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PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source: 
History of Putnam County, Ohio,
by George D. Kinder,
Publ. B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
1915

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  FRANK WILLIAM WALLEN.  One of the interesting histories which might be written concerning the settlement of Jennings township, is that dealing with the period when that part of the country was a wilderness.  Then it was that many young couples migrated from the east and south, and started their own family firesides, sometimes too near the camp fires of their Indian neighbors.  Among those who acquired land from the government were the ancestors of Frank William Wallen, who still lives where his forefathers settled when they came from Kentucky, at a very early date.  Forty-seven out of the eighty-nine acres, which he owns, have been in the Wallen family ever since they were obtained from the government.  So that would constitute Mr. Wallen what we call "on old settler," a term unknown in the old country.
     Frank William Wallen was born in Jennings township on Dec. 7, 1843.  He is the son of Isaac and Catherine (Nottoff) Wallen, the former of whom came from England to the United States, and at first settled in Kentucky, then migrated to the township which is still his home.  All this happened when Isaac was a very small boy, his parents having been married in Putnam county.  Two children were born to Isaac and Catherine Wallen, one of whom died in infancy, the other becoming of such prominence as to have his life merit a biographical sketch in this volume.  After the death of Mrs. Wallen, mother of Frank W. Wallen, in 1843, the father married for his second wife, Miss Margaret Keller. To them were born two children:  Daniel, who is now deceased, and Lucretia, who became the wife of Robert Seibert, of Lima.  The father of Mr. Wallen lived until 1849, having followed the occupation of farming all of his life.  He was a faithful member of the United Brethren church.
     Mrs. Wallen then married a Doctor Carter, and their family consisted of four children, two of whom are deceased.  Moses is now living in Putnam county, and Mary became the wife of Benjamin Seibert.  The mother died about 1904, and Doctor Carter passed away in 1911.
     Although the mother of Frank W. Wallen married a Protestant, she herself was a Catholic.  She was born in Germany, and came to this country with her parents. Her father was Frank William Nottoff, and when he arrived in this country, he settled first in Glandorf.  Later, he moved to Ft. Jennings and lived there the remainder of his days.  Her mother's name was also Katherine.  Three children, besides Katherine, made up this family.  They were Barney, Jasper and Theodore, Katherine being the youngest.  After the death of Mrs. Wallen's grandfather, her grandmother married Joseph Meyer. The son born to them, Joseph, served three months in the war.
     At the age of twenty-six, that is, in 1869, Mr. Wallen was united in marriage to Miss Mary K. Slottman, in the month of November.  Theirs was the good fortune to have the regulation large family so common in those early days, for to them were born eleven children, ten of whom are living today, Frank lives in Jennings township; Katherine married Henry Kritmeyer, and moved to Monterery township; William makes his present home in Bentley Bay county, Michigan; Amelia, who became the wife of John Weighart, lives in Jennings township; Joseph lives in Rushmore, Ohio; Anna, the wife of John Dahling, is living in Delphos, Ohio; Sophia died at the age of twenty-two; Minnie, the wife of Edward Shoemaker also makes her home in Bentley Bay county, Michigan; Caroline, wife of William Dahling, lives in Jennings township; Barnard, who was born on Mar. 12, 1895, and his brother, August, have charge of the farm, and August, the youngest member of the family, was born on June 30, 1897.
     The farm which is the present home of Mr. Wallen and his two sons, is located in section 34, northeast of Ft. Jennings, about two and one-half miles.  Like their more enterprising neighbors, these energetic farmers have had a high ideal for their work, and this ideal has been to raise farm products of a high grade and stock that should reflect credit upon the entire neighborhood in which their farm is situated. And this they have succeeded in doing.  Their land is all improved, which, considering the fact that it was a wilderness
once, speaks well for the thrift and industry of the Wallen family. 
     In religious matters, the family seems to have followed the example of Mr. Wallen's mother, for all are members in good standing of the Catholic church, their names having been for many years enrolled among the membership of the Ft. Jennings Catholic church.  Mr. Wallen is a Democrat.  Although he may not have been prominent as an office seeker or office holder, his stanch Democratic principles have had their influence among his neighbors and associates, and when an event or circumstance arises where justice and right are involved, his voice is among the loudest in defense of what he believes to be the true course of action.
     In converting a desert land into places fit for habitation, the ancestors of Mr. Wallen were indeed benefactors, and in continuing their praiseworthy work, he and his children have passed on to others the benefits of their labors and industry.  Of such may it not be said "They found a dry, barren waste, they left a garden, a fit habitation for the sons of men."
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1304
  HENRY WARD.  The United States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth.  Her citizens are drawn from every country and every clime.  A residence of a few years in this country so imbues these people with the American spirit that they become our best citizens.  No country has furnished better or more substantial citizens to the United States than the Emerald Isle.  From this island have come many families who have won prominent places in the communities where they settled.  Among the many immigrants of Irish descent, who have come to Ohio, there is none who are more loyal to their adopted country than the Ward family of Putnam county.
     Henry Ward, one of the well-known farmers of Liberty township, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, on June 8, 1872, the son of Francis and Sarah E. (Bibler) Ward.
     Francis Ward was born on Nov. 17, 1831, in Glenest, in the district of Kildare, near King's county, Ireland.  He came to America when a
lad of fifteen, in 1847, and the family were on a sailing vessel seven weeks on the voyage to America.  At New York, both parents and one daughter died of typhoid fever within two or three weeks after landing.  The seven orphans had an uncle in Licking county, Ohio, sixteen miles east of Columbus, who wired the authorities to send them to Cleveland.  He met them in Cleveland and the children were divided among his married sons and daughters.
     Francis Ward came to Ohio in September, 1847, and settled first in Licking county.  Soon after the close of the Civil War, he settled in Hancock county, southwest of Findlay. In that county, he married Sarah E. Bibler and settled along the county line north of Bluffton.  His wife was horn ten miles southeast of Findlay and was the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Orvick) Bibler.  Elizabeth Orvick was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 1818, and came to Hancock county with her parents in October, 1835.  She married David Bibler, Aug. 27, 1840, and began housekeeping on the farm where she and her husband reared their family and spent all of their days.  She died on Apr. 7, 1900, at the age of eighty-one.
     Sarah E. Bibler lived nearly all the remainder of her life, after her marriage, in Hancock county.  She was the mother of three children by her marriage to Francis Ward, Lillie Belle, who married Clem Ward and lives in Lincoln, Michigan; Rhoda Jane, who married Robert Semler and lives between Findlay and Arcade, and Henry, who is the subject of this sketch. 
     The family moved to Putnam county in 1873 and located in Liberty township.  On Sept. 2, 1874, Mrs. Ward died, and after her death, Mr. Ward returned to Hancock county.  He married Mrs. Catherine Payne (nee Treece) in 1876, and the year following this marriage, returned to Putnam county, where he resided until his death, Aug. 13, 1902.  He left two children by his second marriage, Mrs. Sarah E. Swihart and Mrs. Luella Wagner.  The mother of these children died in March, 1909.
     Henry Ward came to Putnam county with his father and after the death of his mother, lived with his maternal grandfather until his father married again, when he came back to Putnam county and lived on the home farm until his marriage.
     Henry Ward was married on Dec. 27, 1894, to Virdie Casteel, who was born in the northeastern part of Liberty township and who is the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Sterret) Casteel.  Mrs. Henry Ward lived upon the farm with her parents until her marriage.
     Andrew Casteel was born on Apr. 22, 1834, in Licking county, Ohio.  He is the son of Thomas and Salome (Livingstone) Casteel. Andrew
Casteel was reared on a farm and, at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalry, in Company D, and served until the end of the war.  He was with Sherman's army, in Tennessee, and in the battles of Stone's River, Lookout Mountain, Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge, as well as a number of other important battles fought by the western army.  He was never wounded or captured.  At the end of the war, Andrew Casteel came to Putnam county and purchased land in Liberty township.  He now owns about four hundred and seventy-six acres, sixty of which are in Michigan, and has farmed all of his life.  He was married, in 1865, to Margaret Sterret, a native of Licking county and a daughter of Robert and Nancy (McLaughlin) Sterret.  Andrew and Margaret (Sterret) Casteel have been the parents of three sons and five daughters, Delia, who lives at home and keeps house for her father; Nancy Alice, who is the wife of Joseph Bishop, of Henry county, and has six children; Minnie Virginia, who is the wife of Mr. Ward; Wesley, who lives in Henry county, married Belle Leary, and has three children; Andrew Smith, who died in April, 1905, married Cora Bishop and had five children; Laura Ellen, the wife of Orville Lazenby, who lives on the east line of Liberty township and has three children; Leroy Gibson, who lives at Quincy, Michigan, married Rhoda Newell and has five children; Salome Elizabeth, who died in February, 1911, was the wife of Charles Lazenby, of Henry county, and had two daughters.  Mrs. Andrew Casteel died on Nov. 6, 1906.  She was a member of the Disciples church, which she joined in Licking county when a young woman.  Here she belonged to the West Bellmore church. Mr. Casteel is one of the oldest living residents of Putnam county, now being past eighty years of age, but still does his own work.  His sight is still very good and he often reads by lamp light until ten or eleven o'clock at night.  He has kept up with the times in every particular and is a well-informed man.
     After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heniy Ward, he farmed in Henry county two years and then came to the Casteel farm where he lived for eight years.  In the fall of 1905, he bought eighty acres in Liberty township, south of Prentiss, where he now resides.
     To Henry and Virdie (Casteel) Ward, seven children have been born, Francis, who is now attending the high school at Leipsic; Byron; Leroy; Clyde; Lloyd; Burl and Irven.  Francis took part in the corn contest in the fall of 1914, and raised one hundred and twelve bushels to the acre and fifty-six pounds to the bushel.  One hundred pounds of this corn was shelled and produced eighty-four pounds of shelled corn and only sixteen pounds of cobs, a remarkable record.  As a reward, he was given a trip to Washington, D. C.  He stood highest in Liberty. Van Buren and Blanchard townships.
     Henry Ward is a leading member of the Odd Fellow lodge and is also one of the leading citizens of Liberty township and Putnam county, a man; who is highly respected where he resides.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1081
   ALDINE J. WELTY

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 296
  CHARLES E. WIGHT

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 560
  HENRY R. WILLLAMS.   Improvement and progress may well be said to form the key note of the character of Henry R. Williams, a well-known and influential farmer and stock raiser of Sugar Creek township, for he has been an industrious man all his life, keeping abreast of the times in every respect.  A leading citizen of the township, he has made his influence felt among his fellow men, and has earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.
     Henry R. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township on Nov. 5, 1871, the son of David L. and Mary (Griffith) Williams, who are mentioned, specifically, in the sketch of the subject's brother, John D. Williams elsewhere in this work.  Henry R. Williams was reared on the paternal farmstead, and attended the old Michael district school in the neighborhood where he secured a good practical education.  He then took a term of normal work in the Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana, after which he remained at home and assisted his father in the operation of the old homestead until attaining his majority.  He was then employed in Lima, Ohio, two years, working in the Lima steel works and then for a year was in the West.  The next two years he spent in the Lima oil fields where he gained valuable experience, and in March, 1908, decided to apply himself to the pursuit of agriculture.  To this end he located on a part of his father's farm, one and one quarter miles south of Vaughnsville, where he has continued to reside ever since.  He first purchased eighty-five acres, to which he later added forty-one acres, and still later another tract of twenty-five acres, thus giving him an estate of one hundred and fifty acres, comprising some of the best farming land in this section of Ohio.  To the cultivation of this farm he has applied himself unremittingly, and by the most indefatigable effort, combined with sound discretion and good management, he has achieved a splendid success as a farmer.
     Henry R. Williams was married on May 20, 1896, to Emma Gander, who was born in Sugar Creek township on Dec. 11, 1869, being the daughter of John and Susan (Garner) Gander.  John Gander was born in Franklin county on Oct. 6, 1822. the son of John and Elizabeth (Kendall) Gander.  John Gander, Jr., came to Putnam county in 1838, and on June 24, 1847, was married to Susan M. Garner, who was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, on June 17, 1827.  The senior Mr. Gander and his wife are both deceased, he dying on Sept. 2, 1858, and she on Nov. 21, 1865.  Mrs. Gander's father, William W Garner, died on June 6, 1867, and her mother, Elizabeth (Storer) Garner, died on Mar. 5, 1853.  They came to Putnam on Jan. 1, 1837.  John Gander was a justice of the peace for eighteen years, an assessor for seven years and he also held the offices of township clerk and treasurer for a number of years.  John Gander died on Jan. 3, 1894, and his wife, Susan Gander, on Oct. 3, 1909.  They were the parents of nine children, namely: John William, born on Apr. 15, 1848, died on Jan. 25, 1849; Elizabeth, Jan. 22, 1850; Nancy, Oct. 14, 1853; James, 1856; Mary, June 18, 1858; Joseph, Dec. 10, 1861; Matilda, Nov. 17, 1866; Emma, Mrs. Williams, Dec. 11, 1869; Rose Sept. 23, 1872, and died on Apr. 7, 1913.
     Mrs. Emma Williams was born on the old Gander homestead, just east of Vaughnsville, and there grew to womanhood.  To Henry R. and Emma (Gander) Williams have been born seven children, as follow: Clyde, on Mar. 3, 1897; Harold, July 13, 1899, died on Oct. 22, 1914; Allen and Aileen, twins, Aug. 21, 1901; George, Aug. 21, 1903: Ivan, Oct. 25, 1905; Willard, Jan. 20, 1908.
     Henry R. Williams and wife are both faithful and earnest members of the Christian church, of which he is a trustee.  He is a member of Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias, at Vaughnsville, while politically, he gives his support to the Republican party.  During the years 1902 to 1906 he served efficiently as trustee of Sugar Creek township, winning the commendation of his fellow-citizens by his conduct of the office.  His well-directed energy in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment, have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who proved that he is the possessor of those innate qualities, which never fail to bring success if properly directed.  Because of his high character and clean life, Mr. Williams enjoys a well deserved popularity throughout the community where his life has been spent.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 794
  JOHN D. WILLIAMS.   The two most important economic problems of agriculture from the social point of view and from the point of view of those engaged in the industry, are greater production and improved market facilities.  John D. Williams, one of the best-known and most prominent farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a man who, throughout his active career as a farmer, has emphasized the need of greater protection and better facilities for market.  Mr. Williams's remarkable success as a farmer and stockman has resulted from two or three principal conditions.  In the first place, Mr. Williams has for a long period of years forcefully applied himself to the problems of the farm and especially to the problem of larger production.  He is a man who has made a close study of marketing and always has been able to get the best prices for his farm products.  Aside from his material success in his life's vocation, Mr. Williams is a man of genteel personality, intelligent, broad minded and liberal in his attitude.
     John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, Mar.10, 1862.  He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffith) Williams.  David L. was born in North Wales, on June 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams homestead, south of Vaughnsville, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months.  David L. Williams was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales.   The former was a quarryman and was killed as a result of a blast in a stone quarry.  His death occurred when David, the father of John D., was a small boy.  His wife, Catherine, survived him only a few years.  They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David, the father of John D.
     David Williams spent his youth in Wales and while a boy he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of that member.  He also suffered an injury to his knee that caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker.  Fortunately, the injured knee became well, in later years, and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker.  David received a limited education in his native country, but later was able to improve himself and became a well-read man.  He was very fond of music, in which he was quite proficient.  He was a leader of the choir in the Congregational church at Vaughnsville for some time.  This church he helped to organize and he was a charter member.  When about twenty-four years of age he came to America, and located first at Rome, New York, in 1856.  Here he was employed for about a year on a farm, and then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, where he resumed farming. It was in Licking county that he was married, which marriage took place on Feb. 1, 1860, when David Williams was twenty-eight years old.  He was married to Mary Griffith, who was born in South Wales on Sept. 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffith.  She came to America with her parents when a very small child, who settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here they spent the remainder of their lives.  They had nine children, seven girls and two boys.  Mrs. Williams was the third child.
     After his marriage, David Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, continued to farm for about six years, when he moved to Putnam county in the spring of 1866, where he settled in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville.  Here he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres to the original farm, which was well improved for that time.  It had a large frame house and barn and had about sixty acres of land cleared. David Williams was a very successful farmer.  He came to America a poor boy and, by dint of energy and perseverance, accumulated about five hundred and sixty acres of land.  He was a Republican in politics, but in late years became a Democrat.  He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian, a man of high ideals and of unquestioned integrity.  His wife, Mary (Griffith) Williams, was also a member of the Congregational church.  She was a devoted wife and loving mother.  She died about two years prior to her husband's death, May 19, 1907.  They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity.  These children are as follow: William G., born on Nov. 15, 1860; John D., the subject of this sketch, Mar. 10, 1862; Catherine, Oct. 14, 1863; Charlotte, Aug. 7, 1865, died on July, 1888; Thomas F., Jan. 16, 1867; David L., Dec. 21, 1869; Henry R., Nov. 5, 1871; Hugh, Nov. 19, 1873; Mary, Jan. 30, 1876, and Walter E., Nov. 26, 1878.  All of these children married except Charlotte, who died at the age of twenty-three. 
     John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county when about four years of age.  Here he spent the remainder of his childhood and youth. He attended the old Michael district school and helped his father on the home place until twenty-five years of age, when he was married on Dec. 22, 1887, to Mary Jones, who was born on Sept. 16, 1861, in Allen county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Evan W. and Leah (Jones) Jones, both of whom were natives of North Wales.  They had four children who died in infancy, Jennie, Bessie and two others, who died at birth.
     After his marriage, Mr. Williams located on forty acres, part of a one hundred and sixty-acre tract belonging to his father, two and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville.  Later, he purchased this forty acres and forty additional acres from his father.  Several years later, he added, at different times, thirty-eight and sixty-nine acres respectively, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty-six acres.  Mr. Williams has improved his home place with a commodious, modern residence and a large barn and other buildings, in keeping with the surroundings.  The result is that he has one of the finest and best-improved farms in Putnam county.  Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has been very successful.
     Mrs. Mary Williams died on Oct. 16, 1896.  Mr. Williams was again married on Mar. 24, 1898, to Anna Jones, who was born in Franklin county on Sept. 11, 1862, and who was the daughter of John D. and Mary (Davis) Jones.  Both were natives of North Wales and both came to this country in 1858, five years after their marriage which took place on May 3, 1853.  The former was a son of David and Catherine (Jones) Jones and was born on Apr. 9, 1828.  John D. Jones was a farmer by occupation and one of six children.  The father died when he was but six years of age, and his mother when he was twenty-one years of age.  At the age of nine, he started out in life for himself, working for his uncle.  His wife, Mary was born on Aug. 5, 1828, and was the daughter of Richard and Sarah Davis.  Mary was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity.  John D. Jones died on Jan. 12, 1876, in Putnam county.  His wife, Mary, died on Oct. 1, 1870, when her daughter Anna, the wife of Mr. Williams, was eight years of age.  When two years of age, Mrs. Anna Williams came with her parents to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, where they located two and one-half miles northeast of Vaughnsville.  Here she spent her childhood and here she attended the old Smith
district school.  She remained at home until her marriage to Mr. Williams, kllllllllbn  wzhen she took up her present residence.
     John D. Williams is an ardent Republican.  He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, of Vaughnsville.  He is also a member of the Congregational church and a trustee of this church.  John D. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's most substantial and progressive citizens.  He is well and favorably known throughout Putnam county.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 749
  MICHAEL WILLIAMS.    Ohio has been especially honored in the character and career of her farmers.  In every section have been found men born to leadership in agriculture and who have dominated their communities because of their superior intelligence, natural endowments and force of character.  It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentive to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of others.  These reflections are suggested by the career of Michael Williams, who has forged to the front ranks of the farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and who, for many years, has been one of the leading farmers in this section of Putnam county.  Mr. Williams's success has been attained by normal methods and means, a determined application of mental and physical resources along well-defined lines.
     Michael Williams was born on Oct. 9, 1865, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Michael and Mary Ann (Frankart) Williams, the former of whom, as well as the latter, were born in Germany.  They came to America and settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming.  They farmed in Seneca county for a number of years and then moved to Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm of eighty acres.  Later they increased the acreage to one hundred and twenty.  To them were born ten children, Tillie, deceased; John; Jacob; Peter; Mary; Michael; Catherine; Emma; Joseph, deceased, and Mary, deceased.  Michael Williams died in Palmer township.  Mrs. Mary Ann (Frankhart) Williams died at Landick, Ohio.  Michael Williams was township treasurer for a number of years.  He was a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church.  The family were also members of this church.
     Michael Williams was educated in Palmer township and, during his early life, lived on his father's farm. He worked out by the month before his marriage.  Mr. Williams was married on June 5, 1886, to Frances Snyder, the daughter of Joseph and Christina (Mueller) Snyder.  Joseph and Christina Snyder were natives of Virginia, moving from Virginia to Franklin county, Ohio, where they settled on a farm.  After living in Franklin county for some time, they came to Putnam county, Ohio, and lived on a farm in Palmer township.  Mrs. Christina (Mueller) Snyder died at the age of eighty-two years on Jan. 7, 1900.  Her husband is still surviving and lives with his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Frankart, of Palmer township.  He is ninety-six years old.  He was a soldier in the Civil War and served in the Twenty-second Regiment, Kentucky Regulars, enlisting at Covington, Kentucky, and serving eleven months.  He was married in Virginia. Joseph and
Christina Snyder were the parents of nine children, William, Nicholas, George and Mary are deceased. Caroline, Catherine, Rebecca, Frances and James are still living.
     After his marriage, Michael Williams moved to a farm in section 10, of Palmer township.  This farm originally consisted of twenty acres, but was later increased to forty acres. In the meantime, Mr. Williams bought forty acres more in section 16, making a total of eighty acres.  He has erected all the present buildings on the farm and cleared and drained the land and otherwise improved it.
     To Michael and Frances (Snyder) Williams one child has been born, Earl M., on July 13, 1887.  He married Clara Russett, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Russett, of Palmer township.  They have two children, Arlie, born on Feb. 28, 1909, and Hilda, on Dec. 11, 1914.  Earl was educated in the township schools and lives with his father.  He is a farmer and operates the home farm.
     Michael Williams is more or less retired, but still lives on the farm.  He is treasurer of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association.  He was a ditch contractor and followed this business in connection with general farming until 1899, when he was injured by falling from the roof of his barn, which was then being built; he was also township ditch supervisor for ten years and has built many ditches in Putnam county, since which time he has given up ditch contracting.  The greater part of his time is devoted to overseeing the farm, since his injury rather incapacitates him for the heavier work.  He is very alert, mentally, and is much admired for his intelligence and broad view of all public questions.  Michael Williams is a man of excellent habits and bears a high reputation in the community in which he lives for honesty and integrity.  He is a man of sound business principles and of decidedly progressive ideas.  He is congenial in manner, a kind father and thoroughly devoted to domestic life.
     Michael Williams is a member of the St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City.  All of the members of the family are affiliated with this church.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1181
  PETER WILLIAMS.     Among those who are eminently entitled to a place in a work of this character is Peter Williams, a well-known farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio.  Mr. Williams has performed well his part in the drama of civilization and has led a life that is exemplary in every respect. He has set an excellent example to the younger generation, and has been a leader in his county in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding of the community.  He has done what good he could in all lines and has labored not only for the advancement of his own interests, but for the welfare and advancement of his section of the county.  Mr. Williams is well known in his township, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all his neighbors.
     Peter Williams was born on Dec. 19, 1861, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Mary Ann (Frankhart) Williams, who were both natives of Germany.  Mrs. Mary Ann (Frankhart) Williams came from Germany with her parents to America, and the family located on a farm in Seneca county, Ohio.  The family consisted of the following children: Nicholas, Mary Ann, Jane, John, Catherine and John N.
     Michael Williams came from Germany in an early day and also located in Seneca county, Ohio, and after his marriage to Mary Ann Frankhart, settled on a farm in that county, where he lived for a number of years, and later moved to Putnam county to a farm of eighty acres.  To this farm he subsequently added more acreage from time to time until he owned one hundred and twenty acres of good farming land.  Michael Williams and wife were the parents of the following children: Tillie, Margaret, John, Jacob, Peter, Mary, Michael, Catherine Emma, Joseph, and two who died in infancy.  Tillie and Joseph are also deceased.  The mother of these children died in Landick, Ohio, while the father died in Palmer township, Putnam county.  All the family were devout members of the Catholic church.  Michael M. Williams was a Democrat and served as township treasurer for a number of years.
     Peter Williams was educated in the schools of Palmer township and, before his marriage, worked on a farm.  He also operated a saw-mill in partnership with his brother, John.  This mill was located in Palmer township, and was operated for a number of years.  Mr. Williams was married on Sept. 12, 1893, to Alice L. King, the daughter of Solomon and Mary Katherine (Liese) King.
     Solomon King was born in Fairfield county, Ohio; his wife was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and after their marriage they moved to Putnam county, Ohio, where they lived on a farm until Mr. King's death.  His widow afterward moved to Wood county, Ohio, and from there to Lucas county, Ohio, and still later to Ontario, Canada, where she is still living, Solomon King and wife were the parents of the following children: Alice, Malinda, Ida Jane, Otho, Charles, Champ, Nora P. and Fred.  Of this number Alice, Malinda, Charles and Nora are deceased.  Those living make their home in Canada.
     After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Williams moved to a farm consisting of thirty-five and one-half acres in section 9, of Palmer township.  This farm Mr. Williams purchased before his marriage, and here he erected buildings and cleared and improved the land, bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation.  Peter and Alice L. (King) Williams were the parents of two children, Howard P., born on Aug. 16, 1895, and Glen W., on Oct. 17, 1897.  The mother of these children died Mar. 5, 1914, and was buried in the North Creek cemetery. She was eminently respected in her neighborhood, a good mother and a faithful and devoted wife.
     Mr. Williams still lives on the farm where he settled soon after his marriage.  His two sons assist their father on the farm.  They are bright and industrious boys, of whom their father is justly proud.  Mr. Williams is engaged in general farming and has met with a very fair degree of success in his operations, being a man of sterling integrity, and known to be a stanch and honorable citizen, respected by all.
     Mr. Williams is a Democrat in politics, served his fellow citizens as township assessor for three years, and has also served on the school board of his township.  His two sons were educated in the township schools, and Howard was a student in the high school at Miller City.  The family are earnest and devout members of the Catholic church, in which denomination they are deeply interested.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1143
  THOMAS S. WILLIAMS.   Thomas S. Williams, long one of the leading farmers and stock men of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is noted for his strong individuality, breadth of wisdom and indomitable perseverance.  He used wisely and well the talents with which he was endowed, and has directed his efforts along the lines pointed out by good judgment and discrimination.  Mr. Williams is possessed of a rare measure of native sagacity, fidelity to purpose and sincerity in all the relations of life.  He belongs to one of the old-time families of Putnam county, and from many standpoints is entitled to rank as one of its representative citizens.
     Thomas S. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on the old homestead of his father, south of Vaughnsville, on Jan. 16, 1867.  He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffiths) Williams.  David L. Williams was born in North Wales, on Jan. 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams homestead, south of Vaughnsville, on Feb. 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months.  He was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales.  Hugh Williams was a quarryman and was killed as the result of a blast in a stone quarry.  His death occurred when David L. Williams, father of Thomas S., was a mere lad.  His wife, who before her marriage was Catherine Lloyd, survived him a few years.  They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David L., the father of Thomas S.
     David L. Williams spent his youth in Wales and, while a lad, he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of the eye.  He also suffered an injury to his knee which caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker.  Fortunately, the injured knee grew better in later years and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker.  David L. Williams received a limited education in his native country, but he later improved himself by home study and became a well-informed man.  He was very fond of music in which he was quite proficient.  For many years he was the leader of the choir in the Vaughnsville Congregational church.  Mr. Williams helped to organize this church and was a charter member.  When he was twenty-four years of age, about 1856, he came to America and located first at Rome, New York, where he was employed for about a year on a farm.  He then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, and resumed farming.  It was a few years later, Feb. 1, 1860, that he was married at the age of twenty-eight, to Mary Griffiths, who was born in South Wales, Sept. 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffiths.  She came to America with her parents when a very small child.  They settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here that they spent the remainder of their lives.  There were nine children, seven daughters and two sons, born to Mrs. David Williams parents, of whom she was the third child.
     After his marriage, David L. Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, Ohio, continued to farm there for about six years.  In the spring of 1866, he moved to Putnam county, settling in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres more to his original farm.  This farm was pretty well improved by that time.  It had a large frame house and barn, and had about sixty acres cleared.  David L. Williams was a very successful farmer, who came to America a poor boy and by dint of energy and perseverance accumulated about five hundred and sixty acres of land.  He was a Republican in politics, originally, but in later years became a Democrat.  He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian and a man of especially high ideals and of unquestionable integrity.  Mrs. Mary (Griffiths) Williams was also a member of the Congregational church.  She was a devoted wife and loving mother and a woman admired by her neighbors.  She died two years prior to the death of her husband, May 19, 1907.  They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity.  They are as follow: William G., on Nov. 15, 1860; John D., Mar. 10, 1862; Catherine, Oct. 14, 1863; Charlotte,
Aug. 7, 1865, and died at the age of twenty-three years in July, 1888; Thomas S., the subject of this sketch, Jan. 16, 1867; David L., Dec. 21, 1869; Henry R., Nov. 5, 1871; Hugh, Nov. 19, 1873; Mary, Jan. 30, 1876; and Walter E., Nov. 26, 1878.  All of these children married except Charlotte.
     Thomas S. Williams was born on Jan. 16, 1867.  He spent his childhood and youth on his father's farm.  He attended the old Michael district school and, after finishing the common schools, continued to help his father on the old home place, where he remained until twenty-three years of age or until the time of his marriage.
     Thomas S. Williams was married on Feb. 19, 1890, to Mary J. Edwards, who was born on the homestead of her father, Aug. 23, 1865, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio.  She was the daughter of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards.  Josiah Edwards was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, on May 30, 1826, and was the son of Josiah, Sr., and Margaret (Jones) Edwards.  Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation and lived and died in Wales.  Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife and one child came to America in 1855, settling first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm.  The following fall, in 1855, they came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Corner.  His first employment was with Griffith John, a contractor who built the Pennsylvania railroad from Lima to Elida.  The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico Ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county.  Here he lived for about seven years when he moved in 1862 to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, and settled on eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville on the old Ridge road.  This farm he bought in its virgin state, only an acre or two being cleared.  Josiah Edwards proceeded to clear and drain his land and improve it and succeeded in getting it all under cultivation except about eight acres.  He built a large frame house in 1873, consisting of ten rooms, and a large frame barn in 1879.  He was always engaged in general farming.  He was a very successful farmer and attributed his success mostly to raising corn and hogs.  He was also successful in raising good horses.
     Josiah Edwards, Jr., enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, near the close of the Civil War.  He was a "hundred days" soldier, having been mustered in May 13, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered out on Aug. 27, 1864.  The regiment was first stationed at Forts Sumpter, Mansfield and Simmons.  During the active operations of the rebels against Washington, D. C, on July 11 and 12 the larger part of the regiment was under fire.  Several of the companies were in the forts which were engaged in the battle.
     Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had one child before coming to America.  This child, John, who was but four years old when his parents came to Allen county, died the day after their arrival at Comer.  The parents came by canal boat from Utica, New York, to Buffalo, and thence by steamer to Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie.  Then they followed the Miami and Erie canal from Toledo to Delphos and walked from this place to Comer.  There were five children born to Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards, John, born in Wales, Jan. 21, 1851, died at Gomer, Nov. 8, 1855; Margaret, the second child was the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas; Joseph B. is the subject of a personal sketch in this volume; Mary married Mr. William, the subject of this sketch; John W. was the fifth child.  Josiah Edwards died on Aug. 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one years.  He was a member of the Gomer Congregational church and a deacon of this church for many years.  His wife also was a member.  He was a Republican in politics, a devout Christian and a man of high ideals.
     After his marriage, Thomas S. Williams was employed during the first summer on neighboring farms.  The following spring he and his wife moved to the old James Clevenger farm just south of his father's old homestead.  He rented a part of the farm from his father and here remained for about two years.  He then traded a forty acre farm in Allen county, which he received from his father, for sixty-seven acres, one and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville on the Valley road. In this transaction Mr. Williams paid the difference in money between the forty and sixty-seven acres.  This new farm had an old plank house of four rooms and a frame barn.  On Jan. 24, 1895, this house was destroyed by fire.  In this fire Mr. Williams and wife lost their two children, David and Minnie, four and one-half and one and one-half years, respectively.  It is an event that will live forever in theirmemories as the greatest tragedy of their lives.  David was born on Nov. 23, 1890, and Minnie on June 23, 1894, both of whom died on Jan. 24, 1895.   After this, Mabel was born on June 1, 1896; John Walter, Apr. 24, 1899; Homer, Nov. 24, 1903, and Robert Earnest was born on Apr. 24, 1907.
     Thomas S. Williams has continued to live on the present farm since moving here.  He has greatly improved it by the erection of a commodious eight-room residence which is nicely situated. In addition to this, he has added to his farm and erected other buildings in keeping with the surroundings.  Mr. Williams has been successful in raising wheat, but of late years he has been devoting his attention to corn and hogs, and has been very successful.
     Thomas S. Williams and wife are members of the Vaughnsville Congregational church.  Their two eldest children, Mabel and John Walter, are also members of this church.  Mabel is a senior in the Vaughnsville high school, a member of the class of 1916.  Thomas S. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's substantial citizens and well and favorably known in this section of Putnam county and is entitled to representation in this volume.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 777
  WALTER E. WILLIAMS.     The occupation of farming, to which all of the active life of Walter E. Williams, a well-known farmer of Sugar Creek township, has been devoted is the oldest pursuit for a livelihood known to mankind.  It is the one which will ever be the most independent.  The Williams family have long been connected with the progress and prosperity of Putnam county, of which Walter E. Williams is a native and where, in fact, he has spent all of his life.  While primarily attending to his own farming interests, his life has been devoted somewhat to the interest of his neighbors and fellow citizens.  Mr. Williams has been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and he has been ready at all times to lend his aid toward uplifting the civic and social spirit of the community where he has lived.
     Walter E. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, on Nov. 26, 1878.  He is the son of David L. and Mary Elizabeth (Griffith) Williams, whose family history is to be found in the sketch of John D. Williams, a brother of Walter E., on another page in this volume.  Walter E. was born on the old homestead of his father, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he spent his childhood and youth.  He first attended the old Michael district school and later the public school of Vaughnsville.  After finishing school, he continued to help his father on the old home farm and remained here until his marriage.
     Walter E. Williams was married on Mar. 19, 1902, at the age of twenty-three, to Ellen Garner, the daughter of James W. and Lydia (Slusser) Garner.  She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on Mar. 4. 1876.  The complete family history of Mrs. Williams is to be found in the sketch of J. H. Miller, whose wife, Mrs. Carrie Miller, is a sister of Mrs. Williams and which history is to be found elsewhere in this volume.  To Walter E. and Ellen (Garner) Williams two children have been born.  The first on Aug. 3, 1903, died shortly after birth; the second, Leland L., July 27, 1904.  Mrs. Williams died on Aug. 8, 1904.  She was a member of the Christian church and a devoted and faithful wife and mother.
     Mr. Williams was married on Sept. 25, 1905, to Sicily Elizabeth Garner, a second cousin to the first Mrs. Williams.  She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on Dec. 14, 1876, and is the daughter of Rev. George B. and Sarah Anna (Webb) Garner, the former a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, born on Sept. 18, 1850, and the latter born on Oct. 18, 1851, at Pittsfield, Lorain county, Ohio.  Rev. George B. Garner was reared and educated in Putnam county and here entered the ministry.  He was twice pastor of the Christian church at Vaughnsville, which charge he filled with rare credit.  He is now attached to the Northwestern Ohio Christian conference and presides over the Christian church at Berkey, Ohio.  Rev. George B. and Sarah A. (Webb) Garner had five children, Joseph Franklin, born on June 9, 1874; Sicily Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Williams; Zoe and Zella, twins, July 28, 1878, died in infancy; and Mrs. Blanche Heffner, Nov. 20, 1880.  Mrs. Williams's mother, Sarah Anna Garner, died Sept. 17, 1902.
     Walter E. Williams has continued to live on the old home place, where he was born and where he now resides.  After his first marriage, he took charge of the home farm.  It consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, which his father bequeathed to him and to which he has added forty acres since his father's death.  Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has engaged, to a limited extent, in raising thoroughbred Shorthorn Durham cattle.  He has also fed a considerable number of cattle for the market.
     To Walter E. and Sicily E. (Garner) Williams, his second wife, six children have been born. Garner L., on Aug. 13, 1906; Anna Marion, May 1, 1908; Maurice W., Feb. 3, 1910, died on Aug. 8, 1912; Arthur L., Oct. 15, 1911; Joseph F., May 27, 1913; and Charlotte B., Mar. 28, 1915.
     Walter E. Williams is a member of the Christian church at Vaughnsville sand is assistant superintendent of the Sunday school.  Mrs. Williams is a member of the First Christian church at Lima, Ohio, and was a charter member of that church.  Mr. Williams is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, at Vaughnsville.  He is a Republican, he having served as township assessor from 1910 to 1912, inclusive.  Mr. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's clean-cut and progressive young farmers.  He is well liked and favorably known throughout this section of Ohio and enjoys the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.  From any standpoint, he is a farmer who is thoroughly entitled to representation in a volume of this character.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 775
  HENRY WING.     Perhaps the best known citizen of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Henry Wing, who, with the exception of four years, has served continuously as postmaster of Miller City since 1889, a period of twenty-six years, twenty-two years of which Mr. Wing has filled this office.  Of late years, Mr. Wing has been connected with the telephone exchange at Miller City.  The federal government is very exacting of its public servants, and especially of postmasters, and it is a matter of great credit to Mr. Wing that he has held this office for so long a period. Perhaps it is the best testimonial that might he offered in support of his integrity, his business ability and his ability to please the patrons of this office. 
     Henry Wing was born on June 8, 1851, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.  He is the son of Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing, the latter of whom was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the former of whom was born in Montgomery county, near Dayton.
     The paternal grandparents of Henry Wing were Henry and Elnore (Frazee) Wing, the former of whom was born in Rockingham, Vermont, and the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania.   After their marriage they moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and remained there for some time.  Later, they moved to Putnam county, Ohio.  This was about 1825, and at this time they settled in Greensburg township, on the Blanchard river.  Henry Wing, Sr., first settled on the south side of the river, but later moved to the north side.  He entered twenty-five acres of government land and erected primitive buildings.  He cleared the land of the heavy timber and was killed m 1843 while working on the road being constructed between Ottawa and Defiance.  He was survived by his wife and the following children: Jarvis, Oliver, Rhoda, Henry, Elnora, Jane, Austin, Pauline, Cleopatra and Francis M.  Of these children Henry, Austin and Frank served during the Civil War, in Ohio regiments.  Austin served in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry for four years.  Henry served three months.  Frank was captured at Harpers Ferry, but was later paroled.  Austin was captured at Murfreesboro and confined one month at Salisbury, North Carolina.  The mother of these children died on the farm in Greensburg township.
     Jarvis Wing was educated in the Greensburg township schools and before his marriage worked on his father's farm.  After his marriage he continued to live on the homestead farm, which he had increased to two hundred and twenty-five acres.  His father had purchased two hundred acres before his death, and Jarvis Wing bought this entire at the administrator's sale.  Jarvis Wing was married to Sarah Dangler, daughter of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler.  John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler came from Pennsylvania after their marriage and settled in Greensburg township, bringing their family with them.  Henry Wing's mother was but six years old when she came with her parents to Putnam county.  The children of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler were Jacob, John, Jr., George, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah and Henry.  Both of these parents died in Greensburg township.  During his life time Jarvis Wing worked on his farm in Greensburg township.  To Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing were born the following children: Henry, the subject of this sketch; Barbara, deceased; Ellen, deceased; John; Charles, deceased; Oliver, and two who died in infancy.  Jarvis Wing died in Palmer township and his wife died in Topeka, Ohio.
     Henry Wing was educated in Greensburg township.  During his early life he lived on the home farm.  He was married on Feb. 3, 1871, to Adelia Carver, daughter of William and Mariah (Kibby) Carver, of Lorraine county, Ohio.  William Carver served in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg at Gulp's Hill.  William Carver and wife were the parents of three children, Elizabeth, Nora and Adelia, the wife of Mr. Wing.
     Before his marriage, Mr. Wing went to Florida and was there engaged in farming.  He was married in Florida and continued to live there for seven years.  He then moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and engaged in farming for ten years.  He then went into the saw-mill business and continued in this for some time.  Mr. Wing was appointed postmaster of Miller City in 1889 and served continuously ever since with the exception of four years.  He also has had charge of the telephone exchange at Miller City for the past sixteen years.
     To Henry and Adelia (Carver) Wing have been born the following children: Nellie, Elizabeth, Lunette, Charles, Fred, Almeda, Edgar, Harold and Florence.  Of these children, Nellie married William Binkley, and they live in Scott, Ohio; Lunette married L. B. Hoyt, and they have two children; Elizabeth married A. L. Harmon, and they live in San Francisco, California, and have one child; Charles is in the navy, where he has served twelve years on the battleship "New Jersey"; Fred married Elizabeth Frankhart, and they live in Bellevue, Ohio; Almeda married Al Jones, and they live in Cleveland, and have three children; Edgar, Harold and Florence are still attending school.
     It is a matter of some interest that Henry Wing, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, helped to survey Putnam county, assisting the government surveyor.  Captain Riley, after whom Riley township was named.  It is apparent that the Wing family have been identified with the history of Putnam county for many years, not only from this fact, but from the fact that Jarvis Wing, the father of Henry Wing, was brought to Putnam county when he was only six weeks old.  Henry Wing is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Putnam county and one who has had very much to do with its progress and growth.
     Henry Wing is identified with the Republican party.  He and his wife and family are all members of the Congregational church.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 835
  MOSTON WOOD.    To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the steady persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which commonly characterize the farming element of the Buckeye state.   Among this class may he mentioned Moston Wood, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, has not only acquired a well-merited material prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
     Moston Wood was born near West Cairo, Allen county, Ohio, on Sept. 21, 1869, and is descended from sterling English ancestry.   His parents were Sanford B. and Susan (Trice) Wood.  Sanford Wood was born in Allen county on Dec. 31, 1846, the son of Albert G. Wood, a native of Logan county, Ohio.  Albert G. came to Allen county in young manhood with his parents, who had entered land from the government, adjoining what is now the city of Lima.  Albert Wood's father, Christopher Wood, the great-grandfather of Moston Wood, was one of the most prominent and active men of his community in pioneer days.  He helped to lay out the city of Lima, in 1831, became the first judge of Allen county and was one of the commissioners appointed to locate the county seat.  He was born in Kentucky in 1769, and was in many respects a remarkable man, serving on the frontier as an Indian scout and engaging in many of the border campaigns, including those of the War of 1812.  He settled on Sugar creek in Allen county about 1824, where he continued to reside for many years.  Albert Wood, who had come to Allen county when about fifteen or sixteen years of age, was twice married and to his first union were born nine children, of whom Sanford B., the father of Moston, was the youngest.  Sanford B. Wood was about six years of age when his mother died and his father afterward married Mrs. Mary (Snyder) Trice, to which union were born five children, three girls and two boys.  Albert Wood bought a farm two miles south of West Cairo and on that place Sanford B. Wood was reared to manhood.  He enlisted as a private in the Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, and served throughout the remainder of that struggle, participating in eleven battles and taking part with Sherman in his famous march to the sea.  Upon the conclusion of hostilities he returned home and was married to Susan Trice, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland.  Her father dying in Maryland, Mrs. Wood was brought by her mother to West Cairo, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and remained until her marriage to Sanford Wood.  After his marriage Mr. Wood operated the old home farm for a number of years, and when Moston Wood was eleven years old the family came to Putnam county, locating on eighty acres of land two miles northwest of Vaughnsville, in Sugar Creek township, which is Moston Wood's present residence.  To these parents were born eight children, Mollie, the wife of J. E. Deffenbaugh; Moston, the immediate subject of this review; Charlie, who married Tillie Syfert; William T., who married Grace Weaner; Albert E., who married Bertha Griffith; Garfield, who married Bessie Rimer; Walter W., who married Ellie Syfert, and one who died in infancy.
     Moston Wood spent his early childhood days on the home farm, in Allen county, but his later youth was spent on the farm to which the family moved in Putnam county, where he received his education.  He remained with his father on the home farm until attaining his majority, when he was engaged in various employments, until about 1896, when he engaged in the threshing business at which he had been employed somewhat during the previous six years.  About this time, he located at Rimer, where he resided the following five years, and then moved to a farm one-half mile east of Rimer, which was his home during the following decade.  Upon leaving Rimer, he disposed of his threshing machine and business and gave his entire attention to his farm.  On Mar. 7, 1913, Mr. Wood purchased the farm one-half mile west of Rimer, where he now lives and where he is engaged in the operation of fifty acres of land, in addition to his home place.  He has consistently followed general farming, raising all the crops common to this locality and, by giving attention to their rotation and the use of other successful methods of up-to-date farming, he has been prosperous to that degree in keeping with which his efforts were bestowed.  He also raises a good grade of live stock and is an advocate of all advanced methods in agriculture.
     Moston Wood was united in marriage, on Feb. 26, 1896, to Ada Elnora Deffenbaugh, who was born on June 2, 1873, in Nemaha' county, Kansas, the daughter of Albert G. and Mary Elizabeth (Rohrer) Deffenbaugh.  Albert G. Deffenbaugh was a native of Putnam county, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (Marshall) Deffenbaugh, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Putnam county in the early days, entering land from the government in Sugar Creek township.  Mr. Deffenbaugh was prominent in the early political life of the community and for several years  efficiently filled the position of county auditor.  Mary Elizabeth Rohrer was the daughter of Daniel Rohrer and was born in Champaign county, Ohio.  To Moston and Ada E. (Deffenbaugh) Wood have been born two children Lewis Raymond, on Dec. 25, 1896, and Glenn Donald, Oct. 8, 1908.  Mrs. Wood is one of seven children, the others being: Asa.Eslie, who married Clara Harrison; John Ezra, who married Mollie Wood; Louis Samuel, who died at the age of twelve years; Roy C., who married Nettie Bochmer; Lizzie May, who died at the age of sixteen years, and William B., who married Agnes Laudick.
     Mr. Wood is a Republican and has rendered efficient service as the trustee of Sugar Creek township, having been elected to that office in November, 1913.  He attends the Christian church of which his wife is a member and to the support of which he liberally contributes.  Mr. Wood is distinctively one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives and, as such, has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 747

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