to Seneca County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1854.  He had a family of fourteen children, all now living, excepting one.  Our subject was married, Sept. 12, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Waters, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Northampton County, Penn., born Apr. 8, 1818, daughter of John and Barbara (Elamire) Waters, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and French-English descent, respectively.  Both died in Northampton County, Penn., aged seventy-nine and forty-nine, respectively.  Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are the parents of six children, of whom three are now living: Martha M., Alice V., and Caroline C.  Our subject has devoted most of his time to the carpenter's trade, at the same time operating a small farm.  Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are members of the Presbyterian Church at Lima, Ohio.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885  - Page  591
	Perry Twp. - JAMES H. BEDFORD, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 26, 1846; son of Samuel and Mary (Murray) Bedford, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1849.  He was married Dec. 19, 1876, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Rogers) Ditzler, of Perry Township, this county, in issue of this union is one child - Charles A.  Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Our subject has filled several of the minor offices of Perry Township where he located in 1881.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 734
	Bath Twp. - SAMUEL BEDFORD, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., Oct. 28, 1808, and is a son of Thomas and Jane Bedford.  He was reared in his native city, and came to Ohio in 1830, locating in Warren County, where he resided up to 1849, when he came to Bath Township, Allen County, settling on the farm where he now resides, all of which he cleared and improved himself.  He was a blacksmith by trade, which, in connection with his farm, he carried on up to 1884.  He was married Oct. 9, 1838, to Mary A., daughter of John and Sarah (Stewart) Murray of Warren County, Ohio.  The issue of this union was nine children: John (deceased), Sarah (wife of Milton Patrick), Mary E. (deceased), Milton D., James M., Margaret E. (wife of Lewis Brentlinger), William A., Samuel S. (deceased), and Isaac N.  In politics Mr. Bedford is a Republican.  He is a member of the Society of Friends, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 575
	German Twp. - JOSEPH P. BENERDOM, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Leesville, Va., Nov. 27, 1826, son of John and Mary (Carr) Benerdom, who were married in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1834, settling in Carroll County, where they died a few years since.  Our subject came to this county in 1864, and settled in German Township, where he still resides.  He was married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Margaret (Junkins) Holms, who now reside in Hardin County, Ohio.  To this union have been born nine children: William, Mary, John, Charles, Margaret, Oby, Bertha, Thirsey and Ida, all now living but Mararet.  Mr. and Mrs. Benerdom are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Allentown, Ohio. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 591
	Richland Twp. - GEORGE BENROTH, proprietor of saloon, Bluffton, was born in Germany, September 1, 1844; son of Charles and Anna (Scheller) Benroth, former by trade a cooper. Our subject received a good education in the common schools of Germany, and there learned the cabinet-making trade, at which he worked till he came to America, in 1865, settling at Bluffton. After engaging at his trade here for two years, he opened a furniture store which he carried on till 1881, when he sold out and commenced a saloon and lunch room business; he also sells tobacco, and has a good trade. Mr. Benroth was united in marriage, in 1867, with Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. Ulrich Steiner, a Mennonite minister; she is a native of Allen County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with eight children: Edward, Ferdinand, Rosa, Mary A., Pauline, Albert, Emma and Minnie. Mr. Benroth is a Democrat in politics. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 756
	Richland Twp. - THOMAS J. BENTLEY, farmer and stock-raiser. Bluffton, was born in the eastern part of Ohio, July 14, 1822; son of John and Nancy (Patten) Bentley, of English descent. John Bentley, a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occupation, died at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Nancy Bentley, born in Maryland, died aged seventy-six years. During the last ten years of their lives they made their home with our subject. Thomas J., the fifth in a family of six children, was reared on the farm, receiving a limited education in the common schools of Ohio, and early in life learned wagon making at Youngstown, Ohio. In 1852 he came to Hancock County, subsequently returned to Allen County, and settled in Bluffton, where for four years he carried on a wagon shop. He then purchased a farm, and has since engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits, owning now 160 acres where he resides, in Rich land Township. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Bentley has been twice married, first in 1845, to Miss Barbara Fusselman, by whom he had the following children: W. S., a farmer; Edward; Ella, wife of N. Carney: Rozelia: Agnes and H. G. Mrs. Bentley died in 1863, and in 1865 our subject was married to Mrs. Rachel M. Ault, of English descent, widow of Philip Ault, who was a member of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life in defense of his country. They were parents of seven children, all married: Nancy E., Rosanna, Matilda, Theodocia and R. S.; Elijah and "Wellington are deceased. Mrs. Bentley's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. Her father, Elijah Perkins, a wealthy farmer, whose parents died when be was a child, has been very successful in business, possessing at one time 800 acres, and is at present owner of 600 acres of well-improved land in Richland Township; he is ninety-eight years old, and his wife ninety-two years. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 757
	Shawnee Twp. - JOHN H. BERRYMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Logan Township, now a part of Auglaize County, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1843; son of Russell and MArgaret (Slain) Berryman.  His paternal grandfather was William Berryman a native of Ireland, who settled in Logan Township (then a part of this county) in 1823, where he died soon after.  His children were ten in number: Anna M., William, Ephraim, John, Russell, Thoams, Eliza, Martha, Emeline and Mercy; all now deceased except Eliza (Mrs. Henry Noble).  After the father's death the boys took hold of and cleared the farm, and the homestead afterward came into possession of Russell, the father of our subject, who resided there until his death; he died in 1879, at the age of sixty-three years; he was twice married,  his first wife being Margaret Slain, a native of Virginia, by whom he had five children: Cornelia (Mrs. E. A. Stocking), Ephraim, Rosabel (Mrs. A. F. Blackburn), John H. and James W.; his second wife was Elizaeth Whetstone, by whom he had twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity: Flora (Mrs. John G. Miller), Abraham, Margaret (Mrs. L. Cochron), William, Russell, Rosetta (Mrs. William Mires), Mattie, Warren and Cora.  Our subject was reared on the old homestead in Logan Township, and received a common school education.  After he became of age he engaged in farming, and buying selling stock, and in 1867, he located in Shawnee Township, this county, purchasing the farm he now occupies in 1880.  Mr. Berryman was married, Mar. 12, 1868, to Sally C., daughter of Abraham and Maria B. (Hover) Boyd, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1837, locating on the farm now occupied by our subject, which they cleared and improved.  Mr. and Mrs. Boyd reared a family of four children: Henry E., Sally C., Margaret Ann (deceased, and Mary B. (Mrs. John W. Black).  Mrs. Berryman's maternal grandfather was Ezekiel Hover, a native of New Jersey, a commissary in the war of 1812.  He was a pioneer of Shawnee Township, this county, where he settled in 1832, having purchased a tract of land in the Shawnee reservation at the government sale.  To our subject and wife have been born five children:  Myrtle, Maggie, J. Russell, Hattie and Robert F.  Mr. and Mrs. Berryman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He has filled several offices in the township.  In politics he is a Democrat. ( Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 784)
	Spencer Twp. - EPHRAIM BERYMAN, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was born in Allen County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1840, the eldest of six children born to Russel and Margaret (Slawer) Beryman.  Russel Beryman, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, was but six years of age when brought to Shelby County, Ohio.  He was an influential farmer and stock dealer, and died July 9, 1879, his wife having preceded him May 9, 1848.  Our subject was reared on a farm; and his Educational advantages were limited to a few weeks each year in the common schools. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which he has made the principle occupation of his life, in connection with which he has done more or less trading in and handling of live stock. He was married December 5, 1861, to Deborah B. Blackburn, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 28, 1842, daughter of George and Charlotte (Weber) Blackburn, early settlers of Columbiana County. To this union eight children were born: Harley A., John G., Elbert S., George W., Alma M., David E., Ira P., and Flora E. Mr. Beryman purchased his farm in Spencer Township, in 1875, and removed to same three years later, since when he has added to his original purchase and now owns 120 acres of land situated on the Lima and Spencerville Pike, and which is considered one of the best farms in this locality. He has placed the same under a high state of cultivation, the result of many days of hard labor. His aim is to excel in the production and quality of his crops. Mr. Beryman was formerly a member of the Grange. He is a consistent adherent of the Baptist Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 800
	Marion Twp. - FREDERICK BEYER, merchant tailor, Delphos, represents the business established here in 1857 by his father, Frank Beyer who was born in Rockenberg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Jan. 21, 1816, where he learned his trade.  In 1852 th latter came to America, and settled in Delphos, where he carried on an active business in his line till turning it over to his son.  He married, in 1854 in Delphos, Mary Geiser, who was born in Mehlstadt, Germany, in 1818.  Their only child, Frederick, was born here July 9, 1855, and after receiving a good school education, embarked in merchant tailoring business, which he successfully carries on in an artistic style.  He was married May 20, 1880, to Louisa, daughter of the late Edward Koenig, of Delphos, a native of Saalfield, Saxony, and educated in pottery work there, but identified with hotel business here.  Mr. and Mrs. Beyer have a son and daughter, William and an infant not named.  Our subject and wife are among the leaders in musical circles of Delphos, and he is director of the musical society.  Our subject has been a cordial supporter of public and social matters, attending to the city's growth, and has served with ability in its councils. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 619
	Bath Twp. - HARRISON BIBLE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham County, Va., July 5, 1835, and is a son of Christian and Mary Bible.  He was reared in his native county, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, when he located in Coshocton County, Ohio, and worked at clearing land until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion.  He enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged after three-months service.  He re-enlisted in September of the same year in Company I, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in the battles of Stone River, Murfreesboro (where he was wounded in the right arm), Spring Hill, Fort Donelson, and many minor engagements, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., in the fall of 1864.  He then located in Perry Township, this county, remaining about a year, during which time he married Sarah Good, of that township, with whom he lived until her death.  In 1866 he came to Bath Township, and worked at chopping wood or in a stone quarry or in a lime kiln, according to the season, for three years; since which time he has been engaged in farming.  He has lived on his present farm since 1881.  Mr. Bible's present wife is Sarah J., daughter of Joshua Greer, a pioneer of Bath Township, and by his marriage there were born six children: Moses, Joshua, Allen, Frank, Harvey and John (twins).  Mr. Bible and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.  in politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 571
	Perry Twp. - JAMES BIDDINGER, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 7, 1831; son of Samuel and Rebecca (Boyd) Biddinger, natives of Ohio, who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in 1837, where they cleared and improved a farm, former of whom died in 1883, at the age of seventy-six years.  They had eleven children:  James, Mary J. (deceased), Henry W., Edward (deceased), Sarah A. (wife of W. W. Creps), Bridget (wife of I. N. Smith), Armstrong E., Catherine (wife of O. H. Wiswell), Ellen (wife of John Schooler), Hugh N. and Samuel T. (deceased).  Our subject's paternal grandfather, Henry Biddinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and his maternal grandfather was James Boyd, a native of Ireland, and a pioneer of Auglaize Township, this county,  Our subject was reared in Auglaize Township, this county, where he received a limited education in the common schools.  He resided in that township up to 1875, when he located in Perry Township on the farm he now occupies.  He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted Oct. 15, 1861, in Company H, Eight-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years.  He re-enlisted in February, 1865, in Company H One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.  He was in the battles of Shiloh and Florence, and went through the Atlanta Campaign under Sherman.  Mr. Biddinger was married May 9, 1875, to Mrs. Sarah E. Franklin, widow of J. H. Franklin and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fassett) Schooler, of Perry Township, Ohio.  By this union there are three children:  William A., Orrin L. and Rebecca E.  Mrs. Biddinger's paternal grandfather, John Schooler, was a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio, and has maternal grandfather, Arthur Fassett, was a native of Ireland, also a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio.  Mr. Biddinger has served one term as township trustee.  In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 734
	Richland Twp. - T. H. BIERY, butcher, Bluffton, was born August 16,1844, in Lehigh County, Penn.; son of John (a farmer) and May (Kimerer) Biery, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom T. H. is the youngest. Our subject received a common school education, and early learned butchering, in which business he has continued all his life. He came to Bluffton, this county, in 1875, and opened a butcher shop and meat market, and has continued here ever since, meeting with more than average success. He was married, in 186/, to Miss Sarah Wasser, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and to this union were born eight children: William, Lew, Felix, James, John, Milton, Charles and Stillman. Mr. Biery is a member of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 757
	Auglaize Twp. - A. C. BITLER, firm of Marriott & Bitler, merchants, Harrod.  This house established business at Harrod, in 1883.  They carry a general stock of about $3,500, and conduct a large and lucrative trade.  The subject of this sketch, junior member of the firm, was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., June 21, 1857, son of Samuel and Sarah Bitler, pioneers and residents of Auglaize County, Ohio.  Our subject came to this place ostensibly to enter mercantile trade, in which he has been very successful.  He was appointed postmaster at Harrod, April 1, 1884, succeeding G. W. Campbell, which position he has acceptably filled, and during his short residence in the place he has won many friends.  Mr. Bitler was married in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 188, to Miss Clara, daughter of William and Lydia Frasier.  Two children were born to this union, both now living: Isa M. and Elmira G. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 570
	Richland Twp. - PETER BIXEL, P. O. Bluffton, is a representative farmer, and was prominent among the early settlers of Allen County. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, April 28, 1833; son of Peter and Fannie (Diller) Bixel, natives of France and Switzerland, respectively, and who came to America when young. They were married in Holmes County, and had a family of twelve children, of whom Peter is the fourth; they came to Allen County in 1845, and settled on a farm. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Putnam and Allen Counties, and wisely chose farming as his life occupation, as his father and grandfather had done before him. He has been very successful, and now owns 200 acres of well improved land. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Fannie Suter, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, and of French descent, and this union has been blessed with thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living: Christian, David, Maggie, Peter, Anna, Fannie, John, Mary, Elias, Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bixel are members of the Mennonite Church, of Richland Township. Our subject takes a just pride in his children, and has carefully educated them. He has served ten years as school director of his township. In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 758
	German Twp. - JOHN W. BLACKBURN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, June 18, 1835, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Cully) Blackburn, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, of Irish and German descent, respectively, and who settled at Wapakonetta, Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 1834, where the father served in the office of land receiver for several years, and about 1844 they came to Allentown, this county, where he purchased land, and built a saw and grist-mill.  They reared a large family.  William Blackburn served several times in the Legislature, and was very active in the affairs of this county; he died May 7, 1859, aged seventy years.  The widow died  Dec. 26, 1878, aged eighty-one years.  Our subject was educated in the common schools, and has followed general agriculture all through life.  He was married, Feb. 27, 1870, to Miss Mary J. McBride, of this county, by whom he had three sons, two deceased, one now living - William J.  Mrs. Blackburn died July 9, 1872, and our subject then married, in August, 1877, Mrs. Charity Stull, of this county, widow of John Stull, by whom she had one son - Abraham.  Mr. Blackburn served over three years in the late civil war, in Company B, First Ohio Cavalry, and passed through fiery battles.  He was over seven months confined in rebel prisons.  In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 591
	Marion Twp. - DAVID M. BLISS, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, is a son of a pioneer, and was born in Lima, the county seat of Allen county, July 17, 1845, of good old English Puritan descent paternally.      Col. Lester Bliss, father of our subject is a punitive son of Knox (now Morrow) county, Ohio, and was born August 10, 1847, although is claimed by an elder sister that the place of his nativity was Cooperstown, N. Y.  Dr. David Bliss, father of Col. Bliss, was a practitioner at Cooperstown, N. Y., but was born in Connecticut of English Puritan ancestry.  He married Mary VanTress, of New York, of Holland descent.  Samuel Bliss, great grandfather of our subject and father of Dr. David Bliss, was a patriot in the war of the Revolution.  Dr. David Bliss was the pioneer physician of Sparta, Morrow county, Ohio, where he practiced until his death, which occurred in 1846, at the age of about sixty years, and where he also served as a justice of the peace.  He was the father of seven children, viz:  Dr. Morgan L., Maria, Mason, Mahala, Porter, Lester, and Mary A., all now deceased with the exception of the two last named.      Col. Lester Bliss received a liberal education at Gambier (Knox county) and Granville (Licking county), Ohio and studied law in Mount Vernon, Ohio, under the Hon. Henry B. Curtis, a leading lawyer and a man of wealth - practiced his profession at Lima, Allen county, Ohio, until 1850, then removed to Delphos, where he continued in practice until the breaking out of the Civil war, in the meantime having been elected, by the democratic party, twice as prosecuting attorney of Allen county; also, in 1850, as the first mayor of Delphos, and in 1853 as a member of the state legislature; the same year he was also nominated for the office of lieutenant-governor of the state of Ohio, but withdrew his name from the ticket in order to accept the position of superintendent of the Ohio & Indiana railroad - an office he filled for several years.      August 1, 1862, Lester Bliss enlisted at Delphos, in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was at once appointed quartermaster, with the rank of major; one year latter was commissioned lieutenant-colonel and served with Burnside in the east, and was also at the siege of Knoxville, and in many minor engagements, and served until ill-health compelled him to resign his commission in 1865.  In 1863 he purchased his present farm, comprising 312 acres, on which he has resided since the close of the war, when he discontinued the practice of his profession, ill-health precluding its further continuance.  The first marriage of Col. Bliss took place, in 1844, to Miss Belinda hover, daughter of Emanuel and Carline (Adgate) Hover, and this union was blessed with two children - David M. and Lester L., of whom the latter was a soldier in the Civil war and died at Fort Scott, Kans.  the domestic happiness resulting from the first matrimonial alliance of Col. Bliss was of short duration only, as Mrs. Bliss was called away in 1848, and the second marriage of the colonel was with Miss Aldulia, daughter of William Curtis, the result of this union being one child only - Dr. Charles C. Bliss, of Delphos.  For thirty years Col. Bliss  has been a member of the Methodist church, in which he has filled all the major offices.  At the outset of his political career Mr. Bliss was a democrat, and at the outbreak of the war became a war democrat, and later on joined the republican party; he is a member of the G. A. R. post at Delphos, and has ever been an active factor in the affairs of the county, which he has guarded with the utmost care.      David M. Bliss, the subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in the common schools of Delphos, and this was supplemented by an attendance for two years at the Wesleyan college of Delaware, Ohio; he then read law with his father, but never engaged in practice.  For two years he was in mercantile business at Delphos, and also conducted a newspaper at Sidney, Ohio, two years, and later a paper at Lima.  His first marriage was with Miss Mary A. Lytle, who died of consumption nine months after the wedding, and Mr. Bliss, in 1870, was joined in wedlock with Alice J. Neel, of Lima, Ohio - this union being blessed with three children, viz:  Lester L., Neel V. and Mary A.  In religion Mr. Bliss is a Methodist; in politics he is independent but has filled the office of justice of the peace and township trustee, and has been a member of the board of education for fifteen years.  He is a member of the K. of P. at Delphos and is well known throughout Allen county for his integrity and unswerving devotion to his word.  His skill as a farmer is universally recognized, and his social standing, with that of his family, is with the best circles in the township and county. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 620
	Marion Twp. - COL. LESTER BLISS, breeder of fine cattle and hogs, P. O. Delphos, was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1817.  His father, Dr. David Bliss, a native of Vermont, removed from Cooperstown in 1818, and settled in what is now Morrow County, Ohio, where he was well and favorably known as a pioneer and a physician of repute.  Col. Bliss obtained a liberal education at Fredericktown high school, and completed a good classical and literary education at Granville College.  At twenty-one years of age he engaged in the study of law at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, under the tuition of Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and was admitted to the bar of Ohio at Marion in June, 1841.  In August of the following year he located in Lima, where he carried on an active practice of law for several years.  He served as prosecuting attorney for the county one term during this time, and subsequently declined a nomination for that office.  One subject married in Lima, in 1844, Miss Belinda Ann, daughter of the late Manuel Hover of Shawnee Township, this county, who departed this life in 1847, leaving two sons, David M., now a farmer and stock raiser of Marion Township, this county, and Lester Le Grand, who, after completing a fine commercial education, died at the age of twenty-one years in Fort Scott, Kan.  Our subject, on second occasion, married Mrs. Aldulia Kennedy, daughter of the late William Curtis, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, by whom he had one son - Charles C., now a merchant druggist of Delphos.  Again Col. Bliss  was compelled to lay to rest his companion in life, and he subsequently married Harriet N., (sister of his first wife), with whom we find him happily associated.  He removed to Delphos in 1850, and engaged extensively in manufacturing.  While  residing on the Van Wert side of the Miami & Erie Canal, which divides Delphos in halves, he was elected and served one term as county commissioner, of Van Wert County, and served as township trustee for a long series of years.  In 1852 he was elected to represent Allen County in the Legislature, it being the first representation of the county under the new constitution.  He was engaged actively in railway building, and during this time declined the nomination for lieut. governor of Ohio, but had the satisfaction of seeing his party coming through by an immense majority.  In August, 1862, he volunteered his services in defense of the Union, and was commissioned first lieutenant and assigned to quartermaster's duty with the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  In the early part of the following year he received honorable promotion as a field officer with the rank of major.  In the spring of 1864 he was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel, and did active and honorable service until his resignation.  After retiring from war service he engaged at farming and stock breeding, and has given his exclusive attention to it since.  During his residence in Delphos he was active in the promotion and development of its interests, with which he still continues prominent.  The Colonel is a stockholder and director of the Commercial Bank, and is interested in other industries.  He served as the first mayor of the city and filled many other local official positions.  Col. Bliss still retains the vigor and ambition of his youthful days, and will long be remembered in the history of this locality as one of its most reputable and persevering pioneers. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 619
	Spencer Twp. - JACOB BOOK, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was born in Marion County, Ohio, July 24, 1844; son of John and Catherine (Epley) Book, natives of Germany, who were the parents of nine children of whom Jacob is sixth. John Book came to America in 1821, and located in Marion County, Ohio; he is now retired from active life, a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio; his wife died in 1878. Our subject was married, March 28, 1871, to Isabel Masters, who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 22, 1850, daughter of William and Malinda (Ross) Masters, of VanWert County. She has borne him six children: John F., Nancy C. (deceased), William H., deceased), James A., Joseph A. and Rosa E. (twins).   Mr. Book is one of of the most influential men of the township, and, as the appearance of his farm denotes, is a practical farmer. He aims to excel, and to produce and to have the best to sell. Having been reared on a farm, his educational advantages were necessarily limited to the common schools. Although not an office seeker he is a leader of the Democratic party in this vicinity; is an active member of Jennings Grange, No. 1320. He came to Spencer Township, with his parents in 1863, and in 1871 purchased the homestead where he still lives. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 801
	Bath Twp. - HENRY BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Somerset County, Penn., Jan. 31, 1832, and is a son of Rudolph and Susannah (Walker) Boose.  He was reared in his native county, and educated in the common schools.  In the fall of 1854, when in his twenty-second year, he came to Allen County, and located in Bath Township on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved from what was then an unbroken wilderness.  He has been twice married.  His first wife, to whom he was married Dec. 6, 1855, was Mary S., daughter of Daniel and Phebe (Shunk) Coleman, of Somerset County, Penn., and by her he had four children: Eliza J. (wife of Joseph Neishwitz), Cyrus D., Charles R. and Henry F.  On June 27, 1870, he married his present wife - Catherine Westbay, widow of Isaiah Westbay, and daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, of German township, this county.  By this union there were four children: Ellen, Clara R., Harry T., and an infant daughter (deceased).  Mr. Boose is one of the representative and leading farmers of Bath Township.  The farm he now occupies comprises 160 acres.  He has two eighty-acre tracts on Section 8, a part of which he has cleared.  He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He has filled the office of treasurer of Bath Township upward of twelve years, and has held other minor offices; in politics he is a stanch Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 576
	Bath Twp. - SAMUEL BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Somerset County, Penn., Nov. 27, 1842; son of Rudolph and Susannah (Walker) Boose, natives of Pennsylvania.  His paternal grandfather, Jacob Boose, was a native of Switzerland, and his maternal grandfather, Philip Walker, was a native of Germany.  Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and resided with his parents until twenty-four years of age.  He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in July, 1862, and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Antietam, as well as several minor engagements, and received a flesh wound in the leg at Gettysburg.  After thirteen months' service he was honorably discharged on account of disability, at Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. C.  Mr. Boose has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married Mar. 19, 1865, being Civilla, daughter of William and Susan (Walker) Hay, of Somerset County, Penn., by which union there was one child - Civilla.  Mar. 7, 1867, our subject married his present wife, Jane, daughter of Henry and Susanah (Wingardner) Roush, early settlers of Bath Township.  The issue of this union was nine children: Mary S., Emma J., Henry R., Sarah R., Katie A., Maggie B., Martha A., Cora M., and Gracie I.  Mr. Boose located in Bath Township in 1865, on the farm he now occupies, comprising 200 acres, most of which he has cleared himself, making nearly all the improvements.  He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He has served the township as treasurer and trustee, and was infirmary director of the county six years.  He is one of the substantial farmers of Bath Township.  In politics he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 576
	Ottawa Twp. - JOHN P. BOURQUIN, hotel keeper, Lima, was born July 9, 1845, in Loraine, France, son of Joseph Bourquin, who was the parent of three children: Julia, Joseph F. and John P.  Joseph Bourquin died in France, and in 1856, his widow and family came to America, locating at New York, being among the passengers on the last sailing vessel which sailed previous to the introduction of ocean steamers.  Our subject was educated in Wayne County, Ohio, and came to Lima, in 1865, working for R. Hughes, tinner and stove dealer.  Being of a speculative turn of mind.  Mr. Bourquin began trading in real estate and also opened a restaurant, which he now rents.  May 28, 1882, he bought the Bennett House of S. V. Bronnell, which he has rebuilt, remodeled, and refurnished, so that it is now one of the leading hotels of Lima.  He is an enterprising young man and a popular landlord.  Mr. Bourquin was united in marriage, Aug. 27, 1879, and has one child named Bonnie. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 681
	Perry Twp. - JESSE L. BOWDLE, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was born in Ross County, Ohio, Feb. 26, 1810; son of Joseph W. and Lucretia (Brown) Bowdle, former a native of Maryland, latter of Delaware.  They were pioneers of Ross County, Ohio, settling there in 1800, and moved thence to Hardin County, in 1831, where they cleared and improved a farm, and lived and died.  They reared a family of ten children: James B., Jesse L., Rebecca C. (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Thomas, Milton W., Priscilla (deceased), Isaac N. (deceased), Ann and William.  Our subject was reared in Ross County, Ohio, and educated in the district schools.  He came to Hardin County with his parents in 1831, and was married Sept. 10, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Williams) McCoy, pioneers of Auglaize Township.  The issue of this union was eight children: Miriam (wife of Andrew Ice), Thomas H., Sarah L. (wife of Jacob Vorhis), Priscilla A. (wife of A. J. Chapman), Almira J. (wife and George Beach), Alonzo F., Franklin W. (deceased), and Azuba C. (deceased).  Mr. Bowdle settled in Wayne Township, now Auglaize County, in 1835, and cleared and improved a farm there on which he resided up to 1852, when he bought the farm he now occupies in Perry Township, all of which he has cleared and improved himself.  He has twenty grandchildren living, and five deceased, also one great-grandchild.  Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over fifty years.  In politics he was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its organization. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 734
	Ottawa Twp. - BYRON BOWERS, house painter, Lima, was born Dec. 16, 1841, in Lima, son of Abraham and Phebe (Neel) Bowers, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio, settling in Wayne County.  Here they lived until 1834, when they moved to this county.  Abraham Bowers was a cabinet-maker and carpenter.  Of their family of twelve children, five are now living:  Andrew, James, Susan (Mrs. Morris), Lizzie (Mrs. Nye), and Byron.  Our subject was educated in Lima.  During the late war of the Rebellion, he enlisted, in 1861, in the three months' service, and the following year, 1862, re-enlisted and served three years in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  After his discharge he returned to Lima and resumed his trade, that of house painting.  Mr. Bowers was married, in 1868, to Nancy E., daughter of James W. Shockey, and by this union there is one child - Iva.  Mr. Bowers is a member of the I. O. O. F. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 681
	Shawnee Twp. - JOHN BOYD, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., Nov. 4, 1807, son of Henry and Margaret (Beer) Boyd both natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio.  Our subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools.  After he was eighteen years of age he began working on a farm by the month, and also engaged in teaming and teaching school until he was twenty-four years of age.  He was twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married Feb. 21, 1833, being Mary C., daughter of John and Rebecca (McKinney) Johnson, of Canfield, Ohio.  The issue of this union was two children, Rebecca J. (Mrs. James Robison, deceased), and John (deceased).  His present wife is Anna, daughter if Frederick and Christena (Hartzel) Lazarus, of Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, to whom he was married, Mar. 16, 1837, and by whom he has had four children: Frederick who died in the army during the late wary, at Bowling Green, Ky. a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Susan (Mrs. David E. Hover), Maria (Mrs. W. A. Wolf and Christiana (Mrs. George Tamplin).  After his first marriage Mr. Boyd settled in Berlin Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he resided fourteen years; from there he went to Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1854, when he came to this county, settling in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now owns and occupies, which he cleared and improved.  Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Presbyterian Church of Lima,  He has filled several of the minor offices of the township.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 785
	Shawnee Twp. - DAVID M. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Butler County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1825, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, former a native of Wales, latter of Pennsylvania.  They were parents of six children: Nancy, George, John (killed while moving a house.), William D., David M. and Griffith.  Our subject was seven years of age when he came with his parents to this county, and was reared on the old homestead, a part of which he now owns and occupies, receiving a limited education in the country schools.  He was married Jan. 1, 1849, to Mary, daughter of Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, of Berrien County, Mich.  The issue of this union was three children: Mary E. (Mrs. Columbus Maltbie), George L. and Emmett (deceased).  Mr. Breese after his marriage located on Section 3, Shawnee Township, this county, on what is now known as the Shaffer farm, which he cleared and improved, and where he lived fourteen years.  In 1863 he moved to his present farm, a part of the old homestead originally entered by his father, where he has resided ever since.  He was in the 100 day's service during the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company B.  One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was at Washington, D. C., at the time of Gen. Early's raid, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service.  Mr. and Mrs. Breese are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He has been a F. & A. M. since 1862.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 787
	Shawnee Twp. - GEORGE BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Franklin County, Penn., Oct. 1, 1817, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, who settled on Section 10, Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, where they lived one winter in the Indian Council House, afterward entering the land now owned by their sons, William D. and David M., which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died.  The father was a native of Wales, the mother of Pennsylvania.  They reared a family of six children: Nancy, George, John (who was killed while moving a house by a hook flying and striking him on the head), William D., David M., and Griffith (who was a member of the Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war, and died of disease contracted in the service before the expiration of his term).  Our subject, who was fifteen years of age when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited education in the schools of his day, and resided with his parents until their death.  He was married Sept. 6, 1855, to Sarah, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee township, this county, in 1842.  The issue of this union is four children: Charles L., Mary E. (Mrs. C. D. Strawbridge - have one child.  Cloyd E.), Ina and John O.  After his marriage Mr. Breese settled on Sections 9 and 16, Shawnee Township, this county, a part of which he drained and improved.  He afterward moved to Section 21, same township, on a farm of 160 acres, which he also cleared and improved and afterward brought an addition of 160 acres adjoining, on Section 16, and this he also cleared, and where he now resides in the fine residence built by him in 1881.  Mr. and Mrs. Breese and three children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he served as trustee for several years.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 785
	Marion Twp. - THOMAS BREESE, farmer and stock-breeder, Delphos, Allen County, was born in North Wales, Mar. 15, 1835; son of Richard and Elizabeth (Rollands) Breese, former of whom died Nov. 20, 1875, aged seventy-three; latter Sept. 28, 1852, aged forty-eight years.  They came to America, landing at Philadelphia, and settled the same year on the farm, where the subject of this sketch now lives, there being only four acres, cleared out of the 160,, and for which Richard Breese paid $100 cash.  Here, before the father's death, they cleared about seventy acres, and endured the trials and hardships of pioneer life.  Richard Breese was a man of prominence in his township, a deacon in the Congregational Church many years.  He and his wife, were parents of seven children: Mary (wife of Joseph Watkins, in Sugar Creek Township, this county), Thomas, Ann (wife of John Morris, of Lima), Jane (wife of Evan Morgan, in Benton County, Ark.), Alice (single), Richard (deceased, leaving a family of three children in Delphos), Samuel R. (who enlisted in May 1861, in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going out as the first lieutenant, he was killed in the Battle of Harper's Ferry, in August, 1862, and had his death not occurred, he would have been promoted to lieutenant colonel in a few days).  Thomas Breese, the subject of this sketch, received a meager education; being the eldest son, his services were required in clearing up the farm.  He was married Sept. 6, 1861, to Martha Davis, a native of Montgomeryshire, Wales, born Sept. 10, 1842, daughter of Rev. James and Mary (Davis) Davis, who came to America in August, 1849, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the former preached for three years, in the Lawrence Street Congregational Church.  They then came to Gomer, this county, in 1853, where Mr. Davis preached eight years, thence moved to New York State, remaining two years, thence to Radnor, Ohio, where he preached eight years.  Rev. James Davis, was a son of Isaac and Sarah Davis he died in April, 1873.  His widow who is still living with Mr. Breeze, is a daughter of Richard and Margaret (Davis) Davis.  Rev. James Davis was the father of seven children, of whom three died without issue.  Those who had families were Sarah (deceased wife of John Thomas, leaving family in Van Wert County, Ohio), Bejamin (deceased, leaving family in Crawford County, Kans.), James (a business man in Sandusky City, has a family of three children), William (a merchant in Keokuk, Iowa, has a family of three children), and Martha (Mrs. Breese).  To our subject and wife, have been born six children: Emma born July 10, 1862; Samuel, born July 23, 1864; Mary (deceased at five years of age); James D., born January 31, 1874; Richard, born May 1, 1878, and Mary, born May 29, 1881.  The life of Mr. Breese has been spent chiefly on the farm which he now occupies.  He takes an active interest in all educational and religious matters.  The family are members of the Congregational Church.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 620
	Shawnee Twp. - WILLIAM D. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Butler County, Ohio, Apr. 30, 1822; son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, former a native of Wales, latter of Franklin County, Penn.  His paternal grandfather was John Breese, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1798, settling in Champaign County, Ohio, in an early day, and whose children were Susan, Griffith, Robert, Mary and John (all new deceased).  Our subject's maternal grandfather was Lewis Mowen, a native of Pennsylvania.  William D. Breese came with his parents in 1832, to this county, where the latter entered land in Shawnee Township, a part of which is now occupied by our subject, and which, with the assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved.  Here the father died in 1848, at the age of fifty-eight, and the mother in March,,, 1853, at the age of sixty-two.  They had a family of six children:  Nancy, George, John (killed while moving a house), William D., David M., and Griffith (who died in the army October, 1862).  Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from ten years of age, and has always resided on the old homestead.  He was married Mar. 15, 1859, to Ellen, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1842, and to this union was born one son, G. Alva (who was married Jan. 20, 1881, to Iva, daughter of Jehu and Mary (Clark) John, of Elida, Ohio, by whom he has three children: Clifford E., Julius C. and Vida M.  Mrs. Breese died in February, 1861, at the age of twenty-eight years; at the time of her death she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. Breese has served the township as justice of the peace one term, was township treasurer for several years and also township clerk.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  In politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 786
	Shawnee Twp. - WILLIAM H. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born Sept. 12, 1848, in Shawnee Township, this county, on what is known as the old "Turkey Foot farm", and is a son of John and Emily (Valentine) Breese, the former a native of Butler County, Ohio, born Apr. 18, 1820; the latter a native of Champaign County, Ohio, Apr. 21, 1820.  His paternal grandparents were Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, the former a native of Wales, and a son of John Breese, who immigrated to America in 1798; the latter a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Lewis Mowen.  Our subject's maternal grandparents were Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, who settled in Lima, Ohio, in 1832, when there were but ten houses in the place.  His maternal great-grandparents were William and Johanna (Crane) Valentine, natives of New Jersey and pioneers of Champaign County, Ohio.  Mrs. Mary (Harper) Valentine was a native of Virginia, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cunningham) Harper.  John Breese, father of our subject, who was twelve years of age when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited education in the schools of that time, and commenced the world for himself on what is known as the "Turkey Foot farm," this county, where he resided three years; in 1851, he removed to the farm now owned and occupied by Samuel Zurmehly, a part of which he cleared and improved, where he lived until 1863, when he located on the farm now occupied by our subject, and here he resided until his death, which was caused by being struck on the head with an iron hook while engaged in moving a building, Nov. 16, 1865, his death ensuing the day following; he was in the days' service in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war of the Rebellion; he held several minor offices in Shawnee Township; in politics, he was a Republican; he was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Our subject is the only child of his parents, and was reared and educated in Shawnee Township, this county, where he has always resided.  He was marred Nov. 10, 1874, to Ida A., daughter of James A. and Isabel K. (Ferguson) Hower, of Shawnee Township, this county, and by her he has two children: Naamah B. and John E.  Mr. Breese is serving his first term as trustee of the township.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is steward.  In politics, he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 787
	Sugar Creek Twp. - ABRAHAM BRENNEMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Rockingham County. Va.. born February 21. 1831; son of David and Catharine (Mover) Brenneman. who came from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio, and then, in 1847, to Allen County, where the latter died and the former still resides; they were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living. Our subject, who is the eldest, was married, August 21, 1856, to Miss Eliza Ward, of Monroe Township, this county, a native of German Township, this county, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ridenour) Ward, who were married in this county, and where Mrs. Ward died. Mr. Ward now resides in Perry Township, this county. To our subject and wife have been born eight children: Henrietta E., William C., Mary C, David W., Sarah A., Abraham P., Jacob B. and Frank H., all living except David W. and Abraham P. Mr. Brenneman followed carpentering for five or six years, and in 1856 purchased land in Monroe Township, this county, which he improved, and to which by industry and economy he added many acres, owning now 249 acres in Monroe Township, 320 in Sugar Creek Township, and 93 in Bath Township, all this county; also 160 acres in Paulding County, Ohio; in all 822. He came to Sugar Creek Township in 1877. Mrs. Brenneman is a member of the Christian Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. ( Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 817)  (See Next Biography below here)
	Marion Twp. - DAVID BRENNEMAN, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1840, son of Jacob and Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman lattter of whom was born in Hardy County, Va., July 12, 1819,  Jacob Brenneman was a native of Rockingham County, Va., son of Abraham and Magdalena (Shank) Brenneman natives of Pennsylvania, former born 1745, and died aged seventy years. Was twice married, and had in all sixteen children, the youngest of whom is the only survivor.  Jacob was also twice married to Mary Beery, who was born Nov. 20, 1802, and moved with her husband from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1828, where she died four years later.  Her children were John L., born Oct. 24, 1821, in Marion Township, this county; Abraham, born June 21, 1823, in Lancaster County, Ohio; Barbara, born June 7, 1824, wife of John Keller, in Branch County, Mich.; Isaac, born Sept. 25, 1825, in Adair County, Mo.; Elizabeth and Joseph.  Annie and Mary died young.  Jacob Brenneman, by his second wife, Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, had the following named children: Catharine, born Mar. 8, 1838, widow of Abraham Friesuer (deceased), now wife of George Keckler, in Branch County, Mich.; David, born Nov. 28, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio; Jacob R., born May 18, 1843, a druggist in Elida; Rebecca, born Jan. 2, 1847, wife of Daniel F. Berry, in Branch, Mich.; Sarah A., born Nov. 10, 1849, wife of Thomas Wisher, in Van Wert County; William F., born Apr. 30, 1852, in Elida; Noah E., born Nov. 8, 1855, in Marion Township; Charles B., born July 12, 1862, in Blanchard, Isabelle Co., Mich.  Jacob Brenneman died Jan. 1, 1865, aged sixty-eight years, two months and twenty-five days.  David Brenneman received very limited educational advantages, remaining with his father upon the farm until Aug. 10, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A., One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he did valiant duty, participating in the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Resaca and Buzzard's Roost; under fire from Dalton to Atlanta, Ga.; at Salisbury, N. C., and in Sherman's march to the sea.  He was discharged June 20, 1865, never having been off duty a single day, was neither sick nor wounded during the whole time, but always in the front rank.  He was married, Sept. 27, 1866, to Phebe A. Lultz, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1846, daughter of John and Sarah (Griffith) Lutz, former a native of Maryland, latter of Fairfield County.  By her he had four children; Laura A., born Oct. 10, 1867; Irwin E., born Aug. 28, 1869; Sarah E., born July 19, 1871; Stephen A., born Nov. 8, 1873.  David Brenneman has a valuable farm of 165 acres, secured principally by his own efforts.  He takes an active interest in the improvement of farm products, the advancement of education and religion.  He is a member of Mart Armstrong Post 202, G. A. R., at Lima.  The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 621
	Ottawa Twp. - P. H. BROOKS, physician, Lima, was born near Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1845.  His father, Kennedy Brooks, a native of Ireland, acquired a thorough education, and in early manhood left the land of his nativity to found a home among the liberty-loving people of America.  He was without means, and made his way to the wilds of Butler County, where he met and wedded Elizabeth H. Butler a native of Vermont, who proved a willing helpmeet and the foundation of his success.  She taught school with her first born in her arms, while he struggled manfully in clearing the forest land, and securing support.  In time he was enabled to purchase a small piece of land, and at the close of his life, in 1878, he left over 300 acres to his children, his companion having preceded him to the better world in 1865.  Kennedy Brooks was a man of strict religious principles and an expert mathematician.  His death was mourned by a large concourse of friends, especially the poor, to whom he had always extended aid aid and assistance.  He and his wife were parents of ten children, eight of whom were classical graduates.  The eldest, Andrew, is a teacher at Springfield, Ill.; Arpasia is teaching near Joplin, Mo.; Elizabeth S. is the head of private academy at Carthage, Mo.; Emily died at the age of seventeen just prior to graduating; Anthony, entered the naval service and died of heart disease at the siege of Vicksburg, in 1863; Robert, a physician at Carthage, Mo., served as a surgeon in the navy during the war of the Rebellion; Lucretia and Annie residing on the homestead; John, who was also a soldier during the civil war; and Peter H.  Our subject received his primary education in the district schools, and a collegiate classical course at the Miami University, graduating in the class of 1868.  His brother, Robert, was his preceptor in the study of medicine, and after two courses of lectures at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, began the practice of his profession at Paddy's Run, Butler County, Ohio, in 1872.  In 1877, he moved to this city where he has established a successful practice, and is one of the leading physicians.  The doctor joined the ranks of the Union Army in 1864, and served to the close of the war of the Rebellion.  He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, is widely known and highly respected. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 682
	Marion Twp. - B. J. BROTHERTON, mayor of Delphos, was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, June 24, 1850, son of Jasper Brotherton (carpenter), a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, his father, Abel Brotherton (father), having settled there from Pennsylvania at an early date, prior to the history of the State.  The subject of our sketch, after receiving a good literary education in the Piqua High School, from which he graduated when nineteen years of age, entered the Denison University, of Granville, Ohio, pursuing a classical course of study, subsequently taking up law under the able tuition of the Hon. J. F. McKinney, of McKinney Bros., attorneys, of Piqua.  He was admitted to the bar of the State, August 29, 1872, and soon after came to Marion Township and engaged in the practice of his profession, with which he has been creditably connected since.  He has taken an active interest in the development of the many industries of Delphos; is present member of the board of directors of Delphos Gas Company; a stockholder of the Delphos National Bank, as well as an active member of the other interests.  During the war he did honorable service as bugler of Company I, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.  He married, in Warsaw, Ind., Oct. 17, 1877, Miss Hattie L., daughter of James M. Laemon, a prominent pioneer merchant of that city, originally from Virginia.  They have two daughters:  Jennie W. and Mary Margaret.  Mr. Brotherton is a member of the Baptist Church, Mrs. Brotherton of the Christian denomination. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 622
	Ottawa Twp. - JOHN F. BROTHERTON, attorney at law, Lima, was born in July 1844, in Piqua, Ohio, son of Jasper and Jane (Widney) Brotherton, came to Lima in October, 1865; was a graduate in the class of 1864, of the Weslyan University of Delaware, Ohio; was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio in March, 1865; came to Lima in October of the same year (1865), and is now one of the leading members of the Lima bar.  He served as prosecuting attorney of Allen County from 1867 to 1871, and as city solicitor of Lima from 1881 to 1883, filling both of these offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people.  He was united in marriage, in June, 1868, with Clara, daughter of the late T. K. Jacobs, and by this union five children were born, one son and four daughters, Cloyd, Mary, Bessie, Robert A. and Clara L.  Mr. Brotherton was at one time editor of the Miami County Democrat, and has engaged in other literary pursuits. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 682
	German Twp. - DANIEL BROWER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham County, Va., Nov. 24, 1815, son of John and Hannah (Miller) Brower, of German descent, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Virginia.  After the death of John Brower, his widow moved to this county, where she died in June 1856.  Our subject came to this county in 1844, settling on Section 4, German Township, on land entered by his father in about 1832, he having made a trip through this county about that time.  Our subject was married, May 20, 1841, to Elizabeth Leedy, also a native of Rockingham County, Va., daughter of John and Eve (Keiser) Leedy, also of German descent, and who died in Rockingham County, Va.  Mr. and Mrs. Brower were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living:  Mary C., Melissa J., Joseph M., Sarah E., David B., Lydia M. and Amanda F.  Mrs. Brower dying May 7, 1874, our subject married, Feb. 21, 1875, Lydia Miller, a native of Rockingham County, Va., and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thomas) Miller who both died in Virginia.  Mr. Brower has improved many acres of land in German Township, and has followed general farm work, but for the last ten years has given most of his time to the ministry of the gospel, to members of the old German Baptist persuasion.  He was received into the German Baptist Church, with his wife, in 1845; in 1849 to the office of deacon; in 1854 to the ministry, and in 1863 to the eldership, where he has been laboring faithfully in observing the ancient order and practice of the church, laboring with his own hands, that he might not be chargeable to any, and in 1883 he took his stand with the old German Baptist Church, which, in the year 1881,  had resolved to withdraw from the many innovations that had crept into the church, and fully adhere to primitive Christianity, as taught by Christ and His Apostles, in all His commands and precepts, as practiced by our forefathers. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 592
	Sugar Creek Twp. - JOSEPH BROWER, farmer. P. O. Elida, was born in Rockingham County, Va., February 16, 1827; son of John and Hannah (Miller) Brower, and brother of Daniel Brower, of German Township, this county. Our subject came to this county in 1844. He was married. August 9, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, of this county, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., born October 19, 1823. daughter of John and Rachel (Davis) Stephens, natives of Wales, and who came to America in 1820. settling in Pittsburgh, Penn., where they remained until 1835, then moved to this county, where they died. They were parents of five children, of whom two are now living: David and Elizabeth. To the union of our subject and wife have been born the following children: Rachel (deceased), Alonzo S., John S. (deceased), and Abraham L. Mr. Brower purchased property in Sugar Creek Township in 1848, and has improved many acres of land in the county. He has served his township in many of its offices —assessor, land appraiser, and justice of the peace. He and his wife are members of the U. B. Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 817
	Spencer Twp. - A. BRYAN, M. D. and druggist, Spencerville, was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 21, 1828; son of John and Elizabeth (Kraig) Bryan, natives of Pennsylvania, and parents of eleven children. Our subject, the fourth in the family, received a common school and academic education, and after five years spent in reading medicine, he entered the medical schools of Philadelphia, Penn., graduating in 1867. He entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Clermont, Penn.; soon after went to Elk County, remaining there till 1875, when he removed to Buffalo, N. Y. and graduated at the Medical University. He then spent about three years in practice in the oil regions. In 1879 he moved to Colorado, where he was interested in mining, at same time following his profession till 1883, when he went to Bloomfield, Ind., and engaged in the drug business a few months, but losing his stock by fire, and not being able to procure a suitable room in which to continue business, he came to Spencerville, purchasing a stock of drugs, which he has recently moved into a commodious room near the Keeth House, and here he carries on the drug business in connection with his duties as a physician. The doctor was married, in 1865, to Clara Holden, a native of Pennsylvania, who has borne him one son—Charles, born November 4, 1866. Politically Dr. Bryan is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 801
	Ottawa Twp. - CASPER F. BRYAN, attorney at law, Lima, was born Sept. 17, 1848, in Granville, Ohio, a town noted for its educational facilities, possessing a fine union school, two female colleges, and the Denison University (two of these schools are under the auspices of the Baptist, and the other under the Presbyterian Church).  Granville has a population of 1,000 or 1,200 souls, mostly of New England origin, who pride themselves on their neat and well-regulated town, where a pumpkin is said to have grown to its full size, undisturbed, on one of its side streets.  Our subject's father, Dr. E. F. Bryan, moved to Granville in 1830, and is one of its oldest physicians.  He was a student at Yale College, and studied medicine under the old school system.  After following his profession successfully for sixty years, he is now living a retired life.  The doctor was twice married, on the first occasion to Miss Julia Peck, who bore him four children: two sons, Charles Marshall and Casper F., and two daughters, Mary P., and Georgiana, of whom Casper F., is the only child living, the others having died in childhood.  Caspar F. received the benefit of the good schools and colleges of his native place, and in 1873 commenced the study of law with J. J. Bell, of London, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar at the district court of Greene County, Ohio, in March 1876.  He was married to same year (1876) to Miss Ella, daughter of Lynn and Margaret Crabb, of London, Ohio, and by this union there is one child, Grace W.  Mr. Bryan began the practice of law in Lima, in the fall of 1883, opening a law office in partnership with Albert G. Stewart; they are both members of the Presbyterian Church, at Lima.  Mr. Bryanis a member of the Knights of Pythias. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 683
	Spencer Twp. - CHARLES F. BUEHLER, stoves and tinware, Spencerville. was born in Baden, Germany, November 4, 1853, youngest child of George and Anna Maria (Floesch) Buehler, and was brought to America by his parents when an infant. They located at New Bremen, Auglaize County, Ohio. Early in life our subject learned the trade of tinner, and since the age of fourteen has depended upon his own efforts. He came to Spencerville, January 14, 1875, and opened a tin store with a limited capital, but by industry and economy his trade steadily increased, and he was able to add continually to his stock, which is now complete. In addition to stoves and tinware he deals quite extensively in all kinds of hard and soft coal. Mr. Buehler was married, November 18, 1879, to Miss Katherine Schoenthaler, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March 22, 1855. She has borne him one son and one daughter—Frederick and Lillie. Mr. Buehler is a consistent member of the German Lutheran Church. He was formerly a member of the town council. Socially, he ranks high in the estimation of the community for his many good qualities. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 82
	Shawnee Twp. - GEORGE BURKHART, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Mar. 20, 1845, son of George and Elizabeth (Friesinger) Burkhart, who came to America in 1847, the former of whom settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1850, and cleared and improved a farm in Noble Township, where he still resides; the latter died the year they came to America.  Our subject was reared in Noble Township, Auglaize County, from five years of age.  He never attended school, but his father taught him sufficient to enable him to read German.  He lived with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he started out for himself, and engaged in chopping for several years, until he had saved enough to purchase the farm he now occupies in Shawnee Township, this county, all of which he cleared and improved himself, and on which he built a fine residence in 1882.  Mr. Burkhart was married twice, his first wife being Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Delong) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1836, and by this union have been born five children: Charlie, Ida, Frank, William and Mary.  The present wife of our subject is Emma, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Wagner) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1851, and the issue of this union is one child - Francis.  Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart are members of the Lutheran Church.  In politics, he is a Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 788
	Spencer Twp. - THOMAS C. BURNS, dry goods merchant, Spencerville, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, May 17, 1843; son of John H. and Margaret (McClure) Burns, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania. They had nine children, of whom Thomas C. is fourth. Our subject was raised on a farm, and received a common school education. He entered upon his career in life as a harness maker, an occupation he followed about two years.  He then engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at Perrysville, Ohio, where he remained about eleven years. In 1879 he removed to Spencerville, opened a dry goods store, in partnership with E. F. Veach, and has since continued in this line. From the commencement of his business career his trade has gradually increased, and his kind and obliging manners in attending to the wants of his many customers, as well as by his close attention to business, have gained for him hosts of friends. In order to better accommodate this trade the firm removed, in September, 1834, to their present commodious room, and their stock is as complete as any in the town. Mr. Burns was married, February 23, 1870, to Kate Castor, who was born in Vermont, July 25, 1850, by whom he has two children: Wade A. and John H. Mr. Burns is one of the present councilmen; was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F.: religiously he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a stanch Democrat. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 82
	Bath Twp. - GEORGE S. BYERLY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Mar. 4, 1847, and is a son of David and Phebe Byerly.  From five years of age he was reared in Washington County, Tenn., where he received a common school education, and lived until 1861, when he came to Allen County and located in Bath Township.  In 1864 he settled on the farm he now occupies, on which he has made all the improvements in erecting buildings, etc.  He was married Nov. 4, 1862, to Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Polly (Leedy) Miller of Bath Twp., by whom he has had twelve children, ten now living: David, Mary, Daniel, Lalura, Jesse, Ellen, Oscar, William, Frederick and Chester.  Mr. and Mrs. Byerly are members of the German Baptist Church.  He has been a school director of Beth Township for twelve years; in politics he is a Republican. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by  Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 576

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