OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS A Part of Genealogy Express

Welcome to Marion County, Ohio History & Genealogy

Biographies

Source:
The History of Marion County, Ohio
Containing
A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, etc.:
General and Local Statistics;  Military Record; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men;
History of Ohio; Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc.
Illustrated
Publ. Chicago; Leggett, Conaway & Co. -
1883

	Tully Twp. - SAMUEL BADER was born Aug. 20, 1852, in Richland Township, this county, where his parents settled in 1843, and where they still reside.  His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Frech) Bader, are of German descent and natives of Ohio.  Samuel lived with his parents until he was twenty-one, and nine years was engaged in the saw milling business, at which he was very successful.  Oct. 6, 1876, he was married at Cardington, Ohio, to Mollie E. Lewis, a daughter of Thomas and Emily (Look) Lewis, the latter natives of Ohio and of German and English ancestry.  From the above marriage there are two children - Samuel E. born Mar. 24, 1878, and John W., born Nov. 24, 1879.  Mr. Bader is an energetic and well-to-do farmer, highly respected in the township, a member of the F. & A. M. at La Rue, and in politics a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 676.
	Tully Twp. - JACOB BALDINGER hails from Switzerland, Arjan City, where he was born Oct. 22, 1824; his education is limited, but he early imbibed a love for America and American institutions; accordingly, after laboring faithfully seven long years with his uncle he earned from him money enough to pay his way to America; he came to Galion, having $1 left, and he twenty-two years old; he worked in Galion twenty-eight years as switchman, accumulating sufficiently during that time to pay for his present farm, some $8,900; he settled upon this farm in 1874; he is an honest, straight-forward man, having been a Christian all his life; he is a member of the Reformed Church, which society he has served in every official capacity; his present and second wife he married Mar. 22, 1869.  She is one of the intelligent women of Tully Township.  They have eight children, one dying in infancy; the names of the living are John, Louisa (wife of Jacob Lowmiller), Emma, Mary, Henry, Minnie, Caroline and Fred.  Mrs. B.'s maiden name was Elizabeth Wiser, and she was a daughter of William Wiser. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 993
	Tully Twp. - JOHN BEACH was born Jan. 22, 1839, in Crawford Co., Ohio.  His parents George and Mary Beach, came from Germany, settling in Whetstone township, and entering forty-four acres of land; he was a cabinet-maker by trade.  Our subject received a limited education, and worked by day and month until Aug. of 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years, going with Gen. Sherman to the sea.  His marriage took place Mar. 23, 1866, to Miss Harriet A. Smith, daughter of Jefferson and Catherine Smith, of Morrow County, Ohio, whose father owned at one time nearly all the land where Climax, Ohio, now stands.  Their one child, Charles M. Beach, is being fitted for college.  Mr. B. works at repairing considerably, and has invented the Eureka saw.  In politics, he is neutral, and in religion he communes with the Seventy-Day Adventists, holding a membership at Pine Grove, Ohio. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 993
	Claridon Twp. - MRS. ELIZA BECKLEY (Capt. George Beckley's widow), was born in Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Penn., Feb. 4, 1812, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Corns) Miller.  Her father was a native of England and her mother of New Jersey, and both of Irish extraction.  Captain and Mrs. Beckley were joined in marriage in the winter of 1882, and four children blessed their union—John, foreman in an extensive manufacturing establishment at Springfield, Ohio; Andrew, engaged in mining in Nevada; Frank C., recently elected Sheriff for this county; and Emerline, wife of Jacob Thomas, of Springfield, Ohio.  Capt. Beckley was a highly respected and very useful citizen; he was accidentally killed, May 13, 1878, on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad.  His widow is an estimable lady, hale and hearty for her years.  She is a member of the Universalist Church. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 712
	DAVID M. BELL was born in Bowling Green Township Feb. 3, 1860, and is the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Harraman) Bell, mentioned elsewhere.  David M. obtained a good practical education at the common schools, and at the "National Normal University" at Lebanon, Ohio.  At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school, which occupation he followed at intervals for three years.  He was married Apr. 4, 1882, to May Severns, a daughter of Wilson and Sarah (Stumbaugh) Severns. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of English and German descent.  Mr. Bell resides on and is conducting a part of his father's farm in Bowling Green Township, five miles south of La Rue, giving his entire attention to agriculture and the raising of stock.  He is an enterprising citizen, and politically is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 676
	Marion Twp. - J. L. BELL, whose parents were among the early pioneers of Claridon Township, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1824.  His father, Benjamin Bell, was born in Orange County, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1786, and his mother, a native of New Jersey, was born Sept. 14, 1787.  They married and moved to Claridon Township in the fall of 1822.  Mr. Benjamin Bell entered 160 acres of land, to which he made subsequent additions until he owned a large farm. He reared a family of eight children, viz., Israel C., Sarah J., John H., William J., Alexander L., Martha E., J. L., the subject of this sketch, and Kezia; Martha E. is the wife of William Wyatt, of Williams County, Ohio.  Of these all are deceased but the last three.  Mr. Bell died Oct. 29, 1853, and his wife Oct. 20, 1837.  Mr. Bell served as Justice of the Peace a number of years.  J. L. Bell, the subject of this biography, was reared on the old homestead in Claridon Township, and educated in the common schools.  He followed farming until 1853, when he engaged as clerk for S. V. Harkness, of Caledonia, and latterly with F. C. Ruehrmund, whose stock he and H. Hunter purchased in 1862.  Bell & Hunter continued in mercantile business till the fall of 1875, when the former was elected Auditor, and moved to Marion; he was re-elected in 1877, serving two terms. Feb. 1, 1881, he started in the grocery business, from which he retired Mar. 15, 1883.  Mr. Bell served as Clerk of Claridon Township four years, and as Postmaster at Caledonia from 1855 to 1862.  In 1867, he was elected a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors, and served one term.  He was City Councilman three years, and he filled other local offices.  Nov. 18, 1847, he was joined in marriage to Miss Matilda, daughter of Adam and Samantha Hipsher.  Mrs. Bell was born in Scott Township Apr. 24, 1829, and died Mar. 18, 1869, leaving two children—James M., who married Caroline Foster; and Charles L., who married Clara Clayton.  Mr. Bell married the second time, Apr. 5, 1871, Anna, daughter of William P. and Susan Thew.  By this marriage, there were two children—Harry T. and Tom C.  Mr. Bell is identified with the Masonic order and Royal Arcanum, and in politics is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 556
	Marion Twp. - JONATHAN BELL was born in Mill Creek Township Nov. 1, 1826, the son of Jesse and Margaret (Sanders) Bell, the former of Washington County, Ohio, and the latter of Bourbon County, Ky.  Jesse Bell was born Aug. 15, 1801, and Mrs. Bell Feb. 17, 1804.  His grandparents, Daniel and Hannah (Underbill) Bell, were natives of New Jersey, coming to Wahington County about 1800, or even earlier.  Soon after the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier, he removed to Delaware County, thence to Holmes County, and in 1840 to Union County, where the parents died, Mrs. Bell in Jackson Township in 1840, and her husband in Mill Creek Township. Our subject's grandfather, Samuel Sanders, also participated in the war of 1812.  Jesse Bell was reared principally in Washington and Delaware Counties, and was married in the spring of 1822 to Margaret Sanders, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom are now living—William, Samuel, Jonathan, Nancy (wife of Job Beardsley), Hannah (widow of Wesley Hinton), Elizabeth (wife of G. S. Robertson), and Mary (wife of J. H. Sifrit). In February, 1831, they moved to Bowling Green Township, entering fifty acres, thus becoming the first land holders in that township.  They remained there but one year, when they returned to Union County.  In 1863, they went back to Bowling Green Township, purchasing forty-eight acres, where the father, a member of the Disciples Church, died May 5, 1873; his widow continues to reside upon the homestead.  Mr. Jonathan Bell's youth was entirely passed upon the farm.  He taught two terms of school, commencing in his nineteenth year.  In the spring of 1848, he went to Bowling Green Township, and bought fifty acres of land, which he has increased to 210 acres; he has put this in a good state of cultivation, and while living upon it he reared good stock, such as French horses and graded cattle.  In March, 1882, he moved to Marion, where he continues to reside.  He was joined in matrimony Nov. 13, 1847, to Miss Sarah Harraman, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, July 2, 1823, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Harraman.  Six of their nine children are living—Lewis C., La Fayette, Margaret (wife of Charles Kersey), Samuel, David and Jesse; Elizabeth, Samilda J., Charles and Mary E. are deceased.  The following record demonstrates that Mr. Bell is a worthy and influential citizen.  He was the Assessor of his adopted township three years, Town Clerk four or five years, Land Appraiser in 1880, Trustee six years, and Magistrate twelve years; he has also been Director of the County Infirmary six years.  He is a member of the Masonic order, of the I. O. O. F., and, with his wife, of the Baptist Church. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 556
	Bowling Green Twp. - LAFAYETTE BELL, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Harraman) Bell, was born in Bowling Green Township Mar. 14, 1852, where he has always resided; during his minority he secured a good practical education.  He is now farming the homestead of 160 acres belonging to his father.  He was married Dec. 8, 1875, to Roxey J., daughter of Ephraim H. and Sarah (Cheney) Watkins.  They have one child - Florence - born Sept. 25, 1876.  Mr. Bell is a prominent and well-known young farmer, is a member of the I. O. O. F. at La Rue, and politically he is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 676
	Bowling Green Twp. - MRS. MARGARET BELL, widow of Jesse Bell, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 17, 1804; her maiden name was Margaret Sanders, and she was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Reed) Sanders; her parents were of German and Irish descent, but were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively and the parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Margaret Bell is now (1883) the only surviving one.  Jesse and Margaret Bell were married Apr. 9, 1822, and settled in Bowling Green Township in 1831.  They were the eighth family that had settled in the township, and Mr. Bell cut the timber from the spot where he erected his cabin.  Nine children were born to them, five sons and four daughters.  Mrs. Bell has been a member of the Disciple Church for forty-five years.  She is now in her seventy-ninth year, and is a remarkably intelligent and interesting woman.  Jesse Bell was a son of Daniel and Hannah (Underhill) Bell, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Jesse died in 1873.  (For further particulars of this family, refer to the sketch of Joseph H. Sifritt) Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 676
	Marion Twp. - SAMUEL BELL, County Surveyor, the third son of Jonathan and Sarah (Harraman) Bell, was born in Bowling Green Township Mar. 23, 1858.  Having acquired a good knowledge of the common branches, he chose to gratify his love for mathematics.  He accordingly sought instruction of Hon. Hylas Sabine, of Richwood, Ohio, and later of Prof. Park, of Ada, Ohio.  When aged eighteen years, he commenced teaching, continuing five winters.  Having obtained a knowledge of civil engineering, he was elected in 1881 Surveyor of the county, which office he still holds acceptably to the public.  He is young, energetic and industrious, and consequently a man of promise.  He is an official member of the K. of P., and is also a Freemason.  Politically, he is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 557
	Richland Twp. - JOHN BERINGER is a worthy and prosperous citizen of Richland Twp.  He was born Oct. 16, 1835, in Columbus Co., Ohio, and is a son of Christian and Catharine Beringer, who came from Germany prior to 1820, locating in Columbus County until 1837, when they moved to Richland Twp., settling where the subject of our sketch resides.  They reared a family of eight children; the father died in 1867, aged sixty-eight years.  The mother still survives at the advanced age of eighty years.  Mr. Beringer obtained a moderate education, and Mar. 24, 1859, he married Miss Christina Rull, daughter of Christian and Magdalene Rull, of Richland Twp.  Their union has been blest with seven children - two dying young.  The living are Samuel D., Frederick C., Franklin J., Alice M. and Amy M.  For the first eight years after marriage, Mr. B. rented the home farm, which he inherited and purchased in 1866, obtaining his present residence in 1876; altogether containing 252 acres, valued at $80 per acres.  His farm is well fenced and drained.  His house has been renovated and added to, presenting an inviting appearance.  The out-buildings are good - the latest being a barn 40 x 60 feet, constructed in 1881 at a cost of $1000.  Mr. B. has the best of stock, and raises annually large fields of wheat.  His family belong to the Lutheran Church, with which he has been officially connected many years.  At present, he is a Trustee.  He was Treasurer of the township three years; also Treasurer of the Richland Mutual Fire Insurance Company for some time. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 954
	Claridon Twp. - SAMUEL BERRIDGE, stock-dealer, a native of Nottinghamshire, England, was born Mar. 10, 1818.  He is a son of William and Sarah (Thorp) Berridge, who immigrated to America in 1851.  They settled in Claridon Township, where they resided fourteen years; then removed to Illinois, and three years and a half later to Kansas, where they now reside.  They had nine children, all of whom are living.  Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools.  He was married. Aug. 21, 1869, to Alcinda A. Irey, a daughter of John and Ann (Hornby) Irey, both deceased.  Mrs. Berridge is the only surviving member of a family of six children.  Mr. and Mrs. Berridge have five children —Sarah E. , Flora, Abbie M., Mistie and Charles.  Mr. Berridge, our subject, devoted his energies to the farm until 1873, when he moved to Caledonia and began buying and shipping stock.  He is doing a thriving business, and is well known throughout the county.  He is a stanch Republican and a member of the F. & A. M. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 713
	Prospect Twp. - FRIEND BIGGERSTAFF (Prospect Twp.), farmer, died Nov. 17, 1874, aged seventy-four years.  He was an early settler in Marion County, and entered and settled upon eighty acres of land in Prospect Township in 1821.  He was a native of Hampshire County, Va., born Mar. 20, 1790, a son of William and Phebe Biggerstaff.  He was married to Phebe Harlan, and they had the following children:  Rebecca, born Nov. 18, 1817, in Alleghany County, Md.; Mary, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1820, Rachel, same county, Aug. 23, 1822; Nancy, Mar. 28, 1824, and William Aug. 19, 1826.  Friend Biggerstaff lost his wife by death and he was again married, in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 26, 1829, to the widow of John Cool, whose maiden name was Hannah Rice, a daughter of Michael and Rachel (Kester) Rice, all natives of Pennsylvania, where she was born Dec. 13, 1796.  By her marriage with Friend Biggerstaff, there were the following children: Phebe, born Dec. 31, 1829; Michael R., born Nov. 11, 1832; and Elizabeth, July 31, 1836.  The mother died Dec. 23, 1878.  By her marriage with John Cool there were the following children:  Sophia, born Apr. 25, 1822; Elsie, Jan. 18, 1824; and George, June 17, 1826.  Michael R. Biggerstaff, farmer a son of the preceding, ahs always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and now resides on his farm of 150 acres one and a half miles north of Prospect Village, on the east side of the Scioto River.  He was married, June 14, 1855, to Lavina Welch, daughter of Solomon and Lavina (Smith) Welch, the former a native of Vermont and an early settler in this county.  Mr. and Mrs. Biggerstaff have had a family of five children - Rachel, born Jul. 13, 1856; George, Mar. 29, 1858; Elizabeth, Jan. 3, 1861; Hanna R., Aug. 18, 1867; Martha L., Jan. 10, 1880.  Politically, Mr. Beggerstaff is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 912
	Claridon Twp - JOHN BLANCHARD, Mayor of Caledonia, was born in Yorkshire, England, June 15, 1815, the son of Raimes and Ann (Mason) Blanchard, who immigrated to America in 1850, settling in Scott Township, and locating upon land now owned by Joseph Mason.  They were the parents of three children, our subject being the only surviving one.  Robert M. and George W. were both soldiers in the late war, the former having enlisted in June of 1861 in Company C, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; participated at Bull Run, Gettysburg, the siege of Vicksburg, and many other hard-fought battles. In a skirmish he detected a rebel taking steady aim at him; both fired instantly, the rebel was silenced and our hero received his bullet between his second and third fingers, and had his arm shattered to the elbow.  This occasioned the amputation of the arm at once, and he was discharged from further duty.  He applied, however, for further service, but was rejected on account of disability.  He settled in Fayette County and died while serving his second term as Clerk of the Courts.  His brother, George W., having enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, in Company D, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was killed in a battle at Grand Coteau, La. , Nov. 3, 1863.  Mr. John Blanchard, having acquired a fair education by attending the Bucyrus Schools two terms, taught three or four winters, and having moved to Fayette County, commenced the study of law under the instruction of Charles A. Palmer, continuing one year.  He then returned to his former home, assisting his mother about the farm.  In the autumn of 1871, he located at Caledonia in the photograph business, following it successfully one year.  He then commenced the practice of law, having been commissioned Notary Public Dec. 21, 1872.  He has been doing a good business since, and was the principal mover in incorporating the village of Caledonia.  He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1879, and re-elected in 1882; also Mayor in 1879. He owns a beautiful residence on Main street, and has accumulated a good property. Jan. 1, 1873, he married Hannah E. Black, daughter of William and Lydia (Rice) Black, natives of the Buckeye State.  Her mother was born July 20, 1820, and died Feb. 9, 1863; her father is still living, a resident of Morrow County, Ohio.  They were the parents of five children, four living —Hannah E., Henrietta, Samuel and Isabel.  John died in Jan., 1863.  Mr. Blanchard and wife are the parents of Maude M. and Claude R.   Mr. Blanchard's history is largely associated with the growth and development of the municipal affairs of Caledonia.  He is always ready to aid every public improvement.  He was founder of the Supreme Lodge of the Prudential Order of America.  He is a Democrat, and. with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 713
	Bowling Green Twp. - HARRISON BONHAM, son of Elisha L. and Catherine (Dusthemer) Bonham, was born Aug. 18, 1815, in Licking County, Ohio.  The parents were of English and French extraction and natives of Maryland and Virginia.  They emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, where he subsequently served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and helped to build the "block-house" at Mansfield, Ohio.  He was born Feb. 29, 1774, and died Oct. 22, 1858.  His wife Catherine was born Aug. 6, 1792, and died Sept. 25, 1855.  They settled in Bowling Green Township in October, 1838, and lived there until their death.  Their Children are Harrison, Amanda M., Oliver P., Jacob, Sarah, Mary, Harvey, Lydia, Huldah and Hiram, all of whom are living.  Eliza, Elisha and Andrew are deceased.  Harrison Bonham lived with his parents until 1821, during his minority securing a fair education at the common schools.  At the age of twenty-three, he learned the carpenter's trade, in which occupation, together with farming, he has been engaged.  He was married, Mar. 22, 1838, to Mary A. Catlin, a daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth (McKnatt) Catlin, of English and Irish extraction and natives of the State of Delaware; both died in Licking County, Ohio.  Mr. Bonham is the owner of 104 acres of well-improved  land, almost all under cultivation.  He served his township two terms as Trustee, is a member of the "Church of God," and is an honored and respected citizen.  Politically, he is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 677
	Bowling Green Twp. - TIMOTHY C. BONHAM was born in Licking County, Ohio, Mar. 16, 1840, and is a son of Harrison and Ann (Catlin) Bonham.  He was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and had prepared to enter college; but at the breaking-out of the civil war he volunteered as a soldier in defense of the Union.  He enlisted Oct. 14, 1861, in Company B, Forty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He was present at the battles of Corinth, May 28, 1862; Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862; Corinth, Oct. 1862; and with his company during the Atlanta campaign up to June 9, 1864, when he was detailed as a clerk in the Commissary Department, which position he held seven months, and then rejoined his company at Atlanta, and went through with Sherman's army on its "Mar. to the sea."  He served until the close of the strife, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio.  At the expiration of his first three years' enlistment, he reenlisted as a veteran and returned home on a thirty days' furlough, and while home was married, Feb. 4, 1864, to Elizabeth Lee, and Feb. 11, 1864, rejoined his company.  Mr. and Mrs. Bonham have a family of six children.  Himself and wife are members of the "Church of God," and politically he is a Democrat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 677
	Prospect Twp. - MEEKER BOTTENFIELD, farmer, was born near Waynesburg, Green County, Penn., Aug. 23, 1818.  His parents, John and Mary (Woodruff) Bottenfield, with their family, including the subject of this paragraph, moved to Knox County, Ohio, in 1839, where the father and mother both lived until their death.  Meeker Bottenfield was married in Knox County, Mar. 16, 1842, to Miss Bethiah Hubbel, born Apr. 27, 1827, a daughter of John and Annis (McIntyre) Hubbell, formerly of Tioga County, N. Y., but then of Knox County, Ohio;  both died in Knox County.  For two years after Mr. Bottenfield's marriage, he lived near Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he leased land and cleared fifty acres for other parties, taking as pay fifty acres of unimproved land; the property is located east of Prospect Village, and is now owned by John Q. Roads.  They lived here six years and in August, 1852, bought the farm of 101 acres where they now reside; about twenty acres of this farm was cleared at that time; there are now seventy acres of the homestead in a fine state of cultivation.  They lived there just twenty-eight years in a log house, and then built, at an expense of $1,500, the fine frame building in which they now reside.  Mr. and Mrs. Bottenfield have had eight children - Mary Annis, born Dec. 15, 1843, and died Jan. 24, 1861; John H., born Jan. 19, 1845, died Sep. 28, 1875; Stephen J., born Aug. 30, 1816; Cary J., Feb. 20, 1849; Rozetta J., Jan. 3, 1851; Helen Drusella, June 6, 1854; Emma H., June 23, 1857; William M., Oct. 1, 1862.  Mr. and Mrs. Bottenfield have been members of the Baptist Church since 1847. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 912
	Big Island Twp. - DR. RUSSELL C. BOWDISH was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1826.  He is the son of Elijah and Sarah Bowdish, who were natives of the States of Rhode Island and Connecticut.  Elijah Bowdish came from Rhode Island and Connecticut.  Elijah Bowdish came from Rhode Island to Columbus, Ohio, in the year 1815; remained there about three years, when he removed to Radnor, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he was married to Sarah Russell in 1821.  They came to Marion County in 1830, where they resided during the remainder of their lives.  Dr. R. C. Bowdish is a sociable, intelligent, well educated, respected gentleman, living on a beautiful farm of 227 acres, which he owns, situated near the village of Big Island.  He was a medical student of Dr. J. C. Norton and Dr. T. B. FIsher of Marion, Ohio, and of Cleveland Medical College.  He has practiced medicine for more than thirty years, over twenty-five of which have been at his present location.  He is a skillful and successful physician.  He was married to Irene Hardin, at Delaware, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1848, and they had two children, a son and a daughter, who both died in childhood.  Mrs. Bowdish died in 1876. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 654
	HON. OZIAS BOWEN,* who passed from earth Sept. 26, 1871, was one of the giants of the Marion bar.  Born July 23, 1805, in Oneida County, N. Y., among the Catskill Mountains, not much is known of his early career, but sufficient has been preserved to establish that he was reared amid a community, outspoken, heroic, high-principled, and these early surroundings gave a permanent basis for his moral character.  When a youth of eighteen, he came West to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar, and where he also published a weekly paper.  In 1828, he came to Marion, and after teaching school and keeping store, he resumed the practice of the law, rising to the positions of Prosecuting Attorney and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which position he held with credit to himself and benefit to the community for fourteen years, his circuit extending at one time as far as Lake Erie.  A seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of Ohio was also awarded to him.  In whatever tended to advance the welfare of the people Judge Bowen took a deep interest; education found him its warm advocate; all churches alike shared his bounty, although the Presbyterian community claimed him as its especial member; the cause of the slave found in Judge Bowen an ardent advocate, and his associations were ever with the Republican party.  He was the friend and coadjutor of such men as Salmon P. Chase, Columbus Delano and the like.  His fine residence in the southern part of the village of Marion attested that his labors had met with their due pecuniary reward.  In physique, Judge Bowen was five feet and eleven inches in height, while his weight was 195 pounds, thus attesting that a vigorous body is ever the basis of a vigorous mind.      Judge Bowen's profession and the practice of it made him a prominent and noticeable character, not only in the town and county where he lived, but throughout the State, and to him, as a lawyer, more attention should be given in this biography than to any other, phase of his character.      He was a leading lawyer, eminent and successful, the peer of any with whom he came in contact professionally.  He was not a fluent or eloquent speaker, and brought to his aid none of the graces or tricks of voice or action of the trained elocutionist..  As an advocate, he was reasonable, logical, plain, fair, direct and powerful, and although he could not sway or control a court or jury by bursts of eloquence, yet he had immense influence as a shrewd, argumentative reasoner.  He was a good judge of men and character, and had what has always been the element or secret of success in every department of man's work - a vast amount of good, solid common sense.      In his practice, he was fair, bold, fearless and dignified, always commanding and securing the attention and respect of the court.      He was exceedingly careful in giving advice and counseling in litigation, always desiring to avoid and keep out of bad cases; but when he had determined to go on he entered upon the work of the preparation and trial of his cases with the determination to succeed, and no client could ever charge him with neglect or want of zeal.  His many years of practice and his long experience as a Judge made him exceedingly familiar with the law and especially rules of court and of practice.  Yet even in his later years, he never went into court, in even the smallest of cases, without a brief, both of facts and of law.  With good natural qualifications and long experience, he put no especial dependence in either, but did depend on the results of special preparation and labor in every case.  His secret of success was indomitable energy and unremitting labor.  He kept a common-lace book, in which were noted the results of his investigations, and always ready and at hand; he had a brief when any subject came before him a second time.  Every trial in which he has engaged found him with full  and especially prepared brief, and every one was tried with a view of taking it to a higher court.  If he did not secure on the first trial what he thought he ought to have, and his cases will show that even where he was beaten below, he was most likely to be successful in the end.  He was a bold, hard fighter, and like every strong, uncompromising character, made some enemies, but the profession will always recognize him as one of the strongest men at the bar in Northern Ohio, in his day.  His thoroughness was remarkable and his attention to details equally so.  His students will always remember one direction which he gave as to the conduct of trials, viz., "never omit to make every point in your case, no matter how trifling or small it may seem to you, for although it may look trifling, yet it may be the decisive point in the mind of the court or jury to which you are trying the case."  This notice of Judge Bowen's professional character and career would not be complete if we failed to note one beautiful trait in that character, and that is his uniform kindness and courtesy to the young men of his profession.  All who were so fortunate as to practice with him will remember this.  No young man ever appealed to him for professional assistance in vain, when he was free and could give it.  He gave the benefit of his experience and counsel willingly and joyfully, and always had a kind and encouraging word to those who felt the embarrassment of inexperience.  The young lawyers who were about him remember him gratefully.  To do the life and professional character of Judge Bowen justice we cannot probably, better sum up the whole matter than by saying, "He was a great lawyer." * This biography of Judge Bowen was kindly contributed by J. F. McNeal, Esq. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 359 -
	Prospect Twp. - AUSTIN A. BOYD, farmer, was born in Waldo Township, this county, Jan. 6, 1811, and was the son of Sylvester and Melinda S. (Selanders) Boyd.  Mr. Boyd has always been engaged in farming, and is now farming forty acres of the old homestead in Prospect Township, which was bought by his father in 1862.  His father died on his farm Jan. 31, 1871, and the widow still resides there.  Our subject was married Nov. 2, 1871, to Mary E. Wasser, daughter of Charles Wasser, of Prospect Township.  They have three children - Edna May, born Dec. 1, 1874; Charles Carey, Nov. 23, 1876; and Mary E., Aug. 18, 1878.  Mr. Boyd is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 483, I. O. O. F., and in politics, is a Republican. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 913
	Claridon Twp. - CASHIUS BOYNTON, a son of Amos and Mary A. Boynton, was born on the old homestead in Claridon Township Oct. 10, 1852.   He was brought up on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He married, Mar. 29, 1877, Miss Rachel Alban, a daughter of John and Jeanette (Carr) Alban, residents of Wyandot County, Ohio.  Two children have blessed this union—Emma L., born Mar. 4, 1878; and Charles O, Jan. 27, 1880.  Our subject is an enterprising young man, and has the charge of a part of the home place of ninety-three acres.  In politics, he is a Republican. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 -  Page 714
	Big Island Twp. - ALBERT J. BRADY is the son of S. L. and Mary J. Brady, natives of Big Island Township, who live at present in Morrow County, Ohio, having brought up a number of children.  Albert was born Feb. 1, 1859, and at the age of sixteen he started out for himself and worked by the month for five years - four years with his uncle, William Brady.  July 3, 1879, he married Ida M. Corey, daughter of Mary B. Corey, of this township.  Mrs. B. was born June 22, 1861.  Their two children are Ebenezer, who was born Apr. 9, 1880, and Lura Irene, born Jan. 12, 1882.  Since 1881, Mr. Brady has attended the Lemuel Fite farm, of 500 acres, being paid by the year.  This season (1883) he has eighty acres of corn and thirty acres of wheat. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 654
	Big Island Twp. - B. D. BRADY was born Jan. 29, 1858, in Big Island Township, the son of John C. and Elizabeth Brady.  His father died in early manhood, so that he obtained but little education.  He was married in the spring of 1877 to Miss Sarah Frederick, daughter of Jacob Frederick, of Marion.  Their one child is Merrill Leroy.  He purchased forty acres, where he resides, in 1870, for $2,000, but sold since twenty acres for $1,100; he is cultivating the remainder. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 655
	Prospect Twp. - N. O. BRENIZER, B. S., M. D., a practicing physician at Prospect Village, was born in April, 1854, at Cardington, Morrow County, Ohio and is the son of William G. and Anna (Shaw) Brenizer.  The Doctor's youth was passed on his father's farm in Morrow County, in the meantime attending the common schools of the neighborhood.  When nineteen years of age, he became a student at Otterbein University, of Westerville, Ohio, where, at the end of five years, he graduated in the scientific course.  The last year of his university course he applied himself to the study of medicine; after graduating, he continued his medical studies, and in the fall of 1878, became a student at the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating at that institution in 1880.  On completing his medical course, he located at Prospect Village, where he is still practicing his profession.  The Doctor was married, Dec. 30, 1880, to Anna Clime, a daughter of William Clime, of Columbus, Ohio;  They have one child named Vivian Perses. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 914
	Big Island Twp. JOHN BRICKER was born in Germany Dec. 18, 1845, the son of John and Barbara (Bricker) Bricker, who emigrated to America in 1853, stopping in Delaware County, Ohio, eight years, then settling in Green Camp Township, where they still reside.  Securing a practical education, John Bricker remained with his parents till marriage, which occurred Mar. 17, 1870.  His wife is the daughter of George and Fanny (King) Court (see sketch of George Court), and they are the parents of three children - Mary O., Albert F. and Rosa.  Immediately after marriage, he purchased, where he now resides, eighty acres, having then few improvements.  He has erected an attractive home, surrounded by substantial outbuildings and votes the Democratic ticket. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 655
	Green Camp Twp. JOHN BRINKER was born Jan. 28, 1836, in his father's native place, Westmoreland County, Penn., the only son of Henry Brinker.  His people located in Green Camp in the spring of 1851, buying 180 acres, paying $15 per acre.  Mr. Brinker cleared a good share of his farm, and in 1876 removed to the village of Green Camp, where he still resides.  His wife, Elizabeth (Schiveler) Brinker, died some years since.  John Brinker arrived at man's estate, entered the army Oct. 1, 1861, in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Brown.  He participated in these engagements:  Pittsburg Landing, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost and Resaca.  At this last battle he was wounded in the left ankle and was carried from the field.  After lying in the hospital, he was taken to New Albany, Ind., and was nine months absent from the service.  He returned and fought till the close of the strife, receiving his discharge Dec. 3, 1865.  He re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864.  Apr. 1, 1867, he was wedded to Miss Ruth Sherman daughter of Eber and Florinda Sherman.  Wheeler Sherman, the father of Eber, was a soldier of 1812.  Three children have been born to the above-named union - Flora E., Clara M. and Lucy L., aged respectively thirteen, eleven and nine years.  Mr. Brinker came to his farm of sixty-six acres in 1871, and succeeded in clearing about one-half of it.  It is a good quality of soil.  He is a thorough worker and a substantial citizen. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 786 - History of Marion Co., Ohio - 1883 - Green Camp Twp.
	Big Island Twp. - JAMES BRITTON was born Feb. 16, 1834, a native of Big Island Township, the son of William and Sarah Britton, who came from the State of New York, entering eighty acres.  Having raised a family of nine children, Mr. William Britton died in 1871, aged eighty-two years.  James' grandfather, William Britton, came from England; was engaged in both the Revolutionary war and that of 1812.  Jan. 16, 1857, the subject this sketch was married to Miss Lydia McNabb, daughter of Argus and Lydia McNabb, of Massachusetts, and of Scotch extraction.  Eight children blessed this union, three dying young.  The names of the living are Asa M., Sarah R., James, Jr., Lydia R. and May M.  Mr. B. inherited the old homestead, consisting of 102 acres, which he values to-day at $70 per acre.  His farm is stocked with the best varieties.  He has owned a two thirds interest in an Aultman & Taylor thresher for twenty-seven years, but he refuses to follow it longer.  Both himself and wife hold a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 655.
	Big Island Twp. - MRS. MARY S. BRITTON is the widow of Gitto Britton, whose parents came from New York in an early day.  She was born Feb. 26, 1823, the daughter of James Cram, who came to Big Island Township in 1836; his grandfather, Sanborn Cram, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.  Mr. and Mrs. Britton were married in the autumn of 1841, and their three children are William H., Sarah, wife of Harrison Deal, and Louis M., an enterprising farmer, living near his parents.  After their marriage, they rented about five years, purchasing their present residence, then of sixty acres in 1850, which subsequently was increased to 132 acres.  Mr. B. died in 1863, aged forty-three years, having done a large amount of hard labor, though never a strong man, and was kind to the poor.  Mrs. B. is still hale and hearty, and enjoys the confidence of the neighbors generally. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 655
WILLIAM BROCKLESBY	Claridon Twp. - WILLIAM BROCKLESBY was born .in Lincolnshire, England, Dec. 30, 1833.  He is the son of William and Emma (Thew) Brocklesby, who immigrated to this country in 1844, locating in Claridon Township.  Being a wagon and carriage maker, he bought property, and located in Claridon. where he lived and died.  They had five children, of whom two survive—William, our subject, and Robert, a resident of Morrow County, Ohio. John, Bettie and Emma M. are deceased.  The father was born Feb. 29, 1807, and died in June of 1878.  The mother was born about 1809 and died in 1844.  William having obtained the rudiments of an education, lived with his uncle, William Thew, from his tenth year to his marriage, which took place Jan. 1, 1856, to Miss Abigail Curtis, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Wondhouse) Curtis, natives of England.  Eight children have been born to them, four living—Joseph C., born Feb. 19, 1860; Emma, May 15, 1863; John B., Oct. 22, 1865; and Ella A., Nov. 2, 1878.  William T. was born Dec. 29, 1857, and died Oct. 25, 1874; Charles Y., born July 1, 1868, died Oct. 25, 1877; Mary O., born Aug. 9, 1875, died Oct. 28, 1877.  An infant died unnamed.  Their mother was born June 3, 1835 Mr. Brocklesby is one of the leading farmers of the township, having the control of and owning 410 acres of arable land.  He is an enthusiastic Republican, serving the township as Trustee for eight years; he also made a creditable race for County Commissioner one year, and in 1882 for Infirmary Director.  His brother, John Brocklesby, enlisted in 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain and died in a hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and his remains lie in the United States Cemetery at that place.  Mr. Brocklesby, the subject of this paragraph, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, with his family, of the Methodist Episcopal Church; has belonged to this denomination thirty-four years, been class- leader fifteen years, and its Recording Steward twelve years.  He is a useful citizen, exemplary in life, and an honored gentleman.  The portrait of Mr. Brocklesby appears on another page of this volume. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 714
	Tully Twp. - D. W. BROWNLEE is a bachelor, and a son of James and Angelina Brownlee, with whom he lives, and for whom he cares.  His education was obtained in the common school, and he lives a quiet, unostentatious life, "living and letting live."  He is benefiting his neighborhood and county by rearing fine stock of all kinds, particularly cattle.  His farm of 160 acres he values at $100 per acre. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 994
	Tully Twp. - JAMES BROWNLEE, residing near the boundary line between Marion and Morrow Counties, is one of the oldest of Tully's citizens.  He bears his seventy-five years gracefully, though nearly blind for the past two years; his native place is Buffalo, Penn.  James Brownlee, his grandfather, of Scotch descent, came to this country when seven years of age.  James is the eldest of eight children, who were educated in the vary common schools of that day.  He remained with his father, farming and milling, until his marriage, which occurred Mar. 2, 1837, to Miss Angelina Danley, of Washington Co., Penn.  Her grandfather sailed for America during the progress of the Revolutionary war, and did duty in the war of 1812.  Mrs. B. is first cousin to ex-Governor Shannon, of Ohio, and is at present (1883) in her sixty-fifth year.  She rode to Ohio on horseback, 180 miles.  Their children are ten in number, three deceased; the living are Rev. Hugh L., pastor of Portland Mills Associate Church; Nancy, wife of James Jackson, of Kansas; James E., of Kansas; David W.; Archibald D., of Kansas; Robert A., of Caledonia Mill; William M., also of Kansas.  The Kansas children all have farms joining.  In the spring of 1838 Mr. B. moved to Tully Township, buying, in the southern part of the township, 240 acres.  At one time they owned 500 acres.  They lived in a cabin fourteen years.  In his prime, Mr. B. was a successful cradler, never finding a man who could follow him with a rake, and he has swept down 110 dozes "between sun and sun."  He is a stanch Republican, and himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church at Iberia. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 994
	Waldo Twp. - JOHN BRUNDIGE, farmer and stock-raiser.  P. O. Waldo, youngest son of John Brundige was born Nov. 24, 1850, on the old homestead and was reared there.  In 1875, he entered on a collegiate course at Denison University, of Granville, and graduated in June, 1880.  From the time of his return home he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising.  He keeps a good grade of stock-cattle, horses and hogs. In the spring of1883, he moved to his present farm and married, Mar. 22, 1883.  Minnie O. Hyde, of Columbus, Ohio.  She graduated from the Institute of Granville in June, 1879, and taught three years in the Deaf and Dumb Institute of Columbus.  She is a member of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Brundige owns 125 acres of land on the Olentangy. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 1017
	Tully Twp. - MARSHALL S. BURDGE, first son of John H. and Margaret (Schooley) Burdge, was born Aug. 19, 1845, at Columbia, N. J., at the village school of which place he was educated.  He clerked in his father's store until his eighteenth year, when the family moved to Marion County, settling in Montgomery Township Jan. 22, 1864.  Apr. 11, 1868, Mr. Burdge married Betty B. Vesey, daughter of James and Jane (Demoss) Vesey, and they have since had nine children, viz.: Fannie R., Lide N., Laura B., Sallie G., James V., Anna M., Avis C., Margaret J. and Margaret Tope; the last three are deceased.  Mr. Brudge began life with nothing but his innate energy which has developed for him a valuable farm if 105 acres, and accumulated other property.  He is a Democrat, and stands high in the estimation of the community. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 827
	Tully Twp. - JOHN S. BURKHART is one of the thoroughgoing young citizens of Tully, He was born Feb. 22, 1834, in Lycoming County, Penn., and is the son of Gottleib and Margaret Burkhart, the former dying when our subject was an infant, but he remained with his mother until twenty-one years of age.  In his seventeenth year, his mother brought the family to Tully Township, settling where John S. now resides; she died in 1880, aged eighty-three years.  Mr. B. has added thirty acres to the 110 acres, which he inherited, and is worth about $10,000.  In the winter of 1856, he married Elizabeth Shafer, of Morrow County, Ohio.  Their children have numbered five, one dying in infancy.  The names of the living are Mary L., wife of Abraham Gunther; Sarah E., Sanford W. and John O.  Mr. B. and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been identified for thirty-two years, and of which he has been a Leader for fifteen years, and Steward for the same length of time. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 994
	Claridon Twp. - FREDERICK BUSH, of the firm of Rinker & Bush, is a native of Germany, born Mar. 5, 1850.  At the age of nineteen years, he immigrated to Caledonia and worked at the carpenter's trade and such other employment as came to hand, for one season, when he engaged with C. C. Rinker to work at the cabinet business, which he had previously learned.  After continuing for nine years as an employe, he became a member of the firm, carrying on a successful business, theirs being the only establishment of the kind in the place.  Our subject was married Apr. 23, 1879, to Mary L. Rinker, a daughter of G. C. and Sophia Rinker, of German extraction.  The names of the two children are Charles L., born June 6, 1880; and Loreta S., born Feb. 4, 1883.  Mr. Bush is an energetic and respected citizen, a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Democratic party. Source:  The History of Marion Co., Ohio - Published Chicago: Leggett, Conaway & Co. - 1883 - Page 714